3 Nephi 8-11 The Prophecies Are Fulfilled

The resurrected Savior appeared to the Nephites.

3 Nephi 8:1-23 The Loud, Turbulent Voice

In the scriptures we learn that the voice of the Holy Ghost is a “still, small voice” (see 1 Kings 19:12; 1 Nephi 17:45; and D&C 85:6). As we learn in 1 Nephi 17:45, when we do not respond to the voice of the Spirit, the Lord sends the “voice of thunder”. Have students read 3 Nephi 8:1-23 and see the different ways the Lord spoke to the Nephites when they ignored the voice of the Spirit. What lessons have the students learned in their lives when they have ignored the voice of the Spirit? What blessings have come as they have heeded the voice of the Spirit? Cross-reference: Helaman 13:32-33.

3 Nephi 9:1-14 The Cry of the Blood of Prophets

In verses 5, 8, and 11, the voice of the Lord makes reference to the “blood of the prophets and the saints”. Ask students what the Lord did to those who persecuted the prophets and the righteous members of the church, or saints. Cross-reference: Helaman 14:20-27.

3 Nephi 9:15-22 Jesus Bears Witness of Himself

As Jesus speaks to the Nephites he does two things: He testifies of Himself, and He tells the righteous people what their blessings will be if they follow Him. Invite students to make two lists: first, a list of statements Jesus makes about Himself; and second, a list of those things He says about righteous people. Now that the Law of Moses has been fulfilled by the Lord’s resurrection, we are no longer to offer animal sacrifices to worship the Lord our God. Ask students why they think the Lord asked us to offer a different kind of sacrifice.

3 Nephi 10:1-8 The People Weep and Howl

Have students read 3 Nephi 10:8. Have them find things in verses 1-7 that would make the Nephite people “weep and howl.” Cross-reference Helaman 14:27-30.

3 Nephi 10:9-14 A Foreshadowing of Things to Come

Help students understand that the events described in these chapters is a foreshadowing of events that will occur when Jesus comes again in glory (see 88:87-97). What is there in these verses that should give us hope if we keep the commandments?

3 Nephi 10:18 When Did Jesus Appear to the Nephites

Help students see that Jesus did not appear to the Nephites immediately after His resurrection. Remember, the great destruction among the Nephites, which was a sign of Christ’s death, happened “in the first month” of the thirty-fourth year after the signs were given of His birth. The appearance of Christ happens “in the ending of the thirty-fourth year” (3 Nephi 10:18).

3 Nephi 11:1-8 The Appearance of Christ among the Nephites

As students read the account of the appearance of Christ to the Nephites, ask them to describe what kind of people the Nephites were, based on these verses. How do we know they were good people? What reward came to them because of their goodness? What rewards have come to you because of your goodness?

3 Nephi 11:9-41 There Shall Be No More Disputations

In verse 22 and again in verse 28, the Lord warns the Nephites that there must not be disputations (arguments) among them. Have students read 3 Nephi 11:9-41 and find all the things that Jesus did so that it would be impossible for a sincere person to be able to argue about anything concerning His visit. What can we do to avoid arguments and contention among ourselves? Have students memorize 3 Nephi 11:29.

3 Nephi 11:31-41 The Doctrine of Christ

Have students read these verses and answer this question: what is the doctrine of Christ? Why does it mean to be built upon His doctrine? Why will those who are built upon His doctrine be protected against the forces of evil?

3 Nephi 1-7 The Chosen People Choose Poorly

3 Nephi 1:16-19 Signs Verify Birth of Christ

The signs foretold by Samuel the Lamanite began to appear, announcing to the world that the Son of God was born. Have students find what those who did not believe the words of the prophets suddenly knew when they saw the signs.

3 Nephi 1:26-2:4 A Quick Fall from Righteousness

The signs of Christ's birth were given in the 92nd year of the reign of the judges. Have students read 3 Nephi 1:22-25 and summarize the qualities of the people. Compare those qualities to the circumstances of the 95th year of the reign of the judges (see 3 nephi 2:2-3). How could the affairs of the people change so quickly? What is the path that leads from good to evil so quickly?

3 Nephi 2:10-19 The Path from Good to Evil

Have students read 3 Nephi 2:10-19 and find key words that describe the fall of the Nephites. How do people follow that same path today?

3 Nephi 3:6-10 Recognizing Evil When It Appears

Giddianhi, the leader of the Gadianton robbers, wrote a letter to Lachoneus, the leader of the Nephites. Giddianhi was an evil man. But, the words he wrote make him seem good. Have students read these verses and find words and phrases that sound good but are truly evil. How can we recognize evil when we hear it today?

3 Nephi 3:21-26 Gaining Divine Protection

The Gadianton robbers were thieves and terrorists. Their goal was to destroy the Nephites and take all that they had. Gidgidonni was the commander of the armies of the Nephites. He is encouraged to go after the terrorists. But he does not. Have students read 3 Nephi 3:21-26 and make a list of all the things Gidgidonni asked the people to do to protect themselves from terrorists. How are these things like actions we can take to protect ourselves from sin?

3 Nephi 4:16 Gathering Together

The Nephites gathered together. They came together as a people and brought their food, animals and possessions with them. Have students read 3 Nephi 4:16 and describe the plan of the Gadianton robbers. Why would this plan fail? (See 3 Nephi 4:4.) What kinds of things can we do do fortify ourselves against people who want to cut us off from Christ and His doctrines?

3 Nephi 4:29-33 Songs of Celebration

When the battle against the Gadianton robbers ended, there was a great celebration. New songs were written and sung. Have students read 3 Nephi 4:29-33 and summarize the themes of these songs. Invite students to write poems to describe their feelings about the Redemption they have received through the Atonement of Christ.

3 Nephi 5:10-20 Mormon, the man

Mormon writes to all who will read his record in some future time. In verses 11-13, 16, 20 what important things do we learn about Mormon?

3 Nephi 5:24-26 Gathering again?

In 3 Nephi 4 we read about the gathering of the Nephites to protect them from the Gadianton robbers. How is that gathering like the gather that Mormon speaks about in 3 Nephi 5:24-26? Cross-reference: Articles of Faith 1:10; 2 Nephi 29:13-14.

3 Nephi 6:5 Memorization

Invite students to memorize one or more of the following passages: 3 Nephi 1:13-14; 3:20-21; 5:13; 6:5. Have students explain how the doctrines in these passages apply to their own lives.

3 Nephi 6:10-18 Another Fall?

The Nephites fall into apostasy again! Have students read 3 Nephi 6:10-18 and list all the activities the Nephites engaged in that led to apostasy. Why do people who are so blessed "wilfully rebel against God"?

3 Nephi 6:19-30 A Different Kind of Gathering

In these chapters we have read about the gathering of the Nephites to defend themselves against the Gadianton robbers. We have read about the gathering of Israel. 3 Nephi 6:19-30 speaks of a different kind of gathering. Have students read verses 21, 27-30 and describe the gathering spoken of. Why is this gathering evil?

3 Nephi 7:1-13 They Were Not Righteous

In 3 Nephi 7:11 we read that the Nephites "were not a righteous people." Have students read verses 1013 and find evidence that the Nephites were not righteous. How can we determine if we are righteous today?

3 Nephi 7:14-26 Another Great "Nephi"

These verses speak of a man named Nephi. His second-greatgrandfather was Alma the Younger. Invite students to review what type of person Alma the Younger was when we first read about him (see Mosiah 27:8). Have students read 3 Nephi 7:14-26 and describe in their own words the man called Nephi. Why was it important that Alma the Younger be converted to the Lord over a hundred years before this Nephi was born? What can we do to insure that generations born after us will be righteous?

Helaman 13-16 Samuel the Lamanite

Helaman 13:1-11 The Sword of Justice

Samuel the Lamanite preached from the wall of the city.

The tables of the story line have turned. The Nephites who were once white and delightsome both spiritually and physically have become corrupted. The Lamanites who were dark and loathsome, both spiritually and physically, are sending prophets to the Nephites to exhort them to repent. Find phrases spoken by Samuel the Lamanite which show what will happen to the Nephites if they do not repent. How is the Lord showing compassion to these wicked people.?

Helaman 13:12-16 Ripe for Destruction

Many times in scripture the Lord makes reference to the fact that people are ripe for destruction. What does it mean when fruit is ripe? What are the characteristics of ripe fruit as opposed to fruit that is not ripe? What does it mean to be “ripe” for destruction? According to verses 13-14 why has the Lord not already destroyed the wicked Nephites? Cross-reference: Alma 14:7-9; 16:9.

Helaman 13:17-23 Treasures and Riches

Have students find the words “treasures” and “riches”. What did the angel of the Lord tell Samuel to tell the Nephites about their treasures and riches? Cross-reference: Jacob 2:19.

Helaman 13:24-28 Prophets or Men?

Ask students why the Nephites would choose to reject prophets and follow the words or worldly men? Why do people do the same thing today? Cross-reference: Amos 3:7; D&C 1:12-14.

Helaman 13:29-39 It Is Everlastingly Too Late

Samuel the Lamanite taught that there comes a time when the Lord will no longer protect His people. See Helaman 13:14. When is it too late for a person to repent and receive salvation? See Helaman 13:37-38.

Helaman 14:1-13 The Signs of Christ’s Coming

The Lord commanded Samuel, by an angel, to tell the Nephites what the signs would be of the coming of Christ into the world. Have students find the signs mentioned my Samuel. How was the Lord’s mercy shown to the Nephites when He told them of these signs?

Helaman 14:14-19 Repent ye! Repent ye!

Have students explain the connection between the Savior’s death and repentance.

Helaman 14:20-31 The Signs of Christ’s Death

Invite students to list the signs of Christ’s death. Why would the Lord want the people to know of the Savior’s birth and death, even though they lived on the other side of the world from where these events took place? Cross-reference: Jacob 4:4-6.

Helaman 15:1-17 The Character of the Saved

In these verses the Lord lists the qualities of the Lamanites that insure that they shall be saved. Have students search these verses looking for those qualities that the Lamanites possessed.

Helaman 16:13-25 They May Have Guessed Right

As the time for the coming of Christ grew near the signs began to appear. How did the wicked react to the signs? Why did they not believe?

Helaman 13-16 A Foreshadowing of Things to Come

There were signs given before Christ appeared to the Nephites.

The events of these chapters show that the Lord announces the signs of his first coming. Help students understand that He has also given signs concerning his Second Coming. See Zechariah 14:4-9; D&C 88:87-93; Joseph Smith – Matthew 1:33-36; 1 Nephi 14:12-17; 2 Nephi 29:11-14. How are the signs of the Lord’s Second Coming like the signs of His coming among the Nephites?