Facsimiles 2–3; Abraham 4–5

Abraham Taught the Egyptians and Saw a Vision of the Creation of the Earth

Facsimiles 2–3

Abraham Taught the Egyptians

Some Important Principles, Doctrines, and Events

God will reveal to the faithful all the doctrines and ordinances necessary for them to return to His presence and become like Him (see facsimile 2, figures 7–8; see also Alma 12:9–10).
Abraham was a willing representative of the Lord. He went to Egypt and preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Egyptians (see facsimile 3, figures 1–6; see also Helaman 8:16–18; Abraham 3:15).

Suggestions for Teaching

Facsimiles 2 and 3. Abraham Taught the Egyptians

Invite a student to read Abraham 3:15 aloud. Assign students to study facsimiles 2 and 3, including the explanations of the facsimiles, and ask them to make a list of what Abraham taught the Egyptians. How did the Egyptians respond to the teachings of Abraham (see facsimile 3, figure 1)? Ask students why they think the Egyptians had so much respect for Abraham and the truths he taught.

Facsimile 2. A Hypocephalus

Review with students the commentary under “Facsimile 2. General Information” in the student manual. Discuss what a hypocephalus is and how and why it was used by the ancient Egyptians. You may want to display facsimile 2 so you can point to the figures and their numbers as you discuss them with students. To encourage students to think about these figures and understand their importance, use the explanations for the figures along with the material under “Facsimile 2, figure 1. Kolob”; “Facsimile 2, figure 3. A Crown of Eternal Light”; “Facsimile 2, figure 5. Enish-go-on-dosh”; and “Facsimile 2, figures 7–8. Returning to God’s Presence” in the student manual.

Facsimiles 1, 2, and 3. Review

Divide students into three groups, and instruct each group to study one of the facsimiles and make a list of gospel principles and doctrines that can be derived from it. Give each group a time limit, such as five minutes, and then invite a representative from each group to read the group’s list to the class. Point out to students that even though we cannot understand everything in the Abraham facsimiles, there is much we can learn and understand from them.

Abraham 4–5

Abraham’s Vision of the Creation of the Earth

Video presentation—“We Lived with God”

You may want to show the video “We Lived with God” (4:00) to help students better understand the Creation and our relationship with the Creator. This video is available on LDS.org.

Some Important Principles, Doctrines, and Events

The earth and the heavens were made from existing materials (see Abraham 3:24; 4:1).
The Gods worked together to organize and form the heavens and the earth (see Abraham 4:1; see also Ephesians 3:9; Hebrews 1:1–2).
Before They organized and formed the heavens and the earth, the Gods planned and counseled together regarding what They would do (see Abraham 4:31; 5:1–3, 5).

Suggestions for Teaching

Abraham 4:1. The Gods and the Creation

Ask students what they would say if someone who was not a member of the Church asked them if we believed in only one God. How does Abraham 3:22–24; 4:1 help answer this question?

Abraham 4:1–25. Preparing the Earth for Mankind

Invite students to find the verbs in Abraham 4:1–25 that describe what actions the Gods performed as They prepared the earth to be inhabited by man. (Went, organized, formed, divided, caused, called, ordered, pronounced, and so forth.) You may want to suggest that students mark these verbs in their scriptures. Then invite students to share what these verses teach about the process of the Creation. Ask students to describe the things that help them appreciate the glory and beauty of the heavens and the earth. Invite students to explain how the Creation of the earth is an evidence of the love Heavenly Father has for His children.

Abraham 5:21. The End of the Book of Abraham

Explain to students that Abraham 5:21 was the last verse of the book of Abraham that the Prophet Joseph Smith published before his death (although we know that the book of Abraham contained much more). Abraham’s vision of the Creation of the heavens and the earth would fit into the text of the Old Testament in Genesis chapter 12. You may want to suggest that students write in their Bibles, next to Genesis 12:10: See Abraham 3–5. You may also suggest that students write next to Genesis 11:31: See Abraham 1–2.