3 Nephi 24

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

Jesus Christ quotes the words given to Malachi regarding the second coming. At his second coming, Jesus Christ will purify his people.  If we return unto the Lord, he will return unto us.

1. What is prophesied in this verse?

2. What do the refiners fire in the fullers soap have in common?

3. What offering will we offer to the Lord in righteousness? How does the Lord refine us?

"Jesus Christ is compared to refiners fire and fullers soap because of what he will do at his second coming. He is compared to Silversmith, who purifies silver. To understand these verses, it is helpful to know that the process for refining silver requires the silversmith to hold a piece of silver over the hottest part of the fire to burn away the impurities. The refiner has to watch the silver closely, for if the silver is left even a moment too long in the flames, it will be destroyed. A Fuller is a person who cleans garments or whitens them using soap." --Book of Mormon study guide for homestudy seminary students page 271

"In the pain, the agony, and the heroic endeavors of life, we passed through refiners fire, and the insignificant and that I'm important in our lives can melt away like dross and make our faith bright, intact, and strong. In this way the divine image can be mirrored from the soul. It is part of the purging toll exacted of some to become acquainted with God. In the agonies of life, we seem to listen better to the feet, godly whisperings of the divine shepherd. Into every life there come the painful, despairing days of adversity and buffeting. There seems to be a full measure of anguish, sorrow, and often heartbreak for everyone, including those who earnestly seek to do right and be faithful. The thorns that prick, that stick in the flesh, that hurt, often change lives which seem robbed of significance and hope. This change comes about through refining process which often seems cruel and hard. In this way the soul can't become like soft clay in the hands of the master in building lives of faith, usefulness, beauty, and strength. For some, the refiners fire causes all loss of belief and faith in God, but those with eternal perspective understand that such refining is part of the perfection process. " --Elder James E Faust, GC, Apr 1979

4. What does it mean to be refined? How does our being refined make the offering of Judah pleasing unto the Lord?

5. What image does swift witness bring to mind? Wickedness condemns the wicked. How does this fact cause the judgment of the Lord to be swift?

6. When the Lord assures us that he does not change, what comfort does this bring to your heart? Why?

7. We are counseled to return to the Lord. What can you do in your life to make sure that you are turning toward The Lord? How do the ordinances and covenants you have made with the Lord help you prepare for the second coming?

8. How faithfully do you pay your tithing? How generous are you in paying fast offerings? What blessings are associated with these commandments?

9. What kind of curse comes upon those who withhold their means from doing the work of the Lord? How is your willingness to give times and offerings to the Lord an indication of your faith in him?

"We can pay our tithing. This is not so much a matter of money as it is a matter of faith. " --Gordon B Hinckley, GC, Oct1985

10. Have you ever felt so blessed that you could not express what it meant to you? How does this feeling compare to the Lords promised blessings of opening the windows of heaven to you? What blessings have you received from obedience to the law of tithing?  How do you think keeping the Commandments to pay your tithes and offerings has helped you to spiritually prepare your self for the second coming?

11. What promise does the Lord give tithing payers in regards to the work of their hands? How do you feel about this promise?

12. Sometimes we looked out into the world and feel like they are being more blessed than we are as we try to keep the Commandments. How can the promises in verse 11 help you know that you will be greatly blessed for your faithfulness?

13. Have you ever been a little motored when you see people who do not serve God prospering and getting wealthy, well people living righteously are suffering and struggle just to get by? Have you ever felt you have not been blessed enough for doing what is right? How might this feeling make the Lord feel like we are speaking against him? Are we acting in faith when we indulge in such practices?

14-15.What would happen if every time someone did something right, he or she were immediately and outwardly blessed? What would happen if every time someone did something wrong, he or she was immediately and outwardly punished? What blessings that are often not seen come from doing what is right?

16-17. What did the Lord say about those who serve him faithfully? what process is required to become a beautiful shining jewel in the Lords hands? How does this process relate to the contents of verse two and three?

18. Why can't we always "discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not"?

"The Lord promises that secret acts of righteousness, seen only by him, will be rewarded openly. This open rewording, however, may not always be obvious in mortality. Period. In the meantime, as it continues to rain on both the just and that I'm just not properly motivated-and truly righteous-disciple is content with the inner peace he enjoys in service to and communion with God." --Daniel W Bachman, Ensign, March 1991

3 Nephi 23

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

Jesus Christ commands the people to search the words of the prophets. As I write down sacred prompting a and events, I invite The Lord to give me more revelation.

1. Did you realize that it is a commandment to search the writings of Isaiah? Why do you think it is so important for us to be familiar with the writings and prophecies of Isaiah? Why do you think that this verse uses the word search instead of read? What is the difference between searching the scriptures and reading them? What is the difference between reading a book and treasuring it?

BIBLE DICTIONARY: "Isaiah is the most quoted of all the prophets in the standard works."

"We treasure the word of God not only by reading the words of the scriptures but by studying them. We may be nourished more by pondering a few words, allowing the Holy Ghost to make them treasures to us, than by passing quickly and superficially over whole chapters of scripture." --Henry B Eyring, GC, Oct 1997

"There are certain blessings obtained when one searches the scriptures. As a person studies the words of The Lord and obeys them, he or she draws closer to the Savior and obtains a greater desire to live a righteous life. The power to resist temptation increases, and spiritual weaknesses are overcome. Spiritual wounds are healed." -- Merrill J Bateman, GC, Oct 1992 

What scripture study methods can help you search the words of Isaiah and the prophets effectively and meaningfully?

2. How do Isaiah's word help us today? How would we be different if we came to treasure the word?

3. What assurance do we have in regards to the word of The Lord?

4. What did the Savior ask the people to do? What does it mean to heed and hearten to the Lords words?

5. How do you search the prophets? What can you do to become more familiar with the words of our modern day prophets?

6. What did the Savior tell the people that they were missing?

7. What record have you been commanded to keep? How diligent are you in keeping this record? Why is it important to have a journal? Why might it be important for you to write down the spiritual events and prompting a that occur in your life?

"Knowledge carefully recorded is knowledge available in a time of need. Spiritually sensitive information should be kept in a sacred place that communicates to The Lord how you treasure it. That practice enhances  the likelihood of you receiving further light." -- Richard G Scott, GC, Oct 1993 "Write down in a secure place the important things you learn from the spirit. You will find that as you write down impressions, often more will come. Also, the knowledge you gain will be available through your life." --Richard G Scott, Ensign, Jun 2002

9. What did the Savior say was missing from their scriptures?

10. What prophecy was fulfilled that had not been recorded in Nephite scripture?

11. Why would the account of others being resurrected after Christ be especially important?

12. Why do we need to record things as they happen?  What is the danger in procrastinating recording or writing in your journal about spiritual experiences? Have you ever had an experience that you had not recorded but later wished that you had?

13. What did the Savior ask the Nephites to do about the omitted account of Samuel the Lamanite? What does this teach about the value of keeping accurate records and journals? Why do you think writing down the revelations we have received from The Lord may help us receive more revelation? How can taking time to write the Lords influence in our lives help us feel gratitude for our blessings and express gratitude to Him?

"Some people say I don't have anything to record. Nothing spiritual happens to me. I say, Start recording, and spiritual things will happen. They are there all the time, but we become more sensitive to them as we write." --John H Groberg, GC, Apr 1980

14. After Jesus told the people to write Samuels prophecy, what did he command them to do?

3 Nephi 22

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

The stakes of Zion are a refuge from the storms that threaten us each and every day.

1. Why are there more children of the desolate than the married wife? How does this phrase prophecy of how the Gentiles will flourish in the gospel? What about the Jews?

2. Why do the cords need to be lengthened and the stakes strengthened? How can we as families and as members of the church make our stakes a place of refuge and safety from the storms that surround us?

"The prophets likened latter-day Zion to a great tent encompassing the earth. That tent was supported by cords fastened to stakes. Those stakes, of course, are various geographical organizations spread out over the earth. Presently, Israel is being gathered to the various stakes so Zion...  Stakes are a defence for the Saints from enemies both seen and unseen. The defence is direction provided through priesthood channels that strengthens testimony and promotes family solidarity and individual righteousness."  -- Ezra T Benson

3. What does this verse teach us about the adoption process that happens when the Gentiles join the church? What are the blessings associated with this process?

4. How does living in obedience to the laws and principles of the gospel help us to put our past behind us? Through whom do we do this?

5. How do you feel about the Atonement of your Savior, Jesus Christ?

6. How would you feel had you been once rejected and then come to find great acceptance and love? How do these feelings relate to indulging in sin a d repenting from sinful behaviours? What are the blessings that come as we change our ways?

7. How merciful is The Lord? How merciful are you? What can you do to become more merciful... Especially toward those who hate you?

8. Thinking of repenting, how does this verse make you feel in regards to ow The Lord feels when we sin and more importantly, how He feels when we repent?

9. What important promises does the rainbow represent to you? How does it remind you of the principles of repentance taught in these verses?

10. Mountains and hills are pretty stable and yet we know that they do erode away a little at a time in the elements. What does The Lord teach about The constancy of His kindness, peace and mercy toward us? Will those feelings ever erode toward us? What if we sin? Do you ever allow good feelings toward others to erode? What is the outcome of allowing that to happen? How can you guard against erosion in relationships?

11. What word does this verse use to describe those trapped in sin? What do the beautiful stones represent?

12. How does repentance and following the example of the Savior create as it were riches in our lives? Do you perceive obedience and the predicated blessings as jewels and gems  in your spiritual composition?

13. How do we bless our children with peace? How high is this responsibility on your priority list?

14. Why is it that when we live in righteousness that fear and terror are no longer a part of our lives?

15. What will happen to those who gather against the righteous? Why do you think that many will flee to Zion in the last days? What will we have to do to be worthy to live in Zion?

16-17. As we remember that The Lord is the one who created the elements which are used to create weapons, we can know that those things cannot be used against his work. How is this knowledge a comfort and a blessing to you?

"Compassion and mercy always return and prevail in a most reassuring way. The mountains and the hills may disappear. The water of the great seas may dry up... But the Lords kindness and peace will never be taken from his covenant people. He has sworn with a heavenly oath that he will not be wroth with them forever." -- Jeffrey R Holland

3 Nephi 21

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

Jesus Christ foretells the sign for the gathering of the house of Israel in the last days.

1. Have you ever seen the book of Mormon lead or gather someone including yourself to Jesus Christ and the covenants of the gospel?

2. What sign are we given that the events of the last days are unfolding?

4. What is the significance of having a free land in order for these signs to begin to unfold? Why was this so important?

5. How does this verse testify of the Father's willingness and desire to save all his children?

6. What does the word behooveth mean? How does the gathering of Israel benefit the Gentiles?

7. How is the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ a sign that the gathering is beginning to take place? How can you assist the Lord and be an instrument in his hands in this great work?

8. How does this work of the Lord confound even those who are great in the eyes of the world? What kinds of things might they see that they never thought possible?

9. Despite the greatness of the work will all men receive it? Why or why not? What do you think is great and marvelous about the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ?

10. How can the servants of the Lord be assured that the will be able to complete their work upon the earth?

11. Why is it essential to believe the words of the Lord that were brought forth through the Prophet Joseph Smith?

12. Why are the Lords people compared to a young lion in a flock of sheep who treadeth down? How does this description define the state of the evil in that day?

13. What effect will the adversary have against the work of righteousness?

14. How will the power of the Gentiles me lost if they do not repent and turn themselves to the Lord?

15. Why are the things that the Gentiles worked so hard to build up meaningless if they do not repent?

16. Why are those that the Gentiles counseled with meaningless in the face of true prophets of the Lord?

17. Why are the materialistic possessions of the Gentiles meaningless as the Lords work roles forth? Have you ever been tempted to give a possession more time, attention, and effort than your spiritual needs?

18. Why does the Lord take off the earth all things that do not lead us to him? Is there anything in your life that the Lord needs to remove? What can you do about this?

19. How do you feel about giving all lying, deceit, envyings, strife, and sin? Can you remove these things from your life without the Lord needing to force his hand? How will you do this?

20. What promise is there to the unrepentant?

21. How would you feel if you knew the Lord was unleashing vengeance and fury upon you? What might you do now to avoid such a time?

22. What role does the church play in helping the unrepentant soften their hearts and turn to the Lord? What blessings are promised to those who do? Why do you think repentance is necessary for a person to be gathered into God's covenant people?

23-24. As the wicked repent and are numbered among the Lords people what work will they assist the Saints in doing?

25. What great blessing is promised as the people work together to prepare for the gathering to be completed? How do you feel about the promise of the power of heaven coming down to dwell among you? Has this already occurred?

26. What is that day? If that day is the millennium what work will begin at that time? How will that work be different than it is now?

27. How will this work help in saving all of God's posterity? Do they still have agency in accepting this work? What is the importance not only of this work but also of the agency of those who will accept it or reject it?

28. What is the land of our inheritance? What is your ultimate goal that you want to achieve as you live this life? Is your goal eternal in nature?

29. As we work to complete and help the Lord with his work with promise do we have to sustain us through it? Have you ever been led by the Lord? How can this become common in your daily life?

3 Nephi 20

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

If we worthily partake of the sacrament we can be filled with the Holy Ghost. The Father will fulfill his covenant to gather the house of Israel in the last days. As the seed of Abraham, we have a covenant responsibility to bless all the people of the earth.

1. How can we maintain a prayer in our hearts at all times? How can having a prayer in our hearts during a worship service help us receive personal revelation? How do you think that praying in the heart can affect your weekly sacrament experience?

2. How does the request for the people to stand help us understand the need to be prepared in our lives especially in relation to partaking of the sacrament?

3. What sort of nourishment did the Savior offer the Nephites? What does the sacrament remind us of?

4. How does the sacrament help us to feast upon the word of The Lord? How do you feel when you see worthy young men administer the sacrament?

5. What do you do during the administration of the sacrament to show that you understand it's sacred nature?

6. What does the miracle of the bread an wine being provided do to help you understand the significance of the sacrament? How would this miracle affect how the people viewed the sacrament?

7. How important is it for us to worthily partake often of this ordinance?

The sacrament is an outer expression of an inner commitment and acceptance of the atonement.

8. How does regularly partaking of the bread and water show our willingness to make the Saviors atonement a part of our lives? What does your soul hunger and thirst after?

9. What did Jesus Christ promise to those who partake of the sacrament? How can a hunger for righteousness be filled?

"Let us qualify ourselves for the Saviors promise that by partaking for the sacrament we will be filled, which means that we will be filled with the Spirit. That spirit - the Holy Ghost- is our comforter, our direction finder, our communicator, our interpreter, our witness, and our purifier - our infallible guide and sanctifies for our mortal journey toward eternal life." --Dallin H Oaks, GC Oct 1996

"Any who may have thought it a small thing to partake of the sacrament should remember the Lords declaration that the foundation of a great work is laid by small  things, for out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Out of the seemingly small act of consciously and reverently renewing our baptismal covenants comes a renewal of the blessings of baptism by water and by the Spirit to be with us. In this way all of us will be guided, and in this way all of us can be cleansed." -- Dallin H Oaks, GC, Oct 1996 

10. What does it mean to you to be numbered among the house of Israel?

11. What is the commandment Jesus gave in regards to the words of Isaiah? Why is it so important for us to be familiar with them?

12. How do we know when the words of Isaiah are all fulfilled? What will be the significance of that event? He does this knowledge make you feel?

13. What has God promised to do for scattered Israel? How is our Heavenly Father gathering his children both physically and spiritually today?

14. Why did the Nephites require a land for their inheritance away from the Jews?

15-16. What is our role in gathering scattered Israel? How can our missionaries be compared to the young lion among a flock of sheep?

17. What will happen to the adversaries of righteousness?

18. How does the Lord go about gathering his people together?

19. How have you been blessed through your baptismal covenant made with heavenly father? What is your role in helping to fulfill the covenant God made with Abraham? What is the power in the covenants we make?

20. How is justice like a sword to the unrepentant?

21. As the word of God is preached, what must occur with in the heart in order to become a part of the house of Israel?

22. As the Lord fulfills the Abrahamic covenant what is the great promise given to his people at that time? How would it feel to have the powers of heaven in your midst?

23. As Israel is gathered the second coming will be ushered in. Who is the prophet that will guide us at that time?

24. Who have all the prophets prophesied would come? Why has that testimony been so important?

25. How does knowing that you are of the seed of Abraham make you feel when you hear that through that line all the kindreds of the earth will be blessed?

26. As children of the covenant what is your responsibility to the people of the earth?

27. What is the Abrahamic covenant? How do you feel knowing that you are part of this great work?

"You and I, today and always, are to bless all people in all the nations of the earth. You and I, today and always, are to bear witness of Jesus Christ and declare the message of the restoration. You and I, today and always, are to invite all to receive the ordinances of salvation. Proclaiming the gospel is not a part time priesthood obligation. It is not simply an activity in which we engage for a limited time for an assignment we must complete as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints. Rather, missionary work is a manifestation of our spiritual identity and heritage. We were for Ording in the pre-mortal existence and born into mortality to fulfill the covenant and promise God made to Abraham. We are here upon the earth at this time to magnify the priesthood And to preach the gospel. That is who we are, and that is why we are here-today and always." -- David A Bednar

28. How does this verse describe justice and mercy?

29. How secure do you feel in the Lords promises?

30. What is our responsibility even if we are not full-time missionaries?

31. What is the whole purpose of missionary work?

32. Who are the watchmen? How does listening to and following the prophet bring unity into our lives?

33. What inheritance do we look forward to as Saints in the gospel?

34. How does uplifting music make you feel? Are you more likely to praise God after listening to uplifting music or the common music of the world?

35. How do you feel about the prophecies time when God will show forth His power over all the ends of the earth?

36. With a fuller understanding of Gods power, how do you think lives will change? Why? How will worthy priesthood holders play a part in strengthening Zion?

37. Putting on righteousness looses us from the bands of evil that ensnare us. How is living the gospel liberating?

38. What is the remorse of those who have given in to worldly indulgences? How would you feel if you found out that all the things you spent time, money and effort on we're worthless in the eyes of The Lord?

39. How will the wicked feel when they come to know the name and mission of the Savior? How does this knowledge make you feel 40. How important to you is peace? What do you do to establish peace in your life?

41. How does this verse inspire us to be in the world - keeping ourselves unspotted from its carnal temptations?

42. How can we have God go before us each and every day of our lives? What do we have to do to receive this blessing?

43. Who is the servant mentioned in this verse?

44. Who marred the visage of the servant of God? How can you ensure that you do not add to that treatment of him?

45. How does coming to know and follow the Savior bring out th best in us? How can it enlighten us?

3 Nephi 19

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

Imagine how you might feel and what you might do if you knew that tomorrow Jesus Christ would be coming to a temple some distance from you. How hard would you try to get there? Would you want to bring other people with you? What would you do to prepare for this experience? How would it feel to be in the presence of the Savior and hear Him pray to the Father asking a blessing for you that through your faith you may be purified?

1-2.  If you knew that Jesus was coming tomorrow, what would you do today? What are some specific things yo can do to best prepare for Jesus second coming today? What kind of things would you not bother doing today that you normally think are important? What kinds of things would you do today that you may not normally think are important?

3. What lengths might you go to to ensure that all your family members are in attendance to hear the Savior teach? How could you ensure their presence? What can you do today to help prepare them for that future event?

4. As we wait for the Savior, who should we look to to teach us His gospel?

6. How important is prayer in our ability to learn the gospel?

7. How does prayer help prepare us to minister to others?

8. How important is it to study the exact word of Christ? Do we ever become tempted to read and study other materials with the reasoning that the scriptures are too hard to understand? If so, how can we overcome that tendency?

9. Why is having the Holy Ghost with us so extremely important?

10. How does having the Spirit with us help us to prepare for and keep the baptismal covenant?

12. How can we accept the invitation to baptism over and over again - figuratively speaking? Are there things in our lives that would decline that covenant? If so how can you purge the from your life?

13. How does making and keeping covenants with The Lord invite the Spirit into or lives?

14. How can feeling the Spirit be likened to being encircled about by fire?

"The Holy Ghost gives us the strength and courage to conduct our lives in the ways of the kingdom of God and is the source of our testimony of the Father and the Son... We need the Holy Ghost as our constant companion to help us make better choices in the decisions that confront us daily. Our young men and women are bombarded with ugly things of the world. Companionship with the spirit will give them the strength to resist evil, and when necessary, repent and return to the strait and narrow path. None of us are immune from the temptations of the adversary. We all need the fortification available through the Holy Ghost... Having the gift of the Holy ghost helps, family members make wise choices - choices that will help them return with their families to their Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, to live with them eternally."  -- Robert D Hales, GC Oct 2000

15. In order to be in the presence of the Savior we must be prepared. If the Savior was to appear during a church meeting how might you feel? Would you be overcome with guilt and shame or would you joy and revel in His divine presence?

16. Why do you suppose that the first thing that the Savior commanded the people to do was to pray?

17-18. Why were the disciples commanded to pray? Why did they pray unto Jesus?

"Jesus had already taught them to pray in His name unto the Father, which they first did... But this time they did pray unto Jesus, calling him their Lord and their God. Jesus was present before them as the symbol of their Father. Seeing Him it was as though they saw the Father; praying to him, it was as though they prayed to the Father. It was a special and unique situation." --Bruce R McConkie 19. Jesus also prayed while the disciples prayed? How does this action teach us of his role as Mediator in our behalf? Where did Jesus go to pray? What can we learn from the Savior about where to pray?

20. What was the Savior most grateful for in regards to his chosen disciples? What do we need to strive to attain in our own lives?

21. Christ asks a blessing in behalf of all those who believe in the gospel. What is that blessing? Why is it so important? What role does faith play on receiving the Spirit? Why should we pray for the spirit to be with us continually?

23. What does this verse teach about unity? Who do you ultimately want to be unified in purpose with?

24. How did the multitude know what to pray for?

"Perfect prayers are those which are inspired, in which the spirit reveals the words which should be used." --Bruce R McConkie

As we exercise faith in Jesus Christ, we can be purified.

25. How would you like to have the countenance of The Lord smile upon you? What do you need to do to receive this blessing? Why do you think Heavenly Father may smile as he watches us pray? Are there things that you say in your prayers that would make Heavenly Father smile?

26. What are we taught in this short verse about the consistency of our prayers?

27. It seems that with each process the people take toward improvement, Jesus feels inspired to pray a prayer of gratitude to His Father for the blessings the multitude are receiving. How often should we express gratitude to our God?

28. Now do faith in Christ and belief in the word work together to purify us?

29. What would it feel like to be given to the Savior out of the world? Does this give a whole new meaning to the phrase 'live in the world but not of the world'?

What does it mean to be purified? How does the Holy Ghost purify and cleanse us?

"Then comes the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost... That affects great change in the hearts of men... It converts them from carnality to spirituality. It cleanses, heals, and purifies the soul... faith in The Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, and water baptism are all preliminary and prerequisite to it, but it is the consummation [ultimate end]. To receive it is to have one's garments washed in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ." -- Marion G Romney 

30. How does the consistency of our prayers communicate our desire to do the lords will to our Heavenly Father?

31-32. What privilege was the multitude given in hearing Jesus pray?

33. How did the multitude understand the words of the Saviors prayer?

34. Why was this prayer not recorded?

35. What compliment did Jesus pay to the multitude? Because of their faith, what was this group of people allowed to see that others haven't been privileged to see?

36. What blessing came to these people because they prayed in sincerity and faith?

"If we could advance in holiness - increase in favor with God - nothing can take the place, of prayer... Give prayer - daily prayer, secret prayer - a foremost place in your lives. Let no day pass without it. Communion with the almighty has been a source of strength, inspiration and enlightenment through the world’s history to men and women who have shaped the destinies of individuals and nations for good." -- Ezra T Benson

 "Surely we will not be one with God and Christ until we make Their will and interest our greatest desire. Such submissiveness is not reached in a day, but through the Holy Spirit, The Lord will tutor us if we are willing until I process of time, it may accurately be said that He is in us as the Father is in Him. At times I tremble to consider what may be required, but I know that it is only in this perfect union that a fullness of joy can be found." --D Todd Christofferen

3 Nephi 18

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

As we partake of the sacrament, we witness to the Father that we are willing to do all That He has commanded. As we partake of the sacrament, we witness into the Father that we will always remember Jesus Christ.

1. Why was it so important that Jesus leave a remembrance of himself for us?

2. Why is personal preparation for the sacrament so important? How does it amplify the sacramental experience?

3. All bread can remind us of the Savior. Why was it so important that the bread and water be blessed?

4. What is it that fills you when you partake of the sacrament?

5. Who is to partake of the sacrament?

6. How often are we to observe the sacrament? How can you always do this?

7. What are we communicating to The Lord when we partake of the sacrament? How sacred is this experience to you?

8. What are some aspects of the Saviors life and ministry that you might remember during the ordinance of the sacrament?

9. How often are you "filled" with the spirit when you partake of the sacrament? How can you ensure that it happens more frequently?

10. What can you do to always remember the Savior during the rest f the week? Why do you think it is important to always remember the Saviors atoning sacrifice for you?

11. How would you feel if the Savior said those words to you?

What are you usually thinking and feeling when the sacrament is administered each week?

How might your thoughts and actions change if the sacrament were administered by the Savior himself?

What are some of the things that make it easier or harder to think about the Savior during the sacrament?

What are some of the things you could do to make it a more spiritual experience?

How do you act differently when you remember the Savior?

How has remembering the Saviors sacrifice during the sacrament helped you feel gratitude for him?

Partaking of the sacrament more worthily and reverently can help bring the Spirit into our lives.

 12. He does partaking of the sacrament worthily and always remembering the Savior help us build upon His rock?

13. He does forgetting the Savior and his atoning sacrifice place weaken our foundation and set us up for destruction?

14. How will you feel at that day that you face the Savior at the judgement bar knowing you kept the commandments? How would you feel if you hadn't?

If we will be watchful and pray always unto the Father, we can resist the templates of Satan. When we are watchful we are spiritually alert, vigilant, or on guard.

15. Why do you think that both watching and praying are essential to resisting temptation?

16. Whose example are we to follow when we pray? How does this affect what we ask for and how we ask it?

17. Why did Jesus first teach a principle to his disciples and then to the people?

18. How has praying helped you resist the temptations of Satan?

19. How often does The Lord expect us to pray? Why do you think The Lord tells us three times to 'pray always'?

20. What is the criteria for having your prayers answered? What can you do to improve your personal prayers?

21. What blessings have you experienced from praying with your family?

22. How does meeting together as a body of Saints help the congregation come unto Christ?

23. How important are prayers in our worship services? What role do they play in worshiping the Lord? In bringing others to Christ?

24. What will you do today or this week to let your light shine so that those who follow you will also be following the Savior?

"Have you ever stopped to think that perhaps you are the light sent baby Heavenly Father to lead another safely home or to be a beacon from a distance to show the way back to the straight and narrow path that leads to renal life?" ( Robert D Hales ) 

25. What is the commandment we are given in this verse? How can we help others come unto Christ?

26. Why does the Savior specifically speak to his disciples? What is he teaching by doing this?

27. How does Christ view the commandments He has been given by His Father? How should we view the commandments we have been given?

28-29. Why is it so very important that we only partake of the sacrament worthily? How do you know if you are worthy?

"Before partaking of this sacrament, our hearts should be pure; our hands should be clean; we should be divested of all enmity toward our associate; we should be at peace with our fellow men; and we should haven in our hearts a desire to do the will of our Father and to keep all of His commandments. If we do this, partaking of the sacrament will be a blessing to us and will renew our spiritual strength." -- George A Smith, CR April 1908

30. How can you minister to those who are struggling with living the gospel?

31. What is the safety net for the Lords people in not allowing the unrepentant the same privileges as those who strive to live the gospel?

32. Should we ever stop ministering to the unrepentant? What promise and hope does this verse give us regarding those we love who stray from gospel paths?

33. If we shun and judge others, how will The Lord feel towards us? What might be the consequences of such actions?

34. How can we reach a level of living where there are no disputations in us?

35. Why does the Savior say he needs to to go the Father for "our sakes"?

36. How would you feel if you had the Savior touch you with his hand (like a hand shake) and speak to you one to one? How might that inspire you to follow Him?

37. How thankful are you that you have received the gift of the Holy Ghost?

38. Why would a cloud shroud the Savior from the multitude? How is this similar to the veil being drawn across our eyes preventing us from physically seeing Him?

39. Why didn't the whole multitude get to see the Savior ascend into heaven?