Apr 20 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 41–44

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Doctrine and Covenants 41

Doctrine and Covenants 41 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to the Church, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 4, 1831. This revelation instructs the Prophet and Church elders to pray to receive God’s “law” (see section 42). Joseph Smith had just arrived in Kirtland from New York, and Leman Copley, a Church member in nearby Thompson, Ohio, “requested Brother Joseph and Sidney [Rigdon] … live with him and he would furnish them houses and provisions.” The following revelation clarifies where Joseph and Sidney should live and also calls Edward Partridge to be the Church’s first bishop.

The First Bishops

Doctrine and Covenants 41

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 17: Edward Partridge Is Called as the First Bishop,” Click on link to find additional teaching ideas

In early 1831, almost a year after the Church was organized, many people were joining the Church and gathering in Ohio, as the Lord had commanded. As the Church grew, Joseph Smith needed additional leaders to help with the work of the Church. The Church was facing many financial (money-related) challenges. Many of the Saints who gathered to Kirtland were poor. They had no land or money and little food, clothing, or other things that were necessary for them to live. The Church also needed money to build a temple and to publish written materials such as revelations and missionary pamphlets. The Prophet himself did not have a home or a way to provide for his family, and other Church leaders who were serving in the Church full-time also needed help in supporting their families.

The Prophet asked the Lord what should be done to provide for all of these needs. In February 1831 the Prophet received a revelation calling Edward Partridge, who had only been a member of the Church for two months, to serve as the first bishop of the Church. The bishop’s first responsibility was to help the Prophet provide for the physical and financial needs of the members of the Church. Joseph Smith received other revelations in the next few months that helped Bishop Partridge know what else he was to do as bishop.

Bishop Partridge was asked to help provide the needy members of the Church with food, clothing, and shelter (see D&C 42:30–31, 34). Members who had extra food or other supplies were asked to share with those who did not have enough. Bishop Partridge received and distributed these donations, keeping them in a storehouse where members in need could come.

Another duty given to Bishop Partridge was to purchase and distribute land for individual homes and Church buildings (see D&C 42:35).

Friend May 2017 “The First Bishop”

Ensign April 2021 “How can we be like Edward Partridge?” Edward Partridge was the first bishop of the restored Church of Jesus Christ. With his firm testimony, he was willing to sacrifice everything he had and endure hardship after hardship, for he knew the Church to be true.

A Disciple is Someone who Receives God’s Law and Obeys it.

Doctrine and Covenants 41:5

To help your children know what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, you can write Doctrine and Covenants 41:5 on a piece of paper, leaving blanks where the word disciple should be. They could then look in verse 5 for the missing word. Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “41-46”

According to this verse, what does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? A disciple is someone who receives God’s law and obeys it.

Latter Day Kids “Discipleship” Lesson ideas

Doctrine and Covenants 42

Doctrine and Covenants 42 Revelation given in two parts through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 9 and 23, 1831. The first part, consisting of verses 1 through 72, was received in the presence of twelve elders and in fulfillment of the Lord’s promise previously made that the “law” would be given in Ohio (see section 38:32). The second portion consists of verses 73 through 93. The Prophet specifies this revelation as “embracing the law of the Church.” (1–10, The elders are called to preach the gospel, baptize converts, and build up the Church; 11–12, They must be called and ordained and are to teach the principles of the gospel found in the scriptures; 13–17, They are to teach and prophesy by the power of the Spirit; 18–29, The Saints are commanded not to kill, steal, lie, lust, commit adultery, or speak evil against others; 30–39, Laws governing the consecration of properties are set forth; 40–42, Pride and idleness are condemned; 43–52, The sick are to be healed through administrations and by faith; 53–60, The scriptures govern the Church and are to be proclaimed to the world; 61–69, The site of the New Jerusalem and the mysteries of the kingdom will be revealed; 70–73, Consecrated properties are to be used to support Church officers; 74–93, Laws governing fornication, adultery, killing, stealing, and confession of sins are set forth.)

I am happy when I obey the Lord.

Doctrine and Covenants 42:2

As the Church grew and members gathered in Kirtland, Ohio, the Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith what He called His “law” and commanded the Saints to “hearken and hear and obey” it. How can you help the children understand that we are blessed when we are obedient? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 41–44”)

Doctrine and Covenant Stories “Chapter 18: The Law of the Church”

Friend February 2024 “How to Be Happy” President Dallin H. Oaks “The prophet Lehi taught that “men are, that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25). Heavenly Father created us to have joy. He wants us to return to Him. He wants us to be happy in this life. How do we seek happiness or joy? King Benjamin invited his people to “consider the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things” (Mosiah 2:41). Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, love you. Their plan for us is the “great plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8). That plan and Their commandments lead us to the greatest happiness and joy. I urge each of you to seek the joy that comes from keeping the commandments of God.”

You might complete this week’s activity page with your children. You could also sing a song about obeying God’s laws, such as “I Want to Live the Gospel” (Children’s Songbook, 148). Consider sharing with each other how obeying God’s laws has brought you happiness. (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “41-46”)

Your children might enjoy playing a game that requires them to listen carefully and follow instructions. You could use this game to talk about what it means to “hearken and hear and obey” the Lord (Doctrine and Covenants 42:2). What instructions has He given us? How are we blessed by obeying His laws and commandments? Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “41-46”

‘What are some examples of civil laws, and how do those laws benefit us? How do Heavenly Father’s laws or commandments bless us? Family members could draw pictures of themselves obeying God’s laws. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 41–44”

Friend January 2018 “What’s on Your Mind?” An explanation for why it matters that we keep the commandments. For example: How would it feel flying with a pilot who didn’t follow the rules of aviation? What about riding on a bus with a driver who didn’t stop at red lights? The commandments help keep us safe.

Missionaries Sent Two by Two

Doctrine and Covenants 42: 4-8

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Missionaries Sent Two by Two”

I am serving Jesus Christ when I serve others.

Doctrine and Covenants 42:38

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 41–44”

The Lord wants His Saints to care for the poor and needy. Help the children understand that when they are serving people in need, they are also serving the Savior.

  • If Jesus Christ were in our class today, what would we say to Him? How would we treat Him? Show a picture of the Savior, and explain Jesus’s teaching that when we show love to others, we are also showing love to Him. Help the children repeat verse 38 with you, a few words at a time.

After reading together Doctrine and Covenants 42:38, help your children think of ways they can serve Jesus by serving others. They can find some ideas from the video “Pass It On” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). They could also look at pictures of the Savior helping others, healing the sick, or being kind to children (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 42, 47). (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “41-46”)

Friend December 2016 “A Shining Light”

Friend December 2016

Come Follow Me Kid

You might show your children a Tithing and Other Offerings slip and talk about how to use it to give what we have to bless others (see also “Tithing and Donations Online”).

Law of Consecration

Doctrine and Covenants 42:30–42

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 18: The Lord Reveals the Law of Consecration” 

Explain that in the early days of the Church, the Saints were commanded to share with each other everything they had been blessed with. This commandment was called the law of consecration. Write the word consecration on the chalkboard. Explain that to consecrate means to dedicate or give for a sacred purpose.

When the Saints began gathering in Ohio in early 1831, the Prophet Joseph Smith was concerned because many of them were very poor and did not have the things they needed, such as food, clothing, and shelter. The Prophet began looking for a way to help these poor members of the Church.

When the Prophet first arrived in Kirtland, Ohio, he found that some members of the Church were living together on a farm owned by Isaac Morley. They had read in the Bible that the members of the Church in Jesus’ time shared everything they had (see Acts 2:44–45; 4:32), and they were trying to live the same way. This plan did not always work very well, however. For example, one man thought that if all things were shared, it was all right for him to sell a watch that actually belonged to another man. This made the owner of the watch very angry. The Prophet saw that although it was good that these people were trying to share with each other, their plan was not approved by the Lord. Joseph prayed to find out what the Lord wanted the members of the Church to do.

A few days after calling Edward Partridge to be the bishop of the Church, the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith the law of consecration (see D&C 42:30–39, 42). This law commanded the Saints to share with each other in an organized way. The Lord gave the following instructions:

  1. The Saints were to consecrate, or give, all of their property and possessions to the Church. The bishop would be responsible for these consecrations.
  2. The bishop would decide with the head of each family what property and possessions the family needed to work and live. The bishop would give these needed items to the family.
  3. Families would work hard to provide for themselves using the things they were given. After they filled their own needs and wants, anything extra they had earned or created was to be given to the bishop to help the poor and strengthen the Church.

Play the game “I Don’t Need It—Would You Like It?” to help the children understand the concept of sharing their excess with others. Give each child a piece of paper and a pencil, and have the children list food, clothing, shelter, money, and books and games on their papers. The object of the game is for each child to obtain all the items on the list by either picking the items from the container or receiving them from another child.

Pass the container of papers to a child and have him or her choose a paper, read it, and put it back into the container. Have the child circle the named item on his or her paper. Then pass the container to the next child. When all the children have had a turn, begin again with the first child and have him or her pick another paper.

If on a subsequent turn a child picks an item that is already circled on his or her list, he or she turns to the child on the left and says, “I don’t need it—would you like it?” Then the child sitting to the left can circle that item on his or her list. If that child already has the item circled, he or she asks the question of the next child to the left. Continue until someone is able to circle the item.

Play the game until each child has circled every item on the list.

This law helped the Church grow and helped the members take care of each other while they lived in Ohio and Missouri. People donated their time and talents as well as their money and possessions so that missionary work could be done, a temple could be built, and newly arriving Saints would have a place to live and food to eat. Even though most of the people were poor, when they shared what they did have, everyone had enough.

Early members of the Church lived the law of consecration for only a short while. Someday the Church will practice the law of consecration again, but today we as members are asked to live only part of the law. We are not asked to give all we have to the Church, but we are asked to pay tithing and fast offerings. (You may need to explain that when we fast, we are asked to contribute to the Church at least the amount of money we would have spent on two meals that day. This is a fast offering.) Tithing and fast offerings are used to take care of the poor, build temples and meetinghouses, and provide other things such as lesson manuals. We are also asked to share our time and talents by doing things such as giving talks or teaching Primary classes. As we share, we are helping to build the kingdom of God on the earth.

Live Together in Love

Doctrine and Covenants 42:45

Friend April 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”

God Reveals Wisdom to Those Who Ask.

Doctrine and Covenants 42:61, 68

Read Doctrine and Covenants 42:61, 68 with the children, emphasizing the phrase “revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge.” Explain that God does not reveal everything at once; instead, He gives us a little bit at a time. Show how a puzzle is built little by little, or use something similar to help the children understand this principle. Share an experience when you received revelation that blessed you. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 41–44”)

The Lord will give us revelation for our lives. “If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:61).

Doctrine and Covenants 43

Doctrine and Covenants 43 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, in February 1831. At this time some members of the Church were disturbed by people making false claims as revelators. The Prophet inquired of the Lord and received this communication addressed to the elders of the Church. The first part deals with matters of Church polity; the latter part contains a warning that the elders are to give to the nations of the earth. (1–7, Revelations and commandments come only through the one appointed; 8–14, The Saints are sanctified by acting in all holiness before the Lord; 15–22, Elders are sent forth to cry repentance and prepare men for the great day of the Lord; 23–28, The Lord calls upon men by His own voice and through the forces of nature; 29–35, The Millennium and the binding of Satan will come.)

Only the Prophet can Receive Revelation for the Whole Church.

Doctrine and Covenants 43:1–7

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “41-46”

  • Invite your children to imagine that someone stands up in testimony meeting and tells the ward that he has received a revelation for the whole Church (for example, a revelation that we should no longer eat carrots or that we should wash our hands with milk instead of water.) He says that we should listen to what he says instead of the prophet. What would be wrong with that? You could then study Doctrine and Covenants 43:1–7 together to find out how the Lord gives commandments to His Church.

Friend November 2024 “What Are Prophets?”

  • You could also show a picture of the living prophet and invite your children to share something he taught recently. If they need help, share a video clip or passage from a recent general conference message. Why is it a blessing to have a living prophet today?

Confidence in the Presence of God April 2025 Conference talk by President Russell M. Nelson

Doctrine and Covenants 44

Doctrine and Covenants 44 Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon, at Kirtland, Ohio, in the latter part of February 1831. In compliance with the requirement herein set forth, the Church appointed a conference to be held early in the month of June following. (1–3, Elders are to assemble in conference; 4–6, They are to organize according to the laws of the land and to care for the poor.)

Additional Resources:

Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources Doctrine and Covenants 41–44

The Red Crystal

Apr 12 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 37–40

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Doctrine and Covenants 37-38

Gathering to Ohio

Doctrine and Covenants 38 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Fayette, New York, January 2, 1831. The occasion was a conference of the Church. 1–6, Christ created all things; 7–8, He is in the midst of His Saints, who will soon see Him; 9–12, All flesh is corrupted before Him; 13–22, He has reserved a land of promise for His Saints in time and in eternity; 23–27, The Saints are commanded to be one and esteem each other as brethren; 28–29, Wars are predicted; 30–33, The Saints are to be given power from on high and to go forth among all nations; 34–42, The Church is commanded to care for the poor and needy and to seek the riches of eternity.

Doctrine and Covenants 37 Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon, near Fayette, New York, December 1830. Herein is given the first commandment concerning a gathering in this dispensation. 1–4, The Saints are called to gather at the Ohio.

God Gathers Us to Bless Us

Doctrine and Covenants 37; 38:31–33

Explain that at the end of 1830 the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith in New York that members of the Church should “assemble together at the Ohio” (D&C 37:3). By gathering in Ohio, the members of the Church could escape persecution from enemies in New York, be taught by Joseph Smith and other Church leaders, receive further instructions from the Lord, prepare together to send missionaries to all nations, and support and help each other as they worked to become righteous people. Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 16: The Saints Gather to Kirtland, Ohio,” 

The following lesson ideas are fromCome, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 37-40”, Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 37–40”, Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 37–40”,

Read together Doctrine and Covenants 37, and help the children find on the map (below) the places mentioned in the revelation. What did the Lord command the Saints to do?

Choose a key phrase or sentence from Doctrine and Covenants 38:31–33 that you feel describes why the Lord wanted His people to gather together. Scatter words from this sentence around the room, and invite the children to gather them, put them in the right order, and find where the sentence appears in the verses. (Have the children find other reasons in the verses.)

The Red Crystal

Show the children an item used in a skill (such as a set of knitting needles or a musical instrument). Give the item to a child and ask him or her to perform the skill. If you have the particular skill, demonstrate how to use the item properly after the child has attempted to use it. Discuss how difficult it is to do something for the first time without a teacher’s instruction or direction.Relate this to the newly organized Church in 1830. The members were living in various places without any leaders nearby to direct the Church and help the members understand Church teachings. It often took a long time to receive communication from the Prophet. The Church members were anxious to go to Ohio, where they could be instructed by the Prophet and other Church leaders.Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 16: The Saints Gather to Kirtland, Ohio,” 

By gathering in Ohio, the members of the Church could escape persecution from enemies in New York, be taught by Joseph Smith and other Church leaders, receive further instructions from the Lord, prepare together to send missionaries to all nations, and support and help each other as they worked to become righteous people.

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 16: The Saints Gather to Kirtland, Ohio,”  Give each of the children two pieces of string (adjust this activity as necessary for the material you are using). Ask the children to each break one string.

  • Was it difficult to break one string?
  • How strong is each string by itself?
  • How could we strengthen the strings?

Gather all the children’s unbroken strings into a bundle. Ask a child to try to break the whole bundle at once.

  • Why are the strings harder to break when they are gathered together?

Explain that just as the strings are stronger when there are many of them together, members of the Church are stronger when they are gathered together. For this reason the Lord instructed the early members of the Church to gather in one place.

“The giant redwood trees that grow in northern California [USA] … have a very shallow root system. But when they are surrounded by other redwood trees, the strongest, fiercest wind cannot blow them over. The roots of the giant redwood trees intertwine and strengthen each other. When a storm comes, they actually hold each other up” (Conference Report, Oct. 1994, p. 103; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, p. 78).

Draw on the chalkboard several trees with their root systems intertwined (see illustration). Ask the children to suggest strengths and qualities they see in others. Label some of the roots with their ideas, and discuss how each individual’s strengths can help strengthen the whole group.

Ensign April 2021“Family Study Fun” United as One

In Doctrine and Covenants 38:27, the Savior says, “I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine.” We are encouraged to be one that we “might escape the power of the enemy” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:31).

  1. Stand together in the center of the room.
  2. Choose one person to walk through the middle of the group.
  3. Repeat the exercise but this time as a group stand closer together, linking arms and hands if possible.

Discussion: How are we more protected from outside influences as we stand stronger and closer together? How does greater unity protect us? (Help the children understand that when we stand together and support each other, as members of families or members of the Church, it is easier for us to remain firm in our beliefs and do the right thing

Joseph Smith instructed the members of the Church to sell or rent their farms and homes and move to Ohio. The Saints found it difficult to sell their farms, sheep, and cattle during the winter months.

Gathering in Ohio was a great sacrifice for many of the early Saints. the Lord’s 1830 command to the Saints to gather in Ohio was not easy for some to follow. For [many people], it meant leaving comfortable homes for an unfamiliar frontier. [For some, like Phebe Carter, it also meant leaving family. Phebe wrote, “My mother’s grief at my leaving home was almost more than I could bear.”] But the Lord had great blessings waiting for them in Ohio. What do you find in Doctrine and Covenants 38: 1–4 that gives you confidence in the Lord and His commandments? How did verse 39 help them obey God’s commandments even when they require sacrifice?

Joseph and Emma Smith Go to Ohio
The Lord told Joseph to leave immediately for Ohio so he could escape his enemies and because he was needed in Kirtland. But Joseph was worried that the trip from New York to Ohio in winter would be hard on Emma. They had moved seven times in the four years they had been married, and Emma was
expecting another baby. Joseph used a sleigh to make the trip easier for Emma. They left for Ohio at the end of January, and it took several days to travel the three hundred miles to Kirtland. When the sleigh reached the Gilbert and Whitney store in Kirtland, Ohio, Joseph jumped off and went into the store. He extended his hand to a man he had never met before and said, “Newel K. Whitney! Thou art the man!” Newel Whitney was very surprised, for he did not know the Prophet. “You have the advantage of me,”he said. “I could not call you by name as you have me.” The Prophet answered, “I am Joseph the Prophet. You’ve prayed me here, now what do you want of me?” (History of the Church, 1:146). Newel Whitney and his family had heard the gospel preached by the missionaries and had joined the Church. They prayed to receive the word of the Lord. While in New York, the Prophet had seen in a vision the Whitneys praying for him to come to Kirtland. The Whitneys provided a home for Joseph and Emma for several weeks. Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 16: The Saints Gather to Kirtland, Ohio,”

Friend July 2008 “Joseph Moves to Ohio” and “Joseph Smith Lives in Ohio”

Church members are no longer commanded to gather by moving to one location; in what ways do we gather today? (We gather in wards and stakes.) What blessings do we receive when we meet together?

God wants us to “be one.”

God wants His People to be United.

Doctrine and Covenants 38:24–27

To prepare the Saints to gather, the Lord taught them to see each other as equals and “be one” (verse 27).

As you read Doctrine and Covenants 38:24–25 with your children, talk about what it means to esteem your brother or sister as yourself (see also Matthew 7:12). Help them repeat the scripture, replacing “his brother” with each other’s names.Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 37-40”

Read Doctrine and Covenants 38:24-25  Explain that when God says something twice in a row, it is probably something that we should pay extra attention to. What does it mean to esteem someone as yourself? We need to value others as much as we value ourselves. We need each other. We need each others strength, support, and gifts and talents. Have the children tell what different parts of the body does. Explain that each part of the body is important and needed. Just like our body parts are united and working together, we need to be united as people and learn to work together as one.

Latter Day Kids “If Ye Are Not One, Ye Are Not Mine” Lesson ideas

Friend April 2021 “Scripture Time Fun Working Together: Jesus taught us to “be one” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:27). That means working together with the people around us to accomplish the same goal.

  • Choose a partner and stand next to each other, shoulder to shoulder. Use a scarf or rope to gently tie your ankle to your partner’s. Work together to practice walking. How fast can you get safely from one place to another?
  • Sing “Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel” (Hymns, no. 252).

Friend October 2024 “Working Together” President Henry B. Eyring’s address about how we are all different, but the Lord’s prophets have always asked us to have unity. When you have unity, you love each other and work together. (see more at link) President Eyring taught that we can do more when we are united! Cut along the dotted lines and give pieces to each member of your family. Then work as a team to match the colors and put the pieces together.

Demonstrate the importance of working together by doing the following activity: Cut some strong string or cord into two-yard [two-meter] lengths, one for each child in the class. Have each child tie his or her string a little above midway on a stick about four or five feet [one and a half meters] long, such as a broom or mop handle or a yardstick.Lay the stick in the middle of the classroom with the children sitting around it in a circle. Ask one child to see if he or she can raise the stick to a vertical position by pulling only his or her string. Ask another child to join the first and see if two strings can keep the stick standing. Then ask all the children to pull their strings to hold the stick in a vertical position. (You may have to slightly adjust the places where the strings are tied.)

  • What happened when one person pulled on the stick? What happened when someone else helped?
  • What needed to be done in order to make the stick stand upright?Explain that just as everyone needed to work together to make the stick stand upright, Heavenly Father knew the early members of the Church needed to be gathered together in order to strengthen and help each other. We can experience the same strength and support in our own ward (or branch). Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 16: The Saints Gather to Kirtland, Ohio,” 
  • To teach your children what it means to “be one” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:27), you could help them draw a large number 1 and decorate it with names and drawings or pictures of each person in your family or class. Next to the 1, you could write things you will do to be more united.

The Red Crystal

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 16: The Saints Gather to Kirtland, Ohio,” 

  1. Ask the children to share an experience when they have felt love and support from their ward or branch members. Ask them how they feel when they receive this kind of support. You may want to share an experience of your own.
  2. Ask the children to suggest ways to develop unity within your ward (branch) or class. Write their suggestions on the chalkboard. Encourage each child to choose one or two ideas to work on during the coming weeks.

Sing “We Are Different” (Children’s Songbook,140–41, 263).

Friend April 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones”  Play a game or activity that involves taking turns, like stacking blocks to make a tower. Each time it’s your child’s turn, help them say, “We can work together.”

If I am Prepared, I need not Fear.

Doctrine and Covenants 38: 30-31

The Saints had already faced much opposition, and the Lord knew more was coming (see Doctrine and Covenants 38: 28–29). To help them not be afraid, He revealed a precious principle: “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 37–40”)

As you read together Doctrine and Covenants 38:30, you and your children could talk about recent experiences that required preparation. Then you could ask your children about things Heavenly Father wants us to prepare for. Share with your children an experience in which being prepared helped you not be fearful. You could also watch together the video “Men’s Hearts Shall Fail Them” (Gospel Library).Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 37-40”

Write the first word of each pair below on slips of paper and hand them out to the children. Ask each child to think of a word that means the opposite of the word on his or her paper. Let each child say the opposite word he or she has thought of while the rest of the class tries to guess the positive word on the child’s paper. (You may want to write both words on the board for more emphasis.)

Word Examples: light/dark, life/death, good/bad, love/hate, success/failure, true/false, peace/war, truth/lie, clean/dirty, happy/sad, healthy/sick, kind/mean, joy/sorrow (Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 20: Korihor, the Anti-Christ,”)

Satan wants us to feel afraid and unhappy. Heavenly Father wants us to follow him so we can be happy. The more we learn the gospel, the better prepared we are to know and do what is truth and right and be not afraid in this world.

Friend July 2017 “Fighting off Falsehoods” The gospel truths help us fight against the falsehooods of Satan that we see and hear on media. Match the falsehood with the truth.

Being prepared also helps with tasks that may seem difficult or scary. You could discuss recent family or personal experiences that required preparation. How did your preparation affect the experience?

Doctrine and Covenants 39-40

Doctrine and Covenants 39 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to James Covel, at Fayette, New York, January 5, 1831. James Covel, who had been a Methodist minister for about forty years, covenanted with the Lord that he would obey any command that the Lord would give to him through Joseph the Prophet. 1–4, The Saints have power to become the sons of God; 5–6, To receive the gospel is to receive Christ; 7–14, James Covel is commanded to be baptized and labor in the Lord’s vineyard; 15–21, The Lord’s servants are to preach the gospel before the Second Coming; 22–24, Those who receive the gospel will be gathered in time and in eternity.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 40 Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon, at Fayette, New York, January 6, 1831. Preceding the record of this revelation, the Prophet’s history states, “As James [Covel] rejected the word of the Lord, and returned to his former principles and people, the Lord gave unto me and Sidney Rigdon the following revelation” (see section 39). 1–3, Fear of persecution and cares of the world cause rejection of the gospel.

I Receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost when I am Confirmed.

Doctrine and Covenants 39:6, 23

Consider showing a picture of someone being confirmed. Ask your children to describe what’s happening in the picture. You could also invite them to point to the picture whenever they hear the words Holy Ghost in Doctrine and Covenants 39:6, 23 (or in a song like “The Holy Ghost,” Children’s Songbook, 105). Share with each other how the gift of the Holy Ghost has blessed you. Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 37-40”

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Friend June 2019 “The Holy Ghost is…”  The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead, a gift that comes with baptism, and a promise from Heavenly Father. He is a comforter, warning, teacher, messenger, friend.

James Covel’s Broken Covenant

I Can Keep My Promises.

Doctrine and Covenants 39–40

Invite the children to read the section headings for Doctrine and Covenants 39 and 40, and ask them to summarize in words or drawings what they learn about James Covel. What did James Covel covenant to do? Why didn’t he keep his covenant? 

Help the children remember the promises they made when they were baptized (see Mosiah 18:8–10). Help the children list some fears or “cares of the world” (Doctrine and Covenants 40:2) that might prevent a person from keeping these promises. Invite the children to write themselves a short message as a reminder that obeying Heavenly Father’s commandments will help them overcome fears or worldly cares. Encourage them to keep their reminder someplace where they can see it often.Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 37–40”

Fear of Persecution/ Peer Pressure

Friend April 2021 “Trouble at the Creek” Brian doesn’t keep his promise to his mom to stay away from the creek after the storm. He crosses it on a fallen log and gets his foot stuck.

Friend April 2019 “What’s on Your Mind” Fill in the the speaking bubbles with what you could say when someone tries to get you to do something that is not right. Try explaining why it’s important to you. Even if others don’t understand your reasons, ask them to be respectful.

Additional Resources

Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 37–40”

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 16: The Saints Gather to Kirtland, Ohio,” 

A few months after their arrival at Kirtland, Emma gave birth to twins, but the babies lived only a few hours. Emma and Joseph’s first baby had died in Pennsylvania, so none of their first three children had lived very long. The day after the twins were born, Julia Murdock also gave birth to twins, a boy and a girl. When Sister Murdock died, her husband John allowed Joseph and Emma to adopt his twin babies.

People, Places, Events

Click to see more

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Apr 5 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 30-36

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Table of Contents

Doctrine and Covenants 30

Doctrine and Covenants Section 30 . 1–4, David Whitmer is chastened for failure to serve diligently; 5–8, Peter Whitmer Jr. is to accompany Oliver Cowdery on a mission to the Lamanites; 9–11, John Whitmer is called to preach the gospel.

I should focus more on the things of God than the things of the earth.

Doctrine and Covenants 30:1–2

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 and Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 30–36”

  • Read Doctrine and Covenants 30:1 together, and ask the children to summarize, in their own words, the counsel the Lord gave David Whitmer. In what ways might we sometimes “fear man,” or worry what others might think, instead of doing what we know we should?

Friend February 2017 “Conference Cards” Handout that says, ““The only opinion of us that matters is what our Heavenly Father thinks of us.”

Ask the children to try to do two tasks at once, such as reciting the words to a favorite song while writing down the names of all their family members. Ask them why it was hard to focus on the first task. What are some “things of the earth” (Doctrine and Covenants 30:2) that can distract us from remembering Jesus Christ and His gospel? How can we keep our focus on Him rather than on less important things?

Friend August 2018 “Soccer and Sundays” When we try to live the gospel and put the most important things first, we are blessed! Follow the path of scriptures to help the boy get to church.

Two Stories of people who believed the gospel was worth more than the things of the world.

Parley and Thankful Pratt

Sidney and Phebe Rigdon

For the Strength of Youth April 2021 “To Do the Will of God”

Sidney knew that joining the Church would be a major sacrifice for his family. He would obviously lose his job as a minister, along with his social status in the community. As he and Phebe discussed this possibility, Phebe declared, “I have counted the cost, and … it is my desire to do the will of God, come life or come death.”8 Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 30–36”

How are we doing as a family at focusing on the things of God rather than “the things of the earth”?

Latter Day Kids “Letting Go of Worldly Things” Lesson ideas

Doctrine and Covenants 31-33

Doctrine and Covenants Section 31 Thomas B. Marsh had been baptized earlier in the month and had been ordained an elder in the Church before this revelation was given. 1–6, Thomas B. Marsh is called to preach the gospel and is assured of his family’s well-being; 7–13, He is counseled to be patient, pray always, and follow the Comforter.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 32 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Parley P. Pratt and Ziba Peterson, in Manchester, New York, early October 1830. Great interest and desires were felt by the elders respecting the Lamanites, of whose predicted blessings the Church had learned from the Book of Mormon. In consequence, supplication was made that the Lord would indicate His will as to whether elders should be sent at that time to the Indian tribes in the West. The revelation followed. 1–3, Parley P. Pratt and Ziba Peterson are called to preach to the Lamanites and to accompany Oliver Cowdery and Peter Whitmer Jr.; 4–5, They are to pray for an understanding of the scriptures.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 33 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Ezra Thayre and Northrop Sweet, at Fayette, New York, October 1830. In introducing this revelation, Joseph Smith’s history affirms that “the Lord … is ever ready to instruct such as diligently seek in faith.” 1–4, Laborers are called to declare the gospel in the eleventh hour; 5–6, The Church is established, and the elect are to be gathered; 7–10, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand; 11–15, The Church is built upon the gospel rock; 16–18, Prepare for the coming of the Bridegroom.

First Missionaries in the Church

Doctrine and Covenants 33:2–3, 6–10

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 13: The First Missionaries Preach the Gospel,” 

Scatter the small pictures of people or papers with names around the room. Ask for a volunteer. When you say “go,” have the volunteer gather as many “people” (pictures or pieces of paper) as possible in a specified amount of time (about five seconds, or the amount of time it takes the other children to count slowly to five). Count how many people the child was able to gather.

Ask the children if more people could be gathered if the child had help. Scatter the pictures or papers around the room again, and ask for a second volunteer. Have the two children gather as many people as possible in the same amount of time as before. Count how many people the two children were able to gather.

  • How many people did one child gather? How many people did two children gather?
  • How many people do you think could be gathered if the whole class worked together?

Explain that after the Book of Mormon had been printed and the Church was organized, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ wanted everyone to hear the gospel and have the opportunity to become a member of the Church.

Help the children look up Doctrine and Covenants 133:37, and ask a child to read the verse aloud. Explain that this verse is part of a revelation given to Joseph Smith in 1831, the year after the Church was organized.

  • To whom does the gospel need to be preached?
  • How long do you think it would take for one person to teach the gospel to everyone on the earth?

Explain that Joseph Smith knew it would be impossible for him to teach the gospel to everyone by himself. He needed others to help him. Just as two children were able to gather more pictures (or pieces of paper) than one child was, more members of the Church working to share the gospel would be able to teach more people than Joseph alone could teach.

Friend April 2017 “First Missionaries”

Friend April 2017

Samuel Smith

Doctrine and Covenants Scripture Stories “Samuel Smith’s Mission” Images and video

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 13: The First Missionaries Preach the Gospel,” 

Set up a row of dominoes (or similar items such as thin blocks of wood, slender boxes, or small books). Place them on end just far enough apart so that if one is knocked down, it will knock down the next one. As you knock the first domino down, ask the children to observe the chain reaction. Call attention to the effect of one domino upon all the others. Explain that we too may affect the lives of others in a chain reaction. By sharing the gospel with even one person, we sometimes touch the lives of many others. (You may want to remind the children of how Samuel Smith sold a Book of Mormon to Phineas Young, who gave it to his brother Brigham, who passed it on yet again. Samuel Smith’s small action of selling one Book of Mormon affected many people.)

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 30–36”

Parley P. Pratt had been a member of the Church for about a month when he was called “into the wilderness” to preach the gospel (Doctrine and Covenants 32:2). Thomas B. Marsh had been a member for even less time than that when he was told, “The hour of your mission is come” (Doctrine and Covenants 31:3). Orson Pratt, Edward Partridge, and many others had likewise barely been baptized when their mission calls came. Perhaps this timing was all of necessity—in the fall of 1830, no one had been a member of the Church for more than six months. But there’s also a lesson in this pattern for us today: if you know enough to accept the restored gospel by baptism, you know enough to share it with others. Of course we always want to increase our gospel knowledge, but God has never hesitated to call upon the “unlearned” to preach His gospel (Doctrine and Covenants 35:13). In fact, He invites all of us, “Open your mouth to declare my gospel” (Doctrine and Covenants 30:5). And we do that best not through our own wisdom and experience but “by the power of [the] Spirit” (Doctrine and Covenants 35:13).

Friend April 2021 “Missionaries Shared the Gospel”

Friend April 2025 “Lucy Finds the Truth”

Mission to the Lamanites

Doctrine and Covenants 32; 35

Doctrine and Covenant Stories “A Mission to the Lamanites” Images and video

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Missionaries Called to the American Indian Nations”

Was the mission to the Lamanites a failure?

When Oliver Cowdery, Peter Whitmer Jr., Parley P. Pratt, and Ziba Peterson set out to preach to the American Indians west of Missouri, they believed they were fulfilling Book of Mormon prophecies about the Lamanites receiving the gospel in the latter days (see, for example, 1 Nephi 13:34–41; Enos 1:11–18). And yet by the end of their mission, even though they had positive encounters with some groups, they had not baptized a single American Indian. But they had baptized over a hundred people near Kirtland, Ohio, where they had stopped along the way to Missouri. Among those converts were future influential Church leaders, including Sidney Rigdon, and Kirtland later became an important gathering place for the Church. What does this experience teach you about how the Lord accomplishes His work? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 30–36”)

See also “A Mission to the Lamanites,” Revelations in Context,45–49.

Invite a ward member to learn about one of the missionaries called in Doctrine and Covenants 30–34 and to share with the children what they learned (see “Voices of the Restoration: Early Converts” in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families or “The Faith and Fall of Thomas Marsh,” “Ezra Thayer: From Skeptic to Believer,” “Orson Pratt’s Call to Serve,” Revelations in Context, 54–69).

I can share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 and Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 30–36”

Doctrine and Covenants 33:2–3, 6–10

  • To help your children understand Doctrine and Covenants 33:8–10, you could invite them to try to say a phrase like “God loves you” with their mouths closed (or say a phrase with their mouths closed while you or your other children guess what they are saying. Point out that we can’t teach people about the gospel if we don’t open our mouths.
  • Read verses 8–10 and invite the children to open their mouths every time they hear the phrase “open your mouths.” Why does Heavenly Father want us to open our mouths and share the gospel with others? What can we tell our family and friends about the Savior or His gospel? You could also sing a song about sharing the gospel, such as “We’ll Bring the World His Truth” (Children’s Songbook, 172–73).
  • Share some of your experiences sharing the gospel, including experiences in your daily life, or invite missionaries, a returned missionary, or someone preparing for a mission to share his or her enthusiasm for missionary work.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 30–36”

  • Whisper something very quietly to the children, such as “Joseph Smith was a Prophet of God,” and ask them to repeat what you said. Then say the same phrase in a louder voice. Read Doctrine and Covenants 33:2. Help the children understand that “lift[ing] up [our] voices” means to not be afraid to tell others about Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon, and other gospel truths.

  • Draw a large mouth on the board, and help the children find in Doctrine and Covenants 33:8–10 the Lord’s promises to us when we open our mouths to share the gospel. Let the children write these promises on the board, and help them understand what these promises mean. Ask each child to write inside the mouth a gospel truth they can share with others.
Clipart Library
  • Consider sharing experiences you’ve had related to the principles or promises in Doctrine and Covenants 30–34. What did you learn or feel about your Savior and His work as you served Him? (The sheaves [grain] in this analogy represent newly baptized members of the Church.)
  • Show a picture of a trumpet, and talk about what it means to preach the gospel “as with the sound of a trump.” How do we “lift up” our voices? (Doctrine and Covenants 33:2; 34:6).
Clipart Library

Come Follow Me Kid Make a trumpet and talk about gospel truths we could share with others. (See more teaching ideas at link.

Sing a song about sharing the gospel, such as “I Want to Be a Missionary Now” (Children’s Songbook, 168). Help the children think of ways they can help other people learn about Jesus Christ.

Friend April 2021 “I Can Share the Gospel” Coloring Page

As you read the Lord’s promises to Thomas B. Marsh about his family, you could talk about the blessings that have come to your family because of missionary work. You could also sing a related hymn, such as “I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go” (Hymns, no. 270). How has your family been blessed by sharing the gospel with others?

  • Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 30–36”

    • See also Missionary and Resources by Topic: Missionary Work

    I can build my life on the gospel of Jesus Christ.

    Doctrine and Covenants 33:12–17

    • Show the children a picture of the foundation of a building, and ask them to describe it. Why does a building need a strong, solid foundation? Read with the children Doctrine and Covenants 33:12–13, and explain that the Lord wants us to build our lives on His gospel. Help the children think of some ways they can build their lives on the gospel of Jesus Christ.
    Clipart Library
    • Give the children some objects that they can use to build a tower, such as blocks or plastic cups. Label each object with a picture representing things the Lord said in Doctrine and Covenants 33:14–17. Invite the children to build a tower as you talk with them about how these things help us build our lives on Jesus Christ’s gospel.
    • Help the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 33:12–17 and find things we can do to build our lives on the gospel of Jesus Christ. Invite the children to draw a picture of something they find, and let them guess what each other’s pictures are portraying.

    Friend August 2020 “A Strong Foundation” We need to build our foundation on the gospel Jesus Christ. When we do, we will be able to withstand hard things in life.

    Sing “The Wise Man and the Foolish Man“

    Doctrine and Covenants 34

    Doctrine and Covenants Section 34 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Orson Pratt, at Fayette, New York, November 4, 1830. Brother Pratt was nineteen years old at the time. He had been converted and baptized when he first heard the preaching of the restored gospel by his older brother, Parley P. Pratt, six weeks before. This revelation was received in the Peter Whitmer Sr. home. 1–4, The faithful become the sons of God through the Atonement; 5–9, The preaching of the gospel prepares the way for the Second Coming; 10–12, Prophecy comes by the power of the Holy Ghost.

    Doctrine and Covenants 35

    Doctrine and Covenants Section 35 Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon, at or near Fayette, New York, December 7, 1830. At this time, the Prophet was engaged almost daily in making a translation of the Bible. The translation was begun as early as June 1830, and both Oliver Cowdery and John Whitmer had served as scribes. Since they had now been called to other duties, Sidney Rigdon was called by divine appointment to serve as the Prophet’s scribe in this work (see verse 20). As a preface to the record of this revelation, Joseph Smith’s history states: “In December Sidney Rigdon came [from Ohio] to inquire of the Lord, and with him came Edward Partridge. … Shortly after the arrival of these two brethren, thus spake the Lord.”

    Sidney and Phebe Rigdon

    Doctrine and Covenants 36

    Doctrine and Covenants Section 36 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Edward Partridge, near Fayette, New York, December 9, 1830 (see the heading to section 35). Joseph Smith’s history states that Edward Partridge “was a pattern of piety, and one of the Lord’s great men.” 1–3, The Lord lays His hand upon Edward Partridge by the hand of Sidney Rigdon; 4–8, Every man who receives the gospel and the priesthood is to be called to go forth and preach.

    Edward Partridge

    Additional Resources:

    See also Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 30-36”

    Click to see more

    Thomas B. Marsh

    When Thomas B. Marsh was a young adult, he studied the Bible and joined a Christian church. But he was unsatisfied, finally withdrawing from all churches. “I had a measure of the spirit of prophecy,” he said, “and told [a religious leader] that I expected a new church would arise, which would have the truth in its purity.” Not long after this, Thomas had a spiritual prompting to leave his home in Boston, Massachusetts, and travel west. After spending three months in western New York without finding what he was looking for, he started for home. On the way, a woman asked Thomas if he had heard about “the Golden Book found by a youth named Joseph Smith.” Captivated by this thought, Thomas immediately traveled to Palmyra and met Martin Harris at the printing shop, just as the first 16 pages of the Book of Mormon were coming off the press. Thomas was allowed to take a copy of those 16 pages, and he brought them home to his wife, Elizabeth. “She was well pleased” with the book, he recalled, “believing it to be the work of God.” Thomas and Elizabeth later moved to New York with their children and were baptized. (For more information about Thomas B. Marsh, see Doctrine and Covenants 31.) Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 30–36”

    The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

    Mar 21 2021

    Doctrine and Covenants 29

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    Table of Contents

    Doctrine and Covenants Section 29 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, in the presence of six elders, at Fayette, New York, September 1830. This revelation was given some days prior to the conference, beginning September 26, 1830.

    1–8, Christ gathers His elect; 9–11, His coming ushers in the Millennium; 12–13, The Twelve will judge all Israel; 14–21, Signs, plagues, and desolations will precede the Second Coming; 22–28, The last resurrection and final judgment follow the Millennium; 29–35, All things are spiritual unto the Lord; 36–39, The devil and his hosts were cast out of heaven to tempt man; 40–45, The Fall and Atonement bring salvation; 46–50, Little children are redeemed through the Atonement.

    Jesus Christ is gathering His people before He comes again.

    Doctrine and Covenants 29:1–2, 7–8

    Video “Chicks and Hens”

    Talk with each other about how a hen protects her chicks and how that’s similar to what the Savior can do for us.

    What did the Lord say we must do to be gathered by Him? We are gathered by the Savior when we accept and follow His teachings.

    Friend March 2024 “The Hen and the Baby Chicks” Clara helped her dad pick out a hen to care for some baby chicks they had bought. She watched as the hen lifted up her wing and the baby chicks disappeared under it. Her dad explained that that was the way the hen protects and keeps the baby chicks safe and warm. Her dad shared the scripture of Jesus gathering us and protecting us and caring for us just like a hen gathers her chickens under her wings.

    After reading Doctrine and Covenants 29:1–, act out the analogy of Christ gathering His people “as a hen gathereth her chickens.” One child could pretend to be the hen and choose a corner of the room to stand in. When he or she “clucks,” have all the children gather around him or her. Children could take turns being the hen. Hold up a picture of the Savior and invite the children to gather to Him. Share with the children how Jesus helps us when we gather to Him. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 29: “Jesus Christ Will Gather His People”)

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 29” and Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “

    What would inspire your children to want to help the Savior gather His people? Maybe they’d like to hear the experience of someone who “gathered” to Him by joining His Church. For example, who introduced your family to the Church? How have we been blessed by accepting the Savior’s call to gather to Him? How can we help others gather to Him? (See “A Message for Children from President Russell M. Nelson” , ChurchofJesusChrist.org.)

    Ensign October 2020 “Family Study Fun” Paper Name Gathering Game

     

    We “gather Israel” when we help other people learn about the gospel. Jesus taught about this gathering in 3 Nephi 20–22.

    1. Give each person a piece of paper and ask them to write down any name that comes to mind.
    2. Everyone should close their eyes while one person hides the papers.
    3. Read 3 Nephi 20:18 and 39–40 out loud. How can you help other people learn about Jesus?
    4. While listening to a song about Jesus, invite everyone to help find the names and put them by a picture of the Savior.

    Discussion: How does it make you feel to know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know each person by name?

    Invite the children to make a list of ways they can help people gather to the Savior. For example, they could invite friends or family members to a Primary activity or to a home evening with their families.

    Friend February 1986 Ways to be a missionary

    Friend February 1986
    Friend February 1986
    Friend February 1986
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    See Jesus: Second Coming and Resources by Topic: Second Coming for additional teaching ideas also see Missionary for ideas on how the children can help with the gathering.

    Jesus Christ will come again

    Doctrine and Covenants 29:11

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 29” and Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “

    Show a picture of the Second Coming (see Gospel Art Book,no. 66), and help a child read Doctrine and Covenants 29:11. Help the children notice phrases in the scripture that describe what they see in the picture. Share with the children how you feel about Jesus Christ coming to earth again.

    11 For I will reveal myself from heaven with power and great glory, with all the hosts thereof, and dwell in righteousness with men on earth a thousand years, and the wicked shall not stand.

    Friend November 2021 “Jesus Will Come Again”

    Sing a song about the Second Coming, such as “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83).

    Heavenly Father has a plan for the salvation of His children.

    Doctrine and Covenants 29

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 29” and Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021

    • To start a conversation about Heavenly Father’s plan for us, you and your children could talk about a time when you made a plan, such as for a trip or for accomplishing a task. You could also share examples of plans, such as a calendar with activities written on it or instructions to make something. Why are plans useful? (Share with the children that Heavenly Father has a plan that will allow us to become like Him.)You could then talk about what Heavenly Father wants to accomplish and how His plan helps us accomplish it.
    • You could use the images at the end of this outline to help your children find verses in Doctrine and Covenants 29 that teach about different parts of Heavenly Father’s plan.(You could cut off the scripture and have the children look up the scriptures and place each scripture with it’s matching picture.) You could also cut out the images and ask your children to put them in the correct order. Why are we thankful to know that Heavenly Father has a plan for us? How does knowing about it influence our everyday lives?

    The Red Crystal

    After explaining each term (see Doctrine and Covenants 29:9–45), give each sign to a different child, and ask them to stand in a line in the correct order to show when each event occurs in Heavenly Father’s plan. Each child could share what he or she knows about what is on his or her sign. Help the children see how knowing about Heavenly Father’s plan helps us become more like Him and the Savior.

    Friend July 2024 “Plan of Happiness Craft”

    Latter Day Kids “The Plan of Salvation” Lesson ideas

    See also Resources by Topic: Plan of Salvation

    See also Plan of Salvation for additional teaching resources

    Use one or more of the activities below to teach truths about the plan and how they apply to us. Consider asking a few of the children to come prepared to help you teach.

    Agency

    • 2017 Sharing Time Outline Show the children a container of many different colors of crayons. Show them a second container with only one color. Ask the children: “If you were going to color a picture, which of these containers of crayons would you want to use? Why?” Explain that having a variety of choices is a blessing. Testify that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us and They want us to make correct choices.

    The Atonement of Jesus Christ

    What new insights did you gain? How would your life be different if you didn’t know about these truths?

    Sing “I Will Follow God’s Plan” See here for resources on how to teach the song.

    Additional Resources

    All commandments are spiritual?!

    For the Strength of Youth April 2025 “Hidden Treasures”

    The Savior told the Prophet Joseph Smith: “All things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal” (Doctrine and Covenants 29:34).

    Temporal means relating to this physical world. Isn’t the Word of Wisdom a “temporal” law?

    Even those “temporal” laws are spiritual too, for at least two reasons:

    When you obey any commandment, you come closer to the Holy Ghost. You feel God’s presence and His love more. Obviously, those are spiritual blessings! (See more at link)

    What is spiritual death?

    Doctrine and Covenants 29:41.

    Spiritual death is separation from God. The scriptures teach of two sources of spiritual death. The first source is the Fall, and the second is our own disobedience. Spiritual death can be overcome through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and by obedience to His gospel. (Topics and Questions, “Death, Spiritual,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

    Mar 15 2021

    Doctrine and Covenants 27-28

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    Table of Contents

    Doctrine and Covenants 27

    Doctrine and Covenants 27 Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, August 1830. In preparation for a religious service at which the sacrament of bread and wine was to be administered, Joseph set out to procure wine. He was met by a heavenly messenger and received this revelation, a portion of which was written at the time and the remainder in the September following. Water is now used instead of wine in the sacramental services of the Church.

    The sacrament helps me remember Jesus Christ.

    Doctrine and Covenants 27:1–3

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021″Doctrine and Covenants 27–28: “All Things Must Be Done in Order”

    Sally Knight and Emma Smith were baptized in June 1830, but their confirmations were disrupted by a mob. Two months later, Sally and her husband, Newel, came to visit Emma and Joseph, and it was decided that the confirmations should now be performed and that the group would partake of the sacrament together. While on his way to obtain wine for the sacrament, Joseph was stopped by an angel.

    The angel told him not to buy wine from his enemies (see D&C 27:3). The angel also told him that it did not matter what was eaten or drunk in the sacrament as long as those who were partaking remembered Christ’s atonement (see D&C 27:2). (Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History“Lesson 12: Important Ordinances Are Restored”)  

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Doctrine and Covenants 27-28” and Come Follow Me Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021

    Children might wonder why we use water for the sacrament when Jesus used wine (see Luke 22:19–20; 3 Nephi 18:1–11). You could read Doctrine and Covenants 27:1–2 together and help the children think about what it means to take the sacrament “with an eye single to [God’s] glory” (verse 2). Discuss questions like the following: What are some distractions our eyes or minds might be focused on during the sacrament? What can we do to focus our attention on the Savior while we partake of the sacrament? How will this help us follow Him every day?

    Perhaps having pictures, scripture verses, or song lyrics about the Savior could help your children remember Him when taking the sacrament. They might enjoy creating a booklet with some of these pictures, verses, and lyrics. They could draw their own pictures or find some in the Friend magazine.

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 17–19: “Behold, My Joy Is Full” Have the children draw a picture of themselves with Jesus on the last square.

    Friend June 2019 “The Sacrament Reminds Us of Jesus Christ” Ways to prepare for the sacrament before hand, what to do during the sacrament, and remembering Jesus and following him after the sacrament.

    Read Doctrine and Covenants 27:2, beginning with “remembering unto the Father,” and ask the children to listen for what the Savior wants us to remember when we take the sacrament.( Come, Follow Me—For

    Friend April 2017 “Jesus Gave Us the Sacrament”

    Friend June 2020 “Koa and the Sacrament” He sings the sacrament hymn. Koa thinks about Jesus. He listens to the sacrament prayers. Koa is reverent. He feels happy inside!

    Friend April 2017 “Jesus Gave Us the Sacrament”

    Friend June 2019 “The Sacrament Reminds Us of Jesus Christ” Ways to prepare for the sacrament before hand, what to do during the sacrament, and remembering Jesus and following him after the sacrament.

    Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “The Sacrament”

    For more teaching ideas see Sacrament

    Doctrine and Covenants 27: 5-14

    What do we know about the prophets in these verses? You could search for information about them in the Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What blessings have been unlocked for us through the keys they held? For more information about some of these keys, see Matthew 16:16–19; Doctrine and Covenants 110:11–16.

    The armor of God protects me.

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Doctrine and Covenants 27-28”

    • You could show your children a picture of armor like the one in this outline or on the activity page in the outline for Ephesians in Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023. As you read Doctrine and Covenants 27:15–18, help them find the pieces of armor in the picture. How can the armor of God help us “withstand the evil day”? (verse 15).

    The armor of God protects me and helps me withstand evil.

    Doctrine and Covenants 27:15–18

    Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 27–28: “All Things Must Be Done in Order”)

    Invite the children to think of things they can do to withstand temptations around them. Ask them to finish the sentence “We put on God’s armor every day by …” with their ideas. Help them see how their efforts to come unto Christ are helping them put on the armor of God.

    Cut out the pieces of armor, and let the children put them on one of the figures as you read Doctrine and Covenants 27:15–18.

     outline for Ephesians in Come Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2019
    Friend June 2016
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    image
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    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 27–28: “All Things Must Be Done in Order”

    Perhaps your family would enjoy staging a pretend battle with additional clothing to represent the armor of God, such as hats, vests, aprons, or shoes. How does armor help protect us in battle? Discuss some of the evil influences your family faces and the things you can do to put on spiritual armor. Consider showing the video “Put on the Whole Armor of God” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

    Friend March 2021 “Scripture Time Fun: Armor Up”

    Friend March 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones”

    Come Follow Me Kid See link for some other great teaching ideas.

    Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual “Lesson 42—Doctrine and Covenants 27:15–18:

    Give each student a small sheet of paper. Invite students to write down on the paper one way the adversary tempts or tries to discourage youth. Then invite them to crumple the paper into a ball. Invite a student to the front of the room and have him or her try to dodge or deflect as the other students throw the paper ball at him or her.

    Invite students to come to the front of the room, uncrumple the papers, and share what was written on them. Ask the class to identify ways they see these temptations or attacks today.

    For additional ideas see Armor of God or Resources by Topic “Armor of God”

    Doctrine and Covenants 28

    Doctrine and Covenants 28 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Oliver Cowdery, at Fayette, New York, September 1830. Hiram Page, a member of the Church, had a certain stone and professed to be receiving revelations by its aid concerning the upbuilding of Zion and the order of the Church. Several members had been deceived by these claims, and even Oliver Cowdery was wrongly influenced thereby. Just prior to an appointed conference, the Prophet inquired earnestly of the Lord concerning the matter, and this revelation followed.

    The prophet receives revelation for the Church; I can receive revelation for my life.

    Doctrine and Covenants 28:2, 6–7

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Doctrine and Covenants 27-28”

    • If you have several children, you might invite them to play “follow the leader,” but ask two or more children to be the leader at the same time. What happens when there is more than one leader? You could then learn about Hiram Page (see “Chapter 14: The Prophet and Revelations for the Church,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 56–57, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library; or the section heading for Doctrine and Covenants 28). How did Heavenly Father correct the confusion of the early Church members? How does He lead the Church today? (see Doctrine and Covenants 28:2). Share your testimony that the current prophet is called by the Lord to lead His Church in our day.
    • While revelation for the Church will always be given through the prophet, we can all be guided by the Holy Ghost. You could help your children search some of the following scriptures and make a list of ways the Holy Ghost can guide us: Doctrine and Covenants 28:1, 4, 15; John 14:26; Moroni 8:26; 10:4–5. Share with each other how you have been guided by the Holy Ghost.

    Only the Prophet Receives Revelation for the Whole Church

    Doctrine and Covenants 28:1–7, 15

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 27–28: “All Things Must Be Done in Order”

    In August 1830, Hiram Page, one of the Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, claimed to have received two revelations about the future location and organization of Zion using a black seer stone. These revelations contradicted previous revelations given to Joseph Smith, but many members believed them.

    Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Chapter 14: The Prophet and Revelations for the Church”

    Why is it important to know that only the living prophet can receive revelation for the whole Church? How does this protect us from deception?

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 27–28: “All Things Must Be Done in Order”

    Doctrine and Covenants 28:1–7, 15 can help the children understand that everyone can be guided by the Holy Ghost, but revelation for the Church will always be given through the prophet.

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 27–28: “All Things Must Be Done in Order”)

    Ask the children to play “follow the leader”—one child could stand at the front of the room, and the rest of the children could imitate whatever he or she does. This could lead into a discussion about why we follow the prophet. You could show a picture of Jesus Christ and emphasize that we follow the prophet because he follows the Savior and speaks the Savior’s words.

    For additional ideas about prophets, see the following resources:

    Why was Oliver Cowdery’s mission to the Lamanites significant?

    Doctrine and Covenants 28:8–9

    One purpose of the Book of Mormon is “that the Lamanites might come to the knowledge of their fathers, and that they might know the promises of the Lord” (Doctrine and Covenants 3:20). This was consistent with promises the Lord made to many Book of Mormon prophets (see, for example, 1 Nephi 13:34–41; Enos 1:11–18; Helaman 15:12–13). Early Church members considered the American Indians to be descendants of the Book of Mormon people. (The official position of the Church today is that the Lamanites “are among the ancestors of the American Indians” [introduction to the Book of Mormon].)

    To read more about Oliver’s mission to nearby American Indian tribes, see “A Mission to the Lamanites” (Revelations in Context, 45–49). What does this mission teach you about the Lord and His work?

    Additional Resources:

    Click to see more

    Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 27-28”

    Review

    Friend March 2025 “Scripture Search”

    The Red Crystal Lesson ideas, including a life size print out of armor.

    Mar 9 2021

    Doctrine and Covenants 23-26

    Featured

    Table of Contents

    Section 23 A series of five revelations given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Manchester, New York, April 1830, to Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith, Samuel H. Smith, Joseph Smith Sr., and Joseph Knight Sr. As the result of earnest desire on the part of the five persons named to know of their respective duties, the Prophet inquired of the Lord and received a revelation for each person.

    Section 24 Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, July 1830. Though less than four months had elapsed since the Church was organized, persecution had become intense, and the leaders had to seek safety in partial seclusion. The following three revelations were given at this time to strengthen, encourage, and instruct them.

    Section 25 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, July 1830 (see the heading to section 24). This revelation manifests the will of the Lord to Emma Smith, the Prophet’s wife.

    Section 26 Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, Oliver Cowdery, and John Whitmer, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, July 1830 (see the heading to section 24).

    Jesus wants me to strengthen those around me.

    Doctrine and Covenants 23:3–7; 25:7

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 23–26: “Strengthen the Church”

    When the Church was first organized, there weren’t many members. The Lord asked the Saints to build up the Church by sharing the gospel and strengthening one another. We can do the same today.

    Ask the children to find every instance of the words “exhortation” and “exhort” in Doctrine and Covenants 23:3–7; 25:7. Help them define these words. How might exhorting someone strengthen them? Invite the children to role-play “exhorting” someone but doing so with love.

    How can we do better in the work of strengthening other members of the Church? To illustrate this principle, give one child a task that requires many helpers. Then ask other children to help, and discuss how much easier the task became. Share an experience in which you were strengthened by the service of a fellow Church member.

    Show pictures or examples of nourishing foods. Why is it important to nourish our bodies? Read together Moroni 6:4, and ask the children what they think the phrase “nourished by the good word of God” means. How does the word of God nourish us? How can we help spiritually nourish each other at church?Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”

    Friend July 2017

    Use an object lesson to teach that we are stronger together than we are apart. For example, invite the children to try breaking one stick and then a bundle of sticks or tearing one piece of paper and then a stack of papers. How are we like the sticks or the paper? How can we strengthen each other when we gather together in our families or at church?Come Follow Me for Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 1–7: “Lift Up Your Head and Be of Good Cheer”

    For additional ideas see Example

    God wants me to pray and learn from the scriptures every day.

    Doctrine and Covenants 23:6; 26:1

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 23–26: “Strengthen the Church”

    The Lord counseled the early leaders and friends of the Church to pray (see Doctrine and Covenants 23:6) and study the scriptures (see Doctrine and Covenants 26:1).

    Friend September 2016 “Heavenly Father Hears Your Prayers”  Heavenly Father has many blessings he wants to give us. Prayers unlock the treasure chest of blessings.

    Friend September 2016
    Friend September 2016

    Read to the children from Doctrine and Covenants 23:6, beginning with “you must pray.” Help them identify the different ways and places the Lord said we should pray. Invite them to draw a picture of themselves praying in one of those ways or places.

    Friend October 2020 “Jesus Taught Us How to Pray”

    If needed, explain to the children how to pray. A song about prayer, like “I Pray in Faith” (Children’s Songbook, 14), can help.

    Read to the children, “Let your time be devoted to the studying of the scriptures” (Doctrine and Covenants 26:1). 

    Friend March 2020 “Feasting on the Scriptures” Action Rhyme

    Sing together “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109) or another song about prayer and scripture study. Help the children discover the blessings promised in the song.

    For Additional ideas see Scriptures and Prayer

    The Savior can lift me “up out of [my] afflictions.”

    Doctrine and Covenants 24:1, 8

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 and Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 23–26: “Strengthen the Church”

    Help the children list on the board some of the afflictions or challenges that Joseph Smith and other early Saints were facing (see “Chapter 11: More People Join the Church,” Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 46–47 or watch the video below. Then you and your children could discover what the Lord said to Joseph about his afflictions in Doctrine and Covenants 24:1, 8. You could also share with each other how the Lord helps you during difficult times.

    Joseph Smith suffered many trials, but he was able to “be patient in afflictions” because the Lord promised that He would always be with him.

    Friend April 2019 Comfort Cards with scriptures from the Lord

    Friend April 2018 “Trouble in Adventure Forest” When Owen’s feet get burned he learns that Heavenly Father doesn’t always stop bad things from happening, but He helps us get through them.

    Invite the children to discover what the Lord said to Joseph about his afflictions in Doctrine and Covenants 24:1, 8. How can we seek the Savior’s help when we are having a difficult time?

    8 Be apatient in bafflictions, for thou shalt have many; but cendure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the dend of thy days.

    Friend September 2020 “For Older Kids” “Once I had a good friend. We had been friends for years. But she just stopped being my friend when a new girl moved in. It made me sad, so I said a prayer. I thought of the words from a song: “Courage, for the Lord is on our side” (Hymns, no. 243). I’m happy that Heavenly Father is with me and can help me through this trial.” Scarlett W.

    To learn what it means to be “patient in [our] afflictions,” you and your children could re-create the experiment in the video “Continue in Patience” (Gospel Library). What does Doctrine and Covenants 24:8 teach us about patience? Teach the children that sometimes we need to be “patient in [our] afflictions.” Ask the children to think of something they really want but have to wait for. Why does the Lord sometimes require us to have patience during challenging times in our lives? How does He let us know that He is “with [us]” during our afflictions?

    See Adversity for more ideas.

    Jesus loves “the song of the heart.”

    Come Follow Me Kid Mystery Person Puzzle – Guess who the person is by doing a puzzle.
    Have the Emma Smith picture pieces cut out and put in a paper bag. Without looking, everyone will pull
    one piece out at a time. As they pull each piece out, have them find the matching number on the white
    clue chart. Before you tape the piece on the number where it belongs, read the hint for that number
    and talk about what it means. Once the puzzle’s all put together, summarize who Emma Smith was and
    how we can be inspired by her.

    Media Library “Emma Hale Smith”

    Doctrine and Covenants 25:11–12

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

    After reading Doctrine and Covenants 25:12, you could tell each other about your favorite hymn or Church song—your “song of the heart”—and sing them together. Share with each other why you love these songs. Why is the Lord happy when we sing these songs? How is our singing like “a prayer unto [Him]”?

    For the Strength of Youth “Making the First Hymnbook”

    Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Emma Smith Gathered Hymns”

    Friend March 2025 “Jesus Loves the Song of the Heart”

    Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 14: Emma Smith Selects Sacred Hymns” (This link includes stories, activity ideas, and question ideas)

    What has Heavenly Father promised us if we sing hymns to worship him? (D&C 25:12.) What kinds of blessings might we receive from singing hymns? Explain that hymns can help teach us the gospel and strengthen our faith and testimonies. They can help us want to repent and keep the commandments. They can make us feel happy when we are sad and can fill our minds with good, clean thoughts (see enrichment activity 5). They remind us that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us.

    See Music for ideas and stories on how sacred music helps us.

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 23–26: “Strengthen the Church”

    The Lord said that sacred music “is pleasing unto me.” Help the children see singing as not just a fun activity but also a way to worship Him. Singing is one way we can show our love for God.

    Friend March 2021 “Scripture Time Fun: Name that Song” Have a family song challenge! One person hums a Church song. Everyone else guesses what song it is. When someone guesses right, everyone sings the song together! Then take turns choosing the next song.

    Come Follow Me Kid You can hide the below song cards around the room, or make a poster punch game or, use the above “Name That Song” activity with them.

    My covenants with Heavenly Father bring me joy/ I can “cleave unto the covenants” I have made.

    Doctrine and Covenants 25:13, 15

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 and Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021

    Read Doctrine and Covenants 25:13 to the children. Explain that the word “cleave” in this verse means to hold tightly to something. To understand what it means to “cleave unto the covenants” (Doctrine and Covenants 25:13), your children could take turns holding on to something as tightly as they can. Explain that cleaving to our covenants means holding on to (or keeping) the promises we make with Heavenly Father and never letting go (or never giving up). (Or to illustrate, pass around objects that are firmly fastened together and let the children try to tear them apart. Why is the word “cleave” a good word to describe how we should feel about our covenants?) Use this week’s activity page to teach the children about the times when we make covenants with Heavenly Father. (Or if needed, review with the children the covenants we make when we are baptized (see Mosiah 18:8–10; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37). What does it mean to “cleave” to these covenants?) Read Doctrine and Covenants 25:15, and explain that the “crown of righteousness” represents the blessing of returning to live with God, our Heavenly King.

    • To give your children context for Doctrine and Covenants 25:13, you might point out that this is something the Lord told Emma Smith soon after her baptism. Why would this be good counsel for someone who was recently baptized?

    What is common consent?

    Doctrine and Covenants 26:2

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021″Doctrine and Covenants 23–26″ and Liahona March 2021 “What does “common consent” mean in the Church?”

    When members receive callings or priesthood ordinations in the Church, we have the opportunity to formally sustain them by raising our right hands as a show of support. The principle of demonstrating public support and agreement is called common consent. As President Gordon B. Hinckley taught, “The procedure of sustaining is much more than a ritualistic raising of the hand. It is a commitment to uphold, to support, to assist those who have been selected” (“This Work Is Concerned with People,” Ensign, May 1995, 51).

    Sustaining is a chance to show and give our support and to acknowledge the will of God.

    Additional Resources

    See also Saints, 1:89–90, 94–97.

    Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources: Doctrine and Covenants 23-26

    Click to see more

    Joseph and Emma

    The Red Crystal

    Mar 1 2021

    Doctrine and Covenants 20-22

    Featured

    Table of Contents

    Doctrine and Covenants 20

    Doctrine and Covenants Section 20 Revelation on Church organization and government, given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at or near Fayette, New York. Portions of this revelation may have been given as early as summer 1829. The complete revelation, known at the time as the Articles and Covenants, was likely recorded soon after April 6, 1830 (the day the Church was organized). The Prophet wrote, “We obtained of Him [Jesus Christ] the following, by the spirit of prophecy and revelation; which not only gave us much information, but also pointed out to us the precise day upon which, according to His will and commandment, we should proceed to organize His Church once more here upon the earth.”

    Preparing for the Restoration of the Church

    It was almost time for the Church of Jesus Christ to be on earth again. Jesus gave Joseph Smith a revelation so the people would be ready for His Church. Jesus revealed more about His gospel and about other things the people needed to know before His Church was organized.1

    Why would these truths be important to emphasize as the Church was being established?

    Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “The Restored Church of Jesus Christ”

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 20-22 and 2021 CFM for Primary

    Display pictures of things we do in the Church that are described in section 20, such as learning about God and Jesus Christ, ministering, baptizing, and partaking of the sacrament. Help the children match these pictures with scriptures that describe them, such as Doctrine and Covenants 20:17–21, 47, 70, 72–74, 75–79, and the heading for section 21. Use these pictures and verses to discuss the blessings we have because Jesus Christ restored His Church.

    Come Follow Me Kid “The Rise of the Church of Christ”

    Book of Mormon

    Doctrine and Covenants 20:8–16

    Jesus said the Book of Mormon teaches His gospel and testifies of God and His work. Jesus promised blessings to those who receive the book in faith—and punishment to those who reject it.

    Doctrine and Covenants Scripture Stories

    The Atonement

    Doctrine and Covenants 20:20-27

    Serving God

    Doctrine and Covenants 20:17–19

    1. Verse 18 tells us that God “created man, male and female, after his own image and in his own likeness, created he them.” We are some of God’s creations too! Take a moment to admire all the things your body can do. What are your talents?
    2. In verse 19 we are commanded to “love and serve him, the only living and true God.” How can you use your talents to serve Him?

    Discussion: How can we worship God? Liahona March 2021 “Family Study Fun” 

    Baptism and Confirmation

    When I am baptized and confirmed, I promise to follow Jesus Christ.

    Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 41, 71–74

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 20-22

    Your children might enjoy seeing a picture of a child being baptized and confirmed. They can point out how it matches the instructions in Doctrine and Covenants 20:41, 71–74 (see the Doctrine and Covenants Scripture Story pictures and captions below).

    Doctrine and Covenants Scripture Stories

    Jesus also taught the people about baptism. He said they must be baptized to become members of His Church. Those who want to be baptized must repent. They must love and obey Jesus. They must also be at least eight years old.

    • 71 No one can be received into the church of Christ unless he has arrived unto the years of accountability before God, and is capable of repentance.
    • Why age 8? Old enough to understand the doctrine of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ and prepared and ready to make sacred covenants. 

    Jesus taught the right way to baptize. He said a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood or a man who has the Melchizedek Priesthood may baptize a person. The man takes the person into the water and says a special prayer.

    The man who is baptizing puts the person down under the water. Then he brings the person out of the water.

    • 74 Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water.
    • Immersion means a person is “immersed” all the way under water and brought back up. Baptism by immersion is beautifully symbolic, not only of the washing away of sins, but of death, burial, and resurrection. Baptism signifies the end of your old way of life and birth to a life committed to following Jesus Christ.  (Come Unto Christ “Baptism”)

    When people are baptized, they promise to obey Jesus. They also promise to say and do good things.

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 20-22 and 2021 CFM for Primary

    • If your children have already been baptized and confirmed, ask them about their experience. Perhaps they could bring a picture from their baptismal day to show the class. Talk with them about what they are doing to follow Jesus Christ and how He is blessing them

    More Baptism Resources Here

    Sacrament

    I can take Jesus’s name upon me and always remember Him.

    Doctrine and Covenants 20:75–79

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 20-22

    • Your children could look for the word “willing” in both Doctrine and Covenants 20:37 (about baptism) and verse 77 (the sacrament prayer). What does Jesus Christ want us to be willing to do? Maybe your children could look at something that has a name on it (such as a brand name or a personal name). What does the name tell us about the item? What does it mean to take Jesus Christ’s name upon us? How should we think and act because we have this name?
    Craftaholics Anonymous

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 20-22 and 2021 CFM for Primary

    • Consider reading together Doctrine and Covenants 20:77 and asking your children to identify the promises we make as part of the sacrament. (You could ask them to stand when they hear what we should remember when we eat the sacrament bread.) Do the same with verse 79. (You may want to point out that we drink water instead of wine.) Help the children understand that there are things they can do every day to “always remember” Jesus Christ. Maybe they could take turns acting out something they can do to “always remember” the Savior and guessing what each other’s actions are. According to verse 77, how are we blessed when we always remember the Savior?

    Friend August 2023 “My Baptismal Covenant”

    Duties of Priesthood

    Doctrine and Covenants 20:38–60

    1. Activity: Display the following wordstrips: “Deacon,” “Teacher,” “Priest,” “Elder,” “Twelve,” “Fourteen,” “Sixteen,” “Eighteen.”Read the following descriptions to the children, one at a time, and invite them to find the two wordstrips that fit the description and post them on the chalkboard. It would be more challenging for older children if the descriptions were read out of order. (The descriptions for Aaronic Priesthood duties are taken from Doctrine and Covenants 20:46–59. The description for the office of an elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood is taken from Doctrine and Covenants 20:38–45; 107:11–12.)
      1. I have had the Aaronic Priesthood conferred on me. I pass the sacrament. I may serve as a messenger for priesthood leaders. I collect fast offerings. I help care for Church buildings and grounds. What am I? How old am I when I can be ordained? (Wordstrips: “Deacon,” “Twelve”)
      2. I hold the Aaronic Priesthood. I have all the duties and powers of a deacon, and I prepare the bread and water for the sacrament. I may be assigned to be a home teacher. What am I? How old am I when I can be ordained? (Wordstrips: “Teacher,” “Fourteen”)
      3. I hold the Aaronic Priesthood. I have all the duties and powers of a deacon and teacher, and I can administer (bless) the sacrament. I have the authority to baptize, help with ordinations of other Aaronic Priesthood holders, and take charge of meetings when there are no Melchizedek Priesthood holders present. I help Church members live the commandments. What am I? How old am I when I can be ordained? (Wordstrips: “Priest,” “Sixteen”)
      4. I hold the Melchizedek Priesthood. I may serve a full-time mission. I am called to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the Church. I may give the gift of the Holy Ghost, conduct meetings, bless little children, administer to the sick, and bless family members. What am I? How old am I when I can be ordained? (Wordstrips: “Elder,” “Eighteen”)Ask the children to name one thing they have learned about the duties of these four priesthood offices. (Primary 4: Book of Mormon ““Lesson 30: Nephi Receives Great Power” )

    Walking in Holiness

    Doctrine and Covenants 20:69

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 20–22: The Rise of the Church of Christ”

    What does it mean to “[walk] in holiness before the Lord”? It might be fun for family members to draw or write on pieces of paper some things that could help them walk in holiness or things that could distract them from doing so. Then they could create a path using the papers and try to walk on the path, stepping only on the drawings that will bring them to Christ.

    Building the Foundation of the Church

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 20–22: The Rise of the Church of Christ”

    • Remind the children of some of the important events they have been learning about—such as the restoration of the priesthood and the translation of the Book of Mormon. Why did these things need to happen before the Church could be organized?

    Liahona March 2021 “What Builds a Strong Foundation” Object lesson about building the foundation of the church with such things as the priesthood and the scriptures.

    Come Follow Me Kid “The Rise of the Church of Christ” Stuffed Animal Party Activity – What would you do if someone asked you about our church? Invite stuffed animals to a “party” (put them by the cake we just decorated). Let the kids use the cake to practice sharing the full name of the church to their animals and explain each picture on the cake. Help them feel comfortable with sharing these truths with others.

    Doctrine and Covenants 21

    Doctrine and Covenants Section 21 Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Fayette, New York, April 6, 1830. This revelation was given at the organization of the Church, on the date named, in the home of Peter Whitmer Sr. Six men, who had previously been baptized, participated. By unanimous vote these persons expressed their desire and determination to organize, according to the commandment of God (see section 20). They also voted to accept and sustain Joseph Smith Jr. and Oliver Cowdery as the presiding officers of the Church. With the laying on of hands, Joseph then ordained Oliver an elder of the Church, and Oliver similarly ordained Joseph. After administration of the sacrament, Joseph and Oliver laid hands upon the participants individually for the bestowal of the Holy Ghost and for the confirmation of each as a member of the Church.

    The Church of Jesus Christ is Restored.

    Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 11: The Restored Church of Jesus Christ Is Organized” 

    Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods from John the Baptist and Peter, James, and John in 1829, and at this time Joseph was given the authority to organize and preside over the Church.

    Friend March 2025 “The Priesthood Is Restored”

    Joseph Smith received two important revelations in April 1830 concerning how the Church should be organized. These revelations, published now as Doctrine and Covenants 20 and 21, told Joseph to organize the Church as Jesus Christ had organized his church when he lived on the earth.

    Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 11: The Restored Church of Jesus Christ Is Organized” 

    1. Divide the class into two groups. Give each group one of the following signs: “Jesus Christ’s church when he was on the earth” and “Jesus Christ’s restored church—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” Give the group designated “Jesus Christ’s church when he was on the earth” the Bible references listed below, and give the group designated “Jesus Christ’s restored church” the Doctrine and Covenants references listed below. Matthew 3:13, 16 / D&C 20:72–74 (baptism by immersion by someone having authority) Ephesians 2:19–20 / D&C 21:1 (living apostles and prophets) Amos 3:7 / D&C 21:5 (current revelation) Luke 22:19–20 / D&C 20:75 (sacrament) Have each child read aloud one of the scriptures assigned to his or her group. Discuss with the children what these references say about the church of Jesus Christ. Help the children understand that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is organized the same way that Jesus Christ’s church was organized when he was on the earth.

    The Great Apostasy “News with the Naylors” Lesson ideas

    The Lord revealed to the Prophet the exact day on which the Church should be organized (see D&C 20, section heading and verse 1) In obedience to the Lord’s command, Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and others organized the restored Church of Jesus Christ on April 6, 1830. More than 40 believers crowded into the Whitmer family’s log home in Fayette, New York, to witness the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ.

    The state of New York required a church to have six official members before it could be legally organized. Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery had been baptized on the day they received the Aaronic Priesthood, and later Hyrum Smith, Peter Whitmer Jr., Samuel H. Smith, and David Whitmer had been baptized. These men were the first official members of the Church. All of these men had seen the gold plates and had testimonies that Joseph Smith was a prophet and the person through whom Jesus Christ would restore his church.

    After a prayer, Joseph asked the people at the meeting if they accepted him and Oliver as their teachers and spiritual leaders. Everyone said yes by raising their hands (as we do in the Church today when we sustain people to callings).

    Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery then ordained each other to the office of elder. Joseph and Oliver administered the sacrament to the people at the meeting, and after that they confirmed those who had been baptized and gave them the gift of the Holy Ghost. Now Jesus Christ’s true church was restored and organized on the earth again. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Jesus Christ’s restored church and teaches the same gospel that Jesus taught when he lived on the earth (see enrichment activity 3).

    Media Library “Oliver Cowdery Ordains Joseph Smith“

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 20-22

    • Consider using the section heading for Doctrine and Covenants 21, chapter 9 of Doctrine and Covenants Stories, or the video “Organization of the Church” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) to help your children understand what happened on the day the Church was organized.

    Friend March 2021 “Setting Up Jesus Christ’s Church Again”

    Scripture Figures: “The Church Is Organized” (March 2017 Friend)

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 20–22: The Rise of the Church of Christ”

    Tell the children why you are thankful that we have The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Explain that being a member of the Church prepares us to live with God again. Help them repeat the phrase “I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” several times or sing “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77). (As the children sing, have them listen for two things they know and five things they will do as members of the Church. List these things on the chalkboard; then have the children sing the song again.)

    Come Follow Me Kid “The Rise of the Church of Christ”

    Jesus blesses me as I follow His prophet.

    Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–6

    4 Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me;

    5 For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.

    6 For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory.

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 20-22

    • After discovering the invitations and promises in Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–6, your children could look at a picture of the current prophet and share something they have learned or heard from him. Share with each other ways Jesus Christ has blessed you for following His prophet.

    Friend November 2024 “What Are Prophets?”

    Friend September 2015 – “Guided Through the Fog” Air traffic controller guides plane through fog. Prophets guide us.

    Friend September 2015

    Doctrine and Covenants 22

    Doctrine and Covenants Section 22 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Manchester, New York, April 16, 1830. This revelation was given to the Church in consequence of some who had previously been baptized desiring to unite with the Church without rebaptism.

    Additional Resources

    Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 11: The Restored Church of Jesus Christ Is Organized” 

    1. Divide the class into two groups. Give each group one of the following signs: “Jesus Christ’s church when he was on the earth” and “Jesus Christ’s restored church—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” Give the group designated “Jesus Christ’s church when he was on the earth” the Bible references listed below, and give the group designated “Jesus Christ’s restored church” the Doctrine and Covenants references listed below. Matthew 3:13, 16 / D&C 20:72–74 (baptism by immersion by someone having authority) Ephesians 2:19–20 / D&C 21:1 (living apostles and prophets) Amos 3:7 / D&C 21:5 (current revelation) Luke 22:19–20 / D&C 20:75 (sacrament) Have each child read aloud one of the scriptures assigned to his or her group. Discuss with the children what these references say about the church of Jesus Christ. Help the children understand that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is organized the same way that Jesus Christ’s church was organized when he was on the earth.

    Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 11: The Restored Church of Jesus Christ Is Organized” 

    Click to see more

    Latter Day Kids “Restoration” See link for more lesson ideas

    Feb 24 2021

    Doctrine and Covenants 18

    Featured

    Table of Contents

    Doctrine & Covenants Section 18 Revelation to Joseph Smith the Prophet, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer, given at Fayette, New York, June 1829. According to the Prophet, this revelation made known “the calling of twelve apostles in these last days, and also instructions relative to building up the Church.”

    I Know the Scriptures are True

    Doctrine and Covenants 18:1-5

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 18–19: “The Worth of Souls Is Great”

    Perhaps family members could share some of the “many instances” (verse 2) in which the Spirit has manifested to them that the scriptures are true, just as He did for Oliver Cowdery. How can your family “rely upon the things which are written” (verse 3) in the scriptures? How can you build your family’s foundation on the “rock” (verse 4) of the gospel?2

    Friend September 2015 “A New Feeling” – Child feels Holy Ghost while reading the scriptures

    Friend September 2015
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    Each of Us is of Great Worth to God.

    Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–13

    • 10 Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;
    • 11 For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.
    • 12 And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance.
    • 13 And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 18–19: “The Worth of Souls Is Great”

    Many people struggle with feelings of low self-worth; others are unkind toward people who are different from them. The powerful message of Doctrine and Covenants 18:10 can change how we view ourselves and people around us.

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 18”

    • As you and your children read Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–13, consider substituting each other’s names in place of the words “soul,” “souls,” and “all men.” You could then talk about how these verses help us understand how Heavenly Father [and Jesus] feels about each of us.

    Come Follow Me Kid

    • Help the children think of things that people consider valuable. Or you might show them something that is valuable to you. How do we treat things that are valuable to us? Then let them take turns looking in a mirror. As they do, tell each child that they are a child of God and they are of great worth.

    Find the things in the picture that show Heavenly Father and Jesus’s love for us.

    Friend February 2017

    My worth is so great that Jesus was willing to suffer and die so I can repent.

    Friend February 2020 “Funstuff: Blessing from Jesus” Match the cards to finish each sentence. Examples: Because Jesus died for us… … everyone who dies will live again. Because Jesus paid for our sins… …we can repent and be forgiven.

    • How can we show others that “the worth of [their] souls is great” in our sight?

    Friend May 2021 “A Birthday Crown” Wyatt wonders if he is special because he gets to wear a birthday crown on his birthday. His father tells him he is special because he is a child of God and that everyone else is too. When a girl was afraid to go down the slide, Wyatt remembered that everyone is special to Heavenly Father and he encouraged her and praised her.

    • To emphasize that all people are of great worth to Heavenly Father, your children could look at the picture at the end of this outline while you read Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–13. Singing together a song like “Every Star Is Different” (Children’s Songbook,142–43) could help reinforce this point.

    Liahona February 2021 “Your Worth is Great” Family Study Fun: Circle of Worth

    Circle of Worth: Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer were counseled to remember that “the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10). As we help others to see their own worth, we bring them nearer to Christ while becoming closer to Him ourselves.

    1. Invite family members to sit in a circle.
    2. Each person will take a turn standing in the middle of the circle.
    3. Everyone sitting in the circle will tell the middle person, “You matter to me because ___________,” and share specific details of why that person is of worth to them.
    4. The middle person will then choose their own statement of personal worth: “I matter to God and myself because __________.”

    Discussion: Why is it important to remember our own worth as well as the worth of those around us? If Christ were in the circle, what would He say about us? Read Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–13 and discuss what Christ went through because of how much He loves and values us.

    Friend February 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”

    Friend November 2020 “We are Moving Forward”

    For additional teaching ideas see “Child of God“

    Sharing the gospel brings great joy.

    Doctrine and Covenants 18:13–16

    Have you noticed that when you share something like a treat or a toy, you feel good? Of course you have. You can share things other than treats or toys, like knowledge. Sharing knowledge can bring great joy—not just to the receiver but also to the giver. The best kind of knowledge to share is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

    The Lord called Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer to preach the gospel. He explained the happiness they would receive:

    • 13 And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!
    • 14 Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people.
    • 15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!
    • 16 And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!
    Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Oliver and David Taught Repentance”

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 18”

    • To inspire your children to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, you could talk with each other about experiences when you found something that you wanted to share with your friends or family. Why did you want to share it, and how did sharing it make you feel?

    Friend December 2017 “Warm Hands, Warm Heart” Monroe notices some of her friends don’t have gloves to keep their hands warm at recess, so she brings some gloves to share.

    Most of Heavenly Father’s children don’t know about His plan. They don’t know about Jesus Christ. They don’t know they can be baptized or sealed to their families. Heavenly Father wants us to help gather His children so they can come home to Him.

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 18–19”

    • Tell the children about something that brings you joy. Let each child tell you about something that brings him or her joy. Read Doctrine and Covenants 18:13, 16. What brings the Lord joy? What does He say will bring us joy? You and your children could talk about any experiences you’ve had sharing the joy of the Savior’s gospel.

    Friend July 2024 “Sharing the Friend“ A girl gave her Friend magazine to another girl that looked sad. She wanted the girl to feel the happiness she feels when she learns about Jesus.

    • Sing a song about sharing the gospel, such as “I Want to Be a Missionary Now” (Children’s Songbook, 168), can help your children think of ways they can share the gospel.

    I can hear the Lord’s voice in the scriptures.

    Doctrine and Covenants 18:34–36

    • 34 These words are not of men nor of man, but of me; wherefore, you shall testify they are of me and not of man;
    • 35 For it is my voice which speaketh them unto you; for they are given by my Spirit unto you, and by my power you can read them one to another; and save it were by my power you could not have them;
    • 36 Wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words.

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 18”

    • Your children might enjoy a game where they try to identify voices of different people, such as family members, friends, or Church leaders. How do we recognize each other’s voices? How do we recognize the Lord’s voice? You could read together Doctrine and Covenants 18:34–36 to discuss this question. You could also share with each other how you have heard the Lord’s voice in the scriptures.

    If I had been a little child when Jesus lived on earth,
    I would have liked to walk with Him and listen to His words,
    But as I search the scriptures I can hear His words of peace,
    And if I listen with my heart I hear the Savior’s voice.

    Taking on the Name of Christ

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 18–19: “The Worth of Souls Is Great”

    Do your family members’ names have special meaning? Maybe you could talk about why names are important and what it means to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ (see Mosiah 5:7). This could be a good opportunity to help family members prepare to take Christ’s name upon themselves when they are baptized.

    Friend April 1988 “A Name to Live up to” Jenny is sad that she isn’t named after someone whom she could try to be like–someone who did great deeds–but she is reminded that she took on the name of Jesus when she was baptized.

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 4-6”

    Talk to the children about why people put their names on things, such as school assignments, sports jerseys, and so on (see Mosiah 5:14–15). How can we show that we have Christ’s name “written always in [our] hearts”? (Mosiah 5:12).

    Friend February 2021 “Your Baptism Covenant”

    In Doctrine and Covenants 18, the Lord instructed David Whitmer and Oliver Cowdery to seek out men who would someday be called to serve in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (see Doctrine and Covenants 18:37–38).

    Additional Resources

    Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 18-19”

    The Red Crystal

    Feb 8 2021

    Doctrine & Covenants 12-17 and Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75

    Featured

    Table of Contents

    Doctrine & Covenants 12

    Revelation given to Joseph Knight

    Doctrine & Covenants Section 12 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Joseph Knight Sr., at Harmony, Pennsylvania, May 1829. Joseph Knight believed the declarations of Joseph Smith concerning his possession of the Book of Mormon plates and the work of translation then in progress and several times had given material assistance to Joseph Smith and his scribe, which enabled them to continue translating. At Joseph Knight’s request, the Prophet inquired of the Lord and received the revelation.

    The Lord wants Me to Help do His Work

    Doctrine and Covenants 12

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 12–13; Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75: “Upon You My Fellow Servants”

    Joseph Knight Sr. and his wife, Polly, met Joseph Smith when, as a 20-year-old, he began to work on their farm in Colesville, New York. Joseph Knight described him as the best worker he ever had. He believed Joseph Smith’s testimony about the gold plates and took Polly to visit Joseph Smith while he was translating the Book of Mormon at his home in Harmony, Pennsylvania. She immediately believed. For the rest of their lives, Joseph and Polly remained faithful to the restored gospel. More than 60 members of the Knight family joined and helped establish the Church in New York, Ohio, Missouri, Nauvoo, and eventually Salt Lake City.

    Joseph Knight wanted to know how he could help in the work of the Lord. The Lord’s answer (now Doctrine and Covenants 12) applies to “all those who have desires to bring forth and establish this work” (verse 7)—including you. What does it mean to you “to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion”? (verse 6). How do the principles and attributes in verses 7–9 help you do this?

    Liahona February 2021 “What can we do to follow the prophet?”

    See also “The Knight and Whitmer Families,” Revelations in Context, 20–24.

    The Lord’s work is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of his children. (Moses 1:39) Show the children a few tools or instruments used by builders, doctors, gardeners, painters, and so forth. Ask the children to tell what they know about each one, who uses it, and how it is used. What other tools do the children know of? Invite them to pretend to use a tool. Explain that just as we use instruments or tools to get things done, Heavenly Father can use us to do His work. Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 

    See Serving in the Church for ideas on ways children can help with the Lord’s work.

    Doctrine and Covenants 12:8. Why are the characteristics listed in this verse necessary when we are doing the Lord’s work?

    Doctrine & Covenants 13

    John the Baptist restored the Aaronic Priesthood.

    Doctrine & Covenants Section 13 An extract from Joseph Smith’s history recounting the ordination of the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery to the Aaronic Priesthood near Harmony, Pennsylvania, May 15, 1829. The ordination was done by the hands of an angel who announced himself as John, the same that is called John the Baptist in the New Testament. The angel explained that he was acting under the direction of Peter, James, and John, the ancient Apostles, who held the keys of the higher priesthood, which was called the Priesthood of Melchizedek. The promise was given to Joseph and Oliver that in due time this higher priesthood would be conferred upon them. (See section 27:7–8, 12.)

    Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75 Oliver Cowdery serves as scribe in translating the Book of Mormon—Joseph and Oliver receive the Aaronic Priesthood from John the Baptist—They are baptized, ordained, and receive the spirit of prophecy. (Verses 66–75.)

    Doctrine and Covenants 13; Joseph Smith—History 1:68–74

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

    “The Priesthood Is Restored” (February 2013 Friend)
    A brief explanation of how the priesthood was lost from the earth and then restored.

    Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Angels Restore the Priesthood” Watch until 1:26 for the Aaronic Priesthood restoration

    Doctrine and Covenant Stories “Joseph and Oliver Are Given the Priesthood” Images and Video

    Friend February 2025 “The Priesthood is Restored”

    Friend February 2021 “A Visit from John the Baptist” Link also includes a video of the story

    Friend February 2017 “Priesthood Restored”

    See also 1:65–68. Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days, Volume 1, The Standard of Truth, 1815–1846

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 12–13; Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75: Read together Joseph Smith—History 1:66–72, and invite the children to draw pictures of what these verses describe. Then let the children tell the story using their pictures. (Or divide up the scriptures and have each child draw their scripture. Then, going in order, have each child tell their part using their pictures.)

    Give the children a few minutes to make a list of everything they know about John the Baptist, and then allow them to share what they wrote. Invite the children to work in pairs to read one of the following passages and add it to their list: Matthew 3:13–17; Doctrine and Covenants 13; Joseph Smith—History 1:66–72.

    What do you think it means to be a fellow servant with John the Baptist?

    “Awesome!” (May 2017 Friend)
    Robert receives the Aaronic Priesthood and is amazed when he learns where the priesthood came from.

    How can we follow the example of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to find answers to our questions?

    Help the children learn a song about the priesthood, such as “The Priesthood Is Restored” (Children’s Songbook, 89). Invite the children to march around the room as they sing, taking turns holding the picture from this week’s outline.

    Heavenly Father blesses me through the Aaronic Priesthood.

    Doctrine and Covenants 13

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

    • To prompt a discussion about the keys mentioned in Doctrine and Covenants 13, you and your children could look at a set of keys and talk about what keys allow us to do. Maybe you could help them find the word keys in section 13. What other words or phrases in Doctrine and Covenants 13 describe the blessings of the Aaronic Priesthood? Your children could also identify ways Heavenly Father blesses us through the priesthood in the video “Blessings of the Priesthood” (Gospel Library).

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 12–13; Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75:

    • Bring a few objects to class, including a key. Display the objects, and ask the children to listen as you read Doctrine and Covenants 13 and to find the object that is mentioned in the scripture. What can we do with a key? (Or, put pictures of a baptism and the sacrament in a container that requires a key to open. Discuss why keys are important, and let the children use the key to open the container. ) Show pictures of things we can do because the Aaronic Priesthood was restored (see this week’s activity page; see also Gospel Art Book, nos. 103–4, 107–8). Tell the children how the priesthood has blessed your life.

    Come Follow Me Kid

    “What are priesthood keys?” (February 2017 Liahona and Friend) Priesthood keys aren’t keys you can touch or hold in your hand, like car keys. A priesthood key is the authority or permission to act in Heavenly Father’s name. Priesthood keys let Church leaders direct how the priesthood is used on earth.

    New Era May 2012 “Priesthood Keys” Priesthood holders, … need authorization from someone holding keys before performing most ordinances. For example, if Aaronic Priesthood holders hear about a homebound ward member who would like to receive the sacrament at home, they cannot simply go and administer the sacrament to that member because they believe it’s the right thing to do. They must be authorized by the bishop, who holds the keys over the Aaronic Priesthood. And a father who holds the priesthood cannot simply baptize his 8-year-old daughter or ordain his 12-year-old son to the Aaronic Priesthood without first being authorized by the bishop to do so.

    The Aaronic Priesthood “holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism” (D&C 13:1). Through the exercise of this priesthood, the sacrament is prepared, blessed, and administered. 

    Keys of the Ministering of Angels

    President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, explained a connection between the Aaronic Priesthood and the ministering of angels in this way:

    “In general, the blessings of spiritual companionship and communication are only available to those who are clean. … Through the Aaronic Priesthood ordinances of baptism and the sacrament, we are cleansed of our sins and promised that if we keep our covenants we will always have His Spirit to be with us. I believe that promise not only refers to the Holy Ghost but also to the ministering of angels, for ‘angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ’ (2 Nephi 32:3). So it is that those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood open the door for all Church members who worthily partake of the sacrament to enjoy the companionship of the Spirit of the Lord and the ministering of angels” (Oct. 1998 general conference [Ensign, Nov. 1998, 39]).

    Righteous mortal men may also be called angels. 2 Nephi 32:2–3 2 Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels? 3 Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ.

    I can be baptized.

    Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 12–13; Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75:

    Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery read about baptism in the Book of Mormon and wanted to know more.

    Show the video “Restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Pause the video occasionally to ask the children questions such as “Why did Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery go into the woods?” and “How do you think Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery felt after they were baptized?”

    Friend February 2021 “We Can Be Baptized” Coloring Page

    Friend February 2021 “Scripture Time Fun” Share baptism memories from your family. If you haven’t been baptized yet, talk about what you think it will be like!

    See stories, activity ideas, and lesson ideas for baptism here.

    Resources for Teaching Children by Topic: Baptism

    The Holy Ghost can help me understand the scriptures.

    Joseph Smith—History 1:73–74

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 12–13; Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75:

    After Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were baptized, the Holy Ghost helped them understand the scriptures better. Invite the children to make a bookmark that they can put in their scriptures to remind them to seek the Holy Ghost’s help when they read. Perhaps they could find an inspiring phrase in Joseph Smith—History 1:74 that they could write on their bookmark.

    Doctrine & Covenants 14 -17 (Click here)

    Additional Resources

    The Red Crystal

    Latter Day Kids “Priesthood Keys” Lesson ideas

    Feb 3 2021

    Doctrine and Covenants 10-11

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    Doctrine and Covenants Section 10 Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, likely around April 1829, though portions may have been received as early as the summer of 1828. Herein the Lord informs Joseph of alterations made by wicked men in the 116 manuscript pages from the translation of the book of Lehi, in the Book of Mormon. These manuscript pages had been lost from the possession of Martin Harris, to whom the sheets had been temporarily entrusted. (See the heading to section 3.) The evil design was to await the expected retranslation of the matter covered by the stolen pages and then to discredit the translator by showing discrepancies created by the alterations. That this wicked purpose had been conceived by the evil one and was known to the Lord even while Mormon, the ancient Nephite historian, was making his abridgment of the accumulated plates, is shown in the Book of Mormon (see Words of Mormon 1:3–7). 1–26, Satan stirs up wicked men to oppose the Lord’s work; 27–33, He seeks to destroy the souls of men; 34–52, The gospel is to go to the Lamanites and all nations through the Book of Mormon; 53–63, The Lord will establish His Church and His gospel among men; 64–70, He will gather the repentant into His Church and will save the obedient.

    Doctrine and Covenants Section 11 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to his brother Hyrum Smith, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, May 1829. This revelation was received through the Urim and Thummim in answer to Joseph’s supplication and inquiry. Joseph Smith’s history suggests that this revelation was received after the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood. 1–6, Laborers in the vineyard will gain salvation; 7–14, Seek wisdom, cry repentance, trust in the Spirit; 15–22, Keep the commandments, and study the Lord’s word; 23–27, Deny not the spirit of revelation and of prophecy; 28–30, Those who receive Christ become the sons of God.

    Doctrine and Covenants 10

    As I pray always, I receive strength from God.

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Section 10-11”

    Doctrine and Covenants 10:5

    • To introduce this verse to your children, you could ask them about things they “always” do.

    (You could use the pictures below to play a Family Feud type game with the above question.)

    Clipart Library

    What does the Lord say we should always do in Doctrine and Covenants 10:5? Why does He want us to do this?

    • D&C 10:5 Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Satan that do uphold his work.
    • Jesus taught, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always, lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye be led away captive by him…for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.”(3 Nephi18:18)

    Friend February 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”

    Satan would prefer that we forget he exists—or that we at least fail to recognize his attempts to influence us (see 2 Nephi 28:22–23). But the Lord’s words in Doctrine and Covenants 10 reveal that Satan is in constant, active opposition to God’s work. As you read verses 1–33, identify how Satan sought to destroy God’s work in Joseph Smith’s time (see also verses 62–63). What similarities do you see with the ways Satan works today? You could ask the Lord to help you see how Satan may be tempting you. What do you learn from section 10 that can help you resist Satan’s efforts? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 10–11: “That You May Come Off Conqueror”)

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Section 10-11”

    • How can you help your children remember to pray always? Maybe they could collect a few small, smooth stones and paint on them (or draw on them with markers) “Doctrine and Covenants 10:5” or “Pray Always.” They could put their stones in various places where they want to be reminded to pray, like near their bed, with their schoolbooks, or where they eat meals.
    Clipart Library
    Friend February 2025

    According to Doctrine and Covenants 10:5, how does God bless us when we pray? Your children could find additional answers in a song like “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 13).

    When I pray always, Heavenly Father will bless me.

    Sometimes children think they can pray only at specific times and places, and only if they are kneeling or closing their eyes. How can you help them learn how to “pray always”?

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 20–26: “Ye Are the Children of the Covenant”

    • Ask the children to show you what they do when they pray. What do they do with their arms? their heads? their eyes? Explain that sometimes we want to talk to Heavenly Father, but we can’t kneel or close our eyes. What can we do? Read to the children from 3 Nephi 20:1: “[Jesus] commanded them that they should not cease to pray in their hearts.” Tell the children how you pray in your heart.
    • Draw a mouth and a heart on the board. Ask the children to point to the mouth and tell you some things they say when they pray. Then ask them to point to the heart, and explain that we can say those same things in our hearts. Testify that Heavenly Father knows our feelings and thoughts.

    Friend February 2025 “Following Jesus Together” “I had a question during an exam that I didn’t know how to answer. I said a prayer in my head, and Heavenly Father helped me understand the question.” Gabriel W., age 11, Luxembourg, Belgium (See picture at link)

    Friend January 2019

    Talk with the children about times when they can pray, such as when they are scared, when they make mistakes, or when they need help in school. Why is it good to pray in these situations? Teach the children that no matter where they are, they can always pray in their hearts. (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 31-33”)

    The Red Crystal Sorting scenarios and deciding if it is a prayer we say in our hearts or a prayer we say folding our arms and closing our eyes.

    Friend January 2018 “I Can Pray” Action rhyme

    Come Follow Me Kid

    Pray Always Yes/No Game – How do we pray always? What does the word “always” mean? Give examples of different times and situations, and have them stand up and shout, “Yes!” if that’s a time/situation they could pray in. If they couldn’t pray in a certain situation, tell them to sit down and shout, “No!” (Obviously all of theanswers to this will be yes though). Here are some possible things to say:
     Can we pray in the morning? Afternoon? Night?
     At home? At school? At church? With friends?
     By the couch? By your bed? In the closet? Outside?
     If you’re scared? If you’re happy? If you’re worried? If you’re mad? If you’re excited?
     If you need help making a right choice? If you want to just say thanks for blessings?
     Can you pray to ask Heavenly Father and Jesus to help you conquer Satan?
     Discuss how we can pray when we’re around other people (school/with friends/etc.).

    Invite the children to draw pictures of themselves or their families praying at different times and places, such as in church, before school, or at bedtime. Explain that praying always can mean praying often throughout the day. How can we pray even when we are around other people, such as at school or with our friends?

    Latter Day Kids “Pray Always” Lesson ideas

    The Lord’s “wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil.”

    Doctrine and Covenants 10:34–52

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 10–11: “That You May Come Off Conqueror”

    As the translation of the Book of Mormon progressed, a question naturally arose: What should Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery do about those pages of the translation that had been lost? The logical thing might be to go back and retranslate that portion, but the Lord could see something that they could not—wicked men were plotting to alter the words on those pages to cast doubt on Joseph’s inspired work. God had a plan to thwart Satan’s efforts and compensate for what was lost. This plan was put into motion thousands of years earlier when the prophet Nephi felt inspired to create a second record that covered the same time period. Later, Mormon was inspired to include this record in the Book of Mormon “for a wise purpose” known to the Lord (see Words of Mormon 1:3–7).

    Liahona February 2021 “How Does the Lord’s Wisdom Bless our Lives?” Take a look at this time line to see how the Lord had compensated for the pages He knew would be lost.

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 10–11: “That You May Come Off Conqueror”

    More than 2,400 years in advance, the Lord prepared to compensate for the lost pages of the Book of Mormon (see 1 Nephi 9).The record that God prepared to replace the lost manuscript is now found in 1 Nephi through Omni. How have the stories and teachings in this record [helped bless your life]?

    Doctrine and Covenants 11

    In May 1829, Hyrum Smith’s great desire was to participate in the Restoration of the Savior’s Church. He traveled over 250 miles from Palmyra, New York, to Harmony, Pennsylvania, to visit his younger brother Joseph and learn what he could do to help. The Lord revealed Doctrine and Covenants 11 because of Hyrum’s righteous desires. (Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual “Lesson 22—Doctrine and Covenants 11:1–7”)

    If I ask of God, I will receive.

    Doctrine and Covenants 11

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 10–11: “That You May Come Off Conqueror”

    Several of Joseph Smith’s family members and friends asked him to seek the Lord’s will on their behalf. Joseph was happy to do so, but the Lord was also willing to give them personal revelation. In Doctrine and Covenants 11, a revelation that Joseph received for his older brother Hyrum, the Lord said, “I will impart unto you of my Spirit, … and then shall ye know … all things whatsoever you desire of me” (Doctrine and Covenants 11:13–14). What is the Lord trying to tell you about personal revelation? Read Doctrine and Covenants 11:27, looking for who else the Savior spoke to in this revelation.

    Word of God

    Doctrine and Covenants 11:2

    Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual “Lesson 22—Doctrine and Covenants 11:1–7”

    The use and imagery of a two-edged sword was common in the ancient world and appears in both the Old and New Testaments (see Judges 3:16; Psalm 149:6; Proverbs 5:4; Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 1:16; 2:12). A two-edged sword can cut both ways and offered the wielder more advantages during combat. (Compare to combat with Satan using the word of God)

    For example, students might discover from Alma 31:5 that the word of God is even more powerful than a sword. From Helaman 3:29 they might see how the word of God divides and separates truth from error. From Joseph Smith’s experience they may notice that God’s word can penetrate our hearts and help us act in righteousness. From Hebrews 4:12 students may realize that the word of God can pierce our minds and souls.

    The Holy Ghost leads me to do good.

    Doctrine and Covenants 11:12–13

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “3 Nephi 20–26: “Ye Are the Children of the Covenant”

    • Help the children make a list of people they go to when they need help or have a question. Why do we trust that these people will help us? Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 11:12 and look for what Hyrum Smith was told to trust.

    12 And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit.

    What do we learn from this verse about why we should trust in the guidance of the Holy Ghost?

    The Spirit leadeth to do good

    Below song includes a story about a boy that didn’t have any friends and another boy felt like he should befriend the lonely boy.

    This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Screen-Shot-2022-02-07-at-8.40.39-AM-1024x584.png

    “You recognize the promptings of the Spirit by the fruits of the Spirit—that which enlighteneth, that which buildeth up, that which is positive and affirmative and uplifting and leads us to better thoughts and better words and better deeds is of the Spirit of God.”

    Friend November 2023 “More than a Good Practice Day” Ismael saw a woman weeding the whole time he and his dad were playing soccer. He felt strongly that he should go over and tell her she was doing a good job. She seemed unhappy and tired until Ismael told her thank you for taking care of the park, and then she got a big smile and thanked him.

    Ensign July 2019 “Family Study Fun”(Acts 1:1–8, 15–26; 2:1–42; 4:1–13, 31–33) Finding someone in need by listening to the still small voice.

    1. Scatter pillows, couch cushions, and other soft objects throughout the room.
    2. Assign someone in the family to be the “person in need” at the end of the obstacle course.
    3. Place a blindfold on a member of the family and assign someone else to whisper directions into the person’s ear to guide them safely through the course to the person in need.

    Discussion: When was a time you felt directed by the Holy Ghost to help someone else? How did you recognize those promptings?

    To make good Choices

    Friend February 2019 “Yo-Yo Decision” While shopping with her mom, Lea found a yo-yo. Oscar had brought one to school and had impressed everyone with tricks. Lea wanted to do that too, but she didn’t have enough money to buy the yo-yo. A thought came into her mind that she could just put it in her pocket, but then she had a bad feeling. She realized it was the Holy Ghost warning her, so she put it back and felt peaceful and happy.

    Enlightens your mind and fills you with joy

    13 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy;

    Enlighten your mind (Gives greater knowledge and understanding about a subject or situation.)

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Section 10-11”

    • Children can learn to recognize when the Spirit is speaking to them. To help them, you could hide a light bulb or flashlight and a picture of a happy face somewhere in the room; then ask your children to find these items. Read Doctrine and Covenants 11:13, and help your children identify words that relate to the items they found. What do these words teach about how the Holy Ghost helps us?

    Friend November 2023 “Listening to the Holy Ghost”

    • Sharing your own spiritual experiences can help your children recognize the Holy Ghost’s influence in their lives. As you share, ask them to share their experiences too. You could also read together Doctrine and Covenants 11:12–13, looking for how we can recognize when the Holy Ghost is guiding us. Testify that Heavenly Father wants to guide us through the Holy Ghost.
    • Sing a song about the guidance of the Holy Ghost, such as “Listen, Listen” (Children’s Songbook, 107). Ask the children what the song teaches them about how the Holy Ghost helps us.

    I need to know the gospel so I can help others find the truth.

    Doctrine and Covenants 11:21, 26

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Section 10-11”

    • Just like Hyrum Smith, your children will probably have many opportunities to share the gospel with others. You could read together Doctrine and Covenants 11:21, 26 and ask your children to find what the Lord told Hyrum he needed to do so he could teach the gospel. What does it mean to “obtain” God’s word? How can we do this?

    21 Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men.

    Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “The Lord Told Hyrum to Study the Scriptures”

    • How do we “treasure up” God’s word in our hearts?
    • “Scripture Treasures” (January 2015 Friend)
      This poem tells of treasures you can find as you read the scriptures daily.

    Friend January 2020 “The Precious Book of Mormon” President Nelson

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Alma 17-22”

    • Perhaps your children could role-play sharing something about Jesus Christ or the Book of Mormon with others.
    • Sing together a song about sharing the gospel, such as “I Want to Be a Missionary Now” (Children’s Songbook, 168). What does this song teach about how we can be missionaries every day?

    Additional Resources

    Faith in Jesus Christ

    Doctrine and Covenants 10:55-70

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 10–11: “That You May Come Off Conqueror”

    Invite family members to find or mark phrases that begin with “I am” or “I will.” What do we learn from the “I am” phrases about who Jesus Christ is and what He is like? What do we learn from the “I will” phrases about what He does? Encourage family members to share how these truths strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ.

    Come Follow Me Kid Faith Video Game – There’s a quote in the manual that says, “The adversary’s ongoing efforts to weaken faith are intensifying.” This is such a true sentence and is so hard to watch happen so often. Satan knows that great things are coming, and the closer it gets to the Second Coming, the harder he’s going to work to try to stop us from having the faith we need to have. He knows that faith will bring us joy, and he does NOT want us to be happy.

    How were Hyrum’s desires to serve the Lord fulfilled?

    President M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained:

    Hyrum gave unfailing service to the Church. In 1829 he was among a handful of individuals who were allowed to view the gold plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated, and for the rest of his life he testified to the divine nature of the Book of Mormon. … He was among the first to be baptized in this gospel dispensation. At age thirty, he was the oldest of the six men chosen in 1830 to formally organize The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. … In 1833, when the Lord chastised the Church for delaying the start of the Kirtland Temple, Hyrum was the first to start digging its foundation. …

    Hyrum served in the Ohio bishopric, on the first high council, as Patriarch, counselor in the First Presidency, and finally as one of only two men ever to hold the office of Assistant President of the Church.

    Hyrum served many missions for the Church. …

    Clearly, Hyrum Smith was one of the firm pillars of the Restoration. But sadly, many Church members know little about him except that he was martyred with his brother in Carthage Jail. (M. Russell Ballard, “Hyrum Smith: ‘Firm as the Pillars of Heaven,’” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 7)

    The Red Crystal

    Feb 2 2025

    Doctrine and Covenants 6–9

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    Table of Contents

    Doctrine & Covenants Section 6 Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, April 1829. Oliver Cowdery began his labors as scribe in the translation of the Book of Mormon, April 7, 1829. He had already received a divine manifestation of the truth of the Prophet’s testimony respecting the plates on which was engraved the Book of Mormon record. The Prophet inquired of the Lord through the Urim and Thummim and received this response.

    Doctrine & Covenants Section 7 Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, April 1829, when they inquired through the Urim and Thummim as to whether John, the beloved disciple, tarried in the flesh or had died. The revelation is a translated version of the record made on parchment by John and hidden up by himself. 1–3, John the Beloved will live until the Lord comes; 4–8, Peter, James, and John hold gospel keys.

    Doctrine & Covenants Section 8 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, April 1829. In the course of the translation of the Book of Mormon, Oliver, who continued to serve as scribe, writing at the Prophet’s dictation, desired to be endowed with the gift of translation. The Lord responded to his supplication by granting this revelation.

    Doctrine & Covenants Section 9 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, April 1829. Oliver is admonished to be patient and is urged to be content to write, for the time being, at the dictation of the translator, rather than to attempt to translate.

    Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 7: Joseph Smith Translates the Gold Plates,”  

    • Because of the lost 116 pages of manuscript, the angel Moroni took the gold plates and the Urim and Thummim away from Joseph Smith for a time (see lesson 6). After Joseph repented, these items were returned. As Joseph continued the translation, he found that he did not have time to take care of his family and farm and still translate as fast as he wanted to. The work of translation was also slowed because Joseph had no scribe to write for him as he translated. Martin Harris was no longer allowed to be Joseph’s scribe. Emma sometimes served as scribe, but she had other work to do also. Joseph knew that the translation was not going as fast as it needed to, so he prayed and asked Heavenly Father for help.

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 6–9: “This Is the Spirit of Revelation””

    • In the fall of 1828, a young schoolteacher named Oliver Cowdery took a teaching job in Manchester, New York, and stayed with the family of Lucy and Joseph Smith Sr. Oliver had heard about their son Joseph, who was now living in Harmony, Pennsylvania, and Oliver, who considered himself a seeker of truth, wanted to know more. The Smiths described visits from angels, an ancient record, and the gift to translate by the power of God. Oliver was fascinated. Could it be true? Lucy and Joseph Sr. gave him advice that applies to anyone seeking truth: pray and ask the Lord. Oliver did, and the Lord answered, speaking peace and reassurance to Oliver’s mind.
    • In spring 1829 Oliver Cowdery traveled to Harmony and volunteered to be Joseph Smith’s scribe as he translated the Book of Mormon.

    For the Strength of Youth January 2021 “An Answer for Oliver”

    Heavenly Father speaks to me through the Holy Ghost.

    Doctrine and Covenants 6:5, 15–16, 22–23; 8:2; 9:7–9

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 6-9

    • The truths Oliver Cowdery learned about personal revelation can help your children as they develop their ability to recognize the Holy Ghost. You could use “Chapter 5: Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 22–25, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library) to teach them about Oliver and what he learned. Share with each other your favorite parts of the story. As you do, emphasize things the Lord taught Oliver about how to hear God’s voice, and read relevant verses, such as Doctrine and Covenants 6:23 or 9:7–9.

    Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Chapter 5: Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery” Video and Images

    The Holy Ghost speaks to my mind and my heart.

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 6-9 & CFM Primary 2021

    • Invite the children to touch their heads and their chests as you read the words “mind” and “heart” in Doctrine and Covenants 8:2. Help them understand that Heavenly Father speaks to us through the Holy Ghost, who gives us thoughts and feelings.

    Feelings in Our Heart

    Friend March 2020

    Thoughts in Our Mind

    Friend May 2024 “Listening to the Holy Ghost” At FHE Warner’s mom taught that often the Holy Ghost speaks by giving you a thought in your mind.

    “When she said that, I was so surprised. Just earlier, I had prayed and asked my Heavenly Father to help me hear the Holy Ghost. All my life I’d had thoughts that guided me to choose the right. Now I knew that those thoughts came from the Holy Ghost!

    Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Oliver Received Answers from the Lord”

    Sing together a song about the Holy Ghost, such as “The Holy Ghost” (Children’s Songbook, 105). What does the song teach about how the Spirit speaks to us?

    Oliver Tries Translating

    Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 7: Joseph Smith Translates the Gold Plates,”  

    • With Oliver assisting, the translation of the Book of Mormon went faster. After working as scribe for some time, Oliver wanted to translate. He was given permission to translate but failed when he tried. Oliver thought that the ability to translate would be given to him by merely asking Heavenly Father for it, but he learned that it required great mental and spiritual effort. The ability to translate had to come through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost

    Friend February 2025 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Flashlight Fun”

    • God can give us answers to our questions through the Holy Ghost (see Doctrine and Covenants 6:23). Sometimes we need to really focus to understand the message. Get a flashlight and turn off the lights in a room. One person uses the flashlight to draw a picture or letters on the wall. The others try to guess what it is. How is the flashlight like the Holy Ghost?

    Write on the board How does the Holy Ghost speak to us? Invite the children to search in Doctrine and Covenants 6:15–16, 22–23; 8:2; 9:7–9 for answers to the question.

    1. Study the problem or question in your mind. Think about how you could solve the problem or answer the question.
    2. Decide what you think you should do.
    3. Ask Heavenly Father if your decision is right.
    4. Listen with your heart and mind. If your decision is right, the Holy Ghost will give you a good feeling about it. If your decision is wrong, you will not feel good about it, and you need to make a different choice.

    Friend January 2021 “The Party Problem” Luz felt uneasy about going to a graduation party. It didn’t sound like the kind of party where she’d be able to feel the Holy Ghost. She thought about it, made her choice not to go, and then asked Heavenly Father if that was the right choice. Afterwards she felt a wave of warmth and light and knew she had made the right choice.

    Latter Day Kids “The Holy Ghost” Lesson, song, and activity ideas

    Riches of Eternal Life

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 6–9: “This Is the Spirit of Revelation””

    Doctrine and Covenants 6: 7, 13

    • How can you help your family understand that real “riches” are found in eternal life? (verse 7). You could invite family members to make pretend money and write or draw on it some of the many blessings your family has received because of the restored gospel.

    Liahona February 2025 ” Treasures in Heaven”

    Because of Jesus Christ, I can “fear not.”

    Doctrine and Covenants 6:34

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 6–9: “This Is the Spirit of Revelation”

    • Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery had many reasons to be afraid—persecution and poverty were just some of the challenges they faced. The Lord’s message to Joseph and Oliver can also encourage the children when they feel afraid.

    Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 6-9

    • The Lord told Joseph and Oliver, “Fear not, little flock” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:34). You might invite your children to repeat that phrase with you several times. They might also enjoy pretending to be a flock of frightened sheep. What might sheep be afraid of?
    Friend June 2015
    Friend June 2015
    • Then you and your children could look at a picture of the Savior as a shepherd (there’s one at the end of this outline) and talk about how He watches over us like a shepherd watches over His sheep.

      Sing together a song about the Savior, such as “Little Lambs So White and Fair” (Children’s Songbook, 58)

      Help the children think of ways that they can “look unto,” or remember, the Savior during the coming week (see also this week’s activity page).

      Come Follow Me Kid “D&C 6-9”

      Each person will write their name on a sheep. Take turns sharing something that makes us fearful. Either
      write/draw those fears on the back of the sheep or just share them out loud. After sharing, that person will place their sheep on the “I Will Encircle Thee in the Arms of My Love” picture of Jesus Christ. He loves us and can help us with our fears. Remind them that we are part of His flock. Every one of us is important to Him, and He wants to take care of us.

      Color the outline of one of these people to look like yourself. Glue it onto the “I Will Encircle Thee in the Arms of My Love” page.

      “Jesus Is My True Light”

      “Fear not to do good.”

      Doctrine and Covenants 6:33–37

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 6–9: “This Is the Spirit of Revelation”

      The children you teach may at times feel afraid to stand for the right. Doctrine and Covenants 6:33–37 can inspire them to be courageous, even in difficult circumstances.

      Consider playing or singing a song about finding courage in Christ, such as “Dare to Do Right” (Children’s Songbook, 158) or “Let Us All Press On” (Hymns, no. 243). What does the song teach about how the Savior helps us not be afraid? Ask the children to find in the song some reasons why we should “fear not” (verse 36).

      Come Follow Me Kid “D&C 6-9” Cut apart the following strips and spread them out far enough in a room so that the kids will need to hop from one strip to another. Make sure to keep them in the correct order. Have them stand by the first one and help them say the top line out loud. Explain what it means. Then have them jump to the next one and do the same thing until they’ve jumped on each of them, said them out loud, and discussed them one at a time. Then have them start back at the beginning and practice saying the phrases from D&C 6:33 in order while hopping from strip to strip again. Try going a little faster each time. Repeat as many times as wanted/needed.

      For the Strength of Youth February 2021 “Fear Not” A line-by-line explanation for the words in D&C 6:33-37

      I can look to Jesus Christ in every thought.

      Doctrine and Covenants 6:36

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 6-9

      • After reading together Doctrine and Covenants 6:36, you and your children could make drawings to help you remember to “look unto [Jesus Christ] in every thought.” Share with each other your drawings, and help your children think of places they could put them so they will see them often.

      Friend August 2020 “Let God Prevail!” President Russel M. Nelson tells what it means to let God prevail in our lives.

      I can ask in faith.

      Doctrine and Covenants 8:10

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 6–9: “This Is the Spirit of Revelation”

      • Write on the board Without_______  you can do nothing; therefore ask in ________ . Invite the children to try to think of a word that fits in both blanks. Then read together Doctrine and Covenants 8:10 to find the answer. What are some things we can do if we have faith?

      Additional Resources

      Saints, 1:58–64

      Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints “Gospel Media: Days of Harmony” Video of Oliver Cowdery’s experience as Joseph Smith’s scribe during the translation of the Book of Mormon

      Click to see more

      Emma Smith

      Emma Smith

      “When my husband was translating the Book of Mormon, I wrote a part of it, as he dictated each sentence, word for word, and when he came to proper names he could not pronounce, or long words, he spelled them out, and while I was writing them, if I made any mistake in spelling, he would stop me and correct my spelling although it was impossible for him to see how I was writing them down at the time. Even the word Sarah he could not pronounce at first, but had to spell it, and I would pronounce it for him.”4

      “The plates often lay on the table without any attempt at concealment, wrapped in a small linen tablecloth, which I had given him to fold them in. I once felt of the plates, as they thus lay on the table, tracing their outline and shape. They seemed to be pliable like thick paper, and would rustle with a metallic sound when the edges were moved by the thumb, as one does sometimes thumb the edges of a book. …

      “My belief is that the Book of Mormon is of divine authenticity—I have not the slightest doubt of it. I am satisfied that no man could have dictated the writing of the manuscripts unless he was inspired; for, when acting as his scribe, [Joseph] would dictate to me hour after hour; and when returning after meals, or after interruptions, he would at once begin where he had left off, without either seeing the manuscript or having any portion of it read to him. This was a usual thing for him to do. It would have been improbable that a learned man could do this; and, for one so ignorant and unlearned as he was, it was simply impossible.”5

      The Red Crystal

      Jan 26 2025

      Doctrine and Covenants 3–5

      Posted on by

      Table of Contents

      Doctrine and Covenants Section 3 Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, July 1828, relating to the loss of 116 pages of manuscript translated from the first part of the Book of Mormon, which was called the book of Lehi. The Prophet had reluctantly allowed these pages to pass from his custody to that of Martin Harris, who had served for a brief period as scribe in the translation of the Book of Mormon. The revelation was given through the Urim and Thummim. (See section 10.)

      Doctrine and Covenants Section 4 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to his father, Joseph Smith Sr., at Harmony, Pennsylvania, February 1829.Harris. 1–4, Valiant service saves the Lord’s ministers; 5–6, Godly attributes qualify them for the ministry; 7, The things of God must be sought after.

      Doctrine and Covenants Section 5 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, March 1829, at the request of Martin Harris. 1–10, This generation will receive the Lord’s word through Joseph Smith; 11–18, Three witnesses will testify of the Book of Mormon; 19–20, The word of the Lord will be verified as in previous times; 21–35, Martin Harris may repent and be one of the witnesses.

      Translating the Gold Plates

      Primary 5 Manual: Doctrine and Covenants “Lesson 6: Joseph Smith Begins to Translate the Gold Plates” Lesson includes the story of the lost 116 pages, questions ideas, activity ideas, etc.

      Once Joseph and Emma Smith were settled in Harmony, Pennsylvania, Joseph began to translate the gold plates. At first Joseph spent a lot of time becoming familiar with the plates and the language in which they were written.

      Display the page “Book of Mormon Titles.” Ask the children if they can read any of the words or characters. Help the children identify each language.

      Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Translation of the Book of Mormon”

      Discuss the many languages used throughout the world, and explain that the word translate means to change writing or speech from one language to another.

      • What was the language of the writings on the gold plates? (Reformed Egyptian.)

      Explain that usually translators need to understand both of the languages they work with. Joseph Smith, however, had had very little schooling and could not speak or read languages other than English. The reformed Egyptian characters on the plates were very strange to him. As he studied and prayed, the Urim and Thummim helped him understand the characters on the plates. Joseph learned that the process of translation requires faith, hard work, worthiness, patience, and obedience.

      Martin Harris and the Lost 116 Pages

      Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual “Doctrine and Covenants 3”

      Martin Harris was a respected citizen of Palmyra and successful farmer who was one of only a few people in the area who believed Joseph Smith. Though almost twice his age, Martin was Joseph’s friend and gave him money so he could move to Harmony, Pennsylvania, to translate the Book of Mormon undisturbed. Martin also sacrificed to travel there himself and serve as scribe. As Joseph read out loud from the plates, Martin Harris wrote down the words Joseph read. 

      Martin’s wife, Lucy, was not supportive of his involvement with the Book of Mormon translation. Martin asked Joseph if he could show the first 116 pages of the translation to Lucy as evidence of their work. Joseph prayed about it twice and each time was told not to allow Martin to take the pages.

      Joseph prayed a third time, and the Lord gave permission with strict conditions. Martin took the pages to Palmyra to show them to his wife.

      • Why do you think Joseph did not follow through with the first two responses he received from the Lord?

      The day after Martin left, Emma Smith gave birth to her and Joseph’s first child, a son. Tragically, the infant lived only a few hours, and it seemed Emma might die too. Thankfully, Emma’s health started improving after a couple weeks. Though Joseph did not want to leave her side, Emma urged him to travel to Palmyra and inquire about the manuscript.

      When Joseph arrived at his parents’ home, they invited Martin to join them for breakfast. Martin didn’t come for more than four hours. When he finally arrived and sat down, he mournfully exclaimed, “I have lost my soul!” He had not followed the strict guidelines and had lost the manuscript.

      “Oh, my God, my God. All is lost!” Joseph said. “Must I return to my wife with such a tale? And how shall I appear before the Lord?”

      After Joseph returned to Harmony, Moroni appeared and took the plates from him. (See Saints, 1:50–54.)

      Shortly after this experience, the Lord spoke to Joseph Smith, chastising him and giving him words of comfort.

      Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Chapter 4: Martin Harris and the Lost Pages” Video and Images

      Below Video: An elderly Martin Harris tells a young man the story of the lost manuscript

      Primary 5 Manual: Doctrine and Covenants “Lesson 6: Joseph Smith Begins to Translate the Gold Plates”
      Explain that even though Martin Harris lost the 116 pages of translation, he repented and went on to make important contributions to the Church. He was not permitted to assist Joseph further in the translation of the gold plates, but later he sold part of his farm to help pay for the printing of the Book of Mormon. He was one of the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon and testified of the truthfulness of the book throughout his life. Show the children “The Testimony of Three Witnesses,” printed at the front of the Book of Mormon.

      Explain that the Lord told Joseph that Satan had influenced some wicked people
      to take the pages. These people intended to change the words so people would
      not believe the Book of Mormon (see D&C 10:10–19). Joseph was told not to
      retranslate the first portion of the plates (see D&C 10:30–31). Because the Lord
      knows all things, he knew that this incident would happen. He had therefore
      commanded the ancient prophet Mormon to write a similar account of what
      was included in the 116 pages in another part of the gold plates (see Words
      of Mormon 1:3–7). Joseph translated this part instead of retranslating the lost
      part (see D&C 10:38–42). Joseph learned that Satan and wicked people could
      not stop Heavenly Father’s work (see D&C 3:1; 10:43).

      I can choose the right when others try to get me to do wrong.

      Doctrine and Covenants 3:5–10; 5:21–22

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 3-5” & CFM Primary 2021

      • To start a discussion about learning to trust Heavenly Father, you might want to review the story of the lost manuscript pages (see Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 18–21). Give the children time to think about a situation where a friend might try to get them to do something wrong. Invite them to find a passage in Doctrine and Covenants 3:5–8; 5:21–22 that could help them during those situations. Role-play a few examples.

      Friend April 2019 “What’s on Your Mind” Fill in the the speaking bubbles with what you could say when someone tries to get you to do something that is not right. Try explaining why it’s important to you. Even if others don’t understand your reasons, ask them to be respectful.

      1. Cole’s friends ask him if he will share his answers from a homework assignment they did not do.
      2. See more situations at Come Follow Me Kid

      Friend April 2015 “Courage and Clubs” Kate chooses not to join her friend’s club because the requirement to join is to say a bad word.

      See more peer pressure stories at Choices: Stories

      I should care more about pleasing God than pleasing others.

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 3–5: “My Work Shall Go Forth”

      Read these words from Doctrine and Covenants 3:8: “He would have extended his arm and supported you.” Invite the children to stand and extend their arms as you read the phrase again. Share with them some ways the Lord may extend His arm to help them when others try to get them to do wrong things. Let them take turns extending their arms as they tell about other ways the Lord extends His arm to help us.

      Come Follow Me Kid

      Help From God Activity – If we’re faithful against pressures to disobey God, how will He help us? Read D&C 3:7-8 and listen for what He’ll do for us (He’ll extend His arm and support us against all the fiery darts of the adversary, and He’ll be with us in every time of trouble).

      • Talk about what some of the “fiery darts of the adversary” could be. How does Satan try to attack us? Take turns throwing something soft at family members (Nerf gun darts, crumpled papers that say some of the ways Satan tries to attack us, etc.). Whoever is throwing will share something Satan might do to try to attack us with temptations.
      • Another person will stretch out their arms and block the attacks toward that person. Relate this to how God will protect us and strengthen us if we’re faithful to Him.

      Friend August 2020 “Choosing the Channel” Camille’s best friend told her about a TV show, but it had some bad words in it so she turned it off. Camille was afraid to tell her friend that she didn’t watch it. They were best friends that did everything together and liked the same things. She was afraid they wouldn’t be friends anymore. She prayed for help, and her friend was understanding and said they could find a show they both liked. 

      When we fear God more than man, He will support us during times of trouble (see Doctrine and Covenants 3:7–8).

      The fear of God means the love of God or respect for Him and His law. …

      Friend January 2021 “Come Follow Me“

      Primary 5 Manual: Doctrine and Covenants “Lesson 6: Joseph Smith Begins to Translate the Gold Plates” Write the following on the chalkboard: “When the Lord commands, do it.” Explain that Joseph Smith learned from his mistakes and challenges. Even though he faced despair when the 116 pages were lost, he learned the importance of obedience, repentance, and accepting the will of Heavenly Father. He learned to listen to the promptings of the Spirit and grew in his ability to use the Urim and Thummim. Later in life he was able to say, “I made this my rule: When the Lord commands, do it” (History of the Church, 2:170).

      The Lord invites me to help with His work.

      Doctrine and Covenants 4

      Though he had not yet associated himself with any organized religion, Joseph Smith Sr. believed what his son shared about his heavenly visions and supported him in his translation of the Book of Mormon. Joseph Sr. wanted to serve God but did not know what to do. In February 1829, he and his wife visited Joseph Jr. in Harmony, Pennsylvania. During that visit, the Prophet Joseph received Doctrine and Covenants 4 in answer to his father’s question. (Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual “Doctrine & Covenants 4”)

      Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery”

      Joseph and Emma Smith lived on a little farm near Harmony, Pennsylvania. Joseph’s father came to visit them. They were happy to see him. Joseph’s father was a good man.

      Jesus gave Joseph a revelation for his father. The revelation told how people could help Jesus. They should love Jesus. They should work hard to teach the gospel. They should love and help other people.

      People who want to help Jesus should also pray and have faith. Jesus said people who help Him will be blessed.

      Joseph’s father went home and tried to do the things Jesus had told him to do. He shared the gospel with many of his family members.

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 3-5”

      1. Each verse in Doctrine and Covenants 4 contains precious truths that can help your children learn about serving God. Here are some ideas to help them discover these truths:

      1. You could read together Doctrine and Covenants 4:1 and show pictures that depict God’s “marvelous” latter-day work (such as missionaries, temples, and the Book of Mormon).

      Blessings of the gospel Activity: Read the clues below (not the answer) and let the children pick which picture it is describing.

      • Prophet: Because of this blessing of the gospel we have the privilege to hear Gods words and direction about current issues and challenges we face. This gift is God’s living spokesman.
      • Book of Mormon: Because of this blessing of the gospel we know the purpose of life. We also know what we need to do to gain eternal salvation and how to live happy lives.  
      • Temples: This blessing of the gospel allows us the opportunity to receive saving ordinances for ourselves and our dead. We can also be sealed to our family so that we can be with them forever.
      • Priesthood: Because of this blessing of the gospel we can receive healing blessings for the sick, blessings of comfort and guidance, and have authority to act in Gods name and perform saving ordinances, such as baptism.
      • Baptism Because this blessing of the gospel, when performed by proper priesthood authority, we can receive a remission of our sins and enter into the gate that leads to eternal life.
      • Holy Ghost Because of this blessing of the gospel we can receive personal revelation and guidance throughout our lives. We can also receive comfort during difficult times.

      2. Your children could think of actions or draw pictures depicting the phrase “serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength” (Doctrine and Covenants 4:2).

      (It might help to explain that our heart refers to our feelings and love and our mind refers to our thoughts.)

      Friend June 2021 “One Peach at a Time” When Sister Eubanks was a child she went to a church farm to help pick peaches. Pretty soon she and her sister didn’t want to do it anymore because the peach fuzz was making their arms itch. Their mother explained that the peaches would be going to feed families who needed food. After that they stopped worrying about their itchy arms because they were helping to feed families who needed food! (They had a willing heart and mind.)

      Friend September 2013 “I Will Serve God with All My Heart, Might, Mind, and Strength” Article includes a story of a child serving with her heart. It also describes what it means to serve with each of the following: heart, mind, and strength.

      (Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual “Doctrine & Covenants 4”)

      Imagine someone doing one of the following acts of service for you:

      • Talking to you to see how you are doing
      • Helping you with a task you have to do
      • Praying for you

      How might it affect you if they served in the following ways? Why?

      • Wholeheartedly or half-heartedly
      • Patiently or impatiently
      • Motivated by love for you or by something else

      Friend December 2018 Match each sentence with a picture. In the blank spot, draw yourself helping at church.

      Friend February 2025 “Come, Follow Me Activities” We can follow Jesus Christ with all our hearts (see Doctrine and Covenants 4:2). Cut out 10 small paper hearts. On each heart, write one way you can follow the Savior. Place the hearts overlapping each other in a circle and glue in place to make a wreath.

      For younger children: Cut out a heart for your child to color. As they color, tell them how you try to follow Jesus Christ with all your heart.

      Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual “Doctrine & Covenants 4”

      What blessings do these verses contain for those who serve God with all their heart, might, mind, and strength?

      • May stand blameless before God at the last day. Vs 2
      • Bringeth salvation to his soul. Vs 4

      After teaching about the blessings of serving God with all our heart, might, mind, and strength, the Lord listed multiple attributes that can help us as we serve. Jesus Christ possesses each of these attributes and invites us to develop them in our own lives. As we do so, we become more like Him and can serve as He serves.

      3. Bring tools (or pictures of tools) that someone might use to work in a field. How do these tools help us? Then your children could find things in Doctrine and Covenants 4:5–6 that are like tools for doing God’s work.

      Clipart library

      Come Follow Me Kid The Lord’s Worker Hat – Talk about different jobs and what qualifies people to do those jobs (bakers need to know how to combine ingredients, mailmen need to know how to drive and where the different envelopes and packages go, etc.). What do people need to know about and be able to do if their job is to be a grocery store clerk? Doctor? Garbage man? Etc. The manual says, “Section 4 is often applied to full-time missionaries. However, it’s interesting to note that this revelation was given originally to Joseph Smith Sr., who wasn’t being called on a mission but still had ‘desires to serve God’ (verse 3). One way to read this section is to imagine it as a job description for someone who wants to do the Lord’s work. What are the qualifications? Why are these skills or characteristics necessary?”

      • Hat: Give them a “The Lord’s Worker” hat (on pages 3, 4, and 5 below) and tell them that the Lord has said He’s doing a “marvelous” work right now and we get to be his working helpers! While putting the hat together, discuss specific things we might to do to help the Lord with His work (be kind to others, stand up for what’s right, etc.).
      • What if our job was to do the Lord’s work? What kinds of things would we need to know? What would we need to be able to do? What kind of people should we be?
      • Stars: Glue the “job description” stars (on page 5 below) onto the hat while discussing each. Explain that we’re not expected to have all of these characteristics automatically. They take time to develop and improve. The student manual says, “The Lord does not require a person to be physically gifted or intellectually brilliant to help with His work. He asks that the person strive to develop Christlike attributes.”
      • Put the hat on and take turns sharing ways you can be a worker for the Lord at home, school, and with friends.

      (In verse 4, the Lord compares wheat that is ready to harvest to people who are ready to receive the gospel. A sickle is a tool for harvesting.)

      Church News

      Ensign August 2015 “Thrust in Your Sickle”

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 3–5: “My Work .

      Latter Day Kids “The Field is White” Includes lesson, song and activity ideas.

      “I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162)

      I can be a witness that the Book of Mormon is true.

      Doctrine and Covenants 5:1–7, 11, 16, 23–24

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 3-5”

      • To teach your children about witnesses, you could ask them to imagine that a friend told them they saw a cat walking on its front legs. Would they believe it? What if another friend said the same thing? Talk about what a “witness” is and why witnesses are important.
      • You could then help your children search Doctrine and Covenants 5:1–3, 7, 11 for answers to questions like these:

      1)What did Martin Harris want to know?

      Lucy Harris, the wife of Martin Harris, was upset about the time and money her husband was dedicating to the publication of the Book of Mormon. She filed a legal complaint against Joseph Smith and gathered several people who were willing to testify that he had lied about the existence of the plates. Martin was warned that if he did not join them in testifying against Joseph, Martin could also be sent to prison. Though Martin had previously been a scribe for Joseph, had shown characters from the plates to scholars to verify their antiquity, and had lost 116 pages of the original manuscript, Martin still sought a further witness of the reality of the gold plates. He traveled to Joseph Smith’s home, where Joseph inquired of the Lord and received the revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 5. Although Martin was not allowed to see the gold plates at that time, this revelation strengthened him in a way that enabled him to bear powerful testimony of the Prophet. (Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual “Doctrine & Covenants 5”)

      2) Who could Joseph Smith show the gold plates to?

      3 That you should not show them except to those persons to whom I commanded you;

      11 And in addition to your testimony, the testimony of three of my servants, whom I shall call and ordain, unto whom I will show these things, and they shall go forth with my words that are given through you.

      3) Why would seeing the plates probably not convince someone the Book of Mormon is true?

      7 Behold, if they will not believe my words, they would not believe you, my servant Joseph, if it were possible that you should show them all these things which I have committed unto you.

      “There is no other way to gain a testimony but through the witness of the Holy Ghost. You can rely on nothing else. … We have numerous scriptural examples of how pointless a physical manifestation can be without the accompanying receipt of the witness of the Holy Ghost. Conversion comes not by physical manifestations from heaven.” (Glenn L. Pace, “The Elusive Balance,” New Era, Mar. 1989, 49)

      Martin Harris was promised that he could be one of the witnesses of the gold plates if he was faithful [and humbled himself]. We won’t see the plates like Martin did, but we can receive a spiritual witness of the Book of Mormon.

      Friend June 2016 “Jason’s Study Buddy” Jason reads the entire Book of Mormon before his baptism. His testimony grows.

      image
      image
      image

      4) What can we do to be witnesses of the Book of Mormon? (see Doctrine and Covenants 5:16; Moroni 10:3–5).

      Friend August 2020 “Matt and Mandy” Mandy shares with her friend a time when she prayed about the Book of Mormon and felt it was true. She also shared that she is still praying and reading to help her faith grow stronger. 

      Have the children think of ways they can be witnesses of the Book of Mormon and its teachings. List their answers on the chalkboard. Have the children dramatize what they could do to be witnesses in particular situations, such as when someone asks them what their church believes or what the Book of Mormon says.

      We have received the word of God through Joseph Smith.

      Doctrine and Covenants 5:10

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 3–5: “My Work Shall Go Forth”

      Hide a picture of Joseph Smith somewhere in the room (see Gospel Art Book, no. 87). Read Doctrine and Covenants 5:10 “But this generation shall have my word through you,” and invite the children to look for the picture to find out who the word “you” is referring to. Show the children copies of the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants. Explain that God gave us these scriptures through Joseph Smith.

      Additional Resources

      Jan 19 2025

      Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65

      Posted on by

      Table of Contents

      Joseph Smith History 27-65 Moroni appears to Joseph Smith—Joseph’s name is to be known for good and evil among all nations—Moroni tells him of the Book of Mormon and of the coming judgments of the Lord and quotes many scriptures—The hiding place of the gold plates is revealed—Moroni continues to instruct the Prophet.(Verses 21–26.) Joseph Smith marries Emma Hale—He receives the gold plates from Moroni and translates some of the characters—Martin Harris shows the characters and translation to Professor Anthon, who says, “I cannot read a sealed book.” (Verses 55–65.)

      Doctrine and Covenants 2 An extract from Joseph Smith’s history relating the words of the angel Moroni to Joseph Smith the Prophet, while in the house of the Prophet’s father at Manchester, New York, on the evening of September 21, 1823. Moroni was the last of a long line of historians who had made the record that is now before the world as the Book of Mormon. (Compare Malachi 4:5–6; also sections 27:9; 110:13–16; and 128:18.)

      The Angel Moroni Visits Joseph Smith

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Doctrine and Covenants Stories “The Angel Moroni Visits Joseph Smith”

      It had been three years since God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph Smith in the grove, but Joseph hadn’t received any additional revelations since then. He began to wonder about his standing before the Lord. Like all of us, he had made mistakes, and he felt condemned by them.

      One night, after everyone was asleep, Joseph decided to pray. God had answered his prayers before, and Joseph knew He would answer them again.

      While Joseph was praying, light filled the room. Joseph saw an angel standing in the air by his bed. The angel said that his name was Moroni. God had sent him. He said God had forgiven Joseph and had a work for him to do.

      I can repent and be forgiven.

      Joseph Smith—History 1:28–29

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

      • We all sometimes feel “condemned for [our] weakness and imperfections,” as Joseph Smith did. You and your children could study Joseph Smith—History 1:29 together, looking for what Joseph did when he felt that way. What can we learn from his example that can help us when we make mistakes? Why is it important to know that Joseph was called by God even though he was not perfect?

      What does it mean to know your “standing before [God]”? (Joseph Smith—History 1:29).

      • Why is it important to think about our “standing before [God]”?

      Friend April 2023 “Repentance” What is repentance and how is it possible. Also, the steps of repentance.

      Joseph Smith was called by God to do an important work.

      Joseph Smith—History 1:27–54

      Moroni said there was a book made of gold pages or plates. It was buried in a hill near Joseph’s home. The book was about people who lived in the Americas long ago. They knew about Jesus Christ and His gospel. Moroni said God would help Joseph translate the book so people could read it.

      Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65:

      Read with the children Joseph Smith—History 1:33–35, and ask them to listen for what Moroni wanted Joseph to know about the work Joseph was called to do. How we are blessed as a result. For example, how have we been blessed because Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon? How has his work helped us come closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ? Invite the children to read the Book of Mormon regularly.

      Draw students’ attention to Moroni’s prophecy about Joseph Smith’s name in Joseph Smith History—1:33. Why do you think there is so much opposition to the Prophet Joseph Smith? You could point out that Satan always opposes truth.

      What are ways you can help fulfill Moroni’s prophecy to speak good of Joseph Smith?

      Why do you think Moroni appeared to Joseph four times (three times during the night and once the next morning), giving him the same message each time?

      Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65:

      You could ask a family member to read aloud part or all of Moroni’s message from Joseph Smith—History 1:33–42 four times (because Moroni repeated this message four times). Between each reading, ask the other family members to share what they remember from his message, without looking at the scriptures. Why might the Lord repeat important messages several times? What are some other ways the Lord teaches us through repetition?

      (Another option would be to have some items covered on a tray that are related to Moroni’s message. Uncover the tray for a short time and then recover it. See if the children can remember what was on the tray. Do this three more times and see if they remember more each time. Afterwards, use the items on the tray to teach about the words Moroni spoke.)

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65

      Display a picture of Moroni visiting Joseph Smith (see Gospel Art Book, no. 91). Ask the children to point out things they notice in the picture. Summarize the account of Moroni’s visits to Joseph.

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 and CFM Primary 2021

      Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Chapter 3: The Angel Moroni and the Gold Plates” Images and Video

      • Or, invite the children to act out or draw pictures of events from Joseph Smith—History 1:30–54, such as Moroni appearing to Joseph (verses 30–47), Joseph talking to his father (verses 48–50), and Joseph finding the plates (verses 51–54). What do we learn from this account about the work Joseph was called to do?
      • Let the kids have fun showing how the angel came back twice more while Joseph was in bed, and then showing Joseph going back to Hill Cumorah each year.

      “Receiving the Gold Plates” (June 2008 Liahona and May 2008 Friend)
      An illustrated retelling of the story of Joseph Smith receiving the plates from Moroni.

      Friend May 2008

      Friend January 2021 “Getting the Gold Plates” Coloring Page

      Sing or say the words to “An Angel Came to Joseph Smith”(Children’s Songbook, p. 86)

      *Link to additional resources about Joseph Receives the Gold Plates

      God has a work for me to do.

      Joseph Smith—History 1:27–33

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

      It’s one thing to believe that God had a work for Joseph Smith to do—we can look back on his life and clearly see what he accomplished. But have you ever considered that God has a work for you too?

      Elder Gary E. Stevenson taught: “As we come unto Christ and help others do the same, we participate in God’s work of salvation and exaltation.

      God will prepare me to work in His kingdom.

      Joseph Smith—History 1:48–60

      Primary 5 Manual: Doctrine and Covenants “Lesson 4: Joseph Smith Prepares to Receive the Gold Plates”

      Tell the children that you would like them to help you prepare some things for the lesson. Give some of the children blank wordstrips and pens or pencils, and have them write the following words on the wordstrips: Joseph Smith, prayer, light, Moroni, message, four times. Have another child display the picture of Moroni appearing to Joseph Smith. Thank the children for helping you prepare.

      • Why is it important that we prepare for certain events, such as taking a test in school or giving a talk in Primary? What happens when we do not prepare? Using the wordstrips and the appropriate pictures, have the children help you review what they learned in lesson 3 about Moroni’s visits to Joseph Smith. Remind the children that Joseph was not allowed to take the plates the first time
        he saw them. Explain that Joseph had a great work to do, but he needed to be better prepared in order to do it.

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

      Joseph was only 17 years old when he first saw the gold plates. They weren’t entrusted to his care, however, until four years later. Read Joseph Smith—History 1:48–60, looking for what happened in Joseph’s life during that time. How do you think these events prepared him for the work God called him to do? What experiences have you had that have prepared you to serve God and others? What are you currently experiencing that can help you prepare for future service?

      Primary 5 Manual: Doctrine and Covenants “Lesson 4: Joseph Smith Prepares to Receive the Gold Plates”

      What have Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ given us to help us prepare to
      serve them? (Answers may include scriptures, parents, prophets, teachers,
      the gift of the Holy Ghost, and Primary.) Write the children’s answers to this
      question under the heading Heavenly Father helps me prepare by:.

      • What is our responsibility to help prepare ourselves? Using the items
        listed on the chalkboard, discuss with the children what each of us needs
        to do with the things that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have given us
        (for example: scriptures—study them daily; parents—follow their counsel).
        Summarize their answers under the heading I can prepare myself by:.
      • What are we preparing to do? (Serve Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ
        and others, in positions such as teacher, missionary, or parent.) How does
        this preparation help us now? How will it help us in the future? Help the
        children realize their responsibility to prepare themselves now to serve (See more at lesson link.)

      Joseph and Emma

      Saints volume 1 “Chapter 4 “Be Watchful”

      Heavenly Father wants families to be sealed in the temple.

      Doctrine and Covenants 2

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2

      Moroni told Joseph Smith that Elijah would come to “reveal … the Priesthood” (verse 1). This refers to the sealing power of the priesthood that allows families to be united eternally and enables us to receive ordinances for our ancestors in the temple.

      Display a picture of a temple, and help the children name some of the things we do in temples. Explain that baptisms for the dead, eternal marriage, and sealing families in the temple are all possible because of the priesthood keys Elijah restored.

      “Temple Tour”

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

      • Perhaps you and your children would enjoy looking at some pictures of your family, possibly including a picture of your family at a temple (or see Gospel Art Book, no. 120).
      • You could then read Doctrine and Covenants 2 and share with each other your thoughts about why we have temples and why Heavenly Father wants families to be together forever.
      • Consider singing together “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188). What does this song say we can do to be with our family forever?

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2

      • Ask the children to read or listen to the prophecy in Doctrine and Covenants 2:1. Ask them to look for who the Lord would send in the last days and what this person would reveal. Display a picture of Elijah in the Kirtland Temple (see Gospel Art Book, no. 95), and talk about how this prophecy was fulfilled 13 years after Moroni’s visit (see Doctrine and Covenants 110:13–15).
      • Explain that Elijah restored priesthood keys that allow families to be sealed together eternally. Show some objects that could help the children understand what it means to seal something, such as a can of food or a plastic storage bag with a zipper lock. How do these objects help us understand what it means for a family to be sealed?

      Latter Day Kids “Come Follow Me: A Welding Link: (The Sealing Power)” Videos, songs, activities, and lesson ideas.

      • Friend April 2020 “Alonso’s Forever Family” Alonso learned that because of Jesus’s resurrection people who have died will live again. He also learned about being sealed to his family. His parents had both died and he was living with his grandma. He couldn’t wait to go to the temple and be sealed to his parents. He saved any money he got so he and his grandma could make the trip to the temple. He was so grateful that  families can be together forever

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65

      Learning about my ancestors can bring me joy

      Doctrine and Covenants 2

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

      • Children can become excited about and feel the joy of family history. To help them, you could share stories or pictures of your ancestors. Talk with your children about what life was like for their ancestors when they were children. Your children could also enjoy some of the family history activities on FamilySearch.org/discovery.

      Friend July 2018 “Find the people in your family tree who were pioneers, such as the first person to join the church or the first to graduate from college.

      Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65

      • How have you felt your heart turn toward your ancestors? Think of ways you can experience such feelings more often. Perhaps you could ask a relative to share a story with you about one of your ancestors—even better, you could record it. Or you could invite [a family member] to learn about an ancestor and to share what they learn with the rest of the family.
      “5 Ways to Do Family History”
      • Maybe you could identify a deceased ancestor who never received gospel ordinances and then have a family member perform that work in the temple.

      Friend August 2018 “Temple Tracker” Some of your ancestors might need ordinances done for them in the temple. Use the chart below to keep track.

      Why does the Lord want us to learn about our family members and perform temple ordinances for them?

      Most of Heavenly Father’s children don’t know about His plan. They don’t know about Jesus Christ. They don’t know they can be baptized or sealed to their families. Heavenly Father wants us to help gather His children so they can come home to Him. And you can help, starting with your ancestors. (Friend October 2022 “Gathering Heavenly Father’s Children”)

      Friend January 2021 “Come Follow Me” When we turn our hearts to our families, we remember them and do temple work for them.

      Cut out paper hearts. Write a family member’s name on each one. Take turns holding up the hearts and sharing stories about each person. You could ask your parents to tell stories about their parents or grandparents.

      How are we blessed when we participate in family history and temple work?

      Friend January 2025 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

      • When we learn more about our ancestors, we feel closer to them and to Heavenly Father (see Doctrine and Covenants 2). Ask a family member to tell you a story from their life or from the life of one of your ancestors. Then recreate the story as a play or drawing!

      For younger children: To teach your little ones about family history, teach them the name of someone in your family that they didn’t know before.

      Gospel Media: Hearts of the Children Sing-along video

      Additional Family History Resources

      Martin Harris Visits Professor Anthon

      Replica of gold plate and ancient Egyptian type writing from article in Church News

      Teach the children about Martin Harris’s experiences with Professor Anthon and Dr. Mitchell, as recorded in Joseph Smith—History 1:62–65. Help the children understand that these events fulfilled a prophecy made by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 29:11–12; see also 2 Nephi 27:15–20) thousands of years before Joseph Smith’s time. (Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History: Lesson 5)

      Church History Topics “Martin Harris’s Consultations with Scholars” This article tells the story and has pictures of Martin Harris and Professor Anthon.

      • What did Professor Anthon say when Martin Harris first showed him a copy of some of the Book of Mormon writings? (JS—H 1:64.) Why do you think Professor Anthon tore up the certificate when he learned that an angel had shown Joseph Smith where to find the gold plates? (JS—H 1:65.

      Additional Resources

      Review Ideas

      Friend December 2015 Beginning at the star, draw lines from dot to dot as instructed in the answers to the following questions.

      Friend December 2015
      1. After reading the Book of Matthew, Joseph Smith decided to pray about which church to join. (See JS—H 1:11.)
        • True: Move right three dots
        • False: Move left three dots
      2. Joseph Smith was instructed to join any church he wanted to. (See JS—H 1:19.)
        • True: Move up one dot
        • False: Move diagonally down and left two dots
      3. Joseph Smith was fourteen years old when he received the First Vision. (See JS—H 1:23.)
        • True: Move down two dots
        • False: Move left two dots
      4. Joseph Smith received a strong testimony of the reality and divinity of Heavenly Father and Jesus, which he never denied. (See JS—H 1:25.)
        • True: Move right three dots
        • False: Move down two dots
      5. Joseph Smith had forgotten to say his prayers the night Moroni first appeared to him. (See JS—H 1:29–30.)
        • True: Move down and right one dot
        • False: Move diagonally up and right two dots
      6. Joseph Smith’s room was very dark while Moroni was there. (See JS—H 1:32.)
        • True: Move down two dots
        • False: Move up two dots
      7. Moroni told Joseph Smith that he, Moroni, had been sent by Noah to teach Joseph. (See JS—H 1:33.)
        • True: Move down one dot
        • False: Move diagonally down and left two dots
      8. Moroni told Joseph Smith about certain gold plates that contained the gospel. (See JS—H 1:34.)
        • True: Move down two dots
        • False: Move up two dots
      9. Moroni quoted prophecies from the Old Testament. (See JS—H 1:36–40.)
        • True: Move up two dots
        • False: Move diagonally down and left two dots
      10. The Book of Mormon was translated from the gold plates. (See JS—H 1:66–67.)
        • True: Move left three dots
        • False: Move right one dot.

      Answers:

      Friend December 1988 “Do You Know” Joseph is visited by Moroni. Story and question.

      On the way home Joseph passed out. When he came to, Moroni was there calling his name. The angel repeated what he’d told Joseph the night before; he also told Joseph to do something then. What did Moroni tell Joseph to do? Do you know?

      A. Joseph was to tell his father everything that Moroni had told him.

      B. Joseph was to go home to bed until he felt strong enough to work with his father again.

      C. Joseph was to go immediately to where the gold plates were hidden and dig them up.

      D. Joseph was to get his five brothers to help him get the gold plates and translate them.

      Answer:

      The Red Crystal

      Jan 12 2025

      Joseph Smith History 1:1-26

      Posted on by

      Table of Contents

      Joseph Smith—History Chapter 1 Joseph Smith tells of his ancestry, family members, and their early abodes—An unusual excitement about religion prevails in western New York—He determines to seek wisdom as directed by James—The Father and the Son appear, and Joseph is called to his prophetic ministry. (Verses 1–20.)

      Joseph Smith’s Childhood

      Joseph Smith was prepared to be a prophet of God.

      The home life and nurture provided by Joseph Smith’s parents and siblings shaped much of Joseph’s early prophetic work. His attention to prayer and Bible study owed much to his parents’ religious commitments. (Church History Topics: Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith Family)

      Joseph Smith—History 1:3–14

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26”

      • Learning about Joseph Smith’s youth could help your children relate to him as they learn from his experiences. Maybe they could hold a picture of Joseph Smith and share what they know about him. If needed, you might add some facts about him from Joseph Smith—History 1:3–14 (see also “Chapter 1: Joseph Smith and His Family,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 6–8, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library). What did Joseph experience that helped prepare him to become a prophet? What might God be preparing us to do?

      Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Chapter 1: Joseph Smith and His Family” Images and Video

      Friend January 2017 “The Smith Family”

      Primary 5 Manual “Doctrine and Covenants and Church History” “Lesson 1: Joseph Smith and the First Vision,”  (See the lesson for additional story, activity, and question ideas.)

      Joseph Smith was born in 1805 in the state of Vermont in the United States of America. He was the fourth of nine children. When Joseph was ten years old, he and his family moved to the state of New York, settling near the town of Palmyra (point out this area on the map). The Smith family was poor, and all the members of the family had to work hard to provide food and other necessities for the family. The family had moved many times before settling near Palmyra, where they found farmland on which crops would grow well.

      Joseph did not have much opportunity to attend school, so he learned only the basics of reading, writing, and simple arithmetic. Joseph’s mother said that he seemed just like other boys his age until the time of his vision. She said he was quiet and well-mannered and liked to study and think about important things. He was a tall, athletic, cheerful boy who seldom got angry.

      Friend February 2008 “An Operation on Joseph’s Leg”

      Latter Day Kids “”My Servant Joseph” Lesson, story, and song ideas

      See more about Joseph Smith’s childhood here

      Joseph Smith’s First Vision

      Primary 5 Manual “Doctrine and Covenants and Church History” “Lesson 1: Joseph Smith and the First Vision,”  (See the lesson for additional story, activity, and question ideas.)

      Ask a child to leave the room for a moment. Show the two containers to the rest of the class without letting them see inside. Divide the class into two groups and give each a container. Tell the children in each group that when the child who left the room returns, they are to try to persuade him or her to choose their container. Invite the child to return to the room and choose one of the containers. Ask the child who chose the container questions such as the following:

      • Why did you choose that container?
      • How did you feel when others were trying to tell you what to do?

      Explain that when Joseph Smith was fourteen years old, he was confused about a choice he needed to make. He was trying to decide which church he should join. Other people tried to help him choose a church, but he only became more confused. He felt that he needed more information to make a wise decision: he wanted to know which church was true. Joseph’s situation was similar to that of the child who had to choose between the two containers. Everyone wanted him to choose their church, but he did not know which church was the right choice.

      Why was Joseph confused about which church he should join? (JS—H 1:5–10.)

      New Era February 2020 “Joseph’s Search for the Truth”

      God can answer my questions through the scriptures.

      Joseph Smith—History 1:10–13

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26” and CMF for D&C Primary 2021

      • Consider showing your children a variety of books, (like an encyclopedia or a cookbook), and help them think of questions these books could answer. Then show them a copy of the scriptures. What questions can these books answer? Then you could read together Joseph Smith—History 1:10–11 to find out what questions Joseph Smith had and what answers he found in the scriptures.
      • Your children might be able to find words in verse 12 that describe how reading James 1:5 affected Joseph. Then you could share experiences with each other in which a passage of scripture had a powerful influence on you.

      Friend November 2023 “James Says “Ask of God”

      New Era January 2017 “Line upon Line: James 1:5–6”

      Come Follow Me Kid Hop from one scripture line to another and read it out loud and then discuss what it means. For memorizing the scripture have them do it again and say the phrases, and maybe a little faster each time.

      Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers.

      Joseph Smith—History 1:10–19

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26” and CMF for D&C Primary 2021

      To start a discussion about how we communicate with Heavenly Father, perhaps you and your children could ask each other questions using various communication methods, like a text message, a phone call, or a handwritten note.

      How do we ask questions to Heavenly Father? How do we show Him that we love and honor Him in our prayers? Read together Joseph Smith—History 1:16–19 and discuss how Heavenly Father answered Joseph Smith’s prayer. You and your children could then share experiences when you asked God for help and received an answer.

      New Era February 2020 “Joseph’s Search for the Truth”

      Friend January 2025 “Coloring Page: Heavenly Father Hears and Answers My Prayers”

      Friend January 2025 “My Own Sacred Grove” I Can Play It

      Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

      Joseph Smith—History 1:17–19

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26” and CMF for D&C Primary 2021

      • Young children might enjoy standing with outstretched arms pretending to be trees in the Sacred Grove while you tell them about the First Vision. Ask the children to sway as if being blown by the wind while you talk about Joseph praying. Then ask them to stand very still and quiet when you tell them Heavenly Father and Jesus appeared to Joseph.

      Gospel Art Picture: “The First Vision”

      • Older children might enjoy using one or more of the pictures in this outline to tell you what they know about the First Vision. Encourage them to refer to Joseph Smith—History 1:14–17 and to share their thoughts and feelings about Joseph’s experience (see also “Chapter 2: Joseph Smith’s First Vision,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 9–12, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library).

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26: “I Saw a Pillar of Light”

      • To review the account of the First Vision, write summaries of each verse from Joseph Smith—History 1:14–19 on separate slips of paper. Place the papers in a container, and invite the children to choose them one by one and place them on the board in the correct order.

      Invite the children to color this week’s activity page and use it to tell the story of the First Vision.

      Primary 5 Manual “Doctrine and Covenants and Church History” “Lesson 1: Joseph Smith and the First Vision,”  (See the lesson for additional story, activity, and question ideas.)

      I can remain true to what I know, even if others reject me.

      Joseph Smith—History 1:21–26

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26: “I Saw a Pillar of Light”

      • Read together Joseph’s testimony in Joseph Smith—History 1:25. Ask the children to look for words and phrases that show Joseph’s faith. How can we remain faithful to God and our testimonies when other people disagree with us?

      Friend November 2019 “Jesus is Real” Everyone at Ismay’s table at school were excitedly talking about Christmas and their favorite traditions such as going to a church service. Suddenly Charlotte spoke up and said, “Jesus isn’t even real.” Ismay was sad to hear this and she quietly bore her testimony to Charlotte that Jesus was real, and that she felt it in her heart. She was glad she had spoken up and planted a seed about Jesus.

      Additional Resources

      More resources about the First Vision can be found here

      The Red Crystal

      Jan 5 2025

      Doctrine & Covenants 1

      Posted on by

      Table of Contents

      Doctrine and Covenants “Section 1” Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, on November 1, 1831, during a special conference of elders of the Church, held at Hiram, Ohio. Many revelations had been received from the Lord prior to this time, and the compilation of these for publication in book form was one of the principal subjects passed upon at the conference. This section constitutes the Lord’s preface to the doctrines, covenants, and commandments given in this dispensation.

      The Doctrine and Covenants

      Reading Charts

      Friend January 2021 “Hear Him” Doctrine and Covenants reading chart

      Friend January 2017
      Friend January 2017

      About the Doctrine and Covenants

      Doctrine and Covenants Scripture Stories “Chapter 23: The Doctrine and Covenants: August–November 1831” Images and Video

      Friend March 2021 “Getting to Know the Doctrine and Covenants” Jesus gave Joseph Smith special messages, called revelations, to help set up His Church. These messages were written down so people could remember them. Then Church leaders put these messages together in a book. That’s how we got the Doctrine and Covenants! (Match each scripture to the special message taught in the Doctrine and Covenants.)

      For the Strength of Youth January 2021 “The Doctrine and Covenants: An Overview”

      Friend January 1989 Information about the Doctrine & Covenants

      Ensign January 2021 “Prophets and Revelation: Family Study Fun” President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) taught, “Virtually every page of … the Doctrine and Covenants … teaches about the Master.”1 Doctrine and Covenants teaches us of Christ.

      Finding Christ Activity

      1. Set a timer for two minutes.
      2. Family members will quickly look through the beginning of the Doctrine and Covenants to count the number of references they can find to Christ. Start in the introduction and end with section 9.
      3. After the time is up, give additional time for each person to choose one of these verses that is especially meaningful to them. Take turns sharing.

      Ensign January 2021 “Prophets and Revelation: Family Study Fun The Doctrine and Covenants accompanies the Bible and the Book of Mormon in teaching us of Christ and His revelations to us. The introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants explains that we can hear “the tender but firm voice of the Lord Jesus Christ” in the revelations contained in this book.

      1,2,3, He Speaks to Me Activity

      1. Secretly assign each family member a number: (1) Bible, (2) Book of Mormon, or (3) Doctrine and Covenants.
      2. Each person will find a meaningful verse in that book which has the “tender and firm voice” of the Lord teaching or explaining principles to us.
      3. Without revealing scripture references, take turns sharing verses out loud. Others will hold up either 1, 2, or 3 fingers to guess which book of scriptures each verse came from.

      Discussion: How do scriptures from ancient times work together with modern revelations found in the Doctrine and Covenants to help us learn more of Christ and hear His voice?

      Title Page

      “This title which the Lord gave when they got out this edition—let me refer to the title page: ‘The Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’—is very significant and tells the story of what this book actually is. It contains the doctrine of the Church; it contains the covenants the Lord will make with the Church, if we are willing to receive them.” (Joseph Fielding Smith Doctrines of Salvation, volume 3, page 198)

      For the Strength of Youth January 2021 “Hear, Hearken, and Heed” “The very first word in the Doctrine and Covenants is hearken (see Doctrine and Covenants 1:1). It means “to listen with the intent to obey.” To hearken means to “hear Him”—to hear what the Savior says and then to heed His counsel. Where can we go to hear Him? We can go to the scriptures. We also hear Him more clearly as we refine our ability to recognize the whisperings of the Holy Ghost. And, finally, we hear Him as we heed the words of prophets, seers, and revelators.”(President Russell M. Nelson)

      Doctrine and Covenants 1

      Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual “Doctrine and Covenants 1”

      • Prior to the printing of the Book of Commandments, which later became part of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Prophet Joseph Smith petitioned the Lord for a preface to the book. In response, the Lord revealed what is now Doctrine and Covenants section 1 as an introduction of the revelations to the world. This lesson can help students understand why the Lord gives warnings to the world.

      Through His prophets, the Lord warns me of spiritual danger.

      Doctrine and Covenants 1:4, 37–39

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Doctrine and Covenants 1” & 2021

      • To start a discussion about warnings from the Lord, you could talk about warnings we receive from other people about dangers we cannot see. Some examples might include a slippery floor, a coming storm, or an approaching car. Maybe you and your children could look at examples of warning signs and compare these warnings to the warnings the Lord gives us. Testify that He warns us because He loves us and wants us to be safe (see also this week’s activity page).
      • According to Doctrine and Covenants 1:4, 37–39, how does the Lord warn us? What has He warned us about recently? Perhaps you could watch or read parts of recent general conference messages and look for examples of God’s “voice of warning.” Talk about how you are following the prophet’s counsel.

      The Red Crystal

      • Let the children hold pictures of warning signs—such as traffic hazards, bad weather, or poison—and talk about how they warn us of danger. Or tell a story about a time when you obeyed a warning. Compare these warnings to the warnings the Lord gives us through His prophets.

      Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual “Doctrine and Covenants 1”

      Imagine that a friend is making a decision that will lead to negative consequences. (Invite students to share realistic examples of what this decision could be. Some examples might be lying to parents, breaking the Word of Wisdom, cheating in school, or leaving the Church.)

      • Why would you want to warn your friend about this decision?

      The Savior also gives a “voice of warning” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:4). Ponder the following questions:

      • Why might the Savior warn us?
      • What does this teach you about Him?

      Latter Day Kids “The Voice of Warning” See link for more lesson ideas and questions to ask after watching the video.

      • Sing together a song about prophets, such as the last verse of “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 111). Share your testimony that the prophet speaks the word of God.

      The Lord knew the challenges we would face. The Restoration helps me face the challenges of the latter days.

      Doctrine and Covenants 1:15–17

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Doctrine and Covenants 1” & CFM Primary 2021

      • To encourage discussion about Doctrine and Covenants 1:17, you and your children could imagine you are preparing for a trip. What would you pack? If you knew ahead of time that it would rain or that your car or bus would get a flat tire, how would that affect the way you prepared for the trip?

      The Red Crystal

      • Help the children think of some of the problems in the world today. Review Doctrine and Covenants 1:15–16 with them, and help them identify some of the problems that the Lord prophesied would occur.
      • Invite them to discover in verses 17 and 30 what the Lord has done to help us face the challenges of our time. If necessary, explain that a “calamity” is a disaster or terrible thing.) How do God’s commandments help us deal with the challenges of our time?

      The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s “true and living church.”

      Doctrine and Covenants 1:30

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Doctrine and Covenants 1”

      • What does it mean to say that the Church is “true and living”? To get your children thinking about this question, perhaps you could show them living and nonliving things—such as a live plant and a dead plant. How do we know something is living? Then you could read Doctrine and Covenants 1:30 and talk about what it might mean for the Church to be “true and living.”

      Clipart Library

      Liahona January 2025 “The Restored Church of Jesus Christ: Come, Follow Me
       Family Fun”       If possible, have your children help you pick a leaf or small branch from a tree or vegetation nearby. Discuss what will happen to it now that it’s not connected to the tree. Why will the leaf or branch die? Read John 15:4, where the Savior compares Himself to a vine and His followers to the branches. How else might the Church of Jesus Christ be considered a living church?

      The Church is guided by Jesus Christ, who reveals His will in our day to living prophets and other inspired leaders. Continuing revelation from the Savior allows the Church to be aligned with heaven and also to grow and progress—to be both a true and a living church. All living things grow and change. (Topics and Questions “The Only True and Living Church”)

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 1: “Hearken, O Ye People”

      • Display a picture, such as a painting of the Savior, and ask the children to describe it with the lights in the room turned off. Use this activity to help the children see that for many people, the Savior’s true Church is in “obscurity” and “darkness.” How can we help others learn about the Church?

      For the Strength of Youth January 2021 “To the Point” The Lord Himself said to Joseph Smith that this Church is “the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth.(Doctrine and Covenants 1:30). This statement certainly does not mean that we’re better than anyone else. But it does mean that this is Jesus Christ’s Church. He leads it, He restored it, and He gave it His authority. Because of this, there are certain things that only this Church can offer, such as prophets and apostles, temple ordinances and covenants, and the Book of Mormon. We’re grateful for these things, and we want to share them with others out of genuine love—not because we want to “be right” or “grow the Church.”

      While we can boldly and confidently testify of the Church, we should never be arrogant toward others or disrespect their beliefs. The Prophet Joseph Smith once said, “We don’t ask any people to throw away any good they have got; we only ask them to come and get more” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 155).

      The Lord called Joseph Smith to be a prophet.

      Doctrine and Covenants 1:17, 29

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “Doctrine and Covenants 1”

      • To learn about the role of Joseph Smith in restoring the Savior’s gospel, you and your children could look at a picture of the Savior and a picture of Joseph Smith (see the pictures in this outline) and talk about what the Savior gave us through Joseph Smith. Your children could look for examples in Doctrine and Covenants 1:17, 29. Tell your children how you know that God “called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven” (verse 17).

      The prophet’s words are God’s words.

      Doctrine and Covenants 1:38

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 1: “Hearken, O Ye People”

      The children you teach may have heard the President of the Church speak, but they may not realize that his words come from God.

      Play a simple game by giving instructions to one child and asking him or her to repeat the instructions for the other children. Help them see that following the child’s instructions is the same as following your instructions and that following the prophet is the same as following the Lord. Read to them the last line of Doctrine and Covenants 1:38: “Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.”

      Friend November 2024 “What Are Prophets?”

      The word of the Lord lasts forever.

      Doctrine and Covenants 1:37–38

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 1: “Hearken, O Ye People”

      • Help the children compare things that are temporary, like a bubble or a snowflake, with things that seem permanent, like a mountain or the sun. Ask them to find in verses 37–38 something that the Lord said is permanent. Why is it a blessing to know that God’s word “shall not pass away”?
      • Help the children understand that the “voice of my servants” includes the voices of our apostles and prophets. Help the children find “prophecies and promises” in a recent general conference address by one of the Lord’s servants. Bear your testimony that these words are inspired by the Lord and “shall all be fulfilled.”

      Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Doctrine, Covenants, and Commandments”

      Additional Resources

      Come Follow Me Kid “Hearken O Ye People!” See more lesson ideas at link

      Dec 29 2024

      The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

      Posted on by

      Table of Contents

      The Restoration

      Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual “The Great Apostasy” Jesus Christ established His Church during His mortal ministry. Following His death and Resurrection, the Savior commissioned His Apostles to guide the Church with His priesthood authority and keys. Due to intense persecution and the death of the Apostles, people were left without divine direction from living prophets. Jesus Christ’s teachings and doctrine were altered, resulting in a period called the Great Apostasy. This lesson can help students understand the need for a restoration of Jesus Christ’s true Church in the latter days.

      Restoration Proclamation

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ” How do you commemorate the 200th anniversary of an event that changed the world? That’s the question the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles pondered as April 2020 approached, marking 200 years since Joseph Smith’s First Vision. “We wondered if a monument should be erected,” President Russell M. Nelson recalled. “But as we considered the unique historic and international impact of that First Vision, we felt impressed to create a monument not of granite or stone but of words … , not to be carved in ‘tables of stone’ but rather to be etched in the ‘fleshy tables’ of our hearts [2 Corinthians 3:3]” (“Hear Him,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 90).

      The monument of words they created is titled “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World.” It’s a monument not just to the First Vision but also to everything Jesus Christ has done—and is still doing—since then. The Restoration of His gospel started when one person turned to God and heard Him. It continues that same way: one heart, one sacred experience at a time—including yours.

      “We solemnly proclaim.”

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ”

      • As you read parts of the Restoration proclamation with your children (or watch the video of President Nelson reading it), help them find sentences that begin with phrases like “we proclaim,” “we declare,” or “we testify.” What truths are our prophets and apostles declaring? Perhaps you and your children could share your own testimonies of some of these same truths.

      Cranial Hiccups “Memorize the Restoration Proclamation” Flipchart or cards with pictures to go with each part of the Restoration Proclamation.

      “Joseph Smith … had questions.”

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ”

      • It might be interesting to your children to explore some of the questions Joseph Smith had that led to the Restoration of the Savior’s gospel. Help them find some examples in Joseph Smith—History 1:10, 29, 68. How are we blessed today because God answered Joseph Smith’s questions?

      New Era February 2020 “Joseph’s Search for the Truth”

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ”

      • You might also give your children a chance to talk about questions they have. What do we learn from Joseph Smith about how to find answers? (see Joseph Smith—History 1:8–17; see also verses 3 and 4 of “This Is My Beloved Son,” Children’s Songbook, 76).

      Friend November 2019

      Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Joseph Smith Prayed for Answers”

      Friend April 2020 “Heavenly Father Hears My Prayers”

      Friend November 2023 “I Can Ask God”

      “Heavenly messengers came to instruct Joseph.”

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ”

      • Who were the “heavenly messengers [who] came to instruct Joseph”? Your children might enjoy looking for pictures of them in the Gospel Art Book (see nos. 91, 93, 94, 95). How did each of these messengers help “re-establish the Church of Jesus Christ”? The scriptures suggested in this week’s activity page can help your children answer this question.

      Jesus Christ has restored His Church.

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ”

      • How might you help your children understand what it means for the Savior’s Church to be restored? Maybe they could build a simple tower with blocks or cups and “restore,” or rebuild, it. Or, if your children have ever had to replace something because it was lost or damaged, you could compare that experience to the Savior restoring His Church. Help them find specific things mentioned in the Restoration proclamation that the Savior restored.

      Friend December 2015 “The Restoration Puzzle” Story about how to teach restoration using a puzzle.

      Friend December 2015

      Friend January 2025 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Puzzle Restoration

      To restore something means to put it back together. Read “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World” in Gospel Library to learn more about how the Church was restored. Then play a restoration game! Find or draw a picture and cut it into puzzle pieces. Trade puzzles with a family member and restore each other’s pictures. Why was it important that Joseph Smith restored Jesus Christ’s gospel?

      “Jesus Christ Restored His Church in the Latter Days” (April 2013 Liahona and Friend)
      Create a gospel treasure box with gold coins representing truths that were restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

      Friend April 1988 Restored Blessings

      Friend April 1988
      Friend April 1988 Restored Blessings

      “The heavens are open.”

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ”

      • To illustrate what the phrase “the heavens are open” means, maybe you could share a message with your children, first behind a closed door and then through an open door. Let them take turns sharing a message too. What messages does Jesus Christ have for us? What experiences have helped us know that the heavens are open to us?
      Media Library “First Vision Movie Still”

      Additional Resources

      See additional resources about the restoration here

      Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Introduction: Before the Doctrine and Covenants” Story, images and video. The last part is about the apostasy and restoration.

      The Red Crystal

      Dec 17 2024

      Moroni 10

      Posted on by

      Table of Contents

      Moroni Chapter 10 A testimony of the Book of Mormon comes by the power of the Holy Ghost—The gifts of the Spirit are dispensed to the faithful—Spiritual gifts always accompany faith—Moroni’s words speak from the dust—Come unto Christ, be perfected in Him, and sanctify your souls. About A.D. 421.

      Gold Plates/ Book of Mormon

      Moroni Burying Plates Video – Explain that we’re studying the last chapter of the Book of Mormon today!
      This chapter has Moroni’s last words that he wrote before he buried the golden plates. (Come Follow Me Kid– more lesson ideas at link)

      Friend December 2020 “Moroni Saved the Scriptures for Us.” Video

      Friend December 2016 “Moroni’s Special Promise” Video can be found here.

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      Sing together “The Golden Plates” (Children’s Songbook, 86).

      The Red Crystal

      Ensign December 2020 “Family Study Fun”

      Use this activity to talk more about Moroni 10:18 (“every good gift cometh of Christ”).

      1. Ahead of time, wrap a Book of Mormon with many layers of wrapping paper or colored cellophane. Tell your family you’ll share clues about what’s inside this gift.
      2. As you share each clue (for example, “This teaches us about Jesus Christ”), invite a family member to take off a layer of paper and guess what’s inside.
      3. If someone guesses correctly, continue unwrapping and take turns sharing truths about the Book of Mormon.

      Discussion: Once the book is unwrapped, end by reading Moroni 10:18 together. What can your family do to share the gift of the gospel with others?

      I can know for myself that the Book of Mormon is true.

      Moroni 10:3–4

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Moroni 10”

      • How can you help your children accept Moroni’s invitation to ask God if the Book of Mormon is true? Consider giving them slips of paper with the words Read, Remember, Ponder, and Ask written on them. Your children could find these words in Moroni 10:3–4. What should we read, remember, ponder, and ask to gain or strengthen our testimonies of the Book of Mormon? Your children could also look for similarities between these verses and the song “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109)

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Moroni 10”

      • Your children could use the picture at the end of this outline to talk about Moroni burying the gold plates (see also “Chapter 54: The Promise of the Book of Mormon,” Book of Mormon Stories, 156). Younger children may enjoy pretending to be Moroni writing on the plates and burying them. Share with each other your testimonies of the Book of Mormon.

      Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 54: The Promise of the Book of Mormon” Images and Video

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 10: “Come unto Christ, and Be Perfected in Him”

      • Show a picture of Moroni burying the golden plates (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families), and ask the children to describe what they see. Invite them to point to the plates, and explain that on these plates were written the words that we now read in the Book of Mormon. Sing together “The Golden Plates” (Children’s Songbook, 86).
      • Help the children remember some of the experiences you have had together learning from the Book of Mormon. Share your feelings about the Book of Mormon, including how you have gained or strengthened your testimony that it is true. Invite the children to share their feelings and testimonies.

      Friend December 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Act It Out!”

      The Book of Mormon is full of stories that teach us about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and the people who follow Them (see Moroni 10:3–4). Take turns acting out your favorite Book of Mormon stories! See if your family can guess what the story is.

      Friend December 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”

      • Read Moroni 10:5 together and help your little ones say, “The Holy Ghost helps me know what is true.” Some children mistakenly think the Holy Ghost is a spooky ghost. Explain that the Holy Ghost is a real person, like Heavenly Father and Jesus. He helps us have comforting, warm, happy feelings. Families: You could cuddle up together in a blanket and watch the sing-along video for “The Holy Ghost” at children.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 10: “Come unto Christ, and Be Perfected in Him”

      • Show the Book of Mormon, and read Moroni 10:4. Emphasize that we can ask God if the Book of Mormon is true, and He will send the Holy Ghost to testify to us. Help the children understand what a witness from the Spirit feels like. Tell about a time when the Holy Ghost bore witness to you about something. Describe how you felt and how you knew it was the Holy Ghost.
      • Help the children learn from the following scriptures about how the Spirit speaks to us: John 14:26–27; Doctrine and Covenants 6:15, 23; 8:2–3; 9:7–9; 11:12–14.

      1. A feeling that Jesus loves us and that the gospel is true
      2. A comforting feeling
      3. A happy feeling
      4. A good feeling
      5. A peaceful feeling

      Friend December 2020 “How I Know” Before bed, Damon’s father reads to the boys about Moroni’s promise and then he tells the boys how he prayed and gained his testimony of the Book of Mormon. That night, Damon prays to know if the Book of Mormon is true and he feels warm and good inside.

      Friend December 2020 “Family Night Fun”

      Latter Day Kids “Personal Revelation- Come Follow Me” This link has lesson ideas, videos, and discussion ideas about Moroni’s promise

      Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “Lesson 44 Moroni and the Book of Mormon Promise”This lesson includes questions and lesson ideas about Moroni and his promise.

      See more stories of gaining a testimony of the Book of Mormon here.

      Heavenly Father gives me spiritual gifts.

      Friend December 2024 “Spiritual Gifts”

      Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024)

      • Spiritual gifts can be defined as “blessings or abilities given by God to His children through the power of the Holy Ghost. Gifts of the Spirit are given to bless and benefit those who love the Lord and seek to keep His commandments. (See Doctrine and Covenants 46:9.)” (Gospel Topics, “Spiritual Gifts,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

      President George Q. Cannon (1827–1901) of the First Presidency shared one way we can seek after spiritual gifts:

      If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect. … No man ought to say, “Oh, I cannot help this; it is my nature.” He is not justified in it, for the reason that God has promised … to give gifts that will eradicate [our weaknesses]. (George Q. Cannon, “Seeking Spiritual Gifts,” Ensign or Liahona, Apr. 2016, 80

      Moroni 10:8–19

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Moroni 10”

      • To teach your children about spiritual gifts, you could write the numbers 9 through 16 on separate pieces of paper and wrap each paper like a gift. Your children could take turns unwrapping the gifts, reading verses from Moroni 10:9–16 that correspond with the numbers, and identifying each spiritual gift. You could talk about how Heavenly Father wants us to use these gifts to bless His children.

      The Red Crystal has black and white copies that the children could fill out.

      • Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) It may be helpful to know that teaching “the word of wisdom” (verse 9) could refer to the ability to help others use good judgment or apply their knowledge; teaching the “word of knowledge” (verse 10) could refer to the ability to help others come to a knowledge of God and His laws; and “all kinds of tongues” (verse 15) could refer to the ability to speak in foreign or unknown languages.

      Easy, Peasy, and Fun “Printable Gift Box”

      Semigloss Design “Gift Card Holder Template – Free Printable Template”

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Moroni 10”

      • You could also help your children notice the gifts that Heavenly Father has given them. (Explain that these are gifts Heavenly Father gives His children so we can help each other and do His work.)

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 10: “Come unto Christ, and Be Perfected in Him” Moroni described the gifts that God gives to His children when they have faith in Him..

      • Tell the children about spiritual gifts you have noticed that Heavenly Father has given them, such as the gifts of faith, wisdom, testimony, kindness, and the ability to learn. Let the children talk briefly about favorite gifts they have received.

      Friend June 2021 “Matt and Mandy” In FHE the family discusses the seventh article of faith about gifts of the spirit.

      Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that “spiritual gifts are endless in number and infinite in variety” (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith
       [1985], 371).

      Share with them some additional spiritual gifts mentioned by Elder Marvin J. Ashton: “The gift of asking; the gift of listening; … the gift of avoiding contention; … the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; … the gift of caring for others; … the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony” (“There Are Many Gifts,” Ensign, Nov. 1987, 20). Invite the children to talk about the spiritual gifts they see in each other. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 8–13” )

      Friend March 2017 “What Are Your Spiritual Gifts?” This activity from the Friend can help family members learn about their own spiritual gifts.

      Jesus Christ wants me to come unto Him.

      Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024)

      • In the title page of the Book of Mormon, Moroni declared that the Book of Mormon was written to convince us that “Jesus is the Christ.”
      • We were sent to earth to learn and grow so that we can gain eternal life. To help us, Heavenly Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ. He has also called prophets to teach and testify of Jesus Christ. In the final verses of the Book of Mormon, Moroni invited all to follow the Savior. This lesson can help you “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him” (Moroni 10:32).

      Moroni 10:32–33

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Moroni 10” & 2020

      • Do your children know what it means to “come unto Christ”? Maybe you could read Moroni 10:32 and invite them to repeat the phrase with you. (“Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him”) They could then close their eyes while you place a picture of Jesus somewhere in the room. Then let them open their eyes, find the picture, gather around it, and talk about ways that we can come unto Christ.
      Media Library

      Friend May 2019 “Family Night Fun”

      1. Before home evening, put a picture of Jesus on one side of the room.
      2. Have everyone stand up and take turns saying what they can do to come unto Jesus by following Him.
      3. With each idea, take a step toward the picture of Christ. Keep helping each other think of good things until everyone is with Jesus together!
      Friend May 2019

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Moroni 10” & 2020

      • Write on the board a question like What does it mean to come unto Christ? Help the children search Moroni 10:32–33 to find possible answers. Work together to list what Christ wants us to do and what He promises to do for us. (see also Articles of Faith 1:3–4)

      32 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.

      33 And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.

      • Maybe your children would enjoy making and decorating heart-shaped badges that say “I love God with all my might, mind, and strength” (see Moroni 10:32). As they do, talk with them about how we show God that we love Him.

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 10: “Come unto Christ, and Be Perfected in Him”

      • Review with the children the Prophet Joseph Smith’s words from the introduction to the Book of Mormon: “A man would get nearer to God by abiding by [the Book of Mormon’s] precepts, than by any other book.” Bear your testimony about how this has happened in your life.

      Additional Resources

      Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020

      • Read this chapter together, looking for every time Moroni used the word exhort. List or mark what Moroni is exhorting—or strongly encouraging—us to do. What can we do to follow his exhortations?

      Media Library “Moroni Hides the Plates in the Hill Cumorah (Moroni Burying the Plates)”

      Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Moroni Buried the Gold Plates”

      Friend December 2024 “Moroni Buries the Plates”

      Dec 9 2024

      Moroni 7-9

      Posted on by

      Table of Contents

      Moroni Chapter 7 An invitation is given to enter into the rest of the Lord—Pray with real intent—The Spirit of Christ enables men to know good from evil—Satan persuades men to deny Christ and do evil—The prophets manifest the coming of Christ—By faith, miracles are wrought and angels minister—Men should hope for eternal life and cleave unto charity. About A.D. 401–21.

      Moroni Chapter 8 The baptism of little children is an evil abomination—Little children are alive in Christ because of the Atonement—Faith, repentance, meekness and lowliness of heart, receiving the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end lead to salvation. About A.D. 401–21.

      Moroni Chapter 9 Both the Nephites and the Lamanites are depraved and degenerate—They torture and murder each other—Mormon prays that grace and goodness may rest upon Moroni forever. About A.D. 401.

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Moroni 7-9”

      • Before Moroni concluded the record we know today as the Book of Mormon with his own final words, he shared three messages from his father, Mormon: an address to “the peaceable followers of Christ” (Moroni 7:3) and two letters that Mormon had written to Moroni. Perhaps Moroni included these messages in the Book of Mormon because he foresaw similarities between the perils of his day and ours.

      Moroni 7

      The light of Christ helps me judge between good and evil.

      Moroni 7:12–20

      Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families “Moroni 7–9: “May Christ Lift Thee Up”

      • Many people wonder, “How can I know if an impression comes from God or from my own thoughts?” or “With so much deception today, how can I know what is right or wrong?” Mormon’s words in Moroni 7 give us several principles we can use to answer these questions. Look for them especially in verses 12–20.
      • How can Mormon’s counsel help us make good choices about how we spend our time and who we spend it with? You could invite family members to search your home and “lay hold upon” (Moroni 7:19), or hold on to, things that invite them “to do good, and to love God, and to serve him” (Moroni 7:13). Praise them for the good things they find.

      Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 42: Moroni and His Writings,” 

      1. Use the following or similar examples of choices that apply to your class. Have the children use Moroni 7:16 to help them choose good from evil.
        • You are playing ball with your friends when a child who does not play well wants to join your team. Your friends tell you if this person plays on your team you will lose the game. You consider telling the child not to play with you. Ask yourself, “Does this choice invite me to do good and to believe in Jesus Christ?”
        • You are watching a movie that has an immoral scene that lasts only a few seconds. You feel embarrassed to leave the movie. Ask yourself, “Does watching this movie invite me to do good and to believe in Jesus Christ?”
        • You are in a store when the clerk makes a mistake and doesn’t charge you the right amount for the item you are buying. You know that the item costs more than what you were charged, but the clerk made the error. Ask yourself, “Does paying the wrong price invite me to do good and to believe in Jesus Christ?”
        • Your bishop has asked you to read the Book of Mormon every day. Sometimes scripture words are hard for you to understand. Ask yourself, “Does reading the scriptures every day help me to do good and persuade me to believe in Christ?”

      Friend February 2020

      Ensign September 2016 Circle ways you can choose the right.

      If I have faith in Jesus Christ, I can do whatever He needs me to do.

      Moroni 7:33

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 7–9: “May Christ Lift Thee Up”

      • Mormon wanted the people to know that miracles did not stop when the Savior’s earthly ministry ended. As long as we have faith in Jesus Christ, we can, with His help, do anything He needs us to do—including miraculous things.

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Moroni 7-9”

      • Consider looking at a few pictures together that show someone from the scriptures accomplishing something important (see, for example, Gospel Art Book, nos. 19, 70, 78, 81). How did having faith in Christ make a difference in these examples? You and your children could then read Moroni 7:33, looking for what we can do when we have faith in Jesus Christ. You could also share experiences with each other when God blessed you with power to do His will.
      Gospel Art Book “David Slays Goliath”
      Media Library “Ammon Defends the Flocks of King Lamoni”
      Gospel Art Picture: “Nephi Subdues Rebellious Brothers”
      Gospel Art Picture: “Book of Mormon: Samuel the Lamanite on the Wall”

      Primary Manual 4: Book of Mormon ““Lesson 43: Moroni Teaches Faith in Jesus Christ” 

      1. Play the Who Am I? game with the children. Give them the following clues, and have them guess the person you are talking about.
        • I prayed all day and all night, using my faith in Jesus Christ. (Enos.)
        • Because of faith, an angel appeared to my son and the four sons of Mosiah to call them to repentance. (Alma.)
        • I used a special flag to encourage my people to have faith in Jesus Christ and to fight for their liberty and their families. (Captain Moroni.)
        • Because of my faith, I chose to take my family and go with Lehi and his family into the wilderness. (Ishmael.)
        • I had the faith to return to Jerusalem to get the brass plates. (Nephi.)
        • My faith in Jesus Christ let me see his finger and then his whole being. (Brother of Jared.)
        • Our faith in Jesus Christ, taught by our mothers, saved our lives in battle. (2,000 stripling warriors.)
        • My faith in Jesus Christ and my desire to preach his gospel helped me fight off a band of robbers who wanted to kill King Lamoni’s sheep. (Ammon.)
        • Our faith caused the prison to tumble. (Alma and Amulek.)
        • While imprisoned, we were encircled with fire because of our faith. (Nephi and Lehi.)
        • Because of our faith in Jesus Christ, we will not taste of death. (Three Nephites.)
        • We were guided by the Liahona to the promised land according to our faith in Jesus Christ. (Lehi and his family.)

      I am blessed when I have faith in Jesus Christ.

      Moroni 7:21–22, 25, 33

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 7–9: “May Christ Lift Thee Up”

      • Help the children list on the board some of the “good thing[s]” that we receive through the gospel of Jesus Christ, such as having eternal families, returning to Heavenly Father, and being forgiven of our sins. Then invite the children to read Moroni 7:21–22 and 25, looking for how we can receive all of these good things. How can we show our faith in Jesus Christ and His promises?

      21 And now I come to that faith, of which I said I would speak; and I will tell you the way whereby ye may lay hold on every good thing. 22 and in Christ there should come every good thing. 25 and by every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing;

      • Read Moroni 7:33, and invite the children to stand up when they hear the word “faith.” Explain that we show our faith in Jesus Christ when we keep His commandments. Help the children make a list on the board of some things Jesus wants them to do, like obeying their parents or telling the truth. Testify that our faith in Jesus Christ can help us keep the commandments.

      Believing in Jesus Christ can give me hope.

      Moroni 7:41

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Moroni 7-9”

      • As you read Moroni 7:41 to your children, perhaps they could raise their hands when they hear something Mormon said we should hope for. Tell them about the hope you feel because of Jesus Christ.

      One truth we can learn from Mormon is if we exercise faith in Jesus Christ, we can have hope through His Atonement to be raised to eternal life.

      • You and your children could also think of someone who may be having a hard time with something. Maybe your children could draw a picture for the person that can remind him or her to have hope in Jesus Christ.

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 7–9: “May Christ Lift Thee Up”

      Ensign December 2020 ““What is it that ye shall hope for?”

      I can have hope in Jesus Christ, even during difficult trials.

      Moroni 7:40–41; 9:25–26

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 7–9: “May Christ Lift Thee Up”

      After describing the wickedness he had seen, Mormon told his son not to grieve. What does it mean to you for Christ to “lift [you] up”? Moroni 9:25–26

      • Help the children list a few problems that might make people feel discouraged or hopeless. Invite the children to read Moroni 7:40–41 and 9:25–26, looking for something that might help someone who feels discouraged. Tell them how Jesus Christ and His gospel have helped you during difficult times.
      • Invite the children to write a message to someone who feels discouraged to help him or her find hope in Christ, as Mormon did for his son in Moroni 9:25–26. Encourage the children to use words and phrases from these verses in their messages.

      New Era December 2020 “Not Ice-olated” Object lesson that demonstrates that with the Lord’s help, we can lift even the heaviest, slipperiest burdens.

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Moroni 7-9”

      • To teach your children about hope in Jesus Christ, you could fill a clear container with water and drop two objects into it—one that floats and one that sinks. As you read together Moroni 7:40–41 and 9:25–26, your children could look for what hope does for us. Then they could compare the floating object to a person who has hope in Christ. How does He “lift [us] up” when we face difficult trials? Help your children think of ways they can keep the Savior and His encouraging teachings “in [their] mind forever.”

      “Charity is the pure love of Christ.”

      Book of Mormon Scripture Stories “Moroni the Prophet”

      Life was hard for Moroni, but he stayed faithful. He wrote down what Mormon taught about charity, the pure love of Christ. Mormon said people should pray to God with all the energy of their hearts to get this love. He said God gives charity to those who truly follow Jesus.

      Moroni loved the Lamanites even though some of them had killed everyone he knew and wanted to kill him. He wrote many things on the metal plates to help Lamanites in the future. He hoped they would read the record someday and believe in Jesus again.

      “Moroni 7:45–48

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 7–9: “May Christ Lift Thee Up”

      • Invite the children to share what they think the word “charity” means. Then invite one of the children to read Moroni 7:45. (If some of the words in this verse are hard to understand, help the children look them up in a dictionary.)

      Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “Lesson 42: Moroni and His Writings”

      1. Explain the qualities of charity found in Moroni 7:45 using terms the children can understand. You could have the children match Moroni’s descriptions with your explanations.
        • Suffereth long: Is patient
        • Kind: Not cruel or mean, loving
        • Envieth not: Is not jealous
        • Not puffed up: Humble, not proud
        • Seeketh not her own: Is unselfish
        • Not easily provoked: Slow to anger, quick to forgive
        • Thinketh no evil: Is trusting, looks for the good
        • Rejoiceth in truth: Is honest
        • Beareth all things: Is obedient
        • Believeth all things: Is faithful
        • Hopeth all things: Is optimistic, trusting
        • Endureth all things: Is patient, persistent

      The Red Crystal

      Ensign December 2020 “Family Study Fun”

      Mormon taught that we “must needs have charity” (Moroni 7:44). Use this activity to talk about what charity means.

      1. Show the picture of Jesus from page 193 of the Come, Follow Me manual for individuals and families.
      2. Read Moroni 7:45–47 together. As you read, write down on slips of paper phrases that describe charity (for example, “is kind”).
      3. Put the slips of paper around the picture of Christ. Talk about times He acted in those ways.
      4. Now show a picture of your family. Talk about what your family can do to follow Christ’s examples of charity. As each idea is shared, move the corresponding paper from Christ’s picture to your family’s picture.

      Discussion: Read and talk about Moroni 7:48. What can your family do to get ready to see the Savior again?

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 7–9: “May Christ Lift Thee Up”

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 7–9: “May Christ Lift Thee Up”

      • Ask the children to talk about people they know who are good examples of charity. Why is charity called “the pure love of Christ”? (Moroni 7:47). What does verse 48 teach us about how we can be filled with charity? Encourage each of the children to pray for charity this week and to look for ways to show charity to others.
      • Ask the children to write names of people they know on pieces of paper and place them in a small bag or container. Invite them to take their container home, select a name from it every day, and do something that shows love for that person. In a future lesson, invite them to share their experiences serving these people.

      Friend December 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Secret Service”

      Jesus wants us to love each other (see Moroni 7:45–48). Have each family member write their name on a piece of paper and put it in a bowl. Then pick a name and secretly serve that person the next day to show your love. At the end of the day, guess who served you!

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Moroni 7-9”

      • How can you inspire your children to seek and develop the pure love of Christ in their lives? Perhaps you could help them think of ways that Jesus showed charity (see, for example, Luke 23:34; John 8:1–11; Ether 12:33–34). How can we follow His example?

      The Red Crystal

      • A song about love, such as “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook, 136), may start a discussion about what charity is. You could read or summarize Moroni 7:47 and invite your children to draw pictures of themselves showing love to someone. Suggest that they put their picture where it will remind them to love others as Jesus does.

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 7–9: “May Christ Lift Thee Up”

      • Ask the children to repeat this phrase with you: “Charity is the pure love of Christ” (Moroni 7:47). Who can we show love to as Jesus did? For an example, example, show the video “My Brother Hyrum” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

      For younger children: Ask your child to draw a picture for someone they love.

      Friend December 2020 “Family Night Fun” Read “I Can Give a Little Too” on page FJ8. Then do a service project of your own! Decorate a box or jar to collect some coins. Use the money to help someone in need.

      Friend December 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”

      Latter Day Kids “Charity- Come Follow Me” Video and more lesson ideas at link.

      Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “Lesson 42: Moroni and His Writings”

      1. Moroni had the pure love of Christ. Help the children find some of the following examples of Moroni’s charity, or use some of the following examples as you tell the children the story of Moroni.
        • Suffereth long: Moroni lived alone for over thirty-six years patiently keeping the records. (Mormon 8:5.)
        • Kind: Moroni prayed for us, and he loved his brethren. (Ether 12:36, 38.)
        • Envieth not: Moroni saw our day and counseled us to not be envious or proud. (Mormon 8:35–37.)
        • Not puffed up: Moroni was humble because of his weakness in writing. (Ether 12:23–25.)
        • Seeketh not her own: Moroni unselfishly worked and prayed for us that we would have a knowledge of Jesus Christ. (Mormon 9:36; Ether 12:41.)
        • Not easily provoked: Moroni forgave his enemies and worked hard to write things that he hoped would be of worth to them. (Moroni 1:4.)
        • Thinketh no evil: Moroni exhorted us to hold to good and touch not evil. (Moroni 10:30.)
        • Rejoiceth in truth: Moroni was honest. (Moroni 10:27.)
        • Beareth all things: Because Moroni would not deny Jesus Christ, he had to wander alone for his safety. (Moroni 1:2–3.)
        • Believeth all things: Moroni encouraged us to believe in Jesus Christ. (Mormon 9:21.) So great was Moroni’s faith that he was able to see Christ face to face. (Ether 12:39.)
        • Hopeth all things: Moroni understood the importance of hope. (Ether 12:32.)
        • Endureth all things: Moroni was faithful to the end. (Moroni 10:34.)

      Moroni 8

      Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon “Lesson 42: Moroni and His Writings” (See more lesson and study ideas in the lesson.)

      • Moroni received a letter from his father when Moroni was first called to the ministry. As part of the letter Mormon expressed his love, appreciation, and concern for his son (see Moroni 8:2–3). Before class have a parent, or an adult relative or friend, of each of the children in your class write a letter of love and appreciation. Give these letters to the children as you explain the love that Mormon had for his son, Moroni. Point out that Moroni valued this letter; he carried it with him as he fled from his enemies. Suggest that the children save their letters as a reminder to continue to do good things which will please their parents and the Lord.

      Additional Resources

      The Red Crystal

      The Cozy Red Cottage

      line upon line come follow me “Good Gifts”

      Dec 2 2024

      Moroni 1-6

      Posted on by

      Table of Contents

      Moroni Chapter 1 Moroni writes for the benefit of the Lamanites—The Nephites who will not deny Christ are put to death. About A.D. 401–21.

      Moroni Chapter 2 Jesus gave the twelve Nephite disciples power to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost. About A.D. 401–21.

      Moroni Chapter 3 Elders ordain priests and teachers by the laying on of hands. About A.D. 401–21.

      Moroni Chapter 4 How elders and priests administer the sacramental bread is explained. About A.D. 401–21.

      Moroni Chapter 5 The mode of administering the sacramental wine is set forth. About A.D. 401–21.

      Friend December 2024

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Moroni 1-6” After finishing his father’s record of the Nephites and abridging the record of the Jaredites, Moroni thought that his record-keeping work was done (see Moroni 1:1). What more was there to say about two nations that were utterly destroyed? But Moroni had seen our times (see Mormon 8:35), and he was inspired to “write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth … in some future day” (Moroni 1:4).

      He knew that widespread apostasy was coming, bringing with it confusion about priesthood ordinances and about religion in general. This may be why he gave clarifying details about the sacrament, baptism, conferring the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the blessings of gathering with fellow believers to “keep [each other] in the right way, … relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of [our] faith” (Moroni 6:4). Precious insights like these give us reason to be thankful that the Lord preserved Moroni’s life so he could “write a few more things” (Moroni 1:4).

      Book of Mormon Scripture Stories “Moroni the Prophet”

      Moroni was the last Nephite prophet. He fought in a big war between the Nephites and Lamanites. His family and everyone he knew died in the war. The people in the land were wicked. They killed anyone who believed in Jesus Christ. Moroni believed in Jesus. He would not deny that Jesus is the Savior.

      Moroni’s father, Mormon, had been writing the history of their people on metal plates. Before Mormon died, he gave the plates to Moroni. Moroni had to hide to protect his own life and the plates.

      To help you get a better idea of what life might have been like for Moroni, you might also watch “Moroni Invites All to Come unto Christ” from time code 0:00 to 3:59, available at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

      Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 53: Moroni and His Teachings” Story Images and Video

      The wicked Lamanites killed every Nephite who would not deny Jesus Christ.

      Moroni hiding from Lamanites
      Moroni would never deny Jesus Christ. He moved around, hiding from the Lamanites.
      Moroni writing on gold plates
      Moroni wrote more on the gold plates, especially to the Lamanites of the latter days.
      young men blessing sacrament
      He wrote many important things, including the words of the sacrament prayers.
      man getting baptized
      Moroni wrote that the only people who can be baptized are those willing to repent of their sins and serve Jesus Christ.

      Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way” Because of the Great Apostasy, many people today are confused about religion, including how ordinances must be performed—and even whether they are needed at all. Moroni had seen our times (see Mormon 8:35). This may be why he gave clarifying details.

      The Holy Ghost is a sacred gift.

      Moroni 2–6

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Moroni 1-6”

      • The Holy Ghost or the Spirit is mentioned several times in Moroni 2–6. Maybe you could ask your children to find every verse that mentions Him, (maybe divide into groups and give each group a chapter) read these verses, and ask the children to list on the board the things they learn bout the Holy Ghost. You could also share with each other experiences when you felt the Spirit’s influence (either at church or elsewhere). ( Explain how you knew it was the Holy Ghost and how He helped you. Encourage them to seek His influence.)

      Scriptures where the Holy Ghost or the Spirit are mentioned:

      Moroni 2:2 The words of Christ, which he spake unto his disciples. Ye shall call on the Father in my name, in mighty prayer; and after ye have done this ye shall have power that to him upon whom ye shall lay your hands, ye shall give the Holy Ghost; and in my name shall ye give it.

      • Behold Your Little Ones: Nursery Manual Explain that after we are baptized, we are confirmed. Invite the children to say “confirmed.” Tell them this means that men who hold the priesthood put their hands on our head to give us the gift of the Holy Ghost.

      Moroni 3:4 And after this manner did they ordain priests and teachers, according to the gifts and callings of God unto men; and they ordained them by the power of the Holy Ghost, which was in them.

      Moroni 6:4 And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost.

      Moroni 4:3 That they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them.

      Moroni 5:2 that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them.

      Moroni 6:9 And their meetings were conducted by the church after the manner of the workings of the Spirit, and by the power of the Holy Ghost; for as the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to preach, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done.

      I take the sacrament to show that I will always remember Jesus Christ.

      Moroni 4–5

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Moroni 1-6”

      • Reading the sacrament prayers with your children could lead to a discussion about how to have more meaningful experiences with the sacrament. It might help for them to imagine that a friend is coming to sacrament meeting for the first time. How would we explain to our friend what the sacrament is and why it is sacred? Encourage your children to use something from Moroni 4 or 5 in their explanations. Younger children could use this week’s activity page or Gospel Art Book, no. 108.

      Blessing on the Bread

      Blessing Bread

      Blessing on the Water

      Blessing Water

      Write phrases from Moroni 4:3 and 5:2 on separate strips of paper, and ask the children to put the phrases in the correct order. According to these verses, why is the sacrament important?

      Friend December 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones”

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”

      • Show a picture of people partaking of the sacrament (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families or Gospel Art Book, no. 108). Ask the children to tell you what happens during the sacrament. What should we be doing during the sacrament?
      • Sing a song that helps the children think about Jesus, such as “Reverently, Quietly” (Children’s Songbook, 26). Ask the children to practice sitting reverently like they would during the sacrament.
      • Invite the children to share things their families do during the sacrament to be reverent and think about Jesus Christ. What other ideas do they have? Invite them to pick one of these ideas and set a goal to spend more time thinking of the Savior during the sacrament.

      Story and Activity Idea about being reverent and thinking about Jesus:

      Friend December 2024 “Remembering Jesus” One Sunday Victoria asked her mom why they go to church. Her mother explained, “We go to church to take the sacrament and learn about Jesus Christ.” During the sacrament, her mom gave her a special book with lots of pictures of Jesus to help her think about Him. As she took the sacrament and looked at the book, a warm feeling filled her heart. She loved Jesus Christ. She wanted to always remember Him.

      Friend December 2024 “My Reverence Book” Make this booklet to help you think about Jesus Christ and be reverent during the sacrament.

      Friend December 2020 “Family Night Fun”

      I can prepare to be baptized.

      Moroni 6:1–3

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Moroni 1-6”

      • Who can be baptized? Help your children find answers to this question in Moroni 6:1–3. What does it mean to have a “broken heart and a contrite spirit”?(One meaning of “a broken heart and a contrite spirit” is to feel sorry for our sins.) (Moroni 6:2).

      The Savior has taught us that we should have a “broken heart,” which means to be humble, repentant, and meek (3 Nephi 9:20; Guide to the Scriptures, “Broken Heart,” Gospel Library). 

      • How does this help us prepare for baptism? Consider telling your children how you prepared to be baptized. (Help the children think of ways they can prepare to be baptized someday.)

      Ways to Prepare:

      Build Testimony and Faith

      Ingrid’s Birthday Surprise

      Ingrids Birthday Surprise

      Finding Sabrina’s Testimony

      Repent

      From the scriptures we learn that John the Baptist “did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins” (Mark 1:4). The Apostle Peter taught, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Following Paul’s conversion, Ananias said to him, “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16).

      The Lord said, “If thou wilt turn unto me, and … repent of all thy transgressions [sins], and be baptized, even in water, in the name of mine Only Begotten Son, … ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Moses 6:52).

      Prepare to Make and Keep Baptismal Covenants

      We go to church to take the sacrament and support each other.

      Moroni 6:4–6, 9

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”

      Senior Primary

      Write Why do we come to church? on the board, and ask the children to write possible answers. Invite them to find additional answers in Moroni 6:4–6, 9 and add them to their list on the board. (Tell the children why you love going to church and how it has blessed you.) Invite the children to share how they have been blessed for attending church.

      Friend September 2022 “Why We Go to Church”

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way” & Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Moroni 1-6”

      Junior Primary

      • Ask the children why they like going to church, and help them name some of the things we do at church. Read to them some of these things from Moroni 6:4–6, 9, and invite them to act out or draw pictures of themselves doing some of these things (such as praying, teaching, singing, and taking the sacrament).

      Friend July 2024 “I Can Follow Jesus by Going to Church”

      Friend March 2021 “Coloring Page”

      • Help the children sing a song about attending church, such as “When I Go to Church” (Children’s Songbook, 157). Tell the children why you love going to church and how it has blessed you.

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Moroni 1-6” & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 1–6: “To Keep Them in the Right Way”

      • Show pictures or examples of nourishing foods. Why is it important to nourish our bodies? Read together Moroni 6:4, and ask the children what they think the phrase “nourished by the good word of God” means. How does the word of God nourish us? How can we help spiritually nourish each other at church?
      Friend July 2017
      • You could also watch the video “Children Sharing the Gospel” (Gospel Library).
      • Invite one of the children to read the following quotation from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, and discuss what it teaches about how we can nourish each other: “Most people don’t come to church looking merely for a few new gospel facts or to see old friends, though all of that is important. They come seeking a spiritual experience. They want peace. They want their faith fortified and their hope renewed. They want, in short, to be nourished by the good word of God, to be strengthened by the powers of heaven” (“A Teacher Come from God,” Ensign, May 1998, 26). How can we help spiritually nourish each other at church?

      Let them role-play explaining to a friend of another faith why they are thankful to belong to the Church.

      Latter Day Kids “Meet Together Oft- Come Follow Me” Video and Lesson Ideas.

      Additional Resources

      Ensign December 2020 “Family Study Fun“

      Moving with Moroni: Moroni wrote about several ordinances (or sacred acts performed by someone with priesthood authority). Use this activity to review the scriptures below.

      1. Write the following on four sheets of paper and scatter them around the room:
      2. Ask someone to start and stop a Church song while people walk from paper to paper.
      3. When the music stops, everyone goes to the nearest paper. Whoever touches a paper last should read the scripture and say one reason that ordinance is important. Then start and stop the music for the next round.
      4. Keep playing until all four ordinances have been discussed.

      Discussion: What can we do to treat these ordinances as sacred? How do these ordinances bless our family?

      Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

      The Red Crystal

      Nov 24 2024

      Ether 12-15

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      Table of Contents

      Ether Chapter 12 The prophet Ether exhorts the people to believe in God—Moroni recounts the wonders and marvels done by faith—Faith enabled the brother of Jared to see Christ—The Lord gives men weakness that they may be humble—The brother of Jared moved Mount Zerin by faith—Faith, hope, and charity are essential to salvation—Moroni saw Jesus face to face.

      Ether Chapter 13 Ether speaks of a New Jerusalem to be built in America by the seed of Joseph—He prophesies, is cast out, writes the Jaredite history, and foretells the destruction of the Jaredites—War rages over all the land.

      Ether Chapter 14 The iniquity of the people brings a curse upon the land—Coriantumr engages in warfare against Gilead, then Lib, and then Shiz—Blood and carnage cover the land.

      Ether Chapter 15 Millions of the Jaredites are slain in battle—Shiz and Coriantumr assemble all the people to mortal combat—The Spirit of the Lord ceases to strive with them—The Jaredite nation is utterly destroyed—Only Coriantumr remains.

      Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 52: The Destruction of the Jaredites” Pictures and video

      Faith is believing in things I cannot see.

      Ether 12:6–22

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 12–15“

      Explain that the prophet Ether tried to teach the Jaredites “great and marvelous things,” but they didn’t believe what he said. Invite the children to read Ether 12:5 to find out why they didn’t believe.

      Read together Ether 12:6. What did Moroni teach the people who would not believe spiritual truths because they couldn’t see them?

      Consider helping your children repeat with you “Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen” from Ether 12:6.

      Friend June 2023 “Have You Seen Jesus?”

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Ether 12-15”

      Moroni shared several examples of people who accomplished great things because of their faith.

      • They might enjoy looking at pictures that show the examples of faith in Ether 12:13–15, 19–21 (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 78, 85, and this week’s activity page). Let your children explain what they know about each story. Here are some questions to help you discuss these examples of faith:
        • What did these people hope for?
        • How was their faith tested?
        • What happened because of their faith?
        You could also share your own experiences exercising faith.

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 12–15: “By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled”

      • Play a guessing game with the children. Give them clues about the faithful people described in Ether 12:13–15, 19–20 until the children can guess who they are. Then let the children play the game again by taking turns giving clues about the same people (or other faithful people) while the rest of the class guesses. Share what you admire about the faith of these people.

      The Red Crystal

      The song “Faith” (Children’s Songbook, 96–97), or another song about faith, can help.

      Tell the children about things you believe in even though you cannot see them, and help the children think of additional examples.

      The Red Crystal

      What are some things Heavenly Father wants us to believe even though we don’t see them? Read together Ether 12:6.

      • Ask the children to read this phrase in Ether 12:6: “Ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.” Help the children understand that when we obey a commandment, we can know it is true. Ask them to think of gospel principles that God wants us to have a testimony of, such as paying tithing, keeping the Sabbath day holy, or living the Word of Wisdom. Then write on the board In order to gain a testimony of , I must . Share how you have exercised faith in order to gain your testimony of these and other gospel truths.

      Latter Day Kids “Faith is Like Planting a Seed- Come Follow Me” Lesson ideas and video

      Hope is like an anchor to my soul.

      Ether 12:4, 32

      Topics and Questions “Hope”

      • Hope comes from having faith in our Savior’s love and in His power to rescue and save those who come unto Him.
      • As faith in Jesus Christ grows, so does hope that through His Atonement one can be raised to eternal life.

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Ether 12-15”

      • To understand what Ether 12:4 teaches about hope, you and your children could look at a picture of a boat and an anchor (or draw one on the board). Why do boats need anchors? What would happen to a boat that does not have an anchor? As you read Ether 12:4 together, talk about how hope helps us the way an anchor helps a boat. Invite your children to draw pictures of a boat and anchor so they can teach others (their families and friends) about hope.

      The Red Crystal

      • If your children need a definition of hope, help them find one in Guide to the Scriptures, “Hope” (Gospel Library). According to this definition and Ether 12:4, 32, what should we hope for? (see also Moroni 7:40–42).

      Ensign December 2020 ““What is it that ye shall hope for?”

      • Help your children think of other words for hope, along with words that mean the opposite of hope. You could also share with each other some gospel truths that give you hope.

      Topics and Questions “Hope”

      Life often brings unexpected, difficult circumstances that can lead us to feel discouraged, overwhelmed, and defeated. During such times, Heavenly Father does not leave us vulnerable and alone. He offers many spiritual resources—including the gift of hope—that help us find strength, courage, and an anticipation of a joyful future (see Moroni 9:25).

      Media Library Christ—Mormonad Now There Is Hope

      Jesus Christ can help me become spiritually strong.

      Ether 12:23–29

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Ether 12-15”

      • Children sometimes face situations in which they feel weak, just as Moroni did. Help your children find out why Moroni felt this way in Ether 12:23–25, and ask them if they have ever had similar feelings. Then invite them to read verses 26–27 to find out how the Lord helped Moroni.

      Friend June 2019 “Weak Things Stronger” Parker gets frustrated with himself when he doesn’t succeed at something he is trying to do like playing the piano or dirt biking. His moms showed him a scripture about Jesus helping with weaknesses. She also reminds him that it takes time to learn, grow, and get better. He learns to be kind and patient with himself and remember that he is getting a little better each time he does something.

      • Perhaps your children could draw a picture of something weak and something strong. (twigs/log, paper/book) Then they could add to their drawing some words and phrases from Ether 12:23–29 that teach them about how the Savior can turn our weakness into strength.

      The Red Crystal

      • Encourage your children to think about a weakness they have and then seek the Savior’s help to become strong. You could also share an experience when the Savior helped you become strong enough to do something hard.

      Friend December 2024 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

      Friend November 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones Read Ether 12:27 and help your little ones say, “Jesus Christ can help me be strong.” Invite your children to try doing something physically hard, like moving a chair or lifting a heavy book. Then help them successfully complete the challenge. Show them a picture of Jesus and explain that Jesus can help us do hard things and make weak things strong.

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 12–15: “By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled”

      • Describe for the children a task that would require a lot of physical strength to accomplish. Invite them to share examples of things they aren’t strong enough to do now. How could we become strong enough to accomplish these tasks?
      • Explain that we also have spiritual work to do, but we sometimes feel spiritually weak. Moroni felt this way about his writings on the plates (Ether 12:23–25). Read Ether 12:27 to the children. What did the Lord promise those who feel weak?

      Friend February 2015 “Juliana Gives a Talk” Juliana is scared to give a talk, but Heavenly Father helps her.

      Friend February 2015
      Friend February 2015
      Friend February 2015

      Friend February 2015

      Friend November 2019 “The Primary Talk” Dennis was afraid to give a talk in Primary. He prayed, prepared, and practiced but he was still nervous, so he asked his father to give him a blessing. After the blessing he was able to give the talk with only a few stutters, and he knew Heavenly Father helped him.

      • Share an experience in which the Savior helped you or someone you know do something that was hard. Testify to the children that if they seek His help, Jesus can help them be strong, even when they feel weak.

      Friend March 2016

      Friend March 2016

      Friend March 2020 “Eddy and the Book of Mormon” Some kids laugh at Eddy when he reads at school because he has a hard time with some words. It makes him nervous and not want to read out loud. But as his family read the Book of Mormon each day (first they figured out a way to remember to read each day), Eddy learns about Nephi and how his brothers made fun of him for building a boat. That didn’t stop Nephi. He trusted God, and God helped him do hard things. Next time some kids laughed at him while Eddy read in class, he thought of Nephi, and that helped him not to worry about what the kids would say.

      Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 12–15: “By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled”

      • Why does the Lord give us weakness? What is our part in making “weak things become strong”? What is the Savior’s part?

      Ether 12:41

      Seeking for Jesus

      Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 12–15: “By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled”

      • Is there a fun way you could teach your children to “seek … Jesus”? One way might be to hide a picture of Jesus and invite your family members to “seek” and find the picture. How do we seek Jesus, and how are we blessed when we find Him?

      Friend March 2020

      Rejecting the prophets brings spiritual danger.

      Ether 13:15–22

      Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Ether 12–15: “By Faith All Things Are Fulfilled”

      • Being king of the Jaredites was, historically, a dangerous position. This was especially true for Coriantumr, as many “mighty men … sought to destroy him” (Ether 13:15–16). In Ether 13:15–22, notice what Coriantumr did to protect himself and what the prophet Ether counseled him to do instead. As you read the rest of the book of Ether, ponder the consequences of rejecting the prophets. What happens to people when “the Spirit of the Lord [ceases] striving with them”? (Ether 15:19).
      • It might be interesting for your family members to compare the experience of Ether with the experiences of Mormon and Moroni (see Mormon 6; 8:1–10). How are they similar? How was the Nephites’ path to destruction similar to the Jaredites’ path? (compare Ether 15:19 with Moroni 8:28). What truths do we learn that can help us avoid what happened to them?

      Scripture Readers Mormon and the Nephites

      Ether and the Jaredites

      Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 41: The Jaredites Reject the Prophets,” 

      • What would happen if you chose to stick a pin in a fully inflated balloon?
      • What would happen if your family chose to stop watering a plant in your home?
      • What would happen if you chose to stay up late and not get enough sleep?
      Clipart Library

      Explain to the children that all their choices have consequences. Consequences are what happen as a result of the choices we make. The scriptures and our prophets teach us the consequences of our choices because Heavenly Father wants us to make good choices. This lesson is about the Jaredites and the prophet Ether. Ether told the Jaredites that if they chose not to repent, the consequences would be that all of the people would be destroyed.

      The Red Crystal Sort the seeds into the packets of Corrupution or Everlasting Life

      Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 41: The Jaredites Reject the Prophets,” 

      1. Make the following wordstrips: Righteousness, Blessings, Prosperity, Pride, Wickedness, Suffering or destruction, Humility, Repentance. Explain that throughout history when people have been righteous, Heavenly Father has blessed them with prosperity. Unfortunately this prosperity can lead to pride and wickedness and sometimes complete destruction.Explain that this is what happened to the Jaredites. At first they were a righteous people and were blessed and prospered. (Draw a large circle on the chalkboard, and have the children put up the wordstrips “Righteousness,” “Blessings,” and “Prosperity” in the proper places on the circle [see the following illustration].) Then the Jaredites became proud and rejected the prophets. The people became so wicked that they were entirely destroyed. (Have the children put up the wordstrips “Pride,” “Wickedness,” and “Suffering or destruction” in the proper places on the circle.) Explain that if the Jaredites had humbled themselves and repented before they were destroyed, they could have returned to enjoying the blessings of righteous living. (Have the children put up the wordstrips “Humility” and “Repentance” in the proper places on the circle.) Help the children understand that this cycle often happens in our personal lives as well as in the history of nations.
      2. Have the children make their own copies of the cycle of history to take home and share with their families. The children could make their cycles more personal by including such things as “listening to the prophets,” “obeying my parents,” “praying daily,” “expressing gratitude,” “serving others,” and so on.

      Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) “Ether 12:23–27”

      Additional Resources

      Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

      The Red Crystal Lesson ideas