Category Archives: Church History

Aug 31 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 94-97

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Section 94

Doctrine and Covenants 94

I can be “wholly dedicated unto the Lord.”

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

In Doctrine and Covenants 94, the Lord gives instructions about constructing administrative buildings in Kirtland—an office and a printing house.

  • What impresses you about what the Lord says about these buildings in Doctrine and Covenants 94:2–12?
  • What does it mean to you to be “wholly dedicated unto the Lord”?

Section 95

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 25: The Kirtland Temple Is Constructed,” In December 1832 the Lord commanded the members of the Church to build a temple in Kirtland, Ohio. They were to “establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God” (D&C 88:119).

The Saints were very poor and they knew the temple would cost a lot of money, so they did not start building it right away. Six months later they still had not started building the temple. In June 1833 the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith that he was displeased with the Saints for not starting to build his house.

In Doctrine and Covenants 94 the Lord chastens the saints for not obeying this commandment. The Church members repented of their delay, and four days later men began hauling stone and digging trenches in preparation for building the temple.

The Temple is the House of the Lord.

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

Doctrine and Covenants 95:8; 97:10–17

  • For some background on sections 95 and 97, you could share with your children “The Kirtland Temple” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories for Young Readers (Gospel Library; see also Saints, 1:210). Your children might enjoy pretending they are helping to build the Kirtland Temple (cutting wood, hammering nails, painting walls, and so on).
  • Read together verse 11. What did the Saints need to do so they could build the temple? What can we learn from the Lord’s promise to them? (Obedience brings power to do His will.)
  • You could also show them a picture of the Kirtland Temple, like those in this outline, while you read Doctrine and Covenants 95:8 to teach your children why the Lord wants us to build temples.

8 Yea, verily I say unto you, I gave unto you a commandment that you should build a house, in the which house I design to endow those whom I have chosen with power from on high;

Media Library “Building the Kirtland Temple”

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 25: The Kirtland Temple Is Constructed,” See link for more lesson ideas.

Give each child a piece of paper and a crayon or pencil. Ask the children to each draw a picture of a temple, and give them a few minutes to do so. Let each child display his or her picture to the rest of the class. (Or you could have them build a temple with blocks or sugar cubes.)

Explain that it probably was not too hard for the children to draw a temple because they know what temples look like. They have seen temples or pictures of temples. However, when Joseph Smith was commanded to build a temple, he had never seen a temple or even a picture of one. The Kirtland Temple was the first temple built in the latter days.

“First Latter-day Temple” (April 2002 Friend) A description of the building of the Kirtland Temple.

Since Joseph Smith did not yet know what a temple ought to look like or exactly how it was to be used, Heavenly Father revealed to him a plan for the temple. He and his counselors saw a vision of the completed building. In the vision, Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams saw the pattern of the temple both inside and out.

The three men knelt to pray, and they saw a vision of the temple. First they saw the outside, and then the building seemed to pass over them and they saw the inside. Frederick G. Williams said that when the Kirtland Temple was completed it looked exactly as it had in the vision.

Friend September 2021 “The Kirtland Temple”

When an architect suggested that the seats in the building be rearranged, the Prophet Joseph would not allow it. He had seen them in the vision. According to his mother, Lucy Mack Smith, when the Saints wanted the temple to be built as a frame or log house, he said, “‘Shall we, brethren, build a house for our God, of logs? No, I have a better plan than that. I have a plan of the house of the Lord, given by himself.’”* The temple walls, two feet thick and over sixty feet tall, were to be built of stone.

The Kirtland Temple was not exactly like today’s temples, where families are sealed for time and all eternity and work is performed for the dead. It was more like a special meetinghouse where the Saints held their Church meetings.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” Doctrine and Covenants 94–97″

Even the children in Kirtland helped, in small but meaningful ways, to build the Kirtland Temple.

Friend September 2021 “The Kirtland Temple”The Saints worked together to help build the temple. Men built tall walls. Women made curtains and carpets. Children helped bring tools and water to the workers.

Friend September 2025 “For Older Kids” God asked Joseph Smith and the early Saints to build a temple in Kirtland, Ohio, USA. Connect the dots to build the temple.

  • After reading together Doctrine and Covenants 97:15–16, you and your children could share with each other why the temple is special to you. You could also sing together a song to help your children feel reverence for the Lord’s house, such as “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95). What phrases in this song teach us why the temple is sacred?

Song “I Love to See the Temple” Visual Aids

Section 96

Section 96 Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, showing the order of the city or stake of Zion at Kirtland, Ohio, June 4, 1833, as an example to the Saints in Kirtland. The occasion was a conference of high priests, and the chief subject of consideration was the disposal of certain lands, known as the French farm, possessed by the Church near Kirtland. Since the conference could not agree who should take charge of the farm, all agreed to inquire of the Lord concerning the matter.

Section 97

Section 97 This revelation deals particularly with the affairs of the Saints in Zion, Jackson County, Missouri, in response to the Prophet’s inquiry of the Lord for information. Members of the Church in Missouri were at this time subjected to severe persecution and, on July 23, 1833, had been forced to sign an agreement to leave Jackson County.

Zion is “The Pure in Heart.”

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” Doctrine and Covenants 94–97″

Doctrine and Covenants 97:1–2, 8–9, 21

  • To help your children understand what the word pure could mean in Doctrine and Covenants 97:21, you could look at a glass of clean water together and add something to the water that makes it impure (such as dirt or pepper). Why is it important for water to be pure? Then your children could read verse 21 and put their finger on the word pure. What does it mean for our hearts to be pure? Verses 1–2 and 8–9 could provide some ideas. Help the children understand that being pure in heart doesn’t mean we never make mistakes. What can we do to become more pure in heart? How does the Savior help us?

21 Therefore, verily, thus saith the Lord, let Zion rejoice, for this is Zion—the pure in heart; therefore, let Zion rejoice, while all the wicked shall mourn.

Pure in Heart:

  1. Someone who is genuinely clean and good in thought and action.
  2. What are some examples of good thoughts and actions?
  3. How have we done these things?

(This video isn’t made by members of the church, but it does give a good explanation for what it means to be pure of heart.)

Building Zion

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 94-97”

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 186). To the Saints in the 1830s, Zion was a place, the literal “city of our God” (Doctrine and Covenants 97:19). But in the revelation recorded in section 97, the Lord expanded that view. Zion also describes a people—“the pure in heart” (verse 21).

 Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles declared, “Whenever the Lord has had a people of his own; whenever there have been those who have hearkened to his voice and kept his commandments; whenever his saints have served him with full purpose of heart—there has been Zion. “Liahona September 2021 “Bring Forth Zion”

Friend June 2025 “I Can Help Build Zion”

The Lord blesses people who keep covenants with Him.

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

Doctrine and Covenants 97:8–9

8 Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice—yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are accepted of me.

9 For I, the Lord, will cause them to bring forth as a very fruitful tree which is planted in a goodly land, by a pure stream, that yieldeth much precious fruit.

  • Do your children know what covenants we make with the Lord when we are baptized or in the temple? Consider reviewing those covenants with them by reading Mosiah 18:9–10, 13 or General Handbook, 27.2. Share with each other how you are striving to “observe [your] covenants by sacrifice” (Doctrine and Covenants 97:8).

Friend November 2024 “What Are Covenants?”

Friend August 2023 “My Baptismal Covenant”

  • You could invite your children to draw pictures of what Doctrine and Covenants 97:9 describes. As they share their pictures, talk about how the Lord has blessed you for keeping your covenants. How are those blessings like being a “fruitful tree which is planted … by a pure stream”?

Friend August 2023 “Walking along the Covenant Path” Heavenly Father sent you to earth to learn and grow so you can become like Him. As you follow Jesus Christ, you walk along the path back to your heavenly home. This is called the covenant path. Follow along and color these pictures to learn more.

Additional Resources

Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 94-97”

Latter Day Kids “Why We Build Temples” Lesson ideas and activity ideas

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Aug 25 2021

Doctrine & Covenants 93

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On May 6, 1833, the Prophet Joseph Smith received the revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 93. In this revelation the Savior taught the Saints how to worship and “come unto the Father in my name, and … receive of his fulness” (D&C 93:19). He also taught how we can receive truth and light and instructed the Prophet and other Church leaders to “set in order” their homes so that their families could be strengthened and protected (see D&C 93:43–50). (Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual)

Jesus Christ is the Light and Life of the World.

Doctrine and Covenants 93:2–21

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine & Covenants 93”

  • Show pictures of the Savior (such as those in the Gospel Art Book or Church magazines), and ask the children to share what they know about Him.

The Red Crystal

  • Ask your children why it is important to learn about and follow Jesus Christ. Then you could read together Doctrine and Covenants 93:19 to discover one important reason.

19. I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness.

  • Invite them to think of one way they can learn more about Jesus during the coming week, and give them a chance to share their ideas.
  • You may want to choose several truths about Christ in section 93 that are inspiring to you and help your children discover and understand them. For each truth you choose, you could give your children a word or phrase to listen for as you read the verse together. For example, Jesus Christ:
    • Did the works of the Father (verse 5).
    • Is the Light of the World (verse 9).
    • Is the Redeemer of the World (verse 9).
    • Is the Creator of the world (verse 10).
    • Received all power in heaven and on earth (verse 17).
    • Was with God in the beginning (verse 21).
    • He is the messenger of salvation. (verse 8)
    • He is the Son of God (Verse 15)

Teaching idea: Cover a picture of Jesus with the following blocks. Have the children take turns choosing one, looking it up, reading the scripture out loud, and then guessing who the scripture is about on the back of the paper. They can change their guess one time in the game. At the end, everyone shows what their guess is.

Friend August 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones”

Take turns leading family members through your house or somewhere outside. If it’s dark, have the leader use a flashlight or other light source. Talk about how we are blessed when we follow the Savior. Help your little ones say, “I can follow Jesus Christ.”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine & Covenants 93” To help your family discuss what they learn in section 93 about the Savior and themselves, you could play a matching game. For example, you could prepare one set of cards with verses from section 93 that teach truths about the Savior (see verses 3, 12, 21, 26) and another set that teaches something similar about ourselves (see verses 20, 23, 28–29). Family members could take turns picking a card from each set, reading the verses, and trying to find truths that match. How do these truths influence how we feel about the Savior and about ourselves?

What does it mean to receive “grace for grace” and to continue “from grace to grace”? (verses 12–13). What do these verses suggest about the way we grow and learn? How does knowing this affect the way we treat others—and ourselves?

I lived with Heavenly Father before I came to earth.

Doctrine and Covenants 93:23, 29, 38

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine & Covenants 93”

  • The Savior emphasized three times in section 93 that we lived with God “in the beginning” (verses 23, 29, 38). To help your children discover this, you could invite them to read Doctrine and Covenants 93:23, 29, 38 and look for a truth about themselves that is repeated in these verses. Why does Heavenly Father want us to know this truth?

  • Invite the children to color the activity page and draw pictures of themselves with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in the premortal life. Bear your testimony that God loves all of us and that we are all His children.

The Red Crystal

The Red Crystal Cut out the clouds, and after each scripture verse is read have the children find where they belong, like a puzzle.

  • You could also sing together “I Am a Child of God” or “I Lived in Heaven” (Children’s Songbook, 2–3, 4) and discuss truths we learn from these songs about our purpose for coming to earth.

Friend August 2021 “Scripture Time Fun” Reminder Rocks

  • Sing “I Am a Child of God” (Children’s Songbook, 2–3).
  • We lived with Heavenly Father before we came to earth (see Doctrine and Covenants 93:23). We are all His children.
  • Find some smooth rocks and write “You are a child of God” on them with paint or markers. Then give each rock to a friend, family member, or someone you think could use a reminder.

I receive light and truth as I obey God.

Doctrine and Covenants 93:24–39

The world has many different views on what truth is and how to find it. How can you help the children you teach understand that truth is true no matter what others may say and that Heavenly Father knows all truth?

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

  • To help your children apply the truths about obedience in Doctrine and Covenants 93, consider writing a few scripture references from this section on pieces of paper. On different pieces of paper, write the truths that each of these verses teaches. Your children could work together to read the verses and match the truths to the scripture references. Examples could include:
    • Verse 24: Truth is knowing things that are real in the past, present, and future.Verse 28: I can receive light and truth as I keep the commandments.Verse 37: When I have light and truth, I am able to resist evil.Verse 39: I lose light and truth when I am disobedient.

Friend August 2025 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Cover a flashlight with multiple pieces of paper. Take one off every time you read one of these scriptures: Doctrine and Covenants 93:24, 28, 37. Talk about how scriptures bring us light.

For younger children: Help your little ones turn on a light while you read a scripture to them. Tell them how the scriptures have helped you in your life.

Friend November 2022 “I Can Do What’s Right”

  • You may want to share examples of truths you have come to know as you have kept the commandments of the Lord.
  • Why are we grateful to have a knowledge of the truth?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine & Covenants 93” Perhaps your family could sing a song about learning at home, such as “Teach Me to Walk in the Light” (Children’s Songbook,177). Small children might enjoy making up actions to go with the words. What do you feel inspired to do to invite more “light and truth” into your home?

See Latter Day Kids for other lesson helps, including a great object lesson about truth.

Additional Resources

Aug 17 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 89-92

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Section 89

As a consequence of the early brethren using tobacco in their meetings, the Prophet was led to ponder upon the matter; consequently, he inquired of the Lord concerning it. This revelation, known as the Word of Wisdom, was the result.

Word of Wisdom

The Word of Wisdom helps me be healthy in body and spirit.

Doctrine and Covenants 89

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

  • To introduce section 89, perhaps you and your children could look at a picture of a temple or sing a song about physical health, such as “The Lord Gave Me a Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 153), to teach that our bodies are like temples for our spirits. Help your children act out ways they can care for their bodies.

Friend August 2019 “Your Body is a Temple” Activity comparing how the body is like a temple.

Friend August 2021 “The Word of Wisdom”

  • To learn about the Lord’s commandments in Doctrine and Covenants 89:10–17, you and your children could draw or look at pictures of good things we can eat or do to keep our bodies healthy (see the picture and activity page at the end of this outline).

Friend August 2025 “Teach Me about the Gift of My Body”

  • What has the Lord warned us not to use? Help the children understand that alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee, and other harmful drugs hurt our bodies and the Lord has warned us not to use them. Invite the children to choose something they can do this week to keep their bodies healthy.
  • Invite the children to take turns drawing a picture on the board that represents something taught in the Word of Wisdom. Let the rest of the children guess what each person is drawing. Talk about the Lord’s commandment in section 89 that relates to the drawing.

The Red Crystal

  • For Older Kids: Create fill-in-the-blank statements using phrases from Doctrine and Covenants 89, such as “ is ordained for the use of man and of beasts” or “And shall  and not faint” (verses 14, 20). Invite the children to work in pairs to find the answers in section 89. The children could sort the statements into the following categories: good things for our bodies, bad things for our bodies, and blessings.

Liahona August 2021 Run and Not Be Weary

In Doctrine and Covenants 89, the Lord gave a revelation called the Word of Wisdom.

  1. After reading section 89, have everyone stand in the middle of a room.
  2. Designate one side of the room to be the “good” side and the other side of the room to be the “not good” side.
  3. Have a family member read verses 5–17.
  4. The other family members will move to either the “good” or “not good” side of the room, depending on the description in that verse. Is the substance good for our bodies or not?
  • Why does He want us to care for our bodies?

Friend June 2022 “Why Should I Take Care of My Body?”

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History“ Lesson 24: The School of the Prophets and the Word of Wisdom,”  See lesson for additional teaching ideas.

What harm can come from not obeying the Word of Wisdom? (Answers may include illness and disease, poverty, dishonesty, addictive habits, automobile accidents, inactivity in the Church, and sins resulting from loss of good judgment.) Explain that in Joseph Smith’s time people did not know all that we know now about the bad effects of smoking and alcohol use. But the Lord knew about these bad effects, and he warned the people (see D&C 89:4). The Lord also knew that people who disobey the Word of Wisdom lose the desire to obey the other commandments and to become like Jesus Christ. Physical desires become more important to them than spiritual desires.

I Will Be Blessed as I Obey the Word of Wisdom.

  • Use the following example, or others you think of, to show how we are blessed by obeying the Word of Wisdom (see Doctrine and Covenants 89:18–21). Do a simple exercise together, such as walking or running in place, and then pretend to “be weary” or “faint” (verse 20). Testify of the Lord’s promises.

Friend August 2025 “Treasures of Knowledge” God has promised us “wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures” when we keep the Word of Wisdom (Doctrine and Covenants 89:19). That means He will bless us to learn and grow and give us spiritual blessings, which are like treasures in our lives. Find the treasures hiding in the picture. How have you been blessed by living the Word of Wisdom?

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Word of Wisdom”

  • Help the children role-play how they might respond if someone, even a friend, offers them something that is against the Word of Wisdom. How does obeying the Word of Wisdom protect us?
  • Elder Gary E. Stevenson counseled young people to plan in advance what they will do when tempted with alcohol or drugs. Then he taught, “You will find that temptation has less control over you. You will have already made the decision of how you will react and what you will do. You won’t need to decide every time” (“Your Priesthood Playbook,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 48). Encourage the children you teach to decide now—for the rest of their lives—to live the Word of Wisdom.

Friend August 2021 “How to Say No” What do you do when someone offers you something that you know is against the Word of Wisdom? Write what you could say in the bubbles below.

Friend August 2025 “Saying No” A boy turns down a cigarette because he remembers that Heavenly Father wouldn’t want him to smoke because it’s bad for the body.

Discussion: What promises are included in Doctrine and Covenants 89:18–21? How can taking care of our bodies improve our spiritual relationship with the Lord?

What does the Word of Wisdom say is good for our bodies? Game

Friend August 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones”

Have family members draw pictures of ways to care for their body (like eating healthy foods or playing outside). Help your little ones say, “I can take care of my body.”

For additional teaching ideas see Word of Wisdom and Resources for Teaching Children: Word of Wisdom

Section 90

This revelation is a continuing step in the establishment of the First Presidency (see the heading to section 81); as a consequence thereof, the counselors mentioned were ordained on March 18, 1833.

God gives me prophets to guide and protect me.

Doctrine and Covenants 90:5

5 And all they who receive the oracles of God, let them beware how they hold them lest they are accounted as a light thing, and are brought under condemnation thereby, and stumble and fall when the storms descend, and the winds blow, and the rains descend, and beat upon their house.

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

  • Show the children pictures of ancient prophets, and tell them how these prophets warned the people in their day. (For ideas, see “Follow the Prophet,” Children’s Songbook,110–11.)

Friend March 2010 “Follow the Prophet”

  • How has God blessed His children through His prophets?

Ensign June 2016 “We Believe in Following the Prophet”

  • Why should we listen to God’s prophets? (see Doctrine and Covenants 90:5). Then you and your children could look at a picture of the living prophet and share some things the Lord has taught or warned us about through him.

Friend September 2015 – ” How Can I Stay Safe….in Life” – Air traffic controller guides plane through fog. Prophets guide us.

Friend September 2015

Friend October 2017 “A Friendly Primary Visitor” A pilot comes to Primary and acts out flying and what could happen if he didn’t listen to the control tower. He likens the control tower to the prophet.

Friend March 2021 “Trust in the Prophet”

  • Help the children think of ways we can follow the prophet. Share your testimony of the truths taught in Doctrine and Covenants 90:5. (Note that “oracles” means revelations or the prophets who receive them.)Talk about how you “receive the oracles [revelations or prophets] of God.” How can we show that they are not “a light thing” to us?

Friend June 2022 “I Will Follow the Prophet”

Friend November 2019 “Dear Student Dictionary” After President Nelson’s special youth devotional, Matthew looked for ways to be a youth-battalion member. He was kind to others and stood up for kids being teased. After President Nelson’s conference talk about calling the church by its correct name, he wrote a letter to a student dictionary that used the name “Mormons”  and explained what the correct name of the church was.

Following His Words from Conference

Friend May 2019 “Service for Suzie” Ophelie’s favorite part of conference is when the prophet asked them to do acts of service. Ophelie’s family decide to look for ways to help others. They find out that a neighbor is having eye surgery and Ophelie asks if they can make dinner for her.

The First Presidency Holds “The Keys of the Kingdom.”

Doctrine and Covenants 90:2, 5, 14–16

The Lord’s instructions about the First Presidency in 1833 (Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams) can help the children strengthen their testimony of today’s First Presidency.

  • Invite the children to search Doctrine and Covenants 90:14–16 and write down some of the things the Lord asked the First Presidency to do. Show the children a picture of the current First Presidency, and share something about them. (You can read their biographies under “Living Prophets and Church Leaders” at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.) Share your testimony of their divine callings and the blessings you have received from following their counsel.

Review recent messages from members of the First Presidency. How do their words “unfold the mysteries of the kingdom” to you? (verse 14). How do they “set in order all the affairs of this church and kingdom”? (verse 16).

Friend October 2019

Section 91

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, March 15, 1833. The Prophet Joseph Smith was at this time engaged in the translation of the Old Testament. Having come to that portion of the ancient writings called the Apocrypha, he inquired of the Lord and received this instruction.

The Spirit can help me know what is true.

Doctrine and Covenants 91

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

As you read what the Lord told Joseph Smith about the Apocrypha, think about how this counsel could help the children discern between the truth and error they will encounter throughout their lives.

  • You could summarize the section heading for Doctrine and Covenants 91 to help your children understand why this revelation was given. They could then think of places, such as in the media, where we find “many things … that are true” and “many things … that are not true” (verses 1–2).
  • Then invite the children to search section 91 to learn what the Lord said we can do to discern between truth and error. What do verses 4–6 teach us about the Holy Ghost? How does the Holy Ghost help us know what is right?

Friend May 2018 “How You Can Know What’s True” What do you do when you feel an urgent need to know or understand something?

Friend November 2023 “Listening to the Holy Ghost” The Holy Ghost brings us messages from Heavenly Father. This is called revelation. Have you ever had a warm, happy feeling when you sing in Primary? Or had a thought to help someone? Those good thoughts and feelings come from the Holy Ghost! Ask these questions to help you know when the Holy Ghost is speaking to you.

Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) “Acquiring Spiritual Knowledge, Part 3” Reflect for a moment on the significance of water in your life.

Clipart Library
  • When does having water matter the most to you?
  • Why is the source of the water you drink important?

Seeking truth can be like drinking water: the source matters. Think of sources you turn to when you have questions or concerns. [such as the Internet] How confident are you that these sources provide true answers? Heavenly Father desires to answer your sincere questions and has provided trustworthy sources to guide you. [The prophet, from the scriptures, from the Holy Ghost. Don’t drown in the depths of filthy water. Go to the source of living water.]

Section 92

The revelation instructs Frederick G. Williams, who had recently been appointed a counselor to Joseph Smith, on his duties in the United Firm (see the headings to sections 78 and 82).

Additional Resources

Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 89-92”

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

Latter Day Kids “The Word of Wisdom” Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Aug 11 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 88

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Section 88 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet at Kirtland, Ohio, December 27 and 28, 1832, and January 3, 1833. The Prophet designated it as the “‘olive leaf’ … plucked from the Tree of Paradise, the Lord’s message of peace to us.” The revelation was given after high priests at a conference prayed “separately and vocally to the Lord to reveal his will unto us concerning the upbuilding of Zion.”

Light and Law Come from Jesus Christ.

Doctrine and Covenants 88:6–67

The words light and law are repeated many times in section 88. These words have been used in other scriptures to describe Jesus Christ and His gospel. Mark or note verses where you find these words and write down what you learn about the Savior, light, and law. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families “Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 88”)

For the Strength of Youth August 2021 “The Light of Christ”

Friend February 2008 “Gospel Light” The scriptures teach about the light of the gospel. Fill in the missing words in these scriptures about light. The picture next to each scripture stands for the circled letter. When you know what letter each picture stands for, fill in the secret code at the bottom of the page to discover the greatest light of all. (Answer: “Jesus Christ”)

Heavenly Father gives good gifts.

Doctrine and Covenants 88:33

33 For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift.

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

  • You could start a discussion about Doctrine and Covenants 88:33 by asking your children to talk about gifts they have been given—both those they received joyfully and others they did not. Maybe they could act out receiving a gift with joy. Then you could talk about gifts Heavenly Father gives us (such as the gift of the Holy Ghost). How do we receive these gifts with joy?

The Red Crystal In a wrapped box you could put items such as a picture of the prophet, a blanket (you can share how that is like the Holy Ghost), the scriptures, and a picture of your family. How can we receive these gifts with joy? How can we show God we are grateful for these gifts? Then, let the children share additional gifts that God has given us.

Resurrection

Doctrine and Covenants 88:14–33, 95–101.

What do we learn about the Resurrection from these verses? How might these truths influence the choices we make?

God Wants Me to Be Close to Him.

Doctrine and Covenants 88:63

63 Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

If I seek the Savior, I will find Him.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 88”

  • Doctrine and Covenants 88:63 contains action words that might inspire some fun activities to encourage your children to seek the Lord’s presence in their lives. For instance, can you and your children think of a game for discussing the phrase “seek me diligently and ye shall find me” (emphasis added) or “knock, and it shall be opened”? (For example, you might hide a small picture of the Savior in the room and have them seek diligently for him.)
Friend March 2017
  • To emphasize the Savior’s invitation to “draw near unto me,” you could ask one child to hold a picture of Jesus (like the picture at the end of this outline) on one side of the room while the other children stand on the other side. As your children think of things they can do to come closer to the Savior, they can take a step toward the picture, and the child holding the picture could take a step toward the other children. Talk with your children about how you draw near to the Savior and how He draws near to you. You could also sing with them a song about this topic, like “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75).
Friend March 2020

Friend August 2010 “Bright Idea”

Mormon Channel Blog “Daily Quote: Seek and You Will Find”

Latter Day Kids Lesson ideas

Jesus Christ Can Make Me Clean From Sin.

Doctrine and Covenants 88:68, 74

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 88”

To be sanctified means to be made clean and pure. How can you help the children you teach understand that they can be sanctified when they follow Jesus Christ?

  • Invite one child to read Doctrine and Covenants 88:68 aloud and another to read verse 74. Ask the children to listen for a phrase that is in both of these verses. How do we “sanctify” ourselves? (If needed, help the children look up “Sanctification” in the Guide to the Scriptures.) Draw a picture of a heart, a hand, and a foot on the board. Help the children think of what it might mean to “purify” and “cleanse” our hearts, hands, and feet. How does the Savior help us do this? How can we use our hearts, hands, and feet to become more like Jesus?
  • Explain that the Lord wanted His people to be sanctified before they could go into the temple. Consider inviting a young man or young woman who has a temple recommend to visit the class. Invite him or her to show the children what a recommend looks like, discuss what they do to live worthy of it, and share why it’s important to have a temple recommend even if we don’t live close to a temple.

Friend February 1996 “Matt and Mandy”

Below: Object Lesson from Teaching LDS Children

Show the children the white shirt you brought, and lay it on top of a spread out plastic garbage bag. Explain to the children that sin is like dirt and stains. Apply staining items to the shirt as you mention sins that stain our spirits, such as lying, stealing, hate, etc. (The garbage bag is to help prevent spills on the carpet.) Ask the children how they would feel if they had to wear the dirty shirt and how they would feel if they could never change the shirt or take a shower.

• Would it be difficult going out among people in that state?  Would we feel comfortable in heaven being among spiritually clean people if we have stains of sin upon us?

Show the children the soap and explain that just like we have soap to clean our bodies and our clothes, Heavenly Father has provided a way for us to become clean from our sins. He provided a Savior for us who took upon himself our sins.

Heavenly Father Wants Me to Learn.

Doctrine and Covenants 88:77–80, 118

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 24: The School of the Prophets and the Word of Wisdom,” The School of the Prophets Is Organized

In Doctrine and Covenants 88 the Lord instructed Joseph Smith to form a school to teach the leaders of the Church about the gospel and prepare them to serve the members of the Church. In this school, called the School of the Prophets, Church leaders were to teach one another about the gospel and other important subjects (see D&C 88:77–80). Leaders of the Church in the Kirtland area began attending the School of the Prophets at the end of January 1833. The school was held in the evenings, in an upstairs room of Newel K. Whitney’s store. The Prophet taught the men about the importance of learning and preaching the gospel and of learning about the world around them. In addition to studying the scriptures and the principles of the gospel, the men also studied Hebrew and Greek.

Doctrine and Covenants Stories Chapter 31

In 1831 the Lord had commanded Oliver Cowdery and W. W. Phelps to write and select textbooks for children (see D&C 55:4). After Joseph Smith organized the School of the Prophets for the priesthood leaders of the Church, he organized a school for children. Classes were held in the attic of the Kirtland Temple. One hundred forty children attended the school.

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

  • Ask your children to tell you about what they are learning in school or Primary. You might also share some things you are learning. Then you could show your children the words what, why, and how. Help them search Doctrine and Covenants 88:77–79 to find out what the Lord wants us to learn about. Then look together in verse 80 to find out why He wants us to learn and in verse 118 to find out how we should learn.

The Red Crystal

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 88”

“Education is an important part of Heavenly Father’s plan to help you become more like Him. … The education you gain will be valuable to you during mortality and in the life to come” (For the Strength of Youth, 9).

  • Display a picture of a school, or draw one on the board, and invite the children to explain what a school is and what happens there. Show the children pictures of a home, a church, and a temple, and ask them how these places are also like schools.
clipart library

Come Follow Me Kid See link for additional lesson ideas

Friend August 2017 “Three Classrooms” There are three different classrooms in life.

  • Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:118, and emphasize the phrase “teach one another.” Share some wisdom that you have learned from each of the children in your class, and invite them to share wisdom they have learned.

  • Display a map of the world, and read together Doctrine and Covenants 88:79. Why is it important for us to learn about other countries and cultures? If you or the children you teach have visited or lived in another country, show items that represent the culture, and share things you learned.

Bright Idea Poster: “Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.”(May 2013 Friend)

Family Evening Resource Book: “Learning” Learning Is Important

Discuss the following ideas to show the importance of gaining knowledge:

  1. Perfect knowledge is one of God’s attributes (see 2 Nephi 9:20).
  2. The commandment to study and learn is repeated many times in the Doctrine and Covenants (D&C 88:118, 130:18–19, and D&C 131:6).
  3. Peter said knowledge was necessary to become like Heavenly Father (2 Peter 1:5–9).

Discuss how learning can help us become more like our Father in Heaven.

“Learn!” (September 2011 Friend)
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf tells of how he loved learning as a child and how it is important for everyone to learn as much as they can.

Friend August 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones” Help your littles ones say, “Heavenly Father wants me to learn.” Talk about good things we learn at church and school. Have your little ones draw something they have learned.

“Establish … a House of God.”

Our home can be holy like the temple.

Doctrine and Covenants 88:119

119 Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;

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

  • As you read Doctrine and Covenants 88:119 to your children, they could make a temple spire with their arms every time they hear the word “house.” Explain that Heavenly Father wanted Joseph Smith and the Saints to build a temple, or a “house of God.”
  • You could ask your children to choose seven words that describe their home. Then help them find, in Doctrine and Covenants 88:119, the seven words the Lord uses to describe His house. How can we make our home a “house of God”?

The Red Crystal

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 88”

Doctrine and Covenants 88:119–26

  • Give each child a phrase from Doctrine and Covenants 88:119–26 to draw. When they show their pictures to each other, let the children search the verses to guess what phrase each picture represents.
  • Write on the board Do and Don’t. Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 88:119–26 and list things the Lord wanted the Saints to do or not do to prepare to learn in the temple. They could look up unfamiliar words in a dictionary. Invite the children to choose something that they will start doing or something they will stop doing.

Liahona August 2021 Organize Yourselves

Our homes can follow this pattern: “Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:119).

Organize means to arrange things in order or to prepare an activity or event.

Organize your family in different ways:

  1. Have them stand in line from oldest to youngest.
  2. Have them stand in alphabetical order, according to their first name.
  3. Have them line up according to the month of their birth.

Discussion: How does the Savior want us to organize ourselves (1) in our household jobs, (2) in our spiritual study, (3) in our worship at church and in the temple?

What goals can your family set to create a “house of God”?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families “Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 88”

To inspire your family to make your home like the description in verse 119, try something like this: Write phrases from this verse on strips of paper, and use them to cover a picture of the temple. Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:119 together, and let family members remove each strip of paper as they hear the corresponding phrase in the verse. What can we do to make our home a “house of God”? (verse 119).

Friend August 2021 “Scripture Time Fun: Building a Happy Home”

  • Sing “Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth” (Hymns, no. 298).
  • Heavenly Father wants us to “establish … a house of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:119). He wants us to make our homes holy places like the temple, where we can feel the Holy Ghost.
  • Read “The Important Guest” on page 4. Then build a house out of blocks, sticks, or other items you can find. Every time you add a piece to the house, say something you can do to make your home a place where the Holy Ghost feels welcome.

Additional Resources

Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 88”

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal

Aug 2 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 85-87

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Table of Contents

Section 85

Section 85 This section is an extract from a letter of the Prophet to William W. Phelps, who was living in Independence, Missouri. It answers questions about those Saints who had moved to Zion but who had not followed the commandment to consecrate their properties and had thus not received their inheritances according to the established order in the Church.

The Spirit Speaks with a “Still Small Voice.”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87” Elder Richard G. Scott said, “If you accomplish nothing else in your relationship with your students than to help them recognize and follow the promptings of the Spirit, you will bless their lives immeasurably and eternally” (“To Learn and to Teach More Effectively” [Brigham Young University Education Week devotional, Aug. 21, 2007], 5, speeches.byu.edu).

Doctrine and Covenants 85:6

6 Yea, thus saith the still small voice, which whispereth through and pierceth all things, and often times it maketh my bones to quake while it maketh manifest, saying:

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

  • Ask the children what they would say if someone asked them how they know when the Holy Ghost speaks to them. Invite them to read about one way Joseph Smith described the Spirit’s voice in Doctrine and Covenants 85:6. They could then practice listening to and speaking in a small voice. You might also share experiences when the Spirit spoke to you in a still, small voice.

Friend May 2025 “Margo and Paolo: The Still, Small Voice” Margo had heard that the Holy Ghost talks in a quiet voice. But she didn’t think she had ever heard Him! Her grandmother told her that the Holy Ghost usually speaks to us through our thoughts and feelings. Then Margo remembered when she felt like I shouldn’t go to jiu jitsu on Sunday. She realized that the Holy Ghost does speak to her.

Friend August 2023 “A Special Gift” The missionaries teach Mehrimah’s family that the Holy Ghost helps us feel peace and comfort from Heavenly Father. He also encourages us to do good things, and He helps us know what is true. They invited the family to pay close attention to their thoughts and feelings that week, and look for times when when the Holy Ghost is speaking to them. Mehrimah notices that she felt felt calm and peaceful when they said family prayer. When she listened to a song about Jesus Christ she felt happy. It made her want to help other people. She felt warm and happy when she repented of a wrong doing. And when she was baptized she felt peaceful, like someone was telling her to live a good life, to help people, and to keep the commandments. She knew she all those feelings were from the Holy Ghost.

  • To help your children understand the phrase “still small voice,” you could play a children’s song quietly, such as “The Holy Ghost” (Children’s Songbook, 105). Ask one of the children to guess what song it is while other children make distracting noises. Then you could repeat the song with no distractions. What distractions can we remove from our lives to feel the Spirit more often?

New Era January 2019 “How to Get Better Revelation Reception” Use a cup and string communication device and put folded papers on the string of things that might interfere with receiving revelation. (See article for more information.)

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87”

How can you teach your family to recognize the still, small voice of the Spirit? Maybe you could play a game in which someone whispers important instructions amid distracting noises. What might be distracting us from hearing the Holy Ghost? Perhaps family members could share what they do to hear the voice of the Spirit.

Friend August 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones”

For Doctrine and Covenants 85–87: Sing a hymn or Primary song very quietly. Practice concentrating on hearing and understanding the song. Help your little ones say, “I can listen for the Holy Ghost.”

Friend August 2016 “The Little Bottle of Silence” Gage’s grandfather gives him a empty bottle of “silence” at his baptism to remind Gage that quietness helps you hear the Holy Ghost. He feels the Holy Ghost comforting him during a sad time when he seeks quiet time.

image
image

Friend September 2015 “Sister Pettigrew’s Lesson”  Child learns to listen to the still, small voice

Friend September 2015

Section 86

Section 86 This revelation was received while the Prophet was reviewing and editing the manuscript of the translation of the Bible. His journal entry states that he had “received a Revelation explaining the Parable [of] the wheat and the [tares]”

I Can Be Like a Light to Others.

Doctrine and Covenants 86:11

11 Therefore, blessed are ye if ye continue in my goodness, a light unto the Gentiles, and through this priesthood, a savior unto my people Israel. The Lord hath said it. Amen.

Section 86 describes the important work the Lord wants His servants to do in the latter days. One way children can help with this work is by being a light to people around them.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87”

  • Read to the children the following phrase from Doctrine and Covenants 86:11: “Blessed are ye if ye continue in my goodness, a light unto the Gentiles [or people who don’t have the gospel].” Here are some questions you can ask your children as you discuss Doctrine and Covenants 86:11: How does light bless us? What is it like when we have no light? How can we be a light to other people? Help your children think of ways we can “continue in [Jesus’s] goodness” and share it with others.
Ensign August 2015
  • Ask the children to imagine that a friend is trying to walk in the dark (turn off the lights if it helps). Why is it hard to walk in the dark? What can we do to help our friend? Explain that when we follow the Savior, it’s like shining a light to show others the way to go.

Friend March 2011 “Bright Idea”

Friend August 2021 “Scripture Time Fun: Example Candles”

  • Sing “I Am like a Star” (Children’s Songbook, 163).
  • Jesus said we should be a “light” unto others (Doctrine and Covenants 86:11). That means we should be good examples to everyone.
  • Draw a candle on a piece of paper and color the flame on the top. Cut it out and attach it to your shirt or hang it around your neck with some string, like a necklace. With your family, talk about what you can do to be a good example.

Friend October 1999 “Let Your Light Shine” Fold in half on the vertical straight line, and glue the backs together. When the glue is dry, cut out the puzzle pieces on the heavy lines and put them into a small container. Have a family member take a puzzle piece from the container and pantomime (act out without using words or noises) what is shown on the small-picture side of it that we can do to share the gospel. Let others guess what it is, then show the picture and post the puzzle piece, candle-side up. Repeat till the puzzle is finished. Remember, each good thing we do helps our light shine.

Friend November 2015 “Be a Shing Light” Ways we can become examples so our lights will shine.

Friend November 2015
Friend November 2015

Friend August 2016 Being modest in how we speak, act, and dress is a great way to shine a light for others to follow. Color in the flashlights by the ones you are already doing. Which ones do you want to work on?

Friend August 2016
Friend August 2016

Friend April 2017 “Be a Light” Color in the sun as you figure out someone to be an example to by doing certain things for them such as loving, forgiving, encouraging, etc.

For additional teaching ideas see Example and Resources for Teaching Children “Example”

I Can Help Gather God’s People.

Doctrine and Covenants 86

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87”

The parable of the wheat and the tares is about “the last days, even now” (Doctrine and Covenants 86:4). Use this parable to help the children feel inspired to take part in “the gathering of the wheat” (verse 7).

  • Tell the children the parable of the wheat and the tares, or invite a child to tell it (see Matthew 13:24–30). Invite the children to draw a picture of something from the parable. Then read together Doctrine and Covenants 86:1–7, and invite the children to write on their drawings what the thing they drew represents.

See Friend February 1995 “The Wheat and the Tares” and/or Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual “Section 86, The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares” for explanation of the Wheat and Tares story

The Red Crystal

Wheat and Tares

Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual

The Lord gathers His people like wheat.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025
  • Prepare several small pictures or drawings of wheat, and hide them around the room. Invite each child to help gather the wheat and write on it the name of someone they can “gather” to Jesus Christ. What does it mean to gather people to Jesus Christ? What are some ways we can do this? What does it mean to “continue in [the Savior’s] goodness,” and how does that help us gather people to Him? (Doctrine and Covenants 86:11).

The Red Crystal

Section 87

Section 87 Revelation and prophecy on war, given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at or near Kirtland, Ohio, December 25, 1832. At this time disputes in the United States over slavery and South Carolina’s nullification of federal tariffs were prevalent. Joseph Smith’s history states that “appearances of troubles among the nations” were becoming “more visible” to the Prophet “than they had previously been since the Church began her journey out of the wilderness.” 1–4, War is foretold between the Northern States and the Southern States;

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87”

Christmas Day is usually a time to ponder messages like “peace on earth” and “good will toward men” (see Luke 2:14). But on December 25, 1832, Joseph Smith’s mind was occupied with the threat of war. South Carolina had just defied the United States government and was preparing for battle. And the Lord revealed to Joseph that this was only the beginning: “War,” He declared, “will be poured out upon all nations” (Doctrine and Covenants 87:2). It seemed like this prophecy would be fulfilled very soon.

But then it wasn’t. Within just a few weeks, South Carolina and the U.S. government reached a compromise, and war was averted. But revelation is not always fulfilled at the time or in the way we expect. Nearly 30 years later, long after Joseph Smith was martyred and the Saints had moved west, South Carolina did rebel and civil war followed. Since then, war throughout the world has caused “the earth [to] mourn” (Doctrine and Covenants 87:6). While the prophecy was ultimately fulfilled, the value of this revelation is less in predicting when calamity will come and more in teaching what to do when it does. The counsel is the same in 1831, 1861, and 2021: “Stand ye in holy places, and be not moved” (verse 8).

I Can “Stand … in Holy Places.”

Doctrine and Covenants 87:6, 8

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

  • Read together Doctrine and Covenants 87:6 to learn about things the Lord said would happen in the latter days. Then you could talk about some of the challenges you and your children face. In verse 8, what did the Lord say we can do during hard times?
  • Help your children make a list of holy places, holy thoughts, and holy actions that can help them face spiritual danger. For ideas, see the videos “Standing in Holy Places” and “Stand Ye in Holy Places—Bloom Where You’re Planted” (Gospel Library).

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 45”

Come Follow Me Kid See link for more lesson ideas

Latter Day Kids Lesson ideas

Our Homes Can Be “Holy Places.”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87”

No home is perfect, but there are things we can all do to make our homes into holy places of peace.

  • Show a picture of a temple, and share why the temple is a holy place. Show a picture of a home, and help the children think of ways they can make their homes holy like the temple (see this week’s activity page). Why do we want to be in holy places?

The Red Crystal Start with the picture of the home (not cut). Then have the children add pieces of the temple (cut), as they share their ideas of how to make their homes like the temple, have them place the pieces on top of the home. Or vise versa.

Friend August 2021 “Bright Idea”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87”

To introduce a discussion about how to make your home a holier place, you could invite family members to design a home for someone who loves the Savior. This may lead to ideas about how to “redesign” your home to make it a place of peace amid the spiritual danger in the world. Songs like “Love at Home,” “Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth” (Hymns,nos. 294, 298), or “Where Love Is” (Children’s Songbook, 138–39) could give you ideas.

Friend November 2009 “Making Your Home a Holy Place” Our home can be one of the holiest places on earth. We can do things to make it easier to feel the Holy Ghost in our homes. Look at each room in this house and decide if what the children are doing will or will not make the house a holier place. If something is happening that will make it easier to feel the Holy Ghost, choose the blue letter. If not, choose the red letter. To find out what your home can be like, fill in the blanks with the correct letters from each room.

Our home can be like a __ __ __ __ __ __.

Additional Resources

Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87”

The Red Crystal

Jul 28 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 84

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Table of Contents

Section 84 In September 1832, missionaries returned to Kirtland, Ohio, from preaching the gospel in the eastern United States and reported their successes to the Prophet Joseph Smith. During their reunion, the Prophet inquired of the Lord and received the revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 84. In this revelation the Lord explained how the priesthood prepares the Saints to enter God’s presence and receive all that He has. The Lord taught of the importance of hearkening to His words and reproved the Saints in Jackson County, Missouri, for treating the Book of Mormon and His commandments lightly. The Lord also commanded the Saints to preach the gospel to the world and provided instructions for doing so. (Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual Chapter 31)

Latter Day Kids “What is the Priesthood? “ Lesson ideas to go with video

Priesthood Ordinances Help Me Prepare to Live with Heavenly Father Again.

Doctrine and Covenants 84:4–5, 18–28, 30

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 84”

Do the children you teach know the purposes of the priesthood? In Doctrine and Covenants 84, the Lord reveals one purpose: to help us return to Heavenly Father. (To learn more, see Gospel Topics, “Priesthood,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.)

New Era April 2014 “The Gate and the Path”

Teaching Children the Gospel “Ordinance (and Covenants) Progression Lesson” We must receive the saving ordinances of the gospel and keep the associated covenants in order to return to the presence of the Lord.

I can receive Heavenly Father’s power through priesthood ordinances.

Doctrine and Covenants 84:19–22

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

  • To help your children understand what an ordinance is, consider looking at pictures of several priesthood ordinances with them, such as Gospel Art Book, nos. 103–8, or this week’s activity page. Ask them to describe what is happening in each picture. You could then read together Doctrine and Covenants 84:19–22. Why does Heavenly Father want us to receive these ordinances? Tell your children how you have felt God’s power because of ordinances you received and covenants you made. (See also “Priesthood Power, Authority, and Keys” in appendix A or appendix B.)

 Many different ordinances are performed throughout a person’s life, some are for comfort and guidance, and others are essential to salvation. (Do the activity below to identify the ordinances and the saving ordinances.) Hint: Ordinances are sacred ceremonies or acts that are performed by the proper priesthood authority.  

Ordinances and Covenants:

Invite the children to list the priesthood ordinances they have participated in or witnessed, such as baptism, confirmation, priesthood blessings, or the sacrament. Ask them to share their experiences with these ordinances.

Temple Priesthood Ordinances

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

  • To help your children look forward to going to the temple, you could create a puzzle out of a picture of a temple. On the back of each piece, you could write something we do in the temple, such as being baptized for ancestors, being sealed to our families, and making covenants with God. Read Doctrine and Covenants 84:4–5 with your children, and ask them to listen for what the Lord commanded the Saints to build. As you and your children put the puzzle together, share with each other things we can do to prepare to enter the temple.

Friend October 2021 “Build a Temple” Cut along the dotted lines to make a puzzle of what the Bangkok Thailand Temple will look like.

For additional teaching ideas see Priesthood and Ordinances and Resources for Teaching Children “Priesthood”

I am Jesus’s friend as I follow Him.

Doctrine and Covenants 84:77

77 And again I say unto you, my friends, for from henceforth I shall call you friends, it is expedient that I give unto you this commandment, that ye become even as my friends in days when I was with them, traveling to preach the gospel in my power;

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

  • After reading Doctrine and Covenants 84:77 together, ask your children about what it means to be a friend. You might talk about good friends you’ve had. How does Jesus show us that He wants us to be His friends? How can we show that we want that too? A song like “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79) could help with this conversation.

Ensign July 2010 “Jesus Christ, Our Perfect Friend”

Friend June 2018 “Family Night Fun” Add to the chain each time you do something towards being a good friend such as being kind, including others, etc.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 84”

How can you help the children know that the Savior loves us even more than a dear friend does?

  • Display a picture of the Savior as you read Doctrine and Covenants 84:77. Invite the children to point to the picture of the Savior every time they hear the word “friends.” Share what it means to you to have Jesus as your friend.
  • Help the children list some things they can do to show their friends that they love them. What did Jesus do to show us that He is our friend? What can we do to show the Savior that we are His friends? Sing together a song about Jesus, such as “Jesus Is Our Loving Friend” (Children’s Songbook, 58).

Heavenly Father helps His servants.

Doctrine and Covenants 84:88

88 And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.

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

Help the children see that we are all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because of missionary work—missionaries either taught the gospel to us, our parents, or our ancestors. Tell the children about how missionaries helped you or your ancestors receive the gospel. Let the children share similar experiences. Encourage them to ask their parents how the first Church members in their families learned about the gospel.

The Lord protects and empowers missionaries.

Then you could read about a special promise the Lord made to missionaries in Doctrine and Covenants 84:88. Maybe your children could think of actions that go with this verse. Consider sharing about a time when you were serving the Lord and felt that He was with you, as described in verse 88.

The Red Crystal

You might also help your children think of ways they can be missionaries now. Testify that Heavenly Father helps us know what to say when we talk with others about Jesus Christ.

Below are links to stories about different ways to share the gospel.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 84”

Help the children think of people they know, or people in the scriptures, who received the Lord’s help when preaching the gospel (such as Samuel the Lamanite [see Helaman 13:2–4; 16:6–7] or Ammon [see Alma 17:32–38]). Share an experience when you felt the Lord’s support while you were serving Him.

The Red Crystal

How can Heavenly Father help us when we share the gospel with others, even when it may be hard or we feel nervous?

Friend July 2021 “Scripture Time Fun” Paper Lilies

  • Sing “I Feel My Savior’s Love” (Children’s Songbook, 74–75).
  • Jesus said to “consider the lilies of the field” (Doctrine and Covenants 84:82). If Heavenly Father takes care of the flowers, we can trust that He will take care of us! (See Doctrine and Covenants 84:83–85.)
  • Make a paper lily to remind you of Heavenly Father’s love and care. Trace your hand on a piece of paper and cut it out. Roll the hand shape into a cone. Then roll each “finger” around a pencil to curl the paper outward for the petals. If you want, you can tape your flower to a stick to make a stem.

Additional Resources

Doctrine and Covenants 84:43–44.

44 For you shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.

You could prepare a meal or a treat together and label each ingredient with a word or phrase from verse 44. Why is it important that we include every ingredient? Why is it important to live by every word of God? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 84”)

Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 84”

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

Latter Day Kids Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Jul 21 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 81-83

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Table of Contents

Section 81 The revelation (dated March 1832) should be regarded as a step toward the formal organization of the First Presidency, specifically calling for the office of counselor in that body and explaining the dignity of the appointment.

In March 1832, the Lord called Jesse Gause to be a counselor to Joseph Smith in the Presidency of the High Priesthood (now called the First Presidency). Doctrine and Covenants 81 is a revelation to Brother Gause about his new calling. But Jesse Gause did not serve faithfully, so Frederick G. Williams was called to replace him. Brother Williams’s name replaced Brother Gause’s name in the revelation.

[This] implies a significant truth: most revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants are addressed to specific people, but we can always seek ways to apply them to ourselves (see 1 Nephi 19:23). (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025)

Section 81

I can pray to God “vocally and in [my] heart.”

Doctrine and Covenants 81:3

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 81-83”

When the Lord called Frederick G. Williams to be a counselor to the Prophet Joseph Smith, He counseled Frederick to be “faithful … in prayer always.”

Read to the children the Lord’s counsel to be “faithful … in prayer always, vocally and in thy heart, in public and in private” (Doctrine and Covenants 81:3).

  • To encourage your children to pray in their hearts, you could give them paper hearts and invite them to draw or write something they want to pray about to Heavenly Father.
  • Testify that Heavenly Father knows what we are thinking and feeling and He can hear our prayers even if we don’t say them out loud. You might share with them an experience when you prayed in your heart and Heavenly Father heard you.
  • As you read Doctrine and Covenants 81:3 with your children, help them think of different “public” and “private” places where they can pray.

The Red Crystal This is a sorting activity for older children, where there children can decide on if it is prayer they say in their hearts or vocally.

This is a fun activity that is in Red Crystal’s store. Example: Put the house, the school, play ground, and store on the four corners of the room. Read the the clues one will say “A place with carts and shelves galore, Let’s take a trip to the great big _________!” They all gather to the picture of the store. Then read short story of Emily getting lost in the store (on a card in this same purchase.) There is a question asking the children if this would be a good place to say the prayer vocally or in her heart. (There is no wrong answer)

You might also listen to or sing with them a hymn about prayer, such as “Secret Prayer” (Hymns, no. 144). Invite the children to share a phrase from the hymn that helps them understand something about prayer. You could also talk about speaking reverently to Heavenly Father.

The Red Crystal Pass out the pictures. When they hear their picture in the song, they can come up front and put it on the board.

(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 January 2019

Friend June 2025 “Presentation Panic” Allyson hated talking in front of people, but she had to do a history presentation. She had practiced it several times, but when she got up to give it her mind went blank from fear. She said a prayer in her mind for help. As soon as she finished, her panic faded away and she was able to give her presentation.

Latter Day Kids “Pray Always” Lesson ideas

The Lord wants me to help people in need.

Doctrine and Covenants 81:5

Heavenly Father knows the needs of each of His children, and He often uses other people—like the children you teach—to help meet those needs. How can you help the children recognize the needs of others and serve them?

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 81-83”

  • With your children, draw pictures of hands and knees, and ask your children to find these body parts in Doctrine and Covenants 81:5. What is the Lord asking us to do in this verse? You might share with each other some ways that people have strengthened you when you felt “weak” or “feeble.”

“Succor the weak” (Succor definition: to give assistance and support in times of hardship and distress.) “Lift up the hands which hang down” means helping others and encouraging them when they are sad or tired.

The Red Crystal Write the scripture on the chalkboard. Have the children draw the feet and hands in the blanks.

Or, have one or three children, stand up as your models. Attach the matching image to their hands feet or knees, as you read the scripture. Then read it a second time and stop and point to that picture when you come to the word and have them say the word instead of you.

The video “Pass It On” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) could give your children ideas about how they serve others.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 81-83”

Encourage the children to seek the Lord’s guidance to know who they can help.

  • You could also use pictures or videos to tell simple stories of Jesus Christ serving others (see the pictures in this outline; Gospel Art Book, nos. 41, 42, 46, 47, 55; or one of the Bible Videos in Gospel Library). How can we follow the Savior’s example of helping others?

Friend June 2017 “Jesus Healed People” Story of Jarius’s daughter being raised from the dead, and the story of the women with an issue of blood being healed when she touches the hem of Jesus’s robe.

Friend July 2017 “Jesus Fed Many People”

Friend September 2017 “Jesus is Kind” Jesus blesses the children.

How can we follow the Savior’s example of helping others?

Friend January 2018 “Following Paw Prints” As Derek was following paw prints in the snow, he helped his neighbors along the way. He likes to follow the example of Jesus by helping others. (Also do the activity of finding ways Derek can help family members.)

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “The Poor and the Needy”

You could also sing a song about service, such as “Have I Done Any Good?” (Hymns, no. 223). Consider helping your children make a plan to help at least one person in need this week.

Friend July 2021 “Scripture Time Fun: Words of Comfort”

  • Jesus taught that we should “lift up the hands which hang down” (Doctrine and Covenants 81:5). That means helping others and encouraging them when they are sad or tired.
  • Make a helping hand! Trace your hand on a piece of paper and cut it out. Write something on it that you will do to help others and then hang it up where you can see it. If you want, you could hang your family’s hands up together to make a helping hands tree!

Friend July 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones”

For Doctrine and Covenants 81–83: Think of someone your family can serve. Give them a treat or card or help them with something. Help your little ones say, “I can help others!”

See Service for additional teaching ideas.

Section 82

Heavenly Father promises blessings as I strive to obey Him.

Doctrine and Covenants 82:10

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

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.

You might want to help your children think of examples of His commandments (see, for example, Exodus 20:4–17; Matthew 22:37–39; Doctrine and Covenants 89:5–17). It might help if you and your children find or draw pictures to represent some of them.

Friend June 2025 “Love From Above”
  • How do Heavenly Father’s commandments show His love for us?

Friend June 2025 “Love From Above” When Sister Wright, a counselor in the General Primary Presidency, was growing up, her Primary leaders taught her that the commandments are like loving letters from God. When her oldest son was little, he loved making cookies and watching them bake. She warned not to get too close to the oven, but one day he put his hands and face on the door. It was hot and he ran crying to his mother. Because she loved her son, she had given him a warning to keep him safe. God gives us commandments because He wants to keep us safe because he loves us.

  • Perhaps a simple game would help your children see God’s commandments as blessings, not burdens. One person could give instructions to help another person, who is blindfolded, to do something like make a sandwich or draw a picture. Think of something fun and creative! Then talk about how God’s commandments are like the instructions in this game.

The Red Crystal Blind fold a child. Have them try to draw a line and stay on the road, everyone can talk and help him/her. It is harder than you think.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 81-83”

  • Read to the children, “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say” (Doctrine and Covenants 82:10). Ask the children to repeat this phrase several times with you, and think of ways to help them remember it, such as inviting them to clap to the rhythm of the phrase. Testify that when we obey God’s commandments, He keeps His promises to us.

Also see Commandments and Resources for Teaching Children: Commandments and Obedience for more teaching ideas.

Additional Resources:

Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 81–83”

See “Newel K. Whitney and the United Firm,” “Jesse Gause: Counselor to the Prophet,” Revelations in Context, 142–47, 155–57.

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

Latter Day Kids “I Can Help People in Need” Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal

Jul 14 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 77-80

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Table of Contents

Section 77

Section 77 Joseph Smith’s history states, “In connection with the translation of the Scriptures, I received the following explanation of the Revelation of St. John.”

1–4, Beasts have spirits and will dwell in eternal felicity; 5–7, This earth has a temporal existence of 7,000 years; 8–10, Various angels restore the gospel and minister on earth; 11, The sealing of the 144,000; 12–14, Christ will come in the beginning of the seventh thousand years; 15, Two prophets will be raised up to the Jewish nation.

I Can Receive Answers to My Questions About the Scriptures.

Doctrine and Covenants 77

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 77-80”

When Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon had questions about the book of Revelation as they worked on the inspired translation of the Bible, Joseph naturally sought wisdom from God. Section 77 contains the questions and the answers Joseph received about the book of Revelation. Ponder how you can follow the Prophet Joseph’s example when you study the scriptures. You might ask Heavenly Father, “What am I to understand?”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 77-80”

  • Ask the children if they, like Joseph, have ever felt that they didn’t understand something in the scriptures. Let them share their experiences. What did Joseph do to find answers? Tell the children about a time when Heavenly Father helped you understand something in the scriptures.
  • The children you teach might enjoy reading some of the verses in the book of Revelation that Joseph Smith had questions about. Then they could look in Doctrine and Covenants 77 for what the Lord wanted him to understand. Choose a few verses you feel would be meaningful.

God Created Every Creature on Earth.

Doctrine and Covenants 77:2

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 77-80”

  • As you and your children read Doctrine and Covenants 77:2 together, you might look at pictures of animals, including insects and birds. Your children could point to the pictures when you read the words “beasts,” “creeping things,” and “fowls of the air.”Testify that God created all of these things because He loves us and wants us to be happy (see also Doctrine and Covenants 59:16–20).Share with each other how God’s creations help you feel His love.

Friend July 2021 “Find It” Julia and Leo went on a nature walk with their dad and stepmom. They loved seeing all of God’s creations! Find the hidden objects below.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 77-80”

After reading this verse, family members could draw pictures of their favorite “beasts, … creeping things, … [or] fowls of the air” created by God. What do we learn about God’s creations from this verse? (see also Doctrine and Covenants 59:16–20). You could also sing a song about God’s creations, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook,228–29), and display the painting that accompanies this outline.

  • Sing with the children a song about God’s creations, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook,228–29). Ask the children how the things they are singing about help them feel God’s love.
  • See the below visuals here.

img_3461img_3462

Friend July 2025 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Animal Actions” Under God’s direction, Jesus Christ created every creature on earth (see Doctrine and Covenants 77:2). Play an animal guessing game! One person pretends to be a certain animal. Everyone else tries to guess what animal they are. Once you guess it right, say something you like about that animal.

For younger children: Go on a walk with your little ones and point out animals you see. Or look at pictures of animals. Teach them that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ created every creature on earth.

Friend July 2025 “God Created Every Creature on Earth” Coloring Page

Gathering Israel

Doctrine and Covenants 77:14.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 77-80”

This verse explains that John ate a book that represented his mission to gather Israel. What does the symbolism of eating suggest about how we should approach our role in gathering Israel or doing other things the Lord wants us to do? Here are some other scriptures in which eating is used to teach a spiritual truth: John 6:48–51; 2 Nephi 32:3; Moroni 4. Perhaps you could make a favorite family dish to eat together during this discussion.

Section 78

Section 78 Less than two years after the Church of Jesus Christ was restored, it had grown to over 2,000 members and was spreading quickly. In March 1832 Joseph Smith met with other Church leaders “to discuss Church business”: the need to publish revelations, purchase land to gather on, and care for the poor (see Doctrine and Covenants 78, section heading). To meet these needs, the Lord called on a small number of Church leaders to form the United Firm, a group that would join their efforts to “advance the cause” of the Lord (verse 4) in these areas. (For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 77-80”)

I Can Help “Advance the Cause” of Jesus Christ.

Doctrine and Covenants 78:3–7

In section 78, the Lord gave specific instructions to several Church leaders that would help them “advance the cause” of the Lord (verse 4). Help the children consider what their roles might be in advancing the Lord’s cause.

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

  • To help your children think about their roles in the Lord’s work, consider reading with them Doctrine and Covenants 78:4 to identify the “cause” we “espoused” (accepted or chose to support) when we were baptized. Help them look in scripture passages like these for possible answers: Mosiah 18:8–10; Doctrine and Covenants 20:37; Moses 1:39. Your children might enjoy role-playing how they can help with the Lord’s work. For example, what does it look like to “bear one another’s burdens” or “take upon [ourselves] the name of Jesus Christ”? How does this “advance the cause” of Christ?

The Red Crystal Have the children sort the cards that they hear mentioned in the scriptures. It should look like the below image

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 77-80”

  • Explain to the children that Newel K. Whitney owned a store and that the Lord asked him and other men to use some of their money to help pay for the Lord’s work (see Doctrine and Covenants 63:42–43). Invite them to read Doctrine and Covenants 78:3–7 and look for reasons these men were asked to do so. How would we have felt if we were asked to share like Newel did? Help them think of ways people contribute to the Lord’s work in our day, such as paying tithing and fast offerings, serving in callings, and so on.

See also Church Service

I Can Share What I Have with Others.

Doctrine and Covenants 78:6

6 For if ye are not equal in earthly things ye cannot be equal in obtaining heavenly things;

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

  • To teach what it means to be “equal in earthly things” (verse 6), you could give your children pictures of people in need (hungry, injured, or cold) and objects that would help (such as food, a bandage, or a blanket). Then your children could match the pictures with the objects. What can we share to help people in need?

Come Follow Me Kid

  • To get some context for section 78, read with your children the sentences under the first two pictures of “Chapter 28: The Prophet Joseph Goes to Missouri Again” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 108, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library). Then your children could pretend they are helping someone build a house, sharing food, or serving in another way.

Doctrine and Covenants Scripture Stories “Chapter 28: The Prophet Joseph Goes to Missouri Again”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 77-80”

Heavenly Father wants us to share our blessings freely with each other so that we can be “equal in earthly things” and in “heavenly things” (verse 6).

  • To teach what it means to be “equal in earthly things” (verse 6), give children pictures of people in need (such as people who are hungry, injured, or cold. (Tip: Google search for images)). Then give other children objects that would help (such as food, a bandage, or a blanket). Invite these children to share what they have to help the people in the pictures. Let other children have a turn sharing. Help the children understand that Heavenly Father wants all of His children to have what they need, and to do this He often asks us to share what we have with others.

Friend March 2012 “The Coat” Young Heber J. Grant gives his new coat to a child that didn’t have one.

Friend December 2019 “Martin’s Favorite Toys” Martin was not happy about having to move, but eventually he got used to his new home. One Sunday, he noticed a lot of new people at church. He found out that they were refugees. He wanted to help them, but he didn’t want to give them any of his toys because he brought them from his old house. Then he realized that many of the children had to leave everything behind. He remembered how hard it was for him to move, but at least he got to bring his things with him. He then wanted to give them his favorite toys to help them be happier.

See also “Sharing” for additional teaching ideas.

Jesus Christ Will Lead Me Along.

Doctrine and Covenants 78:18

18 And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.

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

  • It may be fun for your children to talk about what it means to be a leader and then lead an activity. After reading together Doctrine and Covenants 78:18, you could discuss times when we need Jesus to lead us. Consider singing a song such as “I Will Walk with Jesus” (Gospel Library).

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 77-80”

If we are willing to let the Lord “lead [us] along,” we can “be of good cheer,” even if there are things we “cannot bear … now” (verse 18).

  • Invite the children to share times when they have been a leader, such as being at the front of a line or leading music. What does a leader do? Show a picture of the Savior as you read the following phrase from Doctrine and Covenants 78:18: “Be of good cheer, for I will lead you along.” Use this week’s activity page to help the children think of ways we can follow the Savior.
  • Invite the children to follow Jesus, and lead them around the room as you hold a picture of Him. As you do, sing a song together about following Jesus Christ, such as “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” or “Choose the Right Way” (Children’s Songbook, 78–79, 160–61). Let the children take turns holding the picture and leading the other children.

Latter Day Kids “I Will Lead You Along” Includes video, activities, and lesson ideas

Friend July 2020 “Bright Idea” I can follow Jesus Christ in small and simple ways.

Friend December 2016 “A Shining Light”

Friend December 2016

See also “Following Jesus” for additional teaching ideas.

I can receive “all things with thankfulness.”

Doctrine and Covenants 78:19

19 And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.

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

  • Read with your children Doctrine and Covenants 78:19 to discover what the Lord promises to those who are thankful. Help your children understand what “an hundred fold” means, perhaps by showing them a small object and then 100 of that same object. Perhaps they could draw pictures of things they have received from God “with thankfulness.”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 77-80”

The Lord often blesses us more if we are grateful for what He has already given us. How can you help the children you teach be grateful for their blessings?

  • Sing a song about gratitude, such as “I Am Glad for Many Things” (Children’s Songbook, 151), or watch the video “Think to Thank” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Give the children time to make lists of things they are thankful for. Encourage them to list as many things as possible in the time you give them.

For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 77-80”

Family members could draw pictures of blessings from God they are thankful for. What are we doing to express our thankfulness for these blessings? You could also discuss how your family is following the counsel to receive “all things with thankfulness” (verse 19). What does the Lord promise to those who do?

Friend November 2004 “Blessings Tree”

See more teaching ideas at Gratitude.

Additional Resources:

Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resource “Doctrine and Covenants 77–80“

See also “Newel K. Whitney and the United Firm,” Revelations in Context, 142–47; “United Firm,” Church History Topics, ChurchofJesusChrist.org/study/church-history.

Liahona July 2021 “Called of the Lord”

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal

Jul 5 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 76

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Table of Contents

Section 76 A vision given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon, at Hiram, Ohio, February 16, 1832. Prefacing the record of this vision, Joseph Smith’s history states: “Upon my return from Amherst conference, I resumed the translation of the Scriptures. From sundry revelations which had been received, it was apparent that many important points touching the salvation of man had been taken from the Bible, or lost before it was compiled. It appeared self-evident from what truths were left, that if God rewarded every one according to the deeds done in the body the term ‘Heaven,’ as intended for the Saints’ eternal home, must include more kingdoms than one. Accordingly, … while translating St. John’s Gospel, myself and Elder Rigdon saw the following vision.” At the time this vision was given, the Prophet was translating John 5:29.

For the Strength of Youth July 2021 “The Vision”

Friend July 2021 “A Vision of God’s Plan”

We Are All Children of God.

Doctrine and Covenants 76:24

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

  • To help your children understand their divine potential, you could show them pictures of children and their parents. You could then read Doctrine and Covenants 76:24 and share with each other why you’re happy to know that we are all “sons and daughters unto God.”
Media Library

24 That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.

Explain that God is another name for Heavenly Father.

We lived in Heaven:  Explain that before we were born on earth we lived in heaven with Heavenly Father.

Explain that Heavenly Father is the father of our spirits, and we are his spirit children

We were spirits there. A spirit is what is inside of us that makes us alive. When we were spirits, we didn’t have flesh and bones like our bodies have now, but we looked the same.

Friend January 2017 “Kylie’s Parents” Kylie is like her earthly parents, and she is also like her Heavenly Parents. PDF version

Heavenly Father is the father of our spirits, so we can grow to be like him. Heavenly Father is loving, good, and kind. When we are loving, good, and kind, we are being like Heavenly Father.  We should try to become more like Heavenly Father every day.

Have children tell or act out ways they can be loving, good, or kind.

  • Sing together “I Am a Child of God” (Children’s Songbook,2–3), and invite the children to point to themselves when they sing “I.” Ask them to sing the song again, replacing “I am” with “you are” and pointing to someone else in the class.

(The below visuals are from the Nursery Manual. Also see lds.org for the music)

Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.

Doctrine and Covenants 76:5, 41–42, 69

40 And this is the gospel, the glad tidings, which the voice out of the heavens bore record unto us

41 That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness;

42 That through him all might be saved whom the Father had put into his power and made by him;

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 76”

The word gospel means good news. The good news that the gospel brings is that Jesus Christ “came into the world … bear the sins of the world ” “that…all might be saved” (verse 41 & 42).

  • Show a picture of Jesus Christ. Ask the children if they know what Jesus Christ did for us. Show the children something dirty and something clean (like a white handkerchief or sheet of paper), and explain that sin is like dirt on our spirits, but Jesus Christ came to help us become clean again.
Friend May 2021
  • Ask the children how this good news makes them feel. Share with them the joy this good news brings to you.

Jesus Christ is my Savior.

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

  • Consider role-playing with your children a scenario in which someone asks, “What has Jesus Christ done for me?” You and your children can look for possible answers in verses 5, 41–42, or 69 in section 76. (or Write on the board What has Jesus Christ done for me? Ask each child to silently read verses 41–42 and verse 69. looking for possible answers to the question on the board. Let them share their answers

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.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 76”

  • Help the children understand that the glorious blessings God promises to the faithful in the next life are possible only because of the Savior Jesus Christ.

You could also sing “He Sent His Son,” Children’s Songbook, 34–35. How can we show our gratitude for what the Savior has done for us?

Heavenly Father has Prepared a Kingdom of Celestial Glory for Me.

Heavenly Father wants me to return to live with Him forever.

Doctrine and Covenants 76:50–70

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

  • You and your children could read or watch part or all of “Chapter 26: The Three Kingdoms of Heaven” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 97–103, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library) and share with each other what you like about the vision Joseph Smith had. Let your children share their thoughts and feelings about what it would be like to live with Heavenly Father in the celestial kingdom.

Doctrine and Covenants Scripture Stories “Chapter 26: The Three Kingdoms of Heaven” Includes images and video

For the Strength of Youth July 2021

  • To live in the celestial kingdom means to dwell in the presence of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ with a perfect, resurrected body and to live the kind of life They live. This life is “a state of never-ending happiness” (Mosiah 2:41) and a “fulness of joy” (3 Nephi 28:10).
  • It has the greatest glory of any kingdom. Its glory has been likened to the brightness of the sun.
  • The same kinds of relationships we have here will exist there, including family relationships, but they will be “coupled with eternal glory” (Doctrine and Covenants 130:2).
  • You could also read Doctrine and Covenants 76:62 and invite your children to draw pictures of themselves with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in the celestial kingdom (see this week’s activity page).

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 76”

    Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 23: The Prophet Receives a Vision of the Three Degrees of Glory,”

    Ask the children to close their eyes and imagine they are outside on a cloudy night when everything is absolutely dark.

    • What do you see?
    • What could you see if you had the light of the stars?
    • What could you see if you had the light of the moon?
    • What could you see if you had the light of the sun?
    • If you could choose just one of these sources of light to see by, which would it be? Why?

    Explain that Heavenly Father has provided three different places for people to live after they are resurrected. These places are referred to as kingdoms of glory in heaven.

    • The telestial kingdom is the lowest kingdom. It has a glory compared to the brightness of the stars. (See D&C 76:81.)
    • The terrestrial kingdom is the middle kingdom. It has a glory compared to the brightness of the moon. (See D&C 76:71.)
    • The celestial kingdom is the highest kingdom. It has a glory compared to the brightness of the sun. (See D&C 76:70.)

    As you discuss the three kingdoms, emphasize that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want all of us to live in the highest level, or degree, of the celestial kingdom with them and our families. To be worthy of the celestial kingdom, we must keep Heavenly Father’s commandments and receive important gospel ordinances. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been restored to the earth to help us reach the celestial kingdom.

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 76”

    • Draw a large picture of the sun on a piece of paper, and cut it into several puzzle pieces. Give each child a piece, along with one of the following scripture passages to read: Doctrine and Covenants 76:51; 76:52; 76:53; 131:1–2. Ask the children to find in their verses something that we must do to receive eternal life in the celestial kingdom (some verses include more than one answer), and write it on their piece of the sun. As they work together to assemble the puzzle, express your confidence in them that with the Savior’s help, they can qualify for the celestial kingdom.

    The Red Crystal Use 131:1 & 2 together.

    Friend July 2025 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Someday we can live in the celestial kingdom with Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and our families (see Doctrine and Covenants 76:62, 70, 92). The scriptures compare the celestial kingdom to the sun. Use a paper plate or piece of paper to make a sun. Cut out paper triangles for the rays of sunlight and glue or tape them to the circle. Talk about what you can do now to prepare to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ someday.

    For younger children: Go outside to feel the sun. Tell your little ones that Heavenly Father’s love for them is warm like the sun.

    Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Three Kingdoms of Glory”

    Studying the Scriptures can Help Me “Understand the Things of God.”

    Doctrine and Covenants 76:12, 15–19, 114–16

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

    • You could invite your children to read verses 15–19 to find out what Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were doing when they saw the vision in Doctrine and Covenants 76. Tell your children about a time when you received inspiration while reading the scriptures, and ask your children if they have had similar [spiritual feelings] and experiences when reading the scriptures.

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

    Friend September 2015
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    Bright Idea Poster: Elder Richard G. Scott—“Scriptures are like packets of light” (April 2013 Friend)

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 76”

    Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon received Doctrine and Covenants 76 when they were pondering the scriptures. Help the children see how studying the scriptures can invite revelation through the Holy Ghost.

    • Ask the children to close their eyes and try to perform a task, like coloring a picture or opening the scriptures to a specific verse. What are some things that are difficult to do when our eyes are closed spiritually? Read together Doctrine and Covenants 76:12, 15–19, 114–16 to find out what we need to do to have our eyes opened spiritually.

    Friend June 2024 “Why Do We Read the Scriptures?”

    Additional Resources

    The Red Crystal

    Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 76“

    Jun 29 2021

    Doctrine and Covenants 71–75

    Posted on by

    Table of Contents

    Section 71

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 71–75”

    Ever since he was a boy, Joseph Smith faced critics—even enemies—as he tried to do God’s work. But it must have been particularly heartrending in late 1831 when Ezra Booth began publicly berating the Church, because in this case the critic was a former believer. Ezra had seen Joseph use God’s power to heal a woman. He had been invited to accompany Joseph on the first survey of the land of Zion in Missouri. But he had since lost his faith and, in an attempt to discredit the Prophet, published a series of letters in an Ohio newspaper. And his efforts seemed to be working: “unfriendly feelings … had developed against the Church” in the area (Doctrine and Covenants 71, section heading). What should believers do in a case like that? While there is not one right answer for every situation, it seems that quite often—including in this case in 1831—part of the Lord’s answer is to defend the truth and correct falsehoods by “proclaiming [the] gospel” (verse 1). Yes, the Lord’s work will always have critics, but in the end, “no weapon that is formed against [it] shall prosper” (verse 9). (See “Ezra Booth and Isaac Morley,” Revelations in Context, 134.)

    I Can Defend the Truth by Sharing My Testimony.

    Doctrine and Covenants 71

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

    • You can use the section heading for Doctrine and Covenants 71 or “Chapter 25: Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon Go on a Mission” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 96, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library) to teach your children about the circumstances that inspired section 71. Then help them discover in verse 1 what the Lord wanted Joseph and Sidney to do about “unfriendly feelings” toward the Church. How did He say He would help them? How can we be like Joseph and Sidney? What did He say they would be given to help them?

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 71–75”

    The Lord does not expect children to respond to critics of the Church as He called Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to do. But you can help the children understand that their simple testimony of the truth can have a powerful effect on others.

    Friend February 2022 “Jesus Shared the Truth” One day, Jesus visited the town where He grew up. He spoke to the people there. He told them that He was the Savior. The people didn’t believe Him. They were angry. But Jesus knew what He said was true. He wasn’t afraid. He always shared the truth.

    • Invite the children to practice in pairs how to share with others what they know about the Church. For example, they can share a simple testimony or share one of the Articles of Faith.

    Section 72

    The Lord has Called a Bishop to Help Me.

    Doctrine and Covenants 72:2, 10

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

    Reading Doctrine and Covenants 72:2 together could create an opportunity to discuss why the Lord gives us bishops (see also “Chapter 17: The First Bishops of the Church,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories 64–66, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library).

    Explain that in 1831 the Lord called the bishop of the Church, Edward Partridge, to move from Kirtland, Ohio, to be the bishop in Independence, Missouri. Read Doctrine and Covenants 72:8 with the children, and ask them to listen for who the Lord called to serve as the new bishop in Kirtland. Why does the Lord call bishops? Share with the children an experience when you were blessed by the service of a bishop.

    • You and your children could find pictures or objects that represent the responsibilities of a bishop. The picture and activity page at the end of this outline provide some ideas. Then you could talk together about bishops you’ve known and how the Lord has blessed your family through their service.
    • “A Day with the Bishop” (August 1990 Liahona and July 1989 Friend)
      Explains some of the things a bishop does. Includes an activity.

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 71–75”

    • Take the children on a walk to the bishop’s office (you may want to coordinate with other teachers). Describe for them some situations when they might meet with the bishop in his office (such as a baptismal interview or tithing settlement). Tell the children how you have been blessed by the bishop’s service.
    • Help the children make cards to give to the bishop, thanking him for what he does to help with the Lord’s work.

    Friend June 2021 “Scripture Time Fun” Secret Service for Bishop

    • Sing “Teach Me to Walk in the Light” (Children’s Songbook,177).
    • Jesus taught that His Church should have bishops to lead and help the members (see Doctrine and Covenants 72:2).
    • Say thanks to your bishop or branch president by doing something kind. You could write him nice notes or bring him a treat. You could even do your plan without letting him know who did it!

    The Lord Calls Bishops to Help Him Do His Work.

    Doctrine and Covenants 72:8

    Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 71–75”

    What can you do to help the children see the bishop as a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ? (Always teach about Jesus Christ. “No matter what you are teaching, remember that you are really teaching about Jesus Christ and how to become like Him” For example, when you teach your children about bishops, emphasize that they are representatives of Jesus Christ, called by Him to do His work (see 1 Peter 2:25).

    • Invite the children to make a list of some of the things they have seen the bishop do to help people in the ward. Ask the children to draw pictures of the bishop doing something they mentioned. Bear your testimony that your bishop was called by the Lord to be His servant. Why are we grateful that the Lord has called a bishop in our ward?
    • “Bishop, Help!” (April 2004 Friend)
      Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles teaches us about the special calling of a bishop.

    Section 73

    The Lord Commanded Joseph Smith to Restore Precious Truths that were Lost from the Bible.

    Doctrine and Covenants 73:3

    Friend May 2009 “Restoring Plain and Precious Truths”

    As part of his calling as the prophet, Joseph Smith was commanded by the Lord to make inspired revisions to the Bible. These revisions, which the Lord called a “translation” (Doctrine and Covenants 90:13), restored important truths that had been lost or removed from the Bible over the centuries.

    • Explain that when Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon returned from a short mission near Kirtland, Ohio, the Lord wanted them to resume work on an important project. Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 73:3 to find out what that project was. To help the children understand what the Lord wanted Joseph and Sidney to translate, read with them parts of the Bible Dictionary entry “Joseph Smith Translation (JST).”
    • Pass around a copy of the Bible, and allow the children to open it and see how many pages are in it. Invite the children to imagine they were asked to translate the Bible into another language. What are the chances they might make some mistakes? Explain that when people translated or copied the Bible before Joseph Smith’s time, they made some mistakes, and sometimes they removed important truths. The Lord commanded the Prophet Joseph Smith to make inspired corrections. Why is Joseph Smith’s work valuable to us? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 71–75”)

    Would your family benefit from learning about the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible? (see Bible Dictionary, “Joseph Smith Translation”). You could explore a few of the passages that were revised in the Joseph Smith Translation and discuss the precious truths the Lord revealed through the Prophet. For some examples, see the Joseph Smith Translation of Genesis 14:25–40 and Genesis 50:24–38 in the Bible appendix; various footnotes in Matthew 4:1–11; and Luke 2:46, footnote c. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 71–75”)

    Additional Teaching Ideas: Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 20: Joseph Smith Translates the Bible and Other Scriptures,”  

    Section 75

    I Can Give My Best Effort to the Lord.

    Doctrine and Covenants 75:3

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

    • To talk about the difference between being “idle” and “labor[ing] with [our] might,” perhaps you could select some acts of service or household chores and invite your children to demonstrate doing them idly and then with all their might. As you read “neither be idle” in Doctrine and Covenants 75:3, your children could show how they would do the chores lazily. When you read “but labor with your might,” they could show how they work hard. Why is it important that we do our best when serving the Lord?

    The Red Crystal Cut out the cards and lay them face down. Attach the two faces to a large coin or a large button. Let the child/ren pick a card and flip the coin. They can then act out the chore “lazily” or “hard working” depending on what they flipped.

    • In his message “Two Principles for Any Economy” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 55–58), President Dieter F. Uchtdorf told two stories about work. Maybe you could share them with your children and talk about how it feels to know we have worked hard and done our best.

    Come Follow Me Kid Stories and images from Elder Uchtdorf’s talk

    I Can Labor With All My Might and Not be Idle

    Friend July 2016 Picking thorny blackberries was not fun, but a boy learned about responsibility and the rewards of work.

    image

    Friend June 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones” Help your little ones say, “I can work hard!” Teach your children a household chore they can help with, like sweeping or putting away their toys.

    Latter Day Kids “Labor with Your Might” Lesson ideas to go with the video

    The Lord Blesses Those who Faithfully Proclaim His Gospel.

    Doctrine and Covenants 75

    Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 71–75”

    • What words and phrases do you find in Doctrine and Covenants 75:1–12 that help you understand how to preach the gospel effectively? (See verses 4, 10, 11) What blessings does the Lord promise to faithful missionaries? (See verses 5, 13, 16.)
    • Suggested song: “Let Us All Press On,” Hymns, no. 243.

    Additional Resources

    Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 71–75”

    Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

    The Red Crystal Lesson ideas