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40: “Ye Are the Children of the Covenant” (3 Nephi 20–26)

It can be so easy to breeze through 3 Nephi 20–26. You may even think, “I’ve read these verses so many times, what else is there for me to learn?” But, like each brushstroke is intentional in a painting, every word in these chapters has a purpose. And as we dig into this week’s lesson, we’ll see how all the beautiful details of 3 Nephi 20–26 come together to create a scriptural masterpiece.

27: "The Virtue of the Word of God" (July 6–12)

Have you ever had a hard time “likening” the scriptures to your life? Don’t worry, Tammy and her guests have got you covered. In this week’s study group, we dig into the story of the infamous Korihor in Alma 30–31, where we learn about the false teachings the people in the Book of Mormon faced, the way they withstood them, and how we can do the same.

42: “Before I Formed Thee in the Belly I Knew Thee” (Jeremiah 1–20)

Have you ever had that sinking feeling when you find out someone snooped in your diary? Or maybe you've done the snooping yourself? In someone's journal you can learn all about that person's most personal experiences—their pains, joys, hopes, and dreams. Well, the books of Jeremiah and Lamentations are no exception. In these writings, we learn about the deepest and most personal thoughts of a great prophet. But in Jeremiah 1–20, we also learn that despite Jeremiah's sorrows, God had a plan for him—and it serves as a powerful reminder that He has a plan for us too.

33: "Establish … a House of God" (Doctrine and Covenants 88)

Were you ever afraid of the dark as a kid? Maybe you still are? Even if you are brave enough to never have feared the dark, there’s something undeniably comforting about stepping into the light. And this week’s lesson in Doctrine and Covenants 88 is all about comfort and light. After previous sections filled with prophecies of war and discord, this section shows us what we can always find comfort in as Latter-day Saints. So grab your scriptures and as many marking pencils as you can find, and let’s dig in.

26: "Thy Kingdom Shall Be Established for Ever" (2 Samuel 5–7; 11–12; 1 Kings 3; 8; 11)

What does it mean to inquire of the Lord? We have a sneaking suspicion that it means more than asking a question, and a look at David’s life might confirm our hunch. For most of his life, David inquired of the Lord to know what he should do—and he was blessed. And sadly, David sometimes chose not to inquire of the Lord—and he suffered a lot of regret and sorrow. As we study 2 Samuel 5–7, 11–12 and 1 Kings 3, 8, and 11, we’ll look for examples of what it means to inquire of the Lord, and how this action can bless and protect our lives.

44: "A House unto My Name" (Doctrine and Covenants 124)

Did you know that there was a period when the Relief Society was disbanded? While Latter-day Saint women continued to serve in many capacities, the official Relief Society structure did not exist in the Church between 1844 and 1867. It was then that Eliza R. Snow helped reorganize this vital Church organization under the direction of President Brigham Young. As we study Doctrine and Covenants 124, we’ll talk about what led up to the disbandment of the Relief Society and how it grew into the worldwide organization it is today.

33: “The Lord Is My Shepherd” (Psalms 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; 46)

Pray, sing, pray, sing, pray, sing—this pattern of worship may feel familiar to you as you think about church meetings, but it’s more than a repetitive practice. When we sing and pray, we are literally “pray-sing” or praising God, which is what this week’s lesson is all about. Psalms chapters 1–2; 8; 19–33; 40; and 46 are a collection of songs and poetry that the Israelites used to praise God and His divine love. And as you study these chapters this week, you may find yourself doing the same thing through these inspired words.

37: “God Is My Salvation” (Isaiah 1–12)

What do you delight in? What really makes you happy? Our goal over the next five weeks is for your answer to be the same as Nephi’s when he said “...that his soul delighteth in the words of Isaiah” (2 Nephi 25:5) And right after that he talked to us saying the words of Isaiah are of great worth and that they are particularly of great worth to those in the last days. Isaiah chapters 1-12 have plenty to delight in and it starts with the message that God is our salvation.

Latter-day Saint Life

When Joseph Smith Found the Remains of a Lamanite Named Zelph

By Book of Mormon Central

Who Was Zelph? | Book of Mormon Central“And it came to pass that many of the Lamanites did go into the land northward.” —Helaman 6:6

Lesson Helps

Old Testament Lesson 16: "I Cannot Go Beyond the Word of the Lord"

By Ted L. Gibbons

I am going to include an article written by Elder McConkiehere as an introduction. I recommend that you read it along with these materials. It is wonderful. Some of the concepts will be repeated in the lesson I have written, but the “second witness” will be worth the double exposure. It is called, “The Story of a Prophet’s Madness.” It was published in April 1972 in the New Era. The beginning of the article is shared here, but the complete article can be found on lds.org.