Another Testament of Jesus Christ

CFM: January 1–7

Introductory Pages of the Book of Mormon

Videos, Podcasts, & Weekly Lesson Material

Media	​Lesson Extension	​Additional Materials
Scripture Central	Introductory Pages of the Book of Mormon	Study Guide
Follow Him	Introductory Pages of the Book of Mormon Part 1, Part 2	Transcripts
Line Upon Line	Introductory Pages of the Book of Mormon
Teaching with Power	Introductory Pages of the Book of Mormon	​Teaching Bundle for Book of Mormon, available on Etsy.
Don't Miss This	Introductory Pages of the Book of Mormon
Book of Mormon Matters with John W Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson	Introductory Pages of the Book of Mormon	John W. Welch Notes
​Unshaken	Introductory Pages of the Book of Mormon (Part 1, Part 2)
​The Interpreter Foundation	Introductory Pages of the Book of Mormon (2020)	​2020 Commentary by John Claybaugh Audio Roundtable Come, Follow Me Resource Index - 2020
​Teaching Helps with John Hilton	The Book of Mormon, A Master Class
​Scripture Gems	Introductory Pages of the Book of Mormon
​Ponderfun	Introductory Pages of the Book of Mormon (not yet posted)
​Talking Scripture	Introductory Pages of the Book of Mormon Mike on the Overall Structure of the Book of Mormon	Show Notes Notes for Structure
John W Welch Notes: Come Follow Me	Introductory Pages of the Book of Mormon John W. Welch | pp. 1-14
Book of Mormon Minute, Brant A. Gardner Vol. 1	Title Page The Testimony of Three Witnesses The Testimony of Eight Witnesses
Saving Talents: Devotionals & FHE for Children	Come Follow Me 1/1/2024
​Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class, Book of Mormon	Introduction & the Title Page	Notes, Slides arbm01_presentation .ppsx Download PPSX • 4.53MB

Resources and Insights for this Week's Lesson

There is so much material available for this week's lesson, I figured I would simply list some of the resources I found and include a few charts that would be helpful for our studies this year. There are so many fantastic options to choose from, simply pick a few that interest you the most and enjoy!

Download similar chart here.

Overview

This outline serves as a structured guide to the opening sections of the Book of Mormon, highlighting key themes, purposes, and messages.

Scripture	Major Topics/ Themes	​Summary	​Cross-References, Videos & Resources
Book of Mormon Title Page		Title Page: Part II Title Page: Part IV	What Role Should Scholarship Play in Studying the Book of Mormon? # 63 Why is the Book of Mormon a Classic? When was the Title Page Translated? Evidence #424 Title Page Structure Evidence #425 Title Page Intertextuality
	I. Introduction to the Book of Mormon	Description as an Account Written by Mormon Based on the Plates of Nephi	#507 Was Joseph Smith the "Author" of the Book of Mormon?
	II. Purpose and Composition	Abridgment of Records  Record of the People of Nephi  Record of the Lamanites	#519 Why Is the Book of Mormon Called an Abridgement? Evidence #383 Advanced Civilization
		Audience and Intent Directed to Lamanites, a Remnant of the House of Israel Addressed to both Jews and Gentiles	To the Convincing of the Jew and Gentile That Jesus Is the Christ Evidence #414 Purpose of the Plates #280 Why Hasn't Lehi's DNA Been Found?
	III. The Nature of the Writings	Divine Guidance in Writing Commandment and Revelation Prophecy and Spiritual Insight	Evidence #109 Divine Power Required to Translate Evidence #1 Joseph Smith’s Limited Education Evidence #13 Rapid Translation Evidence #108 No Notes or Reference Materials Evidence #293 No Translation Prompts Evidence #255 No Substantive Revisions
	IV. Role of Moroni	Sealing and Hiding the Plates	Evidence #404 Stone Box in New York Evidence #31 Codices in Stone Boxes Evidence #305 D-Shaped Rings Evidence #112 Ancient Records Hidden in Boxes Evidence #113 The Nephite Ark Evidence #416 Accounts of the Liahona Evidence #417 Symbolism of the Liahona
		Foretold Emergence through the Gentiles
	V. The Book of Ether	Inclusion and Summary Record of the People of Jared Connection to the Tower of Babel
		Purpose Testament of God's Works for Israel Affirmation of Covenants with the Lord
	VI. The Universal Message of Christ	Jesus Christ as the Central Figure The Eternal God Revelation to All Nations	#484 Why is the Book of Mormon So Focused on Jesus Christ?
		Aim of the Book Convincing Jews and Gentiles of Christ’s Divinity	Evidence #412 Doctrinal Guide and Handbook
	VII. Translation by Joseph Smith	Acknowledgment of Translation	Evidence #419 Accounts of the Breastplate
		Human Element in Translation Admission of Potential Faults Encouragement Not to Condemn Divine Things	#3 Are there Mistakes in the Book of Mormon?
	VIII. Final Exhortation	Encouragement to Accept the Teachings	#68 Why Do Church Leaders Frequently Testify of the Book of Mormon? #2 An Apostle's Witness
		Goal of Being Spotless at Christ's Judgment Seat	#294 How Did President Gordon B. Hinkley Emphasize the Importance of the Book of Mormon?

Introduction Page: This outline encapsulates the key elements and messages presented in the Introduction Page of the Book of Mormon, highlighting its significance, divine origin, and the role it plays in the teachings of the LDS Church. It provides a structured approach for understanding and teaching the introduction's content.

Scripture	Major Topics/ Themes	​Summary	​Cross-References, Videos & Resources
Introduction			Joseph Smith's Writings
	I. Introduction to the Book of Mormon as Holy Scripture	Comparison to the Bible Record of God's Dealings with Ancient Americans Fullness of the Everlasting Gospel	Why Is the Book of Mormon "Another Testament of Jesus Christ?
	II. Authorship and Compilation	Written by Ancient Prophets Role of Prophecy and Revelation Mormon's Abridgment from Gold Plates	Which Plates Did the Book of Mormon Come From?
	III. Description of Ancient Civilizations	The Nephites and Lamanites from Jerusalem (600 B.C.) The Jaredites from the Tower of Babel Era Survival of the Lamanites as Ancestors of American Indians
	IV. The Centrality of Jesus Christ	Christ's Ministry among the Nephites Presentation of Gospel Doctrines and Plan of Salvation Guidance for Peace in Life and Eternal Salvation
	V. The Role of Moroni	Moroni's Contribution and Preservation of the Plates Moroni’s Appearance to Joseph Smith in 1823
	VI. Translation and Publication	Delivery and Translation by Joseph Smith Translation through Divine Power Publication in Multiple Languages as a New Witness	The Translation of the Book of Mormon: A Marvel and Wonder An Unfamiliar Text Why New Testament Words and Phrases Are in the Book of Mormon Part 8: Were These Expressions Part of Joseph Smith's Linguistic Toolbox?
	VII. Joseph Smith’s Statement	The Book of Mormon's Correctness and Importance Its Role as the Keystone of LDS Religion
	VIII. Special Witnesses	The Three and Eight Witnesses Inclusion of Their Testimonies
	*IX. Invitation and Promise	Invitation to Read and Ponder Seeking Divine Confirmation through Prayer Promise of Gaining Testimony through the Holy Ghost
	X. Divine Witness and Latter-day Revelations	Confirmation of Jesus Christ as Savior Joseph Smith's Role as Revelator and Prophet Affirmation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

This outline encompasses the Testimony of the Three Witnesses - Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris - regarding their experience with the plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated. It details their firsthand observation of the plates and engravings, the divine assurance of the translation's truth, and their commitment to bear witness as instructed by God. Their testimony concludes with a declaration of faith and the unity of God.

Scripture	Major Topics/ Themes	​Summary	​Cross-References, Videos & Resources
The Testimony of Three Witnesses			Did the Book of Mormon Witnesses Really See What They Claimed? Why Were Three Key Witnesses Chosen to Testify of the Book of Mormon? Witnesses of the Translation
	I. Introduction	Address to All Nations and Peoples Declaration of Witnessing the Plates by Three Witnesses       1. Oliver Cowdery       2.David Whitmer       3. Martin Harris	Why Is David Whitmer's Witness of the Book of Mormon So Compelling?
	II. The Plates and Their Contents	Description of the Plates Record of the People of Nephi Record of the Lamanites and the People of Jared Affirmation of Divine Translation Translated by the Power of God Divine Assurance of the Truth of the Work	Advanced Civilization
	III. Witnessing the Engravings	Physical Observation of the Engravings on the Plates (other sources say they also viewed the Liahona and other artifacts as well). Divine Presentation of the Plates Shown by the Power of God, Not Man	Why Were the Three Witnesses Shown the Liahona? Similarities between the Nephite Interpreters and the Urim and Thummim Why Was a Stone Used a an Aid in Translating the Book of Mormon?
	IV. The Angelic Visit	An Angel Presents the Plates Confirmation of Seeing the Plates and Engravings Witnessed by Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris
	V. Divine Commandment to Bear Witness	The Lord's Command to Testify Commitment to Obedience	What Role Does the Book of Mormon Play in Missionary Work?
	VI. Faith and Salvation	Assurance of Cleansing Through Faith in Christ Hope of Eternal Life and Judgment
	VII. Concluding Declaration	Glory to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Unity of God
	VIII. Affirmation	Statement of Certainty and Marvel Solemn Testimony to the Truth of Their Witness	Knowing is Nice but Not Enough

This outline covers the Testimony of the Eight Witnesses, emphasizing their personal interaction with and observations of the plates used in the translation of the Book of Mormon. They describe the plates' appearance, affirm the work's authenticity, and assert their honesty in bearing witness. The list of witnesses includes members of the Whitmer family, Hiram Page, and relatives of Joseph Smith Jr., each confirming their direct experience with the plates.

Scripture	Major Topics/ Themes	​Summary	​Cross-References, Videos & Resources
Outline of The Testimony of Eight Witnesses
	I. Introduction	Address to All Nations, Kindreds, Tongues, and People Purpose of the Testimony	The Miraculous Translation of the Book of Mormon into Japanese The Miraculous Translation of the Book of Mormon into Ukrainian
	II. Witnessing the Plates	Description of the Plates Appearance of Gold Observations of Engravings and Workmanship Physical Interaction with the Plates Handling the Leaves Translated by Joseph Smith Jr. Affirmation of Authenticity Ancient and Curiously Crafted	Plate Dimensions Is the Book of Mormon Like other Ancient Metal Documents? Are the Accounts of the Golden Plates Believable? Gold Plates and Gold Books Sacred Buddhist Writings on Bronze Plates Lengthy Indian Plates
	III. Declaration of Sincerity	Statement of Soberness and Truth Personal Confirmation of Seeing and Handling the Plates
	IV. Joseph Smith Jr.'s Role	Recognition as the Translator His Presentation of the Plates to the Witnesses
	V. Commitment to Testimony	Assertion of Honesty and Truthfulness Invocation of Divine Witness
	VI. List of Witnesses	Christian Whitmer Jacob Whitmer Peter Whitmer, Jr. John Whitmer Hiram Page  Joseph Smith, Sr. Hyrum Smith Samuel Smith	Why Was Peter Whitmer Jr. Chosen to Witness the Gold Plates? Why Did John Whitmer Continue to Testify of the Book of Mormon? Why Did Hiram Page Remain Faithful to the Book of Mormon? William E. McLellin

Scripture	Major Topics/ Themes	​Summary	​Cross-References, Videos & Resources
The Testimony of Joseph Smith
	I. Introduction	Joseph Smith’s Personal Account of the Book of Mormon's Origin	Joseph Smith Compared with Contemporary Authors
	II. The Initial Divine Encounter	Prayer on September 21, 1823 Appearance of a Light and a Heavenly Messenger Description of the Messenger Moroni	Timing of the Discovery and Receipt of the Plates
	III. The Messenger's Message	Joseph Smith's Calling and Future Influence Revelation of the Gold Plates Introduction to the Urim and Thummim Instructions on Handling the Plates	Good and Evil Will Be Spoken of Joseph Smith’s Name Is There Evidence That Joseph Smith Possessed a Urim and Thummim and Breastplate?
	IV. Vision of the Plate's Location	Clarity and Distinctness of the Vision
	V. Subsequent Visits and Instructions	Repeated Appearances of Moroni Revelations of Impending Judgments Cautions Against Temptation and Misuse of the Plates
	VI. The Retrieval of the Plates	Annual Visits to the Plate's Location Final Receipt of the Plates on September 22, 1827 Responsibility and Protection of the Plates Persecutions and Efforts to Secure the Plates Ultimate Return of the Plates to the Messenger	Why Did Moroni Deliver the Plates on September 22?
	VII. Conclusion	Joseph Smith’s Completion of His Task The Book of Mormon's Publication in 1830	Word Count
	VIII. Reference	For a Complete Account, Refer to Joseph Smith—History in the Pearl of Great Price
	IX. Significance	The Book of Mormon as a Testament Translated by Divine Power Its Role as a Voice from the Dust

This brief explanation covers the Book of Mormon's origins, sources, structure, and historical context. It outlines the various plates that constitute the record, details the book's structure, and provides insights into the text's significance and preservation. The explanation also includes information about the current edition, distinguishing between the sacred text and supplementary study aids.

Scripture	Major Topics/ Themes	​Summary	​Cross-References, Videos & Resources
A Brief Explanation About the Book of Mormon			Events Surrounding the Translation of the Book of Mormon, 1827–1828 Events Surrounding the Translation of the Book of Mormon, 1829–1830
	I. Nature of the Book	A Sacred Record of Ancient American Peoples Engraved on Metal Plates	Stylometry Voice Diversity
	II. Sources of the Record	The Plates of Nephi Small Plates: Focus on Spiritual Matters and Teachings Large Plates: Secular History and Significant Spiritual Events The Plates of Mormon Abridgment and Commentary by Mormon Continuation of History by Mormon and his son Moroni The Plates of Ether History of the Jaredites, Abridged by Moroni The Plates of Brass Brought from Jerusalem in 600 B.C. Contain the Books of Moses, Jewish Records, and Prophecies	Contents of the Brass Plates Sources behind the Book of Ether
	III. Structure of the Book of Mormon	Fifteen Main Parts or Divisions Translation from Small Plates of Nephi (First Six Books) Insertion of the Words of Mormon Connection between Small Plates and Large Plates Mormon’s Abridgment of Large Plates of Nephi Mosiah to Mormon Chapter 7 Final Portions by Moroni Record of Mormon’s Life Abridgment of Jaredite Record The Book of Moroni
	IV. Historical Context	Sealing and Hiding of the Record by Moroni in A.D. 421 Moroni's Visit to Joseph Smith in A.D. 1823 Delivery of Plates to Joseph Smith	Doubled, Sealed, Witnessed Documents: From the Ancient World to the Book of Mormon
	V. About This Edition	Original Title Page and Sacred Text Distinction Between Sacred Text and Study Helps Corrections for Conformity with Early Manuscripts and Editions	Why Bother Studying the Textual Variants in the Book of Mormon?

Church Videos & Resources

• Book of Mormon Videos Full Series Trailer

• What is the Book of Mormon About?

• What is the Book of Mormon?

• Moroni Invites All to Come Unto Christ

• Moroni Preserves the Record for the Latter Days

• Original Title Page of the Book of Mormon - Audio

• Introduction to the Book of Mormon - Audio

• There Is Power in the Book by Elder LeGrand R. Curtis Jr.

• Come unto Christ by President Ezra Taft Benson

• Book of Mormon Reading Chart

• Scripture Figures: Book of Mormon

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Scripture Central

• Study Guide

Video Commentary

• Insights by Taylor & Tyler 2020 Part 1

• Insights by Taylor & Tyler 2020 Part 2

• Insights with Taylor Halverson & Mike Harris

• What is the Book of Mormon with John Hilton III

• How the Book of Mormon's Complexity Shows it Authenticity

Know Why's

Evidences

Written Commentary

Reading Plan

Maps & Charts

Image

Bibliography & Additional Resources

BYU’s RSC

• The Precise Purpose of the Book of Mormon

• Witnesses - Those who assist to Bring Forth This Work

• Video - The Title Page and Purpose of the Book of Mormon

• The Title Page

• Video—The Book of Mormon: “The Most Correct of Any Book”

• Video—The Book of Mormon: Modern Translation and Editions,

•  Video—The Book of Mormon: Ancient Sources and Organization,

• The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon to Restore Plain and Precious Truths

• The Eleven Witnesses

• A Multiplicity of Witnesses: Women and the Translation Process,

• Witnesses—Those Who Assist to Bring Forth This Work,

•  Martin Harris’s 1828 Visit to Luther Bradish, Charles Anthon, and Samuel Mitchill,

• The Book of Mormon: A Great Answer to “The Great Question”

BYU TV

• Discussions on the Book of Mormon – Joseph Smith-History

• Discussions on the Book of Mormon – Testimony of the Witnesses and General Church History

• Discussions on the Book of Mormon – The Structure of the Book of Mormon

• Discussions on the Book of Mormon – The Divine Purposes of the Book of Mormon–Part 1

• Discussions on the Book of Mormon – The Divine Purposes of the Book of Mormon–Part 2

Additional Videos, Articles, & Insights

• Book of Mormon Onomasticon (Index of Proper Names)

• Analysis of Variants of the Book of Mormon

• The Book of Mormon, Designed for Our Day

• Moroni the Lonely: The Story of the Writing of the Title Page to the Book of Mormon

• Who are the Gentiles?

• More Light On Who Wrote The Title Page

• Timing the Translation of the Book of Mormon: Days [and Hours] Never to Be Forgotten

• Feasting on the Book of Mormon, Stephen O. Smoot

• Read This Book: A Review of the Maxwell Institute Study Edition of the Book of Mormon, Brant A. Gardner

• Orson Scott Card’s “Artifact or Artifice”: Where It Stands After Twenty-five Years, Jeff Lindsay

• The Gospel According to Mormon, Noel B. Reynolds

• Many Witnesses to a Marvelous Work, Daniel C. Peterson

• Telling the Story of the Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon, Stephen O. Smoot

Books

• First Edition of the Book of Mormon (1830)

• Grant Hardy, ed., The Annotated Book of Mormon

• Royal Skousen, ed., The Book of Mormon: The Earliest Text

• Donald W. Parry, Poetic Parallelisms in the Book of Mormon: The Complete Text Reformatted

• The Book of Mormon Made Easier

• Doctrinal Insights to the Book of Mormon

• Beholding the Tree of Life: A Rabbinic Approach to the Book of Mormon

• Gathered in One: How the Book of Mormon Counters Anti-Semitism in the New Testament

• Changes in Languages from Nephi to Now

• What Did the Biblical Writers Know and When Did They Know It?: What Archeology Can Tell Us About the Reality of Ancient Israel

• Who were the Early Israelites and Where did they come from?