The Abrahamic Covenant
In essence, the Abrahamic covenant is about how God uses those who make covenants and live well to bless the lives of all their children. This section introduces Abraham, explores how God works with us in our limitations and weakness, as well as the impact of covenants on our relationship with God and others. Finally, we discuss our responsibility to appreciate our strengths and weaknesses, privileges and limitations and use our blessings to live well and bless the lives of others.
Recurring Donation:
One Time Donation:
Class Member Reading:Abraham 1:1–4; 2:1–11; Genesis 12:1–8; 17:1–9; 18:19
Additional Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 132:19–24, 29–32; Genesis 15; “Abraham, Covenant of,” Bible Dictionary
Other Reading: Genesis 12-25
Maxine and Allen contribute an insightful discussion.
You can access the Annotated Reading here (or PDF)
You can access the Lesson Notes here (or PDF)
Timeline
Lesson Part 1
0:00 Introduction
4:05 Assigned Reading
16:18 The meaning of covenants to God and to each other
19:09 Abraham Flawed
20:05 We have differing gifts
Discussion Part 1
23:53 Discussion Intros
26:28 Abrahamic Covenant
30:03 Chosen People: Good or Bad
37:11 Extra-LDS saving knowledge
53:57 Covenants in Mormonism
Resources
Ensign article on the Abrahamic Covenant
Abraham in the Encyclopedia of Mormonism
“The Doctrine of Inclusion” by Elder Ballard
Outliers by Malcom Gladwell (or the Kindle version is $4)
Science article on cooperation
The New York Times article on the traits of successful cultures
Jared Diamond, Guns, Germs, and Steel
Thanks to James Estrada for a great post production turnaround, and to Steven Nelson for the beautiful bumper music.
Engaging Gospel Doctrine 
Jared, Maxine, & Allen,
I used many points from this and the lesson was a huge success. Thank you very much. I used the Orson Whitney quote you mentioned, Maxine, as my closing point about not needing to feel overwhelmed by the work of sharing the Gospel (i.e. blessing all the families of the earth) b/c Abraham has many seed who are also promised to bless all teh families of the earth. They’re doing their part too. And I talked about what you said, Jared, that when you meet someone, you think, “what can I learn from them? What can I give to them?” Everyone really enjoyed those points. So, thanks!
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