Friend April 2021 “Matt and Mandy” Matt and Mandy and their parents discuss sustaining during conference. They also discuss how they can know that the prophet is called of God like the fifth Article of Faith states.
Saul, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, is a choice and goodly person—He is sent to seek his father’s asses—The Lord reveals to Samuel the seer that Saul is to be king—Saul goes to Samuel and is entertained by him.).
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18” The accounts of God choosing Saul and David to be kings can help your class understand how people are called to serve in the Church today. These accounts can build faith that callings come from God through His authorized servants.
On separate strips of paper, write the following statements and scriptures: the people wanted a king (1 Samuel 8:6); the Lord told Samuel that Saul would be king (1 Samuel 9:15–17); Samuel anointed Saul (1 Samuel 10:1); Samuel presented Saul to the people (1 Samuel 10:24). Ask the children to read the scripture passages and put them in the correct order.
Learn together the fifth article of faith. Briefly tell the children how you received your calling to teach in Primary. How do you know that you were called of God? Testify that God inspires leaders to call people to serve.
“Article of Faith 5” (May 2011 Friend) Number pictures relating to how a person receives a calling in the right order.
DANIEL CHAPTER 1 Daniel and certain Hebrews are trained in the court of Nebuchadnezzar—They eat plain food and drink no wine—God gives them knowledge and wisdom beyond all others.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Daniel 1–6” Daniel and his friends refused the meat and wine the king offered them because they wanted to follow God’s commandments and avoid harming their bodies. Today the Word of Wisdom helps us avoid substances that would harm our bodies.
Share with the children “Daniel and His Friends” (in Old Testament Stories), or summarize Daniel 1:1–17. Invite the children to act out the story. Help them understand how the Lord blessed Daniel and his friends for choosing to obey Him (see verse 17). What blessings do we receive from God when we choose the right?
Show the children pictures of things the Word of Wisdom teaches us to eat or use and things it tells us not to eat or use (see Doctrine and Covenants 89). Invite the children to pretend to eat the good things and say no to the bad things. Testify that the Lord blesses us when we care for our bodies. Sing together a song about caring for our bodies, such as “The Lord Gave Me a Temple” or “The Word of Wisdom” (Children’s Songbook, 153, 154–55). What does this song teach us?
“Daniel Obeys the Lord” (June 1998 Friend) A retelling of the story of Daniel and his friends refusing to eat the king’s food. Includes flannel board figures.
Teach the children that our bodies are gifts from Heavenly Father and He wants us to take good care of them.
To help the children understand the Lord’s commandments in Doctrine and Covenants 89:10–17, draw or show pictures of good things we can eat or good things we can do to keep our bodies healthy (see also this week’s activity page). Also help the children understand that alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee, and other harmful drugs hurt our bodies and the Lord has warned us not to use them. Invite the children to choose something they can do this week to keep their bodies healthy.
Invite the children to take turns drawing a picture on the board that represents something taught in the Word of Wisdom. Let the rest of the children guess what each person is drawing. Talk about the Lord’s commandment in section 89 that relates to the drawing.
Use the following example, or others you think of, to show how we are blessed by obeying the Word of Wisdom (see Doctrine and Covenants 89:18–21). Do a simple exercise together, such as walking or running in place, and then pretend to “be weary” or “faint” (verse 20). Testify of the Lord’s promises.
Show a picture of the temple, and ask the children to describe what they see. Use a song about physical health, such as “The Lord Gave Me a Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 153), to teach the children that our bodies are like temples for our spirits and God wants us to keep our bodies healthy. Help the children think of ways we can care for our bodies, and let the children act them out.
The Lord Will Help You Keep the Word of Wisdom
Friend March 2024 “Drops of Faith” Jacob keeps falling asleep in school because he gets up so early to make it to school on time. The principle suggest drops of coffee in the morning to keep him awake. Jacob decides to use drops of faith instead. Every morning they said a prayer that Heavenly Father would help him not be sleepy at school.
Being an Example to Others of Making Healthy Choices
Friend March 2024 “A Good Example” When Elder Mathias Held Of the Seventy joined the church he was a businessman. His father worried because he wouldn’t be joining with others in drinking at business meetings. His co-workers were supportive, and pretty soon many of them stopped drinking as well.
The Word of Wisdom Helps Me be Healthy in Body and Spirit.
Elder Gary E. Stevenson counseled young people to plan in advance what they will do when tempted with alcohol or drugs. Then he taught, “You will find that temptation has less control over you. You will have already made the decision of how you will react and what you will do. You won’t need to decide every time” (“Your Priesthood Playbook,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 48). Encourage the children you teach to decide now—for the rest of their lives—to live the Word of Wisdom.
Divide the children into two groups, and ask one group to read Doctrine and Covenants 89:1–4 and the other group to read verses 18–21. Ask them to ponder questions like the following: Why did the Lord give us the Word of Wisdom? How can living the Word of Wisdom bless me physically and spiritually?
Create fill-in-the-blank statements using phrases from Doctrine and Covenants 89, such as “ is ordained for the use of man and of beasts” or “And shall and not faint” (verses 14, 20). Invite the children to work in pairs to find the answers in section 89. The children could sort the statements into the following categories: good things for our bodies, bad things for our bodies, and blessings.
Invite one child to read Doctrine and Covenants 89:4 and another to read the quotation from Elder Stevenson above. Why should we decide now to obey the Word of Wisdom rather than waiting until the moment of temptation? Help the children role-play how they might respond if someone, even a friend, offers them something that is against the Word of Wisdom. How does obeying the Word of Wisdom protect us?
Your family members might enjoy drawing or finding pictures of foods and other substances mentioned in Doctrine and Covenants 89. Then you could play a game—family members could take turns selecting pictures at random, putting the things we shouldn’t use in the trash and the things we should use on a plate. How have the promises in verses 18–21 been fulfilled in our lives?
When the elders in the School of the Prophets first heard Joseph Smith read the Word of Wisdom, they immediately “tossed their pipes and plugs of chewing tobacco into the fire” (Saints, 1:168). At that time, the Word of Wisdom was considered more of a caution than a commandment, but they wanted to show their willingness to obey. Perhaps you have already “tossed” from your life the substances the Word of Wisdom warns against, but what else can you learn from this revelation?
Reading “Physical and Emotional Health” in For the Strength of Youth (25–27) could prompt discussion about other ways to care for our health and about the blessings that God promises.
The other family members will move to either the “good” or “not good” side of the room, depending on the description in that verse. Is the substance good for our bodies or not?
Discussion: What promises are included in Doctrine and Covenants 89:18–21? How can taking care of our bodies improve our spiritual relationship with the Lord?
What harm can come from not obeying the Word of Wisdom? (Answers may include illness and disease, poverty, dishonesty, addictive habits, automobile accidents, inactivity in the Church, and sins resulting from loss of good judgment.) Explain that in Joseph Smith’s time people did not know all that we know now about the bad effects of smoking and alcohol use. But the Lord knew about these bad effects, and he warned the people (see D&C 89:4). The Lord also knew that people who disobey the Word of Wisdom lose the desire to obey the other commandments and to become like Jesus Christ. Physical desires become more important to them than spiritual desires.
What does the Word of Wisdom say is bad for our bodies? –Game
What does the Word of Wisdom say is good for our bodies?Game
Have family members draw pictures of ways to care for their body (like eating healthy foods or playing outside). Help your little ones say, “I can take care of my body.”
Friend August 2021 “How to Say No” What do you do when someone offers you something that you know is against the Word of Wisdom? Write what you could say in the bubbles below.
Friend July 1986 “Body Building” For each good food mentioned in the scripture, the player takes an additional body part. He must put back a body part for each harmful substance mentioned in the scripture. Players take turns drawing reference strips. The player who first builds a complete body is the winner. (See additional instructions below in pink section.)
We accepted the Helping Hands Team challenge (Feb. 2021) to eat foods that are different colors. We love helping our grammy plant, water, harvest, and eat the delicious vegetables and fruits in her garden!
Newland, Wynne, and Magnus T., ages 8, 5, and 2, Florida, USA
Friend March 2023 “A Tasty Goal” Sara wanted to follow the Word of Wisdom better (see Doctrine and Covenants 89). She made a goal for Children and Youth to eat more fruits and vegetables. Can you find two rows that have all of the same foods but in a different order?
Friend May 2018 “Food and Fun” Some of the blessings of living the Word of Wisdom are wisdom and knowledge (see D&C 89:19). Can you solve these brain-teasers?
The Atonement of Jesus Christ cleanses me and helps perfect me.
Watch this video to learn about the Atonement.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=aY3yGPdSF3o%3F
It could be said that the Book of Mormon is largely an account of people who changed because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Activity
Divide into three groups and give each group one of the scriptures below to read (or read or watch the illustrated Book of Mormon StoriesEnos,Alma the Younger, Anti-Nephi, Lehies. Have each group share how that person or group changed because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
In addition to suffering for our sins, the Savior also suffered our pains, sicknesses, and other infirmities so He would know how to comfort us.
Activity
Read the scriptures below and have the children list the things that Jesus suffered in the blue box below. (It will open in a new tab.)
Mosiah 3:7 And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people.
Mosiah 15:5 And thus the flesh becoming subject to the Spirit, or the Son to the Father, being one God, suffereth temptation, and yieldeth not to the temptation, but suffereth himself to be mocked, and scourged, and cast out, and disowned by his people.
Alma 7:11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
Isaiah 53:3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Invite them to think of times when they have felt some of these things.
According to Alma 7:12, why did Jesus suffer all of this?
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
What does succor mean? (Give assistance and support in times of hardship and distress.)
Friend March 2019 “Family Night Fun” Have family members decorate white pillow cases to remind them to say their morning and evening prayers.
Get Help Through Prayer
Friend October 2016 “Funstuff: Picture Puzzle” Does the world ever seem big and confusing? There’s a way to find help whenever you need it! Solve the puzzle to find out how to get that help. (Answer: Pray Every Day)
Friend November 1984 “Funstuff” Use the scripture reference to complete each statement about prayer by combining the words in the first column with the appropriate words in the second column.
Friend June 2015 “Pray to Our Father” Have an adventure searching the scriptures to learn more about prayer! Look up each scripture on the map. On the blank lines, write a few words to describe what the scripture says about prayer.
Friend March 1985 “Sharing Time: What Shall I Say When I Pray?” Cut out the words and picture. Glue each title on separate piece of colored paper. Decide where you think each picture belongs—is it something you are grateful for, or is it something you might ask a blessing for? Some pictures may go either place. Glue each picture under title you have chosen. Add your own drawings as you think of other things.
Write the word apostasy on the board. Invite the children to find a definition in “Apostasy” in the Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite them to read Isaiah 24:5; 30:9–11 and make a list of things people were doing in Isaiah’s time that led them to apostasy. Then invite the children to change the items in the list to things we can do to stay true to the Lord.
Divide the class into pairs, and assign each pair to read one of the following passages: Isaiah 24:3–5; Isaiah 29:7–10; or Isaiah 30:8–14. Invite them to draw pictures that represent what they read. As they share their drawings, help them discuss what Isaiah’s words teach about why we should stay true to the Lord.
When individuals or groups of people turn away from the principles of the gospel, they are in a state of apostasy.
Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual “The Great Apostasy” Jesus Christ established His Church during His mortal ministry. Following His death and Resurrection, the Savior commissioned His Apostles to guide the Church with His priesthood authority and keys. Due to intense persecution and the death of the Apostles, people were left without divine direction from living prophets. Jesus Christ’s teachings and doctrine were altered, resulting in a period called the Great Apostasy. This lesson can help students understand the need for a restoration of Jesus Christ’s true Church in the latter days.
Apostasy and Restoration Story
#1) The gospel has been on the earth since the time of Adam, whenever there has been a righteous man who has authority to administer in God’s name, and a people who are willing to listen to and accept the gospel.
#2) When people reject and rebel against the commandments of God, they are in a state of apostasy (a turning away from truth). They lose the blessings of divine guidance and authority. This happened several times during the Old Testament time period. Another time period apostasy occurred was after the Savior was resurrected.
#3) After Jesus’ death and resurrection, the apostles continued to teach people about Jesus and his gospel. Many people joined the church, but soon apostasy began to creep into the church. Some of the people began to turn away from the truth and teach false ideas based on their old religious beliefs.
#4) During this time period, there was also persecution going on from outside the church. Many church members were persecuted and killed because of their beliefs. One by one the apostles were all killed by these persecutors. After the apostles died, the priesthood keys and authority were no longer on the earth. Because of the wicked state of the people, they were not restored to the earth at that time. Without prophets and apostles to lead and guide, more and more error crept into church doctrine. Knowledge and understanding about many important doctrines were lost, including the knowledge of the purpose of life.
#5) Ordinances were also changed. Baptisms began to be preformed on babies instead of waiting until a child had grown to the age of accountability. Because of the changes to doctrine and ordinances, and the loss of priesthood keys and authority, the true church was no longer on the earth.
Object Lesson: Show the family the chocolate cake ingredients you gathered. Tell them you don’t have the recipe, but it doesn’t matter because you think you can remember how to do it. Tell them you also want to make a few changes and add some things to the cake that you think will make it taste better. Mix ingredients in random amounts, and add a few of the extra items. Ask the family if they think your concoction will make a delicious chocolate cake? Why not? Without the right ingredients and recipe, the end result won’t be as hoped for.
Tell the family that just as the cake needed the correct ingredients, it is also necessary for a church to consist of the correct components, which includes correct doctrines and ordinances, and power and authority from God.
How and when was the gospel of Jesus Christ restored to the earth again? In 1830, through Joseph Smith
#6) When Joseph Smith was young, he noticed how the different churches interpreted the same things in different ways. He wanted to know which of all the teachings and churches were correct.
#7) As he prayed for an answer, God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him. The restoration process then began. Joseph Smith, who had been chosen for this responsiblity because of his faithfulness in the preexistence, helped restore the gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth once again. Because of the restoration we now have vital truths, knowledge, and the true priesthood authority that had been lost.
New Testament Scripture Stories “After the New Testament” (Apostasy and Restoration)
Jesus taught people His gospel. He taught them to obey Heavenly Father’s commandments.
Jesus chose twelve men to be Apostles and gave them the priesthood. He started His Church. Many people loved Jesus. They were righteous and obeyed His teachings.Satan did not want people to follow Jesus. He tempted people to hate Jesus, and some of them nailed Him to a cross and killed Him.Three days after Jesus died, He was resurrected. He was alive again! He talked with His Apostles and told them to teach the gospel to all people. Jesus also visited the righteous people in the Americas. Then He went to heaven to be with His Father.The Apostles were the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ. They went to many lands and taught people about Jesus. Many people believed in Him and were baptized. The Apostles gave righteous men the priesthood. There were many members of the Church.Satan wanted to destroy the Church. He tempted people to stop believing in Jesus. The Apostles and many other members of the Church were killed. Soon there were no leaders to guide the Church. Heavenly Father took the priesthood away from the earth.The church that Jesus had started was gone. People started churches of their own. They changed many of the teachings of Jesus. They also changed some of the commandments.Hundreds of years went by. There were many churches on earth, but none of them was the true Church of Jesus Christ. Members of these churches believed in Jesus, but the churches did not have the true gospel. They did not have the authority of the priesthood. They did not have prophets or apostles.Jesus had said He would come to earth again. But first His Church had to be restored. The priesthood also had to be restored. These blessings were restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith.Heavenly Father has again called prophets and apostles to lead the Church in our day. Jesus gives revelations to the prophets and apostles to tell us what He wants us to know and do.
After reading 2 Thessalonians 2:3 with the children, let them help you build a tower out of plastic cups or blocks. Tell the children that the cups or blocks represent important parts of the true Church, such as gospel truths, the priesthood, temple sealings, and prophets. After Paul and the other Apostles died, these things were lost, and the true Church was not on the earth for many years. Invite a child to knock the tower over, and explain that this was called the Apostasy or “falling away.” When Jesus Christ brought His Church back, it was called the Restoration. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Thessalonians”)
Help the children list on the board some of the truths and blessings we enjoy because of the gospel. Erase these things one by one, and ask the children how their lives would be different without these things. Explain that these truths were lost during the Great Apostasy. Why was it important that the Church of Jesus Christ be restored to the earth in the latter days? Invite the children to “restore” or rewrite the truths and blessings on the board. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Thessalonians”)
1. Fasten a large sheet of black paper and a large sheet of yellow paper to the wall or chalkboard. On the black paper, post the pictures Boy Jesus in the Temple (GAK 205), John the Baptist Baptizing Jesus (GAK 208), Christ Ordaining the Apostles (GAK 211), Sermon on the Mount (GAK 212), and The Last Supper (GAK 225). Attach the following pictures to the bottoms of six chairs: Joseph Receives the Gold Plates (GAK 406), John the Baptist Conferring the Aaronic Priesthood (GAK 407), Melchizedek Priesthood Restoration (GAK 408), Kirtland Temple (GAK 500), Baptism (GAK 601), and Blessing the Sacrament (GAK 603). Invite an adult ward member to come to Primary dressed in a simple costume representing New Testament times. Ask him or her to tell the story of the organization of the Church in New Testament times while referring to the principles and ordinances depicted by the pictures. Ask the person to bear testimony of Jesus Christ.
Sing “The Sixth Article of Faith” (p. 126). As the New Testament visitor teaches the children about the Church in New Testament times and the Apostasy (see Gospel Principles, chap. 16), remove the pictures one by one. Just as the paper is left black, so was the world left in spiritual darkness. Invite a returned missionary to tell the children about the First Vision and bear testimony of Joseph Smith. Sing “Joseph Smith’s First Prayer” (Hymns, no. 26) or “The Sacred Grove” (p. 87). Invite the children to find the GAK pictures attached to their chairs. Have them read the story on the back of the picture and decide what principle or ordinance was restored. Post the pictures on the yellow paper. The Restoration, represented by the yellow paper, brought great light into the world. Bear your testimony of the Restoration and sing “The Church of Jesus Christ” (p. 77).
How might you help your children understand what it means for the Savior’s Church to be restored? Maybe they could build a simple tower with blocks or cups and “restore,” or rebuild, it. Or, if your children have ever had to replace something because it was lost or damaged, you could compare that experience to the Savior restoring His Church. Help them find specific things mentioned in the Restoration proclamation that the Savior restored.
Friend December 2015 “The Restoration Puzzle” Story about how to teach restoration using a puzzle.
To restore something means to put it back together. Read “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World” in Gospel Library to learn more about how the Church was restored. Then play a restoration game! Find or draw a picture and cut it into puzzle pieces. Trade puzzles with a family member and restore each other’s pictures. Why was it important that Joseph Smith restored Jesus Christ’s gospel?
For the Strength of Youth January 2025 “Fun Stop” Jesus Christ restored His Church through the Prophet Joseph Smith. Activity: The image on the left is the “true” image. Help “restore” the image on the right to the original version by marking 10 things that have been lost, added, or changed.
Jesus blessed the children when He walked in Galilee, He brought a young girl back to life. He blessed the blind to see. But some forgot! His Church was lost with its authority. Now priesthood pow’r is back on earth to bless a child like me.
Heav’nly Father and His Son came to the Sacred Grove. They brought the Church to earth again so all could feel Their love. Moroni and Elijah came—and Peter, James, and John—With precious keys and blessings that for centuries were gone.
Temples all around the world, Apostles, revelation: These all are part of God’s great gift—the gospel’s restoration. The sacrament I take each week, baptism, confirmation: I’m thankful for God’s gift to me—the gospel’s restoration.
Now gospel truths are back once more, For Jesus’ Church has been restored.
To illustrate what the phrase “the heavens are open” means, maybe you could share a message with your children, first behind a closed door and then through an open door. Let them take turns sharing a message too. What messages does Jesus Christ have for us? What experiences have helped us know that the heavens are open to us?
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ” How do you commemorate the 200th anniversary of an event that changed the world? That’s the question the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles pondered as April 2020 approached, marking 200 years since Joseph Smith’s First Vision. “We wondered if a monument should be erected,” President Russell M. Nelson recalled. “But as we considered the unique historic and international impact of that First Vision, we felt impressed to create a monument not of granite or stone but of words … , not to be carved in ‘tables of stone’ but rather to be etched in the ‘fleshy tables’ of our hearts [2 Corinthians 3:3]” (“Hear Him,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 90).
The monument of words they created is titled “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World.” It’s a monument not just to the First Vision but also to everything Jesus Christ has done—and is still doing—since then. The Restoration of His gospel started when one person turned to God and heard Him. It continues that same way: one heart, one sacred experience at a time—including yours.
As you read parts of the Restoration proclamation with your children (or watch the video of President Nelson reading it), help them find sentences that begin with phrases like “we proclaim,” “we declare,” or “we testify.” What truths are our prophets and apostles declaring? Perhaps you and your children could share your own testimonies of some of these same truths.
It might be interesting to your children to explore some of the questions Joseph Smith had that led to the Restoration of the Savior’s gospel. Help them find some examples in Joseph Smith—History 1:10, 29, 68. How are we blessed today because God answered Joseph Smith’s questions?
You might also give your children a chance to talk about questions they have. What do we learn from Joseph Smith about how to find answers? (see Joseph Smith—History 1:8–17; see also verses 3 and 4 of “This Is My Beloved Son,” Children’s Songbook, 76).
Who were the “heavenly messengers [who] came to instruct Joseph”? Your children might enjoy looking for pictures of them in the Gospel Art Book (see nos. 91, 93, 94, 95). How did each of these messengers help “re-establish the Church of Jesus Christ”? The scriptures suggested in this week’s activity page can help your children answer this question.
Invite the children to tell you what they know about Joseph Smith. If needed, share with them “Joseph Smith’s First Vision” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 9–12). Read Isaiah 29:12, and explain that even though Joseph Smith was not considered “learned” by many people, Jesus Christ restored the gospel through him.
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.
Imagine a glass full of clear, pure water. If we bump the glass, some water might spill out and the glass wouldn’t be full anymore. In the beginning the fulness of the gospel was on the earth. For many years prophets taught the gospel. When Jesus Christ was on the earth, He established His Church. He taught the fulness of the gospel: faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and obedience to the commandments. Jesus showed all people how we should live. He became the Savior of us all. The gospel glass was full.
But as the years passed, parts of the gospel were lost because wicked people changed it or didn’t obey it. The fulness of the gospel was no longer on the earth. Heavenly Father promised His children He would give them the fulness of the gospel again. He called Joseph Smith to help Him restore the fulness of the gospel.
The Restoration of the gospel is a “marvellous work.”
Show pictures of some of the marvelous events that happened as the gospel was restored (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 90–95, or this week’s activity page). Read together Isaiah 29:14, 18, 24, and invite the children to find words and phrases that relate to the events in the pictures. Ask the children how they can help with the Lord’s “marvellous work” (verse 14).
Friend April 2020 “Helping with the Restoration” In 1820, Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith. The Restoration of the gospel began that day 200 years ago. It continues today! Here are four ways you can help with the Restoration and prepare for the time when Jesus will return:
Share a brief experience to help the children understand what restoration means. For example, talk about something that was lost and how you found it. Help the children compare this to the Restoration of the gospel. According to Isaiah 29:13–15, why do we need the Restoration? What marvelous works did the Lord do to restore His gospel?
Friend May 2007 “Restoration” Whitney’s mother wants to restore her grandmother’s old armoire because it reminds her of her grandmother. Whitney suggests they could paint it white and add fancy handles. But her mother says, “No, I want to restore it. Restore means to bring something back to the way it was originally. I want it to look just the way it did when my grandmother used it.” (Activity: Cut out the puzzle pieces and put them together to form a picture. When you have all of the pieces in the right places, the picture will be “restored”!
The words of Lehi’s seed (his descendants) speaking from “low out of the dust” with a “familiar spirit” and being “sealed up in a book” (2 Nephi 26:14–17; see also Isaiah 29:4).
What does voices from the dust mean? The prophets who wrote the Book of Mormon are long gone and their bodies have turned to dust, but we hear their words by reading the Book of Mormon.
Read 2 Nephi 27:25–26, looking for what the Lord promised He would do. Nephi prophesied that the Book of Mormon would come forth to help with the problems of the last days (see 2 Nephi 27:6).
President Russell M. Nelson stated that this “marvelous work would include the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the Restoration of the gospel” (“Scriptural Witnesses,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 46).
Through Joseph Smith the following truths were restored: eternal families, Godhead, Book of Mormon as a witness of the truth of the Bible and Jesus Christ, priesthood authority, baptism of children not babies, salvation for the dead, our eternal potential as children of God, and modern revelation. (Chapter one of Teachings of the Presidents: Gordon B. Hinckley)
Display several objects or pictures that represent truths unique to the Church of Jesus Christ, such as a picture of the restoration of the priesthood (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 93–94). Ask a child to pick one of the objects or pictures and describe how it is a blessing in our Church. Explain that while Christians throughout the world belong to many different churches, we belong to the same Church that Jesus Christ established on the earth.
Blessings of the gospel Activity: Read the clues below (not the answer) and let the children pick which picture it is describing.
Prophet: Because of this blessing of the gospel we have the privilege to hear Gods words and direction about current issues and challenges we face. This gift is God’s living spokesman.
Book of Mormon: Because of this blessing of the gospel we know the purpose of life. We also know what we need to do to gain eternal salvation and how to live happy lives.
Temples: This blessing of the gospel allows us the opportunity to receive saving ordinances for ourselves and our dead. We can also be sealed to our family so that we can be with them forever.
Priesthood: Because of this blessing of the gospel we can receive healing blessings for the sick, blessings of comfort and guidance, and have authority to act in Gods name and perform saving ordinances, such as baptism.
Baptism Because this blessing of the gospel, when performed by proper priesthood authority, we can receive a remission of our sins and enter into the gate that leads to eternal life.
Holy Ghost Because of this blessing of the gospel we can receive personal revelation and guidance throughout our lives. We can also receive comfort during difficult times.
To encourage discussion about Doctrine and Covenants 1:17, you and your children could imagine you are preparing for a trip. What would you pack? If you knew ahead of time that it would rain or that your car or bus would get a flat tire, how would that affect the way you prepared for the trip?
Help the children think of some of the problems in the world today. Review Doctrine and Covenants 1:15–16 with them, and help them identify some of the problems that the Lord prophesied would occur.
Invite them to discover in verses 17 and 30 what the Lord has done to help us face the challenges of our time. If necessary, explain that a “calamity” is a disaster or terrible thing.) How do God’s commandments help us deal with the challenges of our time?
As part of the Restoration, the gospel will be preached to all the world. (Sr)
Ask the children to read Revelation 14:6–7 and to write on the board words or phrases from these verses that are meaningful to them. Ask them to share why they chose those words or phrases. Explain that these verses describe the Restoration of the gospel in our day. Ask them how they can take part in the work of preaching the gospel to the world.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 6–14”)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the kingdom of God on earth.
Daniel Chapter 2 Nebuchadnezzar’s dream is revealed to Daniel—The king saw a great image, a stone cut from the mountain without hands destroyed the image, and the stone grew and filled the whole earth—The stone is the latter-day kingdom of God.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Daniel 1–6” When Daniel gave his inspired interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, he saw a stone “cut out of the mountain without hands” (Daniel 2:45). This stone represents The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is destined to fill the earth.
Read Daniel 2:31–35, 44–45 with the children, and invite them to draw a picture of what Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream. Ask the children what they learn from these verses about the stone in the dream.
“Lesson 146: Daniel 1–2,” Old Testament Seminary Teacher Material (2018) Who did Daniel say the head represented? (Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonian Empire.) What else did Daniel reveal about the king’s dream? (The other sections of the image represented kingdoms that would rise after Babylon fell.)
Many kingdoms” next to verses 41–43. Point out that the time of many kingdoms includes the latter days (see verse 44, footnote a).
What might the phrase “cut out of the mountain without hands” in verse 45 mean? (The kingdom was established by God, not by man.)
Explain that this stone represents The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ask the children to name some things Heavenly Father did to set up His Church in the latter days. To give them ideas, show pictures of events in the Restoration of the Church (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 90–95).
Why is it important for you to understand that the Church was established by God and not by man?
What does Daniel’s prophecy teach us about the Church? (After students respond, write the following truth on the board: The Lord established His Church—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—and it will continue to grow until it fills the whole earth.)
Give each child a crumpled-up piece of paper to represent the stone in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. Ask each child to share how he or she knows that the Church was restored by God. As the children share, invite them to give their “stones” to you. Wrap the stones together using tape or string to form a large stone. Testify that as we strengthen our testimonies and share the gospel with others, we unite our faith to help the kingdom of God “[fill] the whole earth” (Daniel 2:35).
Activities & Games
Friend April 2020“Find It” Because of the Restoration, people all over the world can know about Jesus Christ’s gospel! How many copies of the Book of Mormon can you find? Extra challenge: How many country flags can you find? Do you recognize any of the flags? Check answers below.
Answers: 8 copies of the Book of Mormon; 16 country flags
Because of the Restoration, today people all over the world can know about Jesus Christ’s gospel! How many copies of the Book of Mormon can you find? Extra challenge: How many country flags can you find? Do you recognize any of the flags? Check answers below.
Wherever you go in the world, Primary is the same. It’s like having a whole world of friends!
Answers: 8 copies of the Book of Mormon; 16 country flags
Friend April 2020 “Learning about the Restoration “The missionaries are teaching this family about how the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored. Find the items below that represent parts of the Restoration.
Ensign February 2020 “Celebrating the Restoration” Invite people to create artwork about the early events of the Restoration. It could include paintings, illustrations, sculptures, photographs, and so on. Ask them to choose an event or theme from the Restoration for their art. Schedule a time and place to display them all together and invite others to come and see them. Or, organize a simple parade with different individuals or groups representing different events, revealed truths, or blessings of the Restoration. If circumstances allow, invite each individual or group to share the significance of the event, truth, or blessing they represented. Perhaps you could have a parade just for children. (See more ideas at link.)
This verse could inspire a discussion about events of the Restoration of the gospel—how the Book of Mormon is truth that “[sprang] out of the earth” and how heavenly messengers came “down from heaven” (see also Moses 7:62). The video “Preparation of Joseph Smith: Tutored by Heaven” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) depicts some of these events.
Gather Together all Things in Christ (Ephesians 1:10)
To teach about this verse, Elder David A. Bednar used the example of a rope (see “Gather Together in One All Things in Christ”). Consider showing family members a rope and letting them hold and examine it while you share parts of Elder Bednar’s message. How is God gathering all things together in Christ? How are we blessed because of this gathering?
“A rope is an essential tool with which all of us are familiar. Ropes are made from strands of fabric, plants, wire, or other materials that are each individually twisted or braided together. Interestingly, substances that may be quite unexceptional can be woven together and become exceptionally strong. Thus, effectively connecting and binding ordinary materials can produce an extraordinary tool.
Importantly, this vital gathering of truth is centered in and focused upon the Lord Jesus Christ because He is “the way, the truth, and the life.”
Gathering Activity– Read/discuss/summarize Ephesians 1:10. The manual says, “Through the latter-day Restoration, God is gathering all things in one, including all the principles and ordinances of the gospel. To demonstrate this idea, you could hide objects or written phrases around your home that represent things that have been restored in our day (like priesthood keys, temple ordinances, scriptures, and spiritual gifts). Family members could search for them and ‘gather’ them together. Why are we thankful to live in the ‘dispensation of the fulness of times’?” Explain that we live in a time when lots of good things have been “gathered.” Hide the pictures around the room. Have family members look for them to “gather” them together. After they’ve all been found, have family members take turns explaining how the items they found can help us or why they’re grateful for them.
Foundation Picture: Show “The Living Christ” foundation picture from The Friend below. Have them think about towers they’ve built (or if time/interest, actually build a tower out of blocks). What happens when the bottom part of the tower is taken away? Ephesians 2:20 says that Jesus Christ is the “chief cornerstone.” Point out where the picture of Christ is in the foundation picture (where the chief cornerstone is). What would happen if Christ was taken away? Remind them of how important He is to us and how much He loves us
Enos CHAPTER 1 Enos prays mightily and gains a remission of his sins—The voice of the Lord comes into his mind, promising salvation for the Lamanites in a future day—The Nephites sought to reclaim the Lamanites—Enos rejoices in his Redeemer. About 420 B.C.
How can you help your children make their prayers more meaningful? Consider showing them a picture of Enos praying; let them describe what they see. They could then close their eyes and imagine they are talking to Heavenly Father face-to-face. What would they like to talk about? What might He want to say to them? [Invite the children to think about talking face-to-face with Heavenly Father each time they pray.]
As you read aloud Enos 1:1–5, younger children could pretend to be Enos by acting out hunting, kneeling to pray, and so on. Older children could listen for a word or phrase that describes Enos’s prayers. What do these words tell us about Enos’s prayers? Share an experience when your soul “hungered” and you “cried unto” the Lord (Enos 1:4).
How can you help your children understand that Heavenly Father will hear and answer their prayers? Consider inviting them to list some things they typically pray for. Then you could help them find what Enos prayed for in Enos 1:2, 9, 13–14, and 16 (see also “Chapter 11: Enos,” Book of Mormon Stories, 30–31). [Discuss how the children can follow Enos’s example in their prayers; for instance, you could talk about why Enos was willing to pray for the Lamanites—who were his enemies—and invite the children to pray this week for someone who has been unkind to them. Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Enos-Words of Mormon”]
Discuss some modern equivalents of each of these (forgiveness; family, ward members, and the bishop; bullies at school; understanding the scriptures; and so on.)
Kneel together and see if you can give a thoughtful, meaningful prayer for all that you identified.
Discussion: Why are our prayers more meaningful when we are more specific in our expressions? What else can you do to make your family and personal prayers more thoughtful?
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Enos-Words of Mormon”Sing together a song about prayer, such as “A Child’s Prayer” (Children’s Songbook, 12–13). Perhaps your children could raise their hands every time they hear the word “pray” or “prayer” or another repeated word. Tell your children about some of the ways that Heavenly Father has answered your prayers.
Friend March 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Enos 1:4–5 together and help your little ones say, “I can pray to Heavenly Father anytime, anywhere.” You could use five fingers to review the parts of prayer: 1) start with “Dear Heavenly Father,” 2) thank Him for blessings, 3) tell Him about your day, 4) ask Him for what you and others need, 5) end “in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.” Or create actions for the rhyme, “I close my eyes. I bow my head. I listen while a prayer is said.”
Primary 4 Book of Mormon: Lesson 9 “Enos Prays”Tell the following riddle, and ask the children to raise their hands when they know the answer.
I am not a person, place, or object.
I can be so quiet that no one else can hear, or loud enough that everyone in the room can hear.
I can be used when you are alone or in a group.
I am used any time, any place, under any circumstance.
I am used for gratitude, guidance, comfort, forgiveness, protection, help, good health, or for any other blessing you need for yourself or for someone else.
You use me to talk with Heavenly Father.
What am I?
Write the children’s responses on the chalkboard. When they recognize that the correct answer is prayer, ask if they have any questions about prayer. Summarize their questions on the chalkboard, and ask the children to listen for answers as you share the story of Enos. At the end of the story, refer back to the questions and discuss them.
Before dying, Jarom delivered the plates into the hands of his son Omni (Jarom 1:15), who then passed them on to his son Amaron. Amaron tells that the more wicked part of the Nephites had been destroyed. (Omni 1:5)
6 For the Lord would not suffer, after he had led them out of the land of Jerusalem and kept and preserved them from falling into the hands of their enemies, yea, he would not suffer that the words should not be verified, which he spake unto our fathers, saying that: Inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall not prosper in the land.
7 Wherefore, the Lord did visit them in great judgment; nevertheless, he did spare the righteous that they should not perish, but did deliver them out of the hands of their enemies.
After Amaron, the record continued to be passed down from father to son, Amaron to Chemish to Abinadom to Amaleki.
Amaleki tells of a man called Mosiah, “he being warned of the Lord that he should flee out of the land of Nephi, and as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord should also depart out of the land with him, into the wilderness
14 And they discovered a people, who were called the people of Zarahemla.
Book of Mormon Stories “Mosiah and Zeniff” The Nephites and Lamanites had many wars. One day, the Lord told a Nephite named Mosiah to leave the land of Nephi with anyone who would follow the Lord.
Many Nephites obeyed the Lord and left with Mosiah. The Lord led them to a land that had people living in it. They were called the people of Zarahemla.
The people of Zarahemla also came from Jerusalem long ago. They were happy the Lord sent the Nephites with the brass plates. Mosiah’s people joined the people of Zarahemla. All the people chose Mosiah as their king. He taught them about the Lord.
Who were the people of Zarahemla?
15 Mosiah discovered that the people of Zarahemla were led by God out from Jerusalem at the time that Zedekiah, king of Judah, was carried away captive into Babylon. Among that group was Mulek, one of the sons of Zedekiah.
After the people of Zarahemla arrived in the promised land, they met Coriantumr (see Omni 1:21), the last known survivor of the Jaredites, whose story is told in the book of Ether.
Because Amaleki did not have any children Amaleki gave the plates to King Benjamin. Amaleki concluded his record in about 130B.C., about 470 years from the time Lehi left Jerusalem.
As a historical account, the book serves as a bridge between the small plates of Nephi (1 Nephi–Omni) and Mormon’s abridgment of the large plates of Nephi (Mosiah–4 Nephi).
I can bless others when I listen to the Holy Ghost.
As Nephi was writing the record of his people, God directed him to create two sets of plates, called the small plates and the large plates of Nephi. Nephi didn’t know why he was commanded to create two sets of plates, but he trusted that the Lord had “a wise purpose … , which purpose I know not” (1 Nephi 9:5
Centuries later, as Mormon was abridging Nephi’s large plates, he came across the small plates. The small plates covered many of the same events described in the large plates that Mormon had already abridged, but the small plates focused more on spiritual matters and the ministry and teachings of the prophets. God inspired Mormon to include the small plates of Nephi in his record in addition to the large plates.
Like Nephi, Mormon didn’t understand God’s purpose for having both sets of plates, but he trusted that it was “for a wise purpose” (Words of Mormon 1:7).
Today we know what God’s purpose was. In 1828, after Joseph Smith had translated part of Mormon’s abridgment of Nephi’s large plates (116 manuscript pages), Martin Harris lost those pages. God commanded Joseph not to retranslate this portion because evil men would change the words and try to discredit Joseph (see Doctrine and Covenants 10, section heading; Doctrine and Covenants 10:14–19, 30–45).
Video and Images from Doctrine and Covenants Stories
Thankfully, God had foreseen this and provided the small plates, which covered the same history that was lost with the 116 pages. The small plates compose the books that come before Words of Mormon, and Mormon’s abridgment of the large plates begins after the Words of Mormon.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Enos-Words of Mormon” Mormon followed the guidance of the Holy Ghost to include the small plates of Nephi in the Book of Mormon. Everything we’ve studied in the Book of Mormon so far this year has come to us because Mormon made the choice to listen to the Spirit. How can you help your children learn about listening to the Spirit? Invite them to take turns reading the verses from Words of Mormon 1:3–8. You could talk about what they learn from each verse. Your children could then:
Invite the children to share stories they have learned from the Book of Mormon so far this year (pictures from the Gospel Art Book may help them remember). Explain that we have these stories in the Book of Mormon because Mormon listened when the Holy Ghost told him to include them.
Sing together a song about the Holy Ghost, such as “The Still Small Voice” (Children’s Songbook, 106–7).( Sing it several times in different ways, such as fast, slow, or in a whisper. When you whisper the song, open to Words of Mormon 1:7, and point out that Mormon described the Holy Ghost as a whisper.)
Come Follow Me Kid Hidden Candy- Hide a piece of candy somewhere in the room. Blindfold one person and assign another person to act as the “still small voice.” Have the rest of the family talk loudly while the blindfolded person tries to hear the still small voice’s whispered directions to where the candy is. Talk about how we’re blessed when we listen for the Holy Ghost and heed the Holy Ghost’s promptings. Point out how Words of Mormon 1: 7 explains the Spirit as something that whispers to us. Encourage family members to try to hear the quiet promptings from the Spirit each day.
Share an experience when you followed a prompting from the Holy Ghost (or share the story below). How did your actions bless others? Explain that Heavenly Father wants us to help and bless others, so He sends the Holy Ghost to guide us.
Friend March 2020 “Check the Kittens” After everyone has gone to bed, a girl kept having the thought to go and check on their kittens. She acted on the prompting and found that a warming light had fallen over onto the kittens cardboard box and would have caught on fire. The Holy Ghost helped keep their family and kittens safe.
People in the Book of Mormon wrote their family history on the plates (see Omni 1:1). You can write your family history too! Write your name on a strip of paper. Tape or glue the ends together to make a ring. Then write the name of a family member on another paper and loop it through the ring. Tape or glue the ends together. Add as many family links as you can!
Friend July 1988 “Calendar Cutouts” Read one scripture each day. Match the highlighted scriptures to the correct picture. Ezekiel 37:15-20, 2 Nephi 3:12; 29:8, Psalm 85:11& Mormon 8:16, Moses 7:62 & Isaiah 29:4, 2 Nephi 26:14-17, Ether1:1 & 2:11, Enos 1:15-16, Mormon 5:12-14, Revelation 14:6, 1 Nephi 1:1 & 9:5, Omni 1:8-9, Introduction to Helaman, 3 Nephi 23:4-5, 3 Nephi 23:6-14, Words of Mormon 1:1-2,Mormon 8:1 & Moroni 10:1-2, Joseph Smith History 1:30-35, D&C 27:5 & 128:20, Joseph Smith History 1:44-47, Joseph Smith History 1:48-50, Joseph Smith History 1:51-52, Joseph Smith History 1:53-54, Joseph Smith History 1:59, Joseph Smith History 1:62, Joseph Smith History 1:67 & D&C 3:preface, D&C 25:1&5-6, Isaiah 29:11, JosephSmith History 1:61 & 63-65, 2 Corinthians13:1 & D&C5:4 &11&13, D&C 19:preface & 26 & 34-35, Joseph Smith History 1:60
Friend February 2023 “How to Have Joy” In the winter of 1838, members of the Church had to leave their homes in Missouri, USA. It was very cold. Some spent the night outside near a campfire. They sang hymns and roasted potatoes.Sister Eliza R. Snow said, “Not a complaint was heard—all were cheerful.” Sometimes it doesn’t seem like we can feel joy when something bad happens. But joy comes from focusing on the Savior. (See more at link)
Click on above link for more info about the pioneers
Wards and Companies
Friend July 2018 “Take Care of Each Other” Joseph Smith organized wards in Nauvoo as a way to take care of the many people who were moving there. Companies were organized when crossing the plains. These also helped take care of each other better. President Eyring’s Great grandfather was helped when he got sick on the trail west. Today, wards continue to help us take care of each other.
Friend November 2018 “Conference News” Changes to length of Primary and the manuals used.
Today
Name of the Church
Friend November 2018 “The Correct Name of the Church” The prophet, Russell M. Nelson, directs church members to use the correct name of the church. Questions are answered to explain why. Also a book mark is included and an example cartoon of how to respond when people ask what church we belong to.
Baptized Members can be Witnesses at Baptism
Friend November 2019 “Conference News” President Nelson announced that anyone who has been baptized can be an official witness at another person’s baptism.
Friend February 2021 “Show and Tell” I was a witness at my cousin’s baptism. This experience was very powerful and special for me. I know we should follow Jesus’s example and be baptized. Liberty H. (right), age 9, Georgia, USA (Link includes photo)
Global Pandemic, Natural Disasters, & Commotion
Friend November 2020 “We are Moving Forward” During the past few months, a global pandemic, wildfires, and other natural disasters have turned our world upside down. With social distancing, face masks, and video meetings, we have had to learn to do some things differently. Yet the work of the Lord is steadily moving forward!
Conference News
New Church Symbol
Friend May 2020 “Conference News” Announcements and changes such as a new church symbol, a new proclamation about the restoration, etc.
Friend May 2024 “Temple Power” The Kirtland Temple was built in Kirtland, Ohio, USA, in 1836. It was the first temple of the restored Church.
Later, Church members had to leave it behind to move west. Another church cared for the building for many years. Recently, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints bought the temple.
Invite the children to read Exodus 32:1–5, 21–24, individually or in pairs, and share what they think Aaron should have done when the Israelites asked him to make a golden calf. How might Aaron have helped the people?
Help the children think of situations they might face when other people ask them to do something they know is wrong. Ask the children to share ideas with each other about what to do in those situations.
Friend April 2019 “What’s on Your Mind” Fill in the the speaking bubbles with what you could say when someone tries to get you to do something that is not right. Try explaining why it’s important to you. Even if others don’t understand your reasons, ask them to be respectful.
Friend November 2017 “Peer Pressure Problems” Ideas on how to deal with peer pressure to avoid making wrong choices. For additional teaching ideas also see Stand for the Right.
Friend July 2021 “Courage to Stand Alone” Activity page brining to mind moments and people who had courage to do the right thing. Also, ideas about how to gain courage.
Friend November 2015 Take turns acting out standing for truth using the provided scenarios. Link also includes other lesson ideas and a story.
Friend August 2015
Friend October 2016 “Family Night Fun” Acting out situations where a someone might dare you to do something. Also includes discussion and refreshment ideas.
Primary 4 Book of Mormon Lesson 16 Have the children choose a statement that they are willing to take a stand for. Give each child the opportunity to come to the front of the room and repeat their goal out loud. Example: “I will take a stand to never cheat!” (It is all right for several children to choose the same goal.)
I Can Stand Up For Others
Friend September 2023 “Building Respect” When Noah’s sister and her friends walked by, a friend of Noah’s said mean things about girls, and that they didn’t want to play with them. Noah stood up for his sister and asked his friend not to say things like that.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Jacob 5-7” How can you inspire your children to stand for truth like Jacob did? Your children could watch the video “Chapter 10: Jacob and Sherem” (Gospel Library) and act out the interaction between Jacob and Sherem, using Jacob 7:1–23 as a guide. How did Jacob stand for what he knew was right? Invite your children to share experiences when they stood for the right, or share your own.
Friend February 2019 “What’s on Your Mind” Someone writes to the Friend and wants to know how to help make the bad things in life better. The Friend responds with an activity of some ways to stand for the right. Unscramble the words, then put them in the correct sentence to find ways to help.
Write on slips of paper situations in which someone tries to convince a child to do something wrong and a reference to a corresponding commandment from the scriptures. For example, your friend goes with you into a store and tries to get you to steal some candy (Exodus 20:15 or Mosiah 13:22), someone offers you a taste of an alcoholic beverage (D&C 89:7), or you are tempted to stay home and not go to church (D&C 59:9). Have the children look up and read each scripture. Discuss how knowing what the scriptures teach strengthens our testimonies of Jesus Christ and helps us resist evil influences.You might want to have the children pantomime these situations and have the other children guess what is being pantomimed.
Stand for the Right Song: Teaching Ideas
Perhaps they could also sing a song that expresses courage like Jacob’s, such as “Stand for the Right,” Children’s Songbook, 159.
Ask them to stand whenever they sing words like right or true.
At some time in our lives, we all face pressure to make choices that go against our faith in Jesus Christ. What can your children learn from Abinadi about standing as a witness of Jesus Christ, even when it is unpopular? Ask them what they like about Abinadi.
Your children might enjoy acting out parts of Abinadi’s story. Then they could act out real-life scenarios to practice what they might do if others want them to do something wrong. (For example, what could they do when someone tries to get them to watch an inappropriate movie or when their friends don’t want to include someone in a game they are playing?)
Friend September 2023 “Building Respect” When Noah’s sister and her friends walked by, a friend of Noah’s said mean things about girls, and that they didn’t want to play with them. Noah stood up for his sister and asked his friend not to say things like that.
Show the video “Dare to Stand Alone” How was President Thomas S. Monson like Abinadi?
March in place with the children as they sing a song that inspires courage, such as “I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162). Read the words of the song together, and help the children identify what a valiant or courageous person does. Select a few verses from Mosiah 11–13 and 17 to read to the children to show how Abinadi and Alma were valiant (for example, see Mosiah 13:1–4, 9).
Help the children create actions to go with a song about choosing the right, such as “Stand for the Right” (Children’s Songbook, 159).
Use Acts 7:51–60 to teach the children that Stephen taught about Jesus Christ, even though it made the Jewish leaders very angry (see also “Chapter 57: Wicked Men Kill Stephen,” in New Testament Stories, 150–51, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). How did Stephen stand for the right?
Give the children several scenarios of children who have to make a choice between right and wrong. Ask the children what they would do to stand for the right.
Friend November 2017 “Peer Pressure Problems” Ideas on how to deal with peer pressure to avoid making wrong choices.
Friend November 2015 Take turns acting out standing for truth using the provided scenarios. Link also includes other lesson ideas and a story.
Friend July 2022 “Stand for What You Believe” Elder Rasband tells of his youth and often being the only Church member at school. He says that When we live the gospel, we will be different. The Apostle Peter said we would be “peculiar” (1 Peter 2:9). And that’s OK. We don’t need to worry about being different when we stand for what we believe. David stood for what he believed. He wasn’t alone. God’s power was with him. He beat Goliath. God will help us even when we face Goliath-sized challenges.
When the 50,000 Jews returned to Jerusalem, they encountered a group of people living nearby called Samaritans. The Samaritans were the “people who lived in Samaria after the northern kingdom of Israel was captured by the Assyrians. The Samaritans were partly Israelite and partly Gentile. Their religion was a mixture of Jewish and pagan beliefs and practices” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Samaritans,” scriptures.lds.org).
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8” The Lord’s work rarely goes unopposed, and this was certainly true of the efforts led by Zerubbabel and Nehemiah. In both cases, the “adversaries of Judah” (Ezra 4:1) were Samaritans—descendants of Israelites who had mixed with the Gentiles. Reading about their opposition to building the temple (see Ezra 4–6) might lead you to ponder the opposition [you may face as you stand for the right.]
. According to verses 1–2, what did the Samaritans want to do?
Stop the Jews from building the temple
Build a different kind of temple
Help the Jews build the temple
2. What did Zerubbabel and the other Jewish leaders tell the Samaritans?
The Jews would build the temple themselves.
The Jews would be happy to have the Samaritans’ help.
The Samaritans must wait until the next year to help them.
3. How did the Samaritans respond when Zerubbabel and the other Jewish leaders rejected their offer?
They went away and left the Jews alone.
They discouraged the Jews from building the temple and created opposition.
They gave the Jews supplies for the building of the temple.
As a result of the Samaritans’ opposition, the temple’s construction stopped for several years (see Ezra 4:1–24; Haggai 1:2–6).
Our spiritual progress may halt if we don’t choose the right or if we listen to the opposition and give in.
Friend February 2020 “Matt & Mandy” When some kids find a wallet, Matt and his friend stand for the right by telling a boy, who wants to keep the money, that they need to return the wallet to its owner.
Friend September 2017 “Matt and Mandy” Matt tells some boys he doesn’t want to hear a bad joke even though they call him chicken.
Haggai and Zechariah prophesy—Zerubbabel renews the building of the temple—The Samaritans challenge the Jews’ right to continue their building work.
Lesson 107: Ezra,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material (2018) We read in Ezra 5:1–2 that some of the Jews began to rebuild the temple again. When local Persian-appointed governors learned that the Jews had resumed building the temple, they questioned the Jews’ authority to do so and looked for ways to stop the construction.
Read Ezra 5:5, looking for why the local governors could not stop the Jews from rebuilding the temple.
What principle can we identify from the Jews’ experience of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem?
One principle we can identify from Ezra 5:5 is that God watches over and helps us as we seek to obey Him.
Friend July 2022 “Stand for What You Believe”David stood for what he believed. He wasn’t alone. God’s power was with him. He beat Goliath. God will help us even when we face Goliath-sized challenges.
Remember that previously (approximately 90 years earlier), the Persian king Cyrus had allowed many Jews to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and establish a community there. The city, which at that time was without walls, was unsafe to live in. The people were in “great affliction” (verse 3), and the temple was in danger of being destroyed again.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Ezra 1; 3–7; Nehemiah 2; 4–6; 8” When Nehemiah was repairing the walls surrounding Jerusalem, his enemies tried to get him to stop, but he remained faithful to his task. What are some important things the Lord wants the children to do, and how can you inspire them to be faithful to that work?
Share with the children the story of Nehemiah (see Nehemiah 2:17–20; 6:1–9; Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “We Are Doing a Great Work and Cannot Come Down,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 59–62). Tell the children what Nehemiah said when people made fun of him for wanting to fix Jerusalem’s walls: “The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build” (Nehemiah 2:20). Invite the children to stand up and pretend to help fix the walls of Jerusalem.
Bring some blocks to class, and let the children use them to help you build a wall (or draw a wall on the board). Help the children think of some important things Heavenly Father might ask them to do, like learning how to read the scriptures. With each idea they share, invite them to add a block to the wall. Explain that when Nehemiah was doing his important work of fixing Jerusalem’s walls, people tried to stop him. Read Nehemiah 6:9, and invite the children to raise their hands when you read “strengthen my hands.” Tell the children about a time when you felt God strengthen your hands to do His work.
Review with the children the story about Nehemiah repairing the walls surrounding Jerusalem, including the opposition he faced. Read together Nehemiah 2:19, and ask the children to share situations in which someone might laugh at us for doing the right thing. According to Nehemiah 2:20, how did Nehemiah respond? How can we respond when people make fun of us or criticize us for doing the right thing?
Friend November 2018 “Finders Keepers?” Mike finds some money on the school grounds and takes it to the office even though his friends think they should keep it and spend it.
Read together Nehemiah 6:1–9. How did Nehemiah’s enemies repeatedly try to get him to stop working on the wall, and how did he respond? What work does God want us to do? (see, for example, Mosiah 18:8–10). How can we follow Nehemiah’s example in verse 9 when it’s difficult to do what God has asked us to do?
Describe how you can apply the phrase “I am doing a great work and cannot come down” (see Nehemiah 6:3) when you face opposition in doing God’s will.
I can be faithful even when others make fun of me. (Sr)
Ask children to share times when others made fun of them or someone they know because they did what is right. Invite the children to read Jude 1:18–22 and look for how we can remain faithful when others mock or make fun of us. Write what they find on the board, and discuss ways they can follow this advice. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)
People in a large building on the other side of the river made fun of those who ate the fruit. Some who had eaten the fruit became ashamed and left the tree.
God will bless me as I choose to follow Jesus Christ.
Daniel CHAPTER 3 Nebuchadnezzar creates a golden image and commands all men to worship it—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego refuse and are cast into the fiery furnace—They are preserved and come out unharmed.
Show a picture of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego in the fiery furnace (see Gospel Art Book, no. 25), and ask the children to count the people in the furnace. Read Daniel 3:24–25 to find out who else was in the furnace. Share your testimony that the Lord is with us as we follow Him.
