What Does the Book of Mormon Teach Us?

Anglefire.com, author: Lisa's Art Page (somethings altered to fit our family better)

Preparation:
Print and cut the answers of what the Book of Mormon does for us into strips and put them on colored paper.

Lesson:
Hide them and have the children find them and bring them up and put them on the board while you read them.

1. It warns us of danger.
2. It tells us to obey God and keep his commandments.
3. It teaches us that the Book of Mormon comes from God.
4. It gives us hope (when the world is full of bad things.)
6. It was written by prophets for to help us come unto Christ.
7. It teaches what people must fight for.
8. It tells that Satan is real and what he does to try to make us do bad things.
9. It tells us how to use our money for good.
10. It tells us of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice and why we take the sacrament.
11. It tells us of the plain and precious truths of the gospel
12. It informs us of the gathering of the house of Israel in the last days.
13. It tells us of how to do missionary work and why.
14. It warns us and teaches us how to be good people.
15. It teaches that the scriptures bless us and are more valuable than money, gold or diamonds.
16. It teaches us how to be happy by doing the things Jesus wants us to do.

Tell the story of Nephi and his brothers trying to obtain the brass plates in your own words or with the help of children's readers. (Don't make family home evening too long for small children. They enjoy hide and seek games, and stories.) You can have them dress and act out the story or make paper figures and put them on Popsicle sticks or back them with flannel so they have a reference.

Show a picture of the prophet. Explain to them how important it is to follow the prophet and listen to his guidance. We have been asked in General conference to read the Book of Mormon as a family. Let them know that you love the prophet, and the Lord, and that you will obey. And tell them you will be reading each day at a certain time.

The Prophet is a Teacher

Author: Mendi Stucki

At general conference we are taught by our prophet and his apostles the things we need to learn. If we listen carefully we will know what our Savior wishes for us to do. General Conference is broadcast all over the world so that everyone in every language can hear what our prophet wants to tell us. He also travels all over the world preaching the gospel to other nations. All around the world people hear our prophets voice and message. Show a picture of the prophet Ezra T. Benson .

At General conference in April 1989, President Benson’s message was to you the children of the church. He said: "Today I desire to teach you what our Heavenly Father wants you to know so that you can learn to do his will and enjoy true happiness. It will help you now and throughout your life." Then he told you that Heavenly Father wants you to read the Book of Mormon, to pray every day, to honor your fathers and mothers, to attend sacrament meeting and Primary, and to choose the right in everything you do. Near the end of his talk, he declared: "God Bless the children of this church. How I love you! How Heavenly Father loves you!" (See Ensign, May 1989, pgs. 81-83)

Our current prophet tells us to develop good friendships, Have self respect for our bodies, stay away from drugs, be honest, look forward to a Temple marriage, and get a good education.
Sing the first two lines of the second verse: In every land, in every tongue, our prophet will be heard; How swiftly round the world his voice reveals the gospel word.!
The prophet testifies of Christ and tells us he will come.

Read: Jacob 4:4-5

Show a picture of the savior. Gordon B. Hinckley’s testimony of the Savior. I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the eternal, living God. I believe in Him as the Firstborn of the Father and the Only Begotten of the father in the flesh. I believe in Him as an individual, separate and distinct from his father... I believe that in His mortal life He was the one perfect man to walk the earth. I believe that in his words are to be found that light and truth which, if observed, would save the world and bring exaltation to mankind... I believe that through His atoning sacrifice, the offering of His life on Calvary’s Hill, He expiated the sins of mankind, relieving us from the burden of sin if we follow Him. I believe in the reality and the power of His resurrection... None so great has ever walked the earth. None other has made a comparable sacrifice or granted a comparable blessing. He is the Savior and the Redeemer of the world. I believe in Him. I declare his divinity without equivocation or compromise. I love Him. I speak His name in reverence and wonder. I worship Him as I worship his Father, in spirit and in truth. I thank Him and kneel before His wounded feet and hands and side, amazed at the love he offers me. (ENSIGN, NOV. 1986, pp. 50-51)

Sing the last two verses of the second verse and the first two of the third verse The sacred message that he brings will witness and agree With every prophet called of God throughout earth’s history Hosanna! Let our praise ascend unto the savior’s throne; Rejoice! The prophet has confirmed that by Him we are known.

The prophet holds all the keys to the priesthood and kingdom of God.
Read D&C 27:12

Think of the keys that your mom and dad use to start your car.. These keys start up the engine.. think of the prophet as the engine of your car( he needs keys to keep the church running.... these keys are from Heavenly Father. They help give directions to his church on this earth).. The prophet uses these keys to power our vehicle (and our family) to our destination which is the kingdom of God.

Optional craft:
make paper keys. Tie together with yarn.

See also D&C 65:1-2 He holds the keys of the kingdom, that is the governing power and authority to administer in all spiritual and temporal affairs of the church. By delegation, General Authorities, temple presidents, mission presidents, stake presidents, bishops, and others receive keys pertaining to specific offices in their own areas. Thus through the Presidents authority, salvation becomes available to all people. He holds all the keys to the sealing ordinances of the temple, Only the prophet can grant a cancellation of a sealing. All temples are under his direct supervision..

Sing the last two verses of the song Attend, ye earth! The prophet speaks; come listen and obey. He is the man who holds the keys of priesthood power today. Bear your testimony that you know that there is a living prophet today.

Song:
Follow the prophet last verse.

Idea for a treat:
Prophet Pie. Make any kind of pie and relate it to a prophet.. Explain that although he looks whole on the outside. His responsibilities are divided into many roles. Divide the pie...into equal portions. Other examples. explain that although the prophet is hard and firm in the gospel like the crust he is actually so good on the inside and full of love for everyone.