Category Archives: Doctrine & Covenants

Nov 16 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 133-134

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SECTION 133

Section 133 Prefacing this revelation, Joseph Smith’s history states, “At this time there were many things which the Elders desired to know relative to preaching the Gospel to the inhabitants of the earth, and concerning the gathering; and in order to walk by the true light, and be instructed from on high, on the 3rd of November, 1831, I inquired of the Lord and received the following important revelation.”This section was first added to the book of Doctrine and Covenants as an appendix and was subsequently assigned a section number.

Books sometimes end with a conclusion that restates or summarizes the book’s main points. Section 133 was originally meant to be the conclusion of the Book of Commandments, and it might be valuable to read this section with that in mind. What points does the Lord emphasize about His work? What do verses 57–62 teach you about the role the Lord wants you to play in His work?

The Lord wants me to stay away from the evil in the world.

Doctrine and Covenants 133:4–5, 14

Come Follow Me–For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

  • You and your children could list some places and situations the Lord wants us to stay away from. Then you could compare those places and situations to the definition of “Babel, Babylon” in the Guide to the Scriptures (Gospel Library). They could then read Doctrine and Covenants 133:4–5, 14. What does it mean to “go … out from Babylon”? (verse 5). You could also make a similar list of places and situations the Lord invites us to and compare that list to the definition of “Zion” in Guide to the Scriptures.

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

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

Friend September 2017 “For Older Kids” By McKay H., age 9, Utah, USA “One night as I was watching TV, a show came on that I had never seen before. I got a dark feeling inside. Then a very still, small voice told me to turn off the TV. After that I went to play a Primary song on the piano.”

Friend July 2018 “Show and Tell” I was playing with a friend who showed me a video. At first it was funny, but then a character said a bad word. When I hear bad words, it feels bad in my body, so I asked him if we could do something else. He said OK. I felt happy inside! Javaan F., age 9, North Carolina, USA

The Lord wants Me to be Clean from Wordly Influences.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 133-134” Is there anything you need to do as a family to, in a spiritual sense, “go … out from Babylon” (verse 5) and “go … forth unto … Zion”? (verse 9).

Unspotted from the World Lesson

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

Friend November 2015
Friend November 2015

See also Ensign April 2006 “Zion in the Midst of Babylon”

Jesus Christ Will Come Again.

Doctrine and Covenants 133:19–21, 25

Come Follow Me–For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025

  • Your children might enjoy acting out what it looks like to prepare for something, like a sports tournament, an important visitor, or a favorite holiday. Why is preparation important? You could then read together Doctrine and Covenants 133:17–19, 21 and invite your children to look for what the Lord invites us to prepare for.

The Red Crystal

  • Display the picture from this week’s outline and invite the children to make a list of things they know about Jesus Christ’s Second Coming. Then, using Doctrine and Covenants 133:19–25, 46–52, invite them to add things to their list. Share your testimony that the Second Coming will be a joyful day for the righteous.

Friend November 2021 “Jesus Will Come Again” Read each scripture about what His Second Coming will be like. Then color in part of the picture.

  • You could hide various pictures or objects depicting things we can do to prepare for Jesus Christ’s Second Coming (such as read the scriptures, share the gospel, or serve our families). Let your children find the pictures or objects and talk about how doing these things helps us get ready to meet the Savior when He returns.

Friend December 2015

Friend December 2015
  • You could also sing together a song about the Second Coming, such as “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83). Share with each other your love for the Savior and your feelings about His return.

Doctrine and Covenants 133:19–25, 46–52

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 133-134

  • Hide a picture of the Savior’s Second Coming behind a cloth, as if the cloth were a curtain (you could use the image in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families or Gospel Art Book, no. 66). Invite the children to take turns moving the “curtain” aside and pretending they are looking out a window. Ask them to share how they would feel if they looked out the window and saw Jesus coming down from heaven. Read the phrase “go ye out to meet him” (verse 19), and help the children repeat the phrase.
  • To help the children understand verse 19, talk to them about how a bride might prepare for her wedding (perhaps someone who was recently married could help with this conversation). How are we like a bride preparing “for the coming of the Bridegroom,” Jesus Christ? If you think it would be helpful, review with the children the parable of the ten virgins (see Matthew 25:1–13). Why is it important to prepare for the Savior’s Second Coming? What can we do now to prepare

Come, Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Prepare Ye” Lesson ideas

Friend November 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones” Ask your little ones to cheer and clap. Talk about how Jesus’s Second Coming will be a joyful event. Help your little ones say, “Jesus will come again!”

Latter Day Kids “Jesus Will Come Again”

Additional Teaching Resources: Teaching Children the Gospel “Jesus: Second Coming” and Resources by Topic “Second Coming”

Jesus Christ is Loving and Kind.

Doctrine and Covenants 133:52–53

Come Follow Me–For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 133-134

  • You and your children could look at pictures that show that Jesus is loving and kind. (For example, see Gospel Art Book, nos. 42, 47.) What else has Jesus done to show His love and kindness? Read the phrase “they shall mention the loving kindness of their Lord” (verse 52), and help your children think of ways they can “mention the loving kindness of their Lord” to others.

Friend April 2007 “Jesus Christ Loves Everyone”

Lesson 35: Jesus Christ Heals the Sick and Blesses the Children

  • Sing a song about the Savior’s love, such as “Jesus Is Our Loving Friend” (Children’s Songbook, 58). Share your testimony of how the Savior has shown His love for you.

SECTION 134

Section 134 A declaration of belief regarding governments and laws in general, adopted by unanimous vote at a general assembly of the Church held at Kirtland, Ohio, August 17, 1835. Many Saints gathered together to consider the proposed contents of the first edition of the Doctrine and Covenants. At that time, this declaration was given the following preamble: “That our belief with regard to earthly governments and laws in general may not be misinterpreted nor misunderstood, we have thought proper to present, at the close of this volume, our opinion concerning the same.”

The early Saints’ relationship with government was complex. When the Saints were forced out of Jackson County, Missouri, in 1833, they asked for help from the local and national government and received none. At the same time, some people outside the Church interpreted teachings about Zion to mean that the Saints rejected the authority of earthly governments. Doctrine and Covenants 134 was written, in part, to clarify the Church’s position on government. What does this section suggest about how the Lord’s Saints should feel about government?

The Lord Wants Me to Obey the Law.

Doctrine and Covenants 134: 1–2, 5

Come Follow Me–For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 133-134

Young children often have rules to follow at home, at school, and elsewhere. You can help them understand that the Lord expects us to follow the rules and laws in our community and nation.

  • Your children could list rules or laws they obey. What would life be like if no one obeyed these laws? Then you could read Doctrine and Covenants 134:1–2 with them, helping them understand any words or phrases they might not understand. Why does the Lord want us to obey the law? (see also Articles of Faith 1:12).

Although there are different forms of government around the world, the Lord wants us to “sustain and uphold the … governments in which [we] reside” (Doctrine and Covenants 134:5).

  • Help the children repeat the twelfth article of faith. Emphasize key words, like “obeying, honoring, and sustaining,” and talk with the children about what those words mean. Share with them why it is important to obey the law.

Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “12th Article of Faith”

Friend November 2015

Friend November 2015

Friend November 2011 “Article of Faith 12”

Additional teaching ideas about obeying the law:

Additional Resources

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal

Nov 10 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 129-132

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Section 129

Instructions given by Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Nauvoo, Illinois, February 9, 1843, making known three grand keys by which the correct nature of ministering angels and spirits may be distinguished.

Section 130

Items of instruction given by Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Ramus, Illinois, April 2, 1843.

1–3, The Father and the Son may appear personally to men; 4–7, Angels reside in a celestial sphere; 8–9, The celestial earth will be a great Urim and Thummim; 10–11, A white stone is given to all who enter the celestial world; 12–17, The time of the Second Coming is withheld from the Prophet; 18–19, Intelligence gained in this life rises with us in the Resurrection; 20–21, All blessings come by obedience to law; 22–23, The Father and the Son have bodies of flesh and bones.

Heavenly Father wants me to focus on eternal things.

Doctrine and Covenants 130:2, 18–19; 132:13, 19

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 129-132”

  • How might you use these verses to help your family prioritize things that last eternally? Maybe you could pack a suitcase or backpack together with items representing things that, according to Doctrine and Covenants 130:2, 18–19; 132:19, we can take with us into the next life, such as family pictures or scriptures. What does Doctrine and Covenants 132:13 teach us about things of the world? This could lead to a discussion about focusing on things that have eternal significance.

The Red Crystal

Heavenly Father Wants Me to Gain Knowledge and Intelligence.

Doctrine and Covenants 130:18–19

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 129-132”

Many things we obtain in this life will not go with us into the next life. But our “knowledge and intelligence” will (Doctrine and Covenants 130:19).

  • Ask the children to share with you something they are learning about in school or from their parents. Invite them to read Doctrine and Covenants 130:18–19 to find out what will happen to our knowledge and intelligence in the next life.
  • What does verse 19 teach about how we gain knowledge and intelligence? How can we be diligent and obedient as we seek to learn? (For more on this topic, see “Education” in For the Strength of Youth [pages 9–10].)

Elder Neal A. Maxwell clarified what the word intelligence means in Doctrine and Covenants 130:18–19: “If we ponder just what it is that will rise with us in the resurrection, it seems clear that our intelligence will rise with us, meaning not simply our IQ, but also our capacity to receive and apply truth (applying the knowledge we obtain for righteous purposes). Our talents, attributes, and skills will rise with us; certainly also our capacity to learn, our degree of self-discipline, and our capacity to work” (We Will Prove Them Herewith [1982], 12).

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

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.

God blesses me as I obey His laws.

Doctrine and Covenants 130:20–21; 132:5, 21–23

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 129-132”

  • Share a simple comparison with the children that shows how important it is to follow instructions; for example, talk with them about the steps we must follow to prepare food or play a game or build something. (Or you could ask them to give you directions to walk somewhere, like to a school or Church building.) What happens when we don’t follow the instructions/directions? (Maybe you have a personal experience you can share.) Read Doctrine and Covenants 130:21, and compare these instructions to the commandments we must follow to receive blessings from Heavenly Father.

Latter Day Kids “Obeying God’s Commandments Leads to Happiness” Lesson ideas

  • Read together Doctrine and Covenants 132:21–23, and invite the children to draw pictures to represent what they learn from these verses. Encourage them to be creative, and suggest that they include in their drawings the laws or commandments that help us stay on the narrow way to eternal life.

Friend March 1997 “My Choices Have Consequences” Turn the top disk to see a commandment from Heavenly Father. Read the scripture in the other window to find out what blessings are promised to those who keep that commandment. (Link has additional lesson ideas.)

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 129-132” You could sing a song about gratitude, such as “Count Your Blessings” (Hymns, no. 241), and make a list of the blessings your family has received for obeying God’s laws. What blessings do we hope to receive? How can we receive those blessings?

For additional teaching ideas see Commandments, Obedience and Resources for Teaching Children: Commandments, Obedience

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have Immortal Physical Bodies.

Doctrine and Covenants 130:22

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 129-132”

  • After reading Doctrine and Covenants 130:22 together, you and your children could look at a picture of Jesus Christ and point to His eyes, His mouth, and other parts of His body. Your children could point to those same parts of their own bodies. Read from Doctrine and Covenants 130:22: “The Father has a body of flesh and bones … ; the Son also.” Testify that our bodies are like Heavenly Father’s and Jesus’s bodies.Tell them why it’s important to you to know that our bodies look like Heavenly Father’s and Jesus’s bodies.
Media Library
  • Invite the children to draw pictures of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and themselves. Help them see how our bodies are like Heavenly Father’s and Jesus’s.

Friend August 2016 “God is Our Father” God our Father has ears with which to hear our prayers. He has eyes with which to see our actions. He has a mouth with which to speak to us. He has a heart with which to feel compassion and love. He is real. He is living. We are his children made in His image. We look like Him and He looks like us.

Friend August 2016
Friend August 2016

Friend November 2020 “Like Him”

Section 131

Section 131 Instructions by Joseph Smith the Prophet, given at Ramus, Illinois, May 16 and 17, 1843. 1–4, Celestial marriage is essential to exaltation in the highest heaven; 5–6, How men are sealed up unto eternal life is explained; 7–8, All spirit is matter.

Section 132

Section 132 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Nauvoo, Illinois, recorded July 12, 1843, relating to the new and everlasting covenant, including the eternity of the marriage covenant and the principle of plural marriage. Although the revelation was recorded in 1843, evidence indicates that some of the principles involved in this revelation were known by the Prophet as early as 1831. See Official Declaration 1.

Heavenly Father Made it Possible for Families to be Together Forever.

Doctrine and Covenants 132:19

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 129-132”

  • Help your children find examples of things that do not last forever—food that spoils, flowers that wilt, and so on.
  • Select key phrases from 132:19 (such as “everlasting covenant,” “sealed,” “through all eternity,” and “forever and ever”), and ask the children to find these phrases in the verse. What do these phrases teach us about marriage?
  • (See also “Chapter 55: A Revelation about Marriage,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 198, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library.) Ask the children to listen for and be prepared to share what we must do so that our families can be eternal.
  • You could also look at pictures of your family and testify that the Lord has made it possible, through the ordinances and covenants of the temple, for families to last forever.
  • Help the children make paper dolls representing members of their family (see this week’s activity page). Cut them out, and put them in an envelope or attach them together with a paper clip to represent the sealing power that can make our families eternal.
  • Testify that no matter our current family situation, we can prepare ourselves to be part of an eternal family.

Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4; 132:15, 19

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 129-132”

Through the Lord’s sealing power and the ordinances of the temple, our family relationships can last eternally if we keep our covenants.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 129-132”

  • Ask some of the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4 and others to read 132:15. Help them discover what these verses teach about marriage.
  • Sing “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188). Ask the children to listen for and be prepared to share what we must do so that our families can be eternal. Testify that no matter our current family situation, we can prepare ourselves to be part of an eternal family.

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Eternal Marriage”

Friend November 2021 “Families Are Forever” Coloring Page

Additional Teaching Resources

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal

Nov 2 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 125-128

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Section 125

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Nauvoo, Illinois, March 1841, concerning the Saints in the territory of Iowa. 1–4, The Saints are to build cities and to gather to the stakes of Zion.

Section 126

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, in the house of Brigham Young, at Nauvoo, Illinois, July 9, 1841. Brigham Young had just returned to his family in Nauvoo from a nearly two-year mission to England. 1–3, Brigham Young is commended for his labors and is relieved of future travel abroad.

I can help care for my family.

Doctrine and Covenants 126:3

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 125-128”

  • To help your children learn to serve their family members, consider sharing the information about Brigham Young in “Chapter 50: The Saints in Nauvoo” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 184, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library) or summarize Doctrine and Covenants 126 in your own words. You might emphasize the phrase “take especial care of your family” (verse 3) and talk with your children about what it means to take special care of our families.
  • Help the children think of ways they can show love and serve their family members. It may be fun for you and your children to look at family pictures (or draw pictures) as you talk together about ways we can help “care” for family members.

Friend January 2018

Friend November 2025 “I Can Help Care for My Family” Coloring Page

Friend September 2020 “Loving Our Families” Cut out the strips of paper and put them in a bowl. After you do one of the activities, add a link to your chain of hearts.

  • Share with the children Sister Carole M. Stephens’s story about her grandson Porter (see “We Have Great Reason to Rejoice,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 115). What did Porter do to take care of his family? How can we follow his example?

Latter Day Kids “Serving in Our Families” Lesson ideas

Friend November 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones” Take turns saying nice things about each other. Help your little ones say, “I love my family.”

Friend April 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”

See Family for additional teaching ideas

Section 127

An epistle from Joseph Smith the Prophet to the Latter-day Saints at Nauvoo, Illinois, containing directions on baptism for the dead, dated at Nauvoo, September 1, 1842.

Friend November 2021 “The Nauvoo Temple”

Section 128

An epistle from Joseph Smith the Prophet to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, containing further directions on baptism for the dead, dated at Nauvoo, Illinois, September 6, 1842.

1–5, Local and general recorders must certify to the fact of baptisms for the dead; 6–9, Their records are binding and recorded on earth and in heaven; 10–14, The baptismal font is a similitude of the grave; 15–17, Elijah restored power relative to baptism for the dead; 18–21, All of the keys, powers, and authorities of past dispensations have been restored; 22–25, Glad and glorious tidings are acclaimed for the living and the dead.

All of God’s children need the chance to be baptized.

Doctrine and Covenants 128:5, 12

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

  • Invite your children to find out from Doctrine and Covenants 128:1 what subject occupied Joseph Smith’s mind. They could also search verse 17 to find out what subject he considered “the most glorious.” Let them share what they find and talk about why this subject is so exciting.
  • In addition to helping your children prepare for (and live) their own baptismal covenants, you can help them know how to help people who did not make these covenants during their lifetime. Consider telling your children about someone you know who died without being baptized. Then you could read together Doctrine and Covenants 128:5 and look at a picture of a temple baptismal font (like the one at the end of this outline). Tell your children how you feel about being baptized in temples on behalf of people who are dead so that everyone has the chance to make covenants with Heavenly Father.

Doctrine and Covenants 128:1, 15–18

  • Consider using an object lesson to show that we need to help our ancestors who were not baptized. For example, display a gift or a treat, but place it out of reach of one of the children. Tell that child that he or she can have the object but can’t move from his or her seat. Ask the other children what they can do to help the child receive it. Read together Doctrine and Covenants 128:15, and talk about how it relates to the object lesson.

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Baptisms for the Dead”

Family History Coloring Pages “Baptisms for the Dead”

Friend October 2021 “My First Temple Trip” Elena’s step by step first visit to the temple to do baptisms for the dead.

Friend September 2019 “It’s Temple Time!” What to expect when doing baptisms for the dead, from start to finish.

For Additional Teaching Ideas see: Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History  (page 210) and Resources for Teaching Children “Baptisms for the Dead”

Heavenly Father wants me to learn about my family history.

Doctrine and Covenants 128:18

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

  • It might be fun for you and your children to make a paper chain with names of parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and so on (see this week’s activity page). Then you could share with each other what you know about these ancestors.
  • Read together Doctrine and Covenants 128:18 to find out what the “welding link” is that makes our family history “whole and complete.” Tell a story about an ancestor that helps you feel connected to him or her. Or show the video “Courage: I Think I Get It from Him” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). (Invite them to take the chains home and have their parents help them add names of ancestors.)

Friend October 2019 “The Temple Challenge” Sister Jones, the general primary president, challenges a 12 year old boy to find a family name to take to the temple. He later writes to her letter telling of his success and of his opportunity to be baptized in the temple for his 3rd great grandfather and how that felt. He also tells her of his desire to do more.

Friend November 2021 “They’re Waiting for Me!” Giselle lives in India, and she can’t wait until the temple is built there so she can do baptisms for her ancestors who have died without knowledge of the gospel. (Photos at link)

Friend October 2019 “The Temple Challenge” Temple Scramble: This girl has taken a family name to the temple. Can you put the pictures in order?

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

Additional Resources

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Recorded in Heaven” Lesson ideas

Oct 26 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 124

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Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 124” As difficult as the last six years had been for the Saints, things started to look up in the spring of 1839: The refugee Saints had found compassion among the citizens of Quincy, Illinois. Guards had allowed the Prophet Joseph Smith and other Church leaders to escape captivity in Missouri. And the Church had just purchased land in Illinois where the Saints could gather again. Yes, it was swampy, mosquito-infested land, but compared to the challenges the Saints had already faced, this probably seemed manageable. So they drained the swamp and drafted a charter for a new city, which they named Nauvoo. It means “beautiful” in Hebrew, though it was more an expression of faith than an accurate description, at least at first. Meanwhile, the Lord was impressing His Prophet with a sense of urgency. He had more truths and ordinances to restore, and He needed a holy temple where the Saints could receive them. In many ways, these same feelings of faith and urgency are important in the Lord’s work today.

See Saints, 1:399–427; “Organizing the Church in Nauvoo,” Revelations in Context, 264–71.

Friend November 2008 “The City of Joseph”

Friend November 2008 “Joseph and the Saints Build Nauvoo”

Section 124

Section 124 Because of increasing persecutions and illegal procedures against them by public officers, the Saints had been compelled to leave Missouri. The exterminating order issued by Lilburn W. Boggs, governor of Missouri, dated October 27, 1838, had left them no alternative. In 1841, when this revelation was given, the city of Nauvoo, occupying the site of the former village of Commerce, Illinois, had been built up by the Saints, and here the headquarters of the Church had been established.

Stand as a Witness

Doctrine and Covenants 124:2–11.

If the Lord told your family “to make a solemn proclamation of my gospel” to “the kings of the world” (verses 2–3), what would your proclamation say? Consider creating one together, and invite family members to suggest gospel truths they want to include.

Jesus is Happy When I Try to Do Good.

Doctrine and Covenants 124:15, 20

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 124” In the revelation recorded in section 124, the Lord expressed His approval for Hyrum Smith and George Miller because they were striving to follow Him. How will you help the children recognize that the Lord is pleased when they try to do good?

  • Help the children think of things they can do that are good. Show pictures to give them ideas (you can find some in the Gospel Art Book or Church magazines). Ask the children to point to these good things. Read Doctrine and Covenants 124:15 to the children, and ask them to listen for how the Lord felt when Hyrum Smith chose to do good. How does Jesus feel when we try to do good things?

See examples of children doing good in Gospel Living: Children’s Experiences

  • Give the children paper hearts, and ask them to draw pictures of themselves doing good things. Invite them to share what they drew with the class. How do we feel when we do something good? Testify that Jesus is happy when we try to do the right thing.
  • Sing a song about doing things that Jesus wants us to do, such as “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam” (Children’s Songbook, 60–61).

Friend October 2021 “Scripture Time Fun: Good Hearts”

  • Sing “Have I Done Any Good?” (Hymns, no. 223).
  • Jesus is happy when we try to do good (see Doctrine and Covenants 124:15–21).
  • Cut out paper hearts and draw yourself doing a good thing on each one. Each day this week, pick a heart and do what the drawing shows.

The Lord is Pleased when I am Faithful.

Doctrine and Covenants 124:12–21

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 124” In section 124, the Lord commended several Saints for their faithfulness. His words can help the children identify qualities they should develop.

  • Choose some good qualities mentioned in Doctrine and Covenants 124:12–21, and write them on the board around a picture of the Savior. Ask the children to search verses 12–21, looking for these words. Help them understand words that they might not be familiar with. According to these verses, how does the Lord feel about people who develop these qualities?

The Red Crystal

Jesus Christ loves integrity.

Doctrine and Covenants 124:15, 20

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 124”

  • To help your children remember what they learn from Doctrine and Covenants 124:15, 20, you could help them draw and cut out paper hearts. On the hearts, you could help them write key phrases from these verses. A song like “Stand for the Right” (Children’s Songbook, 159) could help reinforce the Lord’s words.

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal

  • Write the word integrity on the board. Invite the children to learn what the Lord said about integrity in Doctrine and Covenants 124:15, 20. To help the children understand what integrity is, read this statement: “Integrity means thinking and doing what is right at all times, no matter what the consequences” (For the Strength of Youth, 19). You could also share examples of a child demonstrating integrity from your own experience or from the Friend or Liahona magazines. Challenge the children to set a goal to act with more integrity this week.

The Red Crystal

Friend November 2018 “Finders Keepers?” Mike finds some money on the school grounds and takes it to the office even though his friends think they should keep it and spend it.

Friend August 2020 “How Do You Spell Honesty” When Elder Timothy J. Dyches was in six grade he hadn’t missed a spelling word all year long. If he kept getting perfect scores, I would receive an award for spelling at the end of the year. Then he noticed that he had missed a word on a spelling test that was incorrectly graded. He was honest and told his teacher about it.

  • What did the Lord say specifically about George Miller in verse 20 “because of the integrity of [George’s] heart”? You could also share examples of children showing integrity from your own experience or from the Friend magazine. Invite your children to set a goal to show integrity this week and tell you how they feel when they do.

Friend February 2024 “Margo and Paulo” Margo refuses to go along with her friends plan to cheat on a test.

Friend September 2015 “Choosing Integrity”

The Lord Wants Me to Welcome and Accept Others.

Doctrine and Covenants 124:22–24, 60–61

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 124” Considering what the Saints had just suffered in Missouri, they might have been tempted to isolate themselves and discourage visitors in Nauvoo. Keep that in mind as you read Doctrine and Covenants 124:22–24, 60–61. What impresses you about the Lord’s instructions to build a “house for boarding”? (verse 23). What do His words teach you about the mission of His Church? Ponder how these instructions may apply to you and your home.

Jesus Commands His People to Build Temples.

Doctrine and Covenants 124:28–29, 39

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 124”

  • Cover a picture or drawing of the temple. Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 124:38–41 for clues about what is in the picture. Let the children uncover the picture and discuss what these verses teach about why the Lord wants us to build temples.
For the Strength of Youth October 2025
  • Help the children understand that when the Saints found a new home in Nauvoo, the Lord told them to build a temple (see “Chapter 50: The Saints in Nauvoo” Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 183–84, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
  • Read with the children this phrase: “My holy house, which my people are always commanded to build unto my holy name” (Doctrine and Covenants 124:39). Let the children hold a picture of an ancient temple (see Gospel Art Book,no. 52 or this week’s activity page) and a picture of a temple in your area. Explain that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have always commanded Their people to build temples—in ancient times and in our day.
  • Invite the children to complete this week’s activity page to help them understand that we are God’s people and that God’s people have always been commanded to build temples.

“Sharing Time: The Lord Commands His People to Build Temples” Friend Feb 1993 Includes game and images about temple builders called “Who Am I”

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Why Baptism for the Dead

Gospel Topics “Baptism for the Dead” Jesus Christ taught that baptism is essential to the salvation of all who have lived on earth (see John 3:5).

Jesus Christ said, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Even Jesus Christ Himself was baptized (see Matthew 3:13–17).

Many people have lived on the earth who never heard of the gospel of Jesus Christ and who were not baptized. Others lived without fully understanding the importance of the ordinance of baptism. Still others were baptized, but without proper authority.

Because God is merciful, He has prepared a way for all people to receive the blessings of baptism. By performing proxy baptisms in behalf of those who have died, Church members offer these blessings to deceased ancestors. Individuals can then choose to accept or reject what has been done in their behalf.

  • Share your feelings about the temple and any experiences you may have had doing baptisms for the dead. Help the children determine how long it will be before they are old enough to do baptisms for the dead in the temple.

Gospel Media “Baptism for the Dead/ Now You Know” The below video refers to church members as Mormons. A discussion about the church name, and the nickname others give the church, may be needed in order to avoid confusion.

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Nauvoo Temple Construction”

Preparing to Go to the Temple

  • If you live close enough to a temple, consider taking your children there and reverently walking the temple grounds. Invite them to find the words “Holiness to the Lord—The House of the Lord” on the outside of the temple. Talk with your children about what these words mean.
  • If you have a temple recommend, show it to the children, or invite a youth in the ward to show the children his or her recommend. Tell the children why a temple recommend is important and what we need to do to obtain one. Encourage them to begin preparing now to obtain their own recommend.

Friend October 2021 “A Holy Place” The words are on every temple. “Holiness to the Lord” reminds us that we need to be worthy to go inside. Ways to prepare to go to the temple.

Friend October 2021 “Temple Countdown” You can receive your temple recommend in January of the year you turn 12! Follow these steps to find out how many years, months, and days you have until you can get yours.

Temple Recommend

Friend October 2021 “Ready for the Temple” Ajan will be turning twelve soon, but he lives far from a temple. Their ministering brother explained that he doesn’t get to go to the temple very often either, but his recommend reminds him to always be ready to go inside. Ajan wants to get a recommend and be ready too.

Friend September 2021 “For Older Kids” Temple Prep Tip: Even if you live far away from the temple, you can still get a temple recommend in January of the year you turn 12! Talk to a parent or leader about the temple recommend questions. What can you do now to prepare to get your recommend?

Friend October 2021 “Getting a Temple Recommend” s

Friend October 2021 “My First Temple Trip” Elena’s step by step first visit to the temple to do baptisms for the dead.

For additional lesson ideas see Temple, Resources for Teaching Children: Temples, & Resources for Teaching Children: Nauvoo, Illinois

A Patriarchal Blessing Can Give Me Inspired Guidance.

Doctrine and Covenants 124:91–92

The Lord will bless me through a patriarchal blessing.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 124”

Hyrum Smith: Gospel Media
  • What do the children know about patriarchal blessings? Talk about what a patriarchal blessing is: a special blessing we get from patriarchs in which the Lord teaches us about ourselves and what He wants us to do and become. Consider using the section “Receiving a Patriarchal Blessing” in appendix A to help your children prepare to receive a patriarchal blessing.

Why are you thankful for your patriarchal blessing? How will you inspire the children to prepare to receive theirs?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 124” Family members who have received their patriarchal blessing could share what it was like to receive one and how it has blessed them. You could also review “Patriarchal Blessings” (Gospel Topics, topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

“A Blessing for Katy” (January 2014 Friend) Beth learns about patriarchal blessings when her older cousin Katy gets one. Her mom tells her that “Katy’s patriarchal blessing will be like a map that shows Katy how to get back to Heavenly Father. It will tell her about good choices she should make and warn her about things that might be harmful. It will tell her about wonderful blessings she will receive when she follows Heavenly Father’s commandments. It will guide Katy through her whole life.”

See also New Era March 2004 “About Patriarchal Blessings” and Family Home Evening Resource Book “Lesson Thirty-one: Receiving a Patriarchal Blessing

Additional Resources:

The Red Crystal

Latter Day Kids “Temple Ordinances” Lesson ideas

Latter Day Kids “Heavenly Father is Happy When I Try to Do Good” Video and lesson ideas

Oct 19 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 121-123

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More Trouble in Missouri

Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual The religious, cultural, and political differences between Church members and the other residents of Missouri, combined with the vengeful efforts of individuals who had been excommunicated from the Church, led to hostilities on both sides.

Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual Relying upon exaggerated anti-Mormon reports blaming Church members for this incident and other hostilities in Missouri, Governor Lilburn W. Boggs issued an executive order calling for the extermination or forcible removal of all Mormons from the state and authorized the state militia to march on Far West

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 31: The Extermination Order,”  Page 191 Detailed story, lesson and activity ideas found at link

Tell or read the story. Show on the map where the various events occurred. You may want to have a child place a small marker on the map as you mention each place.

Joseph is Wrongfully Imprisoned

Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual On October 31, 1838, Missouri state militia troops took the Prophet Joseph Smith and other Church leaders prisoner in Far West, Missouri. These men were eventually imprisoned in Liberty Jail in Clay County, Missouri, and suffered greatly during their four months of confinement.

Friend October 2008 “Joseph’s Experiences in Jail”

Friend October 2008 “Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail”

While in Liberty Jail, the Prophet dictated a letter to Church members on March 20, 1839, and a second letter approximately two days later, in which the Prophet included prayers he had written asking the Lord to have compassion on him and on all the “suffering Saints” (see D&C 121:4, 6). He also included the Lord’s response to those prayers, as well as counsel to Church members who had been driven from their homes in Missouri. Portions of these letters are recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 121–23.

Also see Primary 5:Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 32: Joseph Smith is Jailed Unjustly” Page 197 Detailed story, lesson and activity ideas

Section 121

Section 121 Prayer and prophecies written by Joseph Smith the Prophet in an epistle to the Church while he was a prisoner in the jail at Liberty, Missouri, dated March 20, 1839. The Prophet and several companions had been months in prison. Their petitions and appeals directed to the executive officers and the judiciary had failed to bring them relief.

With God, my trials can be for my good.

Doctrine and Covenants 121:1–9; 122:7–9

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 121-123”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 121-123”

The bottom level of the county jail in Liberty, Missouri, was known as the dungeon. The walls were thick, the stone floor was cold and filthy, the food—what there was of it—was rotten, and the only light came from two narrow, iron-barred windows near the ceiling. This dungeon is where Joseph Smith and a few of his brethren spent most of their imprisonment—four frigid months during the winter of 1838–39—awaiting trial for charges of treason against the state of Missouri. During this time, Joseph was constantly receiving news about the suffering of the Saints. The peace and optimism of Far West had lasted only a few months, and now the Saints were homeless once again, driven into the wilderness in search of yet another place to start over—this time with their Prophet in prison.

  • As you read together Doctrine and Covenants 121:1–9, you could talk about how the Savior helped Joseph feel peace. How do we find peace in the Savior, even during hard times?
  • Help the children think of ways we can trust the Lord as Joseph did so that we can feel peace. Explain that even though Joseph experienced hard things, the Lord was with him.

One way the Savior comforted Joseph Smith while he suffered in Liberty Jail was by teaching him that “all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good” (Doctrine and Covenants 122:7). This truth can bless the children when they face their own trials.

  • To help your children recognize that our trials can “be for [our] good” (Doctrine and Covenants 122:7), you could talk with them about how our muscles grow when we carry something heavy. You could even invite them to lift a heavy object. Then you could talk about how going through hard times can help our spirits grow—as we turn to the Lord for help. Share some examples from your life.”
Liahona September 2019
  • Why is adversity for our good? Adversity can help us become more like Jesus Christ; It can help us to develop empathy, patience, kindness, humility, faith and trust in God, reliance on God, etc. Ask the children if they would like to share how an adversity they suffered was for their gain.

Family Home Evening Resource Book “Adversity”

  1. List everyday problems on wordstrips and place them in a bowl. Have each person draw one and identify blessings that could come from such adversity. (Sickness, for example, can increase our compassion for the sick and our appreciation for the blessing of good health.)
  2. Tell of a trial (either from your own life or from one of your ancestors) that has strengthened and blessed you.
  3. Ask each one to say how some difficult experience he has had has been helpful to him—what he has learned from it, or how he has been blessed from it.
  4. Encourage family members to recognize trials as challenges. Remind them to seek the Lord’s help in overcoming them.

Friend August 2021 “Peace through Priesthood Power” When Elder Steven R. Bangerter was a child, he had gamma globulin anemia which made it hard for his body to fight off germs, so he got sick a lot. One night he had an earache so bad that he thought his head would explode. He father gave him a blessing and he was able to sleep through the night and feel better the next day. The next few year his father continued to give him priesthood blessings. He taught him that those blessings were opportunities for Heavenly Father to speak to him. His sickness became a way for Heavenly Father to help his faith to grow.

Latter Day Kids “Our Trials Can Be For Our Good” Lesson Ideas

“But A Small Moment”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 121-123”

  • Ask two children to hold the ends of a string that is long enough to stretch across the room. Ask another child to pinch a point on the string. Read Doctrine and Covenants 121:7–8, and explain that the string represents the years of eternity and that the small point being pinched is like our years on earth. What does it mean that our trials on earth are for “a small moment”?
  • Help the children imagine what it would be like to spend four months in a place like Liberty Jail. What would we miss most? How would we spend our time? What did Joseph Smith learn in Doctrine and Covenants 121:7–9; 122:7–9 that helped him endure this experience? Encourage the children to write a letter to someone who is having a difficult time, and suggest they use something from Doctrine and Covenants 121:7–9; 122:7–9 in their letter.

For additional teaching ideas see Adversity and Resources for Teaching Children: Trials

Righteousness brings the “powers of heaven.”

Doctrine and Covenants 121:34–46

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

  • Perhaps an analogy would help your children understand “the powers of heaven.” For example, you could compare God’s power to electrical power. What might prevent an electrical device from receiving power? What decreases our spiritual power? What increases it? (Look for words and phrases in Doctrine and Covenants 121:34–46; see also General Handbook, 3.5, 3.6, Gospel Library.)

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 121-123”

  • Draw a line with the words high power at one end and low power at the other. Draw an arrow pointing at the middle of the line. Choose several words or phrases from Doctrine and Covenants 121:34–46 that teach how we decrease or increase heavenly power in our lives (such as “cover our sins,” “pride,” “gentleness,” and “love”). Invite the children to take turns picking a word, deciding if the word leads to a decrease or increase in power, and moving the arrow accordingly. Talk with the children about people they know who have been a good influence on others because they follow the Lord’s counsel in these verses.

The Red Crystal

Come Follow Me Kid

  • Read Doctrine and Covenants 121:41–42, 45, and ask the children to list qualities in these verses that the Lord wants us to have. Help them define any words they don’t understand. Assign each child one quality, and help them think of a way that they can show it. Once they have all shared, ask them to read verses 45–46 and list the blessings they will receive if they develop those qualities.

Liahona October 2021 “How Do We Draw Upon the Powers of Heaven”

Section 122

Section 121 The word of the Lord to Joseph Smith the Prophet, while a prisoner in the jail at Liberty, Missouri. This section is an excerpt from an epistle to the Church dated March 20, 1839.

Jesus Christ knows what I am going through.

Doctrine and Covenants 122:7–9

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

  • After reading Doctrine and Covenants 122:7–9 with your children, you might share an experience when you felt the Savior was with you during a difficult trial. You could also sing together a song such as “Jesus Once Was a Little Child” (Children’s Songbook, 55) and testify that Jesus Christ can help us because He knows how we feel.

Jesus Christ Knows How I Feel. He has Descended Below All Things.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 121-123”

In Liberty Jail, Jesus Christ told Joseph Smith that He had descended below all things (see Doctrine and Covenants 122:8).

  • To help the children learn to turn to Christ when they experience hard things, ask them to show you what their faces look like when they are sad or hurt or scared. Who can help us when we feel this way? Read Doctrine and Covenants 122:8, and explain that this means that Jesus Christ knows how we feel, and He can help us.

Come Follow Kid

Friend November 2024 “Praying for Alejandro” Gerardo is worried about his brother who has cancer. His brother needs surgery but is too old for the Children’s hospital. So Gerardo prayed for help for his brother. They watched a video together about Jesus suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, and he wondered why Jesus had to hurt so much. He learned that Jesus felt all the pain we go through so he can know how to help us. Gerardo felt warm inside knowing that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ knew how to help Alejandro. The next day they learn that the children’s hospital would do Gerardo’s brother’s surgery.

Friend November 2023 “Someone Who Understands” Blair is embarrassed because she can’t go play at a friends like she said she would because she doesn’t feel good. She has Crohn’s disease and feels sick a lot. She prayed and told Heavenly Father how she was feeling. During the prayer she felt like she was getting a hug, and then the thought came into her mind that other’s may not understand what she is going through but Heavenly Father and Jesus do.

Liahona October 2021 “Temples, the Name of the Church, and Including Others”

The Weight of Affliction

  1. Gather some heavy items, such as rocks or large books.
  2. Have everyone sit in a circle.
  3. Show a picture of Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail.
  4. Read Doctrine and Covenants 122:5–7.
  5. For each affliction mentioned in these verses, place a rock in the middle of the circle.
  6. Have each family member add one more rock to the pile to represent a trial they have gone through.
  7. Read Doctrine and Covenants 122:8–9.
  8. Who has felt the pain of all of these trials? Imagine how it would feel to carry them all.

Discussion: In what ways does the Lord understand us, help us, and turn our trials into experiences that “shall be for [our] good”? (Doctrine and Covenants 122:7). For ideas, see Jeffrey R. Holland, “Lessons from Liberty Jail,” Ensign, Sept. 2009, 29–32.

Joseph Smith learned that none of the adversity he experienced during his mortal life would ever equal what Jesus Christ suffered during His mortal mission.

Jesus descended to be tempted, mocked, scourged, cast out, and disowned, even though He was all-powerful.

He descended to be judged of the world, even though He was the Judge of the world.

He descended to be lifted on the cross and slain for the sins of the world, even though no man could take away His life.

Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual “Chapter 46: Doctrine and Covenants 121:1–10; 122–123”

“Jesus, in the course of the Atonement, experienced all of the heartache and sorrow, all of the disappointments and injustices that the entire family of man had experienced and would experience from Adam and Eve to the end of the world in order that we would not have to face them so severely or so deeply. However heavy our load might be, it would be a lot heavier if the Savior had not gone that way before us and carried that burden with us and for us.”

“Furthermore, we note that not only has the Savior suffered, in His case entirely innocently, but so have most of the prophets and other great men and women recorded in the scriptures. The point is this: if you are having a bad day, you’ve got a lot of company—very, very good company. The best company that has ever lived” (“Lessons from Liberty Jail,” 31).

“And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men.”2

Section 123

Section 123 Duty of the Saints in relation to their persecutors, as written by Joseph Smith the Prophet while a prisoner in the jail at Liberty, Missouri. This section is an excerpt from an epistle to the Church dated March 20, 1839 1–6, The Saints should collect and publish an account of their sufferings and persecutions; 7–10,

Even small things can make a big difference in God’s service.

Doctrine and Covenants 123:15–17

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

  • To help your children understand Doctrine and Covenants 123:15–17, you could share with them a picture of a large ship and a small helm, or share with them Elder David A. Bednar’s explanation in “The Principles of My Gospel” (Liahona, May 2021, 125–26). Then you could talk about small ways we can cheerfully serve our family and friends.

“A “helm” is a wheel or tiller and the associated equipment used to steer a ship or a boat. And “workways with the wind and the waves” denotes turning a ship so that it maintains its balance and does not capsize during a storm.

Gospel principles are for me and you what a helm is to a ship. Correct principles enable us to find our way and to stand firm, steadfast, and immovable so we do not lose our balance and fall in the raging latter-day storms of darkness and confusion.” Elder David A. Bednar “The Principles of My Gospel” (Liahona, May 2021, 125–26)

Friend October 2025 “Come, Follow Me Activities”

When you are striving to follow Jesus Christ, little things can make a big difference! (See Doctrine and Covenants 123:15–17.) Follow the instructions on page 34 to fold a paper airplane. Then make another paper airplane but skip one of the steps. Which one flies better? Why is each fold important?

Friend October 2025 “For Older Kids”

For younger children: Help your little one spoon water into a cup to fill it. Teach them that every small spoonful helps fill the cup, just like how every small thing we do to follow Jesus Christ is important.

God Wants Me to Cheerfully Do What I Can.

Doctrine and Covenants 123:17

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 121-123”

Even though Joseph Smith was in jail and the Saints had been driven from their homes, he encouraged the Saints to “cheerfully do all things that lie in our power.”

  • Read to the children Doctrine and Covenants 123:17, and invite them to stand and cheer when they hear the word “cheerfully.” Invite them to pretend to do different acts of service in a cheerful way.
  • Sing together a song about cheerful service such as “When We’re Helping” (Children’s Songbook, 198). Help the children think of ways they can cheerfully serve their family and friends.

We Worry Less About Ourselves when We Serve Others

Friend November 2020 “120 Happy People” A family does a service project every year on the birthday of their baby who died because serving helps them feel thankful for what they have, and when they feel thankful, then happiness replaces the sad feelings. For this years project they decide to send thank you notes to people every day and help 120 people feel happy.

Friend August 2018 “The Lemonade Stand” After terrorist attacks, a girl and her friends are afraid. The girl also wants to help the victims but doesn’t know how. The neighborhood decides to host a lemonade stand to help raise money for the firefighters and their families. After helping with the lemonade stand, she feels better. Her mom tell she her that when she is being like Jesus, the Holy Ghost can help her feel happy and safe.

Friend June 2021 “Ombeni’s New Home” Ombeni’s family were refugees in the U.S. School was hard because he didn’t know the language and didn’t have any friends. His mother suggested he try to find someone to serve. He found a girl sitting alone at lunch and sat by her and smiled. She smiled back. It made him feel happy that he could help someone.

For more teaching ideas see Service and Resources for Teaching Children: Service

Additional Resources

Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Joseph Asks the President for Help”

Primary 5:Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 32: Joseph Smith is Jailed Unjustly” See detailed story and lesson and activity ideas at link.

See Saints, 1:323–96; “Within the Walls of Liberty Jail,” Revelations in Context, 256–63.

The Red Crystal

Oct 11 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 115-120

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Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 115-120”

There was reason to be optimistic about the Saints’ newest gathering place, Far West, Missouri, in July 1838. The city was growing rapidly, the land seemed bountiful, and it was revealed that a short distance to the north lay Adam-ondi-Ahman, a place of great spiritual significance (see Doctrine and Covenants 107:53–56; 116). Still, it must have been hard for the Saints not to think about what they had lost. They had been driven from Independence, the appointed center place of Zion, and the chances of returning anytime soon probably seemed slim. In addition, the Saints had to flee Kirtland, Ohio, leaving their beloved temple after only two years. And this time it wasn’t just enemies outside the Church causing trouble—many prominent members had turned against Joseph Smith.

See Saints, 1:296–99.

Section 115

Section 115 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Far West, Missouri, April 26, 1838, making known the will of God concerning the building up of that place and of the Lord’s house. This revelation is addressed to the presiding officers and the members of the Church.

1–4, The Lord names His church The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; 5–6, Zion and her stakes are places of defense and refuge for the Saints; 7–16, The Saints are commanded to build a house of the Lord at Far West; 17–19, Joseph Smith holds the keys of the kingdom of God on earth.

I Belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Doctrine and Covenants 115:4–5

4 For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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

  • To help your children learn the name of the Church and understand why it is important, consider asking if any of them can say the Church’s full name. You could then show them the name from Doctrine and Covenants 115:4 and have them repeat it with you. As you do, consider pointing out significant words and why they are important. You could also review “Chapter 43: Jesus Christ Names His Church” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 164, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library) or sing “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77).

Friend October 2025 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Name of the Church”

Jesus Christ named His restored Church “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” (see Doctrine and Covenants 115:3–6). Write down each word of this name on a slip of paper. Scramble the papers. Then try to put the Church’s name in order. See how fast you can do it!

Come Follow Me Kid See additional teaching ideas at link

Friend October 2021 “Jesus Christ Named His Church”

For the Strength of Youth October 2021 “The Name of His Church”

Friend November 2018 “The Correct Name of the Church” The prophet, Russell M. Nelson, directs church members to use the correct name of the church. Questions are answered to explain why. Also a book mark is included and an example cartoon of how to respond when people ask what church we belong to.

  • Sing together “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77), and share with the children how you feel about being a member of Jesus Christ’s Church. Let them share how they feel about the Church.

Ensign October 2020 “Family Study Fun: Act a Song”

  1. Come up with actions for the different words in the song. For example, you could stand up when you sing the word “I,” touch your head when you sing “know,” and march in place for “follow.”
  2. Practice using these different actions as you sing the song together.

Discussion: Why is the full name of the Church important? How can you politely help people understand the full name of the Church when they refer to us as “Mormons”?

“The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77)

My Example Can Help Others Come to Christ and Find Safety.

Doctrine and Covenants 115:4–6

5 Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations;

6 And that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 115-120”

  • Consider inviting your children to stand when you read the word arise in Doctrine and Covenants 115:5. They could stretch out their fingers like rays of sunlight when you read shine forth. Remind your children that our light comes from Jesus Christ, and help them think of ways they can “shine forth” as He does.
  • Pass around a flashlight, a picture of the sun, or something else to represent the light of the Savior’s gospel. When it’s their turn to hold the light, invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 115:4–5 and name something they can do to “shine forth” like a light for others (see 3 Nephi 18:24).

New Era June 1997 “Friendly Light” Story of a girl that shared the light of the gospel with her friend.

Sing together a song about being a light to others, such as “I Am like a Star” (Children’s Songbook, 163).

Your children may know people who are struggling and need “refuge” from the “storms of life” (verse 6). How can they help these people?

Friend December 2022 “Sharing the Light of Jesus Christ”

Friend July 2023

  • Your children could draw a picture depicting Doctrine and Covenants 115:6. For example, they could draw a storm with people taking refuge in a Church building. What are some things the storm might represent? How does the Savior’s Church provide help and refuge? Help your children think of a friend, family member, or neighbor in need. How can we invite them to find help in the Church of Jesus Christ?
Friend December 2018

Liahona October 2021 Refuge from the Storm: Try this activity to teach how gathering as Latter-day Saints gives us strength and protection.

  1. Read together Doctrine and Covenants 115:6: “The gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth.”
  2. Roll a set of dice or have a family member think of a number between 1 and 10.
  3. If the number is odd, name something that will protect you from a physical storm (for example: umbrella, coat, house).
  4. If the number is even, name something that will protect you from a spiritual storm (for example: scriptures, prayer, obedience, our families).
  5. Take turns thinking of answers.
  6. If you have older children, you could discuss the meaning of Zion from the Guide to the Scriptures: “Pure in heart” (Doctrine and Covenants 97:21). How does gathering together with the pure in heart protect us?

Discussion: What are some of the physical and spiritual storms we face? How can we gather in Christ? How can we “arise and shine forth”? (Doctrine and Covenants 115:5).

Section 116

Section 116 Spring Hill is named by the Lord Adam-ondi-Ahman, because, said he, it is the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of Days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the prophet.

Church History Topics “Adam-ondi-Ahman” Two years after the Kirtland Temple dedication, while searching for lands the Saints could settle in Daviess County, Missouri, Joseph Smith and a group of Church leaders found a beautiful spot near the Grand River with abundant water, wild game, and grass-covered prairies. Speaking of a prominent knoll in the area called Spring Hill, the Lord in a revelation explained that He had named it “Adam-ondi-Ahman” because “it is the place where Adam shall come to visit his people.”2

Adam-ondi-Ahman

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 30: Adam-ondi-Ahman,”  Page 184. See lesson link for additional teaching ideas.

According to Joseph Smith, Adam-ondi-Ahman is where God talked with Adam and the place where Adam offered up sacrifices to the Lord. At Adam-ondi-Ahman, Adam called his family together before he died so he could bless them (see D&C 107:53–56).

Adam-ondi-Ahman will also be an important place in the future: near the time of Christ’s second coming, Adam will come again to Adam-ondi-Ahman and hold a great council. All the prophets who have held keys of priesthood authority upon the earth will come to this council to give a report of their work to Adam. Jesus Christ will then come to Adam-ondi-Ahman, and Adam will return the priesthood keys to him. Christ will then return to earth to begin the Millennium, the thousand years when Christ will live on and reign over the earth.

Section 117

Section 117 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Far West, Missouri, July 8, 1838, concerning the immediate duties of William Marks, Newel K. Whitney, and Oliver Granger.

1–9, The Lord’s servants should not covet temporal things, for “what is property unto the Lord?”; 10–16, They are to forsake littleness of soul, and their sacrifices will be sacred unto the Lord.

My Sacrifices are Sacred to the Lord.

Doctrine and Covenants 117

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

  • Imagine you were Newel K. Whitney or his wife, Elizabeth, who were experiencing a prosperous life in Kirtland (Newel was a successful store owner), and then your are asked to leave. (Briefly remind the children why the Saints had to leave Kirtland, or let one of the children do so. It might help to review “Chapter 41: Trouble in Kirtland,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 158–60, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library.)
Trouble in Kirtland

As you read together Doctrine and Covenants 117:1–11, ask your children to stop you when they hear something that would help them have the faith to make sacrifices and obey the Lord. What sacrifices do we make to obey the Lord? How does He bless us?

Your family could compare a “drop” with something more “weighty” (verse 8), like a jug of water. This could lead to a discussion about less important things in our lives that might prevent us from receiving God’s abundant blessings.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 115-120”

The sacrifice asked of Oliver Granger was different: the Lord assigned him to stay in Kirtland and settle the Church’s finances. It was a heavy task, and while he represented the Church with integrity, he ultimately didn’t recover much money. Consider how the Lord’s words in verses 12–15 might apply to the things the Lord has asked of you.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 115-120”

  • Sing together a song about the Lord’s creations, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29). Let the children talk about some of the things God has created that help them feel His love.

Section 118

Section 118 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Far West, Missouri, July 8, 1838, in response to the supplication, “Show us thy will, O Lord, concerning the Twelve.” 1–3, The Lord will provide for the families of the Twelve; 4–6, Vacancies in the Twelve are filled.

Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Missionaries in Other Lands”

Section 119-120

Section 119 The law of tithing, as understood today, had not been given to the Church previous to this revelation. The term tithing in previous revelations (64:23; 85:3; 97:11) had meant all free-will offerings, or contributions, to the Church funds. The Lord had previously given to the Church the law of consecration and stewardship of property, which some members entered into by a covenant. Because of failure on the part of many to abide by this covenant, the Lord withdrew it for a time and gave instead the law of tithing to the whole Church. The Prophet asked the Lord how much of their property He required for sacred purposes. The answer was this revelation.

Section 120 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Far West, Missouri, July 8, 1838, making known the disposition of the properties tithed as named in the preceding revelation, section 119.

Heavenly Father uses tithing to bless His children.

Doctrine and Covenants 119–20

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 115-120”

  • Many of the children you teach may be too young to earn money and pay tithing, but it’s good for them to understand how tithing contributes to the Lord’s work throughout the world. Consider using the pictures and activity page at the end of this outline to help them understand what tithing is.

Friend October 2024 “What is Tithing”

Friend September 2005 “Where Does Tithing Go”

  • (See also “Chapter 44: Tithing,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 165–66, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library.)
  • How does Heavenly Father use tithing to bless His children? Share your feelings about the law of tithing and how it has blessed you. If possible, share a personal story.

Ponder how you will help the children understand how tithing—even the small amounts they might pay—contributes to the building up of the Lord’s kingdom (see True to the Faith, 180–82).

  • Invite the children to imagine that a friend sees a Church building and asks, “How does your Church pay for that building?” How would we explain tithing to this friend? Suggest that the children refer to Doctrine and Covenants 119:4; 120:1 as they consider this question.
  • Help the children think of things the Church is able to do because of tithing. How do these things bless our lives? Share your feelings about the law of tithing and how it has blessed you.

Friend October 2021 “Tithing Puzzler” Here are some of the ways the Church uses tithing and donations:

  • building temples
  • building churches
  • feeding the hungry
  • printing scriptures
  • missionary work
  • education
Ensign October 2018

Fill in the empty squares so that all six pictures are in each row (across), each column (up and down), and each purple rectangle.

Launch Presentation

I’m Glad to Pay a Tithing Song: Part One

Launch Presentation

I’m Glad to Pay a Tithing Song: Part Two

Launch Presentation

Additional Teaching Ideas: Tithing and Resources for Teaching Children: Tithing

Additional Resources

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Oct 4 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 111-114

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Table of Contents

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

Have you ever had a spiritual experience that made you feel confident and secure in your faith in Christ—but then life’s afflictions tried your faith, and you found yourself struggling to recover the peace you felt before? Something similar happened to the Saints in Kirtland. Less than a year after the spiritual outpourings connected with the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, troubles arose. A financial crisis, conflict in the Quorum of the Twelve, and other trials caused some Saints to waver in their faith despite their earlier experiences.

We can’t avoid trials, so how can we keep them from threatening our faith and testimony?

Section 111

Section 111 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Salem, Massachusetts, August 6, 1836. At this time the leaders of the Church were heavily in debt due to their labors in the ministry. Hearing that a large amount of money would be available to them in Salem, the Prophet, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, and Oliver Cowdery traveled there from Kirtland, Ohio, to investigate this claim, along with preaching the gospel. The brethren transacted several items of Church business and did some preaching. When it became apparent that no money was to be forthcoming, they returned to Kirtland. Several of the factors prominent in the background are reflected in the wording of this revelation.

After they arrived in Salem, the Lord declared, “There are more treasures than one for you in this city” (verse 10)—treasures that included people whom He would “gather out in due time for the benefit of Zion” (verse 2; see also Exodus 19:5). Although no money was found in Salem, the converts that came from later missionary efforts there were part of the fulfillment of the Lord’s promise. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114”)

Come Follow Me Kid See more lesson ideas at link

See also Matthew 6:19–21, 33; “More Treasures Than One,” Revelations in Context, 229–34.

The Things of God can be a Treasure to Me.

Doctrine and Covenants 111:2, 10–11

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114”

  • Invite the children to draw what comes to mind when they hear the word treasure. Contrast the things the world sees as treasure with the things the Lord treasures (see Doctrine and Covenants 111:2, 10–11), such as His people, wisdom and righteousness, and making good choices.
  • Help the children complete this week’s activity page. What do we learn about Jesus from the things He treasures? How can we be more like Him? How can we treasure more the things of God?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114”

Doctrine and Covenants 111:2, 10–11 could encourage a discussion about what your family values as eternal “treasures.” You could create a treasure hunt by hiding things around the house that represent things the Lord treasures or values. As your family finds each item, discuss what you can do to show that you value it.

Friend April 2013 “Jesus Christ Restored His Church in the Latter Days”Some treasure boxes contain beautiful jewelry and precious coins. But as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have a treasure that is even more valuable: the gospel of Jesus Christ.

After Jesus and His Apostles died, some important gospel teachings and ordinances were lost or changed, including baptism, priesthood authority, temples, living prophets, and the sacrament.

All of these gospel treasures have been restored. We receive many blessings because we have these gospel treasures.

Section 112

Section 112 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Thomas B. Marsh, at Kirtland, Ohio, July 23, 1837, concerning the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb. This revelation was received on the day Elders Heber C. Kimball and Orson Hyde first preached the gospel in England. Thomas B. Marsh was at this time President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 Thomas B. Marsh, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was upset that Joseph Smith had, without consulting him, called two members of his quorum to preach the gospel in England. He met with the Prophet, who received a revelation that helped Thomas put aside his hurt feelings. That revelation is recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 112. Keep this context in mind as you study Doctrine and Covenants 112. What do you find that might have healed Thomas’s hurt feelings?

The Lord Will Lead Me by the Hand and Answer My Prayers.

Doctrine and Covenants 112:10

10 Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers.

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

Ask the children what it means to be humble. (They could read “Humility” in True to the Faith [pages 86–87] if needed.) Help them think of words or phrases related to “humble,” and invite them to read Doctrine and Covenants 112:10, substituting one of these words or phrases for “humble” in the verse. Why does Heavenly Father want us to be humble? To learn more, the children could read additional scriptures listed under “Humble, Humility” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Have the children act out or discuss some of the following situations and then determine who is humble in each situation:
A person who talks during an entire meal, not giving others a chance to talk.
A brother who says to his younger sister, “That’s a good idea; I wouldn’t have thought of that.”
A person who says, “Okay, I need help; it’s harder to pound nails straight than I thought it would be.”
A person who insists that his room is clean and who refuses to clean it even after his parents tell him that they have noticed dust and dirt.
A person who loses a tennis match and honestly says to the winner, “Thanks for the game. You are a good player.”
A person in school who thinks, “I don’t need to listen; I already know all this stuff.”
A sister who helps a younger brother play a simple game, even though she would rather play something else.
A Primary teacher who says, “I don’t know the answer to that question; I’ll have to study more and pray for understanding.”
A person who brags about her possessions and refuses to play with children who do not dress as nicely as she does.
A person who takes credit for everything good that happens to him.
A person who, when asked to give a talk, says, “Yes, I’ll do it. It is hard for me, but I’ll prepare and do my best.”

For additional teaching ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Humility and Pride”

You or your children could write the words of Doctrine and Covenants 112:10 and underline the blessings the Lord gives us when we humbly turn to Him.

How do we humble ourselves so the Lord can lead us? Answers may include the following: by remembering that our gifts, talents, and abilities come from the Lord, by praying for humility, by looking for the good in others, by building love for others by praying for them and serving  them.

When we are humble we become meek and teachable and we are more willing to listen to the Lord, pray for his help, and follow him and his guidance.

Help the children to think of situations when it is important to hold the hand of a family member, like when crossing the street or giving comfort.

You could also play a game that involves leading each other “by the hand” (such as an obstacle course). Have one person wear a blindfold. Have another person take their hand and lead them carefully through the obstacle course. Take turns leading and following.

Friend October 2021

How does the Lord lead us “by the hand,” even though He isn’t physically with us? Why do we need the Lord to lead us? Encourage your children to share times when they humbly asked for the Lord’s help and received answers to their prayers or were led to do something good (see Moroni 7:13, 16).

Latter Day Kids “Humility“ Lesson Ideas

Jesus Wants Me to Love Everyone.

Doctrine and Covenants 112:11

11 Let thy love be for them as for thyself; and let thy love abound unto all men, and unto all who love my name.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114”

  • You and your children could take turns reading from “Chapter 41: Trouble in Kirtland” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 158–60). Who in the story made the problems in Kirtland worse? Who was trying to make them better? Then you could read Doctrine and Covenants 112:11 and talk about why the Savior wants us to love everyone, even those who might make wrong choices.

  • Help the children think of examples of when the Savior loved those who mistreated Him (for example, see Luke 23:34). Jesus Christ was the perfect example of loving everyone, even those who mistreated Him. Joseph Smith also had to endure persecution by those who had been his friends. Help the children learn that we can love others just like the Savior and Joseph Smith did.

Friend January 2018 “A Friend for Mr. Maurice” Carter’s neighbor, Mr. Maurice, seems mean. Carter’s father tells him that Jesus taught that we are to love everyone. Carter tries to be kind and help Mr. Maurice and finds out Mr. Maurice is easier to love than expected.

Friend October 2025 “Jesus Wants Me to Love Everyone” Coloring page

Why is it important to love people who are different from us? Why might Heavenly Father have given us differences? How can we “let [our] love abound unto all,” even those who are different from us?

You could also sing a song about loving others, such as “I’ll Walk with You” (Children’s Songbook, 140–41).

Those Who Are Truly Converted Come to Know Jesus Christ.

Doctrine and Covenants 112:11–14, 24–26

26 First among those among you, saith the Lord, who have professed to know my name and have not known me, and have blasphemed against me in the midst of my house, saith the Lord.

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

What does verse 13 & 14 teach us we can do to know Him better? Help the children understand what it means to “take up [our] cross” (Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 16:25–26 [in the Bible appendix]) or to “feed [His] sheep.”

13 If they harden not their hearts, and stiffen not their necks against me, they shall be converted, and I will heal them.

14 Now, I say unto you, and what I say unto you, I say unto all the Twelve: Arise and gird up your loins, take up your cross, follow me, and feed my sheep.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114” The basic meaning of the word convert is “to turn around, to transform, or to change.” Thus, when a person is truly converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ, his whole life is changed. The scriptures refer to such a person as having been “reborn,” because he becomes a new person. Conversion is a process, not an event. Conversion comes as a result of righteous efforts to follow the Savior.

Becoming converted to Jesus Christ is a lifelong process, and it involves more than just “[professing] to know [His] name” (Doctrine and Covenants 112:26). Help the children better understand what it means to truly know the Savior.

Section 113

Section 113 Answers to certain questions on the writings of Isaiah, given by Joseph Smith the Prophet, at or near Far West, Missouri, March 1838.

Joseph Smith was “a servant in the hands of Christ.”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114”)

Isaiah referred to one of Jesse’s descendants as a “rod” and a “root” (Isaiah 11:1, 10). In section 113, the Lord explains that this descendant, a servant of Christ, would be instrumental in gathering the Lord’s people in the last days (see Doctrine and Covenants 113:4, 6)—a prophecy that describes the Prophet Joseph Smith quite well. How might this and other truths in section 113 have been encouraging to the Saints during the turmoil they were experiencing in Kirtland?

Section 114

Section 114 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Far West, Missouri, April 11, 1838.

On April 11, 1838, the Prophet Joseph Smith received the revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 114. In this revelation the Lord directed David W. Patten to prepare for a future mission and warned rebellious Church leaders that they would lose “their bishopric,” or calling, if they were not faithful (D&C 114:2).

Additional Resources

Doctrine and Covenant Stories “Far West, Missouri”

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “The Apostles Preached the Gospel to All Nations”

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 29: Missionaries Go to Other Nations,”  Page 159 Link includes stories, activities, and discussion questions.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114”

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Sep 28 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 109-110

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Kirtland Temple is Dedicated

Section 109

Section 109 Prayer offered at the dedication of the temple at Kirtland, Ohio, March 27, 1836. According to the Prophet’s written statement, this prayer was given to him by revelation.

The Temple is the House of the Lord.

Doctrine and Covenants 109:12–13; 110:1–7

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 109–110”

“Chapter 39: The Kirtland Temple Is Dedicated,” Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 154

For the Strength of Youth September 2021 “The House of the Lord”

  • Ask the children to imagine that a friend is trying to find their house. How can we help our friend know which house is ours? How do we know that the temple is the Lord’s house? Read Doctrine and Covenants 109:12–13 with the children, and tell them how you know that the temple is the house of the Lord. Ask the children to share something they love about the temple. Share with each other something you love about the Lord’s house.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 109–110”

  • Give each child a picture of a temple, or invite them to draw one. Sing together a song about temples, such as “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95). Invite the children to hold up their pictures each time they sing the word “temple.” Point out to them other words in the song that teach us something important about the temple. Tell the children how you feel about the temple and how you know it is the house of the Lord.

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Books “Kirtland Temple Dedication”

Discussion: Why are temples important to you? Share spiritual experiences you have had because of temples.

Blessings of the Temple

Doctrine and Covenants 109; 110:1–10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 109–110”

In some ways, the Kirtland Temple was different from temples we know today. There were no altars and no baptismal font, and ordinances like baptism for the dead and sealing had not yet been restored. But the blessings described in section 109, in the dedicatory prayer for the Kirtland Temple, are the blessings we receive in the Lord’s house today.

  • Choose verses from section 109 or 110 that you feel highlight the blessings of the temple (such as the ones listed below from this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). List these blessings on the board, and invite the children to search the verses you chose to find those blessings. How might we explain to someone why the temple is important to us?

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas. See more ideas at link.

Section 110

Section 110 Visions manifested to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery in the temple at Kirtland, Ohio, April 3, 1836. The occasion was that of a Sabbath day meeting. Joseph Smith’s history states: “In the afternoon, I assisted the other Presidents in distributing the Lord’s Supper to the Church, receiving it from the Twelve, whose privilege it was to officiate at the sacred desk this day. After having performed this service to my brethren, I retired to the pulpit, the veils being dropped, and bowed myself, with Oliver Cowdery, in solemn and silent prayer. After rising from prayer, the following vision was opened to both of us.”

1–10, The Lord Jehovah appears in glory and accepts the Kirtland Temple as His house; 11–12, Moses and Elias each appear and commit their keys and dispensations; 13–16, Elijah returns and commits the keys of his dispensation as promised by Malachi.

The Priesthood Keys Needed to Accomplish God’s Work are in the Church Today.

The Savior is blessing His people through priesthood keys.

The Kirtland Temple is important in Church history. Jesus Christ appeared there, along with ancient prophets. These prophets committed priesthood keys to Joseph Smith that are needed to do God’s latter-day work.

Doctrine and Covenants 110

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 109–110”

Invite the children to search Doctrine and Covenants 110:11–16 (or watch the below video) to find the names of three ancient prophets who appeared in the Kirtland Temple. Then help them find words in these verses that describe what each prophet “committed,” or gave, to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. You can find a helpful description in “Chapter 40: Visions in the Kirtland Temple” (Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 156–57)..

  • You could use this week’s activity page or “Chapter 40: Visions in the Kirtland Temple” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 155–57, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library) to tell the children about the heavenly beings who visited the temple. You could also use the picture at the end of this outline.

Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Chapter 40: Visions in the Kirtland Temple” Images and Video

To learn about the importance of what happened in the Kirtland Temple, you and your children could talk about what keys do. (With a set of keys, you can do a lot of things that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to do—enter buildings, drive cars, and open trunks, among other things. Keys, basically, mean authority and access.) A priesthood key is the authority or permission to act in Heavenly Father’s name.

To illustrate the importance of priesthood keys, discuss with the children the problems of losing a house key or car key. How is this similar to the problems of priesthood keys being lost? Help them find the word keys in Doctrine and Covenants 110:11–16, and talk about the blessings that these keys unlock.

You might explain that priesthood keys are God’s permission to lead His Church. Explain that one of the reasons the Kirtland Temple was built was to provide a place where the Lord and his servants could restore additional keys of priesthood authority. Share your gratitude that the Lord gave us priesthood keys. These keys unlock power and blessings so we can do God’s work in His Church, such as sharing the gospel and doing temple work

 Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 26: The Kirtland Temple Is Dedicated,” Pg 139 (See link for a more complete story of the dedication of the Kirtland Temple and additional lesson ideas.)

Latter Day Kids “The Restoration of Priesthood Keys” Lesson ideas and activities

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “The Lord Accepted the Kirtland Temple”

  • Sing with the children “The Spirit of God” (Hymns, no. 2), and tell them it was sung at the Kirtland Temple dedication—and in temple dedications today. Why was this a good song for the Kirtland Temple dedication?

The Savior wants me to turn my heart to my ancestors.

Doctrine and Covenants 110:15

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 109–110”

  • To help the children understand the keys that Elijah committed to Joseph Smith, sing together a song about Elijah or family history, such as “Truth from Elijah” (Children’s Songbook, 90–91). After reading Doctrine and Covenants 110:15 together, tell about an experience that helped turn your heart to your ancestors. Ask the children to share something they know about a grandparent or other ancestor.

Truth from Elijah video

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

  • What might help “turn the hearts” of your children to their ancestors? You can find some fun ideas at FamilySearch.org/discovery. You could work together to identify ancestors who need temple ordinances. Why does Jesus want us to do this work? You could also sing a song together like “Family History—I Am Doing It” (Children’s Songbook, 94).

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

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

Family History I Am Doing It Video

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 109-110”

  • Discuss what we can do to participate in the work that Elijah’s keys made possible. Or show the video “Gatherers in the Kingdom” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) and talk about how we can help gather Heavenly Father’s children back to Him.

Additional Resources

Liahona September 2021 “Teaching about Keeping Covenants and Building Zion” The Kirtland Temple was dedicated on March 27, 1836. Many spiritual experiences were recorded from this event.

  1. Read through a few of the accounts from the “Voices of the Restoration” section at the end of the September 27–October 3 lesson in the Come, Follow Me manual.

Friend September 2021 “The Kirtland Temple”

Liahona October 2021 “Why did Moses, Elias, and Elijah appear in the Kirtland Temple?”

The Red Crystal

Sep 21 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 106-108

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Table of Contents

SECTION 106

Section 106 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, November 25, 1834. This revelation is directed to Warren A. Cowdery, an older brother of Oliver Cowdery.

n this revelation the Lord called Warren A. Cowdery, an older brother of Oliver Cowdery and a recent convert to the Church, to preside over the growing number of Saints in Freedom, New York, and the surrounding area. The Lord also promised Warren great blessings for his faithful service.

SECTION 107

Section 107 This section was associated with the organization of the Quorum of the Twelve in February and March 1835. The Prophet likely delivered it in the presence of those who were preparing to depart May 3, 1835, on their first quorum mission.

Doctrine and Covenant Stories “Chapter 37: Priesthood Leaders”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 106-108”

At first glance, Doctrine and Covenants 107 might seem to be only about organizing priesthood offices into a leadership structure for the Lord’s Church. Indeed, by the time this revelation was published, Church membership was already outgrowing the capacity of the few leaders it had in place. So outlining the roles and responsibilities of the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve, the Seventy, bishops, and quorum presidencies was surely needed and helpful. But there’s so much more to the divine instruction in section 107 than just how to organize priesthood offices and quorums. Here the Lord teaches us about an ancient priesthood order that was “instituted in the days of Adam” (verse 41). Its purpose from the beginning has been to make it possible for God’s children—including you—to receive the saving ordinances of the gospel and enjoy “all the spiritual blessings of the church—to have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, [and] to have the heavens opened unto them” (verses 18–19).

See “Restoring the Ancient Order,” Revelations in Context,208–12.

President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles acknowledged this: “Priesthood is the authority and the power which God has granted to men on earth to act for Him. When priesthood authority is exercised properly, priesthood bearers do what He [Jesus Christ] would do if He were present” (“The Power of the Priesthood,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 7).

Jesus Christ blesses me through His priesthood power.

Doctrine and Covenants 107:18–20

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

  • As you and your children read together Doctrine and Covenants 107:18–19, emphasize the phrase “all the spiritual blessings.” Perhaps you and your children could list blessings that come from the priesthood. You might make a game of it—see who can make the longest list.

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

  • Your children could also draw or find pictures to represent these blessings (see this week’s activity page). You could then talk about how priesthood ordinances (like baptism or the sacrament) help us receive God’s blessings. Draw on the board or show the picture that represents “the heavens [being] opened unto [us]” (Doctrine and Covenants 107:19) because of the priesthood (such as light rays shining through a cloud). Give the children pictures representing blessings that come from the priesthood, such as baptism, the sacrament, and the temple. Invite them to share why they are thankful for the blessing in their picture, and let them put their picture in the light rays on the board. Bear testimony that we can have these blessings because Heavenly Father restored the priesthood.

“Blessings of the Priesthood Are Available to All” (October 2012 Liahona and Friend)
An explanation of priesthood ordinances. Includes a fill-in-the-blank activity and a coloring page.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 106-108”

  • Make a path on the floor, and give the children pictures of priesthood ordinances they will need so they can follow the path back to Heavenly Father (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 103–8, 119–20). Help the children put the ordinances in order on the path.

Friend July 2021 “Heavenly Father’s Plan of Happiness”

  • Show a picture of Adam and Eve with their family (see this week’s activity page or Gospel Art Book, no. 5). As children look at the picture, ask them how Adam and Eve seem to feel about their family. Use Doctrine and Covenants 107:53–56 to share with the children what Adam did to show he loved his family. Bear your testimony about how the priesthood has been a blessing to you and your family.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 106-108”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 106-108”

  • Write questions that could be answered in Doctrine and Covenants 107:1–8, 13–14, 18–20, such as “What is another name for the Melchizedek Priesthood?” Give the children a few minutes to find answers in the verses to as many of the questions as they can. Share with the children the blessings you have received through the priesthood.

The Red Crystal

  • Read with the children about Melchizedek below or in the Bible Dictionary or Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What do we learn from his life about what it means to exercise priesthood authority?

Friend April 1994 “Melchizedek”

As a child, Melchizedek lived surrounded by very wicked people. They “waxed strong in iniquity and abomination; yea, they had all gone astray; they were full of all manner of wickedness.” And yet Melchizedek was filled with faith; “he feared God, and stopped the mouths of lions, and quenched the violence of fire.” He eventually became not only the high priest to his people but also their king, ruling under his father.

As a result of his own worthiness, Melchizedek was able to exercise great power in teaching his people to turn to righteousness, to change their lives. As they listened to his words, their hearts were softened and they repented. He “did preach repentance unto his people. And behold, they did repent; and Melchizedek did establish peace in the land in his days.”

Their city was called Salem, which comes from a Hebrew word that means “peace” or “perfection,” and Melchizedek became known as “the prince of peace.” In Hebrew his name means “King of Righteousness.”

Melchizedek was a great high priest “after the order of the Son of God.” Those ordained to this order of the priesthood have a most important work to do. We know, for example, that Melchizedek received tithes and offerings from the faithful, such as Abraham; that he kept “the storehouse of God,” where the “tithes for the poor” were held; that he gave blessings, preached repentance, and administered the ordinances of the gospel to his people so that they could repent and receive a remission of their sins. He did this work with such faith and such goodness that of all God’s ancient high priests, “none were greater.”

Up to the time of Melchizedek, the priesthood he held was called “the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God.” But to avoid using God’s sacred name too frequently, and to honor this faithful high priest, it became known from his time forth as the Melchizedek Priesthood.

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

The Lord’s chosen servants lead His Church.

Doctrine and Covenants 107:21–26, 33–35, 91–92

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 106-108”

  • Every conference issue of the Liahona includes a page of pictures of the General Authorities. Consider looking at these pictures with your children as you read about their responsibilities in Doctrine and Covenants 107:21–26, 33–35, 91–92 (or you could invite them to write on the board what they learn about these responsibilities). You and your children could talk about why you are grateful the Lord has given them these responsibilities.
  • Your children can learn more about the Lord’s servants at “General Church Leadership” on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Maybe each of your children could learn about one of these leaders and teach each other about him or her. Share with each other how you know that these leaders are true servants of Jesus Christ.
  • After reading Doctrine and Covenants 107:22 together, you and your children could take turns holding up a picture of the First Presidency and sharing ways you can sustain them as the Lord’s servants.
  • Write the words confidence, faith, and prayer on the board. Ask the children how we can uphold the First Presidency of the Church with our confidence, faith, and prayer (see Doctrine and Covenants 107:22). Why is it important to sustain the Lord’s chosen servants?

Liahona March 2021 “What does “common consent” mean in the Church?”

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

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

Learn and Do Duty with Diligence

Doctrine and Covenants 107:99–100.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 106-108”

Give a family member written instructions for a household task, and invite him or her to choose how to do the task: diligently, slothfully, or without reading the instructions. Let the rest of the family watch him or her do the task and guess which approach the family member chose. Then let other family members have a turn. Why does the Lord need us to both learn our duties and do them with all diligence? (See Becky Craven, “Careful versus Casual,” Ensign or Liahona,May 2019, 9–11.)

SECTION 108

Section 108 This section was received at the request of Lyman Sherman, who had previously been ordained a seventy and who had come to the Prophet with a request for a revelation to make known his duty.

I can be careful in living my covenants.

Doctrine and Covenants 108:3

3 And arise up and be more careful henceforth in observing your vows, which you have made and do make, and you shall be blessed with exceeding great blessings.

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

  • To start a conversation about this verse, you could invite your children to do something that requires careful attention, like filling a cup without spilling. What happens when we are not careful?
  • Then you could read Doctrine and Covenants 108:3 to find out what the Lord wants us to do carefully.
  • What “vows” (promises or covenants) do we make with God?

List with the children the promises they make with Heavenly Father when they are baptized and partake of the sacrament.

Friend February 2019 “The Baptism Covenant” Cut out and mix up these cards. Then take turns matching cards that go together. With each match, talk about that part of the baptism covenant.

  • Help the children think of ways they can be careful about observing these promises.

Friend September 2021 “Trying to Help Like Jesus” The prophet said the Lord loves effort, so Emilie tries hard to follow Jesus. She helps her mom and brothers, she prays for others, she tries to set good examples, and she tries to do the things she learns at church.

  • You might share parts of Sister Becky Craven’s message “Careful versus Casual” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 9–11) . Give the children portions of Sister Becky Craven’s talk “Careful versus Casual” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 9–11) that you feel could inspire your children to keep their covenants. Ask them to share something that inspires them to be more careful about living their covenants.

  • You could sing a song with the children about keeping covenants, such as “I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162) If time allows, help them make a sign with a phrase from the song that reminds them to keep their covenants, and encourage them to display their sign at home.

I Can Strengthen Others.

Doctrine and Covenants 108:7

7 Therefore, strengthen your brethren in all your conversation, in all your prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your doings.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 106-108”

  • Draw a person on the board, and ask the children to name some things the person could do to become physically stronger. (You might draw bigger muscles on the person as the children name things.) Read Doctrine and Covenants 108:7, and ask the children to listen for ways we can “strengthen [our] brethren [and sisters].” Explain any words that might be difficult.
  • Help the children think of people they know who may need strengthening. What could we say to them or do for them? Work together to make cards for these people, or encourage the children to remember them in their personal and family prayers.

How can we strengthen each other in our conversations? in our prayers? in our exhortations, or encouragement? in all our doings? You might choose one of these to work on as a family.

In Conversation

Friend October 2019 “Words Matter” The words we say make a big difference. Trace your finger along the lines to see how the words you say can make others feel. Also, make some kind notes to give to others.

In Prayers

Friend March 2020 “Praying for Uncle Dan” At bedtime Isabelle’s family prayed together. They always started by talking about people who might need extra blessings. This time dad asked them to pray for Uncle Dan who had lost his job. Every day they prayed for him, and eventually he started making progress in finding a new job.

Friend March 2020
Friend March 2020
Friend March 2020
Friend March 2020

Friend September 2019 “Praying Like Alma” Joplin got hit by a tornado and Isaac wants to go help,  but he’s too young.  While learning about Alma’s prayer for his son, Isaac got the idea to pray for the people of Joplin. He said prayers for them everyday.

In Your Exhortations

Friend July 2020 “Kind Enough to Speak Up” Charlie’s friend was mean to people and called them names. Charlie talked to his friend about it and he agreed to stop being mean.

Friend February 2018 “Standing up for Church” Easton is surprised when kids in his international school class laugh when a boy says he goes to church. He decides to do his family identity presentation on church so that others would see why it’s important and not silly.

In Your Doings

Primary 4 Manual: Book of Mormon ““Lesson 46: The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ (Christmas)” 

The Red Crystal

Latter Day Kids “Strengthening Others” Lesson, story, and activity ideas to go along with below video.

Additional Resources:

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Sep 16 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 102-105

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Table of Contents

Section 102

Section 102 Minutes of the organization of the first high council of the Church, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 17, 1834. The original minutes were recorded by Elders Oliver Cowdery and Orson Hyde. The Prophet revised the minutes the following day, and the next day the corrected minutes were unanimously accepted by the high council as “a form and constitution of the high council” of the Church. Verses 30 through 32, having to do with the Council of the Twelve Apostles, were added in 1835 under Joseph Smith’s direction when this section was prepared for publication in the Doctrine and Covenants.  See also Gospel Topics, “Church Councils,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Section 103

Section 103: Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 24, 1834. This revelation was received after the arrival in Kirtland, Ohio, of Parley P. Pratt and Lyman Wight, who had come from Missouri to counsel with the Prophet as to the relief and restoration of the Saints to their lands in Jackson County.

I can be “a light unto the world” by following Jesus.

Doctrine and Covenants 103:9

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

  • You could invite your children to hold pictures of a light bulb, a candle, or another source of light while you read Doctrine and Covenants 103:9. How can we be like a light to others when we follow Jesus Christ? See also “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam” (Children’s Songbook, 60–61).

Bring a flashlight or a picture of the sun, and compare light to the power of a righteous example. Just as the light from a flashlight or the sun can help us see a path we need to follow, a righteous example shows us what to do in order to follow Heavenly Father. Share an experience when someone’s good example helped you. Ask the children to talk about someone who is a good example for them. What can the children do to be a good example to others?

Ensign August 2015
Ensign August 2015

Show pictures of Jesus doing good things, and explain that He is our perfect example. Explain that we can be good examples like Jesus was. Invite the children to draw pictures of themselves being good examples.

The Red Crystal

Friend September 2025 “Candle Craft”

  • How can we be a light, or good example, to people around us?

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

Friend November 2015
Friend November 2015

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

Section 104

Section 104 Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at or near Kirtland, Ohio, April 23, 1834, concerning the United Firm (see the headings to sections 78 and 82). The occasion was likely that of a council meeting of members of the United Firm, which discussed the pressing temporal needs of the Church. An earlier meeting of the firm on April 10 had resolved that the organization be dissolved. This revelation directs that the firm instead be reorganized; its properties were to be divided among members of the firm as their stewardships. Under Joseph Smith’s direction, the phrase “United Firm” was later replaced with “United Order” in the revelation.

The Lord wants me to share what I have with people in need.

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

Doctrine and Covenants 104:13–18

  • You may want to give your children a few minutes to make a list of blessings God has given them (such as food, clothing, talents, faith, and a home). Encourage them to list as many as they can. Then you could read together Doctrine and Covenants 104:13–18, looking for answers to questions like these: Who is the true owner of all things? What does He want us to do with these things?

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102-105”

Consider how you will help the children understand the Lord’s way of providing for His people when they are in need.

Friend November 2004 “Blessings Tree”

Friend July 2021 “Meet Eta from American Samoa” Eta’s mom owns a dessert bakery. Eta and her older sister, Talai, love to share the desserts with their teachers and leaders and with people who might be having a hard time. (includes photo)

Friend March 2020 “Harry Shares” Harry is playing with toys. He is having fun. Harry sees a girl who looks sad. Harry shares toys with her. Now they are both having fun!

Friend July 2018

The Lord will bless me as I keep His commandments.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102-105”

Doctrine and Covenants 104:42

  • Several times in section 104 the Lord promises “a multiplicity of blessings” to people who faithfully obey His commandments. To help the children understand what “multiplicity” means, you could draw a circle and ask your children to help you multiply the number of circles—drawing two, then four, then eight, then sixteen, and so on. Each time you add circles, help your children think of a blessing Heavenly Father has given them. Explain that “a multiplicity of blessings” means the Lord will fill our lives with blessings if we obey His commandments.

Come Follow Me Kid

How will you help the children feel that He wants to bless us generously?

Friend February 2015 “The Blessing Quest” Nathan wants to ride bikes with his friends instead of going to church, but he learns that commandments are meant to help us be happy. He goes to church and is blessed.

Friend September 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”

  • Sing “I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162).
  • Jesus taught that if we keep the commandments, we will be blessed (see Doctrine and Covenants 103:7).
  • Have one person say “Jesus said” and then tell something Jesus has asked us to do. Then do an action that goes with the words. For example, if the person says, “Jesus said to love everyone,” you could make a heart with your hands. If the person says, “Jesus said to pray,” you could fold your arms. Take turns telling what Jesus said.

Friend March 1997 Turn the top disk to see a commandment from Heavenly Father. Read the scripture in the other window to find out what blessings are promised to those who keep that commandment. (Link page includes additional lesson ideas.)

See more teaching resources at “Commandments”.

Section 105

Section 105 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, on Fishing River, Missouri, June 22, 1834. Under the leadership of the Prophet, Saints from Ohio and other areas marched to Missouri in an expedition later known as Zion’s Camp. Their purpose was to escort the expelled Missouri Saints back to their lands in Jackson County. Missourians who had previously persecuted the Saints feared retaliation from Zion’s Camp and preemptively attacked some Saints living in Clay County, Missouri. After the Missouri governor withdrew his promise to support the Saints, Joseph Smith received this revelation.

I Can Obey the Lord’s Commandments Even When I Don’t Understand the Reasons for Them.

Doctrine and Covenants 105:9–19

The experience of Zion’s Camp can be a powerful way to illustrate the blessings that come from seeking to follow the Lord’s will.

For the Strength of Youth September 2021 “A Test of Faith”

Doctrine and Covenant Scripture Stories “Chapter 36: Zion’s Camp” Video and Images

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102-105”

  • Read together Doctrine and Covenants 105:13–14, and explain that when Zion’s Camp reached Missouri, the Lord told them to not try to take back the Saints’ land. Some members of the camp were upset and wondered why they’d been commanded to go there. What should we do when we don’t understand the reasons for a commandment? Share some accounts from “Voices of the Restoration: Zion’s Camp” (in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families) to help the children see that blessings come when we obey the commandments God gives us through His prophets, even if we don’t understand all the reasons.
  • Faithful members of Zion’s Camp, many of whom later became leaders of the Church, testified that the experience deepened their faith in God’s power, in Joseph Smith’s divine call, and in Zion—not just Zion the place but Zion the people of God. Rather than questioning the value of this seemingly unsuccessful task, they learned that the real task is to follow the Savior, even when we don’t understand everything.

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 28: Zion’s Camp Marches to Missouri,”  Page 170

clipart library
  1. Bring a small piece of rough, slivery wood and a piece of sandpaper (or bring a sharp or jagged stone and a smooth one, and adjust the activity accordingly).
    • What were some of the problems faced by the members of Zion’s Camp? (Answers may include illness, persecution by enemies, quarreling, bad tempers, spoiled food, unsafe water, and sore feet.)As the children name the problems, pass the rough wood around and let them feel it. Compare the rough, slivery wood to God’s children before they are tested with trials and problems.
    • Would you want to use something (such as a spoon or pencil) made out of this piece of wood? Why not?
    • What are some of the tests we face in life? Write the children’s answers on the chalkboard.
    • How can we pass these tests? As you discuss the tests we face and how we can meet them, rub the wood with the sandpaper until at least a part of the wood is smooth. Compare this to the refining influence of facing our problems and overcoming them. As we overcome problems, our imperfections are “smoothed out” and we become better people and more useful to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Pass the wood around again so the children can feel the difference between the rough part and the smooth part.

See Saints, 1:194–206; “The Acceptable Offering of Zion’s Camp,” Revelations in Context, 213–18.

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Zion’s Camp”

Liahona September 2021 “Zion’s Camp—Preparing to Serve the Lord”

I Can Be a Peacemaker.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102-105”

Doctrine and Covenants 105:38–40

  • Talk about lessons we can learn from Zion’s Camp—for example, that the Lord wants us to be peaceful and work together instead of arguing and fighting (see also Russell M. Nelson, “Peacemakers Needed,” Liahona, May 2023, 98–101). Contention and fighting bring difficulties, while unity and peace bring blessings.
  • You could also read Doctrine and Covenants 105:38–40 and ask the children to stand up each time they hear the word “peace.” Explain that the Lord wanted the Saints to make peace with the people who were being unkind. Help your children think of things that they can do to be peacemakers, and invite them to role-play some situations.

“Cease From Anger” (February 2010 Friend) Read the situation and choices. Ask the children which choice is being a peacemaker. When we are loving and forgiving, we can be peacemakers.

  • Share a story about a child being a peacemaker from your own life or from the Friend or Liahona. Sing a song about loving others, such as “Jesus Said Love Everyone” (Children’s Songbook, 61), or complete this week’s activity page.

For the Strength of Youth January 2023 “Being a Peacemaker: Your New SUPERPOWER”

Friend May 2019 “Choose to Be Kind” A girl pushed her way to the front of the line at the bus stop and sat where Samuel and his friend, Mike, had planned on sitting. This started an argument, but Samuel chooses to be kind instead of right, and figures out a solution.

Latter Day Kids “Being a Peacemaker” Video and Lesson Ideas

Bright Idea Poster: “Blessed are the peacemakers”(October 2010 Friend)

For additional teaching ideas see Resources for Teaching Children “Peacemaker” and “Peacemaker Lesson Ideas”

Additional Resources

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102–105”

Zion can be built only on principles of righteousness.

Doctrine and Covenants 103:1–12, 36; 105:1–19

Why did the Saints lose their promised land in Missouri? And why didn’t the Lord allow Zion’s Camp to restore them to their lands? Certainly the violent actions of Missouri mobs played a role, and the governor of Missouri had pledged support for the Saints but never gave it. But the Lord said that “were it not for the transgressions of my people,” Zion “might have been redeemed” (Doctrine and Covenants 105:2). As you read Doctrine and Covenants 103:1–12, 36; 105:1–19, you may notice some things that hindered the establishment of Zion in Missouri and others that could have helped. What do you learn that can help you establish Zion in your heart and home?

I am a “steward over earthly blessings.”

Doctrine and Covenants 104:11–18, 78–83

In addition to trials in Missouri, in 1834 the Church faced financial difficulties, including heavy debts and expenses. In section 104 the Lord gave counsel on the Church’s financial situation. How can you apply the principles in verses 11–18and 78–83 to your own financial decisions? What has the Lord given us? What does He expect us to do with these things?

To learn about one of the ways the Lord prepared for the Church to be delivered from the bondage of debt, watch “Treasure in Heaven: The John Tanner Story” (video, ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 28: Zion’s Camp Marches to Missouri,”  Page 170 This lesson has a detailed story of Zion’s camp and other lesson ideas and activities.

Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 102–105″

 Saints, 1:194–206; “The Acceptable Offering of Zion’s Camp,” Revelations in Context, 213–18.

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas