Apostasy means turning away from the Lord and His prophets.

Isaiah 24:3–5; 29:7–10; 30:8–14

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 13–14; 24–30; 35” Reading Isaiah’s warnings about the dangers of apostasy can help the children resolve to stay true to the Lord and follow His prophets.

• 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.

To warn about the consequences of turning away from the Lord and rejecting His prophets, Isaiah used a variety of metaphors. These include an empty earth (Isaiah 24:1–12), drunkenness (Isaiah 28:7–8), hunger and thirst (Isaiah 29:7–10), and a broken wall or vessel (Isaiah 30:8–14). Based on what you read in these verses, why is it important to keep our covenants? Consider what you are doing to stay true to the Lord and His servants. (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 13–14; 24–30; 35”)

The Great Apostasy “News with the Naylors” Lesson ideas

Media Library “Apostasy”

Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Introduction: Before the Doctrine and Covenants” Story, images and video. The last part is about the apostasy and restoration

The Lord restored His Church through Joseph Smith.

Friend April 2020 “Jesus Christ’s Church Is Restored!”

Isaiah 29:12, 14

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 13–14; 24–30; 35” The Restoration of the gospel is “a marvellous work and a wonder” (Isaiah 29:14). Share with the children some of the marvelous things the Lord did—and continues to do—to restore His gospel in our day.

• 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.

Doctrine and Covenant Stories “Joseph Smith’s First Vision”

• Read Isaiah 29:14 to the children, and share with them other words that mean the same thing as “marvellous” and “wonder.”

Marvellous

1. causing great wonder; extraordinary.
2. extremely good or pleasing; splendid.”

Wonder

1. feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable.

• 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 April 2018 “What the Restoration Means to Me”

The Restoration of the gospel is a “marvellous work.”

Isaiah 29:13–15, 18, 24

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Isaiah 13–14; 24–30; 35” How can you help the children understand that they are part of the Lord’s “marvellous work” (Isaiah 29:14) of the latter days?

• 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”!

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 April 2020 “Jesus Christ’s Church” A father explains to his young daughter what restoration means.

Friend December 2015 “The Restoration Puzzle” Story about how to teach restoration using a puzzle.

Nephi Foretells the Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon

2 Nephi 26:14–17

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.

Marvelous Work and Wonder

2 Nephi 27

Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) “2 Nephi 27” In 2 Nephi 27, the Lord testified of something marvelous He would do to help us through the wickedness and apostasy of the last days.

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).

Truths Restored

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.

The Great Apostasy “News with the Naylors” Lesson ideas

The gospel was restored in our day.(Jr)

Revelation 14:6–7

Show the children a picture of Moroni talking to Joseph Smith as you read Revelation 14:6 (see Gospel Art Book, no. 91). Invite the children to point to the angel in the picture. Share with them the account of Moroni’s visit (see “Chapter 3: The Angel Moroni and the Gold Plates,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 13–17, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org).(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 6–14”)

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

Invite the children to act out the story of Moroni visiting Joseph Smith (see Joseph Smith—History 1:29–35). Help them name some of the blessings that we enjoy because the gospel of Jesus Christ was restored. Share your testimony of the Restoration.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 6–14”)

Teachers Pay Teachers “The Great Apostasy (Apostasy Cups)”

As part of the Restoration, the gospel will be preached to all the world. (Sr)

Revelation 14:6–7

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”)

Invite the children to read Revelation 14:7 and to rephrase in their own words the message the angel had for the world. Or invite them to draw a picture representing the angel’s message. What can we share with others about the gospel of Jesus Christ?(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 6–14”)

Friend December 1991 “I Have a Testimony of Jesus Christ” 

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.)

“Lesson 146: Daniel 1–2,” Old Testament Seminary Teacher Material
 (2018)

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.)

The Restoration

PSALM 85 The Lord speaks peace to His people—Truth will spring out of the earth (the Book of Mormon), and righteousness will look down from heaven.

Psalm 85:11.

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)

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.”

Come Follow Me for Kids “New Testament Activities: Download #36” For the Perfecting of the Saints”

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