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.