Mormon 8-9

Mormon 8-9 Study Guide – to be discussed March 5
Day 1: Read Mormon 8:1-11
1. How did Mormon die? What did he command Moroni to do before he died?



2. Once the Nephite civilization was destroyed, with whom did the Lamanites go to war? Why do you think they did this?



3. Who had ministered to Mormon and Moroni? Why did they leave?



Day 2: Read Mormon 8:12-22
4. What promise did Moroni leave in Mormon 8:12? What are the associated warnings in Mormon 8:17?



5. In what way(s) has the Book of Mormon been “brought out of darkness unto light”?



6. List reasons why people today judge the Book of Mormon rashly.



Day 3: Read Mormon 8:23-32
7. How and for what purpose will Book of Mormon prophets cry from the dust?



8. What signs did Moroni list to identify the day in which the Book of Mormon would come forth?



9. What kinds of pollutions did Moroni foresee?



Day 4: Read Mormon 8:33-41
10. From Mormon 8:23 and 33, what further witness did Moroni give in support of his vision of our day?



11. Moroni wrote that he had not only seen our day, but had seen us. List problems he warned us about from
Mormon 8:36-41



12.What first-hand experience did Moroni have with the sword of vengeance?



Day 5: Read Mormon 9:1-14; John 5:22
13. According to Mormon 9:1, to whom is chapter nine addressed? What event does verse 2 describe?



14. Why would unbelievers be happier in hell than in the presence of God?



15. How is the gospel the same yesterday, today and forever? List elements of the Plan of Salvation outlined by Moroni in Mormon 9:11-14.



BONUS: Read Mormon 9:14 with John 5:22. What qualifies Christ to judge mankind?



Day 6: Read Mormon 9:15-25; Bible Dictionary entry, “Miracles”
16. Name some of the miracles that surround us every day.



17. What is the relationship between faith and miracles?



18. In what way(s) is a personal testimony of Christ and his gospel a miracle?



Extra Credit: Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Miracles.” List the different names by which miracles are described in the scriptures.



Day 7: Read Mormon 9:26-37; Mosiah 8:13; Bible Dictionary entry, “Urim and Thummim”
19. From Mormon 9:28, what does it mean to “ask with a firmness unshaken”? For what did Moroni say we should ask?



20. Read Mosiah 8:13 and the Bible Dictionary entry, “Urim and Thummim.” What means had the Lord prepared for the translation of the record?



21. What was the desire and prayer of all the Nephite prophets?

Mormon 4-7

Mormon 4-7 Study Guide – to be discussed February 26
Day 1: Read Mormon 4:1-10; Review Mormon 3:8-11
1. In what year did the Nephites attack the Lamanites? After reviewing Mormon 3:8-11, how long had it been since the Lamanites attacked the Nephites? Why did the Nephites go on the offensive?



2. According to Mormon, how are the wicked punished?


3. After the battle at Teancum, what was the attitude of the Nephites? Why?



Day 2: Read Mormon 4:11-23
4. What enabled the Lamanites to take possession of the city Desolation? How did the Nephites recover their lands?



5. How many years did the Lamanites wait before coming again against the Nephites? How many were in the Lamanite army?


6. Why did Mormon take up the Nephite records at this time?



BONUS: How is the dew swept off by the sun? Is this an apt simile (v.18)?


Day 3: Read Mormon 5:1-11
7. What kind of hope was Mormon without? Why to you think he took up command of the army again?



8. Which Nephites were easily picked off by invading Lamanites?


9. Give two reasons Mormon did not elaborate on the details of the carnage he witnessed.



Day 4: Read Mormon 5:12-24; Title Page of the Book of Mormon; Genesis 6:1-3; Job 21:17-18
10. List reasons for the Book of Mormon to come forth in the latter days.



11. What is the Spirit of the Lord, and why does it sometimes “cease to strive” with people? (See also Genesis 6:1-3.)




BONUS: According to Mormon, how can we avoid becoming like chaff, driven before the wind; or like a boat with neither sail nor rudder nor anchor? (See also Job 21:17-18; Helaman 12:5; Ether 12:4.)



12. List warnings Mormon directed to the Gentiles (and everyone) in the latter days.



Day 5: Read Mormon 6:1-10; Review 4 Nephi 1:48 and Mormon 1:2
13. What made the hill Cumorah a strategic location for battle?



14. Compare Mormon 6:5 with 4 Nephi 1:48 and Mormon 1:2. About how old was Mormon when he prepared the Nephites for their final battle? What did he do with the records?



15. Why were the Nephites afraid to die?



Day 6: Read Mormon 6:11-22; 2 Nephi 1:15; D&C 6:20; Alma 34:16
16. How many people survived with Mormon and Moroni? How many were led in battle by Mormon? By Moroni? List the total number of Nephite warriors recorded.



17. Why did Mormon mourn the loss of his people? What could have prevented their destruction?



18. Read Mormon 6:17 with 2 Nephi 1:15, D&C 6:20, Alma 34:16. What do the open arms of the Savior represent?



Day 7: Read Mormon 7; 2 Nephi 31:21; Alma 11:44; 3Nephi 11:27,36; D&C 20:28; Review Mormon 5:11
19. List what Mormon wanted us to KNOW as a result of reading the Book of Mormon.




20. Now list what Mormon wanted us to DO, based on what we know.




21. Compare Mormon 7:7 with 2 Nephi 31:21, Alma 11:44, 3 Nephi 11:27,36, and D&C 20:28. How are the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost one God?

Mormon 1-3

Mormon 1-3 Study Guide – To be discussed February 12
Day 1: Read Mormon 1:1-10; Review 4 Nephi 1:19-21, 47-48
1. Who was Ammaron? In what year did he hide up the sacred records? How old was Mormon at that time? What qualities distinguished Mormon from others?



2. Which plates did Ammaron direct Mormon to take and continue engraving? From whom was Mormon descended?



3. Where and in what year was the first Nephite-Lamanite war Mormon recorded? What kind of war was it?



Day 2: Read Mormon 1:11-19; Mosiah 4:11; Alma 36:24
4. Why did the Lord take away his beloved disciples? What else was taken away?



5. What do you think Mormon meant when he wrote that he “tasted and knew of the goodness of Jesus”? (See also Mosiah 4:11 and Alma 36:24.) What did this experience cause Mormon to want to do?



6. List ways in which the land was cursed because of the wickedness of the people.



BONUS: Read D&C 59:4. How are commandments a blessing?



Day 3: Read Mormon 2:1-9; 2 Nephi 13:4
7. How does the information in Mormon 2:1-2 fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy as recorded in 2 Nephi 13:4?



8. Why do you think the Nephite armies were too frightened to fight?



9. About how old was Mormon when his army defeated Aaron’s Lamanite army? Why wouldn’t the people repent?



Day 4: Read Mormon 2:10-19; 2 Corinthians 7:9-10; Helaman 13:39
10. Why did the Nephites mourn? (Read also 2 Corinthians 7:9-10.) What does “the Lord would not always suffer them to take happiness in sin” mean?



11. Mormon records that by 345 AD “the day of grace was passed with them.” If the Lord’s grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9), and his arms are always outstretched to receive his children (Alma 5:33), how could the day of grace be passed? See also Helaman 13:39.



12. Why do you think Mormon abbreviated his record of the wickedness of the people in the abridgement of his original record on the large plates of Nephi?



Day 5: Read Mormon 2:20-29; Alma 46:12; Helaman 4:24
13. Compare Mormon’s speech to his people in Mormon 2:23 with Captain Moroni’s Title of Liberty in Alma 46:12. What is the same? What is different?



14. Why do you think the “strength of the Lord” left Mormon’s army? What happens when we offend the Spirit? See also Helaman 4:24.



15. What were the terms of the treaty in the 350th year?



Day 6: Read Mormon 3:1-10; Ezekiel 18:21-23
16. Why do you think Mormon was commanded to cry repentance to the people when he had been restrained from doing so earlier in his life? Do you think the Lord knew his teaching would be in vain? See also Ezekiel 18:21-23.



17. What did Mormon do to prepare a defense against the impending Lamanite attack?



18. What was the general attitude of the victorious Nephite army? What tactical mistake did they make?



Day 7: Read Mormon 3:11-22
19. How had Mormon demonstrated his love for his people?



20. Who will judge the 12 tribes of Israel? According to what will they be judged? Who will judge the remnant of the Lamanites and Nephites?



21. List reasons Mormon gives for writing.

Requested Quotes

Here are the quotes requested from our study of 3 Nephi 28-30. Thanks for asking!

Translation is the process by which a mortal body of the telestial order is changed to a mortal body of the terrestrial order. The word “mortal” in this sense, means a being whose body and spirit have not been permanently united by the resurrection. Richard Cowan succinctly stated, “We are telestial mortals, translated beings are terrestrial mortals, while exalted resurrected beings are celestial immortals.” (Alma, The Testimony of the Word, pp. 201-2 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 464)

Joseph Smith:
“Now the doctrine of translation is a power which belongs to this Priesthood. There are many things which belong to the
powers of the Priesthood and the keys thereof, that have been kept hid from before the foundation of the world; they are hid from the wise and prudent to be revealed in the last times. Many have supposed that the doctrine of translation was a doctrine whereby men were taken immediately into the presence of God, and into an eternal fullness, but this is a mistaken idea. Their place of habitation is that of the terrestrial order, and a place prepared for such characters He held in reserve to be ministering angels unto many planets, and who as yet have not entered into so great a fullness as those who are resurrected from the dead. ‘Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.’ (See Hebrews 11:35.) Now it was evident that there was a better resurrection, or else God would not have revealed it unto Paul. Wherein then, can it be said a better resurrection. This distinction is made between the doctrine of the actual resurrection and translation: translation obtains deliverance from the tortures and sufferings of the body, but their existence will prolong as to the labors and toils of the ministry, before they can enter into so great a rest and glory.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 170-1))

Elder John W. Taylor:
“...in a little while you will find another prophecy will be fulfilled, and that is the prophecy that Jesus made to the three Nephites who, having power over death, are still living upon this continent. He spoke to them of a time when they would perform a great and mighty work among the Gentiles; and that has not yet been fulfilled, but it will be. You will find that many districts where the Elders of Israel cannot reach will be penetrated by these men who have power over death...My testimony is that these men are going abroad in the nations of the earth before the face of your sons, and they are preparing the hearts of
the children of men to receive the Gospel. They are administering to those who are heirs of salvation, and preparing their hearts to receive the truth, just as the farmer prepares the soil to receive the seed. The Lord has promised that He would send his angels before the face of His servants, and His does so.” (Conference Report, Oct. 1902, p. 75 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 463))

“We often teach the gospel without mentioning the covenant of Abraham or the house of Israel, as though these covenants did not even exist. In the Book of Mormon, Jesus teaches us that the ancient covenants are as valid today as they were 4,000 years ago. I believe that they have something to do with the political events occurring in the world and also with our children and grandchildren traveling to various places of the earth, among war and revolution, to tell of the restoration of the gospel and of the Book of Mormon. These events are occurring before our very eyes. According to Jesus' own words, the covenants of Abraham Isaac, Jacob and Joseph are still important to the Father and to Jesus and should also be important to us.” (Robert J. Matthews, Book of Mormon Symposium Series, 3 Nephi 9-30, edited by PR Cheesman, MS Nyman, and CD Tate, Jr., 1988, p.38))

4 Nephi

4 Nephi Study Guide – to be discussed February 5
Day 1: Read 4 Nephi 1:1-6; Moses 7:18; D&C 82:15-19; D&C 97:21; D&C 46:10-26
1. In what year were all people converted to the Lord? Read Moses 7:18, D&C 82:15-19 and 97:21. Use details from these verses to explain how the people in 4 Nephi had “all things common among them.”



2. What does it mean to be a partaker of the heavenly gift (v.3)? See also D&C 46:10-26.



3. Why do you think so many miracles were performed among these people?



Day 2: Read 4 Nephi 1:7-15; D&C 88:76-77
4. How did the righteous prosperity of the people improve their economy?



5. List from 4 Nephi 1:12 what the people continued doing. From D&C 88:76-77, what similar injunctions have been given in this dispensation?



6. How many times in the first fifteen verses of 4 Nephi did Mormon note that there was no contention? Why was there no contention in the land?



Day 3: Read 4 Nephi 1:16-23
7. List challenges the people described in the first part of 4 Nephi did NOT have to deal with.



8. Who kept the record on Nephi’s death? How long did he keep it?



9. In all, about how many years of perfect peace did the people enjoy? What changed this condition?



BONUS: Read 1 Nephi 12:8-12. About six hundred years earlier, Nephi had seen in vision this period in the history of his descendants. How many generations did he envision passing away in righteousness?

Day 4: Read 4 Nephi 1:24-34; D&C 98:22-27
10. What attitudes and actions caused the end of the living of the law of consecration among the people? To what did this lead? How many years did it take?


11. Why were the true saints persecuted?



12. What kinds of miracles did the people witness and reject? Why did they reject the truth?



BONUS: Why do you think the followers of Christ did not defend themselves? See also D&C 98:22-27.



Day 5: Read 4 Nephi 1:35-41; Mosiah 29:27
13. In what year was there a great division among the people? List the titles of the true believers.



14. What is the difference between those who “dwindle in unbelief” and those who “willfully rebel”? Which usually comes first?



15. Why do you think wickedness multiplied so rapidly and gained such strength? See also Mosiah 29:27.



Day 6: Read 4 Nephi 1:42-49; Helaman 2:4; Helaman 6:26-29
16. What happened to cause the three disciples who tarried to begin to sorrow for the sins of the world?



17. In what year did Ammaron hide up the sacred records? Why?



18. Read Helaman 2:4, 6:26-29. Who were the Gadianton robbers? Who was behind their secret oaths?



Day 7: Re-read 4 Nephi
19. From 4 Nephi 1-23, list steps you think are significant in a nation becoming a Zion people.




20. From 4 Nephi 24-49, list steps that led to the downfall of these people.




21. Name one thing you can do to make your own home more like Zion.

Requested Quote: Cynthia L. Hallen: Among orthodox Jews, a husband is not allowed to watch his wife going through the labor of childbirth. He sits in the corner of the deliver room with his back turned so that she will not feel embarrassed or immodest in herunavoidable hour of agony. He does not abandon her, although she may feel very much alone. The woman recites or sings psalms as she endures contractions. When the pain becomes too great for her to continue singing, the husband takes over, reciting psalms for her. Although Zion cannot see the Lord in the time of her probation, when she weeps, he weeps with her; when she sings, he rejoices with her. Redeeming the Desolate Woman, Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, 1:46)

3 Nephi 28-30

3 Nephi 28-30 Study Guide – to be discussed January 22
Day 1: Read 3 Nephi 28:1-11
1. What did nine of the disciples desire of Christ?



2. What did the other three disciples desire? How was their mission different?



3. Name the one kind of sorrow to which the Savior said the three would be subject. List promises to the three disciples, from 3 Nephi 28:8-10.



Day 2: Read 3 Nephi 28:12-23; Bible Dictionary entry, “Transfiguration, Mount of”
4. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Transfiguration, Mount of.” How does the experience recorded in 3 Nephi 28:12-15 compare to the events on the Mount of Transfiguration? Why do you think this kind of experience might help apostles in their stewardship?



5. Why do you think the disciples were forbidden to speak of the details of this experience?



6. List physical manifestations of the blessing Jesus left on his disciples.



BONUS: How does 3 Nephi 28:23 fulfill the prophecy in 3 Nephi 27:31?



Day 3: Read 3 Nephi 28:24-33
7. When did Mormon write? (See notes at the bottoms of pp. 469-480.)


8. Among whom will the three who did not taste death minister?


9. List elements of the missions of the three disciples today.



Day 4: 3 Nephi 28:34-40
10. What strict warning is given in 3 Nephi 28:34-35?

11. How did Mormon learn of the nature of the three disciples who tarried?



12. List qualities of translated beings as described in 3 Nephi 28:39-40.



Day 5: Read 3 Nephi 29; 2 Nephi 28:2-6
13. Read the chapter heading to 3 Nephi 29. What are “these sayings” (v.1)? Of what is its coming forth a sign?



14. Are there people today who “deny the revelations of the Lord” (v.6) and spread doubt in order to get gain (v.7)? According to 2 Nephi 28:2-6, how can the Book of Mormon be used to combat these evils?



15. Rewrite 3 Nephi 29:9 in your own words.



Day 6: Read 3 Nephi 30
16. To whom is 3 Nephi 30 addressed? What is the first word of instruction? Who commanded Mormon to write?



17. List the verbs in Mormon’s warning and promise to us in 3 Nephi 30:2.



18. Why should we want to be numbered with the house of Israel?



Day 7: Review 3 Nephi 10:3-7; 11:9-11, 29-41
19. After reviewing some of the first statements issued by the Savior in his instruction to the Book of Mormon peoples, list major themes of his visitation.



20. Using the themes identified in question 20, list how these ideas were embraced by the people.



21. What themes might the Savior employ today?

3 Nephi 24-27

3 Nephi 24-27 Study Guide – to be discussed January 15
Day 1: Read 3 Nephi 24:1-6; Bible Dictionary entry “Malachi,” D&C 128:24, D&C 84:31-34
1. From the Bible Dictionary, what does the name “Malachi” mean? When was the prophecy recorded by Malachi received? List some themes from the second part of Malachi’s prophecy, as identified in the Bible Dictionary. Why didn’t the Nephites have these scriptures?



2. What was the significance to the people gathered at Bountiful regarding Malachi’s prophecy that the Lord – the “messenger of the covenant” (v.1) – would suddenly come to his temple? What is the significance to us today?



3. Using D&C 128:24 and D&C 84:31-34, and remembering both Moses and Aaron were descended from Levi (the tribe from which all priests came anciently), who are the “sons of Levi” and what might their “offering in righteousness” be?



Day 2: Read 3 Nephi 24:7-18; D&C 64:23; D&C 85:9-11
4. How has Israel robbed God? List promised blessings to all who pay tithes and offerings. (See also D&C 64:23.)



5. Rephrase the complaint of the wicked in 3 Nephi 24:14-15. How did the Lord answer?



6. Whose names will be written in the “book of remembrance” mentioned in 3 Nephi 24:16? (See also D&C 85:9-11.)



Day 3: Read 3 Nephi 25; D&C 110:13-16
7. What do you think it means to be left with neither root nor branch?



8. In what way(s) might the Savior be thought of as having “healing in his wings”? Who will benefit from this healing?



9. Read D&C 110:13-16. How has Malachi’s prophecy been fulfilled in this dispensation?



Day 4: Read 3 Nephi 26:1-11; Daniel 12:1-3
10. Why was Jesus instructed to give Malachi’s prophecies to the Nephites? How much of the earth’s history did he expound (or explain)?



11. Using Daniel 12:2, what is another term for the “resurrection of damnation”?

12. Why was this “lesser part” included in Mormon’s abridgement?



Day 5: Read 3 Nephi 26:12-21; D&C 128:17-18
13. List what the Lord did for the people, as recorded in 3 Nephi 26:13-14.



14. Why do you think the Savior opened the mouths of babies as part of his mission? Read D&C 128:17-18. In the last part of verse 18, the Lord declared through Joseph Smith that babes and sucklings would again reveal glorious things in this dispensation. How are these miraculous events related to Malachi’s message?



15. List steps the people took to become more perfect, as recorded in 3 Nephi 26:17-21.



BONUS: If you could be present on only one of the three days of Christ’s visit to the people at Bountiful, which day would you choose and why?


Day 6: Read 3 Nephi 27:1-16; Acts 10:34-43
16. List the things the disciples were doing when Jesus “again showed himself unto them.”



17. Why do you think there were “disputations” among the people concerning the name of the church?



18. What elements of the gospel are outlined in 3 Nephi 27:13-16?



BONUS: Read Acts 10:34-43. Compare your answer in question 18 above with the elements of the gospel taught by Peter in the Old World at around the same time.


Day 7: Read 3 Nephi 27:17-33
19. Compare 3 Nephi 27:11 with 3 Nephi 27:17. What common warning was given to those who build on the works of men and those who do not endure to the end?



20. How can we become sanctified?



21. Why did the Lord rejoice over the generation of saints he visited at Bountiful? How would his visit to their descendants in the fourth generation differ from the visit recorded here?

Christmas Break

For a scripture-based Christmas Quiz and some great Book of Mormon research, check out the website linked to the right, Book of Mormon Research. Search for Christmas Quiz or click here.

3 Nephi 21-23

3 Nephi 21-23 Study Guide: To be discussed January 8
Day 1: Read 3 Nephi 21:1-10; Isaiah 66:18-20
1. Read the chapter heading for 3 Nephi 21. Which verses in 3 Nephi 21:1-9 include the theme: “Israel shall be gathered when the Book of Mormon comes forth”? What is the “sign” mentioned in verses 1 and 7?



2. Read Isaiah 66:18-20. What “sign” of the last days is described by Isaiah?



3. According to the Savior, who will work a great and marvelous work in the latter days? What is that work?



BONUS: Read D&C 135:3. Who is the “servant” described in 3 Nephi 21:10? In what sense was he “marred” but not hurt?


Day 2: Read 3 Nephi 21:11-21; Bible Dictionary entry, “Grove”
4. List warnings to those who reject the Book of Mormon. Now list ways it is rejected.



5. Horses and chariots symbolize power, or military victory. Cities and strongholds symbolize safety. How do the warnings in 3 Nephi 21:14-19 illustrate the phrase “my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil”?



6. Look up “Grove” in the Bible Dictionary. What were “groves” and why would the Lord want to pluck them up?



Day 3: Read 3 Nephi 21:22-29; Isaiah 52:11-12
7. What does the Lord promise those who “repent and hearken” to his words?



8. What three groups of people will participate in building the New Jerusalem?



9. 3 Nephi 21 is a commentary on Isaiah 52. What do 3 Nephi 21:22-28 add to your understanding of Isaiah 52:11-12?



Day 4: Read 3 Nephi 22:1-8; Isaiah 54:1-8 with footnotes; Joel 2:26-27; Revelation 19:7-8
10. 3 Nephi 22 is a continuation of the Lord’s sermon, in which he quotes much of Isaiah 54. When is the “then” of 3 Nephi 22:1, when the once-barren Zion will sing and rejoice in her posterity?



11. List promises to Israel at that day. See also Joel 2:26-27, Revelation 19:7-8.
12. What is the great mercy and everlasting kindness of the Lord? (See also Genesis 49:26.)



Day 5: Read 3 Nephi 22:9-17; Isaiah 54:9-17 with footnotes; 2 Kings 56:15-16; 1 John 4:4; D&C 109:26
13. What visual context (object lesson?) did the Nephites have for the Lord’s promise in 3 Nephi 22:10? When nothing else is certain, on what may we depend?



BONUS: The phrase, “with fair colors” in 3 Nephi 22:11 is sometimes rendered “in hard mortar.” Read this verse with Revelation 21:19-22. What impresses you about this description of Zion?


14. According to 3 Nephi 22:14, what establishes our safety within Zion’s walls?



15. What is the heritage of the servants of the Lord? See also 2 Kings 6:15-16, 1 John 4:4, D&C 109:26.



Day 6: Read 3 Nephi 23:1-6; review 3 Nephi 20:10-15
16. According to 3 Nephi 23:2, how many subjects relating to the House of Israel did Isaiah teach about? To what other group did he speak?



17. What do you think Jesus meant when he commanded the people to “search the prophets”?



18. List similarities between 3 Nephi 23:1-5 and 3 Nephi 20:10-15 (the first and last passages in the Lord’s discourse).



Day 7: Read 3 Nephi 23:7-14
19. What fulfillment of Samuel’s prophecy had not been recorded? Why was it important to do so?



20. It is recorded that Jesus “expounded all the scriptures” to the people (vv. 6, 14). What do you think this means?



21. What was the Savior’s final commandment in 3 Nephi 23?



BONUS: Why should we study the words of Isaiah?