Answer the Call
Lesson 1, Part 1: The Future is Foretold in the Book of Mormon
Lesson 1, Part 2: How to Read the Book of Mormon Differently!
Set the Course
Special Promises in the Book of Mormon
President Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Power of the Book of Mormon,” June 1988.
President Thomas S. Monson, “The Power of the Book of Mormon,” April 2017.
President Russell M. Nelson, “The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?” October 2017.
Through this course, we will be receiving these promised blessings by studying the Book of Mormon specifically! To do this, we will be using the words of latter-day prophets and the latter-day signs of the times to identify the parallels for our day.
What are the Signs of the Times?
It is quite simple to read the Book of Mormon and become acquainted with the storyline, but how can one attempt to apply the sacred text to the most important events in our own day? How can one be sure what those crucial events even are?
Currently raging in our modern world is a fierce debate over what elements of history should be taught and who should decide this issue. Clearly, we need to be careful that we don’t bring our own ideas and bias into interpreting scripture.
What if we used the signs of the times to guide our interpretation of history?
“hearken unto the words of the prophets, and destroy them not, but look forward unto Christ with steadfastness for the signs which are given, notwithstanding all persecution—behold, they are they which shall not perish.”
Likewise, the Lord indicated that “he that feareth me shall be looking forth for the great day of the Lord to come, even for the signs of the coming of the Son of Man.” (D&C 45:39)
Where better to look than in the “most correct” book—the Book of Mormon? In this course, we will be doing just that.
Highlighting Some Book of Mormon Parallels
Taken from the documentary, For Our Day: Covenant on the Land
President Benson’s Plea & Challenge for Us
According to President Ezra Taft Benson, there are two primary reasons for focusing our studies on the Book of Mormon. The first is that this volume is the keystone of our witness of Christ, our doctrine, and our testimony (President Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion,” October 1986). Remember, Mormon selected the fundamental doctrines and principles that are imperative to understand in our day, so this should be our most important focus in studying this book.
President Benson additionally testified of the second great reason for studying the Book of Mormon, reminding us to read the Book of Mormon specifically—to carefully evaluate every verse, every story, every speech, and every page with the question: “Why did the Lord inspire Mormon to include that in his record?” The Book of Mormon was meant to be read specifically—every word carefully studied and applied to our own society, culture, families, nation, and world.
Two years after his talk “The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion,” President Benson repeated his impassioned plea to the Saints, begging them to refocus on the Book of Mormon:
The For Our Day Model
Over time, James realized that the Book of Mormon contained not only guidance at an individual level, but also the most detailed prophecy of our future—a blueprint for building Zion, discerning modernist deceptions, and navigating the turmoil of the last days!
In honor of President Benson’s prophetic call, this research is called the For Our Day Model.
Everyone wants to know the future.
Everyone wants the answer.
Hint: It is all in the Book of Mormon!
For too long, Latter-day Israel has neglected the new covenant—the Book of Mormon—and treated this sacred book lightly. (D&C 84:54-57) Perhaps, it may seem irrelevant and challenging to our traditions that such a simple tool is the means to end war, bring about Millennial peace, heal familial conflict, gather Israel, establish liberty, and so forth. Perhaps we are expecting something more dramatic and sensational. September 21, 2023, passed as the 200th anniversary of Moroni’s appearance to Joseph Smith. What have we done—or failed to do—in those 200 years?
The purpose of the For Our Day Model is to call Latter-day Israel’s attention to the Lord’s Book of Mormon blueprint for building Zion.
- How do we raise father and son teams who work together to preach repentance?
- Where is our political handbook to save the Constitution?
- What is the cause and solution for teen rebellion?
- How do we become physically prepared for natural and manmade disasters?
All of these questions and far more can be answered in the Book of Mormon.
The message of For Our Day is a plea to turn our hearts back to these Nephite forefathers. A call to individually come out from under “condemnation.” (D&C 84:54-57) A call to defend the integrity of this most correct book. A call to use the Book of Mormon seriously and practically—more than we have ever done before in the history of the Restoration.
Will you take this challenge?
Embark on the Journey
Embark on the Journey provides suggested activity ideas to implement individually, in your home, or in your classes to interact with the content provided in the lesson. Hands-on activities help cement information into your mind, allowing the Spirit the opportunity to confirm truth and prompt inspiration to become what the Lord would have you be.
Monthly “I Am a Latter-day Nephite” Theme!
I will stand forth in the strength of the Lord.
- If this is your first week here, welcome! Please review our “Welcome & How to Join the Quest” for some helpful information on how to use this resource.
- Please don’t skip this one! Create, assemble, or purchase a journal or notebook to record thoughts and impressions as you go through this course. You can be as creative as you like, or simply make a Google Drive file, but please don’t skip this one! Many of the activities throughout the year will invite you to write, which will help you organize and record what you’ve learned and what the Lord is prompting you to do. Remember, we’re not just learning—we’re becoming!
- The birthright covenant of the House of Israel was given to Jacob’s son, Joseph—also known as Joseph of Egypt. This sacred trust was passed down through lineage and inherited by Lehi. According to 1 Nephi 14:2, we are all a part of the Lehite covenant and lineage—literally or adopted—if we humbly accept! What does it mean to be a “latter-day Nephite” and carry on the Lord’s covenants? As you study the Book of Mormon this year, write down action items you discover! Draft your own “resolution” or commitment to remind you of your calling and inheritance! If you would like one that has already been created, download or purchase a designed cardstock version of the “I Am a Latter-day Nephite” resolution produced by the Joseph Smith Foundation. Post your resolution where you will see it every day—on the fridge or your mirror, for example.
- This month, we will be focusing on the statement, “I will stand forth in the strength of the Lord.” Ponder what it means to “stand forth in the strength of the Lord.”
- In your journal, reflect on times that you have relied on the Lord’s strength to be bold in your testimony.
- As a family or class, share times where you have stood strong in your faith. What were the situations? How did you feel as you stood up for what you believe? How did these situations strengthen your testimony?
- Print out a Book of Mormon Reading Log and color it in as you read the Book of Mormon this year.
- Start a Book of Mormon quotes collection. It can be a posterboard, a page in your journal, a pinterest board, or any other creative way you can think of. Throughout the year, add quotes about the importance and blessings of the Book of Mormon. There are a few in the “Set the Course” section to get you started.
- Need an example? Check out the Joseph Smith Foundation “Book of Mormon Quotes” Pinterest board!
- Watch this video clip from President Uchtdorf (12:13-15:29). Record in your journal impressions you receive as you ponder on this. Commit to being open-minded to the journey that the Lord wants to take you on this year.
- The Book of Mormon helps us see our future. Nephites on a quest might have used something like a spyglass to help them see things that were ahead. Make a Spyglass Telescope and use it as you read your Nephite Quest statement or during your family Book of Mormon reading time.
- Listen to “From Cumorah’s Hill: The Book of Mormon Speaks to Our Day” by Steven Kapp Perry. Which song is your favorite? Why? Find the lyrics and record in your journal a few of the phrases that touch your heart and what it means to you.
- Create a For Our Day playlist on your favorite music platform and add songs throughout the year. Start by adding your favorite track from “From Cumorah’s Hill”! (see previous activity)
- Recreate the Book of Mormon Prophetic Parallels Timeline in any artistic style you would like—paint, animation, mixed media, cross-stitch—your imagination is the limit!
- Draw a picture of you dressed as a Nephite. Write “I will stand forth in the strength of the Lord” or “I am a Latter-day Nephite” along the bottom.
- Record a video explaining why the Book of Mormon is so important for our day, and share it with friends. If using social media, use #ForOurDay so that others doing For Our Day can find it too! Send us a link—we’d love to hear from you!
- Write in your journal questions, concerns or even doubts you may have right now. The Lord has promised that if we ask, we will receive. (James 1:5, D&C 4:7) Leave some space to record the answers as you find them in the Book of Mormon this year.
Unless otherwise stated, reference to any products, services, hypertext link to third parties or other information by trade name, trademark, supplier or otherwise does not constitute or imply its endorsement or sponsorship by us. They are for convenience only.
All Hands on Deck
- Pray each morning this week for the Lord to give you an opportunity to share your thoughts on the Book of Mormon and/or what you’ve learned this week with someone.
- Join the For Our Day community on social media for uplifting shareable content, ideas on how to implement For Our Day in your home and classes, and to connect with others on the journey. You can find us here: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, unofficial TikTok.
- Share one or more of your Embark on the Journey activities on social media with #ForOurDay. If you are comfortable, please email us and share your journey! Our team would love to connect with you and hear how you and your family are applying the Book of Mormon for our day.
- Create a Book of Mormon study group with your friends and family. You can meet in person or virtually! Use technology to help with time limitations or distance. You could start a text group, Marco Polo chat, meet over Zoom/Google Meet. Share your favorite epiphanies and grow from hearing others’ experiences!
Prayerfully think of someone you think would benefit from For Our Day and invite them to study with you for the year.
Find the Treasure
Content coming soon!
