38 Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer

Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer

Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer

Book of Mormon Videos https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/videos-and-images/book-of-mormon-videos?lang=eng  

3 Nephi 1:5 Unbelievers said the time was past for the sign that Samuel had given. Unbelievers today are the same. They don’t believe and they want to destroy the belief and faith of those who do.

3 Nephi 1:7 These staunch unbelievers still cause great havoc today. The ones in this time, even set up a date to kill the believers if the sign didn’t happen.

3 Nephi 1:11 Nephi cried in mighty prayer petitioning the Lord on behalf of his people.

3 Nephi 1:13 “Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.”

Becoming converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ requires patience and effort.
3 Nephi 1–7

In chapters 1-7, we read about groups of people who are converted to the Lord and others who are not.

In these chapters, notice the things that weaken conversion and those that strengthen conversion. (See notes below.)

What is the lesson for me here?

For kids:

A new star appeared when Jesus Christ was born.
3 Nephi 1:4–15, 19–21

Use This week’s activity page to help children learn about the miracles the people witnessed (saw) when Jesus was born.

Video: Chapter 41: The Signs of Christ’s Birth

For kids:

The prophets’ words are always fulfilled.
3 Nephi 1:4–21

Read together 3 Nephi 1:4–10. How do you think the believers felt with how they were being treated by the unbelievers? How would you feel?

Then read verses 11–15.

What could the lesson be in this story?

“The lesson of this story for me is …”

What other stories do you know when God has fulfilled His promises given through the prophets? (Show pictures and let the children tell the stories. (nos. 7–8 and 81) Can you think of others? How were God’s promises fulfilled?

Read together 3 Nephi 1:20.

We can see that Heavenly Father always keeps His promises and fulfills His words. That’s important to know in these last days. If we are faithful, we will be blessed. If we are good examples and invite others to come to Christ, they will be blessed too. The believing and faithful will always feel God’s love and His blessings.

Because of Jesus Christ, I can “be of good cheer.”
3 Nephi 1:1–23

Heavenly Father, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost can help us to experience joy even when our lives are difficult or even frightening.

3 Nephi 1:1–23 What reasons did the faithful Nephites have to be afraid? What reason did the Lord give them to be of good cheer? (See notes below.)

He told them that the sign of His coming would happen that night, and that he would be born the next day!

The Savior has used the phrase “be of good cheer” many times:
Matthew 14:24–27 Jesus walked to the boat when the winds were contrary. His disciples were afraid, but He told them to be of good cheer. It was He.

John 16:33 In a world of trouble, we can feel peace and be of good cheer, because Jesus has overcome the world.

Doctrine and Covenants 61:36 Jesus affectionately calls us His little children and tells us that He is with us, so we can be of good cheer.

78:17–19 We can be of good cheer, because Jesus will lead us forward and help us to understand and receive the riches of eternity line upon line.

How has Jesus helped you face your fears? How has He calmed your anxiety?

Joy and Spiritual Survival Learn what President Nelson teaches about finding joy in any situation.

We need to work on tuning our focus on Jesus Christ. How can you focus more on the Lord?

Grief
Hope
Mental Health
Life Help

The Lord will fulfill all His words in His time.
3 Nephi 1:4–21; 5:1–3

3 Nephi 1:4–7 The believers must have been so sad because of the unbelief and hate of the those were mocking their beliefs and making threats against them.

3 Nephi 1:4–21; 5:1–3 How did the believers keep their faith strong? (See notes below)

3 Nephi 1:19–21 Samuel’s words were verified. When the sun set, the sky was still bright all night long; and there was a new star. They knew Jesus was born.

Have you recognized the fulfillment of the Lord’s words in your own life?

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
3 Nephi 1:4–15; 5:12–26; 6:10–15; 7:15–26

3 Nephi 5:13 You can declare as Mormon did, “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.” What does that mean to you?

3 Nephi 1:4–15; 5:12–26; 6:10–15; and 7:15–26: Look for qualities, beliefs, and actions of disciples of Christ. (See notes below.)

I’m Trying to Be like Jesus

For kids:

We are stronger when we gather together.
3 Nephi 2:11–12; 3:13–14, 24–26

The Nephites were stronger when they gathered together. Who does unity bless us?

3 Nephi 2:11–12 Everyone that believed in freedom and knew that the Gadianton robbers sought to destroy the freedom of all civilizations came together, so that they should arm themselves both physically and spiritually, and stay true to the cause of freedom.

3:13–14, 24–26 The people were called (in a proclamation) to gather together. They worked together on repenting and becoming more righteous, on building fortification of protection and manning the perimeters of those safety nets, on building weapons of war, and on increasing their faith through constant prayer.

When have you witnessed people coming together like this before?

You could use an object lesson to show how there is strength in numbers. (Sticks, rubber bands, and paper become increasingly hard to break when banded together.)

When I exercise faith in Jesus Christ, I don’t need to fear.
3 Nephi 2:11–12; 3:1–26

3 Nephi 2:11–12; 3:1–26 Look for lessons that can help you face spiritual dangers. (See notes below)

 3 Nephi 3:2–10 You could search Giddianhi’s words. (See notes below.)

What do you learn from the example of Lachoneus? (See notes below.)

For kids:

I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
3 Nephi 5:12–26; 6:14; 7:15–26

Read 3 Nephi 5:13 “Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.”

Repeat, “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”

3 Nephi 5:12–26; 3 Nephi 7:15–26 What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? (See notes below)

I’m Trying to Be like Jesus

Help the children to trace one of their hands. On one side, have them write, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. On the other side (or the other hand), let them write or draw something they can do to be Jesus’s disciple.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/1?lang=eng

Nephi, the son of Helaman, departs out of the land, and his son Nephi keeps the records—Though signs and wonders abound, the wicked plan to slay the righteous—The night of Christ’s birth arrives—The sign is given, and a new star arises—Lyings and deceivings increase, and the Gadianton robbers slaughter many. About A.D. 1–4.

Note those things that weaken conversion and those that strengthen conversion.

3 Nephi 1:1–23 What reasons did the faithful Nephites have to be afraid? What reason did the Lord give them to be of good cheer?

3 Nephi 1:4–15 Look for qualities, beliefs, and actions of disciples of Christ.
3 Nephi 1:4–21 How did the believers keep their faith strong?

Vs 4 Are you noticing greater signs and miracles happening in connection with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ? Buckle up and pay attention.

Vs 5-7 The unbelievers did their best to sow contention and unbelief, that it even troubled the believers. Do you see this happening too?

Vs 8 Watch steadfastly. Do not allow naysayers to diminish your faith. Jesus promised He'd return. Wait on the Lord.

Vs 9 The unbelievers set a date to kill the believers.

Vs 10-11 Nephi, a prophet, was sad for the wickedness among his people. He prayed mightily to God for them and for the safety of the believers.

Vs 12-15 The Lord told Nephi the time was at hand. He would be born the next day. He said that He comes unto His own. I think that is true not just in His birth to the royal line, but to all who have faith on Him, which the Father has given Him because of His atonement and their faith in Him, their repentance, and keeping His commandments and their covenants. Oh, how the steadfast people must have rejoiced when there was no darkness that night!

Vs 16-18 Everyone recognized the sign, because there was no darkness that night. Everyone fell to the earth. The unbelievers bear to fear because of their iniquity and unbelief.

Vs 19-21 A day, a night, and a day...without any darkness; and the new star appeared in the sky; all according to the words of the prophets.

Vs 22-23 Even though most believe, there were still those who discounted everything and were lying and deceiving again.

The gospel continued to be taught. Many repented because of the sign that they had seen, and they knew that the Lord had been born.

Vs 27-30 Gadianton robbers were emerging again and gaining a following from dissenters, both among the Nephites and the Lamanites. Signs do not convert. Faith and obedience do.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/2?lang=eng

Wickedness and abominations increase among the people—The Nephites and Lamanites unite to defend themselves against the Gadianton robbers—Converted Lamanites become white and are called Nephites. About A.D. 5–16.

Note those things that weaken conversion and those that strengthen conversion.

Vs 1-2 It's important to commit to memory in our minds and our hearts the miracles that we witness and cause us to believe. It's important to guard against vain imaginations that cause disbelieve and lead us away from the doctrine of Christ.

3 Nephi 2:11–12 Look for lessons that can help you face spiritual dangers.

Vs 11 We are seeing this again in our own Country. Why do they that are evil get away with so much wickedness and get many people to support and believe them?

Vs 12-16 The righteous Nephites and Lamanites became one people. The were united in faith and in working together against the Gadianton robbers.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/3?lang=eng

Giddianhi, the Gadianton leader, demands that Lachoneus and the Nephites surrender themselves and their lands—Lachoneus appoints Gidgiddoni as chief captain of the armies—The Nephites assemble in Zarahemla and Bountiful to defend themselves. About A.D. 16–18.

Note those things that weaken conversion and those that strengthen conversion.

3:1–26 Look for lessons that can help you face spiritual dangers.
3 Nephi 3:2–10 You could search Giddianhi’s words.

Vs 1-10 Giddanhi’s letter is ridiculous. It is full of flattery, pretended concern and backhanded compliments and lies. 
What do you learn from the example of Lachoneus?

Vs 11-19 Lachoneus wasn't afraid of a robber's threats. He caused his people to petition the Lord for help and strength, and to gather together in one. He caused them to buld fortifications around them and that their armies should guard them day and night.

Lachoneus prophesied and taught the people. Gigiddoni was chosen to be captian. He also had the spirit of revelation and prophecy.

Vs 20-21 What is to be learned here? The Lord doesn't want us to cause offense or start war, but He does require that we defend ourselves and our families, our religion and our freedoms.

Vs 25 The people stayed together and fortified themselves against their enemies. They listened to the prophet and repented of their sins. They prayed to God for deliverance.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/4?lang=eng

The Nephite armies defeat the Gadianton robbers—Giddianhi is slain, and his successor, Zemnarihah, is hanged—The Nephites praise the Lord for their victories. About A.D. 19–22.

Note those things that weaken conversion and those that strengthen conversion.

Vs 4 They had seven years of provisions set up for themselves in Zarahemla. Joseph had done this in Egypt during a great famine. These people were all in this one city or land, and the Gadianton robbers had no provisions and the game was scarce. But to fight the Nephites, they'd have to come against them all. Will this be what Zion is like?

Vs 9-10 Taking time to kneel and prayer invites the powers of heaven to be with us. The battle is the Lord's.

Vs 18-20 The Nephites had prepared well and had what they needed within the walls of their city.

Vs 29-33 This is a great example of thanksgiving, humility, praise and joy. I need to remember to return thanks to God for the many things that He has blessed me with and for delivering me from sin and death.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/5?lang=eng

The Nephites repent and forsake their sins—Mormon writes the history of his people and declares the everlasting word to them—Israel will be gathered in from her long dispersion. About A.D. 22–26.

Note those things that weaken conversion and those that strengthen conversion.

5:1–3 How did the believers keep their faith strong?

Vs 1-3 The righteous Lamanites and Nephites had become one people. Thy banded together in faith of Jesus Christ and in fighting against the Gadiantan Robbers. They were the believers.

Vs 4-6 For the time being, they put an end to the Gadiantan Robbers by preaching the gospel to the prisoners and giving them a chance to repent.

5:12–26 Look for qualities, beliefs, and actions of disciples of Christ.
3 Nephi 5:12–26 What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?

Vs 13 “Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.”

Disciples should declare the Lord's word so that others might have eternal life. We should invite all to come unto Christ.

Vs 14-19 Mormon pauses in his record to let us know that He was commanded to choose from the records and write a record for us that would be given to the world to invite us to come unto Christ.

Vs 20-26 We are part of that gathering foretold of by the prophets of God and by this good man, Mormon. We are also of the tribe of Joseph who will again assist in the salvation of the House of Jacob as we invite others to come unto Christ. The records that he compiled, along with his own testimony, The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ is a main tool to implement the gathering.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/6?lang=eng

The Nephites prosper—Pride, wealth, and class distinctions arise—The Church is rent with dissensions—Satan leads the people in open rebellion—Many prophets cry repentance and are slain—Their murderers conspire to take over the government. About A.D. 26–30.

I feel that this is where our Country is today.

Note those things that weaken conversion and those that strengthen conversion.

Vs 12-16 How do wealth and pride and inequality destroy the quality of living conditions for everyone and stop the progress of both the church and of nations?

6:10–15 Look for qualities, beliefs, and actions of disciples of Christ.

Vs 14 “the church was broken up in all the land save it were among a few of the Lamanites who were converted unto the true faith; and they would not depart from it, for they were firm, and steadfast, and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord.”

20 And there began to be men inspired from heaven and sent forth, standing among the people in all the land, preaching and testifying boldly of the sins and iniquities of the people, and testifying unto them concerning the redemption which the Lord would make for his people, or in other words, the resurrection of Christ; and they did testify boldly of his death and sufferings.

Vs 23 Are we willing to die in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ? These men did.

Vs 26-28 This is where our government is now and has been, and where many governments across the world are.

There was an assassination attempt on President Trump's live at a rally. It really appears that the secret service and the FBI may have been complicit, at the bidding of Biden's presidency, with or without his knowledge.

Biden's administation staged a coup against him, because Trump's ratings went up after the failed assassination attempt; and they put Kamala Harris as the candidate for president instead of Biden.

It's a mess. But God is always at the helm.

Vs 29-30 It seems that this is where our Country is and/or where it is headed. Many politicians combine to further their own agendas. We are being weakened in our Country because of poor leadership and because of iniquity.

For eight years, the left has brought case against case to try to oust him out of office, to steal an election from him, and to keep him from office again.

The last trial against him was illegal according to many lawyers, left and right, who have talked about it.

 

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/7?lang=eng

The chief judge is murdered, the government is destroyed, and the people divide into tribes—Jacob, an anti-Christ, becomes king of a secret combination—Nephi preaches repentance and faith in Christ—Angels minister to him daily, and he raises his brother from the dead—Many repent and are baptized. About A.D. 30–33.

Note those things that weaken conversion and those that strengthen conversion.

Vs 2 Will these happen, or will it be preserved? Will the Elders of Israel save the Constitution for those who are virtuous and want to abide by moral principles? How is this going to play out?

Remember "The Battle is the Lord's.)

Vs 4 The dissolvement of their government and their unity as a people came about because they yielded themselves to the power of Satan.

7:15–26 Look for qualities, beliefs, and actions of disciples of Christ.
3 Nephi 5:12–26; 3 Nephi 7:15–26 What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?

Vs 15-20 Those who were evil still saw and beheld miracle, but that just made them angry. They were angry with the prophet Nephi because the power He received through His faith in Jesus Christ.

Vs 21-22 “Those who were evil still saw and beheld miracle, but that just made them angry. They were angry with the prophet Nephi because the power He received through His faith in Jesus Christ.”

Vs 24-25 According to the teaching of Jesus Christ, all that repent are baptized. That is the witness or the sign of the covenant that we make with Him.