Lesson #41 3 Nephi 22-26. “He Did Expound All Things unto Them”
God's Promises, Judgment, Tithing, and Temple Work
Attention Activity:
Bring in a picture of a Magic Eye or get one online. A good resource is http://www.magiceye.com/3dfun/stwkdisp.shtml. You don’t need to be able to do Magic Eye, it helps if you can or if someone in the class can, but even if no one in the class can that is ok. Show the class the magic eye and ask some of them to come and see if they can see what is in the magic eye. After a few have tried (usually come can do it and some cannot) ask, “When people are doing Magic Eye, what are some of the questions that you think are usually asked and what are some of the feelings or expressions of people ?” Make sure that you get a few responses for both questions that are asked and feelings or expressions. You will want to write answers down on the board to refer to later. Hopefully you should be getting answers like, “How do I do this?” “How do you see that?” “What is it supposed to be?” and “That is really cool.” “I can never do that.” Both feelings of frustration and excitement. (If you don’t get those answers, you may want to suggest some of these to kind of get them started. You will want to get most of these answers before being able to move on with the lesson. You can even ask some specific people how they felt as they looked at it. How did the successful ones feel and how did the unsuccessful ones feel. Talk with people who have never been able to do it and ask how they feel about Magic Eye.) Once you have gotten some good responses point out to the class that Magic Eye is a lot like reading your scriptures. Many of the responses that were listed earlier are similar to responses that people could give about their experiences reading scriptures. Ask class members to talk about a time when maybe they have felt similar in their scripture reading to what they felt doing Magic Eye or the responses were that are written on the board. If someone were to ask the question, “What are you looking for?” when talking about reading scriptures, what would the answer be? Share the following quote:
“True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior.
“The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior” (Pres. Boyd K. Packer Ensign, Nov. 1986, 17).
If we are trying to improve behavior through the study of the scriptures, then we need to be finding and understanding “true doctrine.” Today we are going to study a few doctrines and come to a better understanding of them.
Class Discussion:
There are four doctrines that we want to cover today. We will not be able to get into all of them really deep, but we want to establish a good understanding of each. The first is in 3 Nephi 22. This is an Isaiah chapter and Isaiah can be a lot like a Magic Eye—very hard to see what is going on sometimes. Instead of trying to figure out every verse, lets just look at the key element. Lets see if we can “see” what he is trying to say. Lets just look in verses 7-10, 16. “What is the main idea that Isaiah is trying to say here?” “How do those verses tie in with what the Lord teaches the people in 3 Nephi 24:14-18” “Why does it seem like the wicked are sometimes better off? What do these verses teach about when everything will be made right?” “Why would this be particularly important to these people at this time?” (Now this is the important question, and you may have to wait for a few minutes for some good answers, but don’t give up. Wait, and people will answer. Works every time!) “When have you felt these promises happen in your life?” or “How have you felt as you have seen these promises fulfilled in your life?”
Next principle is in 3 Nephi 23. Look (I wouldn’t have the class read these verses, that takes too long and people get bored. Just have them look on their own for a couple minutes.) in verses 7-14 and find what Nephi had forgotten to do and how Jesus felt about that. How do you think Nephi felt at this time? Why was it so important to have the prophecies of Samuel written down? (Now there is a small principle here, and a big principle here. You can go either way depending on what you think the class needs.) The small principle is that we have also been commanded to write things down. “How well are we doing at writing down the important things that the Lord tells us in our lives?” Two places you can go if you like are:
http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-775-24,00.html This is a conference talk from President Eyring in the Oct 2007 conference about journal writing.
“Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 86. This is Elder Richard G. Scott talking about journal writing.
Either of these can be used to drive home the importance of writing in a journal.
The big principle is dealing with judgment. Nephi is going through a small judgment here about the things he is asked to do. Ask, “What things might Jesus ask us about when we get to the final judgment? How will we be able to respond?”
The third principle is 3 Nephi 24:8-12. Have the class look for every promise they can find for paying tithing. Come up with or share some modern examples of when these same promises are fulfilled today. Point out that tithing has been a part of the gospel dating back to Old Testament times. The importance of tithing is indicated by how long it has been a part of Christ’s teachings. “How can I show that it is a significant part of my life?”
The last doctrine is 3 Nephi 25:5-6. (You will really be lucky if you still have time for this. Time will probably have run out. Don’t push to get everything in. It is better to have a good discussion about a few things than a rushed discussion about a lot of things.) Your rush in this part can be part of the lesson. Point out that you don’t have much time to talk about this final topic, but have class members look in the chapter summary for chapter 25 and in the footnotes of verse 5 for other places that these verses are found. “Why do you think they are listed in the Bible, Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants?” Again, temple work is obviously important to the Lord, how important is it to us? If we want to be like God, how important does it need to be? What are some indications that it is important enough to me?
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Friday, October 24, 2008
Lesson 40. 3 Nephi 16, 20-21. “Then Will I Gather Them In” The Israelites and Gentiles
Lesson 40. 3 Nephi 16, 20-21. “Then Will I Gather Them In” The Israelites and Gentiles
Sorry for how short the ideas are this week. My life has necessitated it. Next week will be more comprehensive.
Attention Activity:
I would start class by playing Pictionary. You play this by having people come to the front and draw while people in the class are trying to guess what they are drawing. You can’t draw words or numbers. I would use all Church related topics. Prophet, 1st Vision, parting the Red Sea, Jesus walking on water, etc. After a few drawings give a person the word “Israel.” Have them try to draw it and get the class to guess. Then give the next person the word “Gentile” and have them try to draw that.
Class Discussion:
Tell the class that we often hear about the Israelites and Gentiles, but often don’t know who they are or what the words mean. Today we will try to understand them better. Divide the class into two groups and assign them each one of the terms “Israel” or “Gentile” Have them look through chapters 16, 20, and 21 to find 7 things that are important to know about their word. Encourage them to use the Topical Guide and Bible Dictionary to find ideas as well. Then discuss what they have found as a class making sure that they understand who the Israelites and Gentiles are.
Application:
I would use 3 Nephi 21:5-9 for application. Here the Nephites are told that when the Book of Mormon comes forth and the restoration of the Gospel happens, it is a sign that the gathering has begun. This gathering is really an individual thing. Each of us much gather to Christ and become a member of the house of Israel to inherit the blessings of the covenant given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In a global sense the tool to do that is the Book of Mormon and the restoration of the Gospel. This is true for each individual as well. We all must come to Christ individually through the Book of Mormon and the Gospel. After discussing this you might ask, “How have you felt the Book of Mormon bringing you closer to Christ?” or, “When did you first discover that reading the Book of Mormon brought you closer to Christ?”
Saturday, October 18, 2008
3 Nephi 17-19 Christ's Teaching in America. The Power of Prayer
3 Nephi 17-19 Christ's Teaching in America. The Power of Prayer
Attention Activity
Tell the class that you recently lost something very important (like a wallet, purse, keys, etc.) Have the class tell you the process you should go through to find it again. Write down their answers. If they don’t include saying a prayer, ask, “At what point should I pray for help to find it?” If they do say prayer include it in the list. At the end of the discussion ask, “What effect does prayer have on finding something that is lost?” This teaches us one of the principles of the day. Prayer produces outcomes.
Class Discussion
Select passages from 3 Nephi 17-19 for examples of Jesus or the people praying. Have class members find what the outcomes are for some of these examples. One that you will want to be sure to include is 3 Nephi 19:24-25. The people pray and they are blessed by the Savior. This is also the only place in the scriptures where it mentions Jesus smiling. Ask, “Why does prayer make God so pleased?” “What is the connection between prayer and the God’s presence being in our lives?” (This can take most of the lesson if you have a talkative class and if you go in depth into some of these principles. If you like you can extend this portion by asking, “Find other examples in the scriptures of prayer producing outcomes. You might start them off with Moses parting the Red Sea, or Lehi praying for where to hunt.)
The next principle is that prayer protects. Ask the class what the meaning of the word “therefore” is. We see it often in the scriptures, but what does it mean? Share the meaning: in consequence of that; as a result; consequently. So every time we see the word “therefore” it is explaining a consequence of the previous verses. Look in 3 Nephi 18:19 for what the “therefore” is. (Pray always, especially in our families.) Because it is a therefore verse we can look in the previous verses to see what prayer will do for us. Verse 18 says that Satan is always trying to get us. Ask, “When have you felt the protective power of prayer in your life?” After a few examples, ask for other examples from the scriptures where people were protected by prayer.
Application
Ask, “With all the things that you have been taught in your life about prayer, what are some of the things that you can do to improve your prayers to be more like the Nephites?”
Attention Activity
Tell the class that you recently lost something very important (like a wallet, purse, keys, etc.) Have the class tell you the process you should go through to find it again. Write down their answers. If they don’t include saying a prayer, ask, “At what point should I pray for help to find it?” If they do say prayer include it in the list. At the end of the discussion ask, “What effect does prayer have on finding something that is lost?” This teaches us one of the principles of the day. Prayer produces outcomes.
Class Discussion
Select passages from 3 Nephi 17-19 for examples of Jesus or the people praying. Have class members find what the outcomes are for some of these examples. One that you will want to be sure to include is 3 Nephi 19:24-25. The people pray and they are blessed by the Savior. This is also the only place in the scriptures where it mentions Jesus smiling. Ask, “Why does prayer make God so pleased?” “What is the connection between prayer and the God’s presence being in our lives?” (This can take most of the lesson if you have a talkative class and if you go in depth into some of these principles. If you like you can extend this portion by asking, “Find other examples in the scriptures of prayer producing outcomes. You might start them off with Moses parting the Red Sea, or Lehi praying for where to hunt.)
The next principle is that prayer protects. Ask the class what the meaning of the word “therefore” is. We see it often in the scriptures, but what does it mean? Share the meaning: in consequence of that; as a result; consequently. So every time we see the word “therefore” it is explaining a consequence of the previous verses. Look in 3 Nephi 18:19 for what the “therefore” is. (Pray always, especially in our families.) Because it is a therefore verse we can look in the previous verses to see what prayer will do for us. Verse 18 says that Satan is always trying to get us. Ask, “When have you felt the protective power of prayer in your life?” After a few examples, ask for other examples from the scriptures where people were protected by prayer.
Application
Ask, “With all the things that you have been taught in your life about prayer, what are some of the things that you can do to improve your prayers to be more like the Nephites?”
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
3 Nephi 12-14 The Beatitudes and Teachings of Jesus Christ in America
The Beatitudes and Teachings of Jesus Christ in America
Principle to be Taught: When Christ teaches, we are expected to apply and make changes to our lives.
Attention Activity
Bring two clear glasses and a pitcher of water to class. Keep one glass empty. In the other glass put some red colored Kool-Aid in the bottom. Put enough in that it will make the water noticeably red when you pour it in, but not so much that the class can tell that there is liquid in the bottom. (They even have some Kool-Aid that starts out white but then changes to red when water is applied, this is the best because it is hard for the class to see white powder.) Start class by pouring water into the glass that is empty. Ask class members how this is a symbol of teaching. Many answers at this point are just fine. You can talk about how we are like the cup and the water fills us up, etc. Take a few answers and talk about them. Explain to the class that in today’s lesson we are going to look at Jesus as a teacher, and what he taught, and most importantly, how that teaching can affect our lives. Tell the class that you are going to pour water into the second cup and show a better example of what Jesus’ teachings should be like. Now pour the water into the second cup and watch the water turn red. Now, ask class members how this is more like what teaching should be like. (Get to the point where the class understands the following concept: The teachings of Jesus should change us. If we are like the cup, when the teaching of Jesus—the water—enters our lives, it should have make a significant change. We should never be the same again after coming to understand what Jesus taught.) At the bottom of the post I have included 2 quotes from the last two prophets at the end of General Conference asking us to apply the things that we have learned. You can share them here or at the end of the lesson to drive home the point.
Class Discussion
Today we are going to talk about some of the things that Jesus taught and what change it can have on our lives. Write on the board, “Because of that, I will _________________.” Now divide the class into groups or let people work individually, depending on the type of class you have. (In classes with teenagers, I would divide them into groups because it helps facilitate discussion. You can pair them up in lots of fun ways that might get them out of their comfort zone. Tallest and shortest together, oldest and youngest together, all people with blue eyes in one group, etc. In a class with adults I would usually let them work by themselves because usually the class is mature enough to work alone and still complete the task.) Have the list below either written on the board, on a handout, or on strips to give to each group or individual. Tell class members that you would like them to work through some of the following groups of scriptures (or the assigned scripture set that you have given them) and be able to tell us two things. 1) what is the doctrine Christ wanted us to understand in these verses and 2) finish the statement that you have written on the board. Have the groups tell the class what difference that doctrine will make in your life.
Use the following scripture sets for your class, or use your own. (All are from 3 Nephi)
12:3-12
12:13-20
12:21-26
12:33-48
13:1-15
13:16-24
13:25-34
14:1-11
14:12-27
Application
There is application all throughout this lesson. You may take this time to testify of some of these principles. Throughout the lesson I would ask class members to live the principle that a group is explaining.
Quotes
I've been attending conference for a long time. But I think I've never felt quite as richly blessed as during this session. We've had rapid-fire messages from a lot of speakers, but every one touched on a very important subject. We've had a smorgasbord today of faith, of love, and of counsel. Let's incorporate these things in our lives.
Thomas S Monson CR APR 2008
What a wonderful conference this has been, my brothers and sisters. As we return to our homes and to our daily activities, each of us should be a better individual than we were when the conference opened.
But what matters most is what may have occurred within each of us as a result of our experience. I, for one, have made a stronger resolution within myself to be a better person than I have been in the past. I hope that I will be a little kinder to any I meet who may be in distress. I hope that I will be a little more helpful to those who are in need. I hope that I will be a little more worthy of your confidence. I hope that I will be a better husband, a better father and grandfather. I hope that I will be a better neighbor and friend. I hope that I will be a better Latter-day Saint, with an increased understanding of the wonderful aspects of this glorious gospel.
There is room for improvement in every life. Regardless of our occupations, regardless of our circumstances, we can improve ourselves and while so doing have an effect on the lives of those about us.
Gordon B Hinckley CR OCT 2002
Principle to be Taught: When Christ teaches, we are expected to apply and make changes to our lives.
Attention Activity
Bring two clear glasses and a pitcher of water to class. Keep one glass empty. In the other glass put some red colored Kool-Aid in the bottom. Put enough in that it will make the water noticeably red when you pour it in, but not so much that the class can tell that there is liquid in the bottom. (They even have some Kool-Aid that starts out white but then changes to red when water is applied, this is the best because it is hard for the class to see white powder.) Start class by pouring water into the glass that is empty. Ask class members how this is a symbol of teaching. Many answers at this point are just fine. You can talk about how we are like the cup and the water fills us up, etc. Take a few answers and talk about them. Explain to the class that in today’s lesson we are going to look at Jesus as a teacher, and what he taught, and most importantly, how that teaching can affect our lives. Tell the class that you are going to pour water into the second cup and show a better example of what Jesus’ teachings should be like. Now pour the water into the second cup and watch the water turn red. Now, ask class members how this is more like what teaching should be like. (Get to the point where the class understands the following concept: The teachings of Jesus should change us. If we are like the cup, when the teaching of Jesus—the water—enters our lives, it should have make a significant change. We should never be the same again after coming to understand what Jesus taught.) At the bottom of the post I have included 2 quotes from the last two prophets at the end of General Conference asking us to apply the things that we have learned. You can share them here or at the end of the lesson to drive home the point.
Class Discussion
Today we are going to talk about some of the things that Jesus taught and what change it can have on our lives. Write on the board, “Because of that, I will _________________.” Now divide the class into groups or let people work individually, depending on the type of class you have. (In classes with teenagers, I would divide them into groups because it helps facilitate discussion. You can pair them up in lots of fun ways that might get them out of their comfort zone. Tallest and shortest together, oldest and youngest together, all people with blue eyes in one group, etc. In a class with adults I would usually let them work by themselves because usually the class is mature enough to work alone and still complete the task.) Have the list below either written on the board, on a handout, or on strips to give to each group or individual. Tell class members that you would like them to work through some of the following groups of scriptures (or the assigned scripture set that you have given them) and be able to tell us two things. 1) what is the doctrine Christ wanted us to understand in these verses and 2) finish the statement that you have written on the board. Have the groups tell the class what difference that doctrine will make in your life.
Use the following scripture sets for your class, or use your own. (All are from 3 Nephi)
12:3-12
12:13-20
12:21-26
12:33-48
13:1-15
13:16-24
13:25-34
14:1-11
14:12-27
Application
There is application all throughout this lesson. You may take this time to testify of some of these principles. Throughout the lesson I would ask class members to live the principle that a group is explaining.
Quotes
I've been attending conference for a long time. But I think I've never felt quite as richly blessed as during this session. We've had rapid-fire messages from a lot of speakers, but every one touched on a very important subject. We've had a smorgasbord today of faith, of love, and of counsel. Let's incorporate these things in our lives.
Thomas S Monson CR APR 2008
What a wonderful conference this has been, my brothers and sisters. As we return to our homes and to our daily activities, each of us should be a better individual than we were when the conference opened.
But what matters most is what may have occurred within each of us as a result of our experience. I, for one, have made a stronger resolution within myself to be a better person than I have been in the past. I hope that I will be a little kinder to any I meet who may be in distress. I hope that I will be a little more helpful to those who are in need. I hope that I will be a little more worthy of your confidence. I hope that I will be a better husband, a better father and grandfather. I hope that I will be a better neighbor and friend. I hope that I will be a better Latter-day Saint, with an increased understanding of the wonderful aspects of this glorious gospel.
There is room for improvement in every life. Regardless of our occupations, regardless of our circumstances, we can improve ourselves and while so doing have an effect on the lives of those about us.
Gordon B Hinckley CR OCT 2002
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