Gathering of Israel
The two individuals in the Old testament who were promised to receive all the blessings of the gospel and priesthood
Hint: They were promised to have a huge posterity.
Who is Abraham and Jacob(Israel)?
Let's read Abraham 2:6-11
Where do the Nephites fit into this promise? Let's read 3 Nephi 20: 11-18, 22
Where do we fit into this? Let's read Jacob 5:16-18
This prophet's record was not originally recorded by the Nephites, but the Savior commanded that it be added to the record.
Hint: 3 Nephi 23
Who is Samuel the Lamanite?
Read 3 Nephi 23: 6-14
What was Samuel's prophecy? Helaman 14: 20-25
Why do you think the Savior was so adamant about including Samuel the Lamanite's story in the Nephite's record?
Why do you think the Lord has repeatedly instructed His people to gather physically and spiritually?
Write and reflect for a few minutes.
Object lesson time!
According to 3 Nephi 23, why should we hearken to the Lord’s words and the words of the prophets?
Hint: The first half of chapter 23
The prophet's words testify of Christ and that following his gospel is how we can return to Heavenly Father.
3 Nephi 23:5
And whosoever will hearken unto my words and repenteth and is baptized, the same shall be saved. Search the prophets, for many there be that testify of these things.
The coming forth of this (thing) is a sign that the Lord is gathering the House of Israel in the latter days.
Hint: 3 Nephi 21
What is the Book of Mormon?
Let's turn to 3 Nephi 21:1-7
The scriptures say that Israel will gather in a New Jerusalem in the last days. Where are the covenant people gathering today?
Where we live!
Read the following quote by President Kimball
The gathering of Israel consists of joining the true church and … coming to a knowledge of the true God. … Any person, therefore, who has accepted the restored gospel, and who now seeks to worship the Lord in his own tongue and with the Saints in the nations where he lives, has complied with the law of the gathering of Israel and is heir to all of the blessings promised the Saints in these last days. (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 439)
Isaiah's words are notoriously confusing. Why does the Savior tell us to study them?
Hint: 3 Nephi 23
Isaiah's words are prophecies of what will happen in the latter days (our days!). His imagery and analogies are powerful reminders of God's love for us.
Read 3 Nephi 23: 1-4
Activity:
Write and Reflect on the following prompt:
What do you think it means to search the scriptures diligently? What are some reasons it might be difficult to search the scriptures diligently?
Class discussion
Through these people all the kindreds of the earth [will] be blessed.
Hint: 3rd Nephi 21
Who are people who make covenants with the Lord? In other words, members of the church!
Turn to 3 Nephi 20:25-27
What attributes do I need to develop to effectively share the gospel?
Hint: Think about the Savior's example
Christ-like attributes:
Faith, Hope, Charity/Love, Virtue, Knowledge, Patience, Humility, Diligence, Obedience
Watch Sharing the Gospel by President Oaks
Activity
Write and reflect on the following prompt:
What are some ways we can make our scripture study more meaningful, especially when we are having difficulty?
Class discussion:
write examples on the board
A sign of the gathering in the last days, referred to as a marvelous work and wonder.
Hint: 3 Nephi 21
What is the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ?
Let's read 3 Nephi 21: 9-11
Why do you think the Lord wants us to recognize the signs of his gathering?
Activity:
Read for several minutes in the Book of Mormon, looking for verses or phrases that help you come to the Lord, feel His love, and gain the blessings He offers. Record the references or key phrases in your study journal. Think of ways you might share these verses with others.
Each group shares at least 1 example.
Activity:
Practice at least 2 of the scripture study skills we talked about to better understand the words of Isaiah.
Read Isaiah 49:13–16 (team 1); 55:1–3 (team 2)
Share what you learned and what skills you used to understand the verses.