Book of Mormon Lesson Plan 44

Introduction

Draw three gifts on the chalkboard labeled Mormon 7, Mormon 8, and Mormon 9.  Draw a “To:” tag on each gift, leaving off the name each is addressed to.  Read the following verses, filling in the recipient of each chapter.

• Mormon 7:1
• Mormon 8:34-35
• Mormon 9:1

Mormon speaks to descendants of the Lamanites

• Have a class member read Mormon 7:2 aloud. Point out that in this final message, these were Mormon’s first words to the latter-day descendants of Lehi. Why is it important for the descendants of Lehi to know that they are “of the house of Israel”? What blessings has the Lord promised to righteous members of the house of Israel? (See Abraham 2:8–11.)
• What instructions did Mormon give the latter-day descendants of Lehi? (See Mormon 7:3–10 and the list below. Some items in the list include questions to encourage discussion.)

• Repent, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Mormon 7:3, 5, 8, 10).
• Lay down weapons of war unless God commands differently (Mormon 7:4).
• Come to the knowledge of their ancestors (Mormon 7:5).

• Why is it important for the latter-day descendants of Lehi to gain a knowledge of their ancestors? (See Mormon 7:9 and the title page of the Book of Mormon.)
• How can we all benefit from a knowledge of God’s works among our ancestors?
• Might the “knowledge of our ancestors” also refer to knowing that they knew, especially regarding Jesus Christ?

• Believe in Jesus Christ and His Atonement (Mormon 7:5–7, 10).
• Study the gospel in the Bible and the Book of Mormon (Mormon 7:8–9). How does the Book of Mormon help people believe the Bible? (See Mormon 7:9; see also 1 Nephi 13:38–40; 2 Nephi 3:11–12.)

Mormon speaks to us

Moroni prophesied of Joseph Smith, saying, “Blessed be he that shall bring this thing [the Book of Mormon] to light” (Mormon 8:16; see also verses Mormon 8:14–15). What role did Moroni play in Joseph Smith’s bringing the Book of Mormon “out of darkness unto light”? (See Mormon 8:14; Joseph Smith—History 1:30–35, 46, 59.)

• What can we do so the Book of Mormon will continue to be “brought out of darkness unto light”?

 

President Ezra Taft Benson said: “I commend you faithful Saints who are striving to flood the earth and your lives with the Book of Mormon. Not only must we move forward in a monumental manner more copies of the Book of Mormon, but we must move boldly forward into our own lives and throughout the earth more of its marvelous messages” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 3; or Ensign, May 1989, 4).

 

• What is the message of the Book of Mormon Pres. Benson referred to?  How can we make that message a more integral part of our lives?

 

Read Mormon 8:26–33 in turns.  In what ways are these prophecies being fulfilled today?  How can we act in faith and diligence in spite of these challenges?

 

Read Mormon 8:35-37.  This verse caught my attention and I imagined Mormon speaking directly to me.  What is his warning?

• Envy – Resentful desire of something possessed by another.  (Related to Latin “to look at with malice)
• Malice – To take pleasure in another’s misfortune

 

Read 2 Nephi 26:30-31.  Here Nephi is prophesying of the last days, and compares the attitudes of the proud today with the humility of Jesus.  Following these verses he reiterates Mormon’s admonition against pride, envy and malice.

 

Read Alma 4:6-9.  Notice that the envy and malice came because of their industry. 

 

Alma and Amulek give us the antidote to these problems that afflict us in Alma 16:18-19.  The key is continued preaching of the gospel and “holding forth … the Son of God.”  We must follow the example of Jesus in this, as in all things.

 

President Ezra Taft Benson said:

“The antidote for pride is humility—meekness, submissiveness (see Alma 7:23). It is the broken heart and contrite spirit (see 3 Nephi 9:20; 12:19; D&C 20:37; 59:8; Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 57:15; 66:2). …  

“God will have a humble people. Either we can choose to be humble or we can be compelled to be humble. …  

“Let us choose to be humble” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 6; or Ensign, May 1989, 6).

Mormon speaks to those who do not believe in God

Moroni speaks specifically to people who deny God.  I believe this applies not only to people who deny his existence, but to those who deny his ability to intercede in our lives, or who deny that he does in fact love us is involved in our daily lives.

 

Moroni then outlines that God is a “God of miracles” by outlining the plan of salvation:

a. The creation of the heavens, the earth, and mankind (Mormon 9:11–12, 17).

b. The Fall (Mormon 9:12).

c. Redemption through Jesus Christ (Mormon 9:12–13).

d. The resurrection of all people (Mormon 9:13).

e. The return of all people to the Lord’s presence to be judged (Mormon 9:13–14).

 

Moroni concludes by exhorting us to “doubt not, but be believing” (Mormon 9:27). 

 

Joseph Smith taught: “Those who know their weakness and liability to sin would be in constant doubt of salvation if it were not for the idea which they have of the excellency of God, that he is slow to anger and long-suffering, and of a forgiving disposition, and does forgive iniquity, transgression, and sin. An idea of these facts does away doubt, and makes faith exceedingly strong” (Lectures on Faith, 42).

 

 

Book of Mormon Lesson Plan 43

Introduction

Ask class members:

• If you were sailing a boat, what equipment would you want it to have?

Accept all answers, and then explain that Mormon compared his people, the Nephites, to a boat that was lacking some essential pieces of equipment. Have a class member read Mormon 5:17–18 aloud.

• In what ways are people who do not follow the Savior “as a vessel without sail or anchor”?

Point out that unlike the rest of the Nephites, Mormon used the gospel as both a sail and an anchor in his life. He lived righteously even when it seemed that everyone around him was wicked. This lesson will discuss what happened to Mormon and his people and how we can use the gospel as a sail and an anchor in our lives.

Mormon as a young man

Ways we are or can be like Mormon

Mormon 1:2 – We can pursue good learning, be sober, and quick to observe

Mormon 1:4 – We have the records of Nephi, but other records have not been given to us yet

Mormon 1:7 – We also live in a time when there are many people and buildings

Mormon 1:15 – As we are “sober” in mind, we can know of the goodness of Jesus

Sober - in character; moderate; realistic; serious; not playful; not passionate; cool; self-controlled

Ways our circumstances are different from Mormon

Mormon 1:13-14 – Notice that miracles had ceased among the Nephites, and that no one received the Holy Ghost.  Mormon understood these consequences of wickedness, and taught us about them in Moroni 7:35-37.

Mormon 1:16-17 – Why was Mormon forbidden to preach?  Because the Nephites knew better!  Compare to 2 Nephi 28:30.  Speaking from the dungeon in Liberty Jail, the Prophet Joseph counseled Church members regarding their responsibility to stand for what is right and help others understand the truth.  Read D&C 123:11-12, 17.  What things lie in our power?

What can we do to more valiantly stand for truth and righteousness in our homes, in our ward, and in our country?

Mormon leads the Nephite armies and speaks to us

Mormon described the society in which he lived using the following phrases (see Mormon 2:1, 8, 10, 18):

…there began to be a war…

…the land was filled with robbers…

…no man could keep that which was his own…

…a continual scene of wickedness and abominations has been before mine eyes…

Although our society could be described similarly, we are commanded to be filled with hope.  What can we do to maintain our faith and personal righteousness?  Read Alma 17:2–3; Helaman 3:35; D&C 121:45–46

In verses 10-11, why does Mormon begins to rejoice when he sees the sorrow of the Nephites?  See verse 12.  Sadly, his rejoicing is short lived.  Read verses 13-14. 

• What is the difference between “sorrowing … unto repentance” and “the sorrowing of the damned?” (See also 2 Corinthians 7:9–10.)
• How can we cultivate godly sorrow in our lives?

After the Nephites won a great victory over the Lamanites, they bragged that they would destroy the Lamanites and seek revenge.  Mormon refused to lead the Nephites following this colossally bad decision, and spoke directly to us.

Read Mormon 3:20-22 and Mormon 5:14, 21-24.  The role of Jesus Christ as the Only Begotten of the Father, and the fact that we will all be brought to stand before his Judgment Seat feature prominently in these teachings.

Conclusion: the Nephites are destroyed and we are invited to come unto Christ

In the final terrible battle, all the Nephites (numbering at least 240,000) were killed.  Twenty-four individuals survived this battle, including Mormon and Moroni.  Eventually, even these people were hunted and killed by the Lamanites, and Lamanite society descended into a dark, filthy, and loathsome state.

Consider the brutal juxtaposition Mormon endured.  He had tasted of the goodness of Jesus.  He had access to all the sacred records kept by the Nephites, including those parts that have not yet been given to us.  He was also surrounded by deplorable wickedness.  Although he worked tirelessly to love and serve the Nephites, it was without faith because he knew their sin was willful.  Beholding this terrible slaughter, Mormon lamented in Mormon 6:16-22.

And he worked tirelessly and with great love to preserve the Book of Mormon for us.  “Therefore, [let us] repent … and humble [ourselves] before him” that we “might [be] clasped in the arms of Jesus” (see Mormon 5:11, 24).

Book of Mormon Lesson Plan 42

Introduction

Write on the chalkboard Mormon Church. Ask class members to silently consider their feelings about this nickname. Then read the following statement by President Boyd K. Packer:

“Others refer to us as Mormons. I do not mind if they use that title. However, sometimes we are prone ourselves to say ‘Mormon Church.’ I do not think it best for us to do so” (“The Peaceable Followers of Christ,” Ensign, Apr. 1998, 64).

• Why is it best not to refer to ourselves as the “Mormon Church”?

The First Presidency stated: “Keep in mind that this is the Church of Jesus Christ; please emphasize that fact in making contacts with others. … We feel that some may be misled by the too frequent use of the term ‘Mormon Church’ ” (“Policies and Announcements,” Ensign, Mar. 1983, 79).

Jesus commands the disciples to call the Church after His name

After Jesus called his disciples, and taught them and the multitudes, He ascended to heaven. 

• Read 3 Nephi 27:1–2 – Notice that even the disciples had to engage in fasting and prayer to find the answers to their important questions.  And their prayer and fasting were not in vain.
• Read 3 Nephi 27:3–9 – When the Savior first appeared to the Nephites he warned them against contention.  See 3 Nephi 11:28-29.
• What are the keys to being Jesus’ church?
• Take upon us the name of Christ (verse 5, 8)
• Endure to the end (verse 6)
• Do all things in the name of Christ (verse 7)
• Be built upon “my gospel” (verse 8)

We often bear testimony that “we know the Church is true.”  What does it mean when we say the Church is “true”?  I believe we are referring to the fact that it is truly the Church of Jesus Christ, and that His gospel is taught in its truth and fullness.  Jesus teaches what makes up his gospel in 3 Nephi 27:13-14, 19–22.

1. Jesus’ submission to the will of the Father (3 Nephi 27:13)
2. The Atonement (3 Nephi 27:14)
3. Resurrection (3 Nephi 27:14–15)
4. Judgment (3 Nephi 27:14–15)
5. Repentance (3 Nephi 27:16, 19–20)
6. Baptism (3 Nephi 27:16, 20)
7. Faith in Jesus Christ (3 Nephi 27:19)
8. The gift of the Holy Ghost (3 Nephi 27:20)
9. Enduring to the end (3 Nephi 27:16–17, 19)

The Savior grants the desire of his disciples

After teaching the Nephite disciples in chapter 27, Jesus asks them what they would like personally from Him.  Nine desire and are granted to come to him in his kingdom when their mortal ministry is ended.  How does the Savior respond to this request?  He said, “Blessed are ye…” (3 Nephi 28:3).

What did the other nine want?  To be able to continue their ministry on earth until the time when Jesus would return.  (See 3 Nephi 28:6-7).  Why was this desire “more blessed”?  See D&C 18:10-16.  (I wonder if there are “more blessed” blessings waiting for me if I just ask for them and am willing to live for them.)

To make this blessing possible, the Three Nephites were transfigured.  Transfiguration is a temporary condition that allows us to “behold the things of God.”  Then they were translated.  Translation is a permanent condition (until the Second Coming) when a final change takes place.  What are some qualities of translated beings?

a.       Translated beings never taste of death or endure the pains of death (3 Nephi 28:7–8, 38).

b.      When the Savior comes in His glory, they will be “changed in the twinkling of an eye from mortality to immortality” (3 Nephi 28:8).

c.       Except for the sorrow they feel for the sins of the world, they do not experience pain or sorrow (3 Nephi 28:9, 38).

d.      They help people become converted to the Lord (3 Nephi 28:9, 18, 23, 29–30).

e.       They cannot be killed or harmed in any way (3 Nephi 28:19–22).

f.       Satan cannot tempt them or have any power over them (3 Nephi 28:39).

g.      They remain in a translated state until the Judgment Day, when they will be resurrected and received into the kingdom of God (3 Nephi 28:40).

“Hearken, O Ye Gentiles”

Read 3 Nephi 30 – This addressed to all the Gentiles.  As non-Jews living in a Gentile nation, this includes us.  So what does Jesus Christ want us to hearken to?  He wants us to repent of:

1. Lyings and deceivings – Notice that he includes lying and deceiving.  Simply abstaining from lying isn’t enough.
2. Whoredomes – If we’re not committing adultery, is that good enough?  What is our entertainment?  What do we think about when our mind wanders?
3. Secret abominations – Is there something in your life that no one knows that you would feel abominable about if someone else learned of it?
4. Idolatries – We don’t have any graven images to which we bow down.  What else might be an object of worship in our modern society, even within “Mormon culture?”
5. Murders – I hope none of us are guilty of a literal murder.  But what about the murders Alma described in Alma 36:14 as he led people away from God?
6. Priestcrafts – A priestcraft is anytime we set ourselves up as a way to salvation instead of Jesus Christ.  As a teacher, if my teaching emphasizes my abilities and focuses on me instead of directing all attention and glory to Jesus, then I am guilty of priestcraft.
7. Envyings – Our era of credit-driven consumption may be coming to an end.  What motivates us to borrow so heavily to buy things we don’t need?  How can we reprogram ourselves to avoid envy?
8. Strifes – Strife and contention are not in harmony with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  What makes you angry?  What do you argue with others about?  Is arguing with others or pointing out why others are wrong one of your favorite pastimes?  Can you let go of those feelings and stand for what is right without being contentious?

The Nephites live in peace, then reject the gospel

For 200 years, the Nephites lived in total harmony, peace and happiness.  Read 4 Nephi 1:1-3, 15-16.

One of the saddest verses in the Book of Mormon is 4 Nephi 1:20.  “Save it were…”  There were some who “revolted” from the Church.  In the 201^st year, the unity fell apart and ultimately led to the destruction of the Nephites.  Review a list of the problems that afflicted the Nephites as recorded in 4 Nephi 1:24-49 and try to find one that does not afflict us today:

• Lifted up in pride and wore costly apparel
• Did not have their substance in common
• Divided into classes
• Churches established to make their preachers rich, that deny the true Church of Jesus Christ, and that administer that which was sacred to those who were not worthy
• Persecution of true believers
• Rejection of the apostles
• Parents teaching their children to disbelieve in Jesus and his gospel, and to hate others
• Presence of secret combinations.  These may be manifested today as organized crime or gangs.

Conclusion

As we live the gospel, we will find peace in this world, even as it becomes increasingly wicked before the Savior’s Second Coming.  We can look forward with hope and faith to that great day in spite of the similarities our society has to the Nephites 200 years after Jesus came.

Book of Mormon Lesson Plan 41

Introduction

Sing Search, Ponder and Pray with Jessie and Mark before class.  Invite class members to think about how we can follow the counsel in this song as we read the scriptures, especially the words of the Savior that apply to us today.

The Savior quotes Isaiah

Tents and stakes

Read 3 Nephi 22:2. 

• What does the tent symbolize?  What does it mean to stretch forth the curtains?
• What do the cords and stakes represent?

President Ezra Taft Benson said:

“The prophets likened latter-day Zion to a great tent encompassing the earth. That tent was supported by cords fastened to stakes. Those stakes, of course, are various geographical organizations spread out over the earth. Presently, Israel is being gathered to the various stakes of Zion. …  

“… Stakes are a defense for the Saints from enemies both seen and unseen. The defense is direction provided through priesthood channels that strengthens testimony and promotes family solidarity and individual righteousness” (“Strengthen Thy Stakes,” Ensign, Jan. 1991, 2, 4).

The Lord reassures us that we should “spare not.”  The growth is going to come, and we need to be prepared for it.  (Compare to Luke 14: 28 where the Lord counsels to count the cost before beginning a big construction project.)

• What can we do individually and as families to ensure that our stakes are a refuge and a defense against evil?
• What is a refuge?  (A place providing safety, protection or shelter.)
• What is a defense?  (The action of defending or protecting from attack, danger, or injury.  Anything employed to oppose attacks.)

The place to which the House of Israel is gathered

The Lord describes the place to which his people will be gathered, and what it will be like to live there. 

• Read 3 Nephi 22:11–12.  The place God is preparing for us is so wonderful, even the foundation is made of precious gems.  The windows are beautiful; the gate is fantastic; even the wall is made of “pleasant stones” instead of just rocks hauled in from the field.
• Read 3 Nephi 22:13–17.
• Verse 13 – All our children shall be taught of the Lord, and shall live in peace.  Consider the turmoil that is so inescapable in the world today, and this is something I long for for my children!
• Verse 14 – We will be established in righteousness.  Not in pride or arrogance, or in an attitude of “we’re right and you’re wrong!”  This has been happening over a process of time.  It was certainly partially fulfilled when the saints settled in the Rocky Mountains and were given time to be well established to prepare for additional trials.  Maybe the last 10 years under President Hinckley were a season of rest before new storms against the Church that seem to be forming?
• Verse 15 – Opposition is not a surprise or a sign that something is wrong.  On the contrary, Satan devotes his best attention to combat his biggest threat.  Ultimately righteousness will prevail.
• Verse 16 – Is Joseph Smith the smith, bringing forth the book that was formed from a metal forge by Nephi, Mormon, and others?
• Verse 17 – The righteous servants of the Lord have the heritage (or responsibility) of condemning.  I’ll leave that to them!

Search the scriptures

After quoting the words of Isaiah, Jesus encouraged the people to search the scriptures.  Read 3 Nephi 23:1, 5. 

Elder Henry B. Eyring said: “We treasure the word of God not only by reading the words of the scriptures but by studying them. We may be nourished more by pondering a few words, allowing the Holy Ghost to make them treasures to us, than by passing quickly and superficially over whole chapters of scripture” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1997, 115; or Ensign, Nov. 1997, 84).

• How have you been blessed as you have searched the words of the scriptures and focused on learning the doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ?

The Savior adds to their records

Samuel’s prophecy

Jesus commanded the Nephites to add to their records a prophecy made by Samuel the Lamanite. In this prophecy, Samuel said that “many saints [would] arise from the dead, and [would] appear to many, and [would] minister unto them” (3 Nephi 23:6–13).

Malachi’s teachings

• 3 Nephi 24:1; compare Malachi 3:1. What is the messenger sent to prepare the way for the Lord’s Second Coming? (See D&C 45:9. The restored gospel, including the keys and powers restored by heavenly messengers.) In what manner might Joseph Smith be considered a messenger for the last dispensation?
• 3 Nephi 24:8–12; compare Malachi 3:8–12. What blessings are promised in these verses to those who pay tithes and offerings? How have you been blessed as you have paid tithes and offerings?
• 3 Nephi 24:13–18; compare Malachi 3:13–18. Why might some people believe that “it is vain to serve God”? (See 3 Nephi 24:14–15.) How can we remain steadfast in our faith even when evil seems to be prospering?
• 3 Nephi 25:1–6; compare Malachi 4:1–6. What does it mean to be left without root or branch? (Consider your roots to be your parents and ancestors and your branches to be your children and posterity. To be united with our roots and branches, we must receive temple ordinances.) Whom did the Lord say He would send before the Second Coming? When and where did Elijah return? (See D&C 110:13–16.) What keys did he restore? (The keys of the sealing power, which provide the way for us to be united with our ancestors and our posterity.)

Which teachings of Malachi have been of special significance to you?

The “lesser part”

Read 3 Nephi 26:8-9.

President Spencer W. Kimball said: “I have had many people ask me through the years, ‘When do you think we will get the balance of the Book of Mormon records?’ And I have said, ‘How many in the congregation would like to read the sealed portion of the plates?’ And almost always there is a 100-percent response. And then I ask the same congregation, ‘How many of you have read the part that has been opened to us?’ And there are many who have not read the Book of Mormon, the unsealed portion. We are quite often looking for the spectacular, the unobtainable. I have found many people who want to live the higher laws when they do not live the lower laws” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 531–32).

How can we make best use of this “lesser part” that we have?  How can the Lord bless us now as we are faithful with that which we are given?

Conclusion

Read 3 Nephi 26:19–21.  After Jesus had taught the people from the scriptures and explained them to the people, they lived them fully.  It is my prayer that we will be similarly affected as we prayerfully study and live the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Book of Mormon Lesson Plan 40

What is the house of Israel?

The titles house of Israel and Israel refer to the descendants of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel.  Members of the house of Israel have been referred to in scripture as “the covenant people of the Lord” (1 Nephi 15:14) and “the children of the covenant” (3 Nephi 20:25–26). The Nephites were of the house of Israel, as descendants of Jacob’s son Joseph (1 Nephi 5:14).

Why was Israel scattered?

Read 3 Nephi 16:4.  The members of the house of Israel were “scattered forth upon the face of the earth because of their unbelief.”

• What warning is there for us in this verse?
• Interesting side note – Jesus commanded the Nephites to record the details of His ministry among them so that Jews would be able to learn about the Nephites if they didn’t pray and ask the Father to teach them these things.  How would the Jews know to pray and ask for that?

Review this section from the entry on Prayer in the Bible Dictionary:

• Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other. The object of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant, but that are made conditional on our asking for them. Blessings require some work or effort on our part before we can obtain them. Prayer is a form of work, and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings.
• Food for thought – are we praying for the right things in our family and personal prayer?  The only way to know is to ask God.

Who are the Gentiles?

In the scriptures, the term Gentiles is used to designate either people who were not born into the house of Israel or nations that are without the gospel. In the chapters discussed in this lesson, the term Gentiles refers to nations that are without the gospel, even though some individuals in those nations may be descendants of Jacob (Bible Dictionary, “Gentile,” 679).

• We are Gentiles because we live in a Gentile nation
• We are of the House of Israel because we have been baptized in the covenant

What do the Gentiles have to do with the scattering and gathering of Israel?

Scattering

Read 3 Nephi 16:7–10.  Verse 8 refers to the Gentiles casting out those of the House of Israel.  When might that have happened?

• Driving out the Native Americans to reservations
• Driving out the early Latter-day Saints to the deserts of the Rocky Mountains

We cannot dispute that God has been abundantly merciful to our Gentile nation, and that we have been an instrument in carrying out God’s work.

• How can we follow the warning in verse 10?

Gathering

Read 3 Nephi 21:1–5

What is the gathering of Israel?

Read 3 Nephi 16:12 and 20:10–13.  Notice that the purpose of a physical gathering in both cases is to bring the covenant people to knowledge.

 

President Spencer W. Kimball explained: “The ‘gathering of Israel’ is effected when the people of the faraway countries accept the gospel and remain in their native lands. The gathering of Israel for Mexicans is in Mexico; in Scandinavia, for those of the northern countries; the gathering place for the Germans is in Germany; and the Polynesians, in the islands; for the Brazilians, in Brazil; for the Argentines, in Argentina” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1975, 4; or Ensign, May 1975, 4).

 

In the early days of the church, a physical gathering had to take place so followers would be able to hear their leaders, and so temples could be built.  Today with instant worldwide communication, we can gather locally and still be taught.  And with the miraculous temple building that has taken place, local gatherings are blessing the world.

 

What sign has been given to show that the latter-day gathering of Israel has begun?

Read 3 Nephi 21:2, 5, 7.  Speaking of the Book of Mormon, Mormon wrote on the title page that its purpose “is to show unto the remnant of the House of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord, that they are not cast off forever—And also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations…”

 

The Lord warns that unrepentant Gentiles will in turn be smitten by the House of Israel.  But a promise is also given in 3 Nephi 16:13.

 

President Joseph Fielding Smith said: “Every person who embraces the gospel becomes of the house of Israel. In other words, they become members of the chosen lineage, or Abraham’s children through Isaac and Jacob unto whom the promises were made. The great majority of those who become members of the Church are literal descendants of Abraham through Ephraim, son of Joseph. Those who are not literal descendants of Abraham and Israel must become such, and when they are baptized and confirmed they are grafted into the tree and are entitled to all the rights and privileges as heirs” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 3:246).

 

As members of the Church, what are our responsibilities in the gathering of Israel?

The mission of the Church is to invite all people to come unto Christ. We accomplish this mission by proclaiming the gospel, redeeming the dead, and perfecting the Saints.  As with all things, we start with ourselves and our families.  As we “cleanse the inner vessel,” then we move outward and help others do the same.

Conclusion

We are Gentiles of the House of Israel.  We are in a unique position to receive the blessings promised to both groups.  As we develop our testimonies of the Savior through the influence of the Holy Ghost, we will be able to valiantly fulfill the responsibilities that fall upon both groups.