02/22/2017
Jan 22 2017
Lesson 4 Remember the new covenant, Even the book of Mormon
1. Joseph Smith's preparation to receive and translate the book of Mormon
In the three years after the first vision Joseph Smith suffered severe persecution, but remained true to his testimony
When Joseph was 17 years old, he was visited by Moroni
What was Joseph praying for on the night Moroni appeared to him?
When Joseph Smith was first shown the gold plates, he was not prepared to receive and translate them.
How did the Lord prepare Joseph to receive and translate the plates? How has the Lord prepared you to fulfill your responsibilities?
How did Joseph's father respond when Joseph told him of Moroni's visit? Why is it important to support our families in their efforts to follow the lord?
2. The miracle of the Book of Mormon's Preservation
How did Joseph's father respond when Joseph told him of Moroni's visit? Why is it important to support our families in their efforts to follow the lord?h and his family. However, the Lord stopped all of Satan's attempts to keep the Book of Mormon from coming forth
One example of the miraculous preservation of the Book of Mormon occurred when one of Joseph Smith's scribes, Martin Harris, lost 116 pages of the translated manuscript. After the 116 pages of the manuscript were lost, the Lord chastened Joseph for fearing man more than God. Joseph lost his gift of translation for a time. In what way had Joseph feared man more than God?
What can we do to over come our fear of man?
Watch if you haven't the works and designs of God
How was the Lord's love for Joseph Smith evident after the 116 manuscript pages were lost? How is God Merciful? What was the plan of those who had stolen the 116 manuscript pages?
3. Witness of the Book of Mormon
As Joseph translated the Book of Mormon, he learned that the Lord would permit three witnesses and a few others to view the plates. Who were the three Witnesses? What were they commanded to do? Why are their testimony important?
The three witnesses: Oliver Cowdery, David and Martin Harris
In addition to the three witnesses , eight others were shown the gold plates. All of the three witnesses and three of the eight witnesses left the church. Only a few returned, but none ever denied his testimony of what they saw.
The translated by a young prophet in humble circumstances, is now indeed flooding the earth. The Book of Mormon or selections from t have been published in more than 90 languages. More than 100 million copies have been printed.
4. Our duty to remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon
In September 1832 the prophet Joseph received a revelation in which the Lord said that the whole church was under condemnation. Why was the church under condemnation? What did church members need to do for the condemnation to be lifted?
Read the following statement ensign, Nov 1986, 4-5