Though the people of the ancient Americas had been separated from who was traditionally thought of as God’s chosen people in Israel, Jesus Christ assured them they were children of the covenant. This Book of Mormon FHE lesson helps us understand what that means and how we can continue to help God is his great and marvelous latter-day work.
Scripture
And behold, ye are the of the prophets; and ye are of the house of Israel; and ye are of the which the Father made with your fathers, saying unto Abraham: And thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
Hymn
1. To Nephi, seer of olden time,
A vision came from God,
Wherein the holy word sublime
Was shown an iron rod.
[Chorus]
Hold to the rod, the iron rod;
’Tis strong, and bright, and true.
The iron rod is the word of God;
’Twill safely guide us through.
2. While on our journey here below,
Beneath temptation’s pow’r,
Through mists of darkness we must go,
In peril ev’ry hour.
3. And when temptation’s pow’r is nigh,
Our pathway clouded o’er,
Upon the rod we can rely,
And heaven’s aid implore.
4. And, hand o’er hand, the rod along,
Through each succeeding day,
With earnest prayer and hopeful song,
We’ll still pursue our way.
5. Afar we see the golden rest
To which the rod will guide,
Where, with the angels bright and blest,
Forever we’ll abide.
Lesson
FOR CHILDREN
Begin the lesson by showing the children a picture of a tent. If time permits, have them draw their own pictures of tents. Have a discussion about why tents are important if you are going to be sleeping outside.
Read: When Christ visited the people in the Book of Mormon, he taught them that they were an important part of his church. Even though they lived very far away from Jerusalem, all those who followed him were a part of his family. He called them the children of the covenant. This means they promised to do their best to follow him and he would bless them.
Today, we are a part of Heavenly Father’s family and Jesus Christ’s church. The church is like a tent. We need to build it, strengthen it, and help others find safety in it.
Ask: How is the church like a tent? [safe place to go in a crazy world, helps us on the journey to God, used as a temple in ancient times, etc.]
Read: One thing Jesus taught the people as part of his church is that the gospel would be taught in the latter-days. He prophesied of the Book of Mormon. As children of the covenant, we can share the Book of Mormon with others.
Ask: Why are you grateful for the Book of Mormon?
Finish the lesson with a discussion on how you can share the gospel with others. To conclude, bear your testimony.
FOR TEENS & ADULTS
Begin the lesson by watching the following video. Ask everyone to think about what it means to them when Jesus Christ taught that we are the “children of the covenant.”
Read aloud: When Jesus Christ taught the people of the ancient Americas, he assured them that they were an important part of his church. They had been separated from those traditionally thought of as God’s chosen people for a long time. Yet Christ promised them that not only were they remembered and valued, but that they would be instrumental in a great and marvelous work in the future.
Ask: What is the great and marvelous work Christ talked about?
Read aloud: We live in the time of God’s great and marvelous work. The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is in progress. As children of the covenant, we are to gather Israel and prepare the world for the Second Coming of Christ. We enjoy both blessings and responsibilities.
Ask: What are some of the blessings we have as children of the covenant in this special dispensation? What are some of the responsibilities we have?
Finish the lesson by discussing how you can continue to share the gospel with others. Bear your testimony.
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Treat
Treat
Cinnamon Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
6 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
1/3 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F, with a rack in the middle of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
- Cut each piece of bread diagonally into quarters**. Brush the melted butter generously onto both sides of each triangle of bread. Dip both sides of the bread into the cinnamon-sugar mixture (be generous) and transfer to the baking sheet. Repeat with all of the bread, you should use all of the melted butter and cinnamon sugar. If you have a little bit leftover you can add another piece of bread.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the bread is lightly browned and toasted. I rotate the baking sheet halfway through bake time just to be sure all pieces bake evenly. Immediately transfer the toasts onto a cooling rack to allow them to cool and crisp up.
(Courtesy of celebratingsweets.com)
Activity
Family History
The chapters in the Book of Mormon associated with this lesson also talk about family history work and gathering our ancestors. Choose a family history activity that is suitable for your family. You can index, look at old family photos, write down your own family stories, or search for names to take to the temple.
Aleah is a graduate of Southern Virginia University, where she studied English, Creative Writing, and Dance. She now works full time as a marketing and product manager, writer, and editor. She currently hosts the podcast “Single to the Glory” about singlehood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Aleah served a mission in California and loves baking, Lang Leav poetry, Gaynor Minden pointe shoes, and Bollywood movies.
