Remember the New Covenant, Even the Book of Mormon

Scripture Chain: What the Doctrine and Covenants Teaches about the Book of Mormon

D&C 1:29 Takeaway: This book was TRANSLATED by the power of God. Not a religious book written by a modern day church leader. Not an ancient book translated by linguists. This was translated by God's power, so the translation is perfect.	D&C 20:8–15 Takeaway: The words of the Book of Mormon were given to prophets through inspiration of God. As we read these words, they are confirmed to us by the same power, here described as the "ministering of angels." The Spirit not only proves to our hearts that the Book of Mormon is true, but it also proves to our hearts that Joseph Smith (translator) was a prophet of God, inspired by God and called to his holy work in this dispensation. God never changes and has always spoken to his people through living prophets as well as scripture - why wouldn't he do so now? This book that we've been given will witness for our against us at the judgment day, so receive it with faith and work righteousness so that you can receive your celestial crown!
D&C 3:18–20 Takeaway: Another purpose of the Book of Mormon is to convert the descendants of the Lamanites, who are the house of Manasseh. I believe this can be applied to all those throughout the world that are yet to have His true gospel.	D&C 33:16 Takeaway: One of the purposes of the book is to be instructed by God through reading it. Not just by the words that are written by but the Spirit which instructs.
D&C 17:6 Takeaway: Testimony from God that the Book of Mormon is true. Also alludes to the fact that some of the book has yet to be translated. More to come!	D&C 42:12 Takeaway: The Book of Mormon with the Bible contains the FULNESS of the gospel, so it should be used in our teaching.
D&C 19:26–27 Takeaway: Martin Harris isn't the only one that should sacrifice for the Book of Mormon. Our sacrifice will not likely be financial, but we should dedicate our time to studying it.	D&C 84:54–58 Takeaway: Vanity and unbelief have resulted from treating lightly the Book of Mormon (not studying it). If we are not willing to receive the word of God as he gives it to us, it will be to our own condemnation.

So why is reading the Book of Mormon so important? To list a few reasons:
(1) It strengthens our faith and testimony because of the Spirit we feel
(2) It allows us to be taught by God (both through the text and the Spirit)
(3) It was inspired by God for us
(4) It will help us achieve our goal of Eternal Life for it contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
(5) God wants us to read it (in large part for the reasons mentioned)

What does the account of the lost manuscript pages teach about the Lord’s power?

What does the account of the lost manuscript pages teach about the Lord’s power?

D&C 1:1-3: 

1 The works, and the designs, and the purposes of God cannot be frustrated, neither can they come to naught.

 2 For God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round.
 3 Remember, remember that it is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men;

D&C 10: 14,43:
 14 Verily, I say unto you, that I will not suffer that Satan shall accomplish his evil design in this thing. 43 I will not suffer that they shall destroy my work; yea, I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil.

1 Nephi 9:6:6 But the Lord ^aknoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all ^bpower unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen.

2 Nephi 3:14
14 And thus prophesied Joseph, saying: Behold, that seer will the Lord bless; and they that seek to destroy him shall be confounded; for this promise, which I have obtained of the Lord, of the fruit of my loins, shall be fulfilled. Behold, I am sure of the fulfilling of this promise;

We can learn a lot about the Lord's power from this account. First off, I think it's obvious that the Lord knew well in advance (thousands of years in advance) that Satan would try to hinder the work by inspiring men to steal the manuscript. Even Joseph (of Egypt) foretold of wicked men trying to confound Joseph Smith and that the Lord would confound them.

We also learn that the Lord doesn't just know about events like this beforehand, he also prepares for them so that his work will not be hindered. How did he prepare in this case? He simply asked Nephi to make his own account, even though Lehi was writing one. So when the wicked men stole Lehi's account (the manuscript), we still had Nephi's account and the valuable scripture therein. 

The work moved forward without the manuscript to the frustration of those who worked so hard to steal it, change it, and create evil schemes to defraud the prophet. 

Why does this matter to us today? 

The same adversary that sought to thwart the printing of the Book of Mormon also seeks to destroy us. He constantly barrages us with his schemes to try to make us think, say or do something we ought not or to keep us from thinking, saying or doing things we should. We can be assured that the Lord knows beforehand what Satan is scheming up. The Lord is also willing to intervene by giving us guidance and helping us see the pitfalls and avoid them. Why wouldn't we pray for that divine help when it is so freely given? Remember the promise penned by Paul "God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13". So, pray always that you may conquer Satan (D&C 10:5)! The Lord is always stronger than Satan, and so are you if you're on the Lord's side.

 

Knowing God Is Eternal Life

These scriptures read together help teach an eternally essential truth:

John 17:3 - "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."

1 John 2:3-5 - "And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him."

1 John 4:7-8 - "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."

John 14:15 - "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

They also helped clarify why the greatest commandments are the greatest:


Matthew 22:35-40 -

"35 Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,

36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law?

37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

In studying these scriptures, it seems clear to me that knowing God is essential for Eternal Life. We can only know Him by keeping his commandments and loving (loving both him and others). Because God wants us to qualify for exaltation and return to him, he has given us the two greatest commandments, which if followed will lead us to eternal life. If knowing God is loving others and Him and keeping his commandments, I ask you this question: "Do you know God?"

To take this one step further, King Benjamin taught: "For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served,and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?" (Mosiah 5:13). In the same address he also taught that "when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God" (Mosiah 2:17).

So, if serving our fellowman is how we best serve God, and we can't know God without serving him, I again ask you this question: "Do you know God?"

Those who know God must fit a certain profile, which in this world will make them stand out among their peers. Some of the attributes in this profile would be service oriented, obedient to God's commandments, puts God first, loves everyone. Sounds a lot like the attributes of the Savior, which may be why he taught: "what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am" (3 Nephi 27:27).

As we follow the example of the Savior, we will come to know God and thus be prepared to receive eternal life. This is why he beacons, "Come, Follow Me."

Who am I, and who can I become? What does this mean to me?

Lesson
https://www.lds.org/youth/learn/ap/godhead/become?lang=eng

Agenda
Lion King Clip http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=maARmxjj3f0

What do you know about God? (list?)

Bible teaches us: Psalms 82:6, Hebrews 12:9, Acts 17: 28-29

What does it mean to be sons of God? Why is it significant that he is our Father and not our "owner" or just our "creator" only? What's the difference between us being his sons and not merely his pets or servants?

Chase - Lost Sheep parable, Rory - prodigal son parable, Joseph - Moses' Vision

Oath and Covenant - D&C 84:33-39

Uchtdorf's parable and 3 points.


Ask the young men to share what they learned today. What feelings or impressions do they have? Do they understand who they are and who they can become? Additional questions?

Invite to act: How will you use this understanding this week? What will you do about it? We will be following up!


Teacher Notes
Who am I?

• The Psalmist wrote that we are gods and children of God (Psalms 82:6). What does that mean that we are gods? Perhaps he was discussing our likeness to God, how he created us in his own image. Or maybe he was referring to a future state - that we are gods in embryo? 
• Paul clearly writes in Acts 17:28-29 that we are God's offspring.
• Paul describes God as the Father of our spirits, which supports our belief that we existed prior to this life with God as his spirit children (Hebrews 12:9).
• The Lord revealed to Joseph Smith that the inhabitants of the earth are God's sons and daughters (D&C 76:23).
• God said to Moses: "And, behold, thou art my son; wherefore look, and I will show thee the workmanship of mine hands...And I have a work for thee, Moses, my son; and thou art in the similitude of mine Only Begotten; and mine Only Begotten is and shall be the Savior, for he is full of grace and truth; (Moses 1:4,6)" 

Who can I become?

• The Parable of the Talents helps us realize that God has given us so much, including a great potential to be like Him. If we bury that potential, we'll lose it. If we do what we can to live up to it by improving ourselves during this life, we will be richly rewarded.
• Ever wonder why the Good Shepherd would leave the 99 to go after the 1 (Luke 15:4-7)? Or why there would be such rejoicing over the return of that 1 or over 1 soul that repents? There must be more to us than we think, we must be of greater worth than we can imagine. Perhaps our worth is determined by our potential, so if it's worthwhile for God to go to great effort to "rescue" our soul, we must have a great potential. Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; (D&C 18:10)
• It doesn't matter what mistakes we have made or how far we have strayed, God is our father and eagerly awaits our return. When we repent and return, the feast is no less grand than it was for the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32).
• If further evidence is required to convince you that God's love is infinitely great for you, think of the fact that God gave his only-begotten son as a sacrifice for you. (John 3:16)
• According to the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood in D&C 84, our potential as Priesthood holders is to "become the sons of Moses and of Aarons and the see of Abraham, and the church and kingdom, and the elect of God." Becoming the sons of these past prophets means that we receive the same covenant that they received and the same blessings for faithfulness. The promise gets better when the Lord promises us "all that [God] hath shall be given unto [us]" (verse 38).

What does this mean to me?

• The knowledge that he was God's son was critical for Moses to overcome Satan who subsequently came to him to tempt Moses. Moses was able to use the knowledge that he was a son of God with great potential to resist Satan's temptation. Moses said: "Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten...Blessed be the name of my God, for his Spirit hath not altogether withdrawn from me, or else where is thy glory, for it is darkness unto me? And I can judge between thee and God; (Moses 1:13,15)"Knowing he was a son of God put everything into perspective for Moses and helped him to clearly judge between good and evil. This also gave him confidence to stand up to Satan and call upon God to command Satan to depart from him.