Feb 7 2022

Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2

Featured

Table of Contents

Abraham

Abraham CHAPTER 1 Abraham seeks the blessings of the patriarchal order—He is persecuted by false priests in Chaldea—Jehovah saves him—The origins and government of Egypt are reviewed.

Abraham CHAPTER 2 Abraham leaves Ur to go to Canaan—Jehovah appears to him at Haran—All gospel blessings are promised to his seed and through his seed to all—He goes to Canaan and on to Egypt.

Genesis CHAPTER 12 Abram will become a great nation—He and his seed will bless all the families of the earth—He travels from Haran to the land of Canaan—Because of famine, he goes down into Egypt—Abram and Sarai are tested in Pharaoh’s court.

Old Testament Scripture Stories “Abraham and Sarah” Illustrations and video

Jesus Christ will lead me by the hand.

Abraham 1:18; 2:8

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2”

  • As you and your children read Abraham 1:18 and 2:8, you could invite them to listen for a part of the body that is mentioned in both verses. Maybe you could play a game in which a child closes their eyes and you lead the child somewhere by the hand. How would it feel to have Jesus Christ lead us by the hand or to have His hand protecting us?

Gospel Media “He Will Lead Thee”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2” Abraham wanted to be righteous even though members of his family were wicked. The Lord said to him, “I will lead thee by my hand” (Abraham 1:18). Just as God promised to help Abraham, He can lead the children you teach when they desire to choose the right. Testify that Jesus leads us by guiding us through His Spirit.

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. 

The Lord Delivers Abraham from Wicked Priests

Heavenly Father Hears and Answers My Prayers.

Abraham 1:12–17; Genesis 16:7–11

God hears me.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2”

  • When Abraham’s life was in danger, he called on God. When Hagar was alone in the wilderness, she learned that God heard her. Consider sharing these two stories with your children: “Abraham and Sarah” and “Hagar” in Old Testament Stories, 28–31, 32–33. What do we learn about God from these stories? Then you could share with each other experiences when you felt that God heard you. A song like “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13) could reinforce this principle.
  • Display the picture An Angel Saves Abraham (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), and invite the children to share what they know about the story it depicts, found in Abraham 1:12, 15–17. Ask the children to read these verses and share things they learn about prayer.

President Joseph Fielding Smith, commenting on the human sacrifices that took place during the time of Abraham, wrote: “Abraham was of the [tenth] generation from Noah. Several hundred years had passed since the flood, and people had multiplied and spread over the face of the earth. The civilizations of Egypt, Chaldea, Assyria and the petty nations of Canaan, had been established. In the midst of this scattering the true worship of the Father was nearly lost. Sacrifice instituted in the days of Adam and continued in the practice and teaching of Noah, in the similitude of the great sacrifice of the Son of Man, had become perverted. Instead of offering clean animals, such as the lamb and bullock, the apostate nations had dwindled in unbelief to the extent that human sacrifice was offered to their idol gods” (The Way to Perfection, 85).

Hagar

Old Testament Scripture Stories “Hagar”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2” Reading about Hagar could be an opportunity to discuss how the Lord helps us when we feel wronged. You might point out that “Ishmael” means “God hears.” When have we felt that the Lord heard and helped us when we felt wronged? (see Genesis 16:11).

  • Invite the children to share experiences when Heavenly Father answered their prayers, and share one of your own experiences.

Friend October 2018 “Canyon Prayer” Carsen and some family members get lost in a canyon while hiking. Carsen knew that Heavenly Father knew the way out so he suggested they pray. He then receives a prompting on which way to go, and they are able to quickly find their way out.

See also Teaching Children the Gospel “Prayer”

Abraham Gives Lot His Choice of Land

I Can Be a Peacemaker.

Genesis 13:5–12

Genesis CHAPTER 13 Abram returns from Egypt—He and Lot part—The Lord will make Abram’s seed as the dust of the earth in number—Abram settles in Hebron.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2” When Abraham’s herdsmen and Lot’s herdsmen disagreed over their grazing land, Abraham proposed a solution that brought peace.

  • Your children might enjoy acting out the story from Genesis 13:5–12, pretending to be Abraham, Lot, and the herdsmen. How can we follow Abraham’s example of being a peacemaker with our family or friends? Try role-playing their answers.

Latter Day Kids “Abraham and Lot” Lesson ideas to go with the above video

  • Read Matthew 5:9, and explain that Jesus wants us to be peacemakers. Help the children think of what they can do to be peacemakers at home or with friends. Invite them to draw a picture of themselves being a peacemaker. Ask the children to share how they feel when they are peacemakers like Jesus Christ.

“Cease From Anger” (February 2010 Friend)
Take this quiz to see how forgiving you are. When we are loving and forgiving, we can be peacemakers.

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

Older Kids:

Come Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2” We all face situations that tempt us to become frustrated and contentious. Consider how the story of Abraham and Lot could help the children be peacemakers in such situations.

  • Write Main Characters, Setting, Problem, and Solution on the board. Invite the children to read Genesis 13:5–12 and identify the parts of the story listed on the board. Help the children think of situations when they could be peacemakers, such as when someone argues or tries to fight. Then invite them to role-play how they could be peacemakers in those situations.
  • Help the children find the topics “Peace” and “Peacemaker” in the Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite each child to select a scripture about peace and share what he or she learns with the class. Help them think of some examples of the Savior being a peacemaker, such as in Luke 22:50–51. How can we follow His example?

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

Friend June 2018 “Coloring Page”

Lesson 10: Abraham and Lot,” Primary 6: Old Testament Pages 39–42 To strengthen each child’s desire to show love to others.

Additional teaching ideas: Teaching Children the Gospel: Peacemaker and Resources for Teaching Children “Peacemaker”

Abraham Pays His Tithes

Genesis CHAPTER 14 Lot is captured in the battles of the kings—He is rescued by Abram—Melchizedek administers bread and wine and blesses Abram—Abram pays tithes—He declines to accept the spoils of conquest.

What do we learn about Melchizedek from Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 14:25–40? (in the Bible appendix; see also Alma 13:13–19). How can we “[establish] righteousness” as Melchizedek did? (verse 36). What else about Melchizedek’s ministry inspires us? Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2”

Friend April 1994 “Melchizedek” Story of Melchizedek

Media Library “Melchizedek Blesses Abram”

Liahona February 2022 “Teaching about God’s Promises” Tithing Brings Gratitude

In Genesis 14:20, we read that Abraham paid tithing. Elder David A. Bednar has taught that spiritual blessings “are poured out through the windows of heaven and into our lives as we honor the law of tithing” (“The Windows of Heaven,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 18).

  1. As a family, discuss the blessings you’ve seen from obeying the law of tithing.
  2. Have one person write the blessings down.
  3. Together, go through the list again and discuss some of the ways these blessings make your life better.

Elder Bednar also taught that “a subtle but significant blessing we receive [as we honor the law of tithing] is the spiritual gift of gratitude that enables our appreciation for what we have. … A grateful person is rich in contentment” (“The Windows of Heaven,” 18). How has your family seen gratitude as a blessing of paying tithing?

The Lord Makes Covenants with Abraham

Genesis CHAPTER 15 Abram desires offspring—The Lord promises him seed in number as the stars—Abram believes the promise—His seed will be strangers in Egypt—Then, after four generations, they will inherit Canaan.

Genesis CHAPTER 16 Sarai gives Hagar to Abram as his wife—Hagar flees from Sarai—An angel commands Hagar to return and submit herself to Sarai—Hagar bears Ishmael.

Genesis CHAPTER 17 Abram is commanded to be perfect—He will be a father of many nations—His name is changed to Abraham—The Lord covenants to be a God unto Abraham and his seed forever—Also, the Lord gives Abraham the land of Canaan for an everlasting possession—Circumcision becomes a token of the everlasting covenant between God and Abraham—Sarai’s name is changed to Sarah—She will bear Isaac, with whom the Lord will establish His covenant—Abraham and the men of his house are circumcised.

Old Testament Stories for Young Readers “Abraham and Sarah”

God wants me to make Covenants with Him.

Genesis 13:16; Genesis 15:1–6; 17:1–8; Abraham 2:9–11

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2”

  • Consider showing your children a container of sand, the stars in the night sky, or the picture at the end of this outline. This could help them understand God’s promises in Genesis 13:16; 15:1–6. Talk about how you’ve learned to trust God’s promises, even when they seemed impossible.
Clipart Library
  • To teach your children about covenants, ask them to tell you about a time when they made a promise or someone made a promise to them.

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

Sometimes keeping our promises helps keep us physically safe, such as in the the story above. Keeping the covenants we make with Heavenly Father can also help keep us safe, spiritually and physically, and help us to become more like our Heavenly Father

  • Share some examples of your own—including covenants you’ve made with God at baptism or in the temple. How have your covenants affected your relationship with God?

Friend February 2019 â€śThe 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 understand that Abraham and Sarah promised to obey God. Choose a few phrases from Genesis 15:1–6; 17:1–8; Abraham 2:9–11 to share some of the blessings God promised to them. These might include “Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield,” “Thou shalt be a father of many nations,” or “All the families of the earth [shall] be blessed.”

Friend February 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Story: God told the prophet Abraham, “Fear not â€¦ I am thy shield” (Genesis 15:1). He told Abraham that He would help and protect him.

Song: â€śI Want to Live the Gospel” (Children’s Songbook, 148)

Activity: Draw or make a shield. Write on your shield ways you can obey God.

Liahona February 2022 “The Abrahamic Covenant” God promised Abraham that “as many as receive this Gospel shall be … thy seed” (Abraham 2:10). Our covenants at baptism and in the temple allow us access to the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant and make us part of the covenant people of God, as long as we are faithful (see Ezekiel 11:20).

  • To help your children prepare to make a covenant with God when they are baptized, you could use some of the activity ideas suggested in appendix A or appendix B.

I Can Keep the Covenants I Make with Heavenly Father.

Come Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2”

Come Follow Me Kid Keeping Promises – Talk about the importance of keeping promises and why it’s important to do what we say we will do.

  • Assign simple tasks, such as: go wash your hands, go find something red, do 5 jumping jacks, etc.
  • With each task, promise to give them some kind of small reward in return (M&M, Skittle, a sticker, high five, etc.).
  • Ask: How would it feel if you didn’t get what you were promised after doing that task?
  • Explain that when we keep our promises, it helps form a relationship of trust with that person.
  • Can we ALWAYS trust God to do what He says He will? Remind them that God always keeps His promises to us

“Abraham and Sarah Made Covenants” (March 2018 Liahona and Friend)
Some information and a hero card about Abraham and Sarah. 

      Come Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2”

      For Additional Teaching Ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Covenants” and Resources for Teaching Children “Covenants”

      Additional Resources

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 Explains more about the Abrahamic Covenant

      Institute: Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel Abraham could validly state that Sarah was his sister. In the Bible the Hebrew words brother and sister are often used for other blood relatives. (See Genesis 14:14, in which Lot, Abraham’s nephew, is called “his brother.”) Because Abraham and Haran, Sarah’s father, were brothers, Sarah was Abraham’s niece and thus could be called sister. The accompanying pedigree chart shows this relationship.

      The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

      Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–2: I Will Lead Thee” Lesson Ideas

      Feb 5 2022

      Conversion

      Posted on by

      Table of Contents

      Born Again

      John 3:1–8

      Jesus Teaches of Being Born Again Video

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 2–4” When we are baptized, which Jesus called being “born of water,” we receive a remission of our sins and can “enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). How can you help the children you teach understand what being born again means?

      • Make word strips showing the Savior’s words in John 3:3, and let the children put them in the correct order. How is being baptized and confirmed like being born again?

      What does it mean to be born again?

      Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught: “We begin the process of being born again through exercising faith in Christ, repenting of our sins, and being baptized by immersion for the remission of sins by one having priesthood authority. â€¦

      President Ezra Taft Benson taught: “In addition to the physical ordinance of baptism and the laying on of hands, one must be spiritually born again to gain exaltation and eternal life” (“Born of God,” Ensign, July 1989, 2–4). Therefore, being born again requires more than simply being baptized and confirmed. In order to be born again one needs to live in such a manner that the Holy Ghost changes the heart.

      Elder David A. Bednar taught: “Conversion … is mighty, not minor—a spiritual rebirth and fundamental change of what we feel and desire, what we think and do, and what we are. As we choose to follow the Master, we choose to be changed—to be spiritually reborn” (“Ye Must Be Born Again,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 20).in order to realize the intended blessings of this born-again status, we must still keep our covenants and endure to the end” (“Have You Been Saved?,” Ensign, May 1998, 56).

      Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “John 2-4” Talk with your family about the miracle of pregnancy and birth—the process of creating a living, intelligent being. Jesus taught that we must be reborn before entering the kingdom of God. Why is rebirth a good metaphor for the change required of us before we can enter the kingdom of God? How can we experience the process of spiritual rebirth? (It takes time for an living intelligent being to grow in the womb and be born. Being born again is also a process and doesn’t happen instantly. )

      “Total immersion in and saturation with the Savior’s gospel are essential steps in the process of being born again” (“Ye Must Be Born Again,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 21).

      • Display a picture of a newborn baby and of someone getting baptized and confirmed (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 104–5). How are we like a newborn baby after we are baptized and confirmed? (see John 3:3–5).
      Gospel Media “Newborn Sleeping”
      • Invite the children to share memories of their baptisms. Read Mosiah 18:8–10 and Doctrine and Covenants 20:37 to review the baptismal covenant. Teach the children that taking the sacrament thoughtfully every week is a way to continue the process of being born again.

      John 3:7–8. Why did Jesus compare being “born again” to the wind?

      New Testament Seminary Teacher Manual “John In response to Nicodemus’s confusion about being born again, the Savior compared being born of the Spirit to the wind. (The Greek word for spirit is pneuma, which may also be translated as breath or wind.) Just as the wind is difficult to see, so it is difficult to see the process of being born again. We can see the effects of the wind but struggle to know when it starts and when it ends as well as where it comes from. A similar conclusion can be drawn about the process of being born again. It is difficult to see exactly when it starts or when it ends, but its effects are very visible as actions and desires change.

      Friend February 2021 “Feeling Christ’s Love” When Elder Takashi Wada Of the Seventy was young he read the Bible in school and wanted to know more about Jesus. Then he met the missionaries and they gave him a Book of Mormon and her learned more about Jesus. He wanted to be baptized and follow Jesus.

      Friend May 1988
      Friend May 1988

      Ensign May 2021 “Teaching in the Savior’s Way”

      Several years ago, my son Jack and I had the opportunity to play the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland, where the game of golf began. It was simply amazing! Upon my return I tried to convey to others the magnitude of the experience. But I couldn’t. Photos, videos, and my best descriptions were totally inadequate. I finally realized the only way for someone to know the grandeur of St. Andrews is to experience it—to see the vast fairways, breathe the air, feel the wind in their face, and hit a few errant shots into the cavernous bunkers and burly gorse bushes, which we did with great efficiency.

      So it is with the word of God. We can teach it, we can preach it, we can explain it. We can talk about it, we can describe it, we can even testify of it. But until a person feels the sacred word of God distill upon his or her soul like the dews from heaven through the power of the Spirit,8 it will be like looking at a postcard or someone else’s vacation photos. You have to go there yourself. Conversion is a personal journey—a journey of gathering.

      Doctrine and Covenants 63:9–10

      Ezra Booth was converted to the Church after seeing Joseph Smith heal Elsa Johnson’s arm (which she hadn’t been able to use for two years). But Ezra later lost his faith, and he became critical of the Prophet. Doctrine and Covenants 63 contains warnings against trying to build our faith on signs, such as miraculous healings, rather than on spiritual confirmation of truth. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 63”)

      Invite the children to draw a house sitting on top of a rectangle and another house sitting on the point of a triangle. Tell the children that the houses represent our faith and testimonies. Ask them to read Doctrine and Covenants 63:9–10 and Helaman 5:12. Then have them write in the rectangle what we should build our faith on and in the triangle what we should not build our faith on. Point out that the rectangle provides a solid place to build but the triangle is not safe and secure. Why is it important to build our faith on Jesus Christ rather than on other things? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 63”)

      Explain that a miracle is something God does to show His power and bless our lives (see Bible Dictionary, “Miracles”)You might also consider why some people receive signs “for the good of men unto [God’s] glory” (verse 12) and others receive them “unto … condemnation” (verse 11). Maybe your family members could talk about miracles that have strengthened their faith, including experiences from your family or your family history. How did they exercise the faith needed to receive these miracles? What does Doctrine and Covenants 63:7–12 teach about the relationship between faith and miracles? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 60–62”)

      Watch beginning of this video about Ezra Booth

      A Mighty Change of Heart

      Mosiah 5:1–7

      The people felt different and new inside because they had faith in Jesus. Now they wanted to do good things all the time. They made a promise to follow God’s commandments for the rest of their lives. Because they believed in Jesus and made this promise, they were called Jesus’s people. Mosiah 5:2–9, 15; 6:1–2

      Come Follow Me Kid “Mosiah 4-6” A Mighty Change – What does the word “change” mean? Share examples of things that change (caterpillars change to butterflies, dough changes to cookies when you bake it, etc.). Can WE change? Mosiah 5:2 says that the Spirit of the Lord caused a “mighty change” in the hearts of people.

      Ensign April 2020 “Family Study Fun” Heart Scrambler

      After King Benjamin taught his people about the Atonement of Jesus Christ, they experienced “a mighty change” in their hearts, so that they had “no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually” (Mosiah 5:2).

      1. Cut out six paper hearts and write the letters C-H-A-N-G-E, one letter on each heart. Turn the hearts upside down on the table and scramble them.
      2. Choose a family member to flip the papers over and unscramble the word. Discuss how King Benjamin’s people experienced a change in their hearts.
      3. Each family member now chooses a letter from the table and thinks of a word or phrase that suggests a mighty change of heart. (Example: C = charity, or choose the right; H = happiness; and so on.)

      Discussion: What caused the people to experience “a mighty change” in their hearts? What blessings can we receive when we turn our hearts to God?

      For the Strength of Youth “A Mighty Change of Heart”

      Feb 5 2022

      Latter Day Prophets

      Posted on by

      Table of Contents

      Latter Day Prophet Activities

      Friend Dec 2014  Prophet Cards (See link for answers)

      Friend September 2001 “My Book of Prophets”

      Friend September 2001
      Friend October 2001
      Friend November 2001
      Friend December 2001

      Friend February 2001 “Latter-day Prophets Wheel” Fasten the two circles together with a metal fastener through the center dots. Find the picture of Joseph Smith; in the window below his picture you can read an interesting fact about him. Continue turning the top circle to the right to see the men in the order that they served as Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to read something that that prophet is remembered for. You might want to use the wheel to help you sing “Latter-day Prophets”* in a family home evening.

      Friend November 2003 “Latter-day Prophets Matching Game”

      Friend March 2001 “Presidents of the Church Maze”

      Friend January 2001 “Funstuf: Latter-day Prophets” All of the latter-day prophets are listed below, but it is difficult to read them. To unscramble the letters in each group, start at the IN arrow and connect the letters to spell a prophet’s name ending at the OUT arrow. Some letters will not be used. The first one has been done as an example for you.

      Friend March 2017
      Friend April 1987
      Friend April 1987
      FroEnd July 1986
      Friend July 1986

      Prophet Dot-to-Dot Activity Idea: Make several cards with information about the prophet on each one. Label the back of each card with a section of numbers from the dot-to-dot such as 1-5 or 15-20. Put the cards, numbers face up, on a table. A child picks one of the cards, reads the clue, and gets to draw those lines on the picture and try to guess who the prophet it is. They write their guess down and their name on the first slot of a numbered card. Continue in this manner until all the clues are read and the lines on the picture are drawn. Reveal the name of the prophet, and then read the card with the guesses to see who got the correct answer first. (Note: You may need to display a picture that contains all the prophets and their names to help the children have a reference to make their guesses from.)

      Joseph Smith

      (Click on link above)

      Brigham Young

      Friend February 2013 “Brigham Young”

      Friend July 2001 “Brigham Young Leads Bravely”

      Friend July 2001 “President Brigham Young Crossword”

      Friend July 1984 – Stories of Brigham Young’s life

      Friend Jan 1980

      Videos about Brigham Young

      John Taylor

      Media Library “John Taylor”

      Friend March 2013

      Friend January 2003 “Preparing for the Call”

      Friend February 2003 “Answer to Prayer”

      Friend March 2001 “John Taylor Goes to America”

      Friend April 2003 “Conversion to the Gospel”

      Friend May 2003 “Bearing Testimony of the Prophet”

      Friend June 2003 “Missionary to His Family”

      Friend July 2003 “Printing the Voice of the Church”

      Friend August 2003 “Defender of the Faith”

      Friend September 2003 “With the Prophet Joseph in Carthage Jail”

      Friend October 2003 “Missions to Europe”

      Friend December 2003 “Money for a Mission”

      Friend November 2003 “Solving Problems”

      Friend March 2001 “President John Taylor Crossword”

      Movies about John Taylor

      The Life and Ministry of John Taylor

      Wilford Woodruff

      Friend April 2013 “Wilford Woodruff”

      Media Library “Wilford Woodruff”

      Friend June 2001 “Wilford Woodruff, Fisherman of the Lord”

      Friend January 2006 “Saved By Providence”

      Friend February 2006 “Catching Fish and Saying Prayers”

      Friend March 2006 “Becoming a Bible Scholar”

      Friend April 2006 “They Were Speaking the Truth”

      Friend May 2006 “A Successful Missionary”

      Friend June 2006 “The Martyrdom of the Prophet”

      Friend July 2006 “This is the Place”

      Friend August 2006 “Listening to the Spirit”

      Friend September 2006 “Inspired Prophet”

      Friend October 2006 “The Light Continued with Us”

      Friend November 2006 “Keeping a Record”

      Friend December 2006 “A Hard Worker”

      Friend June 2001 “President Wilford Woodruff Crossword”

      Friend Aug/Sept 1985 – Wilford Woodruff listens to the warning of the spirit and is kept safe from a steamer ship fire.

      Lorenzo Snow

      Friend May 2013 “Lorenzo Snow”

      Media Library “Lorenzo Snow”

      Friend September 2004 “Called to Serve”

      Friend March 2002 “President Lorenzo Snow Crossword”

      Friend Dec 2014     A Visit from the Savior  

      Media Library “Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow” More images

      Joseph F. Smith

      Friend June 2013 “Joseph F. Smith”

      Media Library “Joseph F. Smith”

      Friend August 2001 “Joseph F. Smith, a Man at Age Eight”

      Friend August 2001 “President Joseph F. Smith Crossword”

      Friend July 2021 “Church History Cards”

      Friend May 1980

      Friend June 1983 – “Joseph F. Smith Remembers His Father” (Hyrum Smith)

      Church History “Joseph F. Smith” Videos

      Heber J. Grant

      Media Library “Heber J. Grant”

      Friend July 2013 “Heber J. Grant”

      Friend January 2004 “Becoming Brigham Young’s Friend”

      Friend February 2004 “Reading the Book of Mormon”

      Friend March 2004 “Achieving a Goal”

      Friend April 2004 “Best Penmanship”

      Friend May 2004 “Feeling the Spirit”

      Friend June 2004 “Speaking in Church”

      Friend July 2004 “Learning to Sing”

      Friend August 2004 “Testimony of an Apostle”

      Friend September 2004 “Called to Serve”

      Friend October 2004 “Hard Worker”

      Friend November 2004 “Comforted by the Holy Ghost”

      Friend December 2004 “Charitable Businessman”

      Friend January 2002 “President Heber J. Grant Crossword”

      George Albert Smith

      Media Library “George Albert Smith”

      Friend April 2001 “George Albert Smith Saves the Tabernacle”

      Friend April 2001 “President George Albert Smith Crossword”

      Friend July 1980

      Church History “George Albert Smith” Videos and history

      David O. McKay

      Media Library “David O. McKay”

      Friend September 2013 “David O. McKay”

      Friend January 2005 “The Faith of His Parents”

      Friend February 2005 “A Well-Educated Man”

      Friend March 2005 “David and Emma Ray”

      Friend April 2005 “A Young Apostle”

      Friend May 2005 “Beloved Teacher”

      Friend June 2005 “David’s Pet Boar”

      Friend July 2005 “Standing Up to a Bully”

      Friend August 2005 “Lessons from Dandy”

      Friend September 2005 “A Girl in the Blue Dress”

      Friend October 2005 “A Prayer for Lou Jean”

      Friend November 2005 “Visiting with the Queen”

      Friend December 2005 “A Gift of Music”

      Friend February 2001 “David O. McKay Receives an Answer”

      Friend July 1987 “Jeanette Evans McKay” Info and story about David O, McKay’s mother.

      Friend August 1987 “A Child’s Faith”  As a child, David O McKay’s prayer is answered when he finds his lost pocketknife.

      Friend Aug/Sept 1980

      Church History “David O. McKay, Ninth President of the Church” Videos

      Joseph Fielding Smith

      Media Library “Joseph Fielding Smith”

      Friend January 2001 “Midnight Adventures of Young Joseph Fielding Smith”

      Friend January 2001 “President Joseph Fielding Smith Crossword”

      Friend Oct 1980

      Church History “Joseph Fielding Smith, 10th President of the Church”

      Harold B. Lee

      Media Library “Harold B. Lee”

      Friend January 2002 “Heeding the Holy Ghost”

      Friend February 2002 “First Day of School”

      Friend March 2002 “An Answer to His Prayers”

      Friend April 2002 “His Mother Saves His Life”

      Friend June 2002 “Principal”

      Friend May 2002 “His Mother Prays”

      Friend June 2002 “Principal”

      Friend July 2002 “Musical Missionary”

      Friend August 2002 “His Eternal Family”

      Friend September 2002 “Witness as an Apostle”

      Friend October 2002 “Healing a Soldier”

      Friend November 2002 “Heavenly Blessing”

      Friend December 2002 “Helping a Family in Need”

      Friend December 2001 “Harold B. Lee Shares Christmas”

      Friend December 2001 “President Harold B. Lee Crossword”

      Friend May 1988 “Louisa Bingham Lee”  Stories about Harold B. Lee’s mother.

      Spencer W. Kimball

      Media Library “Spencer W. Kimball”

      Friend January 2007 “Working on a Farm”

      Friend February 2007 “Rescued!”

      Friend March 2007 “Reading the Bible”

      Friend April 2007 “Playing the Piano”

      Friend May 2007 “Spencer’s Mother”

      Friend June 2007 “The Power of Example”

      Friend July 2007 “Resist Evil Influences”

      Friend August 2007 “Being a Leader”

      Friend September 2007 “A Simple Act of Service”

      Friend October 2007 “Overcoming Challenges”

      Friend November 2007 “Camilla, a Cherished Companion”

      Friend December 2007 “Holding Priesthood Keys”

      Friend September 2001 “Spencer W. Kimball Attends Primary”

      Friend September 2001 “President Spencer W. Kimball Crossword”

      Friend December 1980
      Friend December 1980– link includes info about Spencer W Kimball

      Friend December 1985 As a boy, Spencer W. Kimball is reminded of the importance of reading scriptures.

      image
      image

      Friend February 1988 “Be a friend of the Savior” While in the hospital, President Kimball tells an orderly not to take the Lord’s name in vain.

      Church History “Spencer W. Kimball” Videos

      Ezra Taft Benson

      Media Library “Ezra Taft Benson”

      Friend May 2001 “Ezra Taft Benson Keeps a Promise”

      Friend May 2001 “President Ezra Taft Benson Crossword”

      Friend August 1988 “President Ezra Taft Benson” Read the article about his life and then fill in the crossword puzzle.

      img_5440
      Friend August 1986
      Friend August 1986

      Howard W. Hunter

      Media Library Latter Day Prophets “Howard W. Hunter”

      Friend November 2001 “Howard W. Hunter Learns to Work”

      Friend November 2001 “President Howard W. Hunter Crossword”

      Friend Oct 1982 Life history

      Gordon B. Hinckley

      Media Library Latter Day Prophets “Gordon B. Hinkley”

      Friend October 2001 “Gordon B. Hinckley Faces “Pharaoh”

      Friend October 2001 “President Gordon B. Hinckley Crossword”

      Friend February 1987 Childhood Stories

      Thomas S. Monson

      (Click on link above)

      Russell M. Nelson

      Friend March 2018 “ Meet Our New Prophet”

      Watch the video “President Nelson: Prophet of God” from time code 0:00 to 5:41. How do you see President Nelson ministering to others in the same way Jesus Christ did?

      Friend Feb 2016

      Friend Feb 2016 Nelson

      Friend January 2021 “I Love You” President Nelson met with some Primary children in a log house in Palmyra, New York and shared the following messages: The Lord loves effort; Commandments are a recipe for happiness; Repentance is a joyous opportunity. (See the article for more info.)

      Friend April 2015 “Obeying Mom and Dad” Stories from President Nelson’s childhood.

      Friend June 2019 “Grateful for Parents” President Nelson’s parents didn’t attend church when he was young, and he wanted them to. When he learned about the Word of Wisdom he broke every bottle of liquor in the house. The thing he wanted for Christmas every year was to be sealed to his parents.

      Friend August 2018 “President Nelson Loves Children” President Nelson meets Primary children as he travels all over the world.
      (Link includes photos.)

      Friend January 2019 “Show and Tell” Senior Primary children in Greater Manchester, England, wrote their own verse about President Russell M. Nelson for the song “Follow the Prophet.”

      Russell is a prophet, Baptised at sixteen, His parents were less active; He was very keen. He became a doctor, Doctor of the heart. Building many temples, He has made a start.

      Friend November 2018

      Friend March 2021 “Trust in the Prophet” When Elder Homer was young, he wanted to be very reverent when passing the sacrament. Russel M. Nelson was in his ward and noticed his reverence and complimented him on it. That meant a lot to Elder Homer. (Make a mobile of quotes by President Russel M. Nelson.)

      Friend May 2019  Bookmark with a testimony by President Nelson

      Friend May 2019

      Among President Nelson’s most important teachings are the following:

      He has admonished us to use the correct name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

      He has counseled us in how to let God prevail in our lives.

      He has encouraged us to “think celestial.”

      He has taught us an enlarged vision of gathering Israel on both sides of the veil.

      He has inspired us to progress on the covenant path, and he has lovingly invited us to return to that path if we have strayed.

      He has exhorted Church members everywhere to follow a home-centered, Church-supported pattern of gospel learning.

      Friend November 2025 “Remembering President Nelson” Our wonderful prophet President Russell M. Nelson passed away the week before general conference. He was 101 when he died and set an example of following Jesus Christ his whole life.

      Feb 5 2022

      Joseph Smith

      Posted on by

      Table of Contents

      Prophet Portrait: “Joseph Smith” (January 2013 Liahona and Friend)
      Coloring Page: “Prophet Joseph Smith” (April 2008 Friend)

      Joseph Smith was Chosen Before the World Began

      Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) It was decreed in the counsels of eternity, long before the foundations of the earth were laid, that he, Joseph Smith, should be the man, in the last dispensation of this world, to bring forth the word of God to the people, and receive the fulness of the keys and power of the Priesthood of the Son of God.(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 96, 343)

      Friend February 2020 “My Family Night Fun: Pretend Plates”

      • Prophets long ago knew that a man named Joseph would translate the scriptures (see 2 Nephi 3:7, 15). They wrote about him on the gold plates. Can you imagine how Joseph Smith felt when he translated those words?

      Joseph of Egypt Prophesied about Joseph Smith

      Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) Chapter 3 of 2 Nephi records Lehi’s dying words to his youngest son, Joseph. Lehi quoted a prophecy [from the brass plates] made by Joseph of Egypt roughly 1,700 years before the birth of Christ. Imagine Joseph Smith’s surprise when he discovered that he was the subject of much of the prophecy made by Joseph of Egypt. (see also Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:24–38 (Note that “fruit of thy loins” refers to children or posterity.)

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 42–50” Thousands of years in advance, Joseph of Egypt saw that the Lord would call Joseph Smith to do a great work in the latter days.

      Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:27–33 (in the Bible appendix) Joseph in Egypt prophesies of Moses freeing Israel from Egyptian bondage; of a branch of Joseph’s descendants being led to a faraway land, where they will be remembered in the covenants of the Lord; of God calling a latter-day prophet named Joseph to join the records of Judah and of Joseph.

      • Give the children descriptive clues about Joseph Smith, and invite them to guess who you are describing. Include clues from Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 50:27–33 (in the Bible appendix), such as “he taught us about covenants” (see verse 28), “he gave us the word of the Lord” (see verse 30), and “he was named after his father” (see verse 33). After the children guess correctly, invite them to find these clues in the verses. What else do we learn about Joseph Smith from the prophecy of Joseph in Egypt?

      Lehi Refers to a Prophecy About Joseph Smith

      Read the verses for each picture and identify who these four pictures represent. 2 Nephi 3:3; 2 Nephi 3:4; 2 Nephi 3:11; 2 Nephi 3:15

      • Invite the children to search 2 Nephi 3:6–24 for clues about which prophet is being spoken of. List the clues on the board. Why is Joseph Smith called a “choice seer”? What did Joseph Smith do that is “of great worth to [his brethren]”? (verse 7).

      Liahona February 2020 “Meet the Four Josephs” Lehi tells his son Joseph about some of the prophecies that Joseph of Egypt made about Joseph Smith, who was named after his father, Joseph. The article includes the following: What Did Joseph of Egypt Say about Joseph Smith? How Was Joseph Smith Like Joseph of Egypt? How Did Lehi Know about Joseph of Egypt?

      Joseph Smith’s Childhood

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

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

      Media Library “Joseph Smith’s Family”

      For the Strength of Youth February 2021 “Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith”

      Friend January 2017 “The Smith Family”

      Operation On Joseph’s Leg

      Cutout Figures: “Joseph Smith’s Operation” (February 2008 Friend)

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

      Joseph Smith Made Good Choices as a Child and So Can I

      Come Follow Me Kid Watch “Joseph Smith and His Family”, or tell the story above about the operation on Joseph’s leg. Tell them to pay close attention to what Joseph Smith decided to do when doctors told him that his leg would hurt a LOT during the operation unless he would drink wine. Joseph Smith made good choices as a child. We can make good choices too.

      Joseph Smith was prepared to be a prophet of God.

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

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

      • Joseph was chosen by God and prepared to be a prophet. Joseph’s experiences as a boy prepared him to be a prophet of God. A prophet is someone who speaks for God.

      Ensign December 2005 “The Early Preparation of the Prophet Joseph Smith” Excellent! Story of his early life

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

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

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

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

      • How did Joseph Smith help his family? (JS—H 1:55.) How do you think learning
        to work hard helped prepare Joseph to serve the Lord? What are some ways
        you work in your family? Why should we be willing to work in our homes and
        yards to help our families? How will learning to work and take on responsibilities
        help us serve the Lord?

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

      “Lessons from the Prophet Joseph” (February 2014 Friend)

      Additional Resources

      Asael Smith (Joseph Smith’s Grandfather)

      “My grandfather, Asael smith long ago predicted that there would be a prophet raised up in the family, and. my grandmother was fully satisfied that it was fulfilled in me. My grandfather Asael died Oct 31, 1830 after having received the Book of Mormon and read it nearly through, and. he declared, that I was the very prophet that he had long known would come in his family.” (D.H.C. Vol. II p. 443)

      “It has been borne in upon my soul that one of my descendants will promulgate a work to revolutionize the world of religious faith” (quoted in George Q. Cannon, Life of Joseph Smith, the Prophet [1986], 26).

      Childhood Games

      Historical Sites

      Friend December 2018 “Digging into History” Children help archaeologists dig for clues for what life was like for Joseph Smith when he was young living in Vermont with his family. They find stone fences and some artifacts. The article includes photos.

      The First Vision

      Search for Truth

      For the Strength of Youth August 2025
      The First Vision

      Receiving the Golden Plates

      Joseph Receives the Gold Plates

      The Angel Moroni Visits Joseph Smith

      Joseph is Prepared to Receive the Plates

      Joseph and Emma Marry

      Receiving and Protecting the Gold Plates

      Martin Harris Visits Professor Anthon

      Translating the Gold Plates

      Translating the Gold Plates

      Aaronic Priesthood is Restored

      The Priesthood is Restored

      Printing the Book of Mormon

      Printing the Book of Mormon

      Friend January 2025 “The Restoration Begins”

      For the Strength of Youth January 2921 “Joseph Smith Jr.”

      What the Lord accomplished through the Prophet Joseph Smith

      • Show the children pictures that represent important things Joseph Smith did or taught (see, for example, Gospel Art Book, nos. 89–95, 97, 98, 117, 118). Help the children think of blessings we have because of Joseph Smith. For example, how has his work helped us come closer to Jesus Christ?
      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 135-136”
      • Display items that represent some of the Lord’s marvelous works during the latter days, such as a picture of the First Vision or of Joseph Smith receiving the priesthood (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 90, 93, 94) or a copy of the Book of Mormon. Invite the children to choose an item and share why it is marvelous to them.

      Friend January 2021 “Church History Cards” Cut out the cards, fold on the dotted line, and tape them closed.

      Church History Gospel Art

      Joseph Smith was a prophet and seer

      2 Nephi 3:6–24

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 3-5”

      • Consider how you can teach your children about the great work that God accomplished through Joseph Smith. To begin, you could help your children find the word “seer” in 2 Nephi 3:6 and explain that prophets are called seers because Heavenly Father helps them see things we can’t see. Share why you are grateful to have a seer leading the Church.

      To help family members understand what a seer is, perhaps you could show them pictures of tools that help us see things we couldn’t otherwise see, such as binoculars, a telescope, or a microscope. How are these tools like a seer? (see Moses 6:35–36). What can seers see that we do not? What evidence do we have that Joseph Smith was a seer?

      • The Gospel Art Book has several pictures you could use to teach about the work God did through Joseph Smith (see pictures 89–95). Let your children share what they know about the pictures. Why is Joseph Smith called a “choice seer”? What did Joseph Smith do that is “of great worth”? (verse 7).
      Church History Gospel Art

      “Sing a Song of Joseph” (May 2007 Friend) Perform this musical play with your friends.

      Activities

      Friend December 1979

      Friend May 2021 “Draw Joseph Smith”

      “Lessons from the Prophet Joseph” (February 2014 Friend) Read the article by President Eyring and then do the crossword puzzle.

      Friend May 2011 “The Church of Jesus Christ Has Been Restored” Hidden in the picture of Joseph in the Sacred Grove are items related to the restoration of the Church.

      • Gold plates (the word of the Lord)
      • Kirtland Temple (temple work)
      • Sacrament tray (remembering Jesus Christ)
      • Missionary name tag (missionary work)
      • Baptismal font (covenanting with the Lord)
      • Keys (the priesthood)
      • Dove (the Holy Ghost)

      Friend December 1984 “Joseph Smith, the Prophet” – history of church- also timeline on next page

      Friend January 2021 “Church History Cards” Cut out the cards, fold on the dotted line, and tape them closed.

      Clipart

      Friend February 2025
      Feb 2 2022

      Pearl of Great Price: Activities & Games

      Posted on by

      Table of Contents

      See also Old Testament Activities and Games

      Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “Responses to Heavenly Father’s Plan”

      Friend November 2019 “Conference News”  Color in each scripture icon as you read the verses from Joseph Smith—History.

      Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “Planning the Creation”

      Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “Moses Beheld the Earth”

      Adam & Eve

      Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden”

      Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “Life of Adam and Eve”

      Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “Adam’s Book of Remembrance”

      Enoch

      Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “Enoch and the People of Zion”

      • “City of Enoch” (December 1994 Friend)
        Solve this code to figure out why the people in the city of Enoch were so righteous.

      For the Strength of Youth January 2026 “Fun Stop The city of Enoch was “taken up into heaven” after they became of “of one heart and one mind” (Moses 7:18–21). Can you help this city become “one” by figuring out the correct missing piece? (Answer: 2)

      Noah

      Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “Noah Preaches the Gospel” Find 7 happy people who did listen

      Abraham

      Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “Abrahamic Covenant”

       

       

       

      Jan 31 2022

      Genesis 6–11; Moses 8

      Featured

      Table of Contents

      Noah

      Genesis CHAPTER 6 The sons of God marry the daughters of men—Men turn to wickedness, the earth is filled with violence, and all flesh is corrupted—The Flood is promised—God establishes His covenant with Noah, who builds an ark to save his family and various living things.

      Genesis CHAPTER 7 Noah’s family and various beasts and fowl enter the ark—The Flood comes, and water covers the whole earth—All other life that breathes is destroyed.

      Genesis CHAPTER 8 The Flood ceases—Noah sends forth a dove, which returns with an olive leaf—He releases all living things from the ark—He offers sacrifices—Seedtime, harvest, and seasons are ensured.

      Moses CHAPTER 8 Methuselah prophesies—Noah and his sons preach the gospel—Great wickedness prevails—The call to repentance is unheeded—God decrees the destruction of all flesh by the Flood.

      Old Testament Stories “Noah and His Family” Images and video

      There is Spiritual Safety in Following the Lord’s Prophet.

      Following the Lord’s prophet will bless me and my family.

      Genesis 6:14–22; 7–8; Moses 8:16–24

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 6–11; Moses 8”

      • Most children love the story of Noah and the ark. Consider giving your children opportunities to share what they know about it. To help them, you could use the pictures in this outline, “Noah and His Family” in Old Testament Stories (22–25), and the third verse of “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11). Your children might enjoy acting out parts of the story—for example, by pretending to use a tool to build the ark or walking like animals entering the ark.

      You could use the below pictures or help the children choose verses from Genesis 6:14–22; 7–8 that they could depict in a drawing, and have them take turns using their drawings to teach them the story of Noah. Ask the children to share what they learn from the story.

      Friend March 2018 “Noah”

      These cutouts are from old Primary manuals.

      • Help the children understand that Noah was a prophet and that his family was saved from the Flood because they followed him. Ask the children if they know who our prophet is today. Show a picture of him, and help the children repeat his name.

      • As you talk about Noah together, help your children see how blessed we are to have a prophet of God today. Help your children search Moses 8:16, 19–20, 23–24to find things Noah taught that the Lord’s prophets still teach today. How are we blessed when we obey these teachings?

      The Red Crystal

      Here is an ark puzzle they can write the things that prophets teach today on the back before they put it together.

      • How are these teachings like the ark that Noah built?

      Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

      Have each person draw themselves obeying something specific that the prophet has taught us to do.
      Place their pictures in the ark below while reminding them that it will bring safety and peace to their lives.

      The Red Crystal

      Additional Noah’s Ark Resources

      Latter Day Kids “Noah’s Ark” Lesson ideas to go with below video

      See also Old Testament Stories & Lesson Ideas and Old Testament: Activities & Games

      For Additional Teaching Ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Prophets” and Resources for Teaching Children “Prophets”

      We Need to Remember Our Covenants.

      Genesis CHAPTER 9 Noah and his sons are commanded to multiply and fill the earth—They are given dominion over all forms of life—The death penalty is decreed for murder—God will not again destroy the earth by a flood—Canaan is cursed; Shem and Japheth are blessed.

      Genesis 9:15–17

      God will keep His promises to me.

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

      • Your children might enjoy drawing or coloring a rainbow while you talk about what it represents (see Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 9:21–25 [in the Bible appendix]). What did God want Noah and his family to think of whenever they saw a rainbow?

      Clipart Library

      • You could also show your children something you have that reminds you of something important in your life, such as a wedding ring, a picture, or a journal. Let your children share their own examples. This could lead to a conversation about things that help us remember our covenants, such as the sacrament, which helps us remember our baptismal covenant to follow Jesus Christ (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:75–79).

      Friend February 2025 “Covenants with God” Decorate this shield to remind you of the covenants you have made or will make! As we keep our covenants, Heavenly Father protects us, and we can stay close to Him.

      For the Strength of Youth February 2026 “A Necklace with a Promise” After a temple open house Megan’ grandfather gave her a necklace with a chandelier crystal to remind her of the temple. He asked her to promise she would go to the temple someday. Every time she wore her crystal necklace she would think of the temple and how she wanted to go inside. (The article suggests making their own reminder and gives some ideas.)

      Illustration by David ComerĂłn

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 6–11; Moses 8”

      It is important for children to know that God keeps His promises, especially as they prepare to make covenants with Him when they are baptized.

      • Talk with the children about some of God’s promises—for example, that we can return to Heavenly Father if we follow Jesus Christ or that God will send the Holy Ghost to comfort us. Bear your testimony that God always keeps His promises.

      Friend March 2023 “Baptismal Covenants”

      Friend March 2018

      • Use pictures to tell the children about covenants we make with God, such as pictures of a child being baptized, the sacrament, and a temple (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 104, 108, 120).

      For Additional Teaching Ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Covenants” and Resources for Teaching Children “Covenants”

      Genesis CHAPTER 10 The descendants of Noah are Japheth, whose descendants are Gentiles; Ham, whose descendants include the Canaanites; and Shem, of whom came Peleg (in whose days the earth was divided).

      Tower of Babel

      Genesis CHAPTER 11 All men speak the same language—They build the Tower of Babel—The Lord confounds their language and scatters them over all the earth—The generations of Shem include Abram, whose wife is Sarai—Abram leaves Ur and settles in Haran.

      Following Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven.

      Genesis 11:1–9

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 6–11; Moses 8”

      Tell the story of the Tower of Babel in your own words, or read the story found in “The Tower of Babel” (in Old Testament Stories). Encourage the children to help you by sharing what they know about the story.

      Old Testament Stories “The Tower of Babel” Illustrations and video

      • Let the children build a tower out of blocks or other objects. Then show the children a picture of the Savior, and ask them which is the way to return to Heavenly Father—building a tower or following Jesus Christ? Help the children understand that following the Savior is the only way back to our Heavenly Father. Invite the children to tell about things they can do to follow the Savior.

      Friend August 2023 “I Can Follow Jesus Christ”

      Friend December 2016

      • In addition to reading the story of the tower of Babel in Genesis 11:1–9, you and your children could read Helaman 6:28. According to this verse, why did the people of Babel build the tower? Why was building this tower the wrong way to reach heaven? Invite the children to search 2 Nephi 31:20–21 and Helaman 3:28 to find the right way to reach heaven. What advice would we give to the people of Babel?
      • While people today might not try to build towers in order to reach heaven, many try to find peace and happiness by following paths other than the one Jesus Christ has established. How might you use the story of the Tower of Babel to teach this principle?

      See also Resources for Teaching Children “Plan of Salvation”

      See also Old Testament Stories & Lesson Ideas and Old Testament: Activities & Games

      Additional Resources

      Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

      The Red Crystal “Come Follow Me- for Primary. Jan. 31–Feb. 6, Genesis 6–11; Moses 8” Free LDS primary lesson helps

      Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Follow the Prophet” Lesson ides

      Jan 24 2022

      Moses 7

      Featured

      Table of Contents

      Moses 7 Enoch continued preaching repentance. The Lord protected His people from their enemies. Enoch established the city of Zion on the principles of righteousness. He saw a vision of the earth’s history from his own day to the Millennium. He saw the influence of the adversary and watched God weep for the suffering of His children. Enoch also foresaw the coming of the Savior, the eventual Restoration of the gospel, the gathering of Israel, and the return of the city of Zion upon the earth. Enoch and his city were translated. (Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Moses 7”)

      Friend February 2026 “Weekly Scripture Fun”

      Activity: The Lord helped Enoch teach the gospel. Teach the gospel like Enoch by sharing your testimony! Say a prayer to receive help from Heavenly Father. Write or draw something you believe. Then share your testimony with someone you love.

      God wants us to be “of one heart and one mind.”

      Moses 7:18–21, 62–63, 68–69

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

      • To help your children learn about Enoch and Zion, you could use “Enoch the Prophet” in Old Testament Stories (19–21) or the second verse of “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11). Then you could ask your children to help you retell the story in their own words. The pictures of Enoch in this outline might help.

      Old Testament Stories “Enoch the Prophet” Images, story, and video

      • Here’s one way to help your children understand what it means to be of “one heart and one mind” (Moses 7:18): Make a paper heart and cut it into pieces, enough for each child to have one. Let them write their name on their piece and work together to put the heart together. As they do, you might talk about things you love about each child.

      The Red Crystal

      • Help your children count how many times the word “Zion” appears in Moses 7:18–21, 62–63, 68–69. Each time they find the word, help them discover what the verse says about Zion (see also Guide to the Scriptures, “Zion,” Gospel Library). How can we be more like the people described in these verses?

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 7”

      • Ask the children to look for words that describe Enoch’s people, also known as Zion, as they read Moses 7:18. Write these words as headings at the top of the board, and invite the children to write, under each heading, things they can do to be more like Enoch’s people. After they share, ask the children how they can make their homes more like Zion. They might find some ideas in 4 Nephi 1:15–18.

      The Red Crystal

      Moses 7:18

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 7”

      • Help the children think of actions related to the phrase “one heart and one mind” (Moses 7:18). Explain that this phrase means that the people of Enoch loved and were kind to each other. Invite them to use this week’s activity page to draw a way they can show love.

      Friend January 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities” Building Love

      Story: Enoch and his people built a city called Zion. The people in Zion were righteous and “were of one heart and one mind” (Moses 7:18). That means they loved and cared for each other. They didn’t fight or hurt each other.

      Song: â€śLove at Home” (Hymns, no. 294)

      Activity: Read Moses 7:19–21. Then build a city with blocks, stones, or sticks. As you build, talk about how you can make your family more like Zion. You can send pictures of your finished city to the Friend!

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 7”

      • Sing a song about loving one another, such as “Love at Home” (Hymns, no. 294). Bring pictures that illustrate key phrases in the song to help the children learn the words. Ask the children to share ways they can show love to each other in Primary and in their homes. Then let them act out their ideas.

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

      Read Doctrine and Covenants 38:24-25  What does it mean to esteem someone as yourself? We need to value others as much as we value ourselves. Have the children tell what different parts of the body does. Explain that each part of the body is important and needed. Just like our body parts are united, we need to be united as people [and help, support, and take care of each other.]

      The Redwood trees are joined together as one.

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

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

      1. I know you, and you know me. We are as diff’rent as the sun and the sea I know you, and you know me, And that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

      2. I help you, and you help me. We learn from problems, and we’re starting to see. I help you, and you help me, And that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

      3. I love you, and you love me We reach together for the best we can be I love you, and you love me, And that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

      Heavenly Father wants me to choose to follow Him.

      Moses 7:28–33

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

      • To introduce Moses 7:32–33 to your children, you might talk to them about a choice they had to make recently. Then you could read the verses together to find out what Heavenly Father wants us to choose. What choices can we make to show that we choose Him? Perhaps your children could take turns acting out one of these choices while the others guess what the action represents.

      The Red Crystal

      Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 7”

      • Help the children think of things that make Heavenly Father happy. Read Moses 7:28 with the children, and explain that Heavenly Father was sad because the people were very wicked (see verses 32–33).
      • Invite the children to play a game in which they act out things they can do that make Heavenly Father happy. Ask the other children to guess what they are doing. Share with each of the children something you have seen them do that makes Heavenly Father happy.

      Jesus Christ Will Come Again in the Last Days.

      Moses 7:59–67

      Jesus will come back to earth.

      Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 7”

      • In Moses 7:59, Enoch asks the Lord a question. Invite your children to find it, and then ask them to find the answer in verse 60. You might also talk with them about a time when they were expecting someone special to visit or return home. Ask them how they felt and what they did to prepare for the visit? What are some ways we can prepare for Jesus to come again?

      Friend November 2021 “Jesus Will Come Again” 

      • Consider showing pictures of times when the Savior appeared to people (such as Gospel Art Book, nos. 60, 82, 83, and 84). What are the people doing in the pictures? How might the people have felt when they met Jesus?

      The Red Crystal

      • You could also sing a song about the Savior’s Second Coming, such as “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83), and ask the children what they think it will be like when Jesus comes again. Let the children share how they feel about seeing Jesus when He comes again.

      Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 7”

      As your family reads Moses 7:59–67, try marking or noting things the Lord tells Enoch about the last days—for example, that God will “gather out [His] elect” (verse 62) and that there will be “great tribulations among the wicked” (verse 66). How can we have faith and hope despite the wickedness in the last days? As part of this discussion, consider reading these words from Elder Ronald A. Rasband: “Take heart, brothers and sisters. Yes, we live in perilous times, but as we stay on the covenant path, we need not fear. I bless you that as you do so, you will not be troubled by the times in which we live or the troubles that come your way. I bless you to choose to stand in holy places and be not moved. I bless you to believe in the promises of Jesus Christ, that He lives and that He is watching over us, caring for us and standing by us” (“Be Not Troubled,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 21).

      For additional Second Coming Resources see here.

      Additional Resources

      Old Testament Stories and Lesson Ideas

      Pearl of Great Price Lesson, Stories, & Activities

      Old Testament: Activities and Games

      Primary 6 Manual: Old Testament “Enoch and a Zion People” (Page 27)

      Liahona January 2022 “Old Testament Art: Enoch and the City of Zion” Illustration by Justin Kunz

        Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

        The Red Crystal

        Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Building Zion” Lesson ideas

        Scripture Explorers “The City of Zion”

        Latter Day Kids “Building Zion” Lesson ideas to go with the below video

        Jan 17 2022

         Genesis 5; Moses 6

        Featured

        Table of Contents

        Genesis Chapter 5 The generations of Adam are Adam, Seth, Enos, Cainan, Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch (who walked with God), Methuselah, Lamech, and Noah (who begat Shem, Ham, and Japheth).

        Moses Chapter 6 Adam’s seed keep a book of remembrance—His righteous posterity preach repentance—God reveals Himself to Enoch—Enoch preaches the gospel—The plan of salvation was revealed to Adam—He received baptism and the priesthood.

        Old Testament Stories “Adam and Eve’s Family” Images and Video

        Book of Remembrance

        Genesis 5; Moses 6:5–25, 46.

        Old Testament Stories: Adam and Eve’s Family

        Adam and Eve’s family kept a book of remembrance. They wrote their family history in the book. They wrote about how the Lord helped them.

        Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 5; Moses 6” Reading about the “book of remembrance” that Adam and Eve’s family kept may inspire your family to make your own book of remembrance. Discuss as a family what you would like to include. Maybe you have photos, stories, or documents from your family history. You might choose to include things that are happening in your family now. What will future generations find valuable? You could also discuss how the phrases “by the spirit of inspiration” (Moses 6:5) and “the pattern given by the finger of God” (Moses 6:46) could guide your efforts. Consider saving information from your book of remembrance on FamilySearch.org.

        Scripture Stories Coloring Book: Pearl of Great Price “Adam’s Book of Remembrance”

        Friend January 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Family Testimony Book”

        Story: Adam and Eve’s family made a “book of remembrance” (Moses 6:5). They wrote about Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father’s plan. This book was the beginning of the scriptures.

        Song: â€śLove Is Spoken Here” (Children’s Songbook, 190–91)

        Activity: You can make a book of remembrance too! Ask everyone in your family to write down their testimony of Jesus Christ. Then attach the pages together to make a book.

        Come Follow Me Kid

        God Can Help Me Do Hard Things.

        Moses 6:26–34

        Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 5; Moses 6”

        • Ask the children to share a time when they were asked to do something that was hard or scary for them. Share the story of, or read together, Enoch’s call to be a prophet, found in Moses 6:27, 31–34 (see also “Enoch the Prophet” in Old Testament Stories).

        • When Enoch was called to preach the gospel, he worried that he would fail. But God helped him do great things. Why did Enoch feel that he couldn’t preach the gospel? (see Moses 6:31). How did God help Enoch? (see Moses 6:32–34; 7:13).

        Liahona January 2022 “Who Was Enoch”

        Enoch was not the only prophet who felt inadequate when the Lord called him. Read about Moses’s and Jeremiah’s reactions in Exodus 4:10–12 and Jeremiah 1:4–9.

        • Your children might enjoy sharing or acting out other examples of when God helped people do difficult things—for example, Noah building the ark, David fighting Goliath, Ammon defending the king’s flocks, or Samuel the Lamanite preaching. (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 7, 19, 78, 81). You could also share an experience of your own and let your children talk about how God helps them do hard things.
        • Invite the children to name some difficult things that children their age sometimes do (such as completing an assignment for school, being kind to someone who is unkind, or telling the truth when they have made a mistake). Help the children find phrases in Moses 6:32–34 that can help them. Ask the children to share a time when God helped them do something difficult. Share your own experiences too.

        Friend August 2020 “Maddy’s Courage” Maddy didn’t want to start school because she was afraid. Her mom reminded her of sometimes we have to do brave and hard things, such as Daniel facing the lions, or Nephi crossing the ocean, or Esther talking to the king. And just like Heavenly Father helped all of those people, He would help her too.

        New Era December 2020 “Not Ice-olated” Object lesson that demonstrates that with the Lord’s help, we can lift even the heaviest, slipperiest burdens.

        The Gospel Teaches Me How to Return to Heavenly Father.

        Moses 6:50–62

        Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 5; Moses 6”

          Faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost prepare me to return to God.

          Adam and Enoch taught their people the first principles and ordinances of the gospel: faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost (see also Articles of Faith 1:4).

          Moses 6:50–62

          Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026

          • God taught Adam what we need to do to return to Him—have faith in Jesus Christ, repent, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Help your children find these principles in Moses 6:52, 57. Then you could help them write a short talk about one of the principles. Each talk could include a scripture from Moses 6, an experience, and a testimony. Let them share their talks with each other.

          Come Follow Me Kid

          • You could also display pictures that represent the first principles of the gospel (see the fourth article of faith). Place them in a line leading to a picture of Jesus Christ. As you read Moses 6:52, your children could stand next to the correct picture when they hear the words the picture represents.

          Friend April 2011 link includes discussion info.

          Friend April 2011
          • Your children might enjoy singing songs that teach the principles in Moses 6:52, such as “Faith,” “When I Am Baptized,” and “The Holy Ghost” (Children’s Songbook, 96–97, 103, 105). Help them find these principles in Moses 6:52.

          Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 5; Moses 6”

          • What does it mean to be “born again into the kingdom of heaven”? (Moses 6:59) (To have the Spirit of the Lord cause a mighty change in a person’s heart so that he has no more desire to do evil, but rather desires to seek the things of God. (Guide to the Scriptures, “Born Again, Born of God” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) For additional information click on link.)
          • What can we do to continue to be born again throughout our lives?

          Coloring Pages

          Scripture Stories Coloring Book: Pearl of Great Price “4th Article of Faith”

          Friend March 2000
          Friend March 2000 Link includes some sharing time and music time ideas.

          Heavenly Father Wants Parents to Teach Their Children.

          Moses 6:57–58

          Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 5; Moses 6”

          From the time of Adam and Eve, parents have been commanded to teach their children the gospel. How can you encourage the children to listen to and follow the righteous teachings of their parents?

          • To encourage your children to support their parents in their role as gospel teachers, consider asking a child to read Moses 6:58 and identify the commandment God gave to parents. Then you could show a picture of Adam and Eve teaching their children (like the one at the end of this outline) and let your children talk about what they see in the picture. Your children could draw pictures of their families reading the scriptures together, praying together, or playing together. Ask the children what they can do to support their parents when they teach them the gospel.

            Friend March 2019 â€śA Lesson From My Parents” Color the pictures and circle the things a parent or other family member has taught you. What else can you think of?

            Coloring Page: “Adam and Eve Teach Their Children” (Feb. 2010 Friend)

            Latter Day Kids “Teach These Things” Lesson ideas to go with the below video.

            Additional Resources

            All things bear record of Christ

            Moses 6:63.

            What are some of the things that “bear record of [Christ]”? (see also 2 Nephi 11:4). Consider inviting family members to share something that they see “in the heavens above” or “on the earth” that helps them learn about Jesus Christ. For example, how do trees, rocks, or the sun remind us of the Savior? What do the titles “living water” and “bread of life” teach us about Him? (John 4:10–14; 6:35). (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 5; Moses 6” )

            How did Adam become a “son of God”?

            Moses 6:64–68

            Enoch taught that after Adam was baptized, “the Spirit of God descended upon him, and thus he was born of the Spirit, and became quickened in the inner man.” After this sacred experience, Adam heard a voice from heaven saying, “Behold, thou art one in me, a son of God; and thus may all become my sons.”

            The title “son of God” now had two different meanings for Adam. Not only was he a literal spirit son of God created in His image, but Adam was also a son of God because he had been born again through Jesus Christ. Those who experience spiritual rebirth and receive the ordinances of the Savior’s gospel are also sometimes referred to as “children of Christ.” (Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Genesis 5, Moses 6: How does the Fall affect us?”)

            All people must repent and be baptized.

            Scripture Helps: Old Testament “Genesis 5, Moses 6: How does the Fall affect us?”

            Enoch taught that Adam asked God why all people must repent and be baptized. In response, God taught Adam important truths that clarified how the Fall would impact the posterity of Adam and Eve.

            First, God made it clear not only that Adam and Eve were forgiven for their transgression in the Garden of Eden, but also that the consequences of their sins would not be passed down to their children. The Prophet Joseph Smith reiterated this truth when he taught, “We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.”

            God also taught Adam that his posterity would be “conceived in sin” (or “born into a world of sin”). As mortal people living in a fallen world, we commit sin, which makes us unclean and separates us from God. While this experience gives us opportunity to “prize the good” after we “taste the bitter,” we also must be cleansed from our sins through Jesus Christ, for “no unclean thing can dwell” in God’s presence.

            God commanded Adam to teach his children to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Ghost so they could be sanctified from their sins through Jesus Christ. God declared, “This is the plan of salvation unto all men, through the blood of mine Only Begotten.”

            Primary 6 Manual: Old Testament “Adam and Eve Lived the Gospel of Jesus Christ” (Page 23) Lesson ideas

            Primary 6 Manual: Old Testament “Enoch and a Zion People” (Page 27)

            Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

            The Red Crystal

            Jan 13 2022

            Joseph Receives the Gold Plates

            Posted on by

            Table of Contents

            The Angel Moroni Visits Joseph Smith

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

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

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

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

            I can repent and be forgiven.

            Joseph Smith—History 1:28–29

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

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

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

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

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

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

            Joseph Smith—History 1:27–54

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

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

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

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

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

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

            You could ask a family member to read aloud part or all of Moroni’s message from Joseph Smith—History 1:33–42 four times (because Moroni repeated this message four times). Between each reading, ask the other family members to share what they remember from his message, without looking at the scriptures. Why might the Lord repeat important messages several times? What are some other ways the Lord teaches us through repetition? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65:)

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

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

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

            Who was Moroni? Show the children the book of Moroni in the Book of
            Mormon. Explain that Moroni was the last of the Nephite prophets. He lived
            about A.D. 400 and wrote some of the Book of Mormon. What did Moroni do
            with the gold plates when he finished writing on them? (Mormon 8:1, 4.) Why
            was Moroni chosen to visit Joseph Smith?

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

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

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

            Receiving the Gold Plates

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

            Friend May 2008

            Friend January 2021 “Getting the Gold Plates” Coloring Page

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

            Joseph is Prepared to Receive the Plates

            God will prepare me to work in His kingdom.

            Joseph Smith—History 1:48–60

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

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

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

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

            Joseph was only 17 years old when he first saw the gold plates. They weren’t entrusted to his care, however, until four years later. Read Joseph Smith—History 1:48–60, looking for what happened in Joseph’s life during that time. How do you think these events prepared him for the work God called him to do?

            Joseph Smith’s mother, Lucy Mack Smith, wrote that after the first visits of Moroni,
            “Joseph continued to receive instructions from the Lord, and we continued to
            get the children together every evening for the purpose of listening while he
            gave us a relation of the same. . . . During our evening conversations, Joseph
            would occasionally give us some of the most amusing recitals that could be
            imagined. He would describe the ancient inhabitants of this continent, their
            dress, mode [method] of traveling, and the animals upon which they rode; their
            cities, their buildings, with every particular; their mode of warfare; and also their
            religious worship. This he would do with as much ease, seemingly, as if he had
            spent his whole life among them” (Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith,
            pp. 82–83). Because he had always been honest, Joseph Smith’s parents and
            brothers and sisters believed all Joseph told them.

            What experiences have you had that have prepared you to serve God and others? What are you currently experiencing that can help you prepare for future service?

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

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

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

            The Book of Mormon was given to us by the power of God.

            Book of Mormon Stories: Chapter One “How We Got the Book of Mormon” Video and images about the story of Joseph Smith and the golden plates.

            Why were some ancient records written on metal plates? (Take a piece of paper, tear it, and pour a little water on it.) Explain that during ancient times, the people used other materials than paper for written communications, but those materials could also be easily damaged and could decompose and disintegrates over time. Some ancient historians used metal if they had an important message that they wanted to endure for a long period of time.

            By restoring His gospel, the Savior fulfilled ancient prophecies.

            Joseph Smith—History 1:34–47

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

            Additional Resources

            Scripture Figures: “The Book of Mormon, a Gift From Heavenly Father” (December 2012 Liahona and Friend)
            Scripture figures to go along with the story of Joseph Smith receiving the Golden Plates.

            Friend May 2008

            Liahona January 2021 “What did Moroni Teach Joseph” A short explanation of what Moroni taught Joseph when he appeared to him four times.

            Friend April 2020
            Media Library “Joseph Smith Receives the Gold Plates”

            Friend January 2025 “The Restoration Begins”

            Friend January 2021 “Joseph Smith and the Gold Plates”

            Friend December 2015

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

            Protecting the Gold Plates

            After receiving the plates from the angel Moroni, Joseph hid them in a hollow log to keep them safe until he could get a box to lock them in. The next day, while Joseph Smith was at work, his father overheard a group of men plotting to steal the plates. Emma went to warn Joseph, and he, through the Urim and Thummim, was able to see that the plates were safe. He also knew it was time to get the plates from the log to keep them safe.

            “Hurrying to the hill, Joseph found the log where the plates were hidden and carefully wrapped them in a shirt. He then ducked into the woods and headed for home, his eyes alert to danger. â€¦

            “Straining under the weight of the record, Joseph tramped through the woods as fast as he could. A fallen tree blocked the path ahead of him, and as he bounded over it, he felt something hard strike him from behind. Turning around, he saw a man coming at him, wielding a gun like a club.

            “Clutching the plates tightly with one arm, Joseph knocked the man to the ground and scrambled deeper into the thicket. He ran for about half a mile when another man sprang from behind a tree and struck him with the butt of his gun. Joseph fought the man off and darted away, desperate to be out of the woods. But before he could get very far a third man attacked, landing a heavy blow that sent him reeling. Gathering his strength, Joseph hit the man hard and ran for home. â€¦

            “After Joseph brought the gold plates home, treasure seekers tried for weeks to steal them. To keep the record safe, he had to move it from place to place, hiding the plates under the hearth, beneath the floor of his father’s shop, and in piles of grain. He could never let his guard down.

            “… He was determined to care for the plates, trusting in the Lord’s promise that if he did everything he could, they would be protected” (Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days, vol. 1, The Standard of Truth, 1815–1846 [2018], 40-41, 43).

            Saints volume 1 “Chapter 4 “Be Watchful”

            Friend May 2008 “Protecting the Gold Plates”

            Martin Harris Visits Professor Anthon

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

            A Marvelous Work and a Wonder Video

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

            Nephi shared a prophecy about some of the details related to the translation of the Book of Mormon.

            A portion of the book being given to a learned man who says, “I cannot read it” (2 Nephi 27:15–20; Joseph Smith—History 1:64–65; see also Isaiah 29:11).

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

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

            • Why do you think the Lord used Joseph Smith, who was an unlearned man, to bring forth the Book of Mormon?

            Joseph and Emma Marry

            Saints volume 1 “Chapter 4 “Be Watchful”

            Scriptures Coloring Book: Pearl of Great Price “Joseph and Emma”

            Additional Resources

            Songs:

            Music: “The Golden Plates” (Children’s Songbook, 86)

            1. The golden plates lay hidden Deep in the mountainside, Until God found one faithful, In whom he could confide.
            2. A record made by Nephi, Written in days of old; Now, in the Book of Mormon, The story is retold.

            Music: “An Angel Came to Joseph Smith” (Children’s Songbook, 86)

            1. An angel came to Joseph Smith, And from the ground he took A sacred record hidden there, A precious, holy book.
            2. It tells of people long ago, Led by the Lord’s own hand, Who left their homes and crossed the sea To reach a favored land.
            3. The Nephites and the Lamanites, And all who came to dwell, Had peace when they obeyed the Lord, The sacred records tell.
            4. And now I’ll read the sacred book, And then I’ll understand That Heav’nly Father loves us all In each and ev’ry land.

            Music: “An Angel from on High” (Hymns, no. 13)

            Activity Pages

            Book of Mormon Coloring Book “Moroni Buried the Gold Plates”

            Pearl of Great Price Scriptures Coloring Book “Angel Moroni Appears to Joseph”

            Scriptures Coloring Book: Pearl of Great Price “The Gold Plates”

            Friend January 2021 “Show and Tell” Anna made a diorama of Joseph Smith getting the gold plates.

            People, Places, Events

            Click to see more

            Reconstructed Smith home where Moroni appeared to Joseph Smith

            Gospel Art Picture: “Joseph Smith Receives the Gold Plates”