2 Nephi 3-4

Who has been named after someone? How has that influenced your life?

Apostle George A. Smith President George Albert Smith

The Four

JosephsIn

2 Nephi 3

4-5

6-15, 18, 24 15 1-3, 22-23, 25

Lehi’s Joseph Smith Prophecy2 Nephi 3:6-15, 18, 24

It was decreed in the counsels of eternity, long before the foundations of the earth were laid, that he, Joseph Smith, should be the man, in the last dispensation of this world, to bring forth the word of God to the people, and receive the fullness of the keys and power of the Priesthood of the Son of God. The Lord had his eyes upon him, and upon his father, and upon his father’s father, and upon their progenitors clear back to Abraham, and from Abraham to the flood, from the flood to Enoch, and from Enoch to Adam. He has watched that family and that blood as it has circulated from its fountain to the birth of that man. He was fore-ordained in eternity to preside over this last dispensation.

Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 108

Help me make a list!What knowledge do we have because of Joseph Smith?

What do we have because of Joseph Smith?

Permit me to name a few of many doctrines and practices which distinguish us from all other churches, and all of which have come of revelation to the youthful Prophet [Joseph Smith]. …[The] knowledge of Deity. …The Book of Mormon. …… The restored priesthood. …… The plan for the eternal life of the family. …The innocence of little children. …… The great doctrine of salvation for the dead. …The eternal nature of man. …… The principle of modern revelation. …… During the brief 38 and one-half years of his life, there came through him an incomparable outpouring of knowledge, gifts, and doctrine.

Gordon B. Hinckley, April 2005 Gen. Conf.

D&C 135:3

Joseph Smith: Praise to the man Video

2 Nephi 4

Lehi’s children’s blessings • 2 Ne 4:3-7 (Laman)• 2 Ne 4:8-9 (Lemuel)• 2 Ne 4:10 (Ishmael)• 2 NE 4:11 (Sam)

Patriarchal Blessings

Patriarchal blessings provide guidance, comfort, and protection.A patriarchal blessing includes a declaration of lineage, stating that the person is of the house of Israel, belonging to a specific tribe of Jacob. Many Latter-day Saints are of the tribe of Ephraim, the tribe given the primary responsibility to lead the latter-day work of the Lord.Because each of us has many bloodlines running in us, two members of the same family may be declared as being of different tribes in Israel.Patriarchal blessings are sacred and personal. They may be shared with immediate family members, but should not be read aloud in public or read or interpreted by others. Not even the patriarch or bishop or branch president should interpret it.

Patriarchal Blessings

Common Questions

1. What is a patriarchal blessing?2. Why is lineage important?3. Who may give a patriarchal blessing?4. Who may receive a patriarchal blessing?5. How old do I have to be for a blessing?6. How is the blessing given?7. How do I get a patriarchal blessing?8. How do I know if I’m ready?9. How can I prepare?10. What should I wear?11. When will the promises in my blessing be fulfilled?12. Will all the promises in my blessing be fulfilled?13. Should I let others read my blessing?

2 Nephi 4

Worksheet on Patriarchal BlessingsWho can testify of the power of Patriarchal Blessings or of Father’s Blessings?

2 Nephi 3-4