Book of Mormon Primary Lessons

"Lesson 46: The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ (Christmas),” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, (1997),163

The Book of Mormon is another witness of Jesus Christ. Just as the Old and New Testaments testify of Christ, so does the Book of Mormon. We are blessed for having the Bible and the Book of Mormon as witnesses of Jesus Christ’s life and mission. Christmas is the time we celebrate the birth of the savior. The Christmas story is also summarized in the Book of Mormon in 1 Nephi 11:12–24.

Read 1 Nephi 10:4, 2 Nephi 25:19, 2 Nephi 29:8, Mosiah 3:5, Alma 7:10, Helaman 14:2–5, Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 2:1–2, 9–10, Matthew 20:19, Luke 1:35, Luke2:8, 10–12, and John 3:16.

The New Testament records the birth of Jesus in Jerusalem. The Book of Mormon is another written witness of Jesus Christ and tells what happened in the Americas when he was born. Book of Mormon Prophets, just as Old Testament Prophets, testified of the coming of Christ: Lehi, 1 Nephi 10:4; King Benjamin, Mosiah 3:5; Alma, Alma 7:10; and Samuel the Lamanite, Helaman 14:2–5.

Signs of Jesus Christ’s birth were given in Bethlehem as recorded in Luke 2:6–14 and Matthew 2:1–2. A sign seen in Bethlehem was also seen in America as recorded in 3 Nephi 1:21. Other signs were given in America as recorded in 3 Nephi 1:15, 19.

Six hundred years before the Savior’s birth, Nephi said "his name shall be Jesus Christ, the Son of God" (2 Nephi 25:19). Alma prophesied that the name of the mother of the Son of God would be "Mary"(Alma 7:10).

Jesus is the "Son of God"; in other words his Father is Heavenly Father (Luke 1:35). Joseph was Mary’s husband. Even though Heavenly Father was the Father of both Jesus Christ’s body and spirit, Joseph took care of Jesus and raised him as a father would raise a son. Just before the birth of Jesus, an angel told Joseph to name the baby would be "Jesus" (Matthew 1:21).

It is important that we have two scriptural witnesses of the birth and mission of Jesus Christ as "the testimony of two nations is a witness . . . that [God] remember[s] one nation like unto another . . . [God] speak[s] the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also" (2 Nephi 29:8).

Compare some of the Savior’s teachings in the Bible with those in the Book of Mormon, such as the following: Matthew 5:16 and 3 Nephi 12:16; Matthew 7:12 and 3 Nephi 14:12; and Matthew 5:44 and 3 Nephi 12:44.

Heavenly Father sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to earth save us all (2 Nephi 9:21–22; 3 Nephi 27:13–14; John 3:16). It is this great gift from our loving Heavenly Father that we symbolize and honor when we give gifts to others during the Christmas season.

What family traditions do you have that reminds you of the birth and life of Jesus Christ?

Labels: Alma, Birth, Book of Mormon, Chrstimas Lesson, Helaman, Isaiah, Jesus Christ, John, King Benjamin, Lehi, Lesson 46, Luke, Matthew, Mosiah, Nephi, Samuel, Signs

“Lesson 39: Mormon Witnesses the Destruction of the Nephites,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, (1997),138

This lesson is meant to help us remain true to the teachings of Jesus Christ in spite of the evil influences all around us. It also teaches us about the prophet Mormon, who was born around 321 A.D. When just 10 years old he was instructed by the prophet Ammaron, then visited by Jesus Christ at fifteen. He became the leader of the Nephite armies at age sixteen, but the Nephites were wicked requiring him to be extra strong in keeping the commandments.

Read Mormon 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Mormon was chosen to receive the records of the Nephites when he turns "twenty and four years old" because he was "a sober child, and . . . quick to observe" (Mormon 1:2–4).

At this time, "wickedness did prevail upon the face of the whole land, insomuch that the Lord did take away his beloved disciples, and the work of miracles and of healing did cease" (Mormon 1:13). The Nephites gave up spiritual blessings, "and the Holy Ghost did not come upon any, because of their wickedness and unbelief" (Mormon 1:13–14). It is important to live so we can have the Holy Ghost with us.

Mormon was not allowed to teach the gospel to the Nephites because "they had wilfully rebelled against their God" (Mormon 1:16–17).

The Nephites to began to repent "even as had been prophesied by Samuel . . . no man could keep that which was his . . . and the murderers . . . and the witchcraft which was in the land" (Mormon 2:10–11 - refer to Samuel’s prophecies in Lesson 31). Mormon’s happiness over the repentance of the people soon turn to sorrow "for their sorrowing was not unto repentance . . . but it was rather the sorrowing of the damned" (Mormon 2:12–15).

During the wars, Mormon "did make a full account of all the wickedness" on the plates of Nephi, but also made an abridgment of those records (Mormon 2:16–18). The Book of Mormon is named after Mormon because he was the prophet who abridged or summarized the large plates of Nephi. The abridgment made by Mormon; the things added by his son, Moroni; and the small plates of Nephi, comprise the gold plates mentioned in Lesson 1 that Joseph Smith got from Moroni at the Hill Cumorah.

The Nephites weren't as successful in battle as they could have been because "the strength of the Lord was not with [them]" (Mormon 2:26–27).

When Mormon taught the Nephites about repentance "it was in vain; and they did not realize that it was the Lord that had spared them, and granted unto them a chance for repentance" (Mormon 3:2–3). Why do think many people not listen to Heavenly Father and his prophets?

Because of the people’s wickedness, Mormon finally refused "to be a commander and a leader of this people" (Mormon 3:11). Mormon showed how much he cared about them because his "soul had been poured out in prayer unto my God all the day long for them" (Mormon 3:12). We too should pray for people who are not keeping Heavenly Father’s commandments.

Abinadi, and Samuel the Lamanite had prophesied of the destruction of the Nephites (Mormon 1:19; Mormon 2:10). Thinking of your favorate of the Ten Commandments, what would have been different in Zarahemla or in your city if everyone lived just that one commandment?

All of Mormon's people had been killed in these wars "save it were twenty and four of us, (among whom was my son Moroni) . . . and also a few who had escaped into the south countries, and a few who had deserted over unto the Lamanites" (Mormon 6:10–15). Mormon "cried" over the destruction of his people saying "O that ye had repented before this great destruction had come upon you" (Mormon 6:16–22).

Thanks to Mormon, we have the Book of Mormon and his great example; which can help us remain true to Jesus Christ in spite of the evil influences around us.

Labels: Ammaron, Book of Mormon, Helaman, Joseph Smith, Lesson 39, Moroni, Samuel, War

“Lesson 33: The Savior Appears to the Nephites,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, (1997),118

In this lesson we will learn that Jesus Christ is the literal Son of God, that he is our Savior, and that he lives today.

Read 3 Nephi 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11. Also review the prophecies of Samuel the Lamanite from Lesson 31.

Samuel's prophecies "came to pass in the thirty and fourth year, in the first month, on the fourth day of the month, there arose a great storm, such an one as never had been known in all the land. And there was also a great and terrible tempest . . . the damage thereof was exceedingly great, and there were many in them who were slain . . . the face of the whole earth became deformed, because of the tempests, and the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the quaking of the earth . . . when [these things] were done . . . there could be no light, because of the darkness, . . ." (3 Nephi 8:5–25).

The Savior's voice could be heard through the darkness saying, "Wo, wo, wo unto this people; wo unto the inhabitants of the whole earth except they shall repent; for . . . it is because of their iniquity and abominations that [the slain] are fallen! . . . great destructions have I caused to come upon this land, and upon this people, because of their wickedness . . . all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they . . . if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life" (3 Nephi 9:2, 12-14).

"I am Jesus Christ the Son of God . . . the scriptures concerning my coming are fulfilled . . . by me redemption cometh, and in me is the law of Moses fulfilled" (3 Nephi 9:15–17). With so much confusion in the world today, especially about the Nature of God, it is very important for us to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and what his purpose was on this earth.

Jesus continued saying, "Behold, I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin . . . Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved" (3 Nephi 9:21-22). With a new understanding the Atonement "the people who were spared alive . . . their mourning was turned into joy, and their lamentations into the praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord Jesus Christ, their Redeemer" (3 Nephi 10:10).

Twice the people at the temple in the land Bountiful hear the voice from heaven and did not understand it (3 Nephi 11:3–4). So they could understand the voice they stopped conversing and "did open their ears to hear it" (3 Nephi 11:5–6). Likewise if we want to listen and be ready to receive what Heavenly Father wants us to hear we need to listen closely to the still small voice of the Holy Ghost.

What they heard was Heavenly Father telling them "Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him" (3 Nephi 11:6–7). From this introduction we learn that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, they are two separate beings, the Father loves the Son, and we are to hear, or listen to the Son. A similar experience was had by those who witnessed Jesus Christ being baptized (Matthew 3:17), as well as by Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove (Joseph Smith History 1:17).

The people then saw "they saw a Man decending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them" (3 Nephi 11:8). The Savior told them who he was and the people fell down to the earth (3 Nephi 11:10–12). How would you have felt if you had been there?

Christ then had the people feel the wounds in his body so they would know he had "been slain for the sins of the world" (3 Nephi 11:14–15). Jesus Christ also give Nephi the power to perform baptisms (3 Nephi 11:19–21).

The greatest news in the world today is that Jesus Christ lives. Many people think of him as having lived long ago and having died on the cross. The knowledge members of his church have makes us feel especially close to the Savior. We know that he suffered for our sins and gave his life for us and that he lives and directs his church today.

Labels: Book of Mormon, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, Lesson 33, Matthew, Nephi, Samuel

“Lesson 32: Signs in America of Jesus Christ’s Birth,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, (1997),114

When we have faith, signs can strengthen our testimonies of Jesus Christ; however, not all people who see signs develop a testimony. Consider the following examples:

Laman and Lemuel (1 Nephi 3:28–31; 17:45)
Sherem (Jacob 7:13–20)
Korihor (Alma 30:43–56)

Nephi in this lesson was the son of Nephi who was the son of Helaman. He had faith that the signs Samual had prophesied of would come true.

Read 3 Nephi 1, 2, and the tenth article of faith. Also review the signs given of Christ's birth from Lesson 31.

Some of the people were saying that Samuel the Lamanite’s prophecies "are not fulfilled." ". . . that the time was past for the words to be fulfilled . . ." (3 Nephi 1:5–6). This caused the believers "to be very sorrowful, lest by any means those things which had been spoken might not come to pass" (3 Nephi 1:7).

The unbelievers threatened those who believed that they "should be put to death except the sign should come to pass" (3 Nephi 1:9). Why do you think some people get angry with those who believe in God?

When Nephi saw the wickedness of the people "he cried mightily unto the Lord" (3 Nephi 1:12). Nephi’s prayer was answered: ". . . on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets." (3 Nephi 1:13–14).

That night, when the prophecy was fulfilled, the unbelievers were so afraid "because of their iniquity and their unbelief" (3 Nephi 1:18). How would you have felt if you had been there?

The Nephites also saw the star that was also seen in Bethlehem (3 Nephi 1:21).

Satan tried "to harden their hearts, to the intent that they might not believe in those signs and wonders which they had seen" (3 Nephi 1:22). Still many showed their belief in the Lord by being "baptizing unto repentance, in the which there was a great remission of sins. And thus the people began again to have peace in the land" (3 Nephi 1:22–23).

Many of the people’s faith and righteousness decreased "because of the wickedness of the rising generation." (3 Nephi 1:29–30).

". . . the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven" (3 Nephi 2:1–2). We can learn from this that testimonies that are based on signs are not very strong. We can strengthen our testimonies by doing the things the Lord asks us, and have a witness of the truth from the Holly Ghost.

Because of the increasing wickedness, "the Gadianton robbers did gain many advantages over them . . . thus were the people in a state of many afflictions; and the sword of destruction did hang over them" (3 Nephi 2:17–19).

Just as these prophesies were fulfilled, so will those of Jesus Christ’s second coming be fulfilled. (3 Nephi 1:20).

Just as there was wickedness on the earth when Jesus was born and crucified, so will there be when he comes again. What kind of a person do you want to be when he comes? What can you do now to prepare for the Second Coming?

Labels: Alma, Book of Mormon, Helaman, Jacob, Jesus Christ, Lesson 32, Nephi, Samuel, Signs

“Lesson 31: Samuel the Lamanite,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, (1997),111

Prophets foretold the life and mission of Jesus Christ:

Nephi arrived in the Promised Land almost six hundred years before Christ was born. He told his people about a vision he had which taught me of Christ’s birth and death: "I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms. And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God." Then he "saw that he was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world" (1 Nephi 11:20–21, 33).

Abinadi lived about one hundred and fifty years before Jesus Christ. The people did not like him and did not believe the things he told them. He prophesied that Jesus Christ would "come down among the children of men, and … redeem his people" by being "crucified, and slain" and taking "upon himself their iniquity" (Mosiah 15:1, 7, 9). He was burned at the stake for my testimony.

After a special vision, Alma had about one hundred years before Jesus Christ was born, he knew that he could be saved only through our Redeemer, who would come. He traveled everywhere to tell people what he had learned, that the "Son of God … shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind. … And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death [and] succor [or help] his people according to their infirmities" (Alma 7:10–12).

Just as these three prophets prophesied of Jesus Christ, so have all other prophets. Refer to Mosiah 13:33: “Did not Moses prophesy unto them concerning the coming of the Messiah, and that God should redeem his people? Yea, and even all the prophets who have prophesied ever since the world began—have they not spoken more or less concerning these things?”

In this lesson they will learn of another important prophet, Samuel the Lamanite, who taught with great courage and power of Christ’s birth, death, and mission.

Read Helaman 13, 14, 15, 16, 3 Nephi 23:9–13, and the sixth, seventh, and ninth article of faith.

Samuel the Lamanite was sent to teach the Nephites, who had become wicked, that they "might have glad tidings; but behold ye would not receive me." (Helaman 13:6–7). He was to "Cry unto this people, repent and prepare the way of the Lord" (Helaman 14:9, 11–13).

Samuel told the Nephites that if they did not repent God "will visit them in my fierce anger . . . your utter destruction" (Helaman 13:6, 8–10).

Instead of following the prophets, the Nephites followed "foolish and blind guides" (Helaman 13:27–29). What “foolish and blind guides” are leading people today?

The people rejected Samuel’s teachings "because it was hard" for them to hear (Helaman 14:10).

Samuel prophesied that in five years "cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe on his name" (Helaman 14:2–6). He also gave signs of his birth (Helaman 14:2–6) and of his death (Helaman 14:20–28). The Lord reveal these signs to the Nephites "to the intent that ye might believe on his name" (Helaman 14:12–13, 28).

Samuel also thought about the Atonement. (Helaman 14:15–18). When we have an understanding of the Atonement we have a responsibility to repent "lest by knowing these things and not doing them ye shall suffer yourselves to come under condemnation" (Helaman 14:19). We also have responsibility for our actions for "whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself . . . ye can do good and be restored unto that which is good . . . or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil restored unto you." (Helaman 14:30–31).

The Nephites who believed Samuel were baptized (Helaman 16:1). Those who did not believe him "cried unto their captains, saying: Take this fellow and bind him, for behold he hath a devil" (Helaman 16:6). Samuel fled from them, and returned to preach until his own people.

Labels: Abinadi, Alma, Atonement, Book of Mormon, Helaman, Jesus Christ, Lesson 31, Mosiah, Nephi, Prophet, Samuel