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?

2 Nephi 25

(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.)

Because of Jesus Christ, we can be saved by grace after all we can do. Through the saviors atonement, we can receive a remission of our sins.  We are always warned by prophets before iniquity destroys us.

1-8. Why were the writings of Isaiah hard to understand? What five things can you find in these verses that are keys to understanding Isaiah?

4. What is the spirit of prophecy? (See Revelations 19:10) How do you think the spirit of prophecy could help you better understand the Scriptures, particularly the words of Isaiah?

"The spirit of prophecy refers to the spirit of revelation. This means that when you diligently and prayerfully study the Scriptures and seek to understand their meaning, you can have the spirit of revelation, and the Holy Ghost will enlighten your mind and your understanding.... As you grow in your knowledge and testimony of the Savior, your understanding of the Scriptures – including the teachings of Isaiah – will increase and you will better understand how the teachings relate to you." – Book of Mormon Study Guide for Home-study Seminary Students [2012], 68

5. Nephi delights in the words of Isaiah? How do you feel about the words of Isaiah? What can you do so that you may be able to come to delight in them as well?

9-20. What warnings has the Lord sent us in your day about coming destructions? What do you think you should do to prepare for the things that are prophesied for the future?

23-26. What reasons do you find in these verses as to why believing in Jesus Christ is the right way?

23. Ponder the meaning and application of grace in your life. How well do you understand it? How grateful are you for it? What is the relationship between the Lord's grace and your efforts to live the gospel? What does the phrase all we can do mean to you?

"The word Grace, as used in the scriptures, refers primarily to the divine help and strength we receive through the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ… Through grace, made available by the Saviors  Atoning sacrifice, all people will be resurrected and received immortality... The phrase after all we can do teaches that effort is required on our part to receive the fullness of the Lord's grace and be made worthy to dwell with him. The Lord has commanded us to obey His gospel, which includes having faith in him, repenting of our sins, being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end… In addition to needing grace for your ultimate salvation, you need this enabling power every day of your life. As you draw near to your heavenly father in diligence, humility, and meekness, he will uplift and strengthen you through his grace." – True to the Faith: A GospelReference [2004], 77-78

"Repentance means striving to change. It would mock the Savior’s suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross for us to expect that He should transform us into angelic beings with no real effort on our part. Rather, we seek His grace to complement and reward our most diligent efforts (see 2 Nephi 25:23). Perhaps as much as praying for mercy, we should pray for time and opportunity to work and strive and overcome. Surely the Lord smiles upon one who desires to come to judgment worthily, who resolutely labors day by day to replace weakness with strength. Real repentance, real change may require repeated attempts, but there is something refining and holy in such striving. Divine forgiveness and healing flow quite naturally to such a soul, for indeed “virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light; [and] mercy hath compassion on mercy and claimeth her own” (D&C 88:40)." - D Todd Christofferson, GC, October 2011

"Salvation and eternal life would not be possible if it were not for the Atonement, brought about by our Savior, to whom we owe everything. But in order for these supreme blessings to be effective in our lives, we should first do our part, “for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.” Let us with faith, enthusiasm, dedication, responsibility, and love do all that is within our reach, and we will be doing all that is possible to achieve the impossible—that is, to achieve what for the human mind is impossible but with the divine intervention of our loving Father and the infinite sacrifice brought about by our Savior becomes the greatest gift, the most glorious of realities, to live forever with God and with our families." -  Jorge F. Zeballos, GC, October 2009

"Nephi taught, “For we labor diligently … to persuade our children … to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do” (2 Ne. 25:23). And what is “all we can do”? It surely includes repentance (see Alma 24:11) and baptism, keeping the commandments, and enduring to the end. Moroni pleaded, “Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ” (Moro. 10:32).We are not saved in our sins, as by being unconditionally saved through confessing Christ and then, inevitably, committing sins in our remaining lives (see Alma 11:36–37). We are saved from our sins (see Hel. 5:10) by a weekly renewal of our repentance and cleansing through the grace of God and His blessed plan of salvation (see 3 Ne. 9:20–22)." - Dallin H Oaks, GC, April 1998

25. What does the word reconciled mean?

26. In what ways do you worship a review Jesus Christ? What activities show others that you believe in and worship Jesus Christ? What can you do to better worship the Savior with all your might, mind, and strength?

28-30. How does the sacrament help you remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?

2 Nephi 24

(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 righteous will finally have peace during the Millenium. The righteous will triumph over all their enemies, because they have trusted in and relied upon the Lord.

SYMBOLS: The story of Lucifer's pride and his fall from heaven typify the king of Babylon's ambitions and eventual downfall.

1. How does the message of mercy in this verse speak to you of the faithfulness of your Father in Heaven?

2-3. What will happen to the oppressors during the Millenium? What will happen to the oppressed who were righteous?

4. The wicked confidently declare that nothing can destroy their empires. What is prophesied regarding these things? Why is equality a divine principle? How can you share your wealth and blessings with those who are not so materially blessed? How can the poor bless the wealthy?

5. What is this verse teaching about the power of those who rule in Babylon?

7. Think of a restful moment. What qualities did you most appreciate about it? What thoughts and feelings come to mind when you consider the possibility of the whole earth being at rest? Is your own heart at rest? How can you feel the peace of God even amidst turmoil?

10-11. What will the wicked say to Satan when his kingdom is destroyed? Why will they mock him?

12-14. How do these verses highlight the arrogance and pride of Satan?

"Those who constantly love the praise of men more than the praise of God are faint reflections of another—meaning Satan, of course—who in the preexistence wanted to save all mankind, but with one condition attached—that the honor and glory go to him, not to God. He was more concerned with credit than with results; glory and praise were the end in themselves. ...On the crucial issues, if individuals are more concerned with pleasing men than pleasing God, then they suffer from the same virus Satan had, for there are many situations where seeking the praise of men will clearly result in their hurting, not helping, mankind for they will do expedient and temporary things instead of those which are lasting and beneficial." - N Eldon Tanner, GC, October 1975

15-16. What will ultimately happen to Satan? How will people feel about him when they see him for what he is?

"In the premortal council, it was pride that felled Lucifer, “a son of the morning.” ...Lucifer placed his proposal in competition with the Father’s plan as advocated by Jesus Christ. (See Moses 4:1–3.) He wished to be honored above all others. (See 2 Ne. 24:13.) In short, his prideful desire was to dethrone God." - Ezra Taft Benson, GC, April 1989

22. What gives comfort to the righteous? What can you dange in your life today to be more obedient? How can you resolve to stay obedient?

30. What is the ultimate fate of those who choose not to repent and turn to the Lord?

2 Nephi 23

(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.)

Well the wicked will be punished in the last days, the Lord will watch over and protect His people. Babylon - Satan's kingdom will be destroyed by the Savior, NEVER again to be rebuilt!

BACKGROUND: Isaiah compared the destruction of ancient Babylon to Lucifer's fall from heaven. He spoke of Lucifer as the symbolic king of Babylon, meaning the whole weekend world.

1. What has Babylon come to symbolize for us in our day? (See Bible Dictionary : Babylon) How can we avoid being part of Babylon today?

"To come to Zion, it is not enough for you or me to be somewhat less wicked than others. We are to become not only good but holy men and women. Recalling Elder Neal A. Maxwell’s phrase, let us once and for all establish our residence in Zion and give up the summer cottage in Babylon (see Neal A. Maxwell, A Wonderful Flood of Light [1990], 47)." - D Todd Christofferson, GC, October 2008

2-4. What are the righteous doing in this verse? Why is the Lord gathering his righteous forces in the last days?

3. How does the Lord feel about those who rejoice in and glorify his name? What can you do to consistently and continually rejoice in and glorify the name of God?

6. What will the wicked in the last days howl and scream when the Lord returns? How will this wicked feel in the presence of the Lord? If you were to stand before the Lord right now how would you feel? Is there anything in your life that you need to change so you can be comfortable and confident in his presents? Make a goal to make that change.

7. In this verse it is described that man's heart shall melt. What is this telling will happen to the courage of the wicked? How does truth and honesty and uprightness give you courage and confidence and make your heart strong?

8. Have you experienced a moment when you're your face turned a flaming red? How did you feel in that moment? How will the wicked feel in the last days when the distractions of the Lord, on them? Why are we required to suffer the consequences of our sins? Is there anyway to get out of that condition? Why or why not?

9. We know that the Lord is a loving and righteous God. Why will the wicked perceive his coming to be cruel and his wrath to be a fierce anger? How do the perceptions of those who do not feel the spirit of God did her from those who do? How can it bless your life to perceive all events and experiences through the Spirit of the Lord?

"Even though the Savior will appear to the entire world, the experiences the righteous have will be very different from the experiences of the wicked." – Scripture Study for Latter-day Saint Families: The Book of Mormon, 76

10. How is embracing wickedness much like the condition of having no sun moon or stars to give one light in their lives? What do he practices do you engage and to ensure that your choices and actions are guided by light?

11. In our day much of what is good is called evil and much of what is evil is called good by those who wish to indulge in it. At that last day, the day of the Lord, how will that proud opinion be brought into humility? What can you do now to seek humility in your life?

12-23. How did Lucifer fall from heaven?

"The full of the king of Babylon is compared to the fall of Lucifer. When the king of Babylon fell, the children of God on earth rejoiced; but when Lucifer, a son of the morning, fell, the heavens wept over him." – The Book of Mormon for Latter Day Saint Families, 126

"Because our Heavenly Father chose Jesus Christ to be our Savior, Satan became angry and rebelled. There was war in heaven. Satan and his followers fought against Jesus and His followers. In this great rebellion, Satan and all the spirits who followed him were sent away from the presence of God and cast down from heaven. One-third of the spirits in heaven were punished for following Satan: they were denied the right to receive mortal bodies." – Gospel Principles, 18-19

12. What is the worth of a man who survives the desolation of the last days? What does this tell you about the number who will survive those calamities?

14. How were the feelings of those who have been comfortable participating in the activities of Babylon change the that day? Are there any activities of Babylon that you're currently comfortable participating in? What can you do to purge these actions and attitudes from your life that you may feel safe in the Lords arms when he returns?

15-16. What will happen to those who are found to be proud in that day? According to these verses how terrible will they feel when they are found in this condition?

17-19. Will there be anything left of Babylon? How can the utter overthrow of them usher in the great and last dispensation when the Lord himself will reign over the earth? What can you do to ensure that no part of you resides in Babylon?

22. How much time does Babylon have left?

2 Nephi 22

(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.)

1-6. What do you think is the most important way you can give the Lord your praise and love? Commit to doing one specific thing to give praise and gratitude to the Lord today.

1. What might make the Lord angry? What will turn away his anger? What doctrine in the Gospel do you find the most comforting in these times?

2. Do you ever seeing when you are really happy? How does placing your full trust in the Savior bring you joy?

3. What does the water that is drawn out of the wells of salvation represent? (See John 4:10) What is living water and how do you drink it?

4. In that Millennial day how highly will you recommend the Lord? How involved will you be in doing His work? How often will you come to Him in prayer and thanksgiving?

5. Ponder the changes that will come upon the earth when a knowledge of the gospel is happened and excepted throughout. What can you do now to what the knowledge of the gospel permeate your whole soul?

6. What is your testimony of the Savior? What feelings does it invoke within you? Does it instill within your heart a deep and abiding joy that feels you? What can you do to increase your testimony and the joy that it brings into your life? How can your testimony of the Savior sustain you through the trials and hardships that we are promised will precede His Millennial reign?

2 Nephi 21

(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 has restored His gospel and His Church through the Prophet Joseph Smith and is now gathering His people in the last days. During the Millennium, the earth will be a place of peace because it will be full of the knowledge of the Lord.

1-9. Is the thought of being judged by Jesus Christ a frightening idea or a comforting one? What sort of person might be afraid of being judged by Jesus Christ? What it be worth it to keep the commandments to have the kind of experience at the final judgment described in Doctrine and Covenants 45:3-5?

1-2. Who is the stem? (See D&C 113:1-2)

"It is clear from the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants that the principal character in this passage is Jesus Christ." – Jeffrey R Holland, Christ and the new covenant, 86

2-5. Make a list of the characteristics and attributes of the Savior from these verses. What characteristic or attribute do you need to work on? How can you develop this characteristic more fully in your life? Determined to begin today.

1, 10. Who is the rod and the root? What modern day servant of Christ do you know that was given the keys of the kingdom? (See D&C 110:11-16)  what do these verses teach you about the importance of the mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith?

"Are we amiss in saying that the prophet here mentioned is Joseph Smith, to whom the priesthood came, who received the keys of the kingdom, and who raise the ensign for the gathering of the Lord's people in our dispensation? And is he not also the servant in the hands of Christ, who is partly a descendent of Jesse as well as of Ephraim, or of the house of Joseph, on whom there is laid much power?" – Bruce R McConkie, Millennial Messiah [1982], 339-340

"Certainly the priesthood power bestowed on Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the Restoration, qualifies him to be this servant. Consider also the Angel Moroni's proclamation, following a recitation of the 11th chapter of Isaiah to young Joseph, that it was about to be fulfilled. Furthermore, the ancient seer Joseph, he who rose to such power in ancient Egypt, prophesied that one of his descendants bearing the name of Joseph would be raised up to do a great work for the Lord." – Hoyt W Brewster, Jr., Isaiah  Plain and Simple, p. 109

"I know that Joseph Smith was a true Prophet of the living God. I testify that he saw and spoke with God and with His Son Jesus Christ. The Lord gave me this living testimony and it has been burning within my soul ever since I received it. I now give it unto the whole world. I not only testify to all mankind that Joseph Smith was sent of God and that the work that was established through him is the work of God, but warn all the nations of the earth concerning the predictions made by the Prophet, and testify in the most solemn manner that I know them to be true." - Lorenzo Snow, Teachings of Presidents of the Church, Chapter 23

6-9. What will the Millennium be like? How will the behavior of animals change during the Millennium? What do you look forward to the most about the Millennium? 

"On the paradisaical earth the enmity of beasts, yea, the enmity of all flesh, shall cease. All animals shall mingle together in peace, and the appetites of the carnivorous beast shall be changed so that the grass of the field becomes the common diet of the animal world." – Bruce R McConkie, Mormon  Doctrine, p. 496

"Man and all forms of life will be vegetarians in the coming day; the eating of meat will cease, because, for one thing, death as we know it ceases. There will be no shedding of blood, because man and animals are changed (quickened) and blood no longer flows in their veins." –Bruce R McConkie, Mormon  Doctrine, p. 658

9. How will the fulfillment of the prophecy that the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord affect people around the world? How will the fulfillment of this prophecy affect you? How does the knowledge of the Lord influence your life today?

10. Why do some people feel so strongly about their flag? What is something mentioned in this verse that is very much like a flag or a banner?

11-16.  What do you consider to be the most remarkable thing God will do in the gathering of his people in the last days? Which aspects of the millennium would you like to have in your life right now? What could you do to receive some of these blessings? How is the gathering a demonstration of the Lord's love for his people? How was your family gathered; in other words, where and when did your ancestors join the church? What can your family do to serve the Lord by assisting in the gathering of Israel?