Lesson Prepration Guide for "The Book of Mormon—an Immeasurable Treasure on Our Journey"

In his heartfelt address, Elder Ozani Farias of the Seventy shares his personal journey with the Book of Mormon, emphasizing its profound impact on his life and spiritual growth. He recounts how a simple gift of the Book of Mormon during his high school years became a pivotal moment that led him to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elder Farias testifies of the Book of Mormon as a testament of Jesus Christ and offers practical suggestions for deepening one's conversion through diligent and meaningful study of this sacred text.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Begin the lesson by sharing a personal experience of receiving a meaningful gift and ask class members to think about gifts that have impacted their lives.
Start by reading Moroni 10:4-5 and invite class members to discuss their experiences with these verses.
Share a brief history of the Book of Mormon's publication and translation to set the context for the lesson.
Play a short video clip of President Russell M. Nelson testifying about the Book of Mormon and discuss its impact.
Ask the class to consider the role of the Book of Mormon in their personal conversion stories.

Topics

Receive the Gift of the Book of Mormon

Elder Farias shared how receiving the Book of Mormon as a gift changed his life, leading to his conversion and strengthening his testimony.

This October marks 40 years since I received one of the greatest gifts in my life... a copy of the Book of Mormon.

Can you recall a time when a gift changed your life?
How has the Book of Mormon influenced your understanding of the gospel?
What emotions or experiences do you associate with your first encounter with the Book of Mormon?
How can we share the Book of Mormon as a gift with others?
What role did the Book of Mormon play in your conversion or testimony development?

Seek Confirmation Through the Holy Ghost

Elder Farias emphasized the importance of seeking confirmation of the Book of Mormon's truth through the Holy Ghost, as promised by Moroni.

I received the confirmation of Moroni’s promise: "And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things."

How have you experienced the Holy Ghost confirming the truth of the Book of Mormon?
Why is it important to seek a personal testimony of the Book of Mormon?
What steps can we take to invite the Holy Ghost into our study of the scriptures?
How can the Holy Ghost help us in times of doubt or opposition?
In what ways has the Holy Ghost strengthened your conviction of the gospel?

Be Diligent and Consistent in Daily Study

Elder Farias urged members to be diligent and consistent in their daily study of the Book of Mormon to strengthen their faith and witness miracles.

I promise that if you sincerely prioritize studying the Book of Mormon prayerfully each day, you will find greater spiritual strength and confidence in the Lord and His promises.

What challenges do you face in maintaining consistent scripture study?
How can daily scripture study impact our spiritual strength and confidence?
What strategies have helped you be more diligent in your scripture study?
How can we encourage our family members to study the scriptures daily?
What miracles have you witnessed as a result of diligent scripture study?

Feast Upon the Words of Christ

Elder Farias encouraged members to feast upon the words of Christ by savoring, pondering, and applying the teachings of the Book of Mormon.

To feast means more than just reading—it means savoring, pondering, and applying.

How do you differentiate between reading and feasting on the scriptures?
What techniques help you savor and ponder the words of Christ?
How can we apply the teachings of the Book of Mormon in our daily lives?
What insights have you gained from feasting on the scriptures?
How can feasting on the words of Christ lead to personal revelation?

Bear Testimony of the Book of Mormon

Elder Farias highlighted the importance of bearing testimony of the Book of Mormon to share the joy of the gospel with others.

When we gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon, we develop a desire to share the joy that comes from knowing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Why is it important to share our testimony of the Book of Mormon?
How can sharing our testimony influence others to explore the gospel?
What experiences have you had when sharing your testimony of the Book of Mormon?
How can we help others gain a testimony of the Book of Mormon?
What obstacles might we face when sharing our testimony, and how can we overcome them?

Additional Discussion Questions

How does the Book of Mormon complement the Bible in teaching about Jesus Christ?
What are some of the doctrines of Christ that the Book of Mormon expounds upon?
How can the Book of Mormon help us understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ more deeply?
What role does the Book of Mormon play in the plan of salvation?
How does the Book of Mormon provide peace in this life and hope for eternal salvation?
In what ways can we use the Book of Mormon to answer questions of the soul?
How can the Book of Mormon help us make and keep covenants with God?
What examples from the Book of Mormon inspire you to live a more Christlike life?
How does the Book of Mormon help us see our lives with spiritual clarity?
What impact does the Book of Mormon have on missionary work today?