3 Nephi 1–7: Signs

Segment 1

Scriptures:
Helaman 16:23 (Many miracles)

Words of the General Authorities:
In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost. (Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives”, April 2018 General Conference)

Men’s Hearts Shall Fail Them (Russell M. Nelson, churchofjesuschrist.org Media Library)

Segment 2

Scriptures:
3 Nephi 4:11 (Never was known such times)

Words of the General Authorities:
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. (Ezra Taft Benson, “The Savior’s Visit to America”, April 1987 General Conference)

This word is understandable for mortals to use, but coincidence is not an appropriate word to describe the workings of an omniscient God. He does not do things by “coincidence” but instead by “divine design.” (Neal A. Maxwell, “Brim with Joy”, BYU Speeches 23 January 1996)

Study Helps:
Only those with firm testimonies and full conversions were able to remain steadfast prior to the Savior’s appearance in America. The same is true in our day. Only those with firm testimonies and full conversions will be able to remain steadfast prior to the Lord’s Second Coming. A careful study of 3 Nephi 1–7 will help you understand how your testimony of Jesus Christ and conversion to His gospel will give you the sustaining strength you need to stay true to the Savior during the challenging days in which you live. (Book of Mormon Student Institute Manual, Chapter 39: 3 Nephi 1-7)

Segment 3

Scriptures:
3 Nephi 2:5-8 (How the Nephites mark time)
CR: Moroni 10:1
3 Nephi 1:19 (There was light when Christ was born)
3 Nephi 1:29 (It only takes one generation to forget)

Words of the General Authorities:
The young people of the Church…hold the future in their hands. The Church has always been one generation away from extinction. If a whole generation were lost, which will not happen, we would lose the Church. But even a single individual lost to the gospel of Jesus Christ closes doors for generations of descendants, unless the Lord reaches out to bring some of them back. (Henry B. Eyring, “We Must Raise Our Sights”, CES conference 14 August 2001)

Segment 4

Scriptures:
3 Nephi 2:1-2 (The people forgot God)

Words of the General Authorities:
By consistently paddling the kayak, I maintained momentum and forward progress, mitigating the effect of waves hitting me from the side. The same principle applies in our spiritual lives. We become vulnerable when we slow down and especially when we stop. If we maintain spiritual momentum by continually “rowing” toward the Savior, we are safer and more secure because our eternal life depends on our faith in Him. (Dale G. Renlund, “The Powerful, Virtuous Cycle of the Doctrine of Christ”, April 2024 General Conference)

So I ask, what can ignite spiritual momentum? We have seen examples of both positive and negative momentum. We know followers of Jesus Christ who became converted and grew in their faith. But we also know of once-committed believers who fell away. Momentum can swing either way.

We have never needed positive spiritual momentum more than we do now, to counteract the speed with which evil and the darker signs of the times are intensifying. Positive spiritual momentum will keep us moving forward amid the fear and uncertainty created by pandemics, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, and armed hostilities. Spiritual momentum can help us withstand the relentless, wicked attacks of the adversary and thwart his efforts to erode our personal spiritual foundation. (Russell M. Nelson, “The Power of Spiritual Momentum”, April 2022 General Conference)

Segment 5

Scriptures:
Matthew 25:14-30 (Parable of the talents)
3 Nephi 6:18 (The Nephites knew better)

Attitudes, beliefs, and actions that lead to individual testimony and conversion:
3 Nephi 5:25 (Covenants)
3 Nephi 7:18 (Faith)
3 Nephi 6:20 (Preaching and testifying)
3 Nephi 4:29-32 (Singing and praising)
3 Nephi 5:1 (Follow the prophet)

Attitudes, beliefs, and actions that destroy individual testimony and conversion:
3 Nephi 1:7 (Doubt)
3 Nephi 7:6 (Secret Combinations)
3 Nephi 7:20 (Anger)
3 Nephi 6:15 (Division)

Words of the General Authorities:
First and forever fan the flame of your faith, because all things are possible to them that believe. (Jeffrey R. Holland, “Lord, I Believe”, April 2013 General Conference)

Segment 6

3 Nephi 5:12-13,20 (I am Mormon, I am a disciple, I am blessed by God)