29th Floor Sunday School

Final chapter of The Book of Mormon. Moroni gives us 8 exhortations, starting with exhorting us to remember how merciful God is to us and culminating with the exhortation to come unto Christ. The Book of Mormon is a record of God’s mercy to a small group of wanderers somewhere in the American continent and its ultimate purpose is to help us come unto Christ. Moroni also promises that by the power of the Holy Ghost we can know the truth of all things, which I understand to be not a question of historicity, but whether something is true to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Ultimately our greatest desire should be for the Holy Ghost to testify that we are true to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and we have no better tool to help us stay true than The Book of Mormon!

Moroni shares the teachings of his father, Mormon, including a sermon he gave to the Nephite church and letters he wrote to Moroni. His sermon teaches the importance of doing the right thing for the right reason, which is the only way the we can attain personal growth and progress. Through the grace of Christ, we are able to “lay hold” of the good that we do, meaning that it helps us to progress back towards our heavenly goal. Once we have hope, in that we believe in where we are going, and we have faith, in that we believe in the path to get there, then we add to that charity, which is the fuel the enables us to move forward on that path towards our goal. All three work together in the Plan of Salvation and are made possible through the atonement of Jesus Christ. Mormon condemns the practice of infant baptism, in that it denies the grace and goodness of the Plan, replacing it instead with “dead works,” as opposed to being alive in Christ.

Moroni, finding himself still alive, gives guidance to members of the future Church of Jesus Christ about a few critical aspects of a church, choosing to focus on the power to give the gift of the Holy Ghost, ordaining and calling teachers, the sacrament, baptism, and meeting together. In a world where COVID has forced many of our normal church activities online, we discuss the limitation of virtual church and the importance of having physical experiences to further our spiritual growth. In addition to the covered chapters, this lesson also draws from (1) Melvin J. Ballard’s talk “The Sacramental Covenant,” delivered at a Mutual Improvement Association conference on June 8, 1919, which you can find here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/1976/01/classic-discourses-from-the-general-authorities-the-sacramental-covenant?lang=eng&id, and (2) David A. Bednar’s talk “Things as they Really Are,” delivered at a Church Education System fireside on Mary 3, 2009, which you can find here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2010/06/things-as-they-really-are?lang=eng&id

Moroni finishes his account of Ether, the great prophet and rightful heir to the Jaredite throne. Ether teaches to believe in God, repent, and hope for a better world. Moroni then discourses on faith and hope, and how both are necessary in order to receive the “heavenly gift,” which is returning to the presence of God. Hope is believing in the destination; faith is believing the map that takes us there. God cannot perform miracles in our lives if we do not have faith, and the greatest miracle is taking us back to his presence, which is our eternal destination. The Jaredites reject Ether and his message and, rather than building a society to bring them closer to God, they descend into hell and eventually destroy themselves.

Moroni recounts nearly 2,000 years of Jaredite history, beginning with the journey across the ocean in eight barges by the light of 16 small stones touched by the hand of God. Discussion of the meaning of this journey to us 4,000 years removed and its importance to the Jaredites going forward. Moroni then goes into unusually detail as to the historical record, while only occasionally drawing spiritual conclusions for the reader. One of the important conclusions is the dangers of secret combinations, which caused the destruction of the Jaredites, the Nephites, and any other nation for which darkness replaces light.

Discussion of the beginning of Ether. Moroni condensed the Jaredite record to focus on two main events: their coming to the promised land and their destruction. The former teaches us about Christ, the temple and the Plan of Salvation, while the former is a warning to everyone that has entered into covenants with God. The Brother of Jared is a type of Christ, while Jared was also likely a righteous and spiritual man. The Brother of Jared has a temple experience when he learns the true nature of God, and just as Christ revealed himself as he touched the stones to bring light to the Jaredites in their voyage, so too will the Nephite record reveal Christ and give light to all who read The Book of Mormon as we struggle to return to the presence of God.

Mormon finishes his record by pleading with the Lamanites to come to the knowledge that their fathers had of the plan of salvation and their covenant relationship with Jesus Christ. Moroni takes charge of the Nephite records and prepares to close up his account by testifying that The Book of Mormon is not perfect and likely contains mistakes. We must be charitable in judging this book, because our ability to recognize God’s hand in this book likely speaks volumes as to our ability to recognize God. The Book of Mormon will come forward in a day in which the same mistakes that caused the fall of the Nephites will be prevalent, including the denial by many of miracles. If we believe in Jesus Christ, we believe in a God of miracles and expect God to perform miracles in our lives.

Mormon details the fall and destruction of the Nephites. He was given charge over the Nephite records when he was very young because he was “sober” and “quick to observe,” and so his account is intended to be a spiritual record of the Nephites, recording his spiritual observations and explanations as to what happened. Because of their lack of faith, the Nephites are not able to observe the miracles of God and eventually they aren’t even able to hold on to the things which are theirs. Ultimately, rather than coming unto Christ where there is safety and permanence, they are scattered around by their enemies until they are ultimately destroyed.

The Savior teaches the importance of taking upon ourselves His name and building upon His Gospel, and if we do this then we are His disciples and members of His church. He teaches the Gospel, which is that He came to be lifted up so that when we are lifted up to judged, we are judged by Christ based upon our relationship with Him, or in other words whether we have taken upon ourselves His name. Three of the Nephite disciples are blessed to remain on the earth and teach the Gospel. The Nephites keep the commandments and become one because of the love of God in their hearts, but this unity doesn’t last as pride causes them to take upon themselves names other than that of the Savior, and as a result their Zion society begins to fall apart.

The Savior concludes his teaching to the Nephite masses by administering the sacrament through His apostles and teaching about the gathering of Israel. He makes sure their scriptures include important events and teachings that they had failed to record, including evidence of His ability to overcome death on behalf of everyone, which is the fundamental purpose of the atonement. He teaches the importance of tithing, but not as a way for us to achieve temporal security, but for spiritual blessings, including those relating to our families. Mormon did not record all of Christ’s teachings, but if we are to know what else Christ taught we must seek for it ourselves.

Christ continues to teach the descendants of Lehi in the ancient Americas. He heals their sick and afflicted and blesses their children, giving the Savior a fullness of joy. He administers the sacrament to the 12 and then commands them to give it to the multitudes. He ascends back to heaven, promising to return the next day, causing many to make extraordinary efforts to be there the next day to hear him. He prays that those who believe in Him will be purified through Him, and that they will become one with Him in the same way that He is one with the Father, teaching an important truth about the Atonement.

Study of the sermon taught to the Nephites at the temple, parts of which are nearly identical to the King James version of the Sermon on the Mount. We discuss reasons as to why that might be the case and closely look at some of the differences. We then consider ways in which the teachings that follow the Sermon on the Mount chapters in 3 Nephite further expound and elaborate on the Sermon chapters, providing students of The Book of Mormon with additional insights into the Sermon on the Mount and how those teaching have specific applicability to the Nephites.

In the midst of Nephite infighting an incredible storm arrives that destroys cities and kills thousands. The three hours of constant destruction are followed by thick darkness. In the midst of the darkness, they hear a voice testifying that Jesus Christ is the light of the world. Not long after, a group gathered at the temple witness The Father introducing The Son, after which they each have the opportunity to individually approach Christ and feel his wounds with their own hands. Christ them teaches of the atoning effect of baptism, and if we have come unto Christ and become one with Him, we will also become one with all others who have done likewise. The Savior also simplifies his doctrine: faith, repentance, baptism and salvation--anything more is unnecessary, and anything less eventually results in the cessation of progression.In addition to the covered chapters, this lesson also draws from (1) Neal A. Maxwell’s October 1995 talk “Swallowed Up in the Well of the Father,” (2) JST Matthew 16:25-29, (3) Matthew 3:17, (4) Matthew 17:5, (5) Joseph Smith History 1:17, and (6) D&C 38:27.

Nephite society goes from wickedness, to righteousness, and then back to wickedness. The sign of Christ’s birth causes them to believe for a time, but before long they forget and the Gadianton robbers gain power. The Nephites are forced to come together to protect themselves from the robbers, and eventually they defeat them, leading to several years of humility, righteousness and prosperity. But divisions drive them apart and break up the church, and corruption ends up destroying the government, leading to chaos. One important lesson from this is that we cannot rely upon signs and miracles for true faith, but must daily engage in the things of the Spirit.

Samuel the Lamanite prophet warns the Nephites that they must repent because Christ is coming and he is going to turn their world upside down. They won’t even to be able to count upon the sun going down at the end of the day, let alone the riches and accumulated wealth that they currently rely upon for comfort. Christ comes and is resurrected to overcome both deaths: the death at the time we came to this earth and were physically separated from God, and the death that will come if we have not repented and are thus cast off forever from His presence. We must all choose to accept Christ and his Gospel to combat the uncertainties of this world rather relying upon the things of this world which provide only temporary and “slippery” solutions.

In this lesson we learn more about Nephi, the son of Helaman, and his struggles to help his people repent and come unto Christ. Like all prophets, he testifies of Christ, and he does so in a dramatic way by miraculously informing the people that their chief judge has been murdered. The message is clear: if he has the power to tell them the murder of their chief judge, why can’t he also prophecy of the coming death and atonement of The Chief Judge, even Jesus Christ. The Nephites go through increasingly rapid cycles of wickedness, induced by the Gadianton robbers, on the one hand, and humility and repentance on the other, causing Mormon to remind us of the dangers of riches and the importance of needing to be reminded of our reliance upon God.

Nephites suffer from political strife, secret combinations, internal dissentions, and attacks from the Lamanites. Despite these challenges, the solution remains the same: repenting and calling upon the name of Jesus Christ. Helaman counsels his sons, Lehi and Nephi, to build their lives upon the foundation of the Rock of Heavan, so that when they are confronted with the challenges that ultimately will come, they can remain firm and safe. Towards the end of these chapters, many Lamanites repent while the Nephites begin to embrace the secret combinations, and the Lamanites begin to surpass the Nephites in righteousness.

Study of the end of the Book of Alma and the second half of the war chapters. We focus on the 2,000 young Ammonite soldiers that entered into a covenant to protect their families, who earlier had entered into a covenant that they would not engage in battle. In some ways, these faithful young men can be thought of as types of Christ. We also discuss Captain Moroni, who bravely and lovingly led the Nephites through these difficult times. In the end, these years of warring led many people to harden their hearts, while others, because of their humility, had their hearts softened from all of the fighting.

Discussion of the first part of the war chapters in the Book of Alma. In this lesson we search themes that Mormon may have wanted us to pick up on and that we can apply to our lives, of which I find eight: (1) the Nephites were motivated by a better cause, (2) the Nephites were prepared for Lamanite attacks, (3) the Nephites recognized the hand of God in their actions, (4) the Nephite success in battle strengthened the church, (5) Nephite leaders were men of God, (6) the Nephites recognized the link between religion and freedom, (7) the Nephites knew that most people are decent, but they can be led to do bad things, and (8) the Nephites were happy even in the midst of challenges. In addition to the covered chapters, this lesson also draws from Hugh Nibley’s 1983 BYU commencement addressed titled “Leaders and Managers.”

Alma counsels his son Corianton, who was struggling with keeping the commandments and had a few basic questions about the Plan of Salvation. Corianton was likely guilty of two sins: violating the law of chastity and preventing others from accepting the Gospel of Jesus Christ, one of which ranks #3 on the hierarchy of sins. Alma shares his understanding of what happens to our spirits after we die and teaches that the resurrection is best understood as a restoration of things to their natural order. He reminds his son of the justice of God, and the need for mercy, which is made possible by the atonement of Jesus Christ and can only be accessed by repentance. Justice and mercy go together, like yin and yang, because of the atonement of Jesus Christ. In addition to the covered chapters, this lesson also draws from (1) Elder Jeffery R. Hollands classic talk “Of Souls, Symbols and Sacraments,” (2) “The Sin ‘Next to Murder’” by Michael Ash, and (3) Joseph Fielding Smith in Doctrines of Salvation.

Alma teaches his sons Helaman and Shiblon about faith in Jesus Christ by sharing his conversion story. His journey to Christ tells of him recognizing his sinful and fallen state and learning that the only way he can be saved is through the grace and mercy of Christ. The means in which he recounts his conversion uses an ancient Hebrew literary device called a chiasmus. He also teaches the importance of doing the “small and simple” things and trusting God that through those means He is able to accomplish his work.

Alma and Amulek teach the Gospel to the poor Zoramites. Because of their humility, they are ready to give place in their hearts for the word of God. Alma warns that faith cannot flourish where the desire for knowledge leaves no room, and challenges us to set aside the natural desire to trust only those things that we know and discard the things of faith. With this understanding, we are prepared to learn of Christ, His atonement, and the way in which mercy overpowers justice to make it possible for us to repent. These are some of the richest chapters in The Book of Mormon! In addition to the covered chapters, this lesson also draws from (1) The Sin of Certainty by Peter Enns, (2) 2 Nephi 9:28-29, and (3) 2 Corinthians 4:18.

Study of the teachings of Korihor and the Zoramites, both of whom are anti-Christ. Christ represents the idea that God will come down to this earth, take upon Himself a body of flesh and blood, redeem us from our sins and be resurrected, and both of these apostate philosophies are against these ideas. Alma shows us how to push back against the materialist and naturalist teachings of Korihor, and then when he and the sons of Mosiah find the Zoramites praying in a blasphemous and hypocritical way, they prepare the mission to teach them the Word of God. In addition to the covered chapters, this lesson also draws from (1) 1 Corinthians 2:14, and (2) Elder Packer’s October 1986 talk “Little Children.”

The converted Lamanites give themselves a new name and bury their weapons of war so that they won’t be tempted to return to their previous sins. By so doing, they demonstrate their commitment to God and covenant that they have moved on from their prior lives, in much the same way that we do when we are buried at baptism. Various wars ensue between the Nephites and the Lamanites, and in the end the Anti-Nephi-Lehies escape to the protection of the Nephites. In chapter 26 Ammon boasts of his great joy from being an instrument in the Lords’ hands in saving many, while in chapter 29 Alma tries to keep his sorrow in check and stay grateful despite his limitations as a missionary. Both are important perspectives. In addition to the covered chapters, this lesson also draws from (1) Elder Bednar’s October 2012 talk “Converted Unto the Lord,” (2) 2 Nephi 25:23, (3) Elder Bednar’s April 2009 talk “Honorably Hold a Name and Standing,” and (4) Elder Uchtdorf’s April 2014 talk “Grateful in Any Circumstances.”

The sons of Mosiah take the message to the Lamanites. Two Lamanite kings realize that the foundations upon which they had built their lives are not solid and they are courageous and faithful enough to make the necessary changes after hearing the message of the plan of redemption. In addition to the covered chapters, this lesson also draws from (1) Alma 12:32 and (2) 3 Nephi 9:18-20.

Alma complete his sermon to the people of Ammonihah by teaching about the order (or priesthood) of God, which is that men and women that have already come unto Christ are to lead others to Christ through ordinances and covenants, so that Christ can lead all to enjoy the rest of God. Alma invites the people to repent, and they reject the message, kicking out those that believe and burning the women and children that didn’t escape. This horrible scene no doubt had an enormous impact on Alma and Amulek, and it is likely that Amulek watch those he loved die in the flames. Before long, the city of Ammonihah is destroyed by the Lamanites and Alma and Amulek establish the church throughout the Nephite nation.

Alma preaches and is rejected in Ammonihah. Following angelic instruction, he returns and is greeted by Amulek who welcomes Alma into his home, which is a tender mercy of the Lord to let him know that he is on the right track. Alma teaches about the promise of a redeeming Christ, but this holds little appeal to these people because it means they are going to have to make changes they do not want to. Amulek reinforces Alma’s message by teaching about the resurrection, which to these people means if they don’t change, they will have to live forever with the consequences. Alma then pleads with them to soften their hearts so that they will not be cast out by God and it finally seems like a few people are thinking. In next week’s lesson, however, we’ll learn that even these compelling truths cannot persuade most of the people in Ammonihah to change, which makes you wonder why the angel had Alma go back in the first place. In addition to the covered chapters, this lesson also draws from Teachings of the Presidents: Joseph F. Smith.

Alma records his own sermons to members of the churches in Zerahemla, where they are suffering from pride and contentions within the church, and in Gideon, where things are going better. In Zerahemla, Alma focuses his message on helping the members have a “mighty change of heart,” which is to repent and turn from the things of the world to putting Christ as a priority in your lives. Those that chose to not repent have their names removed from the records of the church. In Gideon, he focuses his message on the mission and ministry of Christ, and His condescension to our level so that He can understand and ultimately take upon Himself our weaknesses, preparing us to return to the presence of The Father. In addition to the covered chapters, this lesson also draws from (1) the LDS Bible Dictionary, (2) Spencer W. Kimball’s article in the 1976 Ensign titled “The False Gods We Worship,” (3) 1 Corinthians 12:3, and (4) Chieko Okazaki’s book Lighten Up.

King Mosiah implements a system of judges to rule his people after his passing, and explains why this system will better secure their liberty. However, as we begin the Book of Alma right away Nephite society is confronted with a number of challenges, first from Nehor, an antichrist who taught that all would be saved, and Amlici, who sought to be king and take away the people’s liberty. By calling upon God, under Alma’s leadership the Nephites are successful in fighting off attacks from those that followed Amlici and the Lamanites. The church of God is also challenged by both persecution and worldly success. In the end, Alma steps down from his seat as the chief judge to focus on his role as high priest of the church. In addition to the covered chapters, this lesson also draws from (1) John W. Welch, Reexploring the Book of Mormon, FARMS/Deseret Book, 1992, pp 105-106, (2) 2 Nephi 26:29, and (3) Amy Chua and Jed Rubenfeld, The Triple Package, The Penguin Press, 2014, pp 33-34.

Discussion of the role of Alma in establishing a church in the Land of Zerahemla. Prior to this time religion had been something that was more cultural, and one of Alma’s great contributions to Nephite history was setting up a church structure that was separate from the government. Having established a church, they now confront novel challenges, such as what to do about members that refuse to repent. Following the revelatory answer to this question, we get one of the greatest repentance stories in all of scripture: Alma the Younger.

This lesson recounts the stories of two different people that are each brought into captivity by the Lamanites and eventually delivered by the Lord. The people of Alma had welcomed Christ into their lives, even covenanting with Him and each other that they would bear one another’s burdens and stand as witnesses for God. As a result, when their enemies placed heavy burdens upon them they bore them together, continued to call upon God and were eventually delivered. The people of Limhi, however, were slow to allow Christ into their lives and tried to rely upon their own strength and methods to save themselves, and as a result they could not be delivered until they had been sufficiently humbled.In addition to the covered chapters, this lesson also draws from (1) Eugene England’s essay “Why the Church Is As True As the Gospel,” and (2) Answers to Gospel Questions by Joseph Fielding Smith.

Discussion of Abinadi’s teaching to King Noah and his priests. They question Abinadi calling them to repentance, to which he tells he teaches them of Jesus Christ and the truth that salvation only comes through Him and not the Law of Moses (which they weren’t keeping anyway). Abinadi teaches that God himself will come down to receive a body of flesh (making Him the Son) while carrying out the will of the Father (making him the Father). Abinadi’s audience doesn’t like his message and they burn him for it.

Discussion of Ammon taking his men to look for the descendants of Zeniff, whom they find to be led by Limhi and in bondage to the Lamanites. Discussion of the symbolism connecting Ammon’s mission to deliver the people of Limhi to Christ’s mission to deliver us. Limhi delivers a sermon to his people which parallels King Benjamin’s address, and Ammon promises Limhi that Mosiah is a seer and can translate the ancient records that he has found. Also includes discussion of Zeniff’s departure from the Land of Zarahemla and the parallels between his challenges and the struggles that we all confront as we strive to return to the presence of the Father. In addition to the covered chapters, this lesson also draws from a quote by Elder John A. Widtsoe in Evidences and Reconciliations.

Discussion of the second half of King Benjamin’s speech to his people. He helps them to realize the enormous gap between them and God and that we are unable by ourselves to bridge that gap. We thus all must rely upon the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, which we learn purifies our hearts through the Holy Ghost, helping to illustrate the close unity between Christ and the Holy Ghost. He teaches that we are all beggars before God, and thus we have an obligation to help others in the same way that God helps us. His people each enter into a covenant with God and take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ, which is the only name by which we can be saved.In addition to the covered chapters, this lesson also draws from (i) “Clean Hands and a Pure Heart” by David A. Bednar in October 2007 General Conference, and (ii) “Your Matter to Him” by Dieter F. Uchtdorf in October 2011 General Conference.

Discussion of the beginning of King Benjamin’s beautiful sermon, starting with the background of King Benjamin and the troubles he had in uniting his people. The service Benjamin provided to his people is a type of the service Jesus Christ gave, and he challenges us all to serve others in the way Christ did. He teaches his people about Jesus Christ and the atonement, testifying that the name of Christ is the only source of salvation, and we must repent and exercise to do so.

Discussion of Enos’s wrestle before God and how we can apply his experience to our own lives as we confront challenges and questions that cause us to do the same. Interestingly, the answer that Enos received was a remission of his sins, which expanded his soul and brought his will in line with God’s. This is the solution we should all seek in our struggles. Also discuss the translation process of the Book of Mormon and how it may have resulted in the last few verses of Mosiah chapter 2 accidentally ending up in the Words of Mormon. In addition to the covered chapters, this lesson also draws from (i) The Crucible of Doubt by Terryl and Fiona Givens, (ii) “Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father” by Elder Neal A. Maxwell in October 1995 General Conference, and (iii) “When Pages Collide: Dissecting the Words of Mormon” by Jack M. Lyon and Kent R. Minson in BYU Studies Quarterly 51, No. 4 (2012).

Discussion of the Prophet Zenos’s Allegory of the Olive Tree and how it is a clear witness of Jesus Christ and His love for us. On the contrary, Sherem who is anti-Christ, is deceived into denying Christ and experience death as a result of it. In addition to the covered chapters, this lesson also draws from (i) Moses 1:39 and (ii) a speech by Truman G. Madsen called "The Olive Press."

Discussion of the first half of the Book of Jacob, covering the death of Nephi and its impact upon the Nephites. Jacob calls his people to repentance because they are seeking riches for unrighteous purposes and violating the law of chastity and not treating their wives and children with the love and respect they should. We discuss in details the common root of both of these sins, which is focusing upon the things of the world and treating other people as if they are things, and how we, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ, must avoid both of these sins. We end with a discussion of the atonement and the importance of increasing our understanding of Christ through better understanding the atonement, though we recognize a complete understanding is not possible in this life. In addition to the covered chapters, this lesson also draws from Elder Boyd K. Packers talk “The Choice” from October 1980 General Conference.

Discussion of Nephi’s teachings on the doctrine of Christ, which is that “there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God” (2 Nephi 31:21). Nephi teaches that Christ was baptized and covenanted with God the Father that He would keep all of His commandments, beginning the process through which He breaks the bands of spiritual death. Rather than so covenanting with the Father, we covenant with Christ that we will repent of our sins and serve God with full purpose of heart, thus qualifying us for the Gift of the Holy Ghost, which purifies us, giving us new life, and prepares us to return to the presence of God. After we are baptized, we are to teach others and learn from the testimonies of others. We are also to bring our wills in alignment with God’s will through the process of prayer. The result of all of these is a oneness, or atonement, with Christ and God the Father. In addition to the covered chapters, this lesson also draws on quotes from Elder Bruce R. McConkie’s book Mormon Doctrine.

Discussion of the teachings and prophecies of Nephi concerning the fate of his people as well as the latter-days. In the latter-days many people will deny that God is a God of miracles, but The Book of Mormon will come forth as evidence that God continues to perform miracles. Satan works to slowly lure us into captivity using flaxen cords, which are cords that can easily be broken, while Christ continuously invites all people to come unto Him. Those that follow Christ should remain alert and constantly strive to improve and become better, otherwise they run the risk of regressing. Because God loves all of His children, we should not expect that He has spoken to only one people or that only one people has recorded His words, but we should look for truths and evidence of God’s work among all people. The greatest of God’s miracles is His ability to save His children, and we should be careful not to assume limits in His ability to bring about salvation. In addition to the covered chapters, this lesson also draws on a quote from Elder Neal A. Maxwell found in Chapter 12 of the Book of Mormon Student Manual published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Discussion of Second Nephi’s Isaiah chapters! Nephi sets the scene for Isaiah’s teachings in chapter 11, in which he testifies of Christ, teaching that all things are the “typifying” of Christ, Christ makes possible the Plan of Salvation, and if there is no Christ there is no God. In the 13 chapters that are nearly the same as portions of The Book of the Prophet Isaiah in our KJV Bible, we learn about the children of Israel (which means “to struggle with God”) and their dynamic and active relationship with God, which is not one of robotic obedience, be one of pushing the limits, being punished, and ultimately redeemed. This relationship is summed up in the phrase, “for all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still,” which is repeated five times in these chapters. Nephi concludes his Isaiah insertions with a powerful testimony of Jesus Christ and the efforts he goes to in teaching his children and people about the Savior. In addition to the covered chapters, this lesson also draws from “The Gift of Grace” by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, from April 2015 General Conference.

Discussion of the teachings of Jacob, the fifth son of Lehi. He begins by reminding the Nephites that they are part of the House of Israel and thus the Lord’s covenant people and eligible to receive great blessings. The greatest blessing we can receive is salvation in the Kingdom of God, which is to be our eternal land of inheritance, made possible by the atonement of Jesus Christ. However, in order to qualify for those blessings, Jacob emphasizes the importance of humility and not relying on our own strength, our own knowledge and our own wealth, because ultimately we are not able to save ourselves. If we will remain spiritually minded, we will inherit eternal life. This lesson also draws from (1) D&C 113:7-8 and (2) “The False Gods We Worship” by President Spencer W. Kimball, available in the June 1976 Ensign.

Lehi’s discussion of agency and our choice as to which law we wish to be subject to. On our own, we are all subject to natural law, which is without life or progression or meaning, and inevitably leads to separation from God and misery. In opposition to natural law, Christ put in operation the law of the Gospel through His atonement, and if we choose to follow Christ and enter into a covenant relationship with him, then He will intercede on our behalf and His Gospel will supersede the effects of natural law so that we can return to the presence of God. This lesson also draws from (1) a quote from Elder John A. Widtsoe taken from an old Book of Mormon Student Manuel, and (2) D&C 13:20-21.

Lehi and is family are instructed to leave the Valley of Lemuel, but on the morning of their departure the Lord give them the Liahona, which as long as they are faithful and diligent will lead them in the more fertile parts of the land. Nephi breaks his bow but due to his faithfulness and diligence is able to find food for his family. The Lord instructs Nephi to build a ship and he chides his brothers for not being faithful and diligent. After arriving in the promised land, Nephi teaches his family from the scriptures and helps them to see how their separation from Jerusalem is part of the Lord’s plan for His covenant people. Eventually they will all be gathered together in Christ again. This lesson also draws from (1) “The Candle of the Lord” by Elder Boyd K. Packer, available in the January 1983 Ensign, (2) Alma 37:43-45, (3) “Empathy and the Atonement” by Tyler Johnson in BYU Studies 55:4, and (4) Jeremiah 16:14-16.

Discussion of Nephi’s account of the vision of the Tree of Life, including connections between his vision, the temple and Christmas trees. The meaning of other symbolism in the vision is also discussed, including the two “churches,” or competing philosophies. We are each responsible to inquire of God as to the meaning of the things in this vision and how we individually are to return to the presence of God.

Discussion of Lehi’s vision of the Tree of Life, which symbolizes the spiritual journey each of us must travel along. This tree, which represents the love of God available in His presence, is the same tree that was in the Garden of Eden and which Adam and Eve were prevented from eating after they had fallen because it was necessary for them to first repent and prepare before they could return to be with God. The cares of the world offer hollow distractions which may tempt us to lose focus on this spiritual journey, but by developing a hope and desire to obtain our promised land we can press forward. Finally, Nephi encourages all of us to seek personal revelation as to the meaning of his father’s dream and how we should understand and apply it to our own lives.

Discussion of the first seven chapters of 1st Nephi, including background of the situation in Jerusalem at the time. The first chapter in the book is an ideal way to start The Book of Mormon, in part because of the parallels between the experiences of Lehi and the Prophet Joseph Smith. We review the events in the remain chapters, concluding with the way in which the Lord delivers Nephi from his brothers by comparing it to the way in which He delivers us from our sins and afflictions.

Discussion of the introductory passages of The Book of Mormon. I provide some high level thoughts as to how we as Latter-day Saints should approach The Book of Mormon by focusing on thoughts presented in the introduction passages themselves. We highlight the two histories that we must consider in order to take The Book of Mormon seriously, namely the history presented in the record itself and the history of it coming forth in the latter-days. The conclusion is, the fact that we have the book itself is a miracle that demands our serious attention and study, though the most important quality is not its historicity but its ability to reveal to us Jesus Christ.

Discussion of the second half of the Book of Revelation, in which I go through each chapter discussing generally what is described, what the main symbolism is understood to mean and how these chapters all tie together. I also include some high-level take-aways from John’s vision, what it means to us in the latter-days and how we should understand and apply this important vision to our lives and testimonies. I apologize that the audio in the second half isn’t ideal, but I believe it is clear enough to be easily understood.

Discussion of the first half of the Book of Revelation. In this lesson we go through details of the recorded events and discuss some of their potential interpretations. The purpose is to become familiar with the story as it is laid out, discuss some common interpretations and develop enough of an understanding that the Spirit can teach us what we need to learn.

Discussion of the general epistles of John and Jude. I begin with a follow-up on last week’s discussion on the importance of establishing a Gospel framework that is workable for each of us individually and isn’t overburden with indefensible positions, while at the same time remembering that we walk by faith in this life and thus won’t have answers to all of our questions now. Discussion on the importance of light, which is a source of truth, life, and God’s power, and as we are brought into the Light of Christ, our own darkness will become illuminated and we greater recognize our own need to repent and the radiance of Christ. John also reminds us of the importance of the physical elements, as Christ came to resurrect His body, and total salvation requires saving both our spirits and our bodies. Also a brief discussion of the important of love in counteracting fear, and a thought from the Epistle of Jude, who was likely the half-brother of the Savior.