Book of Mormon Lesson Plan 1

Introduction

Draw an arch with a keystone on the board, emphasizing the keystone as a more prominent stone. Explain that a keystone is often larger than the other stones to serve an aesthetic purpose. It is the most visible and attractive stone, adding to the beauty of the building. It is also structurally important, and keystones figuratively represent the central feature on which everything depends.

The Book of Mormon is the Keystone of our Religion

Read the sixth paragraph of the Introduction to the Book of Mormon. As we discussed in sacrament meeting last week, the way we draw nearer to God is not by reading the Book of Mormon, but by abiding by its teachings.

Read President Benson quote:
“Just as the arch crumbles if the keystone is removed, so does all the Church stand or fall with the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 5; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 6).

Why does the Church stand or fall with the Book of Mormon? (Fall is easy – if the Book is not true, Joseph Smith was a sham, the Church is a hoax, and we are all wasting our time.) But what if it’s true…?

Another President Benson quote:
“There are three ways in which the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion. It is the keystone in our witness of Christ. It is the keystone of our doctrine. It is the keystone of testimony” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 4; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 5).

Witness of Christ

Moroni explained the purpose of the Book of Mormon on the Title Page: “And also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that JESUS is the CHRIST, the ETERNAL God, manifesting himself unto all nations…”

Read 1 Nephi 13:38-41

• 38 – Refers to the Bible.
  
• 39-40 – The BoM and other latter-day scripture are to convince everyone that the Bible is true! We are sometimes accused of discounting the value of the Bible. A true understanding means that Mormons value the Bible more than any other people on earth! And, we’re lucky enough to have other sacred witnesses too!
  
• 40 – All men must come to Christ to be saved. And the way to come to him is explained in verse 41. It is by understanding and following the words of scripture.
  How has the BoM strengthened your testimony of Jesus Christ? What have you learned?
  

Doctrine

President Benson stated: “The Lord Himself has stated that the Book of Mormon contains the ‘fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ’ (D&C 20:9). That does not mean it contains every teaching, every doctrine ever revealed. Rather, it means that in the Book of Mormon we will find the fulness of those doctrines required for our salvation. And they are taught plainly and simply so that even children can learn the ways of salvation and exaltation” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 4; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 6).

What are your favorite doctrines taught in the BoM?

• God’s mercy and justice – Alma 42
  
• Doctrines of baptism – 2 Nephi 31:4-14
  
• The Atonement of Jesus Christ – 2 Nephi 9:4-14; Alma 34:8-17
  
• Reality of the resurrection – Alma 40:23
  

Testimony

Why is the BoM fundamental to a testimony of the restored gospel? How can we strengthen our testimonies of the BoM?

Written for our day

President Benson taught: “The Book of Mormon … was written for our day. The Nephites never had the book; neither did the Lamanites of ancient times. It was meant for us. … Each of the major writers of the Book of Mormon testified that he wrote for future generations. … If they saw our day and chose those things which would be of greatest worth to us, is not that how we should study the Book of Mormon? We should constantly ask ourselves, ‘Why did the Lord inspire Mormon (or Moroni or Alma) to include that in his record? What lesson can I learn from that to help me live in this day and age?’ ” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 5; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 6).

Conclusion

“The moment you begin a serious study of [the Book of Mormon, you] will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. … When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 6; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 7).

No matter where your testimony is now, please commit to become converted this year as we search, ponder, and pray about this sacred scripture. Let the power of the Holy Ghost change your life.