When the Jaredites arrived at the promised land, they rushed onto dry ground and thanked the Lord for the “multitude of his tender mercies” (Ether 6:12). How many times are we that overwhelmed by the grace and guidance of God in our lives? And how hard can it be to even recognize those tender mercies? Ether 6–11 is full of tender mercies that some of the people saw, and others missed because of their pride. So, let’s use this week to find gratitude for all the little things from God in our lives.
What comes to your mind when you hear the word “cry”? Is it a crying baby, a good cry with a friend? Maybe you recently cried or are even crying right now. This word can have several meanings, and everyone reacts differently to those who cry. Today’s discussion of Ether 1–5 contains many cries, and we are going to discuss them and how the Lord responded.
Moroni addresses us directly in Mormon 8:35 when he says, “I speak to you as if you were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing.” What do you think Jesus showed him? And as a result, what do you think Moroni is going to say to us? This week’s chapters of Mormon 7–9 answer those questions. Let’s prepare our hearts to receive his counsel.
Take a moment and place your hand over your heart. How is your heart today? If it could talk, what would it say? Have you ever heard the sound of your own or a loved one’s beating heart on a stethoscope or ultrasound? Of all the things to hear, it is the heart that connects you to life because it is life. And for today’s discussion of Mormon 1–6, the heart dictated life for the Nephite people. Let’s dive into the impact their hearts had not only on themselves but also on our lives today.
Christ asked His disciples in America three questions before His ministry there ended: 1) What shall I give unto you? 2) What do you desire of me? 3) What should I do unto you? We can think about how we would answer these questions today and learn a lot from the people’s responses in 3 Nephi 27–4 Nephi. Their answers set up one of the great eras of unity recorded in the Book of Mormon.
The heart of the fathers will turn to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers. The spirit of Elijah is promised in every one of the standard works. Who are we remembering when our hearts are turned to those who came before us? Our study of 3 Nephi 20–26 will give an idea, and teach how the House of Israel can further our understanding of this sacred promise.
President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “3 Nephi contains some of the most moving and powerful passages in all scripture. It testifies of Jesus Christ, His prophets, and the doctrines of salvation” (“The Savior’s Visit to America,” Ensign, May 1987, 6). Our study of 3 Nephi 17–19 will focus on more of the Savior’s teachings to the Nephites, including passages on compassion, mercy, and the sacrament.
In the New Testament, Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount to encourage His disciples to strive for their best with full purpose of heart. Following His Resurrection, Jesus appeared to the Book of Mormon people in the Western Hemisphere and delivered the same message. 3 Nephi 12–16 records this second witness of light, meekness, and fruit.
This principle from 3 Nephi (and some help from my stopwatch) reveals an empowering truth.
3 Min Read
“I don’t think we have this story in the Book of Mormon because it is the standard by which all mothers should judge themselves.”
5 Min Read
“Most of the best people who ever lived weren’t very famous either. Serve and grow, faithfully and quietly.”
3 Min Read
God wants us to live with joy, not guilt that we are not doing enough. Find peace by noticing the subtle signs of progress in your life.
5 Min Read
Alma's son Corianton pursued a harlot and had significant concerns about the gospel. What can we learn from what Alma chose to say to him?
4 Min Read
Did you know Alma chapters 30–35 were originally one chapter? Reading the text as one block reveals an important question (and inspiring answer).
4 Min Read
I’ve realized Amulek is poignant inspiration to anyone feeling like their life is falling apart even though they chose to do what was right.
3 Min Read
We know we are the spirit children of Heavenly Father, so how is it that we can also be the children of Christ? The answer is wonderfully ennobling.
2 Min Read
We love Enos for his heartfelt prayers. Here are a few details about how he prays you may’ve not noticed but that can help you in life.
4 Min Read
Studying Jacob may help you see how both deep sorrow and anxiety can coexist with God’s goodness.
4 Min Read
Has the promise of prospering in the land led us to believe that if we keep the commandments, life will be easy?
5 Min Read
“Falling down” at the feet of Jesus can become an instructive, beautiful, inspiring detail in Lehi’s vision of the tree of life.
4 Min Read
Sometimes knowing leads to doing, and other times doing leads to knowing.
4 Min Read
The theme for Sunday on Monday all year has been to anticipate Jesus. We look forward to His Second Coming the way the Nephites were looking forward to His arrival, and we have finally reached those chapters. 3 Nephi 8–11 has been written about and studied for generations, but today, we are giving special attention to how these chapters have been expressed in art—musically and visually.
President Ezra Taft Benson once said that “the record of the Nephite history just prior to the Savior’s visit reveals many parallels to our own day as we anticipate the Savior’s second coming.” Our theme all year for the Book of Mormon has been to anticipate Jesus. 3 Nephi 1–7 has the final chapters before His coming, and we will take President Benson’s council and apply those times to our day.
Primary children sing “Hosanna” when they learn about Samuel the Lamanite. In Hebrew Hosanna means “save now,” which brings added enthusiasm to the refrain “Oh, let us gladly sing. How blessed that our Lord was born; Let earth receive her King!” Samuel did tell of baby Jesus and today we will study his prophecy and how the people reacted in Helaman 13–16.
The following quote from Sheri Dew’s book Prophets See Around Corners gives insight into this week’s discussion on prophets: “Prophets are an extraordinary gift to those who believe. But those of us who have sung and talked about prophets throughout our lives may be at risk of becoming numb to how remarkable this blessing actually is.” This check-in is especially important for those who have lived their whole lives knowing about prophets. And Helaman 7–12 offers additional guidance on their importance in our lives.
The book of Helaman is considered an “annalistic” or annual writing because almost every year is mentioned starting in the 40th year of the reign of the judges and ending in the 90th year. A lot can happen in 50 years, and there is a lot to learn from Helaman 1–6. It is filled with both triumphs and tragedies—political intrigue, bands of robbers, rejection of the prophets, and pride and disbelief throughout the land. So “remember, remember” this account of the Nephites when you look back on the world 50 years ago or look forward to what the world will someday look like.
Alma 53–63 tells the story of the sons of Helaman and the people of Moroni. These warriors and people of God had some advantages over their enemy, which surprisingly had nothing to do with numbers or military skill. In some ways, their situation feels familiar to those of us who sometimes feel outnumbered and overwhelmed in our latter-day battles against Satan and the forces of evil in the world. Let’s look carefully at those advantages and explore how they can help us in the battles we all face today.