Moroni 6

(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.)

Through baptism we covenant to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ and serve him to the end. As Church members we are to meet together often to strengthen one another spiritually through fasting and prayer and partaking of the sacrament in remembrance of the Lord Jesus Christ. As often as we repent and seek forgiveness with real intent, we will be forgiven.

1. What are the requirements of baptism? What do you think it means that those wanting to be baptized for to bring forth fruit meet that the word worthy of it?

2. What do you think it means to have a broken heart and a contrite spirit before being baptized? What are you doing to maintain and strengthen your determination to serve Jesus Christ?

4. What was done by the people to help new converts remain faithful? What are your responsibilities toward other members of the church? What blessings does Moroni indicate will come from being nourished by the word of God?

"Most people don't come to church looking nearly for a few new gospel facts or to see old friends, though all of that is important. They come seeking a spiritual experience. They want peace. They want their faith fortified and their hope renewed. They want, in short, to be nourished by the good word of God, to be strengthened by the powers of heaven. Those of us who are called upon to speak or teach or lead have an obligation to help provide that, as best we possibly can." – Jeffrey R Holland, GC, May 1998

4. Have you ever thought about the great number of individuals who have prayed for you, prepare lessons for you, encouraged you and your activity in the church, and help you through challenges? Reflect over your life and identify two or three people who have remembered you in a meaningful way or nourished you spiritually? How might you provide the same service for others? Consider specific individuals whom the Lord may want you to remember or nourish? Plan a way that you can specifically help nourish them spiritually this week. Tell the Lord your plans and act on your commitment.

"With the ever increasing number of converts, we must make an increasingly substantial effort to assist them as they find their way. Every one of them needs three things: a friend, a responsibility, and nurturing with the good word of God. It is our duty and opportunity to provide these things." – Gordon B Hinckley, GC, April 1997

5. What motivates you to go to church? What makes the meeting a good meeting? How does your attitude about going to church influence whether you enjoy it or not?

"Years ago, I changed my attitude about going to church. No longer do I go to church for my sake, but to think of others. I make a point of saying hello to people who sit alone, to welcome visitors,… To volunteer for an assignment… In short, I go to church each week with the intent of being active, not passive, and making a positive difference in peoples lives. Consequently, my attendance at church meetings is so much more enjoyable and fulfilling. All of this illustrates the eternal principle that we are happier and more fulfilled when we act and serve for what we give, not for what we get." – Dallin H Oaks, GC, April 2009

5. Reflect upon experience of you have had that taught you the importance of praying or fasting together with members of your ward or branch? How was your experience at church change if you attended with the desire to strengthen others spiritually?

6. Why is it valuable to partake often of the sacrament in remembrance of Jesus Christ? How can going to church for the purposes listed in verses 4-5 help to keep you in the right way?

7. What do you think it is important that we teach and encourage each other to avoid and repent of sin?

8. How often is the Lord willing to forgive you for your mistakes? How often are you willing to forgive others for their mistakes and human frailties?

9. Who should guide our church meetings? Consider a time when you are particularly aware of the influence of the Holy Ghost during a church meeting. How did you feel in that meeting? How can the principle that church meetings are to be conducted by the Power of the Holy Ghost apply to you? If you were asked to give a talk or teach a lesson during a church meeting how could you help and sure that what you say contribute to the guidance and influence of the Holy Ghost during the meeting?

Moroni 4-5

(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.)

If we always remember Jesus, then we will have his spirit to be with us. The emblems of the sacrament help us remember the atonement of Jesus Christ. As we faithfully keep our part of the covenant of the sacrament, we can always have the Lord spirit to be with us.

What does bread and water do for our bodies? What kinds of things nourish and strengthen our spirits? What a blessing as promised at the end of each sacrament prayer? In what ways do the bread and water of the sacrament nurse our spirits? How is this similar to what food and water do for our physical bodies?

What does a priesthood holder do to prepare himself to administer and bless the sacrament? What part of the sacrament prayers have you pondered about most and why? What helps you focus on the Savior during this ordinance?

"I love the Savior. I feel that as he hung up on the cross and looked out over the dark scene he saw more than mocking soldiers and cruel taunters. He saw more than crying women and fearful friends. He remembered and saw even more than women at wells or crowds on hills or throngs by seashores. He saw more, much more. He, who knows all and has all power, saw through the stream of time. His huge, magnanimous, loving soul encompassed all eternity and took in all people and all times and all sins and all forgiveness and all everything. Yes, he saw down to you and to me and provided us an all-encompassing opportunity to escape the terrible consequences of death and sin.

"And even as he suffered for all of us, he voiced that most beautiful of all requests, 'Father, forgive them'.

"We must do our part and cry with full fervor of soul,'Father, forgive me through the merits of the beloved son as I partake of these emblems of his broken body and spilled blood for me. Please, father, through him, forgive me! Help me to do better.'" – John H Groberg, GC, May 1989

From memory, as best you can, write out one of the sacrament prayers. Review the sacrament prayers. What part of the Sacrament prayer stands out to you? Why is that portion of the prayer so meaningful to you?

How has sincerely pondering the Saviors Atonement during sacrament helped to strengthen you spiritually? What can you do to better focus on remembering the Saviors Atonement during the sacrament?

What covenants are you renewing during the sacrament? What do these covenants mean to you? What can you do to better keep your covenants?

"The Spirit of the Lord can be our guide and will bless us with direction, instruction, and spiritual protection during our mortal journey." – David A Bednar, GC, April 2006

Moroni 3

(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.)

Individuals are ordained to priesthood offices by the laying on of hands by those having authority.

1-4. Have you ever seen a record of someone's priesthood line of authority? What is the significance of being able to trace the line of authority directly to Jesus Christ?

"Clearly, acting with divine authority requires more than near social contract. It cannot be generated by theological training or a commission from the congregation. No, in the authorized work of God there has to be power greater than that already possessed by the people in the pews or in the streets or in the seminaries – a fact that many honest religious seekers had known and openly acknowledged for generations leading up to the restoration… We in the restored Church of Jesus Christ can trace the priesthood line of authority exercised by the newest deacon in the ward, the bishop who presides over him, and the prophet who presides over all of us. That line goes back in an unbroken chain to angelic ministers who came from the Son of God himself, bearing this incomparable gift from heaven." – Jeffrey R Holland, GC, April 2005

Why do you think it is necessary for an individual to be ordained to a priesthood office by someone who already holds the priesthood? How is having the authority of the priesthood in the church or in your family of worth to you?

How important is it for a young man to prepare to receive the priesthood? How important is it for young women to prepare for priesthood ordinances and blessings? How can women help and bless the priesthood?

"Responsibility devolves upon bishops, counselors, fathers and mothers, that we should impress upon these young men the sacredness of blessing the Sacrament, and what the Sacrament means and it's purpose; and also the privilege of performing the ordinance of baptism. If these young men understand the full meaning of the sacrament and preaching repentance, they will become so interested that they will try to live lives in harmony with Jesus the Christ and say, as he said: "Wist ye not that I must be about my father's business?"" – Joseph L Wirthlin, GC, April 1956

Moroni 2

(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.)

Worthy members holding proper priesthood authority can bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost on baptized members by the laying on of hands.

1-3. What do you remember from your experience of being  confirmed and receiving the gift of Holy Ghost? How has the gift of the Holy Ghost been a blessing in your life?

What does it mean when a priesthood holder says in an ordinance or blessing that he does these things "in the name of Jesus Christ?" Why do the priesthood holders pray before they perform an ordinance or give a blessing? Why do you think they're told to do that? Who does the priesthood holder represent when he performs an ordinance or gives a blessing?

 

"In the Church every ordinance is done by the authority of and in the name of Jesus Christ." – Boyd K Packer, GC, April 2011

Moroni 1

(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 gospel of Jesus Christ can soften our hearts toward our enemies.

1-4. What is the worst thing someone has done to you because of your beliefs? How did you feel about their actions and words? What did you do in response?

Why did Moroni continue to write? What does that teach us about Moroni? What does this teach us about what the gospel can do about our feelings for our enemies? Who are some people you might consider as your enemy? What does Moroni's example teach you about how to treat them? What do you think could give you strength to love all people, including your enemies?

1. What seemingly small decisions do you make every day that demonstrate your faith, obedience, and desire to follow Christ?

3. What seemed to be the source of Moroni's strength?

4. What can we learn from Moroni's decision to write to the descendants of his very enemies – those who were seeking his life? What might you write to your own descendants that would be a blessing to them?

Ether 15

(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.)

Rejecting the Prophets leads to misery. War brings pain and sorrow. Anger and vengeance lead us to make choices that hurt ourselves and others.

1-3. How did Corianumr feel when he realized that all of Ethers prophecies were coming true? What regrets did Coriantumr suffer from? How does being obedient to the commands of the Lord through the words spoken by his Prophets help us avoid the agony of regret? How do you feel when you follow the prophet? What specific blessings have you received in your life from following a prophet?

18-19. Why did Shiz refuse to accept Coriantumr's offer? Why must we guard against the temptation to rationalize away the need to repent?

20-32. The history of the Jaradite's provides a vivid example of what happens to people when they collectively reject God's repeated efforts to convince them to repent. What feelings will you experience if you reject the Lord's warnings to repent? How can these feelings help you to move closer to the Lord? How can these feelings help you move toward repentance?

"I testify that the Savior is able and eager to forgive our sins. Except for the sins of those few who choose perdition after having known a fullness, there is no sin that cannot be forgiven. What a marvelous privilege for each of us to turn away from our sins and to come unto Christ. Divine forgiveness is one of the sweetest fruits of the gospel, removing guilt and pain from our hearts and replacing them with joy and peace of conscience." – Neil L Andersen, GC, October 2009

Is there anything you might be doing that may be interfering with the influence of the Holy Ghost in your life? How might you draw upon the power of Jesus Christ's atonement to make the necessary changes that will help you receive the Spirit and resist the power of Satan?

What consequences might uncontrolled anger have on the family or another relationship? Is there a situation in your life where you might need to forsake feelings of anger revenge?

"When someone has hurt us or those we care about, that pain can almost be overwhelming. It can feel as if the pain or the injustice is the most important thing in the world and that we have no choice but to seek vengeance. But Christ, the Prince of peace, teaches us a better way. It can be very difficult to forgive someone the harm they've done us, but when we do, we open ourselves up to a better future. No longer does someone else's wrongdoings control our course. When we forgive others, it frees us to choose how we will live our own lives. Forgiveness means that problems of the past no longer dictate our destinies, and we can focus on the future with God's love in our hearts." – David E Sorensen, GC, April 2003

When have you or someone you know experience healing and freedom after choosing to forgive?

"You can overcome any feelings of anger and revenge if you will turn to Jesus Christ and receive the power of forgiveness and comfort through his atonement. Remember to turn to the Lord in prayer for the help you may need in those situations." – Book of Mormon Study Guide for Home study Seminary Students, page 310

Ether 14

(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.)

1-31. How many movies, television programs, or news reports are there that have war as a topic or theme? How is war glorified in today's movies? Why do you think people sometimes glorify war? Can you see any problems in war, especially glorifying war?

"Each nation is calling his people to come to the defense of the nation, because the war is forced upon us. It seems to have such right on its side that it is fighting for its life, for his country, it's God. But the real causes are not evident; however, you will discover that one cause of the disastrous war lies deeply rooted in the fact that those highly so-called Christian nations have never applied the gospel of Jesus Christ." – David O McKay, Gospel Ideals, p. 271–72

24-25. What do you think Shiz would say if you could ask him why he wanted to kill Coriantumr? Do you think Shiz felt he was justified in seeking Coriantumr's life? Do you think Coriantumr would feel justified in killing Shiz if he had the chance? What, then, do you think they would say is the cause of the war between them? According to these verses what was the real cause or reason for the wars and destruction among the Jaredite's?