11 A Marvelous Work and a Wonder
A Marvelous Work and a Wonder
Book of Mormon Videos https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/videos-and-images/book-of-mormon-videos?lang=eng
Christ in the Midst, by Judith A. Mehr
2 Nephi 26:14 Nephi prophesied of our day, when The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ would come forth. Think on that. That is not the whole of his or his descendents records. There will be more records that come forth.
2 Nephi 26:10, 22 This day is a day of great evil. There are those who are led by the devil. There are secret combinations everywhere, and intertwined throughout the earth. If they don’t repent, Satan is binding them with thin floss that is becoming so thick that they won’t be able to escape.
2 Nephi 27:26 In our day there is also more light and truth in the world than there ever has been. Our Father has initiated His marvelous work and wonder, and the restoration is ongoing. There are those who are armed with power in great glory.
The Book of Mormon exposes Satan’s lies and is most instrumental in gathering the righteous.
“That book is the Book of Mormon, the marvelous work is the work of the Lord’s Church in the latter days, and the wonder is—at least in part—that God invites all of us, despite our weaknesses, to participate in the gathering. ”
God
prepared the Book of Mormon for our day.
2 Nephi
26–27; 29–30
Nephi quoted from Isaiah 29 in 2 Nephi 26–27.
2 Nephi 28:2 Nephi
knew through revelation that The Book of
Mormon would be of great worth to us.
2 And
the things which shall be written out of the book shall be of great worth unto
the children of men, and especially unto our seed, which is a remnant of the
house of Israel.
How
has The Book of Mormon: Another Testament
of Jesus Christ been of great worth to you? (See notes in chapters 29 and
30)
2 Nephi 27:26 The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of
Jesus Christ is
a converting tool that invites the power of the Holy Ghost to reveal truth,
truth that Jesus is the Christ and that salvation and happiness come from
following Him. It is indeed a marvelous work and a wonder. Be part of gathering
Israel and building up Zion.
Joseph Smith—History 1:62–65 Martin Harris’s exchange with Professor
Anton witnesses that the characters on The Book of Mormon are true characters.
Dr. Mitchell also said that they were.
Jesus
Christ invites us all to come unto Him.
2 Nephi
26:23–33
2 Nephi 26:23–24 Many beautiful truths are contained in these verses:
23 For behold, my beloved brethren, I say unto you that the Lord God worketh not in darkness.
24 He doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore, he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.
It is truly amazing, and we should all stand amazing at the
love Jesus offers us. He was lifted up upon the cross so that He could draw all
me to Him. He suffered for our sins and He died for us, so that we don’t have
to suffer like He has and so that we can live forever; if we follow Him and
keep the commandments, if we love God with all our hearts and love our
neighbors as ourselves, we will gain eternal life.
Look for more truths about the Savior in verses
25–33. Notice in particular His invitations. Summarize Jesus Christ’s
message to you in one sentence. (See chapter 26 notes)
How can you be a representative for Christ and be inviting so that others can feel His love through you?
3 Nephi 18:30–32 Everyone should feel welcome to come worship and associate with us, whether or not they desire to be baptized or are worthy to take the sacrament.
What Has Our Savior Done for Us?
(“Belonging in the Church of Jesus Christ”: I couldn’t locate this in Gospel Topics in Gospel Library.)
For
kids:
Jesus
Christ wants everyone to come unto Him.
2 Nephi
26:23–28, 33
Have you ever invited relatives, friends, or classmates to a party? Were
you excited about it? Did you hope they’d come? Were you disappointed if
someone couldn’t come or didn’t want to come?
Have you ever been invited to a party? How did that make you feel? Have
you ever known that someone was having a party, but you weren’t invited? How
did that make you feel?
2 Nephi
26:23–28 What is Jesus inviting us to do?
He is inviting everyone to come out of darkness and into His light. He is
inviting us to come unto Him and feel peace and be happy and to look forward to
eternal life with Him.
He doesn’t tell anyone to go away or that they aren’t wanted or that He doesn’t
like them. He loves us all.
How do we know that He loves everyone?
2 Nephi
26:33 He invites everyone to partake of His goodness. He wants us all to feel
His love and to learn to love one another. He wants us all to be happy, no
matter what color of skin we have, or if we are bald or have hair, or if we are
short or tall. It doesn’t matter. He loves us all.
Repeat the phrase “Jesus invites all to come unto Him” as each child in
the picture (or in the class) is pointed to.
How do we come unto Jesus?
We do that by learning about him at home and at church. We do that by
praying to Heavenly Father in His name. We do that be repenting of the things
we do wrong, by saying sorry and trying to do better. We do that by being
patient and not being mean and angry at someone. We do it by singing songs
about Jesus. We do that by obeying our parents when they ask us to do something
that is right. We do that by preparing to be baptized, by taking the sacrament,
and by always remembering Him.
If you don’t walk as most people do,
Some people walk away from you,
But I won’t! I won’t!
If you don’t talk as most people do,
Some people talk and laugh at you,
But I won’t! I won’t!
I’ll walk with you. I’ll talk with you.
That’s how I’ll show my love for you.
Jesus walked away from none.
He gave his love to ev’ryone.
So I will! I will!
Jesus blessed all he could see,
Then turned and said, “Come, follow me.”
And I will! I will!
I will! I will!
I’ll walk with you. I’ll talk with you.
That’s how I’ll show my love for you.
Carol Lynn Pearson
Reid N. Nibley
Satan seeks to deceive.
2 Nephi 28
2 Nephi 28 Exposes many of Satan’s lies.
Vs 6 Satan says that today God is not a God of miracles.
Vs 8 The devil tells us that it’s okay to be wicked as long as we aren’t too wicked.
Vs 21 He seeks to blind our eyes to the truth, saying all is well when it really isn’t.
Vs 22 He says there is no devil and no hell and makes people believe that all things are equal and relative. He seeks to flatter them away so he can grasp them in his chains.
Vs 23 He doesn’t want us to be ready for the time we will stand before God.
Vs 29 He says that there is no more word of God and that no new scripture is true.
How does it help you to know Satan’s
lies? How does this prepare you to
make good choices?
What will you do each time Satan tries to deceive you?
2 Nephi 2:17 Lehi read that Lucifer, who had been an angel, was cast out of heaven; because, he sought for those things that were evil in the sight of God. He wanted to steal God’s identity, and he wanted to rob us of agency.
2 Nephi 28:22 “I am no devil, for there is none.” (That doesn’t even makes sense, if there is a spirit or a person that is seeking to persuade us from truth into error.)
Moroni 7:35–37 Miracles have NOT ceased. Angels have NOT ceased to appear unto men. God has NOT withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from all His children. NONE of these things will disappear as long as there is one person on earth to be saved!
Miracles are wrought by faith. Angels appear and minister to men by
faith in Jesus Christ. If we don’t belief or see these things, it is because of
unbelief.
We need to work on having believing hearts and practice our faith in Jesus
Christ through worship, study, and diligence in obedience and service.
Doctrine and Covenants 1:31 God can’t look upon sin with allowance. In other words, he expects all to repent and isn’t defining gray areas. Sin is sin, and righteousness is righteousness. We need to be actively striving to live the commandments and improving ourselves according to His will.
Doctrine and Covenants 68:31; Being idle is a sin; not teaching our children to be righteous is a sin; being greedy for material possessions is a sin. Our eyes should be upon the riches of eternity. Our focus should be on Jesus Christ.
82:14 “For Zion must increase in beauty, and in holiness; her borders must be enlarged; her stakes must be strengthened; yea, verily I say unto you, Zion must arise and put on her beautiful garments.” We need to be actively helping to build up Zion!
Articles of Faith 1:9 God’s timetable for giving revelation is NOT limited by men’s understanding or by Satan’s lies.
“We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we
believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things
pertaining to the Kingdom of God.”
God continues to give revelation to guide His children.
2 Nephi 28:27–31; 29
What does it mean to receive God’s word?
How can I show Him that I want to receive more of His word?
We are blessed with so much of the word of God. If we are faithful, we will offer that same blessing to others. We should never think that we have enough, that we have arrived. But we should seek to understand God’s will for us, and we should pray for increased understanding. We need to put in our own effort in studying, pondering, praying, and applying principles in the things that we are learning and the truths that we are seeking to know. We need to pray for the Holy Ghost to testify of truth.
Vs 27 A wo is pronounced upon those who say they have enough and need no more. I think the “WO” is especially for those who teach this to keep people from seeking, recognizing, and accept true doctrine.
Why are people sometimes “angry” about receiving more truth from God?
Vs 28 Some people may not want more or even be angry when presented with more, because it makes them more accountable; and they fear that. I’m sure that this is why many members do not attend Stake or General Conferences as well.
Vs 30 We need to remember that God gives us truths little by little, and we need to be thankful when He presents us with more of His Light.
30 For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.
How does God want me to feel about and respond to His word?
“We love the word of
life,
The word that tells of peace,
Of Comfort in the strife,
Of joys that never cease.”
From “We love thy house, Oh God.” (William Bullock, Leroy J. Robertson)
For
kids:
Heavenly
Father teaches me little by little.
2 Nephi
28:30–31
2 Nephi 28:30 30 For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.
Line upon Line
Object lesson, so that children will understand what “line by line” means. Have something for them to do that has to be done in steps to reach the end. (puzzle, drawing a picture, or a treasure hunt with ordered clues! You should have a pattern to follow. )
Line Upon Line
Line upon line, precept on precept.
That is how he lifts us, that is how he teaches his children.
Line upon line, precept on precept.
Like a summer shower giving us each hour His wisdom.
If we are patient we shall see
How the pieces fit together in harmony.
We'll know who we are in this big universe
And then we'll live with Him forever.
But until it happens...
Line upon line, precept on precept.
That is how he lifts us, that is how he teaches his children.
Line upon line, precept on precept.
Like a summer shower giving us each hour His wisdom.
(Words and Music by Doug Stewart and Lex de Azevedo)
Precept on Precept
Precept: concept of doctrine, principle of righteousness “A command or
principle intended especially as a general rule of action.” (Call to action.)
Little by Little
Have you ever eaten too much too fast?
Why do you think
it’s easier for us to learn one truth at a time?
Why do you think Heavenly Father
doesn’t give us too much at once?
How can we show God that we want to receive more truth from Him?
For
kids:
The
Book of Mormon is a blessing.
2 Nephi
28:2; 29:7–11; 30:3–6
2 Nephi 28:2 2 And the things
which shall be written out of the book shall be of
great worth unto the children of men, and especially unto our seed,
which is a remnant of the house of Israel.
Have a copy of The
Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ wrapped for the class to
guess what is inside.
Would you like some clues?
Read 2 Nephi 30:3–6
Why is it important for us to have The Book of
Mormon as well as the Bible?
Read 2 Nephi 29:7–11
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/26?lang=eng
Christ
will minister to the Nephites—Nephi foresees the destruction of his people—They
will speak from the dust—The Gentiles will build up false churches and secret
combinations—The Lord forbids men to practice priestcrafts. About
559–545 B.C.
Vs 1 Jesus's words to us are the things that we should do.
Vs 3-7 Nephi records that he saw the destruction of his own people in
vision. Those who are evil and do wickedly will also be destroyed when Jesus
comes again.
Vs 8 Many
people were destroyed at Jesus's death, and it is a type of what will takes
place at His Second Coming. The Saints and the righteous will be preserved and
find peace and safety in Him.
Vs 9 It is
a great promise to us in this day too that if we are righteous the Son of
Righteousness will appear unto us and heal us, and we'll have peace in Him.
Vs 10 How
can I make sure that I am not selling myself for not? Are there things which I
am in bondage to because of poor choices? How can I change that? Am I choosing
the vain things of the world over the Light of Christ?
Vs 11 Make
yourself right before God and seek to have His Spirit to be with you.
Vs 12-13 All
people are invited to believe in Jesus Christ and to have faith in Him, and to
receive the blessings that come through following Him.
Vs 14-17 The
records of the righteous were kept to come forth in our day so that we could be
saved from the wickedness around us. The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of
Jesus Christ works together with the Bible to bring to light the gospel of
Jesus Christ and the path to faith in Him.
Vs 17 Professor
Anton couldn't have the records. Today there are wicked people who seek to keep
other from reading The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ,
because they seek to destroy the things of God.
Vs 23-24 The
gospel light and truth is for all people. Jesus gave Himself a ransom for all
of us, and we are all invited to come unto Him and be saved.
Look for more truths about the Savior in verses 25–33. Notice in particular His invitations. Summarize Jesus Christ’s message to you in one sentence.
Vs 25 Jesus invites everyone to come to him. He gives us His love and salvation freely.
Vs 26 He invites everyone to worship in His church buildings.
Vs 27 Jesus invites everyone to partake of His salvation. He gives it freely. He commands His people to help others repent.
Vs 28 Everyone is privileged to partake of the Lord's goodness; no one is forbidden.
Vs 29-31 No priestcraft, but have charity. It seems that priestcraft is the antithesis of charity. So those who set themselves up do it because of pride and vanity and not because they love others and want to invite them and point them to Christ.
Vs 32 His followers shouldn’t do wicked things and follow the trends of the worldly.
Vs 33 Jesus
only does that which is good for all of us. His teachings are easy to
understand. He inivites us to follow His lead. He invites everyone to come to
Him and partake of His goodness; and he doesn't deny anyone. We are all alike
to our Heavenly Father.
Heidi, come
follow me and find happiness and salvation.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/27?lang=eng
Darkness
and apostasy will cover the earth in the last days—The Book of Mormon will come
forth—Three witnesses will testify of the book—The learned man will say he
cannot read the sealed book—The Lord will do a marvelous work and a
wonder—Compare Isaiah 29. About 559–545 B.C.
Vs 5 The very people who claim to be woke are in a deep sleep.
Vs 7-8 The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ is only a
very small portion of the records that were kept; and until we value the book
that we have and repent of our evil and do the Lord's will more fully and with
real intent, we won't be given the remainder of the record.
Vs 10 “and the revelation which
was sealed shall be kept in the book until the own due time of the Lord, that
they may come forth; for behold, they reveal all things from the foundation of
the world unto the end thereof.”
Vs 11 Someday the words of teh sealed book will be read from the house
tops, by the power of Christ. All will then see that Christ is the Way, the
Truth, and the Life, and that no one can come unto the Father except through
Him.
The vain, proud, and deceitful will be pierced through.
Vs 12-14 There
will be (were) three witnesses and another eight witnesses to The Book of
Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
They were
allowed to see it for the purpose of testifying to the truth of the book and
the things contained therein.
Vs 20-21 Joseph
Smith was an unlearned man by the world's standards, but he had a sacred
obligation to translate and safegaurd the records. The missionaries of The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints are also unlearned by the world's
standards, but they have a sacred obligation to teach the the gospel of Jesus
Christ and to testify of the truth of The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of
Jesus Christ.
Vs 23 Our
own faith in Jesus Christ must increase, and we must invite others to come unto
Christ, because one day we will see that He is definitely the same yesterday,
today, and forever, and that He did everything possible for us to return to Him
if we exercise faith in Him.
Vs 29-30 At
the day when these things will be revealed, the humble and meek will be
remembered and rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. The gospel of Jesus Christ
brings salvation to those who will hear and see.
Vs 31-32 Hopefully,
those deceivers will repent before this day.
Vs 33-35 It
will be a wonderful day when the meek and the righteous are justified and peace
reigns again.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/28?lang=eng
Many
false churches will be built up in the last days—They will teach false, vain,
and foolish doctrines—Apostasy will abound because of false teachers—The devil
will rage in the hearts of men—He will teach all manner of false doctrines.
About 559–545 B.C.
Vs 1 This chapter is full of truth, because Nephi spoke by the power of
the Spirit. If we acknowledge God and His Only Begotten, and worship Him in the
name of His Son, it will be well with us. If we deny them and hearken unto the
precepts of men, we are building on a sandy foundation. The Lord's hand is
stretched out all the time to save us, if we want His salvation.
Vs 32 The Gentiles have been given and are being given many chances.
Are you helping to increase their chances, or are you withholding what you have
and what you know and who you should be?
From lesson section:
Satan seeks to deceive.
2 Nephi 28
Exposes many of Satan’s lies.
Vs 6 Satan says that today God is not a God of miracles.
Vs 8 The devil tells us that it’s okay to be wicked as long as we aren’t too wicked.
Vs 21 He seeks to blind our eyes to the truth, saying all is well when it really isn’t.
Vs 22 He says there is no devil and no hell and makes people believe that all things are equal and relative. He seeks to flatter them away so he can grasp them in his chains.
Vs 23 He doesn’t want us to be ready for the time we will stand before God.
Vs 29 He says that there is no more word of God and that no new scripture is true.
How does it help you to know Satan’s
lies? How does this prepare you to
make good choices?
What will you do each time Satan tries to deceive you?
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/29?lang=eng
Many
Gentiles will reject the Book of Mormon—They will say, We need no more
Bible—The Lord speaks to many nations—He will judge the world out of the books
which will be written. About 559–545 B.C.
Vs 2 The
Lord's words, contained in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus
Christ shall his forth to the ends of the earth for a standard to His people,
which are of the House of Israel.
Vs 7-8 God
asks people of all nations to write down the words that He gives to them.
Vs 9-12 The
Lord speaks to many nations, which record His words, so that He can prove to
the world that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. It is silliness
for us to suppose He can no longer speak. His work isn't finished; it continues
on forever. The Bible isn’t the only book that contains the words of God.
Vs 13-14 The
records that have been kept are part of the great gathering and restoration.
Our Heavenly Father r covenanted with Abraham and He will always remember his
descendants.
How has The
Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ been of great worth to
you?
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/30?lang=eng
Converted
Gentiles will be numbered with the covenant people—Many Lamanites and Jews will
believe the word and become delightsome—Israel will be restored and the wicked
destroyed. About 559–545 B.C.
Vs 2 To be a covenant people, we need to believe in Jesus Christ, the
Holy One of Israel, repent, make covenants, and keep them.
V 5-6 How
are the Latter-day Saints doing currently in sharing the message of the gospel
with the descendants of Lehi?
Vs 7-8 The
gospel will also go to the Jews and all nations.
Vs 10 We
are seeing the great division in our day. Always make certain that you are
holding to the rod and are not wandering through the mists of darkness. Be a
light for others, too.
Vs 11-15 The
awesoem conditions during the Millennium. Peace and righteousness shall abound.
Vs 16-17 All
things will be made known.
Vs 18 We
need to help prepare the world for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
How has The
Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ been of great worth to
you?
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