2 Nephi 33

(Below is a list of questions and quotes that help me think about each verse as I read it. The numbers represent the verses in the chapter.)

When we open our hearts, messages from the Holy Ghost can enter our hearts. As members of the Church we have a responsibility to study the Book of Mormon.

THE FAMILY BIBLE

Old Brother Higgins built a shelf

     for the family Bible to rest itself.

lest a sticky finger or a grimy thumb

     might injure the delicate pages some.

He cautioned his children to touch it not

     and it rested there with never a blot

though the Higgins tribe were a troublesome lot.

His neighbor, Miggins, built a shelf

     "Come children," he said, " and help yourself."

His book is old and raggfed and worn,

     with some of the choicest pages torn,

where children have fingered and thumbed and read

But of the Miggins tribe I've heartd it said,

     each carries a Bible in his head.

1. Why did Nephi prefer speaking to writing? 

1. Why do you think it is significant that the Holy Ghost carries the truth unto our hearts but not into our hearts?

"Please notice  how the power of the Spirit carries the message unto but not necessarily into the heart. A teacher can explain, demonstrate, persuade, and testify, and do so with great spiritual power and effectiveness. Ultimately, however, the content of a message and the witness of the Holy Ghost penetrate into the heart only if a receiver allows them to enter. Learning by faith opens the pathway into the heart." - David A Bednar, Ensign, September 2007

"Why just unto the heart? Individual agency is so sacred that Heavenly Father will never force the human heart, even with all His infinite power. Man may try to do so, but God does not. To put it another way, God allows us to be the guardians, or the gatekeepers, of our own hearts. We must, of our own free will, open our hearts to the Spirit, for He will not force Himself upon us." - Gerald N Lund, GC, April 2008

2. What do many people do with the scriptures that is more difficult to do if the prophet were speaking to them in person? What is the effect of the word of God? What do you think people need to do to open their hearts to the Spirit? What behaviors and attitudes do you think a person with an open heart would demonstrate during personal scripture study, Sunday school and Sacrament meeting? When have you felt that a gospel message has entered your heart? What were the circumstances, and what were the results? What does this tell yo about your heart at that time?

"I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase, mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow, the spirit of contention will depart, parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom, children will be more responsive and submissive to that counsel, righteousness will increase, faith, hope, and charity, the pure love of Christ will abound in our homes and lives bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness." Marion G Romney, GC, April 1960

3. How did Nephi feel about the things he had written? How did he feel about his people? How do you think your parents and church leaders feel about you?

4. What is Nephi's testimony of prayer? What is your testimony of prayer? How did Nephi describe the records he had made? How did he know that those things he had written would bless and strengthen his people?

5. What had Nephi written regarding sin and wickedness? If a person finds himself angry at the words contained in the scriptures of what spirit is he? What can you do if you ever feel angry or rebellious toward scriptural truths, to root out the spirit of the devil from your soul?

6. What do you glory in?

7-8. How do you know if you have indeed received the gift of charity toward others as Nephi had toward his people? How can the Holy Ghost assist you in gaining this knowledge?

9. What is Nephi's hope in regards to you being spotless at the judgement seat? What do you have to do to become spotless?

10. If people really believe in Jesus Christ, how will they feel about the Book of Mormon? Why does believing in and doing the words of Christ ensure that you are on the path toward eternal life? Why do some people who seem to believe in Jesus Christ reject the Book of Mormon?

11. How can you find out for yourself if the words contained in the Book of Mormon are the words of Christ? How can a person find out if the Book of Mormon in true?

14. How will unbelievers feel when they meet Nephi face to face at the judgement? What will you say to Nephi when you get a chance to meet him in the next life? Evaluate your efforts to study the Book of Mormon, what is one way you could improve your study?

"It seems to me that any member of this Church would never be satisfied until he or she had read the Book of Mormon time and time again, and thoroughly considered it so that he or she could bear witness that it is in very deed a record with the inspiration of the Almighty upon it, and that its history is true... No member of the Church can stand approved in the presence of God who has not seriously and carefully read the Book of Mormon." - Joseph Fielding Smith.

"Regardless of how many times you previously may have read the Book of Mormon, there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God." - Gordon B Hinckley, Ensign, August 2005

2 Nephi 32

(Below is a list of questions and quotes that help me think about each verse as I read it. The numbers represent the verses in the chapter.)

When we feast on the words of Christ, the words of Christ will guide us in ALL the things that we should do. As we pray always, we will e able to do all the Lord would have us do for the welfare of our souls.

1-7. Think of a time when someone gave you directions to get from one place to another. Was it easy to or difficult to understand those directions? Why is it important to have someone give clear directions?

1.What do you need to do to stay on the strait and narrow path once you have begun your journey upon it through baptismal covenants and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost?

2-3. Do you seek to speak with the Spirit? How should the Spirit influence ALL your communications? What does it mean to speak with the tongue of angels?

"You can speak with the tongue of angels, which simply means that you can speak with the power of the Holy Ghost." - Boyd K Packer, Ensign, August 2006

"The Lord has called for “cheerful hearts and countenances” (D&C 59:15). He has asked us to so speak and so act that we edify or build one another ... the fruit of receiving the Holy Ghost and listening to the promptings of the Spirit is that we may speak with “the tongue of angels” (2 Ne. 32:2). Thus we create a spirit of reverence and of revelation." - Robert S Wood, GC, October 1999

3. What does it mean to feast upon the words of Christ? How might the word feast be compared to the words snack or starve? Have you ever found yourself just snacking on the scriptures? What can you do to ensure that you feast and therefore never only snack or worse yet, starve? Consider each of the following opportunities to feast upon the words of Christ as ask yourself how well you feast at these times: personal scripture study, sacrament meeting, general conference, family scripture study, seminary, family home evening, Sunday classes, personal prayer.

"To feast means more than to taste. To feast means to savor. We savor the scriptures by studying them in a spirit of delightful discovery and faithful obedience. When we feast upon the words of Christ, they... become an integral part of our nature." - Russell M Nelson, GC, October 2000

"If you and I are to feast upon the words of Christ, we must study the scriptures and absorb His words through pondering them and making them a part of every thought and action." - Robert D Hales, GC, October 1998

"While reading the scriptures is good, reading by itself is insufficient to capture the full breadth and depth of the Savior’s teachings. Searching, pondering, and applying the words of Christ as taught in the scriptures will bring wisdom and knowledge beyond our mortal understanding. This will strengthen our commitment and provide the spiritual reserves to do our best in all situations." - Dean M Davies, GC, April 2013

"Insight found in scripture accumulates over time, so it is important to spend some time in the scriptures every day." -Julie B Beck, GC, April 2010

"Feasting upon the words of Christ is a unique experience. When we read and look for principles and doctrines that will help us in our daily lives, we will have a renewed enthusiasm." - Walter F Gonzalez, GC, October 2009

"Through studying and pondering the scriptures and the words of the latter-day prophets, we can feast upon the words of Christ, and the words will tell us all the things that we should do. Then we must nourish the word and allow it to take root. (See Alma 32:41–43.) After we hearken to the word and hold fast to it, we are promised that temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary will not overpower us. (See 1 Ne. 15:24.) We will be able to recognize the truth when we hear it just as the shepherds and the Wise Men knew when they were told about the Savior’s birth. The scriptures are the word of God and a light to us and the world, and we can follow this light as if they were our guiding star." -Betty Jo N Jepsen, GC, October 1992

"If [you] are acquainted with the revelations, there is no question - personal or social or political or occupational - that need go unanswered. Therein is contained the fulness of the everlasting gospel. Therein we find principles of truth that will resolve every confusion and every problem and every dilemma that will face the human family or any individual in it." - Boyd K Packer, Teach the Scriptures, [3rd ed.], 89

“Let us not treat lightly [His word]. … [It is] one of the most valuable gifts He has given us. … Recommit … immerse yourselves in them daily. … Read them in your families and teach your children to love and treasure them. Then prayerfully and in counsel with others, seek every way possible to encourage the members of the Church to follow your example.” (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, May 1986, p. 82.)

"I promise you that daily family prayer and scripture study will build within the walls of your home a security and bonding that will enrich your lives and prepare your families to meet the challenges of today and the eternities to come. God grant unto us the desire to seek Him reverently and humbly in prayer and the sincere desire to study His word, as contained in His holy scriptures." - L Tom Perry, GC, April 1993

4. Why does it take work to remove darkness from your life? What kind of work is required of you to remove darkness? What does it mean to ask? What does it mean to knock? How can doing so bring light into your life? How might prayer be a good example of asking or knocking?

5. What blessing did Nephi promise you when you receive the Holy Ghost?

6. What does this verse teach about the doctrine of Christ?

7. What attitude did Nephi's people have that caused him to mourn for them? Why do these attitudes keep people from searching and understanding the scriptures? How well do you take advantage of opportunities to learn from the scriptures? What can you do to improve and be filled with light? Why is it important to you to study from the scriptures every day?

8. Who would not want you to pray any time, especially after you have sinned? Why? Why do you think that the Lord wants you to pray? Why do you think that Satan does not want you to pray?

9. How often should you pray? What blessings does the Lord promise to you if you pray always? What do you think it means to pray always? What can you do to ensure that you are in the habit of praying always?

"There may be things in our character, in our behavior, or concerning our spiritual growth about which we need to counsel with Heavenly Father in morning prayer. After expressing appropriate thanks for blessings received, we plead for understanding, direction, and help to do the things we cannot do in our own strength along... During the course of the day, we keep a prayer in our heart for continued assistance and guidance... We notice during this particular day that there are occasions where normally we would have a tendency to speak harshly, and we do not; or we might be inclined to anger, but we are not. We discern heavenly help and strength and humbly recognize answers to our prayer. Even in that moment of recognition, we offer a silent prayer of gratitude. At the end of our day, we kneel again and report back to our Father. We review the events of the day and express heartfelt thanks for the  blessings and the help we received. We repent and with the assistance of the Spirit of the Lord, identify ways we can do and become better tomorrow. Thus our evening prayer builds upon and is a continuation of our morning prayer. And our evening prayer also is a preparation for meaningful morning prayer. Morning and evening prayers - and all of the prayers in between - are not unrelated, discrete events; rather, they are linked together each day and across days, weeks, months, and even years. This is in part how we fulfill the scriptural admonitions to pray always. Such meaningful prayers are instrumental in obtaining he highest blessings God holds in store for  His faithful children." - David A Bednar, GC, October 2008

"I testify that prayer becomes more meaningful as we counsel with the Lord in all of our doings, as we express heartfelt gratitude, and as we pray for others with real intent and a sincere heart." - David A Bednar, GC, October 2008

"The acquisition of understanding and enthusiasm for the Lord comes from following simple rules. One of those rules is to read the word of the Lord. I know that within the demands of your studies there is little time to read anything else. But I promise you that if you will read the words of that writing which we call scripture, there will come into your heart an understanding and a warmth that will be pleasing to experience. Let the Lord speak for Himself to you, and His words will come with a quiet conviction that will make the words of His critics meaningless." - Gordon B Hinckley, Improvement Era, June 1966

9. What does it mean to be consecrated? How will the Lord consecrate your performance unto you?

"We tend to think of consecration only as yielding up, when divinely directed, our material possessions. But ultimate consecration is the yielding up of oneself to God. Heart, soul, and mind were the encompassing words of Christ in describing the first commandment, which is constantly, not periodically, operative (see Matt. 22:37). If kept, then our performances will, in turn, be fully consecrated for the lasting welfare of our souls." - Neal A Maxwell, April 2002

2 Nephi 31

(Below is a list of questions and quotes that help me think about each verse as I read it. The numbers represent the verses in the chapter.)

Jesus Christ fulfilled all righteousness by obeying all the commandments of the Father. We must follow Jesus Christ's example of obedience by being baptized and receiving the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost witnesses of the Father and the Son and brings a remission of sins.

1-2. What is the doctrine of Christ? (See verse 21)

"I have read to you ... the words of an inspired Prophet of God, telling us what the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is. I do no recall for the moment any chapter that has  been written either in the Old or New Testament, in the Book of Mormon or in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, which more plainly and pointedly describes the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the first principles thereof than this chapter." -George Q Cannon, GC 1889

3. What part of this verse helps you to know that the work of God is plain? How would you describe something that is given with plainness? How does this element of Gods work help you to know that there are many blessings awaiting those who participate in it?

4.Who baptized the Savior? Since Jesus did not commit any sins, why do you think that he was baptized? 

"As we follow the example of Christ, we too, demonstrate that we will repent and be obedient in keeping the commandments of our Father in Heaven. We humble ourselves with a broken heart and a contrite spirit as we recognize our sins and seek forgiveness of our trespasses. We covenant that we are willing to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ and always remember Him." - Robert D Hales, GC, October 2000

5. Who baptized you? Why were you baptized? How great is your need to be baptized? How do you feel about your baptism? 

6. How did the Savior fulfill all righteousness by being baptized?

7. How was the act of being baptized an example of the Savior's humility before his Father in Heaven?
9. How does the example of the Savior effect you? How are you a better person for having and knowing of the perfect example of the Savior, Jesus Christ?
10. Can you follow the Savior if you are not willing to keep the commandments? Why or why not? What commandment do you need the most right now?

"When we live the commandments, our countenance is surrounded by gospel light. With this spiritual light, we no longer wander in the strange and darkened paths of the adversary, becoming lost, discouraged, depressed, and fearful. Walking in the light of the gospel, we will not lose sight of our eternal goals." -Robert D Hales, GC, April 1996

11. What must precede baptism? Why is baptism by water required? How has following the example of Jesus Christ by being  baptized influenced and blessed your life?

"Baptism is a sign to God, to angels, and to heaven that we do the will of God, and there is no other way beneath the heavens whereby God hath ordained for man to come to Him to be saved, and enter into the kingdom of God, except faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and baptism for the remission of sins, and any other course is in vain; then you have the promise of the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Joseph Smith, Teachings of Presidents of the Church [2007], 91

12. What blessings does the Lord promise to those who repent and are baptized? How constantly do you seek the companionship of the Holy Ghost? What things do you need to do on a daily basis to ensure that you are worthy to receive the guidance and direction of the Holy Ghost in your life? 

13. According to this verse what things must you be willing to do in order to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost? What does it mean to have full purpose of heart? When you fulfill your covenant with full purpose of heart and with real intent, what does your Father in Heaven promise you in return?
13. What is the difference between someone who says their prayers and someone who prays with full purpose of heart? What is the difference between someone who partakes of the sacrament and someone who partakes of the sacrament with real intent?
13. How can you avoid hypocrisy?  What is hypocrisy?

"Hypocrisy means to pretend or play a part for others to see that does not reflect our true identity." - Book of Mormon Study Guide for Home-study Seminary Students [2012], 80

"Do we indeed live the gospel or do we just manifest the appearance of righteousness so that those around us assume we are faithful when, in reality our hearts and unseen actions are not true to the Lord's teachings? Do we take on only the form of godliness while denying the power thereof? Are we righteous in fact, or do we feign [pretend] by appearances, and He has warned us not to be false to Him or to others. He has cautioned us to be wary of those who project a false front, who put on a bright pretence that hides a darker reality. We know that the Lord 'looketh on the heart' and not on the outward appearance." - Joseph B Wirthlin. GC. April 1997

14. What does it mean to you to speak with the tongue of angels? How do angels speak? Are they ever judgemental or critical? Are they ever unkind or unforgiving? After carefully considering the communication that would come from angels, what can you consistently do to speak with the tongue of angels each and every day of your life?
16. What does the phrase 'endure to the end' mean to you? How can you endure to the end with real intent and full purpose of heart?

"Enduring to the end is the doctrine of continuing on the path leading to eternal life after one has entered into the path through faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost. Enduring to the end requires our whole heart... Enduring to the end means that we have planted our lives firmly on the gospel soil, staying in the mainstream of the Church, humbly serving our fellow men, living Christlike lives, and keeping our covenants. Those who endure are balanced, consistent, humble, constantly improving, and without guile. Their testimony is not based on worldly reasons- it is based on truth, knowledge, experience, and the Spirit." - Joseph B Wirthlin, GC, October 2004

17. Why do you need to receive the Holy Ghost? Fire is used to purify materials such as metal. It burns out impurities, leaving behind a cleaner material. How is this process similar to what happens to you spiritually when you receive the gift of the Holy Ghost?

"The baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost... cleanses, heals, and purifies the soul." - Marion G Romney, Learning for the Eternities [1977], 133

18. What does the word STRAIT mean? According to this verse how can you know if you are on the strait and narrow path? How has the companionship of the Holy Ghost helped you stay on the strait and narrow path? In what other ways has the Holy Ghost blessed your life?

"In your journey through life, you meet many obstacles and make some mistakes. Scriptural guidance helps you to recognize error and make the necessary correction. You stop going in the wrong direction. you carefully study the scriptural road map. Then you proceed with repentance and restitution required to get on the strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life." - Russell M Nelson, GC, October 2000

20. What steps do you discover in this verse that will help you on your path to eternal life? How important is it to extend love to others throughout your mortal journey? What does it mean to you to press forward with a steadfastness in Christ? What does it mean to feast upon the word of Christ? How is feasting upon the word different from just reading it? how can feasting upon the word help you love God and your fellow-man more?
21. Why is it so critical that you walk this path?

2 Nephi 30

(Below is a list of questions and quotes that help me think about each verse as I read it. The numbers represent the verses in the chapter.)

The Book of Mormon can help all people come to know Jesus Christ ans live His gospel. Satan will not have power over the hearts of people during the Millennium, and righteousness and peace will prevail.

1. What is the danger of allowing yourself to think and feel that you are more righteous than someone else? What can you do to avoid this? What is the true measure of righteousness according to this verse? How does focusing on keeping the commandments on a personal level help you avoid putting on 'airs' of righteousness?

2. What do you need to do before the Lord will enter into a covenant with you? Who are the Lord's Covenant people today?

"To be a member of the house of Israel, entitled to all the blessings of the covenant family, requires more than ancestry. Those not born to the house of Israel become members of the covenant family through their faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and making covenants at baptism, which the Atonement of Jesus Christ makes possible." - Book of Mormon Student Study Guide, [2000], 57

"We are a covenant people... We make that covenant when we are baptized... and great are the obligations that go with that covenant." - Gordon B Hinckley, Friend, January 2000

3-8. Besides the Spirit, what is the greatest single tool available to every missionary? What reasons do you find in these verses that illustrate why the Book of Mormon is a powerful missionary tool? What groups of people will be touched by the Book of Mormon? How has the Book of Mormon help you you come to know the Savior? Why is it important that you share your testimony of the Book of Mormon with others? How will you use the Book of Mormon to help others come to know the Savior?

"The Book of Mormon has been at the center of missionary work since the gospel was restored through the Prophet Joseph. We use it every day in missionary work. One fact about the Book of Mormon being the key to power in each part of missionary work is this: the Book of Moron is a testament of Jesus Christ. The title page tells us that. It says that the purpose of the book is to show what great things the Lord has done for His people, to help them know that the covenants the Lord has made with His people are still in force, and to convince all people that Jesus is the Christ." - Henry B Eyring, New Era, May 2008

"Combined with the Spirit of the Lord, the Book of Mormon is the greatest single tool which God has given us to convert the world If we are to have the harvest of souls that President Kimball envisions, then we must use the instrument which God has designed for that task - the Book of Mormon." - Ezra Taft Benson, GC, October 1984

6. What does the phrase 'their scales of darkness shall begin to fall from their eyes' mean to you?

9-11. Have you seen a great division separating the righteous from the wicked? What will eventually happen to the wicked? (See D&C 101:24-25)

12-18. What do you learn about the Millennium from these verses? What can you do to help yourself, your family and others prepare for this period of peace and righteousness? What do you feel would be most anticipated about being worthy to live during the time period described in these verses? How can a knowledge of the Millennium be a blessing to you today?

"Each day the forces of evil and the forces of good enlist new recruits. Each day we personally make many decisions showing the cause we support. The final outcome is certain - the forces of righteousness will win. But what remains to be seen is where each of us personally, now and in the future, will stand in this battle - and how tall we will stand. Will we be true to our last days and fulfill our foreordained missions?" - Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, September 1988

12-14. How will the animals behave during this period of time? (See D&C 101:26; Isaiah 65:25)

16-17. Do you look forward to the time when ALL things shall be revealed? Why or why not? (See D&C 101:32-34)

18. What will happen to Satan during the Millennium? (SEE D&C 101:28, Revelations 20:1-3; 1 Nephi 22:26) What can you do to limit the power Satan has in your life right now?

2 Nephi 29

(Below is a list of questions and quotes that help me think about each verse as I read it. The numbers represent the verses in the chapter.)

The Lord provides scriptures as a second witness and to gather people to His covenant.

1. What is the marvelous work referred to in this verse?

"This marvelous work is the restoration of the church and the gospel with all its power and authority, keys and blessings which pertain to this great work of salvation of the children of men." - Joseph Fielding Smith, Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:35

"The Book of Mormon is the preeminent statement of God's covenant with and his love for his children here on earth." - Jeffrey R Holland, Christ and the New Covenant: The Messianic Message of the Book of  Mormon [1997], 4

1-2. What blessings can you identify in these verses that extend through this marvelous work? Do any of these promises apply to you?

"The Book of Mormon is to be used for a standard unto my people, which are of the house of Israel, the Lord says, and its words shall hiss forth unto the ends of the earth. We the members of the Church, and particularly the missionaries, have to be the 'hissers', or the tellers and testifiers, of the Book of Mormon unto the ends of the earth." - Ezra Taft Benson, GC, April 1975

3-6. What will people say when the Book of Mormon 'hisses' forth? What group of people wrote the Bible? What thanks have the Jews been given for preserving this important book? How can you show your gratitude for all those who have helped preserve scripture?

6-14. What blessings come to God's children when they have both the Bible and the Book of Mormon? What advantage will you have if you study from the scriptures daily?

6. When the Book of Mormon comes forth, what will many people say? How do you think it makes the Lord feel when people reject a sacred book He has sent to them? 

8-11. What does the Lord tell those who reject a second witness of his dealings with his children (the Book of Mormon)? How does knowing that the Lord continues to speak to his children on the earth today help you receive and accept further revelation through his prophets?

11. How is having a testimony of both the Bible and the Book of Mormon and other scripture a blessing in these last days?

"For me there could be no more impelling reason for reading the Book of Mormon than this statement that we who have the Book of Mormon shall be judged by what is written in it." - Marion G Romney

13-14. What is going to happen to all these records in the last days?

13. How does it make you feel to know that the Lord has prepared further scriptures which are records of his dealings with the other tribes of Israel, and that one day they will be revealed to the world?

2 Nephi 28

(Below is a list of questions and quotes that help me think about each verse as I read it. The numbers represent the verses in the chapter.)

The Book of Mormon exposes the false ideas of the devil and strengthens us against his evil designs. Satan uses many tactics to try to overpower us, such as by stirring us up to anger, pacifying us and lulling us and flattering us.

1-32. what have you learned from this chapter that will help you overcome Satan's tactics? What are some places, activities, or attitudes you want to avoid so you are not exposed to Satan's influence? What are some of the warning signs this chapter helps you recognize of spiritual danger?

1-19. How do the warnings contained in the Book of Mormon help you avoid influences that are harmful to your spirit?

"The Book of Mormon exposes the enemies of Christ. It confounds false doctrines and lays down contention. It fortifies the humble followers of Christ against the evil designs, strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day. The type of apostates in the Book of Mormon are similar to the type we have today. God, with his infinite foreknowledge, so molded the Book of Mormon that we might see the error and know how to combat the false educational, political, religious, and philosophical concepts of our time." - Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, January 1988

1. How does the witness of the Spirit of God help you proceed with confidence in life?

2. How highly do you value the things recorded in the scriptures?

3. Why is it so confusing to have such a vast number of churches proclaiming to be of The Lord?

4. How does the contention between the churches of the world help one determine if they are based on the fullness of the gospel of Christ? Why might a church criticize and turn from another church? Is this behavior of God or from another source? How can the Holy Spirit help one determine and know of the truthfulness of the church?

5. Do the churches of the world believe that God still speaks to his children on the earth today? Why or why not? What logic is there in believing that God would turn his back on His children when all through the ages he has sent prophets to declare repentance to all people?

6. Have miracles ceased to exist? Why is faith necessary to be the recipient of a miracle? What miracles have you experienced in your life?

7-8. How does Satan try to make you think that his way of doing things will bring you happiness? How does Satan seek to tempt you with his views? Through what medium are his temptations often delivered? How does Satan want you to feel? Through what means does the Lord promote those things that he has counseled us to do? How does the Lord want you to feel? What difference do you see between the fun that Satan offers and the joy that Heavenly Father has promised you?

"For the most part, Satan has made great strides in establishing and selling his value system, which is based upon the son of man, not the Son of God: “Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die” (2 Nephi 28:7) and “There is no hell” (2 Nephi 28:22). His is a value system based upon selfishness, self-indulgence, and immediate gratification. Thus we see devastating decisions constantly being made by those of your age. We see cultures infested with drugs, sex, alcohol, pornography, laziness, and many other spiritually devastating practices. But that does not have to be you." - Richard C Edgley, CES Fireside, November 3, 2002

"I wish to say in the strongest language of which I am capable, stay away from moral iniquity. You know what is right and wrong. You cannot use ignorance as an excuse for unacceptable behavior. . . ." - Gordon B Hinckley, GC, October 2002

"It should come as no surprise that one of the adversary’s tactics in the latter days is stirring up hatred among the children of men. He loves to see us criticize each other, make fun or take advantage of our neighbor’s known flaws, and generally pick on each other. The Book of Mormon is clear from where all anger, malice, greed, and hate come." - Marvin J Ashton, GC, April 1992

7-9. What is the folly of believing that we can eat, drink and be merry (or sin against God) and yet reap little or no consequences for our behavior? How is this view of God cynical and shallow? How would you define the phrase 'premeditated repentance'? What is the folly of premeditated repentance? How are these attitudes and teachings of the world the products of pride? What can you do to guard against them?

"All of our covenants must not only be received through ordinances, but to be eternal, must also be sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise.This divine stamp of approval is placed upon our ordinances and covenants only through faithfulness. The false idea of so-called premeditated repentance involves an element of deception, but the Holy Spirit of Promise cannot be deceived." - James E Faust, GC, October 2000

8-9. What does the phrase 'a few stripes' mean? Read Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-20. Is 'a few stripes' an accurate description of what our punishment will be like if we do not repent? Why is the idea of paying for your own sins a false, vain, and foolish doctrine?

10-15. What does pride found in the congregation of worshipers cause them to care most about? What should good Christian Saints be the most concerned about? How far down the list do education, wealth, and prestige come into play?
15.What do you think 'wo, wo, wo' means? (This triple wo is only found in three other places in scripture) Why is it important to pay attention to what the Lord is talking about when he uses the word 'wo'?
16. What examples have you seen in your life of behavior or attitudes that discredit the value of righteousness as being of no worth?

"Good returns good. Evil returns evil. You govern yourself by subjecting yourself to the discipline of law. If you are obedient to God’s law, you remain free. You progress and are perfected. If you are disobedient to God’s law, you bind yourself to that which restricts your progress. You become defiled and unworthy to be an associate with those who are more clean and pure." - William R Bradford, GC, October 1979

20. Why will the hearts of men be fooled into being angry over that which is good? How can you guard yourself against this malady? How does Satan use anger to deceive and destroy individuals, families, and communities?
20-25. What tactics of the devil are exposed in these verses? After identifying them, ponder your experiences. Have you ever observed these attitudes and beliefs in others? In yourself?
21. What does the word pacify mean? What is the danger of allowing Satan to calm, lull, or put you spiritually to sleep? What methods that Satan used to try to pacify and lead you into his power? What are some examples that you have seen of how some people have been pacified and become blinded to the dangers of Satan?

"We cannot say we will so a few wild oats in our youth or that we will just dabble a little around the fringes of sin. There are no fringes of sin. Every act, good or bad, has a consequence. Every good act improves our ability to do good and more firmly stand against sin or failure. Every transgression, regardless of how minor, makes us more susceptible to Satan's influence the next time he tempts us. Satan takes us an inch at a time, deceiving us as to the consequences of so-called minor sins until he captures us in major transgressions. Nephi describes this technique as one of pacifying, lulling, and flattering us away until Satan grasps us with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance." Richard C Edgley, GC, October 1994

22. What is the danger of doubting the existence of spiritual crocodiles when you can't see them?

"Those ahead of you in life have probed about the waterholes a bit and raise a voice of warning about crocodiles. Not just the big, gray lizards that can bite you to pieces, but spiritual crocodiles, infinitely more dangerous, and more deceptive and less visible, even than those well-camouflaged reptiles of Africa. These spiritual crocodiles can kill or mutilate your souls. They can destroy your peace of mind and the peace of mind of those who love you. Those are the ones to be warned against, and there is hardly a watering place in all of mortality now that is not infested with them." – Boyd K Packer, GC, April 1976

28. How do you build upon the rock? What is the difference between a rock foundation and a sandy foundation? How is trusting in the Savior like building upon a foundation of rock, a foundation of security?

30-32. Why does God call some people blessed? How will harkening to God's counsel hope you overcome the Devils tactics?
30. How does the Lord bless us? Why do you think that He blesses little by little, a little at a time? How can you ensure that you are ready to receive knowledge and wisdom from Him? What promise does he give to those who choose to receive His wisdom?
32. What is the Lord saying when he says that he will lengthen out his arm all the day long? How does this make your feel - especially when you make mistakes?

2 Nephi 27

(Below is a list of questions and quotes that help me think about each verse as I read it. The numbers represent the verses in the chapter.)

The coming forth of the Book of Mormon is one of the ways God will accomplish His work in the latter days.

1-23. How does the fulfillment of the ancient prophecy about the Book of Mormon strengthen your testimony of the book and it's role in the Restoration of the Lords Church?
1-5. Are you ever concerned about living in the last days when all these troubles are happening? (Read D&C 38:29) Why would unprepared people need to fear? What kind of preparation would help you not to be afraid?
1. How is being lost in sin like being drunk? Why don't the wicked see the results of their wrong choices?
3. How are those who fight against the truth like a starving man who dreams about eating?
6-11 Why weren't all the gold plates translated?

"He has withheld the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon from us because it is beyond our present ability to comprehend. We have not made that spiritual progression which qualifies us to understand its doctrine." -- Bruce R McConkie, Ensign, September 1975

12-14. What do these verses teach that the Lord would do to establish the truth of the book that would come forth in the last days?

When we left our Father in Heaven's presence, we came to earth to see if we would walk by faith. This life is a test to see if we will believe in and follow God while being out of his presence. To help us during this test, God "ordained the law of witnesses, the law whereby he reveals himself to prophets and righteous men and sends them forth to teach his laws and bear testimony of their truth and divinity." - Bruce R McConkie, Promised Messiah, 84

14. How do you also serve as a witness to the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon? What can you do to strengthen your conviction of the truthfulness of the book of Mormon?

"I ask that my testimony of the Book of Mormon and all that it implies, given today under my own oath and office, be recorded by man on earth and angels in heaven… I want it absolutely clear when I stand before the judgment bar of God that I declared to the world, in the most straightforward language I could summon, that the Book of Mormon is true, that it came forth the way Joseph said it came forth and was given to bring happiness and hope to the faithful in the travail of the latter days." – Jeffrey R Holland, GC, October 2009

24-35. What are some of the conditions that would exist in the world when the Lord began this marvelous work of restoration? How has the Book of Mormon and the Restoration help you avoid those conditions? What blessings have come forth because of the Book of Mormon and the Restoration of the Gospel?
26. How could the restoration of this gospel and the translation of the Book of Mormon qualify as a marvelous work and a wonder? How does it make you feel to know you live in a day that the prophets testified of and looked forward to?

2 Nephi 26

(Below is a list of questions and quotes that help me think about each verse as I read it. The numbers represent the verses in the chapter.)

Everything the Lord does is for the benefit of the world. The Lord loves all people and invites all to come unto Him and partake of His salvation.

1-11. From these verses, list three gospel topics you would include if you were assigned to give a talk on preparing to be with the Savior at His Second Coming.

"The record of the Nephite history just prior to the Saviors visit reveals many parallels to our own day as we anticipate the Saviors second coming." – Ezra Taft Benson, GC, April 1987

7. How do you think Nephi felt about seeing the destruction of his people? How would you feel if you were in his position?

8-9. What blessings did Nephi say would come to his righteous descendants?

11. What kinds of things will cause the Spirit to stop striving with man?

"God grant that we will come to our senses and protect our moral environment from this mist of darkness which deepens day by day. The fate of all humanity hangs precariously in the balance." – Boyd K Packer, GC, April 1992

12-13. How can you invite Jesus into your life? Imagine the picture of the Savior standing outside the door and knocking. Why is Jesus knocking? Why doesn't he just walk in? What does this door represent? How is your heart like a door with no not on the outside? What can you do to open the door and let Jesus into your life? What does Nephi suggest in these verses that will help you invite the Savior into your fife? In what ways can the Savior bless you when you open your heart to Him and invite Him into your life?

13. How does Jesus Christ manifest Himself to those who exercise faith in him? How have you witnessed or experienced to some of these manifestations of Jesus Christ?

14-17. What would it be like to stand in a cemetery where your ancestors are buried and hear them speaking to you? What kinds of things might they say? How valuable with their message be to you? Who did Nephi say would whisper out of the dust? Why would they not be forgotten? Where are their voices recorded? What value is there in hearing their voices and listening to the messages?

20-22. What kinds of things does the devil invite the Gentiles to do?

23-28, 33. List three things in these verses that tell you what the Lord is like. What difference does it make for you to know that particular truth about the Lord?

23. In contrast to the devils dark works, what does Nephi teach you about the Savior?

24. The devil seeks to bind people to him. How does the Savior draw people to him? Who's invitation is more inviting? How does the church help the Lord send invitations? What can you do to make sure that you accept the right invitations?

"Indeed, all truth, both spiritual and temporal, testifies of Him. When we learn to read the signs, and wonders, and types, and shadows properly, with the eyes of faith, we will realize that all of history, all of science, all of nature, all divinely revealed knowledge of any sort, testifies of him.  He is the very personification of truth and light, of life and love, of beauty and goodness. All that he did was done out of love." – Alexander B Morrison, GC, April 1992

29. What is priestcraft? Why do you think the Lord forbids priestcraft? Why is it so dangerous? What do you think priestcrafts are damaging to the church?

"To seek after the praise of men, the scriptures caution us, is to be led carefully away from the only safe path to follow in life. And the scriptures warn us plainly what follows when we aspire to the honors of men (Doctrine and Covenants 121:35)" – Boyd K Packer, GC, April 2007

"Let us beware of false prophets and false teachers, both men and women, who are self-appointed declares of the doctrines of the church and who seek to spread their false gospel and attract followers by sponsoring symposia, books, and journals whose contents challenge fundamental doctrines of the church. Beware of those who speak and publish in opposition to God's true prophet who actively proselyte others with reckless disregard for the eternal well-being of those whom they seduce. Like Nehor and Korihor in the Book of Mormon, they rely on sophistry to deceive and entice others to their views. They set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain in praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion." – M Russell Ballard, GC, October 1999

"The temptation to seek personal recognition and reward from our service to others is ever-present. The pattern was established in the pre-earth life of Satan himself. There, when the Father explained His plan of salvation for the inhabitants of this earth and the need for a Redeemer, Satan responded by saying: Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy Son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor. (Moses 4:1) In contrast, Christ showed us for all time that God's work is to be done with an attitude of Thine, not mine. Said He: Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever. (Moses 4:2) Those who seek honor and gain for themselves in doing the Lords work are guilty of what the scriptures call priestcraft. Of this sin, Nephi stated: Priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.… There is something particularly noble about the good works of those who act without restraint or compulsion and with no expectation of reward or recognition. Their goodness has its source in the desires of their hearts and is the result of pure motives." – Marlin K Jensen, GC, October 1989

30. How can charity be an antidote for the sin of priestcraft?

31. Why do your bishop and other ward members serve? What does this teach you about what should motivate you to serve in the church?

32. How can a Singlestrand of thread become the strong chords which the devil uses to bind those who follow him? How would you counsel a friend to avoid the traps of the devil?