“show unto [me] what great things the Lord hath done for [my] fathers; and that [I] may know the covenants of the Lord”

– Title Page, The Book of Mormon

 

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BOM Easter Lesson – The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

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The Book of Mormon is another scriptural witness of the resurrection of Jesus Christ

The Book of Mormon, just like The Bible, is a scriptural witness of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. “. . . the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also” (2 Nephi 29:8).

Jesus Christ’s Atonement

Because of his great love for us Jesus Christ died a horrible death (Luke 23:33; 2 Nephi 10:3). Jesus Christ volunteered in pre-mortality to be our Savior (Abraham 3:27-28, Moses 4:1-2). Jesus knew he had to die for Heavenly Father’s plan to work for us.

Jesus’s Atonement started in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus Suffered for all the sins of mankind (Luke 22:44, D&C 19:18, Mosiah 3:7). After much suffering, the atonement ended with his death (Matthew 27:35-50, Mark 15:37, Mosiah 14:12).

Jesus Preached In The Spirit World

After Jesus died, and before he was resurrected, Jesus “went and preached unto the spirits in [spirit] prison” (1 Peter 3:18–19; D&C 138:11–12, 18 – many people call this place “Hell”).

“. . . the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow” (Alma 40:12 – many people call this place “Heaven”).

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Jesus Was Resurrected

On the third day after he died, Jesus Christ “rose again” (1 Corinthians 15:4; Mosiah 3:10). Resurrection is when “the spirit and the body [are] reunited again in its perfect form” (Alma 11:43; 40:18). Resurrection is when the spirit reunites with the body and will never leave the body again.

When we are born, the spirit and the body are temporarily joined together, and the spirit gives the body life. When we die, the spirit separates from the body leaving it lifeless, but the spirit is still alive. At the time of the Resurrection, the body and spirit will be reunited. Everyone who lives on the earth will be resurrected after death. Jesus Christ was the only one who could make resurrection possible for us (Mosiah 15:19-20, Alma 40).

People in Jerusalem knew Jesus Christ was resurrected because “. . . he was seen [by many]” (1 Corinthians 15:5–8). The Nephites, who lived in America, know Jesus Christ was resurrected, because “they saw [Jesus] descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them” (3 Nephi 11:8–10). Jesus wanted the Nephites to touch the prints of the nails in his hands and feet that they “may know that [he is] the God of the whole earth, and [had] been slain for the sins of the world” (3 Nephi 11:14–15).

We All Benefit from Jesus’s Atonement

Because of Jesus, we will all be resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:20–22; Alma 40:4). Any disabilities or infirmities we might have will be for this earth life only. We will be made whole and perfect in the Resurrection (Alma 40:23).

Since most of us have not seen the resurrected Jesus Christ as the Apostles and the Nephites did, we can gain knowledge of the Resurrection from the scriptures and the Holy Ghost. “And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost” (Moroni 10:4–5).

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BOM Lesson 15 – Humility and Faith are Strengths

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Humility and Faith Can Give us the Strength to Face Adversity

Being humble and having faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, will strengthen us in the face of adversity. Often adversity comes as challenges to our faith, temptations, or even threats because of our beliefs. Two groups of Nephites, faced such challenges as they lived near their enemies the Lamanites. The Lamanites forced them into servitude and kept them from freely worshiping Jesus Christ. A group of Lamanites also faced annihilation because of their conversion to the Lord.

The People of King Limhi

The people of Limhi had lived next to the Lamanites who persecuted them. The Lamanites would “smite them on their cheeks, and exercise authority over them; and began to put heavy burdens upon their backs, and drive them as they would a dumb ass.” (Mosiah 21:3). “Yea, all this was done that the word of the Lord might be fulfilled” (Mosiah 21:4) as had been prophesied by Abinadi (see Mosiah 12:2, 4–5) due to their sins under the wicked King Noah.

The people still lacked humility despite King Limhi being more righteous. The people under King Noah had boasted in their own strength (Mosiah 11:18-19), and still felt they could take on the Lamanites in battle. After losing in battle three times, “they did humble themselves even to the dust, subjecting themselves to the yoke of bondage, submitted themselves to be smitten, and to be driven to and fro, and burdened, according to the desires of their enemies” (Mosiah 21:13–14).

Though their humility may have seemed like weakness to the Lamanites, to God it signified that they were ready to repent and rely on him. He then gave them the strength to endure their captivity. The “Lord did hear their cries, and began to soften the hearts of the Lamanites that they began to ease their burdens” (Mosiah 21:15–16). Limhi’s people learned Humility from living in bondage.

King Limhi and his people made a promise to God and honored their covenant with baptism. (Mosiah 21:35). As they continued to show faith and humility, God eventually inspired Gideon to devise a plan for Limhi’s people to escape from the Lamanites (Mosiah 22:5-8) and eventually they joined the rest of the Nephites in the Land of Zarahemla (Mosiah 22:13).

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The People of Alma

The “Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith” (Mosiah 23:21). “Nevertheless—whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day.” (Mosiah 23:22). Sometimes blessings don’t come right away but require patience.

Alma told his people to not be frightened, but “that they should remember the Lord their God and he would deliver them.” (Mosiah 23:27). “they hushed their fears, and began to cry unto the Lord that he would soften the hearts of the Lamanites” (Mosiah 23:28). The “Lord did soften the hearts of the Lamanites” (Mosiah 23:29).

The wicked ruler Amulon would not let Alma and his followers pray out loud. They “did not raise their voices to the Lord their God, but did pour out their hearts to him; and he did know the thoughts of their hearts” (Mosiah 24:12). The “Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.” (Mosiah 24:13–16).

God gave Alma revelation to lead his people out of bondage from the Lamanites. After they showed their gratitude by “[pouring] out their thanks to God because he had been merciful unto them, and eased their burdens” while they were in bondage. (Mosiah 24:21–22).

The Anti-Nephi-Lehi’s

A generation later many of these same Lamanites decided to call themselves The Anti-Nephi-Lehi’s because they “became a righteous people; they did lay down the weapons of their rebellion” (Alma 23:7). In doing so they covenanted with God to never fight again or shed blood, even go so far as to bury their weapons (Alma 24:15-16).

There were still many Lamanites who hadn’t been converted to follow Jesus Christ, and they didn’t like that their king was one of the Anti-Nephi-Lehi’s, so they went war against them (Alma 24:20). When the Anti-Nephi-Lehi’s saw the Lamanites coming against them, they didn’t allow fear to destroy their faith, but instead were humble and showed faith in Jesus Christ by going out to meet the Lamanites (Alma 24:21). Without any resistance, the Lamanites easily killed over a thousand of the Anti-Nephi-Lehi’s (Alma 24:22).

The Anti-Nephi-Lehi’s took comfort that their fallen people having “no reason to doubt but what they were saved” (Alma 24:26). At the same time, the Lamanites stopped killing and started to feel sorrow for what they were doing. They ended up also being converted to the Lord (Alma 24:27).

Humility and Faith Lead to Salvation

How has suffering in your life helped you become more humble, obedient, and prayerful? How has faith in Jesus Christ helped you be less fearful?

Even if we aren’t facing such drastic challenges because of our faith, or in danger of being killed because of our beliefs, it is important to note that those who do, who are humble and have faith in Jesus Christ, will be saved. It’s also important to know that through these sacrifices, many more can also be converted and saved from their sins. Our humility and faith can also help us to endure our afflictions, to not be afraid of our enemies, and still be saved regardless of what may happen to us.

Lesson 14 – Stand for your Beliefs More Lessons Lesson 16 – Repent
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BOM Lesson 14 – Stand for What you Believe.

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Standing for Your Beliefs

To simply say you believe in something is not enough. To truly have something you believe to be a part of you, you must live it and stand up for it. If the second your beliefs are challenged, you hid them or give up on them, then they are not real beliefs. This is not to say you can’t strengthen them, but until your willing to stand up for what you believe, they are not truly a part of you.

Abinadi is the best example from The Book of Mormon of standing for what you believe. The Lord commanded Abinadi to tell the wicked King Noah and his people to repent (Mosiah 11:20–21), as they were living lives of sin. King Noah also taxed his people a fifth of all their possessions to support himself and his lifestyle (Mosiah 11:1–7, 14–15, 19). Notice how this is a stark contrast to King Benjamin from the previous lesson.

Abinadi had boldly testified to the wicked King Noah and his priests of the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Mosiah 12:33–36; 13:11–24). Abinadi pointed out to them that these commandments were not a part of what they truly believe (“written on their hearts”) because they were not living them.

The Wicked are Often Sacred of and Offended By Truth

King Noah and his people responded to the words of Abinadi by trying to kill him, but because of Abinadi’s faith, conviction, and unfinished mission, God gave him the power to evade them (Mosiah 11:26–29). Even after Abinadi was captured and brought before King Noah, Abinadi was protected by the power of God which caused the people of King Noah afraid to lay their hands on him (Mosiah 13:3–5).

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This gave Abinadi the time to testify about Jesus Christ and his atonement. (Mosiah 15:1, 6–8; 16:14–15). Despite this King Noah still wanted to have Abinadi killed (Mosiah 17:1). As you can read in various verses from the books of Nephi (see: 1 Nephi 16:2-3, 2 Nephi 9:40), this disdain towards those who speak truth can often be expected from those who are wiked like King Noah. Despite this, Abinadi stood his ground and continued to stand for what he believed.

It can sometimes be difficult to stand for what is right, but we can find strength through Christ to stand for the right.

Abinadi Seals His Testimony with his Life

Abinadi continued to show his strength and courage by being willing to seal his words with his life (Mosiah 17:7–10). By being willing to do this, he not only proved his true belief in the Gospel but also helped to convert others to follow Jesus Christ. Abinadi was burned to death, sealing his words with his death (Mosiah 17:20).

“For the Lord suffereth the righteous to be slain that his justice and judgment may come upon the wicked; therefore ye need not suppose that the righteous are lost because they are slain; but behold, they do enter into the rest of the Lord their God” (Alma 60:13).

King Noah “placed his heart upon his riches” and himself (Mosiah 11:14; 19:7–8). In contrast, Abinadi placed his heart upon the things of God (Mosiah 13:4; 17:7–10). King Noah’s heart was on things of this life and this world, but Abinadi was focused on things beyond this life knowing that his eternal salvation was more important than his earthly life. Sometimes righteous people have died for defending the truth, but when this happens, they “do enter into the rest of the Lord their God.” The Lord allows this so “that his justice and judgment may come upon the wicked” (Alma 60:13).

Abinadi’s testimony affected Alma before his death. (Mosiah 17:1–4). We will learn more about Alma in our next lesson.

Abinadi’s prophecy of King Noah’s death in Mosiah 12:3 was fulfilled in Mosiah 19:19–20.

For another example like Abinadi, read about Alma and Amulek who stood up for what they believed, despite being in prison and watching other believers being executed: Alma 14.

Lesson 13 – Good Leaders More lessons Lesson 15 – Humility and Faith are Strengths
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BOM Lesson 13 – Good Leaders Are Essential

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The Importance of Good Leaders

In this lesson, we will learn about King Benjamin, a prophet and good leader of the Nephites who served his people. King Benjamin was a great example of the kind of leader who taught his people, through his own example of how to live in peace and happiness (You’ll learn of another leader who is the exact opposite in the next lesson, and how sinful his people where). King Benjamin also taught them the importance of taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ.

King Benjamin served his people – as the best leaders do – by spending his days in their service, and “not sought gold nor silver nor any manner of riches . . . even have I suffered that ye should commit any manner of wickedness . . . I, myself, have labored with mine own hands that I might serve you, and that ye should not be laden with taxes” (Mosiah 2:12–15). King Benjamin also taught that “when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” (Mosiah 2:16–19). Likewise, by serving others shows, we are showing our gratitude and love for Heavenly Father.

King Benjamin, promised his people that they would “prosper in the land” if they obey Heavenly Father’s commandments (Mosiah 2:22). He understood that being righteous allows God to bless us. It also prevents people from doing the malicious and dishonest things that lead to hardship; especially when we have leaders, or those in power, who only care about their own riches.

Most importantly King Benjamin taught that Christ should come to live on the earth and be crucified and resurrected (Mosiah 3:5–7, 9–10, Mosiah 3:11–13). Jesus Christ suffered and died that we might repent of our sins, be baptized, be resurrected, and live with Heavenly Father forever. His sacrifice for us is called the Atonement.

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Learn From Good Leaders

King Benjamin call his people together, so he could pass his Kingship to his son Mosiah (Mosiah 1:10). The people of Zarahemla responded to the call to gather at the temple to hear their prophet and king (Mosiah 2:1–6). Today we hear or receive the words of the living prophets in General Conference, Church publications, Church meetings, and so on. We can prepare ourselves to listen to the words of our leaders, by “[opening our] ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view” (Mosiah 2:9).

King Benjamin taught his people the importance of taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ. Just like when you are born into a family, you take upon yourselves a family name. This name may represent many important things, such as our heritage, our beliefs, the way you do things, and so on. When we are baptized with proper authority, we become members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ. When we take the name of Jesus Christ upon us, we are declaring our belief in him and our willingness to follow his teachings.

Jesus Christ Is The Best Leader

Jesus showed us through his example the best way to lead others. He served, helped, and taught others, as did King Benjamin who was following Jesus Christ as his leader. King Benjamin told his people they should “always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God”, to be humble, to be steadfast in our faith, to teach our children, and be “willing to enter into a covenant with our God to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things” (see: Mosiah 3:21; 4:11–15; 5:5-8, 13-15). We are blessed to “a state of never-ending happiness” when we take on the name of Christ and are faithful to our covenants (Mosiah 2:41).

Most importantly King Benjamin taught, “There shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent” (Mosiah 3:17). Jesus Christ asks us to “keep his commandments”, to “[put] off the natural man”, and to “Submit our will to the Savior’s will in order to take upon ourselves his name” (see: 2 Nephi 31:5–12; Mosiah 2:1-22, Mosiah 3:2-19).

The people of Zarahemla “all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us . . . we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually” (Mosiah 5:2,5–9). We can experience this mighty change by putting “off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord,” and becoming “as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit” (Mosiah 3:19).

Lesson 12 – Pray Always More Lessons Lesson 14 – Stand For Your Beliefs
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BOM Lesson 12 – Pray Always with Sincerity

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Pray Always

To pray always, doesn’t mean to constantly be on our knees about every little thing that comes up in our lives, but it’s important to always remember God in all that we do. To always remember that we can seek the blessings that come through sincere prayer to Heavenly Father. Enos, the son of Jacob, is a good example of sincere prayer. Joseph Smith also earnestly sought after God and gave a sincere prayer before his “first vision” (See: Joseph Smith—History 1:14–16).

Enos Prays with Faith

Enos went to pray because his soul hungered for the things his father had taught him (Enos 1:1–4). Heavenly Father answered Enos’s prayer through a voice that told him his sins were forgiven “Because of [his] faith in Christ” (Enos 1:5–8). While we may not hear a voice answering us, through our faith in Jesus Christ, and because he suffered for our sins, we too will be forgiven when we repent.

Enos desire that “the Lord God would preserve a record of [his] people” (Enos 1:13). The Book of Mormon is an answer to Enos’ prayer. Just as the Lord promised Enos, people today can gain a testimony of Jesus Christ through the Book of Mormon.

Lord tells Enos a record would be kept because of his faith: “Thy fathers have also required of me this thing; and it shall be done unto them according to their faith; for their faith was like unto thine.” (Enos 1:15–18).

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Pray for Others

After his sins were forgiven, Enos pray “for the welfare of [his] brethren, the Nephites” (Enos 1:9). The Lord answered Enos saying: “I will visit thy brethren according to their diligence in keeping my commandments” (Enos 1:10). Likewise, we should pray for the welfare of others. Enos also prayed for the Lamanites, his enemies (Enos 1:11). Why would you pray for your enemies?

When we pray for others, it helps us to keep one of God’s greatest commandments to Love others (see: Matthew 22:38-40). When we pray for our enemies, it also helps us to fulfill the commandment to love our enemies (see: Luke 6:27-35).

How to Pray

Do the following when you pray:

  1. Begin by addressing our Father in Heaven.
  2. Tell him what you are thankful for.
  3. Ask him for what you desire.
  4. Close by saying, “In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”

while you pray, show respect by using formal words like: thee, thy, thou, thine instead of you, your, yours (see Dallin H. Oaks, The Language of Prayer in Ensign, May 1993, pp. 15–18).

We should take the time to listen after we have prayed, just as Enos did, so we can hear Gods answers.

How we Get Answers

Enos heard the voice of the Lord in his mind in answer to his prayer. Answers can also come as a feeling of peace or comfort; a feeling that something is not right; as an ideas that come into our minds; while reading a scripture that brings understanding to a particular situation; through counsel from Church leaders, parents, and others sent by the Lord; and even dreams or visions.

Heavenly Father sometimes answers “no” to our prayers. Sometimes Heavenly Father will not give us the things we ask for because he knows they are not the best thing for us. We need to be prepared to accept whatever answer our Heavenly Father gives us to our prayers. Sometimes we also need to be patient for the answers to come in the timing that God knows is best for us. God also expects us to do our part, to do our own research and bring our ideas to him in prayer. Simply giving us the answer to everything will not help us to learn and grow, but he will help to confirm if our decision is the right one.

Lesson 11 – Be Careful Of The Signs you Seek More Lessons Lesson 13 – We Need Good Leaders
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BOM Lesson 11 – Be Careful Of The Signs you Seek

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Beware The Signs you Seek

After Nephi had passed away, his brother Jacob took responsibility for the records. Jacob confronted a man named Sherem who asked to be shown a sign, but Jacob replied saying: “What am I that I should tempt God to show unto thee a sign in the thing which thou knowest to be true? Yet thou wilt deny it, because thou art of the devil” Jacob 7:13–14. Seeking signs is not a good way to gain a testimony of Christ, because “he that seeketh signs shall see signs, but not unto salvation . . . But, behold, faith cometh not by signs . . .” D&C 63:7–12. Signs may come after we demonstrate faith and obedience, but we should not seek them.

You can remember from past lessons that Laman and Lemuel’s also lacked a testimony. They two had been shown many signs: 1 Nephi 3:29–31, 1 Nephi 16:39, 1 Nephi 17:45, and 1 Nephi 18:20. Despite all the signs they had seen, they still ultimately ended up being enemies of Nephi (see Alma 49:32).

Real Knowledge Come From the Holy Ghost

In Sherem’s case, he was given a sign, but at the cost of his life. He confesses that his deceptions were from the devil, and then he died. The people who witnessed this did not just see this as a sign, but also were given a spiritual confirmation. “And when the multitude had witnessed that he spoke these things as he was about to give up the ghost, they were astonished exceedingly; insomuch that the power of God came down upon them, and they were overcome that they fell to the earth” (Jacob 7:21–23).

The only way to ultimately know if something is true is through confirmation from the holy ghost (See: Moroni 10:4-7).

Lesson 10 – Withstand Evil Influences More Lessons Lesson 12 – Pray Always
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BOM Lesson 10 – How to Withstand Evil Influences

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Withstand Evil Influences

Breaking a string is easy, but to break the rope is much harder. Our testimonies start like single pieces of string, but we can strengthen them until they become unbreakable. We can all develop strong testimonies that will help us when others try to challenge us and our beliefs or try to deceive us. Having a testimony of Jesus Christ will help us have the power to withstand evil influences.

In Alma 5:46 we learn that we can strengthen our testimonies by having things “made known unto [us] by the Holy Spirit of God”. It goes on to say we can fast and pray “that [we] might know these things of [ourselves].” We also strengthen ourselves against evil by “keep[ing] the commandments of God” Alma 37:35.

Sherem Tries to Deceive Jacob

Nephi’s brother Jacob had a strong testimony about Jesus Christ (Jacob 7:5, 10–12). Jacob confronted Sherem who was trying to convince the people that Jesus Christ would not come. “He preached many things which were flattering unto the people; and this he did that he might overthrow the doctrine of Christ” Jacob 7:2–4. Sherem “had been deceived by the power of the devil” (Jacob 7:4, 18) likely because of a week testimony. Read about some of Sherem’s lies in Jacob 7:7, 9–10, 19.

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Jacob withstood the evil influence of Sherem because he had “heard and seen; and it also has been made manifest unto [him] by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, [he] know if there should be no atonement made all mankind must be lost” (Jacob 7:5, 8, 10–12). Although you may not see angels or hear God’s voice, you too can be strong when people tempt you to do wrong. The Holy Ghost can testify to you of the truth of things, and help to strengthen your testimony.

Strengthen Others By Sharing Your Testimony

Because Jacob stood up to Sherem and shared his testimony of Jesus Christ, “the power of God came down upon” the people who had seen it (Jacob 7:21). These people had “peace and the love of God” among them (Jacob 7:23). Think of how you can share your testimonies with others. Why do you think our own testimonies grow stronger when we share them with others?

Additional reading for this lesson:

Read the entire story: Jacob 7:1–23, and learn more about Jacob: 1 Nephi 18:7, 2 Nephi 2:1–4, 2 Nephi 11:2–3, and Jacob 1:17–19.

Dealing With Difficult Family More Lessons Sign Seekers Be Careful
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BOM Lesson 9 – Dealing with Difficult Family Members

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Nephi Deals with Difficult Family Members

Throughout the 1st Book of Nephi, the first book within The Book of Mormon, Nephi deals with difficult family members. In particular, his brothers Laman and Lemuel create contention and even threaten Nephi‘s life. These occurrences start being mentioned when they are living in the wilderness (1 Nephi 2:11-12). When Lehi sends his sons back to Jerusalem to complete a couple of tasks they also “Murmur” against Lehi (1 Nephi 3:5). It continues when they team up with Ishmael and his children. Some of the Daughters of Ishmael team up with Laman and Lemuel in their constant striving to create contention (1 Nephi 7:6).

When Nephi is building the ship, his brothers tried to kill him, Heavenly Father gave Nephi power that “whoso shall lay his hands upon [him] shall wither even as a dried reed” (1 Nephi 17:48, 54). Not long after, while they are on the boat heading to the promised land they are at it once again.

Laman and Lemuel Cause a Ruckus

Laman, Lemuel, the sons of Ishmael, and their wives “began to make themselves merry, insomuch that they began to dance, and to sing, and to speak with much rudeness, yea, even that they did forget by what power they had been brought thither; yea, they were lifted up unto exceeding rudeness” causing them to lose the guidance of the Lord through the Liahona (1 Nephi 18:9–12). Similarly, we can lose the guidance of the Holy Ghost if we forget the Lord in our lives.

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The disobedience of Laman and Lemuel affected their parents and the rest of the family: They “suffered much grief . . . and much sorrow . . . And Jacob and Joseph also, being young, having need of much nourishment, were grieved because of the afflictions of their mother; and also [Nephi’s] wife with her tears and prayers, and also [his] children” (1 Nephi 18:12–19). How has your obedience or disobedience affected your family members? What could you do differently to improve your family’s relationships?

Nephi Keeps the Spirit With Him

Nephi’s did not murmur because of being mistreated by his brothers, but “did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long” (1 Nephi 18:16). Nephi understood that to maintain the help he needed from the Holy Ghost, he needed to stay in the right frame of mind. Thus instead of becoming angry and trying to fight back, he continued to call upon God for his strength. We too can follow Nephi’s example, and in turn be a good example to those around us, including our family. Nephi is a perfect example of how we can choose our own responses and actions, despite the actions of those around us. (See also D&C 122:7)

Instead of letting his brothers get him down, Nephi used the opportunity to exercise and grow his faith in Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ. God also promised Nephi that his descendants would likewise have his brother’s descendants there as a reminder of the importance of following God (1 Nephi 2:24).

Be Prepared to Receive Spiritual Promptings

The inspiration of the Holy Ghost can come to us as a feeling of peace or comfort, a thought that inspires us to make a right choice, a quiet voice of instruction, a feeling that warns of danger, and so on. To receive these promptings we must be ready to receive them. What can you do to prepare yourselves so you can recognize the influence of the Holy Ghost? Nephi did this by praying often, and fearing and praising God (1 Nephi 18:3, 10, 16). What choices do you make daily that will help you be guided by the Holy Ghost?

Lesson 8 – All Things are Possible Through God More Lessons Lesson 10 – Withstanding Evil Influences