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Oct 11 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 115-120

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Table of Contents

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

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

See Saints, 1:296–99.

Section 115

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

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

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

Doctrine and Covenants 115:4–5

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

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

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

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

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

Come Follow Me Kid See additional teaching ideas at link

Friend October 2021 “Jesus Christ Named His Church”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Doctrine and Covenants 115:4–6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Friend December 2022 “Sharing the Light of Jesus Christ”

Friend July 2023

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

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

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

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

Section 116

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

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

Adam-ondi-Ahman

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

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

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

Section 117

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

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

My Sacrifices are Sacred to the Lord.

Doctrine and Covenants 117

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Section 118

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

Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Missionaries in Other Lands”

Section 119-120

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

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

Heavenly Father uses tithing to bless His children.

Doctrine and Covenants 119–20

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

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

Friend October 2024 “What is Tithing”

Friend September 2005 “Where Does Tithing Go”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Launch Presentation

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

Launch Presentation

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

Launch Presentation

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

Additional Resources

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Oct 1 2021

Obeying and Honoring Parents

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Table of Contents

I Can Honor My Parents.

Exodus 20:12

Honoring parents involves more than just obeying them. Help the children understand other ways they can honor their parents.


Friend March 2019 “A Lesson From My Parents” Color the pictures and circle the things a parent has taught you. What else can you think of?

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  • Help the children learn the phrase “Honour thy father and thy mother” (Exodus 20:12). If needed, explain that to “honor” someone can mean to show respect for them or to bring them happiness.

Friend November 2021 “Jesus Honored His Parents” As He grew up, Jesus obeyed His earthly parents. He loved and cared for them. Even when He was dying on the cross, He asked one of His disciples to take care of His mother. He also honored His Heavenly Father by keeping the commandments.

Friend November 2021 “Jesus Honored His Parents” As He grew up, Jesus obeyed His earthly parents. He loved and cared for them. Even when He was dying on the cross, He asked one of His disciples to take care of His mother. He also honored His Heavenly Father by keeping the commandments.

  • Help the children think of things they can do to honor their parents, and invite them to act out their ideas.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Exodus 18-20” To better understand Exodus 20:12, it might help if your family looked up definitions of the word “honor.” Then family members could make a list of things we can do that would honor our parents. You might sing a song about honoring parents, like “Quickly I’ll Obey” (Children’s Songbook, 197), and then use some of the ideas in your list to write new verses to the song.

What did Jesus do to honor His Heavenly Father? How did He honor His mother? (see Luke 2:48–51; John 19:26–27).

New Era March 2017 “20 Wats to Honor Mom and Dad”

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Friend September 2023 “I Can Follow Jesus by Honoring My Parents”

  • Invite the children to make a thank-you card for their parents. They could write or draw inside the card something they will do to honor their parents.

The Cozy Red Cottage Go to link to download free printables

Discuss some ways Lehi and Sariah were “goodly parents.” Then think of and share some of the “goodly” traits of your parents, grandparents, or someone you admire. You can use this cute printable to write down your thoughts. There are two wording options-use the best one for your situation.  These can be done as a family or print one for each person.

Next pick one person from your list and write a letter to that person thanking him or her for demonstrating some of the traits you have observed.  I included some blank stationary pages and thank you cards.  For the cards fold on the line.

Discussion: Share your list with your family.  What is a trait from your list that you would like to develop?  What steps can you take to develop that trait? 

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

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I can honor my mother as Jesus did.

Jesus Turns Water into Wine video

John 2:1–11

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “John 2–4” At the wedding in Cana, Mary told Jesus that the wine had run out. According to the Joseph Smith Translation, Jesus responded to His mother by asking, “Woman, what wilt thou have me to do for thee? that will I do” (in John 2:4, footnote a). Jesus is an example of how we should treat our mothers.

  • Invite the children to read John 2:1–11 and take turns retelling the story in their own words.
  • Ask the children to list things their mother might need help with. Invite them to practice what they could say to her using some of Jesus’s words: “What wilt thou have me to do for thee?” (John 2:4, footnote a).

Friend November 2022 “A Happy Helper” Felix helps his mom get ready for Grandpa’s visit. A

  • Invite some mothers to visit your class and share what their children do to show respect for them.

To honor your parents means to love, respect, and obey them.

Friend November 2021 “Jesus Honored His Parents” As He grew up, Jesus obeyed His earthly parents. He loved and cared for them. Even when He was dying on the cross, He asked one of His disciples to take care of His mother. He also honored His Heavenly Father by keeping the commandments.

New Era March 2017 “20 Ways to Honor Mom and Dad”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “John 2-4” At a marriage feast in Cana, Christ changed water into wine—an event John called the “beginning of miracles” (John 2:11). That’s true in more than one sense. While this was the first miracle Jesus performed publicly, it can also symbolize another miraculous beginning—the process of our hearts being transformed as we become ever more like our Savior. This miracle of a lifetime begins with the decision to follow Jesus Christ, to change and live a better life through Him.

I Can Obey My Parents

Matthew 21:28–32

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 21–23; Mark 11; Luke 19–20; John 12” Heavenly Father wants us to be obedient. The parable of the two sons is an opportunity to teach about the importance of obedience.

  • Draw a picture of two sons on the board, and use the drawings as you recount the parable in Matthew 21:28–32. Which son did the right thing in the end? Ask the children to name things they can do to be obedient at home. Let them draw pictures of themselves doing one of those things.
  • Invite the children to share experiences they have had with being obedient to their parents. How were they blessed for being obedient?

Friend August 2018 “Puddles and Blessings” Marcel doesn’t want to go on a hike in the rain with his mom and the Young Women. His mom  tells him something good might happen because there are blessings from obeying parents. At the hike he finds that his friend Noah is there and they have a blast playing in puddles together.

Friend August 2016 “Micah Obeys” Micah learns that he can help his family be happy when he obeys.

image
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Heavenly Father wants me to obey my parents.(Jr)

Ephesians 6:1–3

Read Ephesians 6:1 to the class, or help one of the children read it. Help them think of times when they obeyed their parents. Ask them to share how they were blessed for obeying and how they felt when they obeyed. Why is it important to obey our parents? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Ephesians” )

The Red Crystal

Friend August 2015 “Fire” As a young boy, President Monson starts a fire with forbidden matches and he learns an important lesson about obedience.

Friend August 2015
Friend August 2015.

Friend August 2017 “The Rocket Fiasco” Andrew’s friends convince him to try out his birthday rocket that he’s supposed to wait and do with his dad’s supervision. The rocket lands in the neighbors car and starts a fire.

Sing together a song about obedience, such as “Quickly I’ll Obey” (Children’s Songbook, 197). Let the children take turns naming something their parents ask them to do, and invite them to pretend to do that thing. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Ephesians” )

Show a picture of Jesus Christ being baptized (see Gospel Art Book, no. 35), and share how the Savior obeyed Heavenly Father by being baptized (see 2 Nephi 31:6–7). Share an experience in which you obeyed your parents and were blessed. Why does Heavenly Father want us to obey our parents? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Ephesians” )

Friend March 2023 “Jesus Christ Was Baptized”

New Era March 2017 “Why I Honor My Parents”

When I was about eight years old, I learned a very valuable lesson. It was early spring in the small Utah town where I lived, and some of my eight-year-old friends and I wanted to camp outside one night. My father said, “It’s still very cold at night. You’ll be miserable, and you’ll probably get sick.”

I explained that we thought everything would be fine. My parents let me make my own choice, and my friends and I decided to go ahead with the campout. As it got late the temperature dropped and it became very cold. Instead of having a great time, we were awake and miserable most of the night and, true to my father’s prediction, a day or two later I got sick.

As I was sick at home and missing fun activities, I remembered the advice my father had given me. Every bad consequence he mentioned had happened. I remember thinking, “Wow, my dad is really smart.” I came to realize, even at that young age, that my father had more experience and wisdom than me and if I were more careful in seeking and following his counsel it would make my life happier.

Your parents love you and want to help you.

Come Follow Me for Kids “New Testament Activities: Download #36” For the Perfecting of the Saints” Help them see the blessings that come from being obedient and remind them that they’ll be happier when they are obedient. Possible scenarios:
 Mom asks you to eat your healthy food at dinner before you eat a cookie. How would
 Dad asks you to turn the TV off and do your chores.
 Mom asks you to kneel down for family prayer.
 Dad asks you to sit quietly during scripture study time.
 Mom asks you to share your toys with your sister.
 Dad asks you to stay off of a busy road near your house.
 Mom asks you to be kind to your neighbors.
 Remind them that we are “Dear children” of God (Ephesians 5:1) and encourage them to also be
obedient to their Heavenly Father

Heavenly Father wants me to obey and honor my parents. (Sr)

Ephesians 6:1–3

Invite the children to read Ephesians 6:1–3 individually and identify phrases that stand out to them. Invite them to share these phrases and why they feel the phrases are important. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Ephesians” )

Explain that to “honor” someone can mean to show respect for them or to bring them happiness.

Friend November 2021 “Jesus Honored His Parents” As He grew up, Jesus obeyed His earthly parents. He loved and cared for them. Even when He was dying on the cross, He asked one of His disciples to take care of His mother. He also honored His Heavenly Father by keeping the commandments.

Help the children find and talk about examples of people in the scriptures who obeyed and honored their parents, such as the Savior (see Luke 2:42–52), Ruth (see Ruth 1), or Nephi (see 1 Nephi 3:1–8). Why is it important to obey and honor our parents? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Ephesians” )

Friend June 2022 “Ruth and Naomi”

Give each child a piece of paper with the word honor at the top. Discuss what the word means. Invite the children to write or draw on their papers something they can do to show that they honor their parents. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Ephesians” )

Explain that to “honor” someone can mean to show respect for them or to bring them happiness.

Friend September 2023 “I Can Follow Jesus by Honoring My Parents”

The Red Crystal

Sep 28 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 109-110

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Table of Contents

Kirtland Temple is Dedicated

Section 109

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

The Temple is the House of the Lord.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Books “Kirtland Temple Dedication”

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

Blessings of the Temple

Doctrine and Covenants 109; 110:1–10

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

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

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

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

Section 110

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

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

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

The Savior is blessing His people through priesthood keys.

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

Doctrine and Covenants 110

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Doctrine and Covenants 110:15

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

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

Truth from Elijah video

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

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

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

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

Family History I Am Doing It Video

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

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

Additional Resources

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

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

Friend September 2021 “The Kirtland Temple”

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

The Red Crystal

Sep 21 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 106-108

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Table of Contents

SECTION 106

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

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

SECTION 107

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

Doctrine and Covenant Stories “Chapter 37: Priesthood Leaders”

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

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

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

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

Jesus Christ blesses me through His priesthood power.

Doctrine and Covenants 107:18–20

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Red Crystal

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

Friend April 1994 “Melchizedek”

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Lord’s chosen servants lead His Church.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn and Do Duty with Diligence

Doctrine and Covenants 107:99–100.

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

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

SECTION 108

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

I can be careful in living my covenants.

Doctrine and Covenants 108:3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I Can Strengthen Others.

Doctrine and Covenants 108:7

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

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

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

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

In Conversation

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

In Prayers

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

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

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

In Your Exhortations

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

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

In Your Doings

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

The Red Crystal

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

Additional Resources:

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Sep 16 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 102-105

Posted on by

Table of Contents

Section 102

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

Section 103

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

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

Doctrine and Covenants 103:9

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

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

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

Ensign August 2015
Ensign August 2015

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

The Red Crystal

Friend September 2025 “Candle Craft”

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

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

Friend November 2015
Friend November 2015

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

Section 104

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

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

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

Doctrine and Covenants 104:13–18

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

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

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

Friend November 2004 “Blessings Tree”

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

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

Friend July 2018

The Lord will bless me as I keep His commandments.

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

Doctrine and Covenants 104:42

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

Come Follow Me Kid

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

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

Friend September 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”

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

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

See more teaching resources at “Commandments”.

Section 105

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

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

Doctrine and Covenants 105:9–19

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Zion’s Camp”

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

I Can Be a Peacemaker.

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

Doctrine and Covenants 105:38–40

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Resources

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

Zion can be built only on principles of righteousness.

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

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

I am a “steward over earthly blessings.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Sep 13 2021

Faith: Stories

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Practicing Faith

Friend August 2019 “Practicing Faith” Klarie, who plays basketball, heard the words “we must…actively exercise our faith” on a conference talk and asks her mom how to do that. Her mother explains that just like Klarie has to practice and work to get better at basketball, Heavenly Father gave us ways to practice and get better at faith. We talk to Him in prayer. He’s kind of like our coach. He gives us scriptures. They’re like His playbook. And He gives us families to help us. Our family is like out team that works and practices together. When we practice spiritual habits, like prayer, we’re exercising our faith, and the more we practice the better we get. (Lesson Activity Idea: Bounce a ball to someone and ask them to say one thing they can do to help their faith grow. Then they bounce it to someone else. Friend August 2019 “Family Night Fun”)

.Faith in Prayers Being Answered

Friend May 2019 “Keeping the Orphans Warm” George Muller, a Christian, served God by helping orphans. He had strong faith that God would help him help them. Once, when the heater went out in one of his orphanages, he prayed that a warm wind would come to keep the children warm and that the workers would have a desire to get the work done quickly. His prayer was answered.

Friend March 2019 “Faith and Raindrops” A girl has faith that her prayer for rain will be answered, but she learns that we also need to have faith in God’s timing.

Friend January 2017 “Will Heavenly Father Answer My Prayers” When Elder Oaks was seven his father died. Dallin’s mother had faith and trusted in the Lord’s will.

Friend September 2016 “Lesson From Seeds” Modern day parable. You must plant the seeds, be patient, and expect to harvest what you plant.

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Friend January 1984 “Beginner’s Faith” Boy learns about faith when his dog is hit by a car

Friend January 2016 “Windows before Winter” St. George members do all they can to raise money for tabernacle windows, and they have faith the Lord will help them with what they lack.

Friend January 2016
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Friend May 2022 “Tom and the Terrible Flu” Tom helped take are of his dad and other villagers when the Spanish Flu hit. He gave them coconut milk, made chicken soup for them, and got them water. It was scary seeing so many people sick and dying, but he had faith that God would help them.

Sep 13 2021

Happiness & Joy: Stories

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Friend July 2021 “Winfred’s New Recipe” Winfred is sad because she misses her father who has to work far away, and she misses her friends because of Covid. She figures out a recipe for happiness which includes prayer, reading scriptures, having faith, being grateful, and serving others.

Gratitude

Friend October 2017 “Bread and Gratitude” A man at a restaurant always find some fault in the meal no matter what extras the waiter provides.  “As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are commanded to “thank the Lord [our] God in all things” (D&C 59:7). If we focus on the blessings we think we are missing, it can make us unhappy.”

Look for the Good

Friend March 1988 “Mike to the Rescue” Mike can’t do all the things his older siblings can do, but he finds lots of benefits to being little.

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Serve Others

Friend December 2018 “The Secret Santa”  After Tasha’s grandma and father died, Christmas was difficult and sad. But then a Secret Santa started dropping off gifts. She wanted to thank them and pass on the kindness, so she started doing kind things for others. She learned that helping others made her feel happy.

Friend August 2022 “What Makes Me Happy” Angeline tells of the things that make her happy. She says she feels happy when she helps others and follows Jesus. (Includes photo of Angeline)

Helping Others be Happy

Friend September 2024 “Cheering for Both Teams” Jayne wanted to win the family game, but her team was losing. Everyone was surprised when she got angry and didn’t want to play anymore. Her uncle told her that winning is everything and she should just try to have fun. She watched her uncle and she realized he was cheering for both teams. She decided to do that too. She could be happy for her family members even if she lost. She then discovered she was having fun.

Friend May 2025 “Follow the Happy Words” As Quinn’s family was drawing with chalk on the sidewalk, he noticed his mother was writing words. She said she was writing happy words for the school kids when they walk home. Quinn got an idea. He drew a walking line from one message to the next one so they could find all the happy words.

Aug 31 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 94-97

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Table of Contents

Section 94

Doctrine and Covenants 94

I can be “wholly dedicated unto the Lord.”

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

In Doctrine and Covenants 94, the Lord gives instructions about constructing administrative buildings in Kirtland—an office and a printing house.

  • What impresses you about what the Lord says about these buildings in Doctrine and Covenants 94:2–12?
  • What does it mean to you to be “wholly dedicated unto the Lord”?

Section 95

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 25: The Kirtland Temple Is Constructed,” In December 1832 the Lord commanded the members of the Church to build a temple in Kirtland, Ohio. They were to “establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God” (D&C 88:119).

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.

The Temple is the House of the Lord.

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

Doctrine and Covenants 95:8; 97:10–17

  • 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;

Media Library “Building the Kirtland Temple”

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 25: The Kirtland Temple Is Constructed,” See link for more lesson ideas.

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.

“First Latter-day Temple” (April 2002 Friend) A description of the building of the Kirtland Temple.

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.

Friend September 2021 “The Kirtland Temple”

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.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” Doctrine and Covenants 94–97″

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?

Song “I Love to See the Temple” Visual Aids

Section 96

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.

Zion is “The Pure in Heart.”

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” Doctrine and Covenants 94–97″

Doctrine and Covenants 97:1–2, 8–9, 21

  • 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:

  1. Someone who is genuinely clean and good in thought and action.
  2. What are some examples of good thoughts and actions?
  3. 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.)

Building Zion

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 94-97”

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”

Friend June 2025 “I Can Help Build Zion”

The Lord blesses people who keep covenants with Him.

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

Doctrine and Covenants 97:8–9

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).

Friend November 2024 “What Are Covenants?”

Friend August 2023 “My Baptismal Covenant”

  • 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.

Additional Resources

Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 94-97”

Latter Day Kids “Why We Build Temples” Lesson ideas and activity ideas

Come Follow Me Kid Lesson ideas

The Red Crystal Lesson ideas

Aug 20 2021

Judging

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Righteous Judgement

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “Matthew 6-7”

In Matthew 7:1, the Savior may seem to be saying we should never judge, but in other scriptures (including other verses in this chapter), He gives us instructions about how to judge. If that seems puzzling, the Joseph Smith Translation of this verse might help: “Judge not unrighteously, that ye be not judged; but judge righteous judgment” (in Matthew 7:1, footnote a). What do you find in Matthew 7:1–5, along with the rest of the chapter, that helps you know how to “judge righteous judgment”?

To visualize the teachings in these verses, your family could find a mote (a tiny wood fragment) and a beam (a large piece of wood). What does comparing the two teach us about judging others? If you’d like to explore this topic further, you could use some of the resources in “Judging Others” (Gospel Topics, topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “Matthew 7:1–5”

Read Matthew 7:2–5, looking for other teachings about judging. In verse 3, the Savior referred to a sliver of wood as a mote (see footnote b) and a large piece of wood as a beam (see footnote c).

Why would it be difficult for someone with a beam in their eye to remove a mote from someone else’s eye?

Friend June 2016 Parable about seeing a weed in someone else’s yard but not seeing all the weeds in own yard.

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Friend September 2017
Friend July 2017

Friend October 2021 “Seeing Musa” Angie thinks the new boy, Musa, is mean because he made his sister walk behind him to school. But then she learned that Musa’s sister was supposed to wear sunglasses because of eye drops she put in her eyes, but she forgot so Musa walked in front of her the whole way to shade her from the sun.

Friend July 1985 “Sailboat” Boy learns not to jump to conclusions and make judgments about others.

Judging Ourselves

Friend January 2017 “Min-Jun Measures Up” Min-Jun and his grandfather walk to church during a storm and arrive muddy and wet. Min-Jun doesn’t feel good enough to go in, but his grandfather teaches him that the Lord doesn’t measure us by our appearance, he measures us by what is in our hearts, and Min-Jan’s intentions are pure.

Friend January 2017

Judging Unfairly

For the Strength of Youth March 2023 “When You’re Judged Unfairly”

Judging by Appearance

“The Lord looketh on the heart.”

1 Samuel CHAPTER 16

The Lord chooses David of Bethlehem as king—He is anointed by Samuel—Saul chooses David as his companion and armor bearer.

1 Samuel 16:1–13

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18” It’s natural to judge others based on what we can see, but part of becoming more like Jesus is learning how to see as He does—by looking “on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

  • Invite the children to imagine they were asked to pick someone to be a king. What qualities would they look for? Read together 1 Samuel 16:6–7 to find out what the Lord said to Samuel as he was looking for a new king for Israel. What do we learn from the Lord’s instructions?
  • Present an object lesson to illustrate to the children that judgments we make based on “the outward appearance” (verse 7) may not be correct. For example, you could show them some food or a book with a wrapper or cover that doesn’t match its true contents. What do 1 Samuel 16:7 and this object lesson suggest about how we should view ourselves and other people?
A cantelope is rough and drab on the outside but sweet and colorful on the inside.
  • Share an experience in which you learned why you should “look on the heart,” not just “the outward appearance” (verse 7). Let the children share any similar experiences they’ve had. Sing a song that emphasizes this principle, such as “I’ll Walk with You” or “We Are Different” (Children’s Songbook, 140–41, 263).

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18”

1 Samuel 9:15–21; 16:7.

Reading these verses along with the following words from Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf could inspire a discussion about why the Lord chose Saul and David: “If we look at ourselves only through our mortal eyes, we may not see ourselves as good enough. But our Heavenly Father sees us as who we truly are and who we can become” (“It Works Wonderfully!” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2015, 23). Perhaps family members could take turns talking about what good qualities they see in each other’s hearts (see 1 Samuel 16:7).

1 Samuel 16:7

“The Lord looketh on the heart.”

What are some ways people judge others “on the outward appearance”? What does it mean to look “on the heart,” as the Lord does? (1 Samuel 16:7). Consider how you can apply this principle to the way you see others—and yourself. How might doing so affect your interactions or relationships with others?

Friend August 2022 “For Older Kids”

Friend May 2025 “The Mystery Can” Sadie’s family all try to guess what is inside of a tin can that didn’t have a label. They all guessed things that didn’t sound good, but when they opened it they found it was filled with lots of yummy fruit. They had a discussion about how sometimes we label people like that, and that we shouldn’t label people based on what we see on the outside, or believe false labels given to us. Because only God knows what we truly are inside.

Judging at Church

Friend July 2023 “Magnolia’s Amazing Dad” Some kids in Primary weren’t kind to Magnolia. They told her that her family wasn’t a good family because her Dad wasn’t a member of the church, but he went to church with them, and he did scripture study and prayer with the family. It made her want to cry because her father was an amazing dad. Magnolia talked to her parents and said. “Jesus taught us to be kind to everyone. Saying mean things doesn’t seem like following Jesus.” “You’re right,” said Dad. “Maybe when you feel like saying something mean, you can remember how you felt when others were unkind to you. Then you can say something kind instead.”

Aug 2 2021

Doctrine and Covenants 85-87

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Section 85

Section 85 This section is an extract from a letter of the Prophet to William W. Phelps, who was living in Independence, Missouri. It answers questions about those Saints who had moved to Zion but who had not followed the commandment to consecrate their properties and had thus not received their inheritances according to the established order in the Church.

The Spirit Speaks with a “Still Small Voice.”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87” Elder Richard G. Scott said, “If you accomplish nothing else in your relationship with your students than to help them recognize and follow the promptings of the Spirit, you will bless their lives immeasurably and eternally” (“To Learn and to Teach More Effectively” [Brigham Young University Education Week devotional, Aug. 21, 2007], 5, speeches.byu.edu).

Doctrine and Covenants 85:6

6 Yea, thus saith the still small voice, which whispereth through and pierceth all things, and often times it maketh my bones to quake while it maketh manifest, saying:

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

  • Ask the children what they would say if someone asked them how they know when the Holy Ghost speaks to them. Invite them to read about one way Joseph Smith described the Spirit’s voice in Doctrine and Covenants 85:6. They could then practice listening to and speaking in a small voice. You might also share experiences when the Spirit spoke to you in a still, small voice.

Friend May 2025 “Margo and Paolo: The Still, Small Voice” Margo had heard that the Holy Ghost talks in a quiet voice. But she didn’t think she had ever heard Him! Her grandmother told her that the Holy Ghost usually speaks to us through our thoughts and feelings. Then Margo remembered when she felt like I shouldn’t go to jiu jitsu on Sunday. She realized that the Holy Ghost does speak to her.

Friend August 2023 “A Special Gift” The missionaries teach Mehrimah’s family that the Holy Ghost helps us feel peace and comfort from Heavenly Father. He also encourages us to do good things, and He helps us know what is true. They invited the family to pay close attention to their thoughts and feelings that week, and look for times when when the Holy Ghost is speaking to them. Mehrimah notices that she felt felt calm and peaceful when they said family prayer. When she listened to a song about Jesus Christ she felt happy. It made her want to help other people. She felt warm and happy when she repented of a wrong doing. And when she was baptized she felt peaceful, like someone was telling her to live a good life, to help people, and to keep the commandments. She knew she all those feelings were from the Holy Ghost.

  • To help your children understand the phrase “still small voice,” you could play a children’s song quietly, such as “The Holy Ghost” (Children’s Songbook, 105). Ask one of the children to guess what song it is while other children make distracting noises. Then you could repeat the song with no distractions. What distractions can we remove from our lives to feel the Spirit more often?

New Era January 2019 “How to Get Better Revelation Reception” Use a cup and string communication device and put folded papers on the string of things that might interfere with receiving revelation. (See article for more information.)

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87”

How can you teach your family to recognize the still, small voice of the Spirit? Maybe you could play a game in which someone whispers important instructions amid distracting noises. What might be distracting us from hearing the Holy Ghost? Perhaps family members could share what they do to hear the voice of the Spirit.

Friend August 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones”

For Doctrine and Covenants 85–87: Sing a hymn or Primary song very quietly. Practice concentrating on hearing and understanding the song. Help your little ones say, “I can listen for the Holy Ghost.”

Friend August 2016 “The Little Bottle of Silence” Gage’s grandfather gives him a empty bottle of “silence” at his baptism to remind Gage that quietness helps you hear the Holy Ghost. He feels the Holy Ghost comforting him during a sad time when he seeks quiet time.

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Friend September 2015 “Sister Pettigrew’s Lesson”  Child learns to listen to the still, small voice

Friend September 2015

Section 86

Section 86 This revelation was received while the Prophet was reviewing and editing the manuscript of the translation of the Bible. His journal entry states that he had “received a Revelation explaining the Parable [of] the wheat and the [tares]”

I Can Be Like a Light to Others.

Doctrine and Covenants 86:11

11 Therefore, blessed are ye if ye continue in my goodness, a light unto the Gentiles, and through this priesthood, a savior unto my people Israel. The Lord hath said it. Amen.

Section 86 describes the important work the Lord wants His servants to do in the latter days. One way children can help with this work is by being a light to people around them.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 & Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87”

  • Read to the children the following phrase from Doctrine and Covenants 86:11: “Blessed are ye if ye continue in my goodness, a light unto the Gentiles [or people who don’t have the gospel].” Here are some questions you can ask your children as you discuss Doctrine and Covenants 86:11: How does light bless us? What is it like when we have no light? How can we be a light to other people? Help your children think of ways we can “continue in [Jesus’s] goodness” and share it with others.
Ensign August 2015
  • Ask the children to imagine that a friend is trying to walk in the dark (turn off the lights if it helps). Why is it hard to walk in the dark? What can we do to help our friend? Explain that when we follow the Savior, it’s like shining a light to show others the way to go.

Friend March 2011 “Bright Idea”

Friend August 2021 “Scripture Time Fun: Example Candles”

  • Sing “I Am like a Star” (Children’s Songbook, 163).
  • Jesus said we should be a “light” unto others (Doctrine and Covenants 86:11). That means we should be good examples to everyone.
  • Draw a candle on a piece of paper and color the flame on the top. Cut it out and attach it to your shirt or hang it around your neck with some string, like a necklace. With your family, talk about what you can do to be a good example.

Friend October 1999 “Let Your Light Shine” Fold in half on the vertical straight line, and glue the backs together. When the glue is dry, cut out the puzzle pieces on the heavy lines and put them into a small container. Have a family member take a puzzle piece from the container and pantomime (act out without using words or noises) what is shown on the small-picture side of it that we can do to share the gospel. Let others guess what it is, then show the picture and post the puzzle piece, candle-side up. Repeat till the puzzle is finished. Remember, each good thing we do helps our light shine.

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

Friend November 2015
Friend November 2015

Friend August 2016 Being modest in how we speak, act, and dress is a great way to shine a light for others to follow. Color in the flashlights by the ones you are already doing. Which ones do you want to work on?

Friend August 2016
Friend August 2016

Friend April 2017 “Be a Light” Color in the sun as you figure out someone to be an example to by doing certain things for them such as loving, forgiving, encouraging, etc.

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

I Can Help Gather God’s People.

Doctrine and Covenants 86

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87”

The parable of the wheat and the tares is about “the last days, even now” (Doctrine and Covenants 86:4). Use this parable to help the children feel inspired to take part in “the gathering of the wheat” (verse 7).

  • Tell the children the parable of the wheat and the tares, or invite a child to tell it (see Matthew 13:24–30). Invite the children to draw a picture of something from the parable. Then read together Doctrine and Covenants 86:1–7, and invite the children to write on their drawings what the thing they drew represents.

See Friend February 1995 “The Wheat and the Tares” and/or Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual “Section 86, The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares” for explanation of the Wheat and Tares story

The Red Crystal

Wheat and Tares

Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual

The Lord gathers His people like wheat.

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025
  • Prepare several small pictures or drawings of wheat, and hide them around the room. Invite each child to help gather the wheat and write on it the name of someone they can “gather” to Jesus Christ. What does it mean to gather people to Jesus Christ? What are some ways we can do this? What does it mean to “continue in [the Savior’s] goodness,” and how does that help us gather people to Him? (Doctrine and Covenants 86:11).

The Red Crystal

Section 87

Section 87 Revelation and prophecy on war, given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at or near Kirtland, Ohio, December 25, 1832. At this time disputes in the United States over slavery and South Carolina’s nullification of federal tariffs were prevalent. Joseph Smith’s history states that “appearances of troubles among the nations” were becoming “more visible” to the Prophet “than they had previously been since the Church began her journey out of the wilderness.” 1–4, War is foretold between the Northern States and the Southern States;

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87”

Christmas Day is usually a time to ponder messages like “peace on earth” and “good will toward men” (see Luke 2:14). But on December 25, 1832, Joseph Smith’s mind was occupied with the threat of war. South Carolina had just defied the United States government and was preparing for battle. And the Lord revealed to Joseph that this was only the beginning: “War,” He declared, “will be poured out upon all nations” (Doctrine and Covenants 87:2). It seemed like this prophecy would be fulfilled very soon.

But then it wasn’t. Within just a few weeks, South Carolina and the U.S. government reached a compromise, and war was averted. But revelation is not always fulfilled at the time or in the way we expect. Nearly 30 years later, long after Joseph Smith was martyred and the Saints had moved west, South Carolina did rebel and civil war followed. Since then, war throughout the world has caused “the earth [to] mourn” (Doctrine and Covenants 87:6). While the prophecy was ultimately fulfilled, the value of this revelation is less in predicting when calamity will come and more in teaching what to do when it does. The counsel is the same in 1831, 1861, and 2021: “Stand ye in holy places, and be not moved” (verse 8).

I Can “Stand … in Holy Places.”

Doctrine and Covenants 87:6, 8

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

  • Read together Doctrine and Covenants 87:6 to learn about things the Lord said would happen in the latter days. Then you could talk about some of the challenges you and your children face. In verse 8, what did the Lord say we can do during hard times?
  • Help your children make a list of holy places, holy thoughts, and holy actions that can help them face spiritual danger. For ideas, see the videos “Standing in Holy Places” and “Stand Ye in Holy Places—Bloom Where You’re Planted” (Gospel Library).

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 45”

Come Follow Me Kid See link for more lesson ideas

Latter Day Kids Lesson ideas

Our Homes Can Be “Holy Places.”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87”

No home is perfect, but there are things we can all do to make our homes into holy places of peace.

  • Show a picture of a temple, and share why the temple is a holy place. Show a picture of a home, and help the children think of ways they can make their homes holy like the temple (see this week’s activity page). Why do we want to be in holy places?

The Red Crystal Start with the picture of the home (not cut). Then have the children add pieces of the temple (cut), as they share their ideas of how to make their homes like the temple, have them place the pieces on top of the home. Or vise versa.

Friend August 2021 “Bright Idea”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87”

To introduce a discussion about how to make your home a holier place, you could invite family members to design a home for someone who loves the Savior. This may lead to ideas about how to “redesign” your home to make it a place of peace amid the spiritual danger in the world. Songs like “Love at Home,” “Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth” (Hymns,nos. 294, 298), or “Where Love Is” (Children’s Songbook, 138–39) could give you ideas.

Friend November 2009 “Making Your Home a Holy Place” Our home can be one of the holiest places on earth. We can do things to make it easier to feel the Holy Ghost in our homes. Look at each room in this house and decide if what the children are doing will or will not make the house a holier place. If something is happening that will make it easier to feel the Holy Ghost, choose the blue letter. If not, choose the red letter. To find out what your home can be like, fill in the blanks with the correct letters from each room.

Our home can be like a __ __ __ __ __ __.

Additional Resources

Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 85-87”

The Red Crystal