Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Nauvoo, Illinois, March 1841, concerning the Saints in the territory of Iowa. 1–4, The Saints are to build cities and to gather to the stakes of Zion.
Section 126
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, in the house of Brigham Young, at Nauvoo, Illinois, July 9, 1841. Brigham Young had just returned to his family in Nauvoo from a nearly two-year mission to England. 1–3, Brigham Young is commended for his labors and is relieved of future travel abroad.
To help your children learn to serve their family members, consider sharing the information about Brigham Young in “Chapter 50: The Saints in Nauvoo” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 184, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library) or summarize Doctrine and Covenants 126 in your own words. You might emphasize the phrase “take especial care of your family” (verse 3) and talk with your children about what it means to take special care of our families.
Help the children think of ways they can show love and serve their family members. It may be fun for you and your children to look at family pictures (or draw pictures) as you talk together about ways we can help “care” for family members.
Share with the children Sister Carole M. Stephens’s story about her grandson Porter (see “We Have Great Reason to Rejoice,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 115). What did Porter do to take care of his family? How can we follow his example?
An epistle from Joseph Smith the Prophet to the Latter-day Saints at Nauvoo, Illinois, containing directions on baptism for the dead, dated at Nauvoo, September 1, 1842.
An epistle from Joseph Smith the Prophet to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, containing further directions on baptism for the dead, dated at Nauvoo, Illinois, September 6, 1842.
1–5, Local and general recorders must certify to the fact of baptisms for the dead; 6–9, Their records are binding and recorded on earth and in heaven; 10–14, The baptismal font is a similitude of the grave; 15–17, Elijah restored power relative to baptism for the dead; 18–21, All of the keys, powers, and authorities of past dispensations have been restored; 22–25, Glad and glorious tidings are acclaimed for the living and the dead.
All of God’s children need the chance to be baptized.
Invite your children to find out from Doctrine and Covenants 128:1 what subject occupied Joseph Smith’s mind. They could also search verse 17 to find out what subject he considered “the most glorious.” Let them share what they find and talk about why this subject is so exciting.
In addition to helping your children prepare for (and live) their own baptismal covenants, you can help them know how to help people who did not make these covenants during their lifetime. Consider telling your children about someone you know who died without being baptized. Then you could read together Doctrine and Covenants 128:5 and look at a picture of a temple baptismal font (like the one at the end of this outline). Tell your children how you feel about being baptized in temples on behalf of people who are dead so that everyone has the chance to make covenants with Heavenly Father.
Consider using an object lesson to show that we need to help our ancestors who were not baptized. For example, display a gift or a treat, but place it out of reach of one of the children. Tell that child that he or she can have the object but can’t move from his or her seat. Ask the other children what they can do to help the child receive it. Read together Doctrine and Covenants 128:15, and talk about how it relates to the object lesson.
It might be fun for you and your children to make a paper chain with names of parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, and so on (see this week’s activity page). Then you could share with each other what you know about these ancestors.
Read together Doctrine and Covenants 128:18 to find out what the “welding link” is that makes our family history “whole and complete.” Tell a story about an ancestor that helps you feel connected to him or her. Or show the video “Courage: I Think I Get It from Him” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). (Invite them to take the chains home and have their parents help them add names of ancestors.)
Friend October 2019 “The Temple Challenge” Sister Jones, the general primary president, challenges a 12 year old boy to find a family name to take to the temple. He later writes to her letter telling of his success and of his opportunity to be baptized in the temple for his 3rd great grandfather and how that felt. He also tells her of his desire to do more.
Friend November 2021 “They’re Waiting for Me!” Giselle lives in India, and she can’t wait until the temple is built there so she can do baptisms for her ancestors who have died without knowledge of the gospel. (Photos at link)
Friend October 2019 “The Temple Challenge” Temple Scramble: This girl has taken a family name to the temple. Can you put the pictures in order?
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 124”As difficult as the last six years had been for the Saints, things started to look up in the spring of 1839: The refugee Saints had found compassion among the citizens of Quincy, Illinois. Guards had allowed the Prophet Joseph Smith and other Church leaders to escape captivity in Missouri. And the Church had just purchased land in Illinois where the Saints could gather again. Yes, it was swampy, mosquito-infested land, but compared to the challenges the Saints had already faced, this probably seemed manageable. So they drained the swamp and drafted a charter for a new city, which they named Nauvoo. It means “beautiful” in Hebrew, though it was more an expression of faith than an accurate description, at least at first. Meanwhile, the Lord was impressing His Prophet with a sense of urgency. He had more truths and ordinances to restore, and He needed a holy temple where the Saints could receive them. In many ways, these same feelings of faith and urgency are important in the Lord’s work today.
Friend November 2008 “Joseph and the Saints Build Nauvoo”
Section 124
Section 124Because of increasing persecutions and illegal procedures against them by public officers, the Saints had been compelled to leave Missouri. The exterminating order issued by Lilburn W. Boggs, governor of Missouri, dated October 27, 1838, had left them no alternative. In 1841, when this revelation was given, the city of Nauvoo, occupying the site of the former village of Commerce, Illinois, had been built up by the Saints, and here the headquarters of the Church had been established.
If the Lord told your family “to make a solemn proclamation of my gospel” to “the kings of the world” (verses 2–3), what would your proclamation say? Consider creating one together, and invite family members to suggest gospel truths they want to include.
Help the children think of things they can do that are good. Show pictures to give them ideas (you can find some in the Gospel Art Book or Church magazines). Ask the children to point to these good things. Read Doctrine and Covenants 124:15 to the children, and ask them to listen for how the Lord felt when Hyrum Smith chose to do good. How does Jesus feel when we try to do good things?
Give the children paper hearts, and ask them to draw pictures of themselves doing good things. Invite them to share what they drew with the class. How do we feel when we do something good? Testify that Jesus is happy when we try to do the right thing.
Sing a song about doing things that Jesus wants us to do, such as “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam” (Children’s Songbook, 60–61).
Choose some good qualities mentioned in Doctrine and Covenants 124:12–21, and write them on the board around a picture of the Savior. Ask the children to search verses 12–21, looking for these words. Help them understand words that they might not be familiar with. According to these verses, how does the Lord feel about people who develop these qualities?
To help your children remember what they learn from Doctrine and Covenants 124:15, 20, you could help them draw and cut out paper hearts. On the hearts, you could help them write key phrases from these verses. A song like “Stand for the Right” (Children’s Songbook, 159) could help reinforce the Lord’s words.
Write the word integrity on the board. Invite the children to learn what the Lord said about integrity in Doctrine and Covenants 124:15, 20. To help the children understand what integrity is, read this statement: “Integrity means thinking and doing what is right at all times, no matter what the consequences” (For the Strength of Youth, 19). You could also share examples of a child demonstrating integrity from your own experience or from the Friend or Liahona magazines. Challenge the children to set a goal to act with more integrity this week.
Friend November 2018 “Finders Keepers?” Mike finds some money on the school grounds and takes it to the office even though his friends think they should keep it and spend it.
Friend August 2020 “How Do You Spell Honesty” When Elder Timothy J. Dyches was in six grade he hadn’t missed a spelling word all year long. If he kept getting perfect scores, I would receive an award for spelling at the end of the year. Then he noticed that he had missed a word on a spelling test that was incorrectly graded. He was honest and told his teacher about it.
What did the Lord say specifically about George Miller in verse 20 “because of the integrity of [George’s] heart”? You could also share examples of children showing integrity from your own experience or from the Friend magazine. Invite your children to set a goal to show integrity this week and tell you how they feel when they do.
Cover a picture or drawing of the temple. Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 124:38–41 for clues about what is in the picture. Let the children uncover the picture and discuss what these verses teach about why the Lord wants us to build temples.
Help the children understand that when the Saints found a new home in Nauvoo, the Lord told them to build a temple (see “Chapter 50: The Saints in Nauvoo” Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 183–84, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Read with the children this phrase: “My holy house, which my people are always commanded to build unto my holy name” (Doctrine and Covenants 124:39). Let the children hold a picture of an ancient temple (see Gospel Art Book,no. 52 or this week’s activity page) and a picture of a temple in your area. Explain that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have always commanded Their people to build temples—in ancient times and in our day.
Invite the children to complete this week’s activity page to help them understand that we are God’s people and that God’s people have always been commanded to build temples.
Jesus Christ said, “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5). Even Jesus Christ Himself was baptized (see Matthew 3:13–17).
Many people have lived on the earth who never heard of the gospel of Jesus Christ and who were not baptized. Others lived without fully understanding the importance of the ordinance of baptism. Still others were baptized, but without proper authority.
Because God is merciful, He has prepared a way for all people to receive the blessings of baptism. By performing proxy baptisms in behalf of those who have died, Church members offer these blessings to deceased ancestors. Individuals can then choose to accept or reject what has been done in their behalf.
Share your feelings about the temple and any experiences you may have had doing baptisms for the dead. Help the children determine how long it will be before they are old enough to do baptisms for the dead in the temple.
Gospel Media “Baptism for the Dead/ Now You Know” The below video refers to church members as Mormons. A discussion about the church name, and the nickname others give the church, may be needed in order to avoid confusion.
If you live close enough to a temple, consider taking your children there and reverently walking the temple grounds. Invite them to find the words “Holiness to the Lord—The House of the Lord” on the outside of the temple. Talk with your children about what these words mean.
If you have a temple recommend, show it to the children, or invite a youth in the ward to show the children his or her recommend. Tell the children why a temple recommend is important and what we need to do to obtain one. Encourage them to begin preparing now to obtain their own recommend.
Friend October 2021 “A Holy Place” The words are on every temple. “Holiness to the Lord” reminds us that we need to be worthy to go inside. Ways to prepare to go to the temple.
Friend October 2021 “Temple Countdown” You can receive your temple recommend in January of the year you turn 12! Follow these steps to find out how many years, months, and days you have until you can get yours.
Temple Recommend
Friend October 2021 “Ready for the Temple” Ajan will be turning twelve soon, but he lives far from a temple. Their ministering brother explained that he doesn’t get to go to the temple very often either, but his recommend reminds him to always be ready to go inside. Ajan wants to get a recommend and be ready too.
Friend September 2021 “For Older Kids” Temple Prep Tip: Even if you live far away from the temple, you can still get a temple recommend in January of the year you turn 12! Talk to a parent or leader about the temple recommend questions. What can you do now to prepare to get your recommend?
What do the children know about patriarchal blessings? Talk about what a patriarchal blessing is: a special blessing we get from patriarchs in which the Lord teaches us about ourselves and what He wants us to do and become. Consider using the section “Receiving a Patriarchal Blessing” in appendix A to help your children prepare to receive a patriarchal blessing.
Why are you thankful for your patriarchal blessing? How will you inspire the children to prepare to receive theirs?
“A Blessing for Katy” (January 2014 Friend) Beth learns about patriarchal blessings when her older cousin Katy gets one. Her mom tells her that “Katy’s patriarchal blessing will be like a map that shows Katy how to get back to Heavenly Father. It will tell her about good choices she should make and warn her about things that might be harmful. It will tell her about wonderful blessings she will receive when she follows Heavenly Father’s commandments. It will guide Katy through her whole life.”
Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual The religious, cultural, and political differences between Church members and the other residents of Missouri, combined with the vengeful efforts of individuals who had been excommunicated from the Church, led to hostilities on both sides.
Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual Relying upon exaggerated anti-Mormon reports blaming Church members for this incident and other hostilities in Missouri, Governor Lilburn W. Boggs issued an executive order calling for the extermination or forcible removal of all Mormons from the state and authorized the state militia to march on Far West
Tell or read the story. Show on the map where the various events occurred. You may want to have a child place a small marker on the map as you mention each place.
Joseph is Wrongfully Imprisoned
Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual On October 31, 1838, Missouri state militia troops took the Prophet Joseph Smith and other Church leaders prisoner in Far West, Missouri. These men were eventually imprisoned in Liberty Jail in Clay County, Missouri, and suffered greatly during their four months of confinement.
While in Liberty Jail, the Prophet dictated a letter to Church members on March 20, 1839, and a second letter approximately two days later, in which the Prophet included prayers he had written asking the Lord to have compassion on him and on all the “suffering Saints” (see D&C 121:4, 6). He also included the Lord’s response to those prayers, as well as counsel to Church members who had been driven from their homes in Missouri. Portions of these letters are recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 121–23.
Section 121 Prayer and prophecies written by Joseph Smith the Prophet in an epistle to the Church while he was a prisoner in the jail at Liberty, Missouri, dated March 20, 1839. The Prophet and several companions had been months in prison. Their petitions and appeals directed to the executive officers and the judiciary had failed to bring them relief.
To help your children imagine what it would have been like for Joseph Smith and his friends in Liberty Jail, you could read together “Chapter 46: Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 172–74) or “Voices of the Restoration: Liberty Jail” or watch part of the video “Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration” (Gospel Library, beginning at 41:30).
The bottom level of the county jail in Liberty, Missouri, was known as the dungeon. The walls were thick, the stone floor was cold and filthy, the food—what there was of it—was rotten, and the only light came from two narrow, iron-barred windows near the ceiling. This dungeon is where Joseph Smith and a few of his brethren spent most of their imprisonment—four frigid months during the winter of 1838–39—awaiting trial for charges of treason against the state of Missouri. During this time, Joseph was constantly receiving news about the suffering of the Saints. The peace and optimism of Far West had lasted only a few months, and now the Saints were homeless once again, driven into the wilderness in search of yet another place to start over—this time with their Prophet in prison.
As you read together Doctrine and Covenants 121:1–9, you could talk about how the Savior helped Joseph feel peace. How do we find peace in the Savior, even during hard times?
Help the children think of ways we can trust the Lord as Joseph did so that we can feel peace. Explain that even though Joseph experienced hard things, the Lord was with him.
One way the Savior comforted Joseph Smith while he suffered in Liberty Jail was by teaching him that “all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good” (Doctrine and Covenants 122:7). This truth can bless the children when they face their own trials.
To help your children recognize that our trials can “be for [our] good” (Doctrine and Covenants 122:7), you could talk with them about how our muscles grow when we carry something heavy. You could even invite them to lift a heavy object. Then you could talk about how going through hard times can help our spirits grow—as we turn to the Lord for help. Share some examples from your life.”
Why is adversity for our good? Adversity can help us become more like Jesus Christ; It can help us to develop empathy, patience, kindness, humility, faith and trust in God, reliance on God, etc. Ask the children if they would like to share how an adversity they suffered was for their gain.
List everyday problems on wordstrips and place them in a bowl. Have each person draw one and identify blessings that could come from such adversity. (Sickness, for example, can increase our compassion for the sick and our appreciation for the blessing of good health.)
Tell of a trial (either from your own life or from one of your ancestors) that has strengthened and blessed you.
Ask each one to say how some difficult experience he has had has been helpful to him—what he has learned from it, or how he has been blessed from it.
Encourage family members to recognize trials as challenges. Remind them to seek the Lord’s help in overcoming them.
Friend August 2021 “Peace through Priesthood Power” When Elder Steven R. Bangerter was a child, he had gamma globulin anemia which made it hard for his body to fight off germs, so he got sick a lot. One night he had an earache so bad that he thought his head would explode. He father gave him a blessing and he was able to sleep through the night and feel better the next day. The next few year his father continued to give him priesthood blessings. He taught him that those blessings were opportunities for Heavenly Father to speak to him. His sickness became a way for Heavenly Father to help his faith to grow.
Ask two children to hold the ends of a string that is long enough to stretch across the room. Ask another child to pinch a point on the string. Read Doctrine and Covenants 121:7–8, and explain that the string represents the years of eternity and that the small point being pinched is like our years on earth. What does it mean that our trials on earth are for “a small moment”?
Help the children imagine what it would be like to spend four months in a place like Liberty Jail. What would we miss most? How would we spend our time? What did Joseph Smith learn in Doctrine and Covenants 121:7–9; 122:7–9 that helped him endure this experience? Encourage the children to write a letter to someone who is having a difficult time, and suggest they use something from Doctrine and Covenants 121:7–9; 122:7–9 in their letter.
Perhaps an analogy would help your children understand “the powers of heaven.” For example, you could compare God’s power to electrical power. What might prevent an electrical device from receiving power? What decreases our spiritual power? What increases it? (Look for words and phrases in Doctrine and Covenants 121:34–46; see also General Handbook, 3.5, 3.6, Gospel Library.)
Draw a line with the words high power at one end and low power at the other. Draw an arrow pointing at the middle of the line. Choose several words or phrases from Doctrine and Covenants 121:34–46 that teach how we decrease or increase heavenly power in our lives (such as “cover our sins,” “pride,” “gentleness,” and “love”). Invite the children to take turns picking a word, deciding if the word leads to a decrease or increase in power, and moving the arrow accordingly. Talk with the children about people they know who have been a good influence on others because they follow the Lord’s counsel in these verses.
Read Doctrine and Covenants 121:41–42, 45, and ask the children to list qualities in these verses that the Lord wants us to have. Help them define any words they don’t understand. Assign each child one quality, and help them think of a way that they can show it. Once they have all shared, ask them to read verses 45–46 and list the blessings they will receive if they develop those qualities.
Section 121 The word of the Lord to Joseph Smith the Prophet, while a prisoner in the jail at Liberty, Missouri. This section is an excerpt from an epistle to the Church dated March 20, 1839.
After reading Doctrine and Covenants 122:7–9 with your children, you might share an experience when you felt the Savior was with you during a difficult trial. You could also sing together a song such as “Jesus Once Was a Little Child” (Children’s Songbook, 55) and testify that Jesus Christ can help us because He knows how we feel.
Jesus Christ Knows How I Feel. He has Descended Below All Things.
In Liberty Jail, Jesus Christ told Joseph Smith that He had descended below all things (see Doctrine and Covenants 122:8).
To help the children learn to turn to Christ when they experience hard things, ask them to show you what their faces look like when they are sad or hurt or scared. Who can help us when we feel this way? Read Doctrine and Covenants 122:8, and explain that this means that Jesus Christ knows how we feel, and He can help us.
Friend November 2024 “Praying for Alejandro” Gerardo is worried about his brother who has cancer. His brother needs surgery but is too old for the Children’s hospital. So Gerardo prayed for help for his brother. They watched a video together about Jesus suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane, and he wondered why Jesus had to hurt so much. He learned that Jesus felt all the pain we go through so he can know how to help us. Gerardo felt warm inside knowing that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ knew how to help Alejandro. The next day they learn that the children’s hospital would do Gerardo’s brother’s surgery.
Friend November 2023 “Someone Who Understands” Blair is embarrassed because she can’t go play at a friends like she said she would because she doesn’t feel good. She has Crohn’s disease and feels sick a lot. She prayed and told Heavenly Father how she was feeling. During the prayer she felt like she was getting a hug, and then the thought came into her mind that other’s may not understand what she is going through but Heavenly Father and Jesus do.
Who has felt the pain of all of these trials? Imagine how it would feel to carry them all.
Discussion: In what ways does the Lord understand us, help us, and turn our trials into experiences that “shall be for [our] good”? (Doctrine and Covenants 122:7). For ideas, see Jeffrey R. Holland, “Lessons from Liberty Jail,” Ensign, Sept. 2009, 29–32.
Joseph Smith learned that none of the adversity he experienced during his mortal life would ever equal what Jesus Christ suffered during His mortal mission.
Jesus descended to be tempted, mocked, scourged, cast out, and disowned, even though He was all-powerful.
He descended to be judged of the world, even though He was the Judge of the world.
He descended to be lifted on the cross and slain for the sins of the world, even though no man could take away His life.
“Jesus, in the course of the Atonement, experienced all of the heartache and sorrow, all of the disappointments and injustices that the entire family of man had experienced and would experience from Adam and Eve to the end of the world in order that we would not have to face them so severely or so deeply. However heavy our load might be, it would be a lot heavier if the Savior had not gone that way before us and carried that burden with us and for us.”
“Furthermore, we note that not only has the Savior suffered, in His case entirely innocently, but so have most of the prophets and other great men and women recorded in the scriptures. The point is this: if you are having a bad day, you’ve got a lot of company—very, very good company. The best company that has ever lived” (“Lessons from Liberty Jail,” 31).
“And the world, because of their iniquity, shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving kindness and his long-suffering towards the children of men.”2
Section 123
Section 123 Duty of the Saints in relation to their persecutors, as written by Joseph Smith the Prophet while a prisoner in the jail at Liberty, Missouri. This section is an excerpt from an epistle to the Church dated March 20, 1839 1–6, The Saints should collect and publish an account of their sufferings and persecutions; 7–10,
Even small things can make a big difference in God’s service.
To help your children understand Doctrine and Covenants 123:15–17, you could share with them a picture of a large ship and a small helm, or share with them Elder David A. Bednar’s explanation in “The Principles of My Gospel” (Liahona, May 2021, 125–26). Then you could talk about small ways we can cheerfully serve our family and friends.
“A “helm” is a wheel or tiller and the associated equipment used to steer a ship or a boat. And “workways with the wind and the waves” denotes turning a ship so that it maintains its balance and does not capsize during a storm.
Gospel principles are for me and you what a helm is to a ship. Correct principles enable us to find our way and to stand firm, steadfast, and immovable so we do not lose our balance and fall in the raging latter-day storms of darkness and confusion.” Elder David A. Bednar “The Principles of My Gospel” (Liahona, May 2021, 125–26)
When you are striving to follow Jesus Christ, little things can make a big difference! (See Doctrine and Covenants 123:15–17.) Follow the instructions on page 34 to fold a paper airplane. Then make another paper airplane but skip one of the steps. Which one flies better? Why is each fold important?
For younger children: Help your little one spoon water into a cup to fill it. Teach them that every small spoonful helps fill the cup, just like how every small thing we do to follow Jesus Christ is important.
Even though Joseph Smith was in jail and the Saints had been driven from their homes, he encouraged the Saints to “cheerfully do all things that lie in our power.”
Read to the children Doctrine and Covenants 123:17, and invite them to stand and cheer when they hear the word “cheerfully.” Invite them to pretend to do different acts of service in a cheerful way.
Sing together a song about cheerful service such as “When We’re Helping” (Children’s Songbook, 198). Help the children think of ways they can cheerfully serve their family and friends.
We Worry Less About Ourselves when We Serve Others
Friend November 2020 “120 Happy People” A family does a service project every year on the birthday of their baby who died because serving helps them feel thankful for what they have, and when they feel thankful, then happiness replaces the sad feelings. For this years project they decide to send thank you notes to people every day and help 120 people feel happy.
Friend August 2018 “The Lemonade Stand” After terrorist attacks, a girl and her friends are afraid. The girl also wants to help the victims but doesn’t know how. The neighborhood decides to host a lemonade stand to help raise money for the firefighters and their families. After helping with the lemonade stand, she feels better. Her mom tell she her that when she is being like Jesus, the Holy Ghost can help her feel happy and safe.
Friend June 2021 “Ombeni’s New Home” Ombeni’s family were refugees in the U.S. School was hard because he didn’t know the language and didn’t have any friends. His mother suggested he try to find someone to serve. He found a girl sitting alone at lunch and sat by her and smiled. She smiled back. It made him feel happy that he could help someone.
There was reason to be optimistic about the Saints’ newest gathering place, Far West, Missouri, in July 1838. The city was growing rapidly, the land seemed bountiful, and it was revealed that a short distance to the north lay Adam-ondi-Ahman, a place of great spiritual significance (see Doctrine and Covenants 107:53–56; 116). Still, it must have been hard for the Saints not to think about what they had lost. They had been driven from Independence, the appointed center place of Zion, and the chances of returning anytime soon probably seemed slim. In addition, the Saints had to flee Kirtland, Ohio, leaving their beloved temple after only two years. And this time it wasn’t just enemies outside the Church causing trouble—many prominent members had turned against Joseph Smith.
Section 115 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Far West, Missouri, April 26, 1838, making known the will of God concerning the building up of that place and of the Lord’s house. This revelation is addressed to the presiding officers and the members of the Church.
1–4, The Lord names His church The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; 5–6, Zion and her stakes are places of defense and refuge for the Saints; 7–16, The Saints are commanded to build a house of the Lord at Far West; 17–19, Joseph Smith holds the keys of the kingdom of God on earth.
I Belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
To help your children learn the name of the Church and understand why it is important, consider asking if any of them can say the Church’s full name. You could then show them the name from Doctrine and Covenants 115:4 and have them repeat it with you. As you do, consider pointing out significant words and why they are important. You could also review “Chapter 43: Jesus Christ Names His Church” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 164, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library) or sing “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77).
Jesus Christ named His restored Church “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” (see Doctrine and Covenants 115:3–6). Write down each word of this name on a slip of paper. Scramble the papers. Then try to put the Church’s name in order. See how fast you can do it!
Friend November 2018 “The Correct Name of the Church” The prophet, Russell M. Nelson, directs church members to use the correct name of the church. Questions are answered to explain why. Also a book mark is included and an example cartoon of how to respond when people ask what church we belong to.
Sing together “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, 77), and share with the children how you feel about being a member of Jesus Christ’s Church. Let them share how they feel about the Church.
Come up with actions for the different words in the song. For example, you could stand up when you sing the word “I,” touch your head when you sing “know,” and march in place for “follow.”
Practice using these different actions as you sing the song together.
Discussion: Why is the full name of the Church important? How can you politely help people understand the full name of the Church when they refer to us as “Mormons”?
5 Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations;
6 And that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth.
Consider inviting your children to stand when you read the word arise in Doctrine and Covenants 115:5. They could stretch out their fingers like rays of sunlight when you read shine forth. Remind your children that our light comes from Jesus Christ, and help them think of ways they can “shine forth” as He does.
Pass around a flashlight, a picture of the sun, or something else to represent the light of the Savior’s gospel. When it’s their turn to hold the light, invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 115:4–5 and name something they can do to “shine forth” like a light for others (see 3 Nephi 18:24).
Your children could draw a picture depicting Doctrine and Covenants 115:6. For example, they could draw a storm with people taking refuge in a Church building. What are some things the storm might represent? How does the Savior’s Church provide help and refuge? Help your children think of a friend, family member, or neighbor in need. How can we invite them to find help in the Church of Jesus Christ?
Liahona October 2021 Refuge from the Storm: Try this activity to teach how gathering as Latter-day Saints gives us strength and protection.
Read together Doctrine and Covenants 115:6: “The gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth.”
Roll a set of dice or have a family member think of a number between 1 and 10.
If the number is odd, name something that will protect you from a physical storm (for example: umbrella, coat, house).
If the number is even, name something that will protect you from a spiritual storm (for example: scriptures, prayer, obedience, our families).
Take turns thinking of answers.
If you have older children, you could discuss the meaning of Zion from the Guide to the Scriptures: “Pure in heart” (Doctrine and Covenants 97:21). How does gathering together with the pure in heart protect us?
Discussion: What are some of the physical and spiritual storms we face? How can we gather in Christ? How can we “arise and shine forth”? (Doctrine and Covenants 115:5).
Section 116
Section 116 Spring Hill is named by the Lord Adam-ondi-Ahman, because, said he, it is the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of Days shall sit, as spoken of by Daniel the prophet.
Church History Topics “Adam-ondi-Ahman” Two years after the Kirtland Temple dedication, while searching for lands the Saints could settle in Daviess County, Missouri, Joseph Smith and a group of Church leaders found a beautiful spot near the Grand River with abundant water, wild game, and grass-covered prairies. Speaking of a prominent knoll in the area called Spring Hill, the Lord in a revelation explained that He had named it “Adam-ondi-Ahman” because “it is the place where Adam shall come to visit his people.”2
According to Joseph Smith, Adam-ondi-Ahman is where God talked with Adam and the place where Adam offered up sacrifices to the Lord. At Adam-ondi-Ahman, Adam called his family together before he died so he could bless them (see D&C 107:53–56).
Adam-ondi-Ahman will also be an important place in the future: near the time of Christ’s second coming, Adam will come again to Adam-ondi-Ahman and hold a great council. All the prophets who have held keys of priesthood authority upon the earth will come to this council to give a report of their work to Adam. Jesus Christ will then come to Adam-ondi-Ahman, and Adam will return the priesthood keys to him. Christ will then return to earth to begin the Millennium, the thousand years when Christ will live on and reign over the earth.
Section 117
Section 117 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Far West, Missouri, July 8, 1838, concerning the immediate duties of William Marks, Newel K. Whitney, and Oliver Granger.
1–9, The Lord’s servants should not covet temporal things, for “what is property unto the Lord?”; 10–16, They are to forsake littleness of soul, and their sacrifices will be sacred unto the Lord.
Imagine you were Newel K. Whitney or his wife, Elizabeth, who were experiencing a prosperous life in Kirtland (Newel was a successful store owner), and then your are asked to leave. (Briefly remind the children why the Saints had to leave Kirtland, or let one of the children do so. It might help to review “Chapter 41: Trouble in Kirtland,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 158–60, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library.)
Trouble in Kirtland
As you read together Doctrine and Covenants 117:1–11, ask your children to stop you when they hear something that would help them have the faith to make sacrifices and obey the Lord. What sacrifices do we make to obey the Lord? How does He bless us?
Your family could compare a “drop” with something more “weighty” (verse 8), like a jug of water. This could lead to a discussion about less important things in our lives that might prevent us from receiving God’s abundant blessings.
The sacrifice asked of Oliver Granger was different: the Lord assigned him to stay in Kirtland and settle the Church’s finances. It was a heavy task, and while he represented the Church with integrity, he ultimately didn’t recover much money. Consider how the Lord’s words in verses 12–15 might apply to the things the Lord has asked of you.
Sing together a song about the Lord’s creations, such as “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (Children’s Songbook, 228–29). Let the children talk about some of the things God has created that help them feel His love.
Section 118
Section 118 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Far West, Missouri, July 8, 1838, in response to the supplication, “Show us thy will, O Lord, concerning the Twelve.” 1–3, The Lord will provide for the families of the Twelve; 4–6, Vacancies in the Twelve are filled.
Section 119 The law of tithing, as understood today, had not been given to the Church previous to this revelation. The term tithing in previous revelations (64:23; 85:3; 97:11) had meant all free-will offerings, or contributions, to the Church funds. The Lord had previously given to the Church the law of consecration and stewardship of property, which some members entered into by a covenant. Because of failure on the part of many to abide by this covenant, the Lord withdrew it for a time and gave instead the law of tithing to the whole Church. The Prophet asked the Lord how much of their property He required for sacred purposes. The answer was this revelation.
Section 120Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Far West, Missouri, July 8, 1838, making known the disposition of the properties tithed as named in the preceding revelation, section 119.
Heavenly Father uses tithing to bless His children.
Many of the children you teach may be too young to earn money and pay tithing, but it’s good for them to understand how tithing contributes to the Lord’s work throughout the world. Consider using the pictures and activity page at the end of this outline to help them understand what tithing is.
(See also “Chapter 44: Tithing,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 165–66, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library.)
How does Heavenly Father use tithing to bless His children? Share your feelings about the law of tithing and how it has blessed you. If possible, share a personal story.
Ponder how you will help the children understand how tithing—even the small amounts they might pay—contributes to the building up of the Lord’s kingdom (see True to the Faith, 180–82).
Invite the children to imagine that a friend sees a Church building and asks, “How does your Church pay for that building?” How would we explain tithing to this friend? Suggest that the children refer to Doctrine and Covenants 119:4; 120:1 as they consider this question.
Help the children think of things the Church is able to do because of tithing. How do these things bless our lives? Share your feelings about the law of tithing and how it has blessed you.
Have you ever had a spiritual experience that made you feel confident and secure in your faith in Christ—but then life’s afflictions tried your faith, and you found yourself struggling to recover the peace you felt before? Something similar happened to the Saints in Kirtland. Less than a year after the spiritual outpourings connected with the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, troubles arose. A financial crisis, conflict in the Quorum of the Twelve, and other trials caused some Saints to waver in their faith despite their earlier experiences.
We can’t avoid trials, so how can we keep them from threatening our faith and testimony?
Section 111
Section 111 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Salem, Massachusetts, August 6, 1836. At this time the leaders of the Church were heavily in debt due to their labors in the ministry. Hearing that a large amount of money would be available to them in Salem, the Prophet, Sidney Rigdon, Hyrum Smith, and Oliver Cowdery traveled there from Kirtland, Ohio, to investigate this claim, along with preaching the gospel. The brethren transacted several items of Church business and did some preaching. When it became apparent that no money was to be forthcoming, they returned to Kirtland. Several of the factors prominent in the background are reflected in the wording of this revelation.
Invite the children to draw what comes to mind when they hear the word treasure. Contrast the things the world sees as treasure with the things the Lord treasures (see Doctrine and Covenants 111:2, 10–11), such as His people, wisdom and righteousness, and making good choices.
Help the children complete this week’s activity page. What do we learn about Jesus from the things He treasures? How can we be more like Him? How can we treasure more the things of God?
Doctrine and Covenants 111:2, 10–11 could encourage a discussion about what your family values as eternal “treasures.” You could create a treasure hunt by hiding things around the house that represent things the Lord treasures or values. As your family finds each item, discuss what you can do to show that you value it.
After Jesus and His Apostles died, some important gospel teachings and ordinances were lost or changed, including baptism, priesthood authority, temples, living prophets, and the sacrament.
All of these gospel treasures have been restored. We receive many blessings because we have these gospel treasures.
Section 112
Section 112 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Thomas B. Marsh, at Kirtland, Ohio, July 23, 1837, concerning the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb. This revelation was received on the day Elders Heber C. Kimball and Orson Hyde first preached the gospel in England. Thomas B. Marsh was at this time President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 Thomas B. Marsh, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was upset that Joseph Smith had, without consulting him, called two members of his quorum to preach the gospel in England. He met with the Prophet, who received a revelation that helped Thomas put aside his hurt feelings. That revelation is recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 112. Keep this context in mind as you study Doctrine and Covenants 112. What do you find that might have healed Thomas’s hurt feelings?
The Lord Will Lead Me by the Hand and Answer My Prayers.
Ask the children what it means to be humble. (They could read “Humility” in True to the Faith [pages 86–87] if needed.) Help them think of words or phrases related to “humble,” and invite them to read Doctrine and Covenants 112:10, substituting one of these words or phrases for “humble” in the verse. Why does Heavenly Father want us to be humble? To learn more, the children could read additional scriptures listed under “Humble, Humility” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Have the children act out or discuss some of the following situations and then determine who is humble in each situation: A person who talks during an entire meal, not giving others a chance to talk. A brother who says to his younger sister, “That’s a good idea; I wouldn’t have thought of that.” A person who says, “Okay, I need help; it’s harder to pound nails straight than I thought it would be.” A person who insists that his room is clean and who refuses to clean it even after his parents tell him that they have noticed dust and dirt. A person who loses a tennis match and honestly says to the winner, “Thanks for the game. You are a good player.” A person in school who thinks, “I don’t need to listen; I already know all this stuff.” A sister who helps a younger brother play a simple game, even though she would rather play something else. A Primary teacher who says, “I don’t know the answer to that question; I’ll have to study more and pray for understanding.” A person who brags about her possessions and refuses to play with children who do not dress as nicely as she does. A person who takes credit for everything good that happens to him. A person who, when asked to give a talk, says, “Yes, I’ll do it. It is hard for me, but I’ll prepare and do my best.”
You or your children could write the words of Doctrine and Covenants 112:10 and underline the blessings the Lord gives us when we humbly turn to Him.
How do we humble ourselves so the Lord can lead us? Answers may include the following: by remembering that our gifts, talents, and abilities come from the Lord, by praying for humility, by looking for the good in others, by building love for others by praying for them and serving them.
When we are humble we become meek and teachable and we are more willing to listen to the Lord, pray for his help, and follow him and his guidance.
Help the children to think of situations when it is important to hold the hand of a family member, like when crossing the street or giving comfort.
You could also play a game that involves leading each other “by the hand” (such as an obstacle course). Have one person wear a blindfold. Have another person take their hand and lead them carefully through the obstacle course. Take turns leading and following.
How does the Lord lead us “by the hand,” even though He isn’t physically with us? Why do we need the Lord to lead us? Encourage your children to share times when they humbly asked for the Lord’s help and received answers to their prayers or were led to do something good (see Moroni 7:13, 16).
You and your children could take turns reading from “Chapter 41: Trouble in Kirtland” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 158–60). Who in the story made the problems in Kirtland worse? Who was trying to make them better? Then you could read Doctrine and Covenants 112:11 and talk about why the Savior wants us to love everyone, even those who might make wrong choices.
Help the children think of examples of when the Savior loved those who mistreated Him (for example, see Luke 23:34). Jesus Christ was the perfect example of loving everyone, even those who mistreated Him. Joseph Smith also had to endure persecution by those who had been his friends. Help the children learn that we can love others just like the Savior and Joseph Smith did.
Friend January 2018 “A Friend for Mr. Maurice” Carter’s neighbor, Mr. Maurice, seems mean. Carter’s father tells him that Jesus taught that we are to love everyone. Carter tries to be kind and help Mr. Maurice and finds out Mr. Maurice is easier to love than expected.
Why is it important to love people who are different from us? Why might Heavenly Father have given us differences? How can we “let [our] love abound unto all,” even those who are different from us?
You could also sing a song about loving others, such as “I’ll Walk with You” (Children’s Songbook, 140–41).
Those Who Are Truly Converted Come to Know Jesus Christ.
26 First among those among you, saith the Lord, who have professed to know my name and have not known me, and have blasphemed against me in the midst of my house, saith the Lord.
After reading Doctrine and Covenants 112:24–26, you and your children could talk about the difference between knowing someone’s name and knowing them.Ask the children what they think it means to profess to know Jesus Christ but to not really know Him (see Doctrine and Covenants 112:26)
What does verse 13 & 14 teach us we can do to know Him better? Help the children understand what it means to “take up [our] cross” (Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 16:25–26 [in the Bible appendix]) or to “feed [His] sheep.”
13 If they harden not their hearts, and stiffen not their necks against me, they shall be converted, and I will heal them.
14 Now, I say unto you, and what I say unto you, I say unto all the Twelve: Arise and gird up your loins, take up your cross, follow me, and feed my sheep.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 111-114” The basic meaning of the word convert is “to turn around, to transform, or to change.” Thus, when a person is truly converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ, his whole life is changed. The scriptures refer to such a person as having been “reborn,” because he becomes a new person. Conversion is a process, not an event. Conversion comes as a result of righteous efforts to follow the Savior.
Becoming converted to Jesus Christ is a lifelong process, and it involves more than just “[professing] to know [His] name” (Doctrine and Covenants 112:26). Help the children better understand what it means to truly know the Savior.
Section 113
Section 113 Answers to certain questions on the writings of Isaiah, given by Joseph Smith the Prophet, at or near Far West, Missouri, March 1838.
Joseph Smith was “a servant in the hands of Christ.”
Isaiah referred to one of Jesse’s descendants as a “rod” and a “root” (Isaiah 11:1, 10). In section 113, the Lord explains that this descendant, a servant of Christ, would be instrumental in gathering the Lord’s people in the last days (see Doctrine and Covenants 113:4, 6)—a prophecy that describes the Prophet Joseph Smith quite well. How might this and other truths in section 113 have been encouraging to the Saints during the turmoil they were experiencing in Kirtland?
Section 114
Section 114 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Far West, Missouri, April 11, 1838.
On April 11, 1838, the Prophet Joseph Smith received the revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 114. In this revelation the Lord directed David W. Patten to prepare for a future mission and warned rebellious Church leaders that they would lose “their bishopric,” or calling, if they were not faithful (D&C 114:2).
Section 109 Prayer offered at the dedication of the temple at Kirtland, Ohio, March 27, 1836. According to the Prophet’s written statement, this prayer was given to him by revelation.
Ask the children to tell you something they love about their homes. Then you could look at a picture of the Kirtland Temple and use Doctrine and Covenants 109:12–13; 110:1–7 to tell them about the day the temple was dedicated and became the Lord’s house. (see also “Chapter 39: The Kirtland Temple Is Dedicated,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 154, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library).
Ask the children to imagine that a friend is trying to find their house. How can we help our friend know which house is ours? How do we know that the temple is the Lord’s house? Read Doctrine and Covenants 109:12–13 with the children, and tell them how you know that the temple is the house of the Lord. Ask the children to share something they love about the temple. Share with each other something you love about the Lord’s house.
Give each child a picture of a temple, or invite them to draw one. Sing together a song about temples, such as “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95). Invite the children to hold up their pictures each time they sing the word “temple.” Point out to them other words in the song that teach us something important about the temple. Tell the children how you feel about the temple and how you know it is the house of the Lord.
In some ways, the Kirtland Temple was different from temples we know today. There were no altars and no baptismal font, and ordinances like baptism for the dead and sealing had not yet been restored. But the blessings described in section 109, in the dedicatory prayer for the Kirtland Temple, are the blessings we receive in the Lord’s house today.
Choose verses from section 109 or 110 that you feel highlight the blessings of the temple (such as the ones listed below from this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). List these blessings on the board, and invite the children to search the verses you chose to find those blessings. How might we explain to someone why the temple is important to us?
Verses 22–23: As we make and honor temple covenants, the Lord gives us power to do His work.
Verses 24–33: As we attend the temple worthily, we can receive the Lord’s protection.
Section 110
Section 110 Visions manifested to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery in the temple at Kirtland, Ohio, April 3, 1836. The occasion was that of a Sabbath day meeting. Joseph Smith’s history states: “In the afternoon, I assisted the other Presidents in distributing the Lord’s Supper to the Church, receiving it from the Twelve, whose privilege it was to officiate at the sacred desk this day. After having performed this service to my brethren, I retired to the pulpit, the veils being dropped, and bowed myself, with Oliver Cowdery, in solemn and silent prayer. After rising from prayer, the following vision was opened to both of us.”
1–10, The Lord Jehovah appears in glory and accepts the Kirtland Temple as His house; 11–12, Moses and Elias each appear and commit their keys and dispensations; 13–16, Elijah returns and commits the keys of his dispensation as promised by Malachi.
The Priesthood Keys Needed to Accomplish God’s Work are in the Church Today.
The Savior is blessing His people through priesthood keys.
The Kirtland Temple is important in Church history. Jesus Christ appeared there, along with ancient prophets. These prophets committed priesthood keys to Joseph Smith that are needed to do God’s latter-day work.
Invite the children to search Doctrine and Covenants 110:11–16 (or watch the below video) to find the names of three ancient prophets who appeared in the Kirtland Temple. Then help them find words in these verses that describe what each prophet “committed,” or gave, to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. You can find a helpful description in “Chapter 40: Visions in the Kirtland Temple” (Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 156–57)..
You could use this week’s activity page or “Chapter 40: Visions in the Kirtland Temple” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 155–57, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library) to tell the children about the heavenly beings who visited the temple. You could also use the picture at the end of this outline.
To learn about the importance of what happened in the Kirtland Temple, you and your children could talk about what keys do. (With a set of keys, you can do a lot of things that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to do—enter buildings, drive cars, and open trunks, among other things. Keys, basically, mean authority and access.) A priesthood key is the authority or permission to act in Heavenly Father’s name.
To illustrate the importance of priesthood keys, discuss with the children the problems of losing a house key or car key. How is this similar to the problems of priesthood keys being lost? Help them find the word keys in Doctrine and Covenants 110:11–16, and talk about the blessings that these keys unlock.
You might explain that priesthood keys are God’s permission to lead His Church. Explain that one of the reasons the Kirtland Temple was built was to provide a place where the Lord and his servants could restore additional keys of priesthood authority. Share your gratitude that the Lord gave us priesthood keys. These keys unlock power and blessings so we can do God’s work in His Church, such as sharing the gospel and doing temple work
Sing with the children “The Spirit of God” (Hymns, no. 2), and tell them it was sung at the Kirtland Temple dedication—and in temple dedications today. Why was this a good song for the Kirtland Temple dedication?
The Savior wants me to turn my heart to my ancestors.
To help the children understand the keys that Elijah committed to Joseph Smith, sing together a song about Elijah or family history, such as “Truth from Elijah” (Children’s Songbook, 90–91). After reading Doctrine and Covenants 110:15 together, tell about an experience that helped turn your heart to your ancestors. Ask the children to share something they know about a grandparent or other ancestor.
Display a picture of a temple, and help the children name some of the things we do in temples. Explain that baptisms for the dead, eternal marriage, and sealing families in the temple are all possible because of the priesthood keys Elijah restored.
What might help “turn the hearts” of your children to their ancestors? You can find some fun ideas at FamilySearch.org/discovery. You could work together to identify ancestors who need temple ordinances. Why does Jesus want us to do this work? You could also sing a song together like “Family History—I Am Doing It” (Children’s Songbook, 94).
Discuss what we can do to participate in the work that Elijah’s keys made possible. Or show the video “Gatherers in the Kingdom” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) and talk about how we can help gather Heavenly Father’s children back to Him.
Read through a few of the accounts from the “Voices of the Restoration” section at the end of the September 27–October 3 lesson in the Come, Follow Me manual.
Section 106 Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, November 25, 1834. This revelation is directed to Warren A. Cowdery, an older brother of Oliver Cowdery.
n this revelation the Lord called Warren A. Cowdery, an older brother of Oliver Cowdery and a recent convert to the Church, to preside over the growing number of Saints in Freedom, New York, and the surrounding area. The Lord also promised Warren great blessings for his faithful service.
SECTION 107
Section 107 This section was associated with the organization of the Quorum of the Twelve in February and March 1835. The Prophet likely delivered it in the presence of those who were preparing to depart May 3, 1835, on their first quorum mission.
At first glance, Doctrine and Covenants 107 might seem to be only about organizing priesthood offices into a leadership structure for the Lord’s Church. Indeed, by the time this revelation was published, Church membership was already outgrowing the capacity of the few leaders it had in place. So outlining the roles and responsibilities of the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve, the Seventy, bishops, and quorum presidencies was surely needed and helpful. But there’s so much more to the divine instruction in section 107 than just how to organize priesthood offices and quorums. Here the Lord teaches us about an ancient priesthood order that was “instituted in the days of Adam” (verse 41). Its purpose from the beginning has been to make it possible for God’s children—including you—to receive the saving ordinances of the gospel and enjoy “all the spiritual blessings of the church—to have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, [and] to have the heavens opened unto them” (verses 18–19).
President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles acknowledged this: “Priesthood is the authority and the power which God has granted to men on earth to act for Him. When priesthood authority is exercised properly, priesthood bearers do what He [Jesus Christ] would do if He were present” (“The Power of the Priesthood,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2010, 7).
Jesus Christ blesses me through His priesthood power.
As you and your children read together Doctrine and Covenants 107:18–19, emphasize the phrase “all the spiritual blessings.” Perhaps you and your children could list blessings that come from the priesthood. You might make a game of it—see who can make the longest list.
Your children could also draw or find pictures to represent these blessings (see this week’s activity page). You could then talk about how priesthood ordinances (like baptism or the sacrament) help us receive God’s blessings. Draw on the board or show the picture that represents “the heavens [being] opened unto [us]” (Doctrine and Covenants 107:19) because of the priesthood (such as light rays shining through a cloud). Give the children pictures representing blessings that come from the priesthood, such as baptism, the sacrament, and the temple. Invite them to share why they are thankful for the blessing in their picture, and let them put their picture in the light rays on the board. Bear testimony that we can have these blessings because Heavenly Father restored the priesthood.
Make a path on the floor, and give the children pictures of priesthood ordinances they will need so they can follow the path back to Heavenly Father (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 103–8, 119–20). Help the children put the ordinances in order on the path.
Show a picture of Adam and Eve with their family (see this week’s activity page or Gospel Art Book, no. 5). As children look at the picture, ask them how Adam and Eve seem to feel about their family. Use Doctrine and Covenants 107:53–56 to share with the children what Adam did to show he loved his family. Bear your testimony about how the priesthood has been a blessing to you and your family.
Write questions that could be answered in Doctrine and Covenants 107:1–8, 13–14, 18–20, such as “What is another name for the Melchizedek Priesthood?” Give the children a few minutes to find answers in the verses to as many of the questions as they can. Share with the children the blessings you have received through the priesthood.
Read with the children about Melchizedek below or in the Bible Dictionary or Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What do we learn from his life about what it means to exercise priesthood authority?
As a child, Melchizedek lived surrounded by very wicked people. They “waxed strong in iniquity and abomination; yea, they had all gone astray; they were full of all manner of wickedness.” And yet Melchizedek was filled with faith; “he feared God, and stopped the mouths of lions, and quenched the violence of fire.” He eventually became not only the high priest to his people but also their king, ruling under his father.
As a result of his own worthiness, Melchizedek was able to exercise great power in teaching his people to turn to righteousness, to change their lives. As they listened to his words, their hearts were softened and they repented. He “did preach repentance unto his people. And behold, they did repent; and Melchizedek did establish peace in the land in his days.”
Their city was called Salem, which comes from a Hebrew word that means “peace” or “perfection,” and Melchizedek became known as “the prince of peace.” In Hebrew his name means “King of Righteousness.”
Melchizedek was a great high priest “after the order of the Son of God.” Those ordained to this order of the priesthood have a most important work to do. We know, for example, that Melchizedek received tithes and offerings from the faithful, such as Abraham; that he kept “the storehouse of God,” where the “tithes for the poor” were held; that he gave blessings, preached repentance, and administered the ordinances of the gospel to his people so that they could repent and receive a remission of their sins. He did this work with such faith and such goodness that of all God’s ancient high priests, “none were greater.”
Up to the time of Melchizedek, the priesthood he held was called “the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God.” But to avoid using God’s sacred name too frequently, and to honor this faithful high priest, it became known from his time forth as the Melchizedek Priesthood.
Every conference issue of the Liahona includes a page of pictures of the General Authorities. Consider looking at these pictures with your children as you read about their responsibilities in Doctrine and Covenants 107:21–26, 33–35, 91–92 (or you could invite them to write on the board what they learn about these responsibilities). You and your children could talk about why you are grateful the Lord has given them these responsibilities.
Your children can learn more about the Lord’s servants at “General Church Leadership” on ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Maybe each of your children could learn about one of these leaders and teach each other about him or her. Share with each other how you know that these leaders are true servants of Jesus Christ.
After reading Doctrine and Covenants 107:22 together, you and your children could take turns holding up a picture of the First Presidency and sharing ways you can sustain them as the Lord’s servants.
Write the words confidence,faith, and prayer on the board. Ask the children how we can uphold the First Presidency of the Church with our confidence, faith, and prayer (see Doctrine and Covenants 107:22). Why is it important to sustain the Lord’s chosen servants?
When members receive callings or priesthood ordinations in the Church, we have the opportunity to formally sustain them by raising our right hands as a show of support. The principle of demonstrating public support and agreement is called common consent. As President Gordon B. Hinckley taught, “The procedure of sustaining is much more than a ritualistic raising of the hand. It is a commitment to uphold, to support, to assist those who have been selected” (“This Work Is Concerned with People,” Ensign, May 1995, 51).
Sustaining is a chance to show and give our support and to acknowledge the will of God.
Give a family member written instructions for a household task, and invite him or her to choose how to do the task: diligently, slothfully, or without reading the instructions. Let the rest of the family watch him or her do the task and guess which approach the family member chose. Then let other family members have a turn. Why does the Lord need us to both learn our duties and do them with all diligence? (See Becky Craven, “Careful versus Casual,” Ensign or Liahona,May 2019, 9–11.)
SECTION 108
Section 108 This section was received at the request of Lyman Sherman, who had previously been ordained a seventy and who had come to the Prophet with a request for a revelation to make known his duty.
3 And arise up and be more careful henceforth in observing your vows, which you have made and do make, and you shall be blessed with exceeding great blessings.
To start a conversation about this verse, you could invite your children to do something that requires careful attention, like filling a cup without spilling. What happens when we are not careful?
What “vows” (promises or covenants) do we make with God?
List with the children the promises they make with Heavenly Father when they are baptized and partake of the sacrament.
Friend February 2019 “The Baptism Covenant” Cut out and mix up these cards. Then take turns matching cards that go together. With each match, talk about that part of the baptism covenant.
Help the children think of ways they can be careful about observing these promises.
Friend September 2021 “Trying to Help Like Jesus” The prophet said the Lord loves effort, so Emilie tries hard to follow Jesus. She helps her mom and brothers, she prays for others, she tries to set good examples, and she tries to do the things she learns at church.
You might share parts of Sister Becky Craven’s message “Careful versus Casual” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 9–11) . Give the children portions of Sister Becky Craven’s talk “Careful versus Casual” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 9–11) that you feel could inspire your children to keep their covenants. Ask them to share something that inspires them to be more careful about living their covenants.
You could sing a song with the children about keeping covenants, such as “I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162) If time allows, help them make a sign with a phrase from the song that reminds them to keep their covenants, and encourage them to display their sign at home.
Draw a person on the board, and ask the children to name some things the person could do to become physically stronger. (You might draw bigger muscles on the person as the children name things.) Read Doctrine and Covenants 108:7, and ask the children to listen for ways we can “strengthen [our] brethren [and sisters].” Explain any words that might be difficult.
Help the children think of people they know who may need strengthening. What could we say to them or do for them? Work together to make cards for these people, or encourage the children to remember them in their personal and family prayers.
How can we strengthen each other in our conversations? in our prayers? in our exhortations, or encouragement? in all our doings? You might choose one of these to work on as a family.
In Conversation
Friend October 2019 “Words Matter” The words we say make a big difference. Trace your finger along the lines to see how the words you say can make others feel. Also, make some kind notes to give to others.
In Prayers
Friend March 2020 “Praying for Uncle Dan” At bedtime Isabelle’s family prayed together. They always started by talking about people who might need extra blessings. This time dad asked them to pray for Uncle Dan who had lost his job. Every day they prayed for him, and eventually he started making progress in finding a new job.
Friend March 2020
Friend March 2020
Friend March 2020
Friend March 2020
Friend September 2019 “Praying Like Alma” Joplin got hit by a tornado and Isaac wants to go help, but he’s too young. While learning about Alma’s prayer for his son, Isaac got the idea to pray for the people of Joplin. He said prayers for them everyday.
In Your Exhortations
Friend July 2020 “Kind Enough to Speak Up” Charlie’s friend was mean to people and called them names. Charlie talked to his friend about it and he agreed to stop being mean.
Friend February 2018 “Standing up for Church” Easton is surprised when kids in his international school class laugh when a boy says he goes to church. He decides to do his family identity presentation on church so that others would see why it’s important and not silly.
Section 102Minutes of the organization of the first high council of the Church, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 17, 1834. The original minutes were recorded by Elders Oliver Cowdery and Orson Hyde. The Prophet revised the minutes the following day, and the next day the corrected minutes were unanimously accepted by the high council as “a form and constitution of the high council” of the Church. Verses 30 through 32, having to do with the Council of the Twelve Apostles, were added in 1835 under Joseph Smith’s direction when this section was prepared for publication in the Doctrine and Covenants. See also Gospel Topics, “Church Councils,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Section 103
Section 103: Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, February 24, 1834. This revelation was received after the arrival in Kirtland, Ohio, of Parley P. Pratt and Lyman Wight, who had come from Missouri to counsel with the Prophet as to the relief and restoration of the Saints to their lands in Jackson County.
I can be “a light unto the world” by following Jesus.
You could invite your children to hold pictures of a light bulb, a candle, or another source of light while you read Doctrine and Covenants 103:9. How can we be like a light to others when we follow Jesus Christ? See also “Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam” (Children’s Songbook, 60–61).
Bring a flashlight or a picture of the sun, and compare light to the power of a righteous example. Just as the light from a flashlight or the sun can help us see a path we need to follow, a righteous example shows us what to do in order to follow Heavenly Father. Share an experience when someone’s good example helped you. Ask the children to talk about someone who is a good example for them. What can the children do to be a good example to others?
Show pictures of Jesus doing good things, and explain that He is our perfect example. Explain that we can be good examples like Jesus was. Invite the children to draw pictures of themselves being good examples.
Section 104Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at or near Kirtland, Ohio, April 23, 1834, concerning the United Firm (see the headings to sections 78 and 82). The occasion was likely that of a council meeting of members of the United Firm, which discussed the pressing temporal needs of the Church. An earlier meeting of the firm on April 10 had resolved that the organization be dissolved. This revelation directs that the firm instead be reorganized; its properties were to be divided among members of the firm as their stewardships. Under Joseph Smith’s direction, the phrase “United Firm” was later replaced with “United Order” in the revelation.
The Lord wants me to share what I have with people in need.
You may want to give your children a few minutes to make a list of blessings God has given them (such as food, clothing, talents, faith, and a home). Encourage them to list as many as they can. Then you could read together Doctrine and Covenants 104:13–18, looking for answers to questions like these: Who is the true owner of all things? What does He want us to do with these things?
Share an experience in which someone gave you something you needed, and ask the children to share similar experiences. Or show a video about serving others, such as “The Coat” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite the children to be aware of those in need and find someone to serve this week, such as someone at school or especially someone in their family. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 102-105)
Friend July 2021 “Meet Eta from American Samoa” Eta’s mom owns a dessert bakery. Eta and her older sister, Talai, love to share the desserts with their teachers and leaders and with people who might be having a hard time. (includes photo)
Friend March 2020 “Harry Shares” Harry is playing with toys. He is having fun. Harry sees a girl who looks sad. Harry shares toys with her. Now they are both having fun!
Several times in section 104 the Lord promises “a multiplicity of blessings” to people who faithfully obey His commandments. To help the children understand what “multiplicity” means, you could draw a circle and ask your children to help you multiply the number of circles—drawing two, then four, then eight, then sixteen, and so on. Each time you add circles, help your children think of a blessing Heavenly Father has given them. Explain that “a multiplicity of blessings” means the Lord will fill our lives with blessings if we obey His commandments.
How will you help the children feel that He wants to bless us generously?
Friend February 2015 “The Blessing Quest” Nathan wants to ride bikes with his friends instead of going to church, but he learns that commandments are meant to help us be happy. He goes to church and is blessed.
Have one person say “Jesus said” and then tell something Jesus has asked us to do. Then do an action that goes with the words. For example, if the person says, “Jesus said to love everyone,” you could make a heart with your hands. If the person says, “Jesus said to pray,” you could fold your arms. Take turns telling what Jesus said.
Friend March 1997 Turn the top disk to see a commandment from Heavenly Father. Read the scripture in the other window to find out what blessings are promised to those who keep that commandment. (Link page includes additional lesson ideas.)
Section 105Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, on Fishing River, Missouri, June 22, 1834. Under the leadership of the Prophet, Saints from Ohio and other areas marched to Missouri in an expedition later known as Zion’s Camp. Their purpose was to escort the expelled Missouri Saints back to their lands in Jackson County. Missourians who had previously persecuted the Saints feared retaliation from Zion’s Camp and preemptively attacked some Saints living in Clay County, Missouri. After the Missouri governor withdrew his promise to support the Saints, Joseph Smith received this revelation.
I Can Obey the Lord’s Commandments Even When I Don’t Understand the Reasons for Them.
Read together Doctrine and Covenants 105:13–14, and explain that when Zion’s Camp reached Missouri, the Lord told them to not try to take back the Saints’ land. Some members of the camp were upset and wondered why they’d been commanded to go there. What should we do when we don’t understand the reasons for a commandment? Share some accounts from “Voices of the Restoration: Zion’s Camp” (in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families) to help the children see that blessings come when we obey the commandments God gives us through His prophets, even if we don’t understand all the reasons.
Faithful members of Zion’s Camp, many of whom later became leaders of the Church, testified that the experience deepened their faith in God’s power, in Joseph Smith’s divine call, and in Zion—not just Zion the place but Zion the people of God. Rather than questioning the value of this seemingly unsuccessful task, they learned that the real task is to follow the Savior, even when we don’t understand everything.
Bring a small piece of rough, slivery wood and a piece of sandpaper (or bring a sharp or jagged stone and a smooth one, and adjust the activity accordingly).
What were some of the problems faced by the members of Zion’s Camp? (Answers may include illness, persecution by enemies, quarreling, bad tempers, spoiled food, unsafe water, and sore feet.)As the children name the problems, pass the rough wood around and let them feel it. Compare the rough, slivery wood to God’s children before they are tested with trials and problems.
Would you want to use something (such as a spoon or pencil) made out of this piece of wood? Why not?
What are some of the tests we face in life? Write the children’s answers on the chalkboard.
How can we pass these tests? As you discuss the tests we face and how we can meet them, rub the wood with the sandpaper until at least a part of the wood is smooth. Compare this to the refining influence of facing our problems and overcoming them. As we overcome problems, our imperfections are “smoothed out” and we become better people and more useful to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Pass the wood around again so the children can feel the difference between the rough part and the smooth part.
Talk about lessons we can learn from Zion’s Camp—for example, that the Lord wants us to be peaceful and work together instead of arguing and fighting (see also Russell M. Nelson, “Peacemakers Needed,” Liahona, May 2023, 98–101). Contention and fighting bring difficulties, while unity and peace bring blessings.
You could also read Doctrine and Covenants 105:38–40 and ask the children to stand up each time they hear the word “peace.” Explain that the Lord wanted the Saints to make peace with the people who were being unkind. Help your children think of things that they can do to be peacemakers, and invite them to role-play some situations.
“Cease From Anger” (February 2010 Friend) Read the situation and choices. Ask the children which choice is being a peacemaker. When we are loving and forgiving, we can be peacemakers.
Share a story about a child being a peacemaker from your own life or from the Friend or Liahona. Sing a song about loving others, such as “Jesus Said Love Everyone” (Children’s Songbook, 61), or complete this week’s activity page.
Friend May 2019 “Choose to Be Kind” A girl pushed her way to the front of the line at the bus stop and sat where Samuel and his friend, Mike, had planned on sitting. This started an argument, but Samuel chooses to be kind instead of right, and figures out a solution.
Why did the Saints lose their promised land in Missouri? And why didn’t the Lord allow Zion’s Camp to restore them to their lands? Certainly the violent actions of Missouri mobs played a role, and the governor of Missouri had pledged support for the Saints but never gave it. But the Lord said that “were it not for the transgressions of my people,” Zion “might have been redeemed” (Doctrine and Covenants 105:2). As you read Doctrine and Covenants 103:1–12, 36; 105:1–19, you may notice some things that hindered the establishment of Zion in Missouri and others that could have helped. What do you learn that can help you establish Zion in your heart and home?
In addition to trials in Missouri, in 1834 the Church faced financial difficulties, including heavy debts and expenses. In section 104 the Lord gave counsel on the Church’s financial situation. How can you apply the principles in verses 11–18and 78–83 to your own financial decisions? What has the Lord given us? What does He expect us to do with these things?
To learn about one of the ways the Lord prepared for the Church to be delivered from the bondage of debt, watch “Treasure in Heaven: The John Tanner Story” (video, ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
Section 98heading:Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, August 6, 1833. This revelation came in consequence of the persecution upon the Saints in Missouri. Increased settlement of Church members in Missouri troubled some other settlers, who felt threatened by the Saints’ numbers, political and economic influence, and cultural and religious differences. In July 1833, a mob destroyed Church property, tarred and feathered two Church members, and demanded that the Saints leave Jackson County. Although some news of the problems in Missouri had no doubt reached the Prophet in Kirtland (nine hundred miles away), the seriousness of the situation could have been known to him at this date only by revelation.
Jesus Wants Me to Forgive Those Who are Unkind to Me.
Note: As you teach your children the importance of forgiveness, make sure they also understand that if someone hurts them, they should always tell a trusted adult.
Tell the children about the persecutions that occurred in Jackson County, Missouri, in 1833. Chapters 34 and 35 in Doctrine and Covenants Stories (128–34) could help you teach about how the Saints were treated in Missouri in 1833. You and your children could talk about how these Saints might have felt. Then you could read together Doctrine and Covenants 98:23, 39–40 to find out what the Lord wanted them to do. You and your children could talk about times you needed to forgive someone and how the Savior helped you.
Place a picture of a happy face on one wall and a sad face on the opposite wall. Share with the children different situations in which someone is unkind. Suggest ways we could respond to the unkind actions, and help the children decide if each response would make them happy or sad. Invite the children to point to the corresponding face on the wall. Why does Jesus want us to forgive people, even those who are not nice to us?
Place inside a large sock or cloth bag five to ten familiar items, such as a small toy, a key, a button, a nail, and a piece of candy. Tie the end of the sock or bag in a knot, or tie some string around it to keep it closed.Give the children pencils and paper, and allow each child to feel the sock or bag and make a list of what he or she thinks is in it. After everyone has had a turn, open the sock or bag and show the children the contents. Point out that it was hard to know what was inside the sock or bag by looking at or feeling the outside of it. Similarly, we can see a person’s actions, but we cannot see the thoughts or feelings that cause those actions.Explain that the Saints were commanded by the Lord in Doctrine and Covenants 98:23–24 to bear their persecution with patience and not seek revenge against their enemies. The Saints could see their enemies’ actions, but only the Lord knew why the mob members did what they did. Only he knew the intent of their hearts. The Saints were to forgive instead of seeking revenge.
What happens to people who refuse to forgive? (Feelings of hate, anger, and revenge drive away the Spirit of God. No person who refuses to forgive can be truly happy.)
Ask the children if they can think of a time when Jesus Christ or someone else in the scriptures did what Doctrine and Covenants 98:23 teaches. To give them one example, show a picture of the Crucifixion (such as Gospel Art Book,no. 57). Ask the children to share what they know about the Savior’s Crucifixion (see Luke 23). Invite them to read Luke 23:34. How can we follow the example of Jesus Christ?
Friend August 2021 “Not Invited” Becky isn’t invited to her friend’s birthday party. She feels really left out and sad. She prays to be able to forgive her friend and is able to play together the next day. When Becky has her birthday party she invites her.
Friend April 2019 “A New Block Tower” Mason accidentally knocks down Bo’s block tower. Mason says sorry and offers to help build another one. Bo forgives him, and they both are happy.
Sing a song about forgiveness, such as “Help Me, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 99). What does this song teach us about forgiving others? How does Heavenly Father help us forgive others?
You might begin a discussion by asking your children about some of the challenges that children their age face. You could then read together Doctrine and Covenants 98:1–3 and talk about how Jesus Christ can turn trials into blessings. You might share with your children examples of how He has turned your trials into blessings.
Friend August 2019 “The Hard Move” Liesl was sad when she found out she was moving because it was her first move and she would miss her friends. Her friends encouraged her, and she tried to believe that she could do it and that God had a plan for her. When she got to her new home she quickly made friends and loved the new house, school, and city. She was grateful Heavenly Father had a plan for her.
Friend August 2019
Friend June 2017 “Running with Dad” TJ is sad and lonely after moving, but he feels better after he and his dad set a goal and start preparing to run a marathon. While training he is able to spend lots of time with his dad, TJ told Dad about his new school and his Dad talked about military training and some of his adventures around the world. TJ’s favorite stories were from Dad’s mission.
Section 99
Section 99 Heading Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to John Murdock, August 29, 1832, at Hiram, Ohio. For over a year, John Murdock had been preaching the gospel while his children—motherless after the death of his wife, Julia Clapp, in April 1831—resided with other families in Ohio. 1–8, John Murdock is called to proclaim the gospel, and those who receive him receive the Lord and will obtain mercy.
Section 100 HeadingRevelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon, at Perrysburg, New York, October 12, 1833. The two brethren, having been absent from their families for several days, felt some concern about them.
Just a few weeks after Joseph learned of the persecution in Missouri, a recent convert asked him to travel to Canada to share the gospel with his sons. Joseph agreed, although he worried about leaving his family, especially because of persecution and threats to his family and the Church. On their way to Canada, Joseph and his companion, Sidney Rigdon, prayed for comfort, and section 100 was the Lord’s answer to them. What do you find in the Lord’s response that may have reassured and helped them?
After reading these verses, you might discuss how blacksmiths must heat metal intensely to remove impurities and then shape it by hammering it over and over again (see the video “The Refiner’s Fire” on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). You might also learn together about how other things are purified, such as water or salt. Maybe you could purify or cleanse something as a family. Why do we want to become pure? What do these examples teach us about how our trials can help us become “a pure people”? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 98-101”)
Section 101
Section 101 HeadingRevelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, December 16 and 17, 1833. At this time the Saints who had gathered in Missouri were suffering great persecution. Mobs had driven them from their homes in Jackson County; and some of the Saints had tried to establish themselves in Van Buren, Lafayette, and Ray Counties, but persecution followed them. The main body of the Saints was at that time in Clay County, Missouri. Threats of death against individuals of the Church were many. The Saints in Jackson County had lost household furniture, clothing, livestock, and other personal property; and many of their crops had been destroyed.
16 Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.
As children face challenges throughout their lives, they will need faith that the Savior can help them during their trials and that those trials can “work together for [their] good” (Doctrine and Covenants 98:3).
Invite the children to be as still and quiet as possible for a few minutes while looking at a picture of the Savior or listening to a song about Him. Then invite them to share what they felt and experienced during the stillness. Help your children recognize the peaceful feelings that come when we are being still and thinking about Jesus. Read Doctrine and Covenants 101:16. How does being still and thinking of Jesus help us? Help the children understand the connection between reverent stillness and our ability to feel the Spirit and think about Jesus.
Explain that when life was hard for the Saints in Joseph Smith’s time, Jesus wanted them to be still and trust Him instead of worrying. Talk about specific things we can do to help us feel peace from Christ such as praying, taking the sacrament reverently, reading scripture stories, listening to good music, resting quietly, etc.
Help the children work on this week’s activity page. While they color, tell them how thinking of Jesus Christ has helped you feel peace, even during difficult times.
Friend January 2023 “So Much Noise!” Everything was noisy at home. Luke’s brothers were fighting and his sister had the music turned up really loud. It was hard for Luke to feel peace at home with all the noise. He went to his special room in the basement and asked Heavenly Father to help him find peace. He thought about Jesus. He’d learned in Primary that Jesus could always be close to him. And the Holy Ghost could always bring peace.
. You could also sing together a song about reverence, such as “Reverently, Quietly” or “To Think about Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 26, 71). How can we feel His peace in our home?
Your children might be interested in learning about what life will be like when Jesus Christ comes again. Read Doctrine and Covenants 101:23–32 together, and talk about things they find in these verses that will bring us joy when He comes. Why is it helpful to know about these things when we are having a hard time?
Sing “There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today” (Hymns,no. 227).
Jesus said, “In me your joy is full” (Doctrine and Covenants 101:36). Joy is long-lasting happiness you feel in your heart.
Draw a happy face and a frowny face on either side of a paper plate or paper circle. Together name some things that make people happy or sad and hold up the happy or sad face. Make sure to name some happy things about Jesus!
Put water in a cup. Ask the children to name things the Savior has done for us so that we can have joy, and invite them to drop a pebble in the cup for each thing they name until the cup is full. Read with the children Doctrine and Covenants 101:36, and ask them to look for how we can have a fulness of joy. What are some things we can do to “seek … the Lord” (verse 38) so we can have the joy that He wants to give us?
Show objects or pictures that represent things that help you “rejoice in the Lord” (Philippians 4:4), such as His creations, a temple, His Resurrection, or a family. Let the children take turns selecting a picture or object, and then tell them why it makes you happy. Invite them to share things that help them rejoice in the Lord.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Philippians; Colossians”)
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)
The parable in Doctrine and Covenants 101:43–62 was given to explain why the Lord had allowed the Saints to be driven out of Zion. As you read these verses, do you see any similarities between yourself and the servants in the parable? How might a lack of faith or commitment allow “the enemy” to have influence in my life? How can I show God that I’m “willing to be guided in a right and proper way for [my] salvation”? (see verses 63–65).
The Saints were very poor and they knew the temple would cost a lot of money, so they did not start building it right away. Six months later they still had not started building the temple. In June 1833 the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith that he was displeased with the Saints for not starting to build his house.
In Doctrine and Covenants 94 the Lord chastens the saints for not obeying this commandment. The Church members repented of their delay, and four days later men began hauling stone and digging trenches in preparation for building the temple.
For some background on sections 95 and 97, you could share with your children “The Kirtland Temple” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories for Young Readers (Gospel Library; see also Saints, 1:210). Your children might enjoy pretending they are helping to build the Kirtland Temple (cutting wood, hammering nails, painting walls, and so on).
Read together verse 11. What did the Saints need to do so they could build the temple? What can we learn from the Lord’s promise to them? (Obedience brings power to do His will.)
You could also show them a picture of the Kirtland Temple, like those in this outline, while you read Doctrine and Covenants 95:8 to teach your children why the Lord wants us to build temples.
8 Yea, verily I say unto you, I gave unto you a commandment that you should build a house, in the which house I design to endow those whom I have chosen with power from on high;
Give each child a piece of paper and a crayon or pencil. Ask the children to each draw a picture of a temple, and give them a few minutes to do so. Let each child display his or her picture to the rest of the class. (Or you could have them build a temple with blocks or sugar cubes.)
Explain that it probably was not too hard for the children to draw a temple because they know what temples look like. They have seen temples or pictures of temples. However, when Joseph Smith was commanded to build a temple, he had never seen a temple or even a picture of one. The Kirtland Temple was the first temple built in the latter days.
Since Joseph Smith did not yet know what a temple ought to look like or exactly how it was to be used, Heavenly Father revealed to him a plan for the temple. He and his counselors saw a vision of the completed building. In the vision, Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams saw the pattern of the temple both inside and out.
The three men knelt to pray, and they saw a vision of the temple. First they saw the outside, and then the building seemed to pass over them and they saw the inside. Frederick G. Williams said that when the Kirtland Temple was completed it looked exactly as it had in the vision.
When an architect suggested that the seats in the building be rearranged, the Prophet Joseph would not allow it. He had seen them in the vision. According to his mother, Lucy Mack Smith, when the Saints wanted the temple to be built as a frame or log house, he said, “‘Shall we, brethren, build a house for our God, of logs? No, I have a better plan than that. I have a plan of the house of the Lord, given by himself.’”* The temple walls, two feet thick and over sixty feet tall, were to be built of stone.
The Kirtland Temple was not exactly like today’s temples, where families are sealed for time and all eternity and work is performed for the dead. It was more like a special meetinghouse where the Saints held their Church meetings.
Even the children in Kirtland helped, in small but meaningful ways, to build the Kirtland Temple.
Friend September 2021 “The Kirtland Temple”The Saints worked together to help build the temple. Men built tall walls. Women made curtains and carpets. Children helped bring tools and water to the workers.
Friend September 2025 “For Older Kids” God asked Joseph Smith and the early Saints to build a temple in Kirtland, Ohio, USA. Connect the dots to build the temple.
After reading together Doctrine and Covenants 97:15–16, you and your children could share with each other why the temple is special to you. You could also sing together a song to help your children feel reverence for the Lord’s house, such as “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95). What phrases in this song teach us why the temple is sacred?
Section 96 Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, showing the order of the city or stake of Zion at Kirtland, Ohio, June 4, 1833, as an example to the Saints in Kirtland. The occasion was a conference of high priests, and the chief subject of consideration was the disposal of certain lands, known as the French farm, possessed by the Church near Kirtland. Since the conference could not agree who should take charge of the farm, all agreed to inquire of the Lord concerning the matter.
Section 97
Section 97 This revelation deals particularly with the affairs of the Saints in Zion, Jackson County, Missouri, in response to the Prophet’s inquiry of the Lord for information. Members of the Church in Missouri were at this time subjected to severe persecution and, on July 23, 1833, had been forced to sign an agreement to leave Jackson County.
To help your children understand what the word pure could mean in Doctrine and Covenants 97:21, you could look at a glass of clean water together and add something to the water that makes it impure (such as dirt or pepper). Why is it important for water to be pure? Then your children could read verse 21 and put their finger on the word pure. What does it mean for our hearts to be pure? Verses 1–2 and 8–9 could provide some ideas. Help the children understand that being pure in heart doesn’t mean we never make mistakes. What can we do to become more pure in heart? How does the Savior help us?
21 Therefore, verily, thus saith the Lord, let Zion rejoice, for this is Zion—the pure in heart; therefore, let Zion rejoice, while all the wicked shall mourn.
Pure in Heart:
Someone who is genuinely clean and good in thought and action.
What are some examples of good thoughts and actions?
How have we done these things?
(This video isn’t made by members of the church, but it does give a good explanation for what it means to be pure of heart.)
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 186). To the Saints in the 1830s, Zion was a place, the literal “city of our God” (Doctrine and Covenants 97:19). But in the revelation recorded in section 97, the Lord expanded that view. Zion also describes a people—“the pure in heart” (verse 21).
Elder Bruce R. McConkie (1915–85) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles declared, “Whenever the Lord has had a people of his own; whenever there have been those who have hearkened to his voice and kept his commandments; whenever his saints have served him with full purpose of heart—there has been Zion. “Liahona September 2021 “Bring Forth Zion”
8 Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice—yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are accepted of me.
9 For I, the Lord, will cause them to bring forth as a very fruitful tree which is planted in a goodly land, by a pure stream, that yieldeth much precious fruit.
Do your children know what covenants we make with the Lord when we are baptized or in the temple? Consider reviewing those covenants with them by reading Mosiah 18:9–10, 13 or General Handbook, 27.2. Share with each other how you are striving to “observe [your] covenants by sacrifice” (Doctrine and Covenants 97:8).
You could invite your children to draw pictures of what Doctrine and Covenants 97:9 describes. As they share their pictures, talk about how the Lord has blessed you for keeping your covenants. How are those blessings like being a “fruitful tree which is planted … by a pure stream”?
Friend August 2023 “Walking along the Covenant Path” Heavenly Father sent you to earth to learn and grow so you can become like Him. As you follow Jesus Christ, you walk along the path back to your heavenly home. This is called the covenant path. Follow along and color these pictures to learn more.
