Tag Archives: teaching children
Jesus Christ: Stories
Posted onLove for Jesus
Friend May 2021 “A Statue of Jesus” Siblings ask their mom if they can go see the statue of Jesus. They can’t wait to see Jesus someday for real.
The Scriptures Teach Us About Jesus
Friend February 2021 “Feeling Christ’s Love” When Elder Takashi Wada Of the Seventy was young he read the Bible in school and wanted to know more about Jesus. Then he met the missionaries and they gave him a Book of Mormon and her learned more about Jesus. He wanted to be baptized and follow Jesus.
Jesus is Our Brother and Loves Us
Friend July 2021 “River Rock Rescue” When Elder Juan Pablo Villar of the Seventy was a boy he got stuck between two rocks! His knees were pressed against his chest and he couldn’t breathe or move. He was starting to black out when his brother reached down and pulled him out. Jesus is our older brother and he will always there to give us a hand in life.
Friend February 2020 “Keep Going, Josie” Josie had been sick and was tired, but she needed to run in the big race with her teammates. She was worried about letting them down. In her first race, others kept passing her and she felt like giving up. But as her teammates passed her they encouraged her to keep going. Their words gave her strength and she was able to finish the race. She realized that Jesus does the same for her. He encourages her to keep going spiritually in life, and is there to help her if she needs it.
Friend October 2016 “A New Picture for May” In Primary class May is sad because she doesn’t know how her family shows love for each other, but her friend adds May’s picture to her family chain with Jesus. May knows Jesus loves her. (We are all brothers and sisters and Jesus is our elder brother.)
Sharing About Jesus
Friend April 2021 “I Know a Song about That!” Annie goes to a Catholic School in Ireland. One day, when the teacher was talking about Jesus walking on the water, Annie remembered a song about the story she had learned in Primary. She was invited to share the song with the class.
Jesus Took Upon Him Our Sorrows
Friend December 2021 “Carrying Spotty” Abbie got a new puppy. She helped him feel safe when he was scared. She carried him when he was tired. In Primary, Abbie learned that Jesus suffered for us and took upon him our sorrows. He can carry us through our trials. She realized that Jesus helps her kind of like she helps her puppy. He helped her feel safe when she was afraid of the dark. He helped her feel stronger when she was worried.
Moses 1; Abraham 3
Posted onTell the children that this year they will be studying the gospel mostly from the Old Testament and Pearl of Great Price. Show the children a copy of each of these books, or if they have their own set of scriptures, have them locate each of these books. Explain that the Old Testament is the history of God’s dealings with his people from the creation of the earth until about four hundred years before Jesus Christ was born. The Pearl of Great Price contains sacred writings by several prophets, including two Old Testament prophets, Moses and Abraham. They tell about our premortal life, the early history of the world, Heavenly Father’s plan for us, and the restoration of the gospel. Lesson 1: Heavenly Father’s Plan for Us,” Primary 6: Old Testament
Come Follow Me for Living Scriptures “I Am a Child of God” Lesson ideas
Old Testament Scripture Stories “About the Old Testament” Images and Video
Friend January 2022 “I Can Read the Old Testament”
Moses 1
God reveals Himself to Moses—Moses is transfigured—He is confronted by Satan—Moses sees many inhabited worlds—Worlds without number were created by the Son—God’s work and glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
Abraham 3
Abraham learns about the sun, moon, and stars by means of the Urim and Thummim—The Lord reveals to him the eternal nature of spirits—He learns of pre-earth life, foreordination, the Creation, the choosing of a Redeemer, and the second estate of man.
New Testament Stories “Our Heavenly Father’s Plan”
Friend January 2022 “Before We Came to Earth”
Old Testament Scripture Stories “Before the Old Testament”
Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “Responses to Heavenly Father’s Plan”
I Am a Child of God, and He Wants to Help Me Return to Him.
Moses 1:1–4, 6, 30, 37–39; Abraham 3:22–28
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3”
For younger children:
- Read to the children what God said to Moses: “Thou art my son” (Moses 1:4). Invite a child to the front of the room, and ask the children to repeat with you, “[Child’s name], you are a child of God.” Repeat the phrase for each child in the class.
- Show several pictures of children, and ask the class if these children are all children of God. Emphasize that everyone is a child of God. Let the children take turns looking in a mirror, and testify that they are children of God too.
- Sing “I Am a Child of God” (Children’s Songbook, 2–3) with the children. Let them color this week’s activity page, and use it to review the truths this song teaches.
For older kids:
- Read with the children Moses 1:4, 37–39 and Abraham 3:24–25. Give them opportunities to ask questions and share favorite words or phrases from these verses. What do we learn from these verses about Heavenly Father? about ourselves?
- Show the children pictures of some of Heavenly Father’s many creations. Read Moses 1:30, and explain that Moses asked God about the purpose of these creations. Help the children search in verse 39 to find God’s answer. Testify that God’s purpose is to help each child gain eternal life.
- Help the children think of situations in which they have to choose whether or not to “do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command” (Abraham 3:25). Let them practice or discuss possible responses to those situations. How can the Savior help us when we make a wrong choice?
Lesson Ideas
Primary 1 (Sunbeams) “Lesson One: I Am a Child of God”
We lived in Heaven: (Click on the below picture. Print the picture, or show it on an electronic device.) Explain that before we were born on earth we lived in heaven with Heavenly Father.
We were spirits there. A spirit is what is inside of us that makes us alive. When we were spirits, we didn’t have flesh and bones like our bodies have now, but we looked the same.
(Use these puppets to demonstrate what it means to be a spirit. See here for assembly instructions.)
Show the first picture again and explain that Heavenly Father is the father of our spirits, and we are his spirit children
Sing: I Am a Child of God. Tell the children they are going to sing the song “I Am a Child of God.” Explain that God is another name for Heavenly Father. (I like the Red Headed Hostess visual aids for the first verse of this song, but it does cost money. Jolly Jen has a flip chart that would work too, or you could use the below visual s from the Nursery Manual. Also see lds.org for the music)
Who is a child of God? Toss a beanbag or soft object to a child as you say the words “I know a child of God named_____ .” Have the child say his or her own name and give the beanbag back to you. Repeat the activity until everyone has had a turn.
Print and cut out this activity. Show the pictures one at a time and ask the following:
Is a policeman a child of God?
Is someone who lives in a different country or culture
Is a bishop
Is a grandmother or grandfather
Is a soldier
Is someone who doesn’t go to our church
Is a mailman or missionaries
Is a mom or dad
Have the children take turns posting each picture under the title “Child of God.” The title can be written on the board or in a file folder or display board. You can also bring up people they know such as a neighbor.
Help the children understand that everyone is a child of God even though we may be different in age, hair color, what we do, where we live, skin color, or the church we attend, we are all children of God.
We can be like Heavenly Father
(Print and cut out these images pdf.) Use the following questions with the images. They could also be made into a matching game.
- What is a baby dog called?
- What will that puppy grow up to be?
- What is a baby chicken called?
- What will that chick grow up to be?
Explain that just as animals grow up to be like their parents, we will grow up to be like our parents.
Friend January 2017 “Kylie’s Parents” Kylie is like her earthly parents, and she is also like her Heavenly Parents. PDF version
Heavenly Father is the father of our spirits, so we can grow to be like him. Heavenly Father is loving, good, and kind. When we are loving, good, and kind, we are being like Heavenly Father. We should try to become more like Heavenly Father every day.
Have children tell or act out ways they can be loving, good, or kind.
(The images for the activity “Who is a Child of God?” are from the Friend magazine. Soldier 6/16, Bishop 1/16, etc.The images for the animals are from Pixabay: Free Images)
I Lived with Heavenly Father Before I Was Born.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3” These verses describing Abraham’s vision of our premortal life can help the children answer the questions “Where did I come from?” and “Why am I here?” How can you help them find answers?
- Use “About the Old Testament” (in Old Testament Stories) to teach the children about our premortal life. Afterward, invite the children to tell the story back to you. Why did Heavenly Father send us here to earth? Help the children discover an answer as you read to them Abraham 3:25.
- Sing with the children a song about God’s plan for us (such as “I Will Follow God’s Plan” [Children’s Songbook,164–65]). Help them understand eternal truths taught in the lyrics.
- On the board, write questions related to Abraham 3:22–28, such as What happened in our life before birth? Who was there? Why was the earth created? Invite the children to read these verses to find answers.
- If there is a new baby in the ward, invite the parents to bring him or her to class and share their feelings about welcoming this child into the world. (You could also show a picture of a newborn baby.) Talk with the children about where this baby’s spirit was before he or she came to earth. Why is it important for this baby to learn that he or she is a child of God?
- Sing songs about God’s plan for us, such as “I Know My Father Lives” or “I Will Follow God’s Plan” (Children’s Songbook, 5, 164–65). Invite the children to draw pictures that go with the words. Let them use their pictures to teach each other truths from the songs.
You could give family members a fun but challenging task that allows them to prove they can follow instructions, such as folding a paper airplane or following a recipe. How is this activity similar to the purpose of our mortal life as described in these verses? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3”)
See also Resources for Teaching Children “Plan of Salvation / Plan of Happiness”
Heavenly Father Wants Me to Live with Him Again.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3” How have the truths in Moses 1:39 blessed your life? What can you do to help the children experience those blessings too?
- Point out the phrases “this is my work” and “eternal life” in Moses 1:39, and help the children repeat the phrases. Tell the children about the work you do each day. Teach them that Heavenly Father’s work is to help us gain eternal life, which means becoming like Him and living with Him again.
- Invite a parent to come to class and talk about how he or she feels when a child returns home after being away (for example, at school or on a mission), or share feelings you’ve had during these experiences. Use this example to teach the children how much Heavenly Father wants us to return to Him.
Would your family enjoy looking at some of “the workmanship of [God’s] hands”? (verse 4). Maybe you could read these verses in a park or under the stars at night. You could then talk about why God created the world and about how we participate in His “work and [His] glory” (verse 39). (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3”)
Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “Planning the Creation”
Latter Day Kids “This is My Work and My Glory” Lesson ideas
- Read and discuss Abraham 3:23 with the children.
- What kinds of things might we have been chosen to do on earth? Explain that we are free to choose what we will do in this life, but each of us has been foreordained to do an important work on the earth.Lesson 1: Heavenly Father’s Plan for Us,” Primary 6: Old Testament
I Can Resist Satan’s Temptations.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3”
As you study Moses 1:12–26, look for things Moses did to resist Satan. How might Moses’s example help the children when they face temptations?
- Summarize Moses’s experience in Moses 1:12–26 in your own words, or ask one of the children to do so (see also the video “I Am a Son of God” [ChurchofJesusChrist.org]). Invite the children to search these verses to learn how Moses was able to overcome Satan. (If they need help, point them to verses 13, 15, 18, 20–22, 26.) (Remember you are a son or daughter of God, listen to the Spirit, think of Jesus, and pray for strength.)
- Bring a box of tools (or pictures of tools), and label each tool with a way we can resist temptation (such as praying, singing a hymn, reading the scriptures, or serving others). Let each child pick a tool and talk about a situation when the action written on that tool’s label could help us resist temptation. Read together verses 25–26, and testify that God will help us when we face temptation.
Pearl of Great Price Coloring Book “Moses Beheld the Earth”
What advice can we share to help each other “judge between” God and Satan? (See also Moroni 7:12–18; Doctrine and Covenants 50:23–24.)
13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do agood continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and benticeth to do cgood, and to love God, and to serve him, is dinspired of God.
17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do aevil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him.
Additional Resources
Plan of Salvation Teaching Children the Gospel
Lesson 1: Heavenly Father’s Plan for Us,” Primary 6: Old Testament
Lesson 2: Jesus Christ Was Chosen to Be Our Savior,” Primary 6: Old Testament
Christmas: New Testament
Posted onJesus Christ came to earth as a baby.
Children love the story of Jesus Christ’s birth. What doctrinal truths do you see in this story that you feel the children should understand?
- Read Luke 2:1–14 to the children, or describe the events in these verses by referring to “Chapter 5:Jesus Christ Is Born” (in New Testament Stories, 13–15, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite the children to draw pictures of these events and use the pictures to tell the story themselves. Why are we happy that Jesus was born?
Ask the children to tell you the story of the Wise Men following the star to find Jesus. If they need to be reminded of the story, see Matthew 2:1–12 or “Chapter 7: The Wise Men” (in New Testament Stories, 18, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Hide a picture of Jesus in the room. Draw or cut out a paper star and hold it in the air. Invite the children to pretend to be wise men carrying gifts, and lead them around the room to find Jesus. Help the children think of some gifts that we can give to Jesus.
Sing a few Christmas hymns or songs with the children (see Hymns, nos. 201–14; Children’s Songbook, 34–54). Ask them to share something each song teaches that they feel is important to know.
Jesus Christ came to earth as a baby.
Matthew 1:18–25; 2:1–12; Luke 1:26–38; 2:1–20
How can you help the children focus on Jesus Christ at Christmas?
- Invite one of the children to read about some of the events related to the Savior’s birth (see Matthew 1:18–25; 2:1–12; Luke 1:26–38; 2:1–20). Ask the other children to take turns drawing pictures on the board of what the scriptures are describing. What do these stories teach us about Jesus Christ?
- Invite the children to write on several slips of paper things they could do to help them focus on the Savior during the Christmas season. (They could get ideas from the video “Good Tidings of Great Joy: The Birth of Jesus Christ” on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.) Invite them to share what they wrote. Encourage the children to take the slips home and do with their families the suggestions they wrote on the slips.
- Sing Christmas songs about the Savior (see Children’s Songbook, 34–54; Hymns, nos. 201–14), and invite the children to share a favorite line or phrase from the songs.
Jesus Christ made it possible for me to live with Heavenly Father again someday.
Do the children you teach understand why Jesus Christ came to earth? Take time to ponder what the Savior has done for you personally and how you can help the children understand what He has done for them.
- Bring a wrapped gift or box to class with a picture of Jesus Christ inside. Attach a tag with “John 3:16” written on it, and tell the children that this is a clue about what the gift is. Read John 3:16 with the children, and invite them to guess what the gift is and open it. Why did God send us His Son?
- Help the children finish this sentence: “Jesus Christ came to earth to .” Then show pictures related to the Savior’s atoning sacrifice, death, and Resurrection (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 56–59), and briefly tell about these events. You could also sing a song about why Jesus came to earth, such as “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35). Bear your testimony of Jesus Christ and what He has done for you.
Jesus Christ made it possible for me to live with Heavenly Father again someday.
How can you help the children review what they have learned this year and understand why they need Jesus Christ in their lives?
- Label one piece of paper Who is Jesus Christ? and another Why did He come to earth? and attach them to different walls of the classroom. Invite each child to read one of the following scriptures: Matthew 16:15–16; John 3:16; 1 Nephi 10:4; Mosiah 3:8; Alma 7:10–13; 3 Nephi 27:14–15. Ask the children to look for answers, in the scriptures they read, to the two questions on the walls. Invite them to write down their answers and attach them to the wall next to the appropriate question. How can we show our gratitude for what Jesus Christ has done for us?
- Invite the children to list on the board all of the names or titles of Jesus that they can think of (see Bible Dictionary, “Christ, names of”). What do these names teach us about Jesus Christ and His mission? Why do we need Jesus Christ in our lives? To help answer this question, show the video “Why We Need a Savior—A Christmas Message about Our Savior Jesus Christ” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
The Living Christ
Posted onCome, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Christmas”
In 1838, the Prophet Joseph Smith declared, “The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, 49). Years later, President Russell M. Nelson noted that “it was this very statement of the Prophet that provided the incentive for 15 prophets, seers, and revelators to issue and sign their testimony to commemorate the 2,000th anniversary of the Lord’s birth. That historic testimony is titled ‘The Living Christ.’ Many members have memorized its truths. Others barely know of its existence. As you seek to learn more about Jesus Christ, I urge you to study ‘The Living Christ’” (“Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives,” Ensignor Liahona, May 2017, 40).
“We Offer Our Testimony.”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Christmas”
- Show the children a copy of “The Living Christ” (see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). Point to the word Christ in the title, and let the children point to the word too. Also point out the signatures at the bottom of the page, and tell the children that in 2000, the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles wrote their testimony of Jesus Christ, signed their names to it, and shared it with the world.
- Point out that “The Living Christ” was signed by the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles. Read together Doctrine and Covenants 107:23. What makes Apostles different “from other officers in the church”? Choose one of the “Special Witnesses of Christ” videos to share with the children (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Why are we grateful to have special witnesses of Christ in our day?
Friend November 2019 “The Living Christ” The apostles bear testimony of Jesus .Use the hints page to fill in the blanks. The highlighted letters give the final message!
I Can “Offer [my] Testimony” to Celebrate Jesus’s Birth.
Friend December 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”“The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles” teaches us that Jesus Christ is “the light, the life, and the hope of the world.” We celebrate Christmas to remember Jesus Christ.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Christmas” In “The Living Christ” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave their testimony of Jesus Christ to “commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.” Consider how you will encourage the children to share their testimonies with others.
- Show a picture of Jesus Christ, and invite each child to stand and share something he or she knows about Him. If they need help, suggest truths from “The Living Christ.” Remind the children that when they tell others about Jesus, they are sharing their testimonies.
- Tell the children how you gained your testimony of Jesus Christ and what you are doing to keep your testimony strong. Help them think of ways they could strengthen their testimonies of Jesus Christ, and invite them to choose one thing they will do.
- Write on the board I know that Jesus Christ … and invite the children to share ways they would complete the sentence. Suggest that they look in “The Living Christ” for ideas. What can we do to strengthen our testimonies of Jesus Christ? How are others blessed when we share our testimonies?
Friend January 2019 “The Living Christ” The prophets and apostles wrote “The Living Christ” to tell the world about Jesus. Read part of it each month and memorize the words in red. Fill in the blanks with words from the picture to learn more about this first quote. Also, color the card and collect a new one each month.
For additional teaching ideas see Testimony and Resources for Teaching Children “Testimony”
Heavenly Father Sent His Son as a Gift to Us.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Christmas” Giving and receiving gifts is a traditional part of Christmas for many people. This tradition should help us remember God’s “matchless gift of His divine Son” (“The Living Christ”).
- Ask the children to tell about gifts they have given or received. Read to them the last sentence of “The Living Christ,” and invite them to listen for the gift God has given us. (If needed, help them understand that “matchless” means “better than any other.”) Why is the Son of God, Jesus Christ, the best gift?
- Sing together a song about Jesus Christ, such as “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35). Help the children pick a phrase from the song that they would like to draw (such as “newborn babe” or “walk with men”). As they draw, ask the children to tell you how they feel about what Jesus has done for them. Share your feelings as well.
Friend December 2021 “Bright Idea”
“None Other has had so Profound an Influence.”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Christmas” In “The Living Christ,” the prophets and apostles declared that no one has had greater influence on God’s children than Jesus Christ. Ponder how you will help the children learn about the Savior’s profound influence on all of us.
- Give each child a phrase or sentence from “The Living Christ,” and ask them to draw a picture of that phrase or sentence. As each child shows the class his or her picture, ask the other children to guess what the picture is illustrating and find the corresponding sentence in “The Living Christ.” How are we blessed because of Jesus Christ’s life and mission?
- Help the children find different names or titles of Jesus Christ in “The Living Christ” and underline them, if possible (some examples include Messiah, Firstborn, the first and the last, advocate, and chief corner stone). Talk about what each of these titles teaches us about Him. (Some of these titles are defined in the Guide to the Scriptures or Bible Dictionary.)
Friend February 2019 Names of Christ and Jesus is the creator of the earth.
Jesus Christ Invites Me to Follow His Example.
s
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Christmas” Part of the Savior’s “profound … influence” on the world has been His perfect example. How will you inspire the children to follow Him?
- From the second paragraph of “The Living Christ,” read to the children some of the things Jesus did. Show pictures from His life (see this week’s activity page), and invite the children to talk about what the Savior is doing in the pictures. Help them think of ways they can follow His example.
- Choose a “Light the World” video (ComeuntoChrist.org) to show the children, or tell about a time when you were blessed by someone’s Christlike service. Invite a child to act out a simple act of service, and ask the other children to guess what he or she is doing. Let each child have a turn. Help the children think of something they can do to serve someone in their family.
Friend March 2019 Following Jesus example of helping others. Make a map of where you walk and ways you can help.
For additional teaching ideas see Following Jesus’s Example
“He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world.”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Christmas” Christmas is such a joyful season because of the hope that Jesus Christ brought to the world through His teachings, example, and atoning sacrifice.
- Invite each child to draw a Christmas tree, or draw one on the board. Invite the children to decorate the tree with words or phrases from “The Living Christ” that describe a gift the Savior has given us (such as “light,” “life,” and “hope”). Let them talk about why they chose those words or phrases.
- Help the children find Christmas hymns that tell of the light, life, and hope that the Savior’s birth brought to the world—for example, “O Little Town of Bethlehem” or “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (Hymns, nos. 208–9). Sing the hymns together, and let the children share how Jesus has brought light, life, and hope into their lives.
- Ask some of the children to read about the shepherds in Luke 2:8–20. Ask others to read about Simeon in Luke 2:25–33. Invite them to share with each other how the shepherds and Simeon felt about finding out that Jesus was born. Why did they feel this way? Why does His birth bring us “great joy”?
Friend December 2019 “The Living Christ” Like light shining through a window, the Savior brings light and hope to a world that sometimes seems dark. Color this stained-glass window, then visit ComeUntoChrist.org/Christmas to learn how you can share Christ’s light!
Additional Resources
- Resources for Teaching Children “Jesus Christ”
- Teaching Children the Gospel “Jesus Christ”
- Teaching Children the Gospel Christmas and Birth of Jesus
- Resources for Teaching Children “Christmas”
- Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “He Sent His Son” Lesson Ideas and Video
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Christmas”
To help your family understand the truths taught about the Savior in “The Living Christ,” you could select some key phrases and work together to find or draw pictures that illustrate those phrases. You could then compile those pictures and phrases into a book.
You may want to record your testimonies of Christ to commemorate the Savior’s birth.
What gifts have we received because of Jesus Christ? Perhaps family members could find answers in “The Living Christ” and then gift wrap items that represent those gifts from the Savior. Your family could open the presents on Christmas day or throughout the week and read scriptures related to each one. Here are some possible scriptures, though your family may find many others: Luke 2:10–14; 1 Peter 2:21; Mosiah 3:8; Alma 11:42–43; Doctrine and Covenants 18:10–12. You could also sing a song about the Savior, such as “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35), to find other gifts that come from Him.
Friend April 2019 “The Living Christ” He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind.
Friend May 2019 Jesus’s life didn’t begin when he was born nor end when he died. Look up the scriptures about His life before birth, his life on the earth, and his life after death and then fill in the crossword puzzle.
Friend June 2019 Jesus was resurrected and lives. Discuss the pictures of him visiting people after his death.
Friend July 2019 Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery saw a vision of Jesus Christ in the Kirtland Temple. Jesus said, “I am he who liveth.”
Friend August 2019 The Prophet Joseph Smith’s testimony of the resurrected Jesus.
Friend September 2019 Write the names of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on the foundation stones.The foundation of a building keeps it strong. The most important foundation stone is called the cornerstone. The prophets and apostles are like the foundation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Jesus Christ is like the most important stone, the cornerstone.
Friend October 2019 Second Coming of Jesus Christ
Friend November 2019 “The Living Christ” The apostles bear testimony of Jesus .Use the hints page to fill in the blanks. The highlighted letters give the final message!
Liahona December 2021 “Christmas, Gathering Israel, and Family History”
A Gift for the Savior
The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles
Christ has set an example for all of us to follow. As we celebrate His birth this Christmas, let’s give Him the gift of becoming like Him. Christ said, “What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am” (3 Nephi 27:27). Can you give the Savior a gift this Christmas by following His example?
- Read the first two paragraphs of “The Living Christ” together.
- Discuss things the Savior did to bless others.
- He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38). How can we go about doing good?
- His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. How can we bring good will to others?
- He entreated all to follow His example? How can we follow Christ’s example?
- Write or draw your gift idea for the Savior.
- Post it somewhere as a reminder of your goal this year.
Discussion: What can you do to bless the lives of others like the Savior did? How will setting an example of following Christ bring others to the Savior?
The Family: A Proclamation to the World
Posted on
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” The Family: A Proclamation to the World”
- Help the children think of things that are so important that they would want to tell everyone about them. Show the children a copy of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” and explain that prophets and apostles wrote it to tell everyone how important families are to Heavenly Father. Ask the children why they think families are so important to Heavenly Father. Share something from the proclamation that you feel everyone needs to know about.
- Ask the children if they know who wrote the family proclamation. (In his message “The Plan and the Proclamation” [Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 28–31], President Dallin H. Oaks described how it was written.) Help the children understand what the words “solemnly proclaim” in the opening paragraph mean. Ask them to share their thoughts about why the prophets and apostles want to “solemnly proclaim” truths about the family in our day.
Friend October 2009 “Coloring Page” “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” teaches me about families.
Marriage is Ordained of God.
Families are Central in Heavenly Father’s Plan.
Friend December 2021 Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones
Trace each family member’s hand on paper. Then cut them out. Line up all the hands. Talk about how the family is part of God’s plan. Help your little ones say, “Our family is important!”
Come Unto Christ “Families Are Central to God’s Plan” Lesson Ideas
For additional teaching ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Family” and Resources for Teaching Children “Family”
I am a “Beloved Spirit Son or Daughter of Heavenly Parents.”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” The Family: A Proclamation to the World”
The family proclamation teaches that we are all children of Heavenly Parents and we are here on earth to become more like Them.
- Sing together “I Am a Child of God” (Children’s Songbook,2–3). Then toss a ball or soft object to a child as you say, “I know a child of God named [child’s name].” Ask the child to toss the object to another child, saying the same words and inserting that child’s name. Repeat the activity until everyone has had a turn. Testify that each child is a “beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents.”
- Consider ways you could illustrate that because we are children of Heavenly Parents, we can become like Them. For example, show pictures of animals and their babies, or of yourself and your parents or children, and help the children see similarities. Testify that just as babies grow up to be like their parents, we can someday become like our Heavenly Parents.
For additional teaching ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Child of God” and Resources for Teaching Children “Heavenly Father”
In the Premortal Life We Accepted Heavenly Father’s Plan of Salvation
For additional teaching ideas see “Plan of Salvation” and Resources for Teaching Children “Plan of Salvation / Plan of Happiness”
Temple Ordinances Allow Family Relationships to Continue Beyond the Grave
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” The Family: A Proclamation to the World”
- Show the children a picture of a temple and a picture of a family. Let the children hold the pictures while you read the last sentence of the third paragraph of the family proclamation. Ask them to point to the correct pictures when you read the words “temples” and “families.” Testify that because of the ordinances of the temple, our families can be united forever. Sing together a song about eternal families, such as “I Love to See the Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 95), and help the children listen for words like “temple” and “family.”
For additional teaching ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Temples” and Resources for Teaching Children “Temples”
God’s Command to Multiply and Replenish the Earth are Still in Force
Procreation only to Occur Between Man and Woman Lawfully Wedded
Parents Have a Sacred Duty to Raise Their Children in Love and Righteousness
Families are Happiest when They Follow Jesus Christ.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” The Family: A Proclamation to the World”
- Draw a large outline of a heart on the board, and invite the children to read paragraph seven of the proclamation. Ask them to look for things they can do to help their families be happy, and write their answers inside the heart. Invite the children to pick something that they can work on to make their homes happier.
- Invite the children to share experiences when they felt loved by a family member. Help the children identify principles from paragraph seven of the proclamation that can help family members feel loved. How should our knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ affect the way we treat our families?
- Ask the children what we can do to make various things strong—such as our teeth, our bodies, or a building. What can we do to make our families strong? Help the children understand the principles that lead to happiness in family life, found in paragraph seven of the family proclamation(see also this week’s activity page). Help the children plan ways they will strengthen their families.
Friend June 2004 “Strengthening My Family” Think about what principle or action each picture might represent and how it could strengthen your family. Glue or tape each picture to a strip of paper, and form a paper chain from the strips. (See article for additional lesson ideas.)
Friend October 2014 ““The Family: A Proclamation to the World” Came from God to Help My Family”
For the Strength of Youth December 2021 “How to Strengthen Your Family” Explanation for how each of the proclamation items helps strengthen the family.
Friend December 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”
- Sing “I Will Follow God’s Plan” (Children’s Songbook, 164–65).
- Families are an important part of God’s plan. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” says, “Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.” We can make our families happier by following Jesus.
- Now play a game! Sit in a circle. Toss a ball or crumpled sheet of paper from person to person. When you throw the ball to someone, tell them one way you have seen them follow Jesus to help someone in your family feel happy.
Liahona December 2021 “How can you strengthen your family through compassion?:
To discuss how to achieve more “happiness in [your] family life,” you could sing together a song about families, such as “Home Can Be a Heaven on Earth” (Hymns, no. 298). What do we learn from the song and from the family proclamationthat would bring more happiness to our family? How can we make sure our family is “founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ”? Consider picking one teaching you want to work on this week.
Disintegration of Family Brings Calamities
“Strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.”
How is Satan trying to weaken families in the world? How can we do our part to strengthen families? For ideas, see President Bonnie L. Oscarson’s message “Defenders of the Family Proclamation” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2015, 14–17).
Additional Teaching Ideas and Resources
Teaching Children the Gospel “Family”
Resources for Teaching Children “Family”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” The Family: A Proclamation to the World”
- Share a few statements from the family proclamation that are especially meaningful to you. Invite the children to share their feelings about those truths. How would our lives be different if we did not know these things? Sing together a song that relates to truths found in the proclamation, such as “I Will Follow God’s Plan” or “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 164–65, 188).
- Show the children pictures (or invite them to draw some) portraying truths found in the family proclamation. These could be pictures of a temple, a family praying or playing together, or a couple getting married. Invite the children to find sentences in the family proclamation that relate to the pictures. What do these sentences teach us?
- Prepare some questions that can be answered in the family proclamation, such as “How does God feel about marriage?” and “What makes a happy family?” Let each child pick a question, and help them find answers in the proclamation.
- Invite a mother and father of one of the children to share with the class how they “help one another as equal partners” in their “sacred responsibilities” in their family. Invite the children to discuss what they can do now to prepare to be righteous wives and husbands, mothers and fathers.
- Ask the children what they would say if a friend asked them why getting married or having children is important. How could we help this friend understand how important families are to Heavenly Father? Help the children find statements in the family proclamation that could help; see also the video “What Is the Purpose of Family?” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
“The divine plan of happiness.”
To help your family see the importance of families in Heavenly Father’s plan, you might write premortal life, mortal life,and life after death on three sections of a piece of paper. Search the proclamation together, and write on the paper what you learn about each of these parts of God’s plan. Why are families so important to God?
Latter Day Kids “The Family Proclamation“ Lesson ideas
Memorize the Proclamation Pictures that go with each line or paragraph.
Resources for Teaching Children “Teaching the Proclamation to Kids”
Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “The Family” Lesson ideas
Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” This is about when it was introduced to the world
Friend October 2009 “We Believe the Family Is Ordained of God” (See more lesson ideas at link.)
- “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” is modern-day revelation. Have the children listen for how many times they hear the words “reveal” or “revealed” as they repeat the ninth article of faith together. Teach that God continues to reveal His will to His children. This communication from God is called revelation. Give a copy of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World” to each child, and explain that the proclamation is revelation given in our day through God’s chosen servants. Have the boys read the title while the girls listen for what this proclamation is about (the family). Next, have the girls read the title while the boys listen for whom the revelation is to (the world). Tell the children that the proclamation teaches us what Heavenly Father wants us to know about families. It teaches us how we can strengthen our families and how to prepare to live in an eternal family.Provide each class with a different sentence or phrase from the proclamation with some words missing. Have them work together to fill in the blanks with the correct words. You may want to include the paragraph number and provide the answers in scrambled order. For example: “The _____ is _____ to the Creator’s _____ for the eternal destiny of His children” (paragraph 1: plan, family, central). Invite each class to stand and recite their completed phrase or sentence. Sing the first verse of “The Family Is of God” (Friend, Oct. 2008, 28–29). Emphasize that the proclamation on the family is revelation from God and that we need to understand and live its teachings.
A Year of Family Home Evening “Lesson 14: A Proclamation to the World & Family Goals”
Church of Jesus Christ. Org Library Gospel Topics “Family”
Liahona April 2024 “A Firm Foundation: Teaching Children the Family Proclamation” Ideas for helping children learn the proclamation.
Articles of Faith: Lesson Ideas
Posted on“Lesson 36: Joseph Smith Writes the Articles of Faith,” Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Lesson and activity ideas
In 1842 a man named George Barstow was writing a history of the state of New Hampshire, and he wanted to include a chapter about the members of the Church living in New Hampshire. Mr. Barstow did not know much about the Church and wanted to find out what the Latter-day Saints believed. Since the headquarters of the Church were in Nauvoo, Illinois, Mr. Barstow contacted his friend John Wentworth, who was the editor of a newspaper in Chicago, Illinois.
Mr. Wentworth asked Joseph Smith about the beliefs and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Prophet answered with a letter that has become known as the Wentworth Letter. In it he told Mr. Wentworth about the First Vision and how he received and translated the gold plates, and he also described the organization of the Church and the persecution and history of the Saints. In the last part of this important letter, the Prophet listed some of the basic beliefs of the Church. This list has become known as the Articles of Faith.
Joseph Smith wrote the Articles of Faith to help people who are not members of the Church understand how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is different from other churches. The Articles of Faith do not contain all of the teachings and beliefs of the Church, but they do explain some of our most important beliefs. They can help build faith, understanding, and a testimony of the gospel, and they also give us a good foundation for sharing the gospel with others.
The Articles of Faith were never published in Barstow’s history of New Hampshire or in Wentworth’s newspaper, but they were published by a Church newspaper in 1842. In 1880 members of the Church at the October general conference raised their hands in common consent to accept the Articles of Faith as scripture. They are now included as scripture in the Pearl of Great Price.
The Articles of Faith Teach Simple Truths of the Gospel.
Sometimes the gospel can seem big and complicated, especially to children. The Articles of Faith can help the children understand, in a simple way, some of the basic truths we believe as Latter-day Saints.
- Choose a few articles of faith that you feel are especially important for the children you teach. For each article of faith, share a picture (see this week’s activity page) or a story (from the scriptures or your life) that illustrates or clarifies a truth taught in that article. Tell the children why that truth is important to you, and let them share why it is important to them.
- Find hymns or children’s songs that can help the children understand one or more of the articles of faith. Perhaps the children can help you choose. Sing the songs together, and help the children see how the songs relate to the articles of faith.
- Invite each child to choose a key word or phrase from one of the articles of faith and share it with the class. Then let the other children guess (or find) which article of faith that word or phrase comes from. Ask the children to share why the word or phrase they picked is important.
- A few days in advance, ask a few of the children to prepare to share in class a short message about their favorite article of faith. Their message could include a picture, a song, a story or experience, or other scriptures. Invite these children to share why they like the article of faith they chose.
- Write on the board some questions people might have about our beliefs that could be answered with one of the articles of faith. Ask the children to pick a question and find an article of faith that answers it. Let them practice answering the question using the article of faith.
Friend December 2021 “Articles of Faith Quiz”
Friend December 2021 “Why I Love the Articles of Faith” Elder Thierry K. Mutombo Of the Seventy tells why he loves the Articles of Faith and tells about his favorite, the 13th Article of Faith. It reminds him of how his father taught him about honesty.
Friend December 2021 “Scripture Time Fun” “We Believe” Tree
- Sing “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook, 34–35).
- The Articles of Faith teach what we believe. Joseph Smith wrote the Articles of Faith to explain the gospel to others.
- (Above) Read “Why I Love the Articles of Faith” on page 26. Cut out 13 circles to make paper ornaments. Number the circles from 1 to 13. Then draw something on the other side that reminds you of that article of faith. You can hang them on your Christmas tree or in another place in your house. As you hang each ornament, say the article of faith that goes with it.
Friend December 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones” Choose an article of faith. Ask your little ones to repeat the words as you read it out loud. Help your little ones say, “The scriptures teach me good things.”
Consider how your family could create “mini-lessons” for the Articles of Faith. For example, throughout the week, each family member could pick one article and find a related scripture, picture, hymn, or children’s song or share a personal experience.
Or family members could take turns asking each other questions about the Church and our beliefs and then answering those questions with an article of faith.
Liahona December 2021 “For Parents: Christmas, Gathering Israel, and Family History” Come, Follow Me Family Fun: Articles of Faith Family Challenge
- Memorize one or more of the Articles of Faith with your family.
- If you have younger children in your home who haven’t memorized the Articles of Faith yet, give them a buddy to help them.
- Try the following activity:
- Sit in a circle.
- Recite an article of faith, with each person saying only one word at a time (the first person starts with the first word, the next person says the second, and so on).
- If a mistake is made, gently correct the mistake and then have the next person say the following word.
- See if you can complete the article of faith with as few mistakes as possible. Then try another one.
Discussion: How can memorizing these important articles help us in our own lives? Reciting these powerful words can help us when our minds are stressed or when we are striving to keep clean or positive thoughts. Knowing these truths can also help us when friends ask us questions about the gospel. (Idea submitted by Brenda Slade and Mitzi Schoneman)
For the Strength Youth December 2021 “Fun Stop: Articles of Faith Activity” This game is a great way to help remember the Articles of Faith. It’s also just the right mix of friendly competition, fun, and laughter.
Here’s how to play.
- Divide your group into two or more teams.
- Place some sort of a basket on the ground for each team. A bowl, garbage can, or even a hole dug into the ground will do just fine.
- Draw a line on the ground far enough away from the baskets to provide a challenge.
- Give each team 13 small and numbered objects to toss at the baskets. The simplest might be pieces of paper that they can write a number on and crumple into a ball. Or it could be rocks or sticks. Just write, draw, or paint the numbers 1 through 13 on the objects.
- Have somebody read clues from one of the Articles of Faith. As soon as a team thinks they know which Article of Faith it refers to, they try tossing that numbered item toward the basket. If they miss, they have to run and grab the object and return to the line before trying to toss again.
- As soon as a team makes a basket, freeze the game.
- If that team correctly identified the Article of Faith, they recite it together and earn a point. If they were wrong, they lose a point and the round continues.
- Take turns rotating team members who try tossing the objects into the baskets. You can also try moving the baskets closer or farther from the line (keeping the distance the same for each team) to change up the difficulty level.
- First team to reach 13 points is the winner!
Additional resources for teaching about the Articles of Faith”
- Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 36: Joseph Smith Writes the Articles of Faith,” Lesson ideas, activities, and stories.
- Resources for Teaching Children “Articles of Faith”
- Teaching Children the Gospel “Articles of Faith”
- Living Scriptures “We Believe in Revelation” Lesson ideas, video, game, refreshment idea.
Latter Day Kids “The Articles of Faith” Lesson ideas
“Chapter 38: The Wentworth Letter,” in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith,435–47.
Learning the Articles of Faith
Friend January 2021 “Matt and Mandy” When a friend at school said she had heard that the church Mandy attends doesn’t believe in Jesus Christ, Mandy tells her the First Article of Faith.
Friend July 2024 “A Chat with Alan about the Articles of Faith” Alan is from Málaga, Spain. We asked him some questions about how he learned the Articles of Faith and how knowing the Articles of Faith helped him. (He was able to share what his beliefs were with a friend using the Articles of Faith.)
Friend August 2018 “Show and Tell”
When me and my grandma take out the trash, we practice memorizing the Articles of Faith! (Sophie A., age 7, Indiana, USA)
7th Article of Faith
Friend August 2021 Matt and Mandy have a new way to memorize the Articles of Faith—with checkers! Before making a move, the first player recites the first few words. The next player repeats it and then adds a few more words before making their move.
Amos; Obadiah
Posted onProphets are messengers of Jesus Christ.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Amos; Obadiah” One of the most important things children can know about prophets is that they are messengers of Jesus Christ. The ideas below can help you teach them this significant truth.
- Whisper to one of the children a message for the rest of the class (such as asking the children to stand on one foot or turn around in a circle), and ask him or her to share the message with the other children. Repeat this activity, allowing a few other children to be the messenger. Help them understand how the messenger in this activity is like a prophet, who shares God’s message with us. Share a few examples of recent messages from the living prophet that have helped you grow closer to Jesus Christ.
- Invite a child to stand at the front of the room and pretend to be the prophet Amos. As you share some facts about Amos from Amos 7:14–15, give the child pictures or props to hold that go with each fact, such as pictures of a sheep, a fruit, and the Lord. Explain that Amos was a shepherd whom the Lord called to be His messenger. Then show pictures of the Lord and the living prophet, and explain that the Lord continues to call messengers today. Read Amos 3:7 aloud, and ask the children to point to the appropriate picture when they hear the words “Lord” and “prophets.” Share your testimony that just as in the days of Amos, Jesus Christ speaks to us through His prophets.
- Share a story from a recent Church magazine about the living prophet or about experiences Church members have had when they have followed the prophet’s counsel. (See also “Meet Today’s Prophets and Apostles” at ChurchofJesusChrist.org.)
- Sing or play a recording of a song about prophets, such as “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110–11), as the children work on this week’s activity page. Point out to the children phrases in the song that teach how prophets lead the way to Jesus Christ.
Prophets are messengers of Jesus Christ.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Amos; Obadiah” Amos 3:7 is a great scripture passage to help the children recognize that when we listen to the prophet, we are listening to a messenger of Jesus Christ.
- Help the children memorize all or part of Amos 3:7. For example, give them a few minutes to read the verse several times while you write every other word of the verse on the board. Invite the children to close their scriptures and say the verse out loud together, using the clues on the board. Then erase a few words at a time until the children can repeat the entire verse without any clues. What does this verse teach us about prophets? How has our living prophet helped us know what the Savior wants us to do?
- Write several questions about prophets on strips of paper, such as the following: Why do we have prophets? What do prophets do? Why do you follow the prophet? What do prophets teach about? Ask the children to get into pairs, and have one child from each pair pick a question and ask his or her partner to answer it. If children need help answering a question, they can look in “Prophet” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). After the partner answers the question, the children can switch roles and choose another question.
- Share with the children several facts about an Old Testament prophet they have learned about this year (such as Noah, Moses, or Isaiah). Ask them to guess which prophet you are describing. Repeat this for other prophets.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Amos; Obadiah” You might review several recent messages from the President of the Church and discuss what the Lord is revealing to your family through him. Why is it important to have a prophet leading the Church? How have we come to know he is a true prophet? What are we doing to follow his counsel?
If I seek good, the Lord will be with me.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Amos; Obadiah”Amos invited the Israelites to “seek good, and not evil” and promised that if they did, “the Lord … shall be with you.” How will you help the children respond to this invitation and receive this promise?
- Display several pictures of children doing good things, such as helping others or taking the sacrament. Let each child take a turn describing one of the pictures while the other children guess which picture he or she is describing. Read Amos 5:14, and help the children think of ways they will “seek good” every day.
- Invite the children to draw pictures of themselves doing something good. Read Amos 5:14, and emphasize the Lord’s promise that He will be with us when we seek good. Invite the children to add to their drawings a picture of Jesus standing with them.
If I seek good, the Lord will be with me.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Amos; Obadiah” Children have many opportunities to choose between right and wrong. Consider how you will inspire them to “seek good, and not evil” (verse 14).
- Invite the children to search Amos 5:4–15, looking for the word “seek.” What does the Lord want us to seek, and what promise does He make to those who do? How do we seek the Lord?
- Help the children memorize the last sentence of the thirteenth article of faith. How do we “seek after these things”?
The Restoration of the gospel ended the famine of apostasy.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Amos; Obadiah” Understanding what Amos taught about apostasy can help the children feel grateful for the Restoration of the gospel.
- Invite the children to read Amos 8:11–12, and talk about what happens when people don’t have the word of the Lord. Help the children define the words apostasy and famine, using the Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org) or a dictionary. How is apostasy like a famine?
- To help the children understand the Great Apostasy, review with them “After the New Testament” (in New Testament Stories, 167–70). Then discuss questions like these: Why was there an Apostasy? What happened as a result of the Apostasy? Why did the Lord restore His gospel? (see also “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Encourage the children to write these questions and their answers and to share them with their families at home.
Children might enjoy making up actions that go with phrases in these verses. When our bodies are hungry or thirsty, what do we do? When our spirits are hungry or thirsty, what do we do? You might also watch the video “The Great Apostasy” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) and talk about how the Restoration of the gospel satisfies our spiritual hunger. Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Amos; Obadiah”
What could it mean to be “saviours … on mount Zion”? (For one possible explanation, see the statement by President Gordon B. Hinckley in “Ideas for Personal Scripture Study.”) Which of our ancestors need saving ordinances? What will we do to help them?
Doctrine and Covenants 137-138
Posted onSection 137
1–6, The Prophet sees his brother Alvin in the celestial kingdom; 7–9, The doctrine of salvation for the dead is revealed; 10, All children are saved in the celestial kingdom.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 137-138” The revelations recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 137and 138 are separated by more than 80 years and 1,500 miles. Section 137 was received by the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1836 in the unfinished Kirtland Temple, and section 138 was received by Joseph F. Smith, sixth President of the Church, in 1918 in Salt Lake City. But doctrinally, these two visions belong side by side. They both answer questions about the destiny of God’s children in the next life. Joseph Smith’s vision helped him understand the eternal destiny of his beloved brother Alvin, who had died six years before the authority to baptize was restored. Joseph F. Smith’s vision revealed glorious truths about the spirit world—surely a comforting revelation to one who had grieved the deaths of many close family members. Joseph F. Smith lost his father, Hyrum Smith, at age 5 and his mother, Mary Fielding Smith, at age 13. By the time of his vision in 1918, he had mourned the passing of 13 children.
The common understanding among Christians in 1836 was that if a person died without being baptized—as Joseph Smith’s brother Alvin had—that person could not go to heaven. Yet Joseph saw Alvin in a vision of the celestial kingdom. See also Saints, 1:232–35.
Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Chapter 39: The Kirtland Temple Is Dedicated”
God has Given Me a Way to Be with My Family Forever.
Doctrine and Covenants 137:1–5
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 137-138”
In a vision, Joseph Smith saw members of his family together in the celestial kingdom. How can you use his vision to teach the children that families can be together forever?
- Show a picture of someone in your family, and talk about how much you want to be with him or her in the celestial kingdom. Explain that Joseph Smith’s brother Alvin died as a young man and Joseph missed him very much. Read Doctrine and Covenants 137:1, 5, and ask the children who Joseph Smith saw in his vision of the celestial kingdom (see also Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 152–53). Invite the children to stretch their arms out wide to show how much they love their families, and ask them to share why they want to be with their families in the celestial kingdom.
- Use Doctrine and Covenants 137:1–5 and this week’s activity page to help the children discover details about Joseph Smith’s vision of the celestial kingdom. Invite them to draw a picture of themselves and their family on the activity page while you play or sing a song about families, such as “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188).
Joseph Smith had a vision of the celestial kingdom and saw his parents and his brother Alvin there. This vision teaches us that if we are righteous, our family relationships can continue in the next life.
- Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 137:1–5 and draw a picture of what they read (see also this week’s activity page). How might Joseph Smith have felt when he saw members of his family in the celestial kingdom?
- Show the video “Families Can Be Together Forever” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), or sing a song about families, such as “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188). What does the video or the song teach us about what we can do to make our families eternal?
Invite your family to draw what they think the celestial kingdom might look like based on these verses. What do you find in these verses that helps you look forward to living there? What are we doing now to prepare to live in the celestial kingdom with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
Friend December 2021 “Scripture Time Fun: Our Heavenly Home”
- Sing “Did Jesus Really Live Again?” (Children’s Songbook,64).
- When Joseph Smith was young, his brother Alvin died. Much later, Joseph had a vision that Alvin would go to the celestial kingdom. Because Jesus Christ died and was resurrected, we can live with our families again after we die and are resurrected.
- Read Doctrine and Covenants 137:1–5. What do you think the celestial kingdom will be like? Take turns saying words to describe it. Then draw a picture of your family with Heavenly Father and Jesus.
Friend November 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones” Tell a story about a family member or friend who has died. Now draw a picture of them! Help your little ones say, “I will be with my loved ones again.”
Section 138
1–10, President Joseph F. Smith ponders upon the writings of Peter and our Lord’s visit to the spirit world; 11–24, President Smith sees the righteous dead assembled in paradise and Christ’s ministry among them; 25–37, He sees how the preaching of the gospel was organized among the spirits; 38–52, He sees Adam, Eve, and many of the holy prophets in the spirit world who considered their spirit state before their resurrection as a bondage; 53–60, The righteous dead of this day continue their labors in the world of spirits.
When I Ponder the Scriptures, the Holy Ghost Can Help Me Understand Them.
Doctrine and Covenants 138:6–11
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 137-138”
The scriptures can sometimes be difficult to understand, especially for children. Doctrine and Covenants 138:11 teaches that the Holy Ghost can open “the eyes of [our] understanding.”
- Show a picture of President Joseph F. Smith (see Gospel Art Book, no. 127). Explain that he was the sixth President of the Church, and one day he was reading the scriptures and pondering them (thinking about what they meant). As you read Doctrine and Covenants 138:6, 11, invite the children to pretend they are President Smith and do actions that go along with the words.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 137-138”
What can the children learn from President Joseph F. Smith’s example that might improve the way they study the scriptures?
- Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 138:1–11, and help them write a one-sentence summary of President Joseph F. Smith’s experience. What did he do that led to his remarkable vision? What does it mean to ponder or reflect on the scriptures?
- Ask the children what they do when they have questions about the gospel. Share some examples from the scriptures or your own life of when pondering the scriptures brought understanding from the Spirit (see, for example, 1 Nephi 11:1–6; Doctrine and Covenants 76:19–24; Joseph Smith—History 1:11–12).
- Tell the children about a time when you pondered something in the scriptures and the Holy Ghost helped you understand it. Sing together a song about scripture study, such as “Search, Ponder, and Pray” (Children’s Songbook, 109). What does this song say we should do to understand the scriptures?
Ponder means to meditate and think deeply, often upon the scriptures or other things of God. When combined with prayer, pondering the things of God may bring revelation and understanding. (Guide to the Scriptures)
What does it mean to ponder? (To think about and consider) The scriptures tell us that many prophets received revelation from the Lord as they were pondering upon the things of God. We also open ourselves up to revelation as we ponder upon our problems during scripture study, during church meetings, and during our prayers.
All of Heavenly Father’s Children Will Have the Chance to Hear the Gospel.
Doctrine and Covenants 138:12–35
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 137-138”
After Jesus Christ was crucified, He visited His faithful Saints in the spirit world. He instructed them to teach the gospel to those who had not received it.
- Show a picture of a tomb (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 58, 59 or Bible Photographs, no. 14), or draw a picture of a tomb on the board. Show a picture of the Savior in the spirit world while His body was in the tomb (such as the one in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). As you do, ask questions to help the children notice key details in Doctrine and Covenants 138:18–19, 23–24, 27–30, such as who Jesus visited, how they felt, and what He asked them to do.
Latter Day Kids “Baptism for the Dead” Lesson ideas
- Show a picture of missionaries (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 109, 110), and ask the children to share what missionaries do. You may also invite them to act out some of the things that missionaries do. Read Doctrine and Covenants 138:31–34 to the children. Explain that just as there are missionaries here on earth, there are also missionaries in the spirit world who teach the people there.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 137-138”
President Joseph F. Smith learned that the work of preaching the gospel continues in the spirit world. This work ensures that everyone will have a chance to accept the gospel.
- On the board, list some verses from section 138. Then list, in a different order, statements that summarize each set of verses. Invite the children to match the statements with the correct verses. Verses could include 12–16 (righteous spirits gather to wait for Jesus to appear), 18–19 (the Savior appears to the righteous spirits), 29–30 (Jesus appoints messengers to preach the gospel), 31–35 (the righteous spirits preach the gospel), and so on. After the children make a match, ask them to share what they learn from the verses.
- Ask some of the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 138:33 to find out what principles of the gospel were taught to the spirits of the dead. Ask other children to read the principles taught in Articles of Faith 1:4. What is similar in these verses, and what is different? What does this teach us about Heavenly Father and His plan?
Doctrine and Covenants 138:38–55.These verses describe those whom President Joseph F. Smith saw in the spirit world and brief details about them. Maybe your family could make a list of your ancestors who are in the spirit world, along with details about their lives.Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 137-138”
Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “The Spirit World”
Liahona December 2021 “What does the Doctrine and Covenants teach about life after death?”
Additional Resources
Living Scriptures “Both Sides of the Veil” Lesson ideas.
- BYU TV “I Saw the Hosts of the Dead” Video about Joseph F. Smith’s vision of the redemption of the dead.
- Institute: Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual “Doctrine and Covenants 137-138”
- “Ministry of Joseph F. Smith: A Vision of the Redemption of the Dead,” Video
- Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 137-138”
Doctrine and Covenants 135-136
Posted onFriend December 2008 “The Martyrdom of the Prophet”
Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Chapter 57: The Prophet Is Killed” Images and video
Friend October 2017 “A New Prophet”
Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith Gave their Lives for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Doctrine and Covenants 135:1–2
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 135-136”
The account of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith can help the children feel gratitude for the testimonies and sacrifices of these great men.
- Use “Chapter 57: The Prophet Is Killed” (Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 201–5) to tell the children about how the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum Smith died. Or let one of the children tell the story. Bear your testimony that Joseph Smith was a true prophet and that he gave his life for the Lord and His gospel.
- Share with the children a few phrases from the Book of Mormon verse that Hyrum Smith read before he went to Carthage Jail, recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 135:5. Talk about how this verse might have comforted Hyrum. Share scriptures that bring you comfort when you are worried or sad.
- Ask the children to share what they know about how Joseph and Hyrum Smith were killed. If they need help, refer them to Doctrine and Covenants 135:1 or “Chapter 57: The Prophet Is Killed” (Doctrine and Covenants Stories,201–5). Invite the children to imagine they were living in Nauvoo when the Prophet died. Ask them to share how they might have felt. Bear your testimony of Joseph Smith, and invite the children to do the same.
- Display pictures of prophets (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 14, 18, 67). What are some things God asks prophets to do? Explain that the Lord promises to bless His prophets for the sacrifices they make in His service (see Matthew 10:39).
Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Joseph and Hyrum Were Killed in Carthage Jail”
Additional Teaching Ideas
- “Lesson 37: Joseph and Hyrum Smith Are Martyred,” Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History
- “Remembering the Martyrdom,” Revelations in Context, 299–306; Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, 529–40
Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 135-136”
Throughout the year, the children have learned what the Lord revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith. You can help them remember and appreciate how Joseph’s work blesses their life.
- Display objects that represent the work of the Prophet Joseph Smith, such as the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, or a picture of missionaries or a temple. Using phrases from Doctrine and Covenants 135:3, share with the children some things that the Lord did through Joseph Smith for our salvation. Invite the children to choose one of these things and share why they are grateful for it.
- As the children color this week’s activity page, sing or play songs about Joseph Smith, such as “Praise to the Man” (Hymns, no. 27). Share your feelings about the Prophet.
- Read together Doctrine and Covenants 135:3, and ask the children to identify what Joseph Smith accomplished. Write on the board what they find. Invite the children to choose one of these things and share why they are grateful for it.
- Encourage the children to each think of a friend or loved one who doesn’t know very much about Joseph Smith. What would they say if that person asked, “Why is Joseph Smith so important to you?” Invite the children to practice what they would say to this person.
Friend November 2021 “Scripture Time Fun”
Friend November 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones” Look at pictures from Church magazines or websites that show scenes from Joseph Smith’s life. Help your little ones say, “Joseph Smith was a prophet.”
Image: “Joseph Smith Timeline” (January 2009 Friend)
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 135-136″
To discuss what is meant by the statement that Joseph Smith did “more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man,” consider reviewing what your family has learned about Joseph Smith this year. You could use pictures from this resource to help them remember what they have learned and invite them to share favorite stories or teachings. Why are we grateful for the Prophet Joseph Smith and for what the Lord accomplished through him? You could also watch the video “Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org).
The Lord Can Bless Me When I am Struggling.
After Joseph Smith was killed, the Saints were driven from Nauvoo. Brigham Young led them to Winter Quarters, where they prepared for an even longer trek to the Salt Lake Valley.
SECTION 136
The word and will of the Lord, given through President Brigham Young at Winter Quarters, the camp of Israel, Omaha Nation, on the west bank of the Missouri River, near Council Bluffs, Iowa.
1–16, How the camp of Israel is to be organized for the westward journey is explained; 17–27, The Saints are commanded to live by numerous gospel standards; 28–33, The Saints should sing, dance, pray, and learn wisdom; 34–42, Prophets are slain so that they might be honored and the wicked condemned.
Doctrine and Covenants 136:4, 10–11, 18–30
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 135-136”
- Share with the children some of the challenges the Saints faced as they left Nauvoo and gathered in Winter Quarters (see chapters 60 and 62 in Doctrine and Covenants Stories,211–16, 222–24). Place a picture of the Nauvoo Temple on one side of the room, and create a simple shelter on the other side—perhaps with a blanket and some chairs or a table. Invite the children to gather near the picture, and tell them that a year and a half after Joseph Smith died, the Saints were forced to leave Nauvoo. Invite the children to walk away from the temple and gather in the shelter to represent the journey to Winter Quarters. Invite the children to imagine how they would feel if they had to leave their homes and find a new place to live in the wilderness. Explain that in Doctrine and Covenants 136, the Lord gave counsel to help the Saints on their journey. Assign each child a few verses from this revelation, such as verses 4, 10–11, 18–30, and ask the children to each find something that could help them with their worries or fears.
- Help the children think of trials people face today. Invite them to find something in section 136 that they might share to encourage someone who is going through such a trial. Children could also find encouraging messages in “Come, Come, Ye Saints” (Hymns, no. 30), a hymn the Saints sang on their journey.
Friend July 2018 “Take Care of Each Other” Joseph Smith organized wards in Nauvoo as a way to take care of the many people who were moving there. Companies were organized when crossing the plains. These also helped take care of each other better. President Eyring’s Great grandfather was helped when he got sick on the trail west. Today, wards continue to help us take care of each other.
Additional Teaching Ideas
- “Lesson 38: Brigham Young Leads the Church,” Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Detailed story, questions, and activities
- “Lesson 39: The Saints Build Winter Quarters,” Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Detailed story, questions, and activities
- “Crossing Iowa” (October 1997 Liahona and October 1993 Friend)
A description of the pioneers leaving Nauvoo, crossing the Mississippi River, and establishing Winter Quarters. - “Waiting in Winter Quarters” (October 2013 Liahona and Friend)
- A photo story about Winter Quarters. Can be used in conjunction with the maps in the activities section.
- “A Song Amid a Storm” (July 2005 Friend)
- A true story about a pioneer family during a storm in Winter Quarters.
Additional Resources
- Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 135–136”
- Institute Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual “Chapter 54: Doctrine and Covenants 134–36”