Book of Mormon Primary Lessons

“Lesson 22: Alma Teaches about Faith,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, 74

The word of God, when nourished by faith, will grow in our hearts into a testimony of Jesus Christ; just as a seed can become a large tree, if nourished properly. If you will learn the word of God and obey the commandments, you will gain a strong testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Read Alma 32, and 33.

The poor Zoramites were humble because "they were cast out of the synagogues because of the coarseness of their apparel" (Alma 32:2–3). Sometimes afflictions may make us humble enough to listen to the gospel, or learn the things God wants us to learn.

To be “poor in heart” means to be humble, teachable, truly repentant, and free from pride.
Being poor was a blessing for these people because it made them humble and teachable (Alma 32:12–13). We can become humble even if we don’t suffer afflictions or poverty, but sometimes we become proud and need to be humbled. Why is it necessary for us to be humble when we are taught the gospel?

". . . faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true" (Alma 32:21). We must have faith to develop a testimony of the gospel, because "ye cannot know of [it with] surety at first" (Alma 32:26). It takes time to gain a testimony. Keeping the commandments can help us gain a testimony that they are true.

"But behold, if ye will . . . experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith . . . even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words." (Alma 32:27). What can you do to increase your desire to believe?

Obeying the commandments is an “experiment” on the word of God. As we follow them we will receive blessings for our obedience and our testimonies will become stronger.

We can plant the word of God in our hearts so our testimonies will grow by regularly studying the scriptures; attending church; having family home evening; praying; and consistently applying the principles of the gospel in our lives.

We will know when the good seed, or a testimony of the gospel, is beginning to grow inside us because it will "beginneth to enlighten [your] understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to [you]" (Alma 32:28, 34). Gain and strengthen your testimonies, have faith, and you will gain a strong testimony of the gospel, just as with time a tree will grow to become very strong.

Alma tells us we must have faith and patience to nourish our testimonies of the gospel (Alma 32:41–42). Why do you think patience and diligence are necessary in developing faith and a testimony? Can you expect a large tree to grow over night?

Studying the scriptures will strengthen our faith and testimony as they testify of Christ (Alma 33:14).

". . . believe in the Son of God, that he will come to redeem his people, and that he [suffered] and [died] to atone for [our] sins; and that he [did] rise again from the dead, which shall bring to pass the resurrection, that all men shall stand before him, to be judged at the last and judgment day, according to their works" (Alma 33:22).

A strong testimony like a tree "springing up in you unto everlasting life." (Alma 33:23). How do you think having a testimony will help you gain eternal life?

Labels: Alma, Book of Mormon, Faith, Jesus Christ, Lesson 22, Tree of Life

“Lesson 4: The Tree of Life,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, 12

In this lesson you will learn about symbols that Lehi saw in a dream and their meanings.

Read 1 Nephi 8, 1 Nephi 11, and 1 Nephi 15:21–36.

"[Lehi] beheld a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy . . . [he] beheld that it was most sweet, above all . . . the fruit thereof was white . . . it filled [his] soul with exceedingly great joy; [he was] desirous that [his] family should partake of it also . . ." (1 Nephi 8:10–12).

Symbols and their meanings in Lehi’s dream:

1. The tree (1 Nephi 8:10) - The love of God in giving the world his Only Begotten Son (1 Nephi 11:21–22; John 3:16)

2. The fruit (1 Nephi 8:11) - Eternal life (1 Nephi 15:36; D&C 14:7)

3. The rod of iron (1 Nephi 8:19) - The word of God (1 Nephi 15:23–24)

4. Mist of darkness (1 Nephi 8:23) - Temptations of the devil (1 Nephi 12:17)

5. Great and spacious building (1 Nephi 8:26–27) - Pride of the world (1 Nephi 11:36)

Nephi asked the angel to show him the meaning of the tree, he saw a vision of the birth and ministry of the Savior. Nephi saw that Jesus Christ, because of his love for us, would be crucified for our sins so that we might repent and gain eternal life. Eternal life means living with Heavenly Father as families in the celestial kingdom.

The word of God can be found in the scriptures, and from our Prophet that leads the church today. Reading the Book of Mormon every day can help us stay on the path back to our Father in Heaven.

The temptations of the devil can confuse us and lead us astray. Satan tempts us every day to leave the strait and narrow path. Holding steadfast to the "Iron Rod" helps us stay on the strait and narrow path. This can include reading daily from the Book of Mormon, obeying parents, praying, being honest, choosing good friends, choosing good entertainment, and so on.

Those that put value into the Pride of the world will view those who hold fast to the teachings to God as peculiar, and will mock them. Satan encourages these people to make fun of those who believe in the word of God.

Labels: Book of Mormon, Lehi, Lesson 4, Nephi, Tree of Life