I apologize for being a bit behind with the lessons for this year – sickness has kept me from attending church regularly so now I’m playing a little bit of catch-up.
Our area of study in Gospel Doctrine class this year is the Book of Mormon, and the first lesson for the year was entitled “The Keystone of Our Religion.” The scripture references for this lesson are:
1 Nephi 13:38—41, 19:23
2 Nephi 25:21—22, 27:22, 29:6—9
Mormon 8:26—41
Ether 5:2—4
Moroni 1:4, 10:3—5
Doctrine and Covenants 10:45—46, 20:8—12, 84:54—58
Introduction to the Book of Mormon
We have been told that the Book of Mormon is the keystone of our religion. It was brought about by miraculous means and has been given to us in our day for our use and learning. In the introduction to the Book of Mormon, we learn that the book has three purposes. What are those purposes as given in the introduction?
The Book of Mormon has been given as a companion volume to the Bible to be another testament of Christ. What do we learn about Jesus Christ as we read the Book of Mormon, and how this reading strengthened your testimony of the Savior?
What are your favorite Book of Mormon passages?
As I contemplate this question from the lesson manual, I immediately think of Alma 5: 14, which reads: And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?
LDS musician Janice Kapp Perry wrote a song called “His Image in Your Countenance.” One line reads, “Will He know you when He comes again, because you will be like Him? When He sees you, will the Father know His child?”
Both this scripture and this line of music are especially poignant to me as I think about how badly I want to have that glow about me, that special aura that sets true believers apart from the rest of the world.
The lesson concludes with a quote from Marion G. Romney which shares with us his belief that if we make the regular reading of the Book of Mormon a part of our lives, both in our own individual reading and with our families, we will find that the spirit of the book will dwell with us and increase our respect for each other and the spirit of contention will depart. What a tremendous blessing that would be for our families.
Related Blogs:
Gospel Doctrine: Pure Religion
Gospel Doctrine: Did Not Our Heart Burn?
Gospel Doctrine: The Resurrected Body of Christ