Reinforces this week’s Primary Sharing Time Theme:
Family prayer, family scripture study, and family home evening can strengthen my family.
FHE
with
Another Testament of Jesus Christ
Scripture:
2 Nephi 29:7-8
7. Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?
8. Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also.
Song:
This is My Beloved Son Children’s Songbook page 76
Lesson:
Studying the scriptures together as a family helps our testimonies of Jesus Christ grow.
Scriptures of the Restoration (Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, Pearl of Great Price) do not compete with the Bible; they complement the Bible. These scriptures, along with the Bible testify of Christ. They teach that He is the Son of God, that He atoned for our sins, that He died upon the cross and was resurrected. By reading the scriptures we learn of Jesus Christ and what we must do to live with Him, our Heavenly Father and our families for eternity.
We can pray as a family to better understand what we are reading, and to help us know if what we are reading is true. Family Home Evening is good time to pray and study scriptures together. Doing all of these things as a family (Family Home Evening, reading scriptures, and praying) strengthens our testimonies of Jesus Christ.
Quote:
“The Book of Mormon confirms the teachings of the Old Testament. It confirms the teachings of the New Testament. It restores “many plain and precious things” (1 Ne. 13:28) lost or taken from them. It is in truth another testament of Jesus Christ.” ~ Boyd K. Packer
Q&A:
How do we know that Christ appeared to the people on the American Continent?
The scriptures testify of Jesus Christ. What does it mean to testify?
Do the Bible and Book of Mormon both testify of Christ?
How can reading the scriptures help you gain a testimony of Jesus Christ?
Story:
Cindy lovingly caressed the worn black leather cover of her grandmother’s Bible. Cindy closed her eyes and recalled snuggling up on the couch with Gran as she read the Bible to her. Cindy hadn’t even cared that there weren’t any pictures. Gran read with such animation that Cindy would simply close her eyes and the stories would come to life in her mind.
“Did Jesus really bring Lazarus back to life, Gran?” Cindy had asked.
“He really did! And do you know why?” Gran had replied.
“Because He loved him!”
“That’s right! Just like He loves you, me and all of God’s children. That’s why He gave His life on the cross so that we all will live again.”
Shortly before Gran passed away she gave the beloved book to Cindy.
“No, Gran. You can’t give your Bible to me,” Cindy had protested. “You love this book and you have a lot more years left to read it!”
“These old eyes are too weak to read anymore,” Grandmother had said. “ Besides, I know you love it too.”
“Oh, I do, Gran! Thank you. I’ll read it every day. I promise!”
Cindy opened her eyes and turned to the verse she had marked with the pamphlet the Mormon missionaries had given her. James 1:5. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
Cindy closed the Bible and placed it in her lap. She then picked up the Book of Mormon the missionaries had given her last month and caressed its cover. It wasn’t worn, like Gran’s Bible. She didn’t have any fond memories of Gran reading it to her. She had only read it once, not a half dozen times like the Bible. But the love she felt for this new book of Scripture was just as real, for she had asked and in her heart “it had been given” to her, too.
Cindy closed her eyes again, but this time in prayer. “Thank Thee, Father, for giving me a loving Grandmother who taught me to love Thy word and for Thy missionaries who brought me so much more. Father, please bless Gran, that as she is taught, she too, will know the truth…”
When Cindy was baptized, the memory of Gran reading Matthew 3:16-17 filled her soul. “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Tears of joy streamed down Cindy’s face. She knew her prayers had been answered.
“I’ll be baptized for you too, Gran,” she whispered. “I promise.”
by Margie Nauta Lee © 2008 Living Scriptures, Inc.
Activity idea:
Scripture Activity
This scripture craft helps teach how the Scriptures of the Restoration don’t compete with the Bible; they complement the Bible!
Treat idea:
Ice Cream "Scriptures" Sandwiches
These are “Bound” to be delicious!
After filling your spirit with The Holy Scriptures, fill your tummies with these delicious ICE CREAM “SCRIPTURES”! These home-made ice-cream sandwiches are amazing, but if you need to save time, decorate store-bought ice-cream sandwiches with decorator icing.