Sunday, August 7, 2016

Primary 4 Lesson 28 Nephi and Lehi in Prison




This was my first lesson with my class so I spent over half the time playing getting to know you games!

PRIMARY 4, LESSON 28: NEPHI AND LEHI IN PRISON

MEMORY GAME

Say a list of countries: France, England, Norway, Iceland, Japan, Russia, Australia

Who remembers what countries I just said?


Now I’m going to tell you beforehand: Remember as many of these countries as you can that I list.

Say: France, England, Norway, Iceland, Japan, Russia, Australia

It’s easier to remember when you’re told beforehand, right?


Write on the board REMEMBER


Ask a student to read the following statement by President Spencer W. Kimball.
Invite the class to listen for what he said about the importance of remembering the gospel teachings we have received:
“When you look in the dictionary for the most important word, do you know what it is? It could be remember. Because all of you have made covenants—you know what to do and you know how to do it—our greatest need is to remember”


Today we'll learn about two people who made a difference in the lives of thousands of others because they remembered and acted on certain truths.


Watch Book of Mormon illustrated video about this (3 minutes)


Get out scriptures and turn to Helaman

Summarize Helaman 5:1–4. Explain that because of the wickedness of the people, Nephi resigned as chief judge so he and his brother Lehi could devote themselves to preaching the word of God.

Who was Helaman? (Helaman 2:2.) Why did Helaman name his sons after Nephi and Lehi? (Helaman 5:6.)

Why did Nephi give up being the chief judge? (Helaman 5:2–4.)

Write the following scripture references on the board. (not include the words in parentheses.)
Split three sections up and have groups pick out the “remember” words

  • Helaman 5:5–7 (Keep the commandments; remember the righteous examples of ancestors.)
  • Helaman 5:9–11 (Remember the Atonement of Christ; remember that we cannot be saved in our sins but that we can be saved from our sins through repentance and the power of the Atonement.)
  • Helaman 5:12 (Remember that Jesus Christ must be our foundation.)


To help students analyze and understand these verses, ask the following questions:

How can remembering the righteous examples of others help you choose to “do that which is good”?

What do you do to remember the Atonement of Jesus Christ?


Invite a student to read Helaman 5:12 aloud.

To help students understand the principle taught in this verse, ask:
  • Why is it essential that a building have a firm foundation? 
  • What do you think it means to build our foundation on Jesus Christ? 
  • What promises are made to those who build their foundation on the “rock of our Redeemer”?
  • What can we do to build our foundation on the rock of Jesus Christ? (You may want to ask students how the truths taught in Helaman 5:6–11 are examples of ways we can build our foundation on Jesus Christ.) 


Point out that building upon the foundation of the Savior will not prevent Satan’s attacks, but it will give us strength to overcome them.

When have you been able to withstand temptation or endure trials because your foundation was built on Jesus Christ?

How did Jesus Christ make it possible for us to be saved from our sins? (Helaman 5:9–10.) What must we do so Jesus Christ can redeem us from our sins? (Helaman 5:11.)

What does it mean that “it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation”? (Helaman 5:12.) Why is Jesus Christ our only sure foundation? How can you make Jesus the foundation of your life?

How does Satan “send forth his mighty winds, … shafts, [and] … hail” on individuals and families today? How much power does the devil have over those who build their lives on the foundation of Christ? (Helaman 5:12.)


Summarize Helaman 5:14–19 by explaining that Nephi and Lehi preached the gospel with great power among the Nephites and the Lamanites. As a result, many Nephite dissenters returned to the faith. In Zarahemla and surrounding areas, 8,000 Lamanites were baptized.


To help students deepen their understanding of these verses, ask the following questions: 
  • How did Helaman’s teachings affect Nephi and Lehi? (Helaman 5:13–14.) What have your parents taught you that has helped you in your life? 
  • How were Nephi and Lehi protected in the prison? (Helaman 5:22–23.) How might we be helped if we are worthy?
  • How did Jesus Christ communicate with the Lamanites in the prison? (Helaman 5:29–30.) What was the voice like? What did the Lord say to the Lamanites? (Helaman 5:29, 32.)
  • When the Lamanites were overshadowed by darkness, what did the voice urge them to do? (See Helaman 5:29, 32.)
  • How does Helaman 5:30 describe the voice?
  • When have you felt or heard the whisperings of the “still voice of perfect mildness”?
  • What did Aminadab tell the Lamanites to do so the cloud of darkness would be removed? (Helaman 5:41.) 
  • What happened when the Lamanites obeyed Aminadab’s counsel and exercised faith in Christ? (See Helaman 5:43–44.)


Invite students to read Helaman 5:44–47 silently, looking for words that describe some results of repentance.


From these verses, what do you learn about repentance? (Help students identify the following truth: When we exercise faith in Jesus Christ and repent of our sins, the Holy Ghost will fill our hearts with peace and joy.)

What happened to the Lamanites after the darkness was taken away? (Helaman 5:43–47.) How do you think you would have felt if you had been there? How does it feel to have the Spirit in our lives? Allow the children to share experiences when they have felt the Spirit in their lives.


Summarize Helaman 5:48–52 by explaining that the Lamanites and Nephite dissenters who experienced this miracle went forth and ministered to the people, and “the more part of the Lamanites” converted to the gospel.

Who appeared to the Lamanites? (Helaman 5:48.) What did the Lamanites do after seeing the angels? (Helaman 5:50.)

How did those who were converted change their actions? (Helaman 5:51–52.) What are some ways we can live to show that Jesus Christ is the foundation of our testimonies?

EXTRA TIME?
Ask each child to share a challenging experience or trial they have encountered.
These are like the floods, rain, and wind that can come down upon your house.
When you say your prayers, have faith, and live the teachings of Jesus, you will be strengthened.
You will be building your testimony upon the rock of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
We can show that we have faith that the gospel is true by choosing the right each day.

If we do, we will be like the wise man—building our lives upon the solid foundation of the gospel and preparing ourselves to live again with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

HANDED OUT CHOCOLATE ROCKS AT THE END (SEE PHOTO ABOVE)

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