HELPING CHILDREN TO LOVE THE SCRIPTURES!
THE
BOOK OF MORMON KELLI COUGHANOUR
NAME
START DATE
FINISH DATE Once you ďŹ nish The Book of Mormon for Young Readers, read it again and again. Notice what new things you learn and answers you receive!
Contents Introduction
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1. Lehi’s Family Leaves Jerusalem
2
2. Nephi Gets the Brass Plates
8
3. Ishmael’s Family
16
4. The Tree of Life
20
5. Nephi Breaks His Bow
26
6. Nephi Builds a Ship
30 18. Alma & the Sons of Mosiah Serve the Lord
99
19. Nehor Teaches Lies
104
20. Amlici Wants to be King
108
21. Alma Teaches Full Time
112
22. Zeezrom Lies About God For Money
120
23. Ammon Serves King Lamoni
128
24. King Lamoni Sees Jesus
134
7. Travel to the Promised Land
34
25. King Lamoni’s Father
141
8. Nephi Leaves His Brothers
39
26. The Anti-Nephi-Lehies
148
9. Sherem Denies Jesus Christ
45
27. Korihor & His Sign
154
10. Enos Prays All Day & Into The Night
50
28. The Zoramites & Faith
159
11. Few Records Are Kept
54
12. King Benjamin
60
13. Zeniff & the People of Limhi
67
14. Abinadi & King Noah
74
15. Alma the Elder Baptizes King Noah Dies
82
16. Alma’s Escape to Zarahemla
88
17. Alma the Younger Rebels
93
40. Gidgiddoni Defeats the 234 Gadianton Robbers
29. Alma Speaks to His Sons
166
30. Captain Moroni & Zerahemnah
173
31. Captain Moroni’s Title of Liberty
180
32. God Protects Moroni’s People
185
33. King-Men & Lamanites
191
34. Helaman’s 2000 Stripling Warriors
196
35. Captain Moroni Fights the King-Men
203
36. Nephi & Lehi in Prison
211
37. Murder of the Chief Judge
218
38. Samuel the Lamanite 39. The Signs of Jesus’ Birth
41. Tribes Replace the Government
239
42. Jesus’ Voice in the Darkness
244
43. Jesus Appears to the Nephites
249
44. Jesus Blesses the Children - Angels Appear
256
45. Jesus Continues to Teach
261
46. The Twelve Disciples
268
47. 200 Years of Peace - Then Wickedness 272 48. Mormon’s Earlier Years
277
224
49. Final Destruction of the Nephites
284
230
50. The Brother of Jared Sees Jesus
290
51. Ether & the End of the Jaredites
298
52. Moroni 306 Photo & Image Credits
312
Notes 313 Resources 317 Acknowledgments 318 About the Author 319
Introduction
Introduction Welcome to The Book of Mormon for Young Readers! Key scripture stories are presented in a creative format designed to help children to love the scriptures! Each chapter is full of features that bring the scriptures to life and provide better understanding of the verses being read. So get excited about studying from the scriptures each day! Spiritual power and greater faith in Jesus Christ will flow into your life.
MORONI BURYING THE PLATES, TOM LOVELL
The Book of Mormon is holy scripture. It was written by many ancient prophets in the Americas and contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, as does the Bible. A prophet-historian named Mormon retold and quoted many of the words of one group of ancient people (beginning with the Prophet Lehi), as recorded on gold plates. The Book of Mormon is named after him. Jesus Christ even appeared to these people, the Nephites, after His resurrection.
TRANSLATING THE BOOK OF MORMON, DEL PARSON
Mormon’s son, Moroni, wrote a few of his own words, then hid the plates in the hill Cumorah about A.D. 421. “On September 21, 1823, [this] same Moroni appeared as a glorified, resurrected being to the Prophet Joseph Smith.”1 He told Joseph about the ancient record and eventually instructed him to translate it into the English language “by the gift and power of God.” The Lord allowed for eleven other special witnesses to see the gold plates. The Book of Mormon testifies that “Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.”2
1
1 Nephi
2 Nephi
Jacob
Enos
Jarom
Omni
Words of Mormon
Mosiah
• Lehi • Nephi • Lehi Teaches/Dies • Nephi Dies Prays All Day Nephites Prosper • 5 Authors • Why the Small Plates • Benjamin • Mosiah II • Laban • Tree of Life • Nephites Separate • Jacob Teaches • Mosiah I • King Benjamin • Limhi • Abinadi • Builds a Ship • Jacob & Nephi Teach • Sherem • Alma the Younger
ravel TO The Promised Land 7 T This happens between 591 and 570 years before Jesus was born • Written by Nephi
HELPMEET, © K. SEAN SULLIVAN
Prepare Yourself: Plan to study the scriptures looking for eternal truths and to identify principles, or doctrinal guidelines. Pray to understand how these can help you know what to do in your own life today.
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alma
• Alma • Nehor • Amlici • Amulek • Ammon • Korihor • Zoramites
Helaman
3 nephi
4 nephi
mormon
ether
moroni
• Captain Moroni • Kishkumen • Gadianton • Jesus’ Visit • 200 Years • Wars • Brother of Jared • Doctrine • Mormon Leads • Jaredites • How to Choose • Amalickiah • Nephi & Lehi • Jesus Blesses of Peace • Stripling Warriors • Samuel the Lamanite Children • Wickedness • Moroni Finishes • Ether • The Promise
IMAGINE: Once Nephi and his family work together, they are able to
Hard Words:
finish their ship according to the directions of the Lord. The Lord These words or ph rases then tells Lehi they need to get on the ship and sail to the will be bold and w ill be promised land. Nephi mentions that his two younger brothers, explained in (GR EEN) right Jacob and Joseph, have been born since Lehi left after they are men tioned in Jerusalem. Several days into their voyage on the th e st or y fo r th e You: ocean, Laman, Lemuel and others begin acting loud ld fi u rs t o ti m w e. it w and rude and doing inappropriate singing and dancing. Think ho by be Nephi to n e e Nephi tries to get them to stop. They become angry and tie him up. b e hav NAME R U O Y g Immediately, the Liahona quits guiding them, and a big storm threatens to sink puttin ee that you s e r e h w y their ship. It takes four days of danger and feeling they are about to die before r eve inted in r p e m a n Laman and Lemuel let Nephi go. Nephi does not lose faith in God, and as soon as ct Nephi’s can you a w o H . E he is released, the Liahona starts guiding them again. Nephi prays for the storm BLU he did? to stop, and it does. Then, about eleven years after leaving Jerusalem, the family more like arrives at the promised land. Pay attention to how each family member responds to Nephi being tied up and the danger this causes, and imagine how you would have responded to that terrible situation. brethren and the sons of Ishmael and also their wives began to make themselves merry, insomuch that they began to dance, and to sing, and to speak with much rudeness, yea, even that they did forget by what power they had been brought thither (to this place); yea, they were lifted up unto exceeding rudeness (being very rude). 10 And I, Nephi, began to fear exceedingly lest (a lot that) the Lord should be angry with us, and smite (punish) us because of our iniquity (the bad things they were doing), that we should be swallowed up in the depths of the sea; wherefore, I, Nephi, began to speak to them with much soberness (seriousness); but behold they were angry with me, saying: We will not that our younger brother shall be a ruler over us.
1 Nephi Chapter 18 Lehi’s Family Goes On The Ship
5 And it came to pass (it happened) that the voice of the Lord came unto my father, that we should arise (get up) and go down into the ship. 6 And it came to pass that on the morrow (the next day), after we had prepared all things, much fruits and meat from the wilderness, and honey in abundance (we had a lot of honey), and provisions (food and supplies) according to that which the Lord had commanded us, we did go down into the ship, with all our loading and our seeds, and whatsoever thing we had brought with us, every one according to his age; wherefore, we did all go down into the ship, with our wives and our children. 7 And now, my father had begat (fathered) two sons in the wilderness; the elder (older) was called Jacob and the younger Joseph. 8 And it came to pass after we had all gone down into the ship, and had taken with us our provisions and things which had been commanded us, we did put forth into the sea and were driven forth before the wind (blown by the wind) towards the promised land.
11 And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel did take me and bind me (tie me up) with cords, and they did treat me with much harshness; nevertheless, the Lord did suffer it (allow it) that he might show forth his power, unto the fulfilling of his word which he had spoken (proving that what He says He will do, He really does do) concerning the wicked.
Some Dance And Sing In Bad Ways
A Terrible Storm – The Liahona Stops Working
Laman And Lemuel Tie Up Nephi
9 And after we had been driven forth before the wind for the space of many days, behold, my
12 And it came to pass that after they had bound me insomuch that I could not move, the compass, which
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ARRIVAL IN THE PROMISED LAND, Š USED BY PERMISSION OF CLARK KELLEY PRICE
1 Nephi 18 - 22
save that (die unless) they should repent of their iniquities (sins); wherefore, they came unto me, and loosed the bands which were upon my wrists, and behold they had swollen exceedingly (gotten really big and sore); and also mine ankles were much swollen, and great was the soreness thereof.
had been prepared of the Lord, did cease to work (stop working). 13 Wherefore, they knew not whither (where) they should steer the ship, insomuch that there arose a great storm, yea, a great and terrible tempest (violent storm), and we were driven back upon the waters for the space of three days; and they began to be frightened exceedingly lest they should be drowned in the sea; nevertheless they did not loose me. 14 And on the fourth day, which we had been driven back, the tempest began to be exceedingly sore (very bad). 15 And it came to pass that we were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea. And after we had been driven back upon the waters for the space of four days, my brethren began to see that the judgments of God (consequences for their actions) were upon them, and that they must perish
Nephi Trusts In God
16 Nevertheless, I did look unto (trust in) my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur (complain) against the Lord because of mine afictions (my challenges and pains). 17 Now my father, Lehi, had said many things unto them, and also unto the sons of Ishmael; but, behold, they did breathe out much threatenings (give warnings) against anyone that should speak for me; and my parents being stricken in years (very old), and having suffered much grief (felt so much sadness) because of their children, they were brought down, yea, even upon their sick-beds.
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Travel to the Promised Land
?
wherefore, we were blessed in abundance. 25 And it came to pass that we did find upon the land of promise, as we journeyed in the wilderness, that there were beasts in the forests of every kind, both the cow and the ox, and the ass (donkey) and the horse, and the goat and the wild goat, and all manner of wild animals, which were for the use of men. And we did find all manner of ore, both of gold, and of silver, and of copper.
The Lord approves of good music and dancing.
How can you know if it’s “good”?
1 2 3 4
Does it bring you feelings of happiness and peace? Does it help you draw closer to Heavenly Father? Does it allow you to feel the spirit? Does it help you to have good thoughts and want to do good things?
Chapter 19 Nephi Makes The Small Plates
“Choose carefully the
music [that] you listen
1 And it came to pass that the Lord commanded me, wherefore I did make plates of ore that I might engraven (write) upon them the record of my people. And upon the plates which I made I did engraven the record of my father, and also our journeyings in the wilderness, and the prophecies of my father; and also many of mine own prophecies have I engraven upon them. 3 And after I had made these plates by way of commandment, I, Nephi, received a commandment that the ministry and the prophecies, the more plain and precious parts of them, should be written upon these plates; and that the things which were written should be kept for the instruction of my people, who should posses the land, and also for other wise purposes, which purposes are known unto the Lord. 5 And an account of my making these plates shall be given hereafter; and then, behold, I proceed (continue to do) according to that which I have spoken; and this I do that the more sacred things may be kept for the knowledge of my people.
to.” It impacts your mind and spirit!1
19 And Jacob and Joseph also, being young, having need of much nourishment, were grieved because of the afflictions of their mother; and also my wife with her tears and prayers, and also my children, did not soften the hearts of my brethren that they would loose me. 20 And there was nothing save it were the power of God, which threatened them with destruction, could soften their hearts; wherefore, when they saw that they were about to be swallowed up in the depths of the sea they repented of the thing which they had done, insomuch that they loosed me. 21 And it came to pass after they had loosed me, behold, I took the compass, and it did work whither (how) I desired it. And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord; and after I had prayed the winds did cease, and the storm did cease, and there was a great calm.
He Teaches About Jesus
They Arrive At The Promised Land
7 For the things which some men esteem (think) to be of great worth, both to the body and soul (spirit), others set at naught (ignore) and trample under their feet. Yea, even the very God of Israel (Jesus) do men trample under their feet; I The small plates say, trample under became the Did their feet but I of 1 Nephi, you books would speak in 2 Nephi, Jacob, know? Enos, Jarom, other words— they set him at and Omni.
22 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did guide the ship, that we sailed again towards the promised land. 23 And it came to pass that after we had sailed for the space of many days we did arrive at the promised land; and we went forth upon the land, and did pitch (set up) our tents; and we did call it the promised land. 24 And it came to pass that we did begin to till the earth (prepare the ground for seeds), and we began to plant seeds; yea, we did put all our seeds into the earth, which we had brought from the land of Jerusalem. And it came to pass that they did grow exceedingly;
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1 Nephi 18 - 22 naught (ignore His teachings), and hearken not to (don’t listen to or obey) the voice of his counsels. 8 And behold he cometh, according to the words of the angel, in six hundred years from the time my father left Jerusalem. 9 And the world, because of their iniquity (evil doings), shall judge him to be a thing of naught (person of no value); wherefore they scourge (whip) him, and he suffereth it (endures it); and they smite him (hit him hard), and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering (great patience) towards the children of men (all people).
“I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.” (1 Nephi 19:23) were written in the books of Moses (the first five books of the Old Testament); but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us (show how the scriptures could apply and help us in our lives), that it might be for our profit (benefit) and learning.
Scriptures Help People Know Jesus
18 And I, Nephi, have written these things unto my people, that perhaps I might persuade them that they would remember the Lord their Redeemer (Jesus Christ). 22 Now it came to pass that I, Nephi, did teach my brethren these things; and it came to pass that I did read many things to them, which were engraven upon the plates of brass (scriptures gotten from Laban), that they might know concerning the doings of the Lord in other lands, among people of old. 23 And I did read many things unto them which
Chapter 22
29 And now I, Nephi, make an end; for I durst not speak further as yet (because I’m not going to say any more at this time) concerning these things. 30 Wherefore, my brethren (all those who are reading this), I would that ye should consider that the things which have been written upon the plates of brass are true; and they testify that a man must be obedient to the commandments of God.
Today: Sing the song “If The Savior Stood Beside Me”, then remember what Nephi taught by
working and praying to be like Jesus in all that you do. Good ideas include: Pick one way you want to be like Jesus and work at it; then another. Act with faith and love even when things are not how you want. Be patient and forgiving when you’re annoyed with Journal & Sha someone - especially your siblings. re: good a with do to you ask Do the things your parents Write dow attitude (including chores!). that you len anything want to knaorned, or about, or a w more feelings yony special It would b u have. share whate great to Think: What can you learn from this story about how wrote with you our choices also affect other people? When have you parents! your What else? ne someo d done something that affecte questions do you have from this story?
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