Welcome to Day 78...
Today Moroni was surprised to find himself still alive. "I had supposed not to have written more, but I have not as yet perished." He probably wished he had perished, living the sad lonely existence he did.
With more time on his hands, he was inspired to “write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth unto [his] brethren, the Lamanites, in some future day, according to the will of the Lord."
He recorded the Savior’s instructions on the administration of the sacrament and included the sacrament prayers and then explained the qualifications for baptism: "...a broken heart and contrite spirit...truly repentant...with a determination to serve [Christ] till the end."
As members of the Church of Jesus Christ, the people were: "Nourished by the good word of God...continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ who was the author and finisher of their faith....they did fast and pray together oft and speak concerning the welfare of their souls."
After witnessing the depravity and destruction of his people, he shares these things with us in the latter-days, hoping we will choose to live a higher law, knowing it will lead to a better life.
Three more days until the finish line! And now let's begin the final book of the Book of Mormon!
Today Moroni was surprised to find himself still alive. "I had supposed not to have written more, but I have not as yet perished." He probably wished he had perished, living the sad lonely existence he did.
With more time on his hands, he was inspired to “write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth unto [his] brethren, the Lamanites, in some future day, according to the will of the Lord."
He recorded the Savior’s instructions on the administration of the sacrament and included the sacrament prayers and then explained the qualifications for baptism: "...a broken heart and contrite spirit...truly repentant...with a determination to serve [Christ] till the end."
As members of the Church of Jesus Christ, the people were: "Nourished by the good word of God...continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ who was the author and finisher of their faith....they did fast and pray together oft and speak concerning the welfare of their souls."
After witnessing the depravity and destruction of his people, he shares these things with us in the latter-days, hoping we will choose to live a higher law, knowing it will lead to a better life.
Three more days until the finish line! And now let's begin the final book of the Book of Mormon!
- Opening Song "In Humility Our Savior"
- Begin study session with prayer
- Scripture Study: Moroni 1-6 (listen)
- Study Guide: (here)
- Video: Discussions on the Book of Mormon, Moroni 1-6
- Video: "Moroni and His Teachings"
Introduction to the Book of Moroni from the Seminary Study Guide:
Why study this book?
As students study the book of Moroni, they can draw strength from the powerful examples and teachings of Moroni and his father, Mormon. They will learn about basic ordinances and practices of the Church of Jesus Christ; the importance of doing righteous works with real intent; the way to judge between good and evil; the relationship between faith, hope, and charity; and the salvation of little children. Students will also read Moroni’s exhortation to pray to know for themselves that the Book of Mormon is true (see Moroni 10:3–5) and to “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him” (Moroni 10:32).
Who wrote this book?
Moroni wrote this book, which includes his own words, the words of Jesus Christ to His twelve Nephite disciples (see Moroni 2), and the words of his father, Mormon (see Moroni 7–9). Before the Nephites were destroyed, Moroni served among them as a military leader and a Church leader (seeMormon 6:12; Moroni 8:1). Like other major writers and compilers of the Book of Mormon, Moroni was a witness of the Savior. He testified, “I have seen Jesus, and … he hath talked with me face to face” (Ether 12:39). Moroni was faithful to his testimony, refusing to deny Christ during a time when the Lamanites were killing every Nephite who would not deny Him (see Moroni 1:1–3). In 1823, approximately 1,400 years after completing the record of the Book of Mormon, Moroni appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith as a resurrected being and informed Joseph that the record was deposited in a hill near his home (see Joseph Smith—History 1:29–35). At that time and periodically during the next four years, Moroni instructed Joseph Smith “respecting what the Lord was going to do, and how and in what manner his kingdom was to be conducted in the last days” (Joseph Smith—History 1:54).
To whom was this book written and why?
Moroni stated, “I write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth unto my brethren, the Lamanites, in some future day” (Moroni 1:4; see also Moroni 10:1). He also declared that he spoke “unto all the ends of the earth,” warning that at the judgment bar of God, all would be held accountable for the words he had written (see Moroni 10:24, 27). In preparation for this event, Moroni invited all to “come unto Christ” (Moroni 10:30, 32).
When and where was it written?
Moroni likely wrote and compiled this book between the years A.D. 401 and A.D. 421 (see Mormon 8:4–6; Moroni 10:1). He did not say where he was when he wrote it—only that he wandered wherever he could for the safety of his life (see Moroni 1:1–3).
What are some distinctive features of this book?
This book provides details concerning Jesus Christ’s instructions to His twelve Nephite disciples as He gave them power to confer the gift of theHoly Ghost (see Moroni 2; see also 3 Nephi 18:36–37). It also includes the only instructions in the Book of Mormon regarding the performance of priesthood ordinations and the prayers used in the ordinance of thesacrament (see Moroni 3–5). Other distinctive features of this book include Mormon’s teachings on discerning good from evil (see Moroni 7:12–19), the ministering of angels (see Moroni 7:29–39), charity as the pure love of Christ (see Moroni 7:44–48), and the salvation of little children (see Moroni 8). It also includes Mormon’s description of the depravity of the Nephites and Lamanites before their final battle at Cumorah (see Moroni 9). Moroni included his own teachings on gifts of the Spirit (see Moroni 10:8–26). He also recorded an invitation, found inMoroni 10:3–5, that provides a key contribution to the Book of Mormon. Referring to this passage, President Gordon B. Hinckley explained that the Book of Mormon “is the only book that contains within its covers a promise that by divine power the reader may know with certainty of its truth” (“A Testimony Vibrant and True,” Ensign, Aug. 2005, 4).
Who wrote this book?
Moroni wrote this book, which includes his own words, the words of Jesus Christ to His twelve Nephite disciples (see Moroni 2), and the words of his father, Mormon (see Moroni 7–9). Before the Nephites were destroyed, Moroni served among them as a military leader and a Church leader (seeMormon 6:12; Moroni 8:1). Like other major writers and compilers of the Book of Mormon, Moroni was a witness of the Savior. He testified, “I have seen Jesus, and … he hath talked with me face to face” (Ether 12:39). Moroni was faithful to his testimony, refusing to deny Christ during a time when the Lamanites were killing every Nephite who would not deny Him (see Moroni 1:1–3). In 1823, approximately 1,400 years after completing the record of the Book of Mormon, Moroni appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith as a resurrected being and informed Joseph that the record was deposited in a hill near his home (see Joseph Smith—History 1:29–35). At that time and periodically during the next four years, Moroni instructed Joseph Smith “respecting what the Lord was going to do, and how and in what manner his kingdom was to be conducted in the last days” (Joseph Smith—History 1:54).
To whom was this book written and why?
Moroni stated, “I write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth unto my brethren, the Lamanites, in some future day” (Moroni 1:4; see also Moroni 10:1). He also declared that he spoke “unto all the ends of the earth,” warning that at the judgment bar of God, all would be held accountable for the words he had written (see Moroni 10:24, 27). In preparation for this event, Moroni invited all to “come unto Christ” (Moroni 10:30, 32).
When and where was it written?
Moroni likely wrote and compiled this book between the years A.D. 401 and A.D. 421 (see Mormon 8:4–6; Moroni 10:1). He did not say where he was when he wrote it—only that he wandered wherever he could for the safety of his life (see Moroni 1:1–3).
What are some distinctive features of this book?
This book provides details concerning Jesus Christ’s instructions to His twelve Nephite disciples as He gave them power to confer the gift of theHoly Ghost (see Moroni 2; see also 3 Nephi 18:36–37). It also includes the only instructions in the Book of Mormon regarding the performance of priesthood ordinations and the prayers used in the ordinance of thesacrament (see Moroni 3–5). Other distinctive features of this book include Mormon’s teachings on discerning good from evil (see Moroni 7:12–19), the ministering of angels (see Moroni 7:29–39), charity as the pure love of Christ (see Moroni 7:44–48), and the salvation of little children (see Moroni 8). It also includes Mormon’s description of the depravity of the Nephites and Lamanites before their final battle at Cumorah (see Moroni 9). Moroni included his own teachings on gifts of the Spirit (see Moroni 10:8–26). He also recorded an invitation, found inMoroni 10:3–5, that provides a key contribution to the Book of Mormon. Referring to this passage, President Gordon B. Hinckley explained that the Book of Mormon “is the only book that contains within its covers a promise that by divine power the reader may know with certainty of its truth” (“A Testimony Vibrant and True,” Ensign, Aug. 2005, 4).
- Video: President Boyd K. Packer shares the credentials required to return to Heavenly Father and the challenge to keep covenants in this life (Moroni 2–5)
- Video: President Boyd K. Packer teaches that without covenants, even good conduct cannot redeem nor exalt mankind (Moroni 2–5)
And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus."
- Video: "Fellowshipping" President Gordon B. Hinckley talks about fellowshipping new converts. (Moroni 6:4)
- Video: "Partake of the Sacrament" Elder Dallin H. Oaks speaks about the sacrament prayers.
“Most people don’t come to church looking merely for a few new gospel facts or to see old friends, though all of that is important. They come seeking a spiritual experience. They want peace. They want their faith fortified and their hope renewed. They want, in short, to be nourished by the good word of God, to be strengthened by the powers of heaven. Those of us who are called upon to speak or teach or lead have an obligation to help provide that, as best we possibly can.” Jeffrey R. Holland
“In short, I go to church each week with the intent of being active, not passive, and making a positive difference in people’s lives. Consequently, my attendance at Church meetings is so much more enjoyable and fulfilling” (quoted in “Unselfish Service,” Ensign or Liahona,May 2009, 96).
- Record impressions and favorite verses in your journal.
- Close study session with prayer and have a beautiful day!
