“November 4–10: ‘I Speak unto You as If Ye Were Present.’ Mormon 7–9,” Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 (2023)
“November 4–10. Mormon 7–9,” Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: 2024 (2023)
Moroni Writing on Gold Plates, by Dale Kilborn
November 4–10: “I Speak unto You as If Ye Were Present”
Mormon 7–9
Moroni knew what it felt like to be alone in a wicked world—especially after his father died in battle and the Nephites were destroyed. “I even remain alone,” he wrote. “I have not friends nor whither to go” (Mormon 8:3, 5). Things may have seemed hopeless, but Moroni found hope in Jesus Christ and his testimony that “the eternal purposes of the Lord shall roll on” (Mormon 8:22). And Moroni knew that a key part of those eternal purposes would be the Book of Mormon—the record he was now diligently completing, the record that would one day bring many people “to the knowledge of Christ” (Mormon 8:16; 9:36). Moroni’s faith in these promises made it possible for him to declare to the future readers of this book, “I speak unto you as if ye were present,” and “I know that ye shall have my words” (Mormon 8:35; 9:30). Now we do have his words, and the Lord’s work is rolling forth, in part because Mormon and Moroni stayed true to their mission, even when they were alone.
Ideas for Learning at Home and at Church
“Believe in Jesus Christ” and “lay hold upon [His] gospel.”
After abridging the record of his people, Mormon gave his concluding message in Mormon 7. Why do you think he chose this message? What does it mean to you to “lay hold upon the gospel of Christ”? (Mormon 7:8).
See also “I Believe in Christ,” Hymns, no. 134.
Mormon 7:8–10; 8:12–16; 9:31–37
The Book of Mormon is of great worth.
President Russell M. Nelson asked: “If you were offered diamonds or rubies or the Book of Mormon, which would you choose? Honestly, which is of greater worth to you?” (“The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?,” Liahona, Nov. 2017, 61).
What do you find in Mormon 7:8–10; 8:12–22; and 9:31–37 that helps you understand why the Book of Mormon is valuable in our day? Why is it valuable to you? You may find more insights in 1 Nephi 13:38–41; 2 Nephi 3:11–12; and Doctrine and Covenants 33:16; 42:12–13.
The writings of Book of Mormon prophets apply to us
I can keep the commandments even when others do not.
At times you may feel alone in your efforts to keep the commandments. What can you learn from the example of Moroni that could help? (see Mormon 8:1–11). If you could ask Moroni how he remained faithful, what do you think he would say?
See also “All May Know the Truth: Moroni’s Promise” (video), Gospel Library.
All May Know the Truth: Moroni’s Promise | Mormon 8–9; Moroni 1, 10
Moroni prophesies of the future day when the sacred writings would be miraculously translated. Moroni declares that we can read this record, understand God’s covenants, and ask God to help us know the truth of all things.
The Book of Mormon was written for our day.
Jesus Christ showed Moroni what would be happening when the Book of Mormon came forth (see Mormon 8:34–35), which led him to give bold warnings for our day. As you read Mormon 8:26–41 and 9:1–30, ponder how his words might apply to you. For example, in these verses Moroni asks 24 questions. What evidence do you see in these questions that Moroni saw our day? How can the Book of Mormon help with the challenges that Moroni foresaw?
Listen to the Spirit. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings, even if they seem unrelated to your reading. These impressions may be what your Heavenly Father wants you to learn. For example, what impressions do you have after pondering the questions Moroni asks in Mormon 9:1–30?
Jesus Christ is a God of miracles.
Moroni concluded his father’s writings with a powerful message for people in our day who do not believe in miracles (see Mormon 8:26; 9:1, 10–11). Why do you feel a belief in miracles is needed today? Search Mormon 9:9–11, 15–27 and Moroni 7:27–29 and ponder questions such as:
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What do I learn about the Savior from these verses?
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What do I learn about miracles, past and present?
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What are the benefits of believing that Jesus Christ is a God of miracles? What are the consequences of not believing this?
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What miracles—large and small—has the Savior worked in my life? What do these miracles teach me about Him?
President Russell M. Nelson taught: “Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory” (“Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Liahona, May 2018, 96). What do you feel some of these miracles might be? What can you do to help the Savior fulfill them?
What do you learn about faith and miracles from the experiences of Saints in Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Tahiti when President and Sister Nelson visited them? (see Russell M. Nelson, “Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains,” Liahona, May 2021, 101–4).
See also Ronald A. Rasband, “Behold! I Am a God of Miracles,” Liahona, May 2021, 109–12; Gospel Topics, “Miracles,” Gospel Library.
Ideas for Teaching Children
The Book of Mormon and the Bible testify of Jesus Christ.
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To emphasize the relationship between the Bible and the Book of Mormon, as Moroni did, you could play a game like this one with your children: Ask them to say “Old Testament, New Testament” when you hold up a copy of the Bible and “Another Testament” when you hold up a copy of the Book of Mormon. You could also choose several events that both the Bible and the Book of Mormon testify of—such as Jesus’s birth, death, and Resurrection—and invite your children to find pictures of these events (for example, in the Gospel Art Book).
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To help your children learn the eighth article of faith, you could write each word on separate pieces of paper. Invite your children to work together to put the words in the correct order and repeat it several times.
I can keep the commandments even when I feel alone.
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Moroni’s example could inspire your children to obey God’s commandments even when they feel alone. After you read Mormon 8:1–7 with them, they could share how they would have felt if they had been Moroni. In verses 1, 3, and 4, what was Moroni commanded to do, and how did he obey? How can we be more like Moroni?
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Maybe you and your children could talk about situations where they must choose between right and wrong when no one is watching. How does having faith in Jesus Christ help us in these situations? A song like “Stand for the Right” (Children’s Songbook, 159) could add to this discussion.
Jesus Christ is “a God of miracles.”
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You might want to explain to your children that a miracle is something God does to show His power and bless our lives. Then you could read phrases from Mormon 9:11–13, 17 that describe some of God’s miracles, and your children could think of other miracles (pictures from the Gospel Art Book, such as nos. 26, 40, 41, and 83, can help). Talk about miracles that God has done in your life.
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Show your children a recipe, and talk about what would happen if you left out an essential ingredient. Read together Mormon 8:24 and 9:20–21 to find the “ingredients” that can lead to miracles from God.
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
Moroni Overlooking the Destruction of the Nephites, by Joseph Brickey