Lesson 16: The Power of the Book of Mormon

The Book of Mormon has been a source of strength and light in my life for as long as I can remember.  Almost without taking account of any other aspect of my life, I can tell where I am spiritually by considering where I am in terms of my study of the Book of Mormon.  So, I am excited for this lesson.  Also,  as I reflect on President Monson's latest teaching in the April 2017 general conference, I realize an even greater need to daily focus on the Book of Mormon.  I am going to post two activities for this lesson.  I would not use both, but either one I believe can be effective at helping us remember the importance and power of the Book of Mormon.

Activity #1:

1. Read the third paragraph in section 1 ("The Book of Mormon . . .").
2. Divide the class into groups and ask each group to review one of the following sections of scripture:
1. I Ne. 19:8-12
2. II Ne. 2:6-10
3. II Ne. 9:21-27
4. Mos. 3:5-11
5. Alma 34:8-16
6. Hel. 14:15-18
3. Ask each group to read their assigned verses and to discuss what they can learn from what they read.  You may need to remind them that for many of them the truths contained in these verses seems plain and basic because they have lived with it potentially all of their lives.  Yet, for most people in the world these truths would be revolutionary. 
4. Have the class come back together and share what they talked about.
5. Discuss as a class how these truths, if they were understood by all people, could change the world.

Activity #2:

1. Divide the class into five groups.
2. Assign each group one of these questions
1. How does the Book of Mormon strengthen our testimonies of Christ?
2. How does knowing the Book of Mormon is true strengthen our testimony of other truths?
3. How does the Book of Mormon help us see the problems of the world as they really are?
4. How does the Book of Mormon change our lives and our perspectives?
3. After a few minutes, point out to the groups that each of their questions is based on a section of the manual and ask them to look through that section to see what Pres. Hinckley had to say that may enrich their conversations.
4. Come back together as a whole class and share what was discussed in the groups.

Using the Activities:

Both of these activities are built on the same principles-- principles that have made up the basis of previous posts and will make up the basis of future posts-- trying to apply the teaching of Pres. Hinckley.  Also, as we often do, we are trying to provide more comfortable forums in which people can exercise their faith through participation.  In any case, these discussions should foster spiritual experiences for all those who earnestly engage with them. 

It should be noted that there are obviously some changes that can be made to each activity.  In the first activity, you can choose any short sections of scripture that testify and teach of Christ anywhere in the Book of Mormon.  I chose these examples simply because these are verses that I have been thinking about lately.  Prayerful consideration may very well lead you to include completely different scriptures.  Seek that guidance.  Similarly, in the second activity, I did not include a group discussing Section 2.  I would probably end class on that note.  However, you may feel led to include a question from that section as well (or perhaps in place of another question).  As always, seek and follow the guidance of the Spirit.

I hope that these activities will work well for you or will inspire you to try something entirely different of your own making.  And as always, please leave me a note letting me know how these work.  I enjoy hearing from you.