The teachings of Jesus Christ are much more than a beautiful philosophy to ponder. They are meant to inspire us to become like Him. The book of 4 Nephi shows just how completely the Savior’s gospel can change people. Following Jesus’s brief ministry, centuries of contention between the Nephites and Lamanites came to an end. Two nations known for dissension and pride became “one, the children of Christ” (4 Nephi 1:17), and they began to have “all things common among them” (4 Nephi 1:3). The “love of God … did dwell in the hearts of the people,” and “there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God” (4 Nephi 1:15–16). This is how the Savior’s teachings changed the Nephites and the Lamanites. How are they changing you?
As the Savior’s disciples began establishing His Church throughout the land, a question came up that, to some people, might seem like a minor point—what should be the name of the Church? (see 3 Nephi 27:1–3). What do you learn about the importance of this name from the Savior’s answer in 3 Nephi 27:4–12?
The Savior revealed the name of His Church today in Doctrine and Covenants 115:4. Ponder each word in that name. How do these words help us know who we are, what we believe, and how we should act?
See also Russell M. Nelson, “The Correct Name of the Church,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 87–89; “Jesus Christ Declares the Name of His Church and His Doctrine” (video), Gospel Library.
The Church of Jesus Christ is built on His gospel.
After explaining that His Church must be “built upon [His] gospel” (3 Nephi 27:10), the Savior described what His gospel is. How would you summarize what He said in 3 Nephi 27:13–22? Based on this definition, what does it mean for the Church—and for you—to be built on His gospel?
Record what you’re learning. Note what the Savior taught His disciples in 3 Nephi 27:23–26. Why is it important to keep a record of spiritual experiences? What do you feel inspired to record as you’ve studied the Savior’s ministry in 3 Nephi?
What would you say if the Savior asked you, as He asked His disciples, “What is it that ye desire of me?” (3 Nephi 28:1). Think about this as you read 3 Nephi 28:1–11. What do you learn about the desires of the disciples’ hearts from their answers to His question? How are your desires changing as you live the gospel of Jesus Christ?
Hymns often express heartfelt desires—“More Holiness Give Me” is a good example (Hymns, no. 131). Consider finding a hymn that reflects your desires.
The Book of Mormon is a sign that God’s latter-day work is being fulfilled.
Think about signs that let you know something will happen. For example, how do you know that rain is coming or the seasons are changing? According to 3 Nephi 29:1–3, how do you know God’s work of gathering His people “is already beginning to be fulfilled”? (see also 3 Nephi 21:1–7). You might also note, in 3 Nephi 29:4–9, the things that people would deny in our day. How does the Book of Mormon strengthen your faith in these things?
Following the teachings of Jesus Christ leads to unity and happiness.
What would it have been like to live in the years following the Savior’s visit? As you study 4 Nephi 1:1–18, consider listing the blessings the people received. You might also mark or note the choices they made that helped lead to this blessed life. What did Jesus teach them that could have inspired their righteous choices? Here are some examples, but you may find others: 3 Nephi 11:28–30; 12:8–9, 21–24, 40–44; 13:19–21, 28–33; 14:12; 18:22–25.
Ponder what you can do to help your family, ward, or community live in greater unity and happiness. What can you do to help overcome divisions and truly become “one” with other children of God? What teachings of Jesus Christ help you accomplish this goal?
Sadly, the Zion society described in 4 Nephi eventually fell into wickedness. As you read 4 Nephi 1:19–49, look for the attitudes and behaviors that ended their happiness and unity. What can you do to help eliminate these attitudes or behaviors?
To introduce the importance of the name of Jesus’s Church, talk with your children about their own names. Why are our names important? Then you could read 3 Nephi 27:3 together, looking for the question that Jesus’s disciples had. Help your children find the answer in 3 Nephi 27:5–8. Why is the name of the Church important?
You could also help your children think of different groups they belong to, such as a family or a Primary class. Ask them what they like about belonging to each group. Then you could sing “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77) together and talk about why you are thankful to belong to the Savior’s Church.
The Church of Jesus Christ is built upon His gospel.
The Savior summarized His gospel in 3 Nephi 27. You might explain to your children that the word gospel means “good news.” What good news do we find in 3 Nephi 27:13–16? Use this week’s activity page to teach that the Savior’s Church is built upon His gospel.
Heavenly Father rejoices when His children return to Him.
Consider playing a game in which someone hides and others try to find him or her. This could lead to a conversation about the joy we feel when someone who was lost is found. After reading 3 Nephi 27:30–31, you could talk about how to help each other stay close to Heavenly Father so that “none … are lost.”
To help your children learn about the happiness of the people described in 4 Nephi, you could show them pictures of happy people. Then, as you read together verses 2–3 and 15–17 (or “Chapter 48: Peace in America,” Book of Mormon Stories, 136–37), they could point to the pictures when you get to something in the story that brings happiness.
To help your children practice what is taught in 4 Nephi 1:15–16, you could present them with situations where people are angry with each other. Invite them to role-play what the situation might be like if we have the “love of God” in our hearts.
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
