20 A Light … That Can Never Be Darkened
A Light … That Can Never Be Darkened
A Light … That Can Never Be Darkened
Book of Mormon Videos https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/videos-and-images/book-of-mormon-videos?lang=eng
Even if we think our light is small, if we have the Light of
Christ within us our light can be magnified as we testify of Him and share our
light. The combined light of Christians is a marvelous thing.
Mosiah 16:9
[Jesus] is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless,
that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there
can be no more death.
Abinidi shared his testimony before King Noah and his wicked
priests, and the light of truth touched Alma, who became forever changed. Alma
then shared the gospel with many others and brought them to faith in Jesus
Christ and baptism, and a newness of life.
Video: Abinadi Testifies of Jesus Christ: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/video/mosiah-11-18/2020-03-0200-abinadi-testifies-of-jesus-christ-mosiah-11-18-1080p?lang=eng
For kids:
I can stand for Jesus
Christ, even when I stand alone.
How can we stand as witnesses of Jesus Christ even when it’s
not popular? What is it important to stand as His witness?
Video: Abinadi and King Noah: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/book-of-mormon-stories/chapter-14-abinadi-and-king-noah?lang=eng
When have you been brave in following Jesus Christ?
Mosiah 13:2–9; 17:7–10
Abinadi didn’t fear what the people could do to him. He trusted in the Lord and
delivered the message he was asked to deliver. Even though he was threatened
with death and then actually burned at the stake, he did not recall his words.
Mosiah 17:11–12
King Noah trusted more in the words of his priests than in the fear of the
Lord. Even though he knew he shouldn’t kill Abinadi, he did anyhow because his
priests taunted him to.
I can stand for Jesus
Christ, even when I stand alone.
What does it mean to you to stand as a witness for Jesus
Christ?
Mosiah 11:1–19,
27–29; 12:9–15 Noah led his people in great wickedness.
He was idolatrous and adulterous, and he taxed his people greatly. He was
proud, wicked and boastful. Abinadi was courageous to hearken to the Lord and
deliver a very unpopular message to King Noah and his wicked cronies.
Mosiah 13:2–9, 28,
33–35; 17:8–10, 20
Abinadi was faithful and bold. He was undeterred by fear of insult or injury.
He was God’s messenger. The Lord was with Him as with His earlier prophets, so
that Abinadi could deliver his message and finish his mission. He testified of
Jesus Christ, of His atonement, and of the resurrection. Abinadi knew that he
would have eternal life, even if he was killed.
Have you ever felt alone in defending the Savior and His
gospel? How does knowing that He is with us help us to press forward in the
cause of truth and righteousness?
2 Kings 6:14–17
It really is helpful to realize that the angels in heaven are on our side when
we are in the service of the Lord.
Vs 16-17 16 And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than
they that be with them.
17 And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may
see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold,
the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.
For the Strength of Youth: pages 31–33
Video: Dare to Stand Alone: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2012-05-0005-dare-to-stand-alone?lang=eng
What have you learned from Abinadi about standing for Jesus?
How will this help you be more faithful and true to Him?
Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto
salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
2 Timothy 1:7–8
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and
of a sound mind.
8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our
Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the
gospel according to the power of God.
Chapter 8: The
Call for Courage,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church:
Thomas S. Monson
Teach by the
Spirit. “Powerful
gospel teaching requires not just preparing a lesson but preparing yourself
spiritually [to] hear and follow the guidance of the Spirit as you teach” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 17).
For kids:
I should obey the Ten Commandments.
Mosiah
12:33–36; 13:11–24
Mosiah 13:11
It’s important for us to keep the commandments,
not just to know what they are. Are they written on your heart?
Mosiah 12:33–36 and 13:11–24 Allow
you children to read the commandments, write them, or make hearts with them
written on the hearts. Explain to them what the commandments mean. Explain that
as we live and practice them, we are writing them on our hearts.
What other blessings come
from keeping the commandments? Safety and peace are important blessings.
I need to apply my heart to
understanding God’s word.
Even though the priests of
King Noah could recite the scriptures and commandments, they chose to not
understand them. They didn’t keep them. They didn’t want a testimony of truth,
but they dismissed the Spirit of truth, so that they could live the way they
wanted to.
Mosiah 12:19–37
These priests should have been messengers of
peace themselves, but they didn’t recognize their purpose as servants of the
people; they were more interested in monetary gain. Jesus and His prophets
publish peace and good tidings of good.
How can we apply our hearts to understanding? When we study the scriptures, we
should seek to be taught by the Spirit and put into practice the things that we
learn.
God’s commandments should be
written in my heart.
Mosiah 13:11
Are the commandments of the Lord written in my heart? As you read this chapter,
determine how you can make the commandments more meaningful to you.
Jeremiah 31:31–34
31 ¶ Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their
fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land
of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them,
saith the Lord:
33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the
house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their
inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they
shall be my people.
34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and
every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from
the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord: for I will forgive
their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
2 Corinthians
3:3 3 Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of
Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the
living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
Jesus Christ suffered for
me.
In Mosiah 14–15, notice words and
phrases that describe the Savior and what He suffered for you. Which verses
help deepen your love and gratitude toward Him? (See notes in the chapters
below)
For kids:
Heavenly Father sent Jesus
Christ to lead me back to Him.
Mosiah
14; 16:4–9
Look for words and phrases in Mosiah 14 that describe Jesus Christ.
(See chapter notes below) How do you feel about Jesus Christ and His love for
you?
Abinadi knew the scriptures and he quoted from Isaiah,
saying that the people were like lost sheep.
Have you ever been lost somewhere? What did you do? Who
found you? Were you happy and did you feel safe when you were back with your family?
Have you ever lost something important to you? What steps
did you take to try to find it? Did you find it? How did you feel?
Mosiah 14:6 All we, like sheep,
have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath
laid on him the iniquities of us all.
16:4–9
Without Heavenly Father’s love, and without Him sending Jesus Christ to show us
the way, we would all be lost. Jesus has atoned for our sakes. He took upon Himself
all of our sins, mistakes, sickness, fears, and everything else. If we feel
lost, we need to go to Heavenly Father in prayer and ask for help. Jesus is always
willing to intercede and help us out. It is because of Him that we can be
resurrected and live again with Him and our Heavenly Parents and our families.
9 He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light
that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is
endless, that there can be no more death.
How are we like sheep who wander from God? How does Jesus
Christ help us come back?
How is Jesus Christ both the
Father and the Son?
Mosiah 15:1 Abinadi taught that God would come down to redeem
us. He was speaking about Jesus Christ the Son of God, who was Jehovah in the
Old Testament.
verses 2–3 Jesus would take upon Himself flesh and blood. In
the Pre-mortal realm, Jehovah was still a personage of Spirit, while Elohim, or
God the Father, already had a resurrected body. Jesus as the Son of God, had
already created worlds and was just like His Father. They are one in purpose
and unity. Jesus is often referred to as the very Eternal Father. Just like Seth
was in the express image of Adam, Jesus was in the express image of His
Heavenly Father.
verses 5–9 Jesus did everything that His Father asked of Him.
He suffered temptation and pain, He performed miracles, He atoned for us, He died
and was resurrected. Father’s give life. Jesus can give us a newness of life
through faith in Him.
John 14:6–10 We can know the Father through knowing Jesus Christ.
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and it is through Him that we can
return to the Father. Jesus tells us that He and the Father are one, and that
He speaks and teaches the Father’s words.
Mosiah 15:11–12 We also become Christ sons and daughters when enter
into the covenant of baptism and are born as new creatures.
Mosiah 5:7 7 And now, because of the covenant which ye have
made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters;
for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your
hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and
have become his sons and his daughters.
It is
important to understand the nature of the Godhead. We have a Heavenly Father
who loves us and sent His Son to redeem us. We have the Holy Ghost to testify
of truth and to help us realize sanctification through the Atonement of Jesus
Christ as we repent of our sins and follow Him.
Remember
that this people were claiming that salvation came through Moses. Abinadi was
testifying of the divinity of Christ, and that salvation would come through the
Son of God, the Creator of all things.
We shouldn’t
get to caught up in semantics, but really on the testimony of many prophets and
also the witness of the Spirit, then we will understand that Jesus is a Son and
also a Father. (This is also true of many among us. I am a daughter and also a
mother. I hope to become more like my mother and all the good women who have
influenced me throughout my life. I hope to become like Mary and Esther and
Eve, and like my Heavenly Mother. I hope to become more like Jesus and my
Heavenly Father, who are One in purpose and Their love for all of us.)
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/11?lang=eng
King Noah
rules in wickedness—He revels in riotous living with his wives and
concubines—Abinadi prophesies that the people will be taken into bondage—His
life is sought by King Noah. About 160–150 B.C.
Vs 6 This is
a sad thought. We are taxed by those who are iniquitous, and so we are laboring
to support iniquity. We have to get better people in government.
And we need
to be free from credit card debt with its extreme usuary and bondage.
Vs 7 This is
also a sad thought: we as a people have become idolatrous and in bondage
because we listen to the idolatrous leaders, politicians, and entertainers that
have so much influence over us.
Vs 13-14 The
taxes really weren't used for the benefit of the people, but for the king's pet
projects to support his rich lifestyle.
Vs 22-23 Are
we bringing down the Lord's wrath upon us? Do we love the vain things of the
world more than God? We need to repent and turn to the Lord so He will deliver
us from the hands of our enemies, and even from our own frailties.
Vs 27-29 Noah
thought he was more important than the Lord and that his words were more
substantial than the words of the prophet Abinadi. He thought that if he killed
Abinadi that he wouldn't have any trouble returning to his idolatry and
adultery.
The people
also hardened their hearts against the words of the prophet Abinadi.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/12?lang=eng
Abinadi is
imprisoned for prophesying the destruction of the people and the death of King
Noah—The false priests quote the scriptures and pretend to keep the law of
Moses—Abinadi begins to teach them the Ten Commandments. About 148 B.C.
Vs 21-24 These
are some of he most beautiful verses of scripture. Jesus is the Prince of Peace
and publishes peace. We are offered peace as we live His doctrine.
It is a
beautiful thing to testify of Him. People who are willing to declare good
tidings and do missionary work, are doing the Lord's work and publishing peace,
deliverance, and safety.
As Israel is
gathered and Zion is restored, the Lord will make bare His holy arm so that all
will see and know that He is the One who grants salvation.
Vs 27 As
teachers, we have a duty to apply our hearts to understanding, to seek the
Spirit in what and how we teach. We should encourage sincere and open
discussions, but also be able to guide where the discusssions are going.
Most
importantly, we must testify of Jesus Christ.
Vs 29 It is
important for a teacher to live by the precepts that he is teaching.
Application should be the goal of our teaching.
Vs 32-33 The
Lord will save us if we keep the commandments, but salvation comes through the
Lord Jesus Christ.
Ten
Commandments following.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/13?lang=eng
Abinadi is
protected by divine power—He teaches the Ten Commandments—Salvation does not
come by the law of Moses alone—God Himself will make an atonement and redeem
His people. About 148 B.C.
Vs 3-5 Abinadi
had the Spirit and power of God upon him. He spoke wiht authority. He was going
to deliver the Lord's message even if afterwards they took his life, which they
did.
The people
saw the power of God resting upon Abinadi, and yet they still rebelled against
his message.
He proceeds
to deliver the rest of the Ten Commandments.
Vs 25-26 The
Ten Commandments were a standard for the United States and many other
governments for centuries. No wonder there is so much evil now for forsaking
them.
Vs 28 Salvation
comes because our Father sent His Son to be our Savior. Jesus is our Salvation.
Vs 33-35 The
prophets testified of Jesus Christ, that He'd atone of the sins of the world,
that He'd be crucified; and that He would rise again.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/14?lang=eng
Isaiah
speaks messianically—The Messiah’s humiliation and sufferings are set forth—He
makes His soul an offering for sin and makes intercession for
transgressors—Compare Isaiah 53. About 148 B.C.
In Mosiah
14–15, notice words and phrases that describe the Savior and what He suffered
for you. Which verses help deepen your love and gratitude toward Him? How do
you feel above Jesus Christ and His love for you?
This is one of my favorite
chapters of scripture. I believe the report. I know that Jesus loves me; that
my Father sent His Son to rescue me. Because Jesus chose to be the Man of
Sorrows, He can heal my heart from pain and sorrow. He has ransomed me. I am
striving to declare His generation. I want to publish His good tidings of
peace. I know He lives.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/15?lang=eng
How Christ
is both the Father and the Son—He will make intercession and bear the
transgressions of His people—They and all the holy prophets are His seed—He
brings to pass the Resurrection—Little children have eternal life. About 148
B.C.
In Mosiah
14–15, notice words and phrases that describe the Savior and what He suffered
for you. Which verses help deepen your love and gratitude toward Him?
Vs 1-4 Immanuel:
God with us. God loved us so He sent His Son.
Vs 5-9 Abinidi
added His testimony to Isaiah's. Jesus interceded for us. He atoned for us. He
overcame sin and death for us. He is our Redeemer.
Vs 10-14 Be
His seed. Believe in Him. Welcome the words of His prophets. Declare His words.
Accept Him as your Savior. Invite others to come unto Him. Declare His
generation. Be His child.
Vs 15-18 When
we share the gospel, when we join with the Lord in His work of salvation, we
are most like Him.
Vs 19-20 We
are saved only because of Jesus. He broke the bands of death and sin and
granted to us salvation.
Vs 22-24 I
am striving to follow Jesus, keep His commandments, and share His gospel. I
want to come forth in the morning of the First Resurrection as promised to me
in my Patriarchal Blessing.
Vs 25 Robby
has already been granted eternal life through the grace of Jesus Christ our
Lord.
Vs 28-31 This
day is nearly here. Even though the world lay in wickedness, we have this sure
promise. The Lord will make bare His holy arm and save the righteous out of
every nation.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/16?lang=eng
God redeems
men from their lost and fallen state—Those who are carnal remain as though
there were no redemption—Christ brings to pass a resurrection to endless life
or to endless damnation. About 148 B.C.
Vs 1 I am
thankful to know that Jesus is the One to judge. I trust Him.
Vs 6-9 Jesus
is the Light of the World. He was sent to save and redeem us. We should always
be moving towards the Light.
Vs 12 Look
at what you need to change and do it.
Vs 15 The
laws and precepts we learn should all be pointing to Jesus as our Healer and
Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/17?lang=eng
Alma
believes and writes the words of Abinadi—Abinadi suffers death by fire—He
prophesies disease and death by fire upon his murderers. About 148 B.C.
Vs 4 Alma
was one of the priests that believed Abinadi's words. When he was kicked out,
he hid and he wrote all the words Abinadi had spoken to them.
Vs 7 Found
an accusation: in other words, they made up a reason to kill him, because they
didn't like hearing the truth.
Vs 9-10 Abinadi
was firm and steadfast and willing to seal his testimony of Jesus with his own
blood.
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