Preach My Gospel Lesson Five

Lesson Five: Laws and Ordinances (After Baptism and Confirmation)

What are recently baptized members of the Church taught after their baptism? When we were baptized, we covenanted to begin living the laws and ordinances of the gospel. The following seven points are the primary components of lesson five. It is designed to be taught in several installments and as such would be great for seven different family home evening lessons. As you prepare a lesson, the first step is to study the doctrine from each point and then prepare a lesson outline.

1. Priesthood and Auxiliaries

Doctrine: Priesthood is the power and authority to act in God's name for the salvation of His children.

2. Missionary Work

Doctrine: When we are baptized, we covenant to always stand as a witness of God. The Lord commanded His followers to preach the gospel in all the world giving every person the opportunity to accept or reject it. A key doctrine is that of eternal life or the plan of happiness.

3. Eternal Marriage

Doctrine: The basic unit of the Church is the family and within the family, people experience life's greatest joys and sorrows. Marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and central to God's eternal plan of happiness.

4. Temples and Family History

Doctrine: Again, the plan of happiness dictates that all of Heavenly Father's children have the opportunity to accept or reject the gospel. God has commanded His people to build temples and in those temples we make sacred covenants and are endowed with power and knowledge from on high.

5. Service

Doctrine: The plan of happiness teaches us that the crucial part of the test in coming to this world is to serve one another.

6. Teaching and Learning in the Church

Doctrine: We are all teachers and are to teach the doctrine of eternal life to our families and to our fellowmen.

7. Endure to the End

Doctrine: After baptism and confirmation, it is not over but only the beginning. The plan of happiness requires that we serve Heavenly Father and His children all of our days.

Preach My Gospel Lesson Four

Lesson Four from Preach My Gospel is entitled: The Commandments.

It is organized much differently than the first three lessons. The first three lessons presented the basic doctrines: Priesthood and Atonement are found in lesson one, Eternal Life and God Head are found in lesson two, and the Doctrine of Christ is given in Lesson three.

In studying the Preach My Gospel lessons, it is important to note a key scripture found in Alma 12:32 "Therefore God gave unto them commandments, after having made known unto them the plan of redemption, that they should not do evil...."

When we teach the commandments or the rules, this should be done after teaching the doctrine (why) first and the principles (what) second. The commandments about prayer, scripture study, and following the prophet could be done with the first three lessons. The remaining commandments: tithing, the law of the fast, the ten commandments, the law of chastity, and the word of wisdom are great lessons on their own.

The Commandments

1. Obedience. The first law of heaven is obedience. It is a principle. When you teach using the triangle, it is often helpful to teach the doctrine and then depending upon the commandment, obedience is one of those principles that fits every time. "There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated--And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated." (D&C 130:20-21)

Ask: Can you identify the blessings of obedience? How about including the blessings not only in this life, but also in the life to come.

2. Pray Often. 2 Nephi 32:8-9 tells us that it is a commandment to pray. "And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing. For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray, ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but treacheth him that me must not pray. But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faith; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that they performance may be for the welfare of thy soul."

Ask: Why do we pray? What do we pray for? (Teach the language of prayer as modeled in the Lord's prayer.)

3. Study the Scriptures. "Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do." (2 Nephi 32:3) "And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses: but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning." (1 Nephi 19:23) Prophets have consistently taught us to study the scriptures every day, especially the Book of Mormon.

Ask: Why is it important to study the scriptures every day? How have the scriptures blessed your life?

4. The law of the Sabbath. I like this as number 4 because it is also the 4th of the ten commandments. A favorite way of teaching this principle is found in Doctrine and Covenants 59:3-4. "Yea, blessed are they whose feet stand upon the land of Zion, who have obeyed my gospel; for they shall receive for their reward the good things of the earth, and it shall bring forth in its strength. And they shall also be crowned with blessings from above, yea, and with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time--they that are faithful and diligent before me." So the reward for being obedient is more commandments...but that is really good news because the more obedient we are, the more the Holy Ghost will direct our paths and isn't that what life is all about?

Ask: Can you using the triangle explain how the law of the Sabbath works? )The doctrine is the Atonement or eternal life. The principle is obedience. The commandment is the law of the Sabbath. - This is just one of many ways you could explain it.)

5. Baptism and Confirmation. We show our love for the Lord by following His way. His way is through baptism and confirmation. When we are baptized and confirmed, we make a covenant that we will take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ and that we will always remember Him and keep His commandments. We promise to stand as witnesses of God at all times and to help those in need.

Mosiah 18:8-9 teaches "...now as ye are desireous to come into the fold of God and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another's burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life." In return for all of this, Heavenly Father promises us the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, a remission of sins, and being born again.

Ask: What can we do to remember that baptism is just the entry onto the path toward eternal life? What must we do to remember our baptism covenants?

6. Follow the Prophet. Heavenly Father wants all of His children to know the truth. A prophet is called and chosen by God and reveals to him truth through the Holy Ghost. The Lord commands His prophet to teach the truth to all people. We have numerous opportunities to sustain the Lord's prophet and His other chosen servants. Those who follow their counsel will not go astray.

Ask: What does it mean to you personally that Gordon B. Hinckley is a prophet of God today?

7. Keep the Ten Commandments. This is one of my favorite lessons for to prepare children for baptism. I love to teach them out of Exodus 20 the ten commandments in order. I do by first teaching them ten pegs to help them remember the ten commandments.

First - think of a telephone pole looking like the number one - then think "no other Gods before me."

Second - think of the rhyme...one two buckle my shoe - think of a golden shoe and people kissing the shoe - then think "thou shalt have no graven images."

Third - think of a tree...rhymes with three - carved in the tree is "don't take the Lord's name in vain"

Fourth - think of a golfer trying to hit a golf tee with a mustard seed on it....don't golf on Sunday - honor the Sabbath day.

Fifth - think of a little boy driving and his parents in the back seat of the car - "honor your parents."

Sixth - think of the fact that sticks rhyme with six - that could be how someone kills somebody - with a stick - "Thou shalt not kill."

Seven - rhymes with heaven - oh you can't get to heaven if you kiss your neighbor's wife - thou shalt not commit adultry.

Eight - rhymes with gate - there is a lock on the gate - "thou shalt not steal."

Nine - rhymes with fine - you get a fine for lying (line) - "thou shalt not bear false witness or lie."

Ten - think of a big fat hen that lays a golden egg - think that you do not want that hen, but rather one like it..."thou shalt not covet."

Ask: Can you repeat the ten commandments in reverse order?

8. Live the Law of Chastity. This is a perfect opportunity to use the triangle of doctrine, principles and guidelines or rules. First teach the doctrine. The doctrine is that of eternal life. Living the law of chastity is critical to our peace and happiness.

The principle is that of obedience. In the Doctrine and Covenants we read "Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God." (D&C 121:45). Here are other principles that apply: thoughts - positive and pure thoughts push negative and immoral ones out, pornography must be shunned, and we should not read, view, listen to anything that describes the body or sexual conduct in a disrespectful way; words - let your words build up others; actions - always treat others with respect and be modest in all you do.

In 1 Corinthians 10:13, we read: "There is no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."

The rule or commandment is that we reserve sexual intimacy for marriage, we have strict abstinence from sexual relations before marriage, and complete fidelity and loyalty to spouse after marriage. We obey the law by controlling our thoughts, words and actions. The Savior taught "Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, That whosever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." (Matt. 5:27-28)

Ask: How will living the law of chastity bless your life?

9. Obey the Word of Wisdom. This commandment was revealed to the prophet Joseph Smith as a health code. We should remember that our bodies are sacred. Again this is a great law to discuss using the doctrine, principles and guidelines triangle. The doctrine is eternal life.

The principle is obedience. It is also that God has commanded you to take care of your body. "All saints who remember to keep and do these sayings...shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; and shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint." (D&C 18-20)

The commandment, guideline, or rule is " no tobacco products, no form of alcohol, no tea, no coffee, and no drug that destroys your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Ask: What are the blessings for living the word of wisdom and why is it called the Lord's health code?

10. Keep the Law of Tithing. Prophets have always taught about the law of tithes. It is an ancient law. For example, Abraham paid tithes of all he possessed. Malachi 3:10 teaches us that the Lord "will open the windows of heaven and pour out a bless, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Again, it is best explained using the doctrine, principle, and rule.

The doctrine again is eternal life. It is a commandment, we want to obey God's commandments to live with him.

The principle is faith. We pay tithing with faith, not money as the living prophet teaches us.

The rule is that we pay 10% of our increase to the Lord. Is not everything we have that which belongs to the Lord. He only asks that we give back 10%.

Ask: How does it work that as you pay tithing, even if you do not have enough money to cover your needs, that your needs will be met? What experience have you had in obeying this law and what blessings have you enjoyed.

11. Observe the Law of the Fast. Pure religion includes caring for the poor. Great blessings are available to those who obey God's commandment to fast. Fasting means going without food or drink for a period of time. Usually, the first Sunday of the month is set aside as a special day to fast for two consecutive meals, pray and bear testimony. Fasting and prayer go together and should be done for specific purposes. It is a private and spiritual act and should not be down to draw attention to ourselves. We contribute to the Church the money that we would have spent on the two meals that we have skipped. This money is used to bless the lives of the poor and needy. However, our donation should not be limited to the cost of two meals.

Ask: How have you seen special blessings that come from fasting and prayer?

12. Obey and Honor the Law. In the 12th Article of Faith we read: "We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law."

Ask: Why is it important to obey the laws of the country in which you reside?

Preach My Gospel Lesson Three

The following lesson plan has been prepared for the third missionary lesson in Chapter Three of Preach My Gospel.

It is entitled "The Gospel of Jesus Christ." Gospel means "good news." The gospel of Jesus Christ is our Heavenly Father's plan for our happiness and for our salvation.

The reason why we call it the gospel of Jesus Christ is because the Atonement of Jesus Christ is central to Heavenly Father's plan for us. In this plan, Heavenly Father would send His Son Jesus Christ to earth to show us how to live meaningful lives and how to return to live in His presence. Through the grace and mercy of the Savior, we can become clean from sin and live worthy enough to come live with Heavenly Father and Jesus.

To receive strength to live worthy and peace to enjoy our lives, we need to learn and follow the principles and ordinances of the gospel. A principle is an eternal truth based on doctrine that we can apply and an ordinance is a sacred act performed by Priesthood authority where we often covenant with the Lord to keep certain promises. However in the case of the Holy Ghost is is a gift. If we are worthy and continue to be worthy, the Holy Ghost will stay with us all the time. The first principles of the gospel are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and repentance. The first ordinances of the gospel are baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost.

Baptism and the Gift of the Holy Ghost represent an entry into the Lord's kingdom, but are not a destination. What is critical is what we do after these ordinances and this is called "enduring to the end."

Ask: Try to define the words in the preceding overview of Lesson 3 that are marked in bold.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ

1. Through Christ We Can Be Cleansed From Sin. Heavenly Father sent His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, into the world. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whsoever believeth in him should not perios, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into teh world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved." (John 3:16, 17) King Benjamin gives additional clarification to this wonderful Biblical message just quoted. In Mosiah 3:17 he teaches "And moreover, I say unto you there there shall be no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Chirst, the Lord Omnipotent." So we see that only through the Savior's grace and mercy can we become clean form sin. Ours is the responsibility to accept the Savior, repent and obey.

Ask: What is the gospel of Jesus Christ and what does it mean for you personally?

2. Faith in Jesus Christ. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. " (Heb 11:1). We are to believe in Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. He wants us to accept and follow His teachings. As we obey, we receive blessings. A great example of faith is the law of tithing. President Hinckley was quoted in the October 2007 General Conference in Sister Cook's talk as saying that 'tithing is something we pay with faith." The doctrine is eternal life, the priniciple is faith, the law is tithing - one example of how you teach the law of tithing using the doctrine, principles, and rules triangle from a previous FHE lesson on this blog. A great scripture to use in this lesson is the reminder from Ether 12:6 "And now, I Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith."

Ask: What does it mean to have faith? How can faith give you strength? Please give another example of rule like we did for tithing on the doctrine, principles, rules triangle and apply it to faith?


3. Repentance. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ means that you will want to change your life to be better. Repentance means change. Missionaries are to preach nothing save it be faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and repentance. We do this to get people to change their lives. We all need to change. My favorite scripture in teaching repentance is found in 2 Corinthians 7: 9-11. Paul says "Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nother. For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of, but the sorrow of the world worketh death. For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what claring of yourselves, yea what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter."

Faith in Christ leads to repentance, we feel godly sorrow, we stop doing things that are wrong and continue doing things that are right, we confess our sins, and we receive forgiveness. Guilt and sorrow are then replaced by peace.

Ask: What does it mean to repent? Why does everyone need to repent?

4. Baptism, Our First Covenant. "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto theee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5). "Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38) in response to the question of the apostles in verse 37 "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" And in Ephesians 4:5 we are taught there is "one Lord, one faith, one baptism."

Ask: Why does everyone need to be baptized?

5. The Gift of the Holy Ghost. President Packer teaches us that you must not say baptism with out the Gift of the Holy Ghost for they go together. Baptism by immersion is followed then by the Gift of the Holy Ghost. The two are inseparable. Priesthood holders confer the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. The Holy Ghost teaches us, cleanses us, comforts us, and testifies of the truth. It warns us and directs us. "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26) "Behold, again I say unto you, that if ye will enter in by teh way and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show you all things what ye should do. Behold this is the doctrine of Christ." (2 Nephi 32:5)

Ask: What is the Holy Ghost? How can the Holy Ghost bless your life?

6. Endure to the End. We must continue on the path to return to our Heavenly Father's presence once we have been baptized and confirmed. To do this we must do our utmost to remain free of sin in order that we can keep the Holy Ghost with us. By faithfully following the gospel path of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, making and keeping covenants and receiving the Holy Ghost, we qualify for eternal life. Note how baptism is the example of making and keeping covenants. Remember the Sacrament prayers as we weekly renew our baptism covenants. "Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward feasting upon the word of CHirst, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." (2 Nephi 31:20)

Ask: What does it mean to endure to the end?

Preach My Gospel Lesson Two

The following is the lesson plan outline for the second lesson that missionaries teach from Preach My Gospel.

Missionary lessons just as Family Home Evening Lessons are not meant to be taught in a certain order.

This lesson, "The Plan of Salvation" is also known as the "Plan of Happiness." It answers the questions, where did we come from, why are we here and where are we going after we die.

It is centered on the Atonement and brings great comfort.

The Plan of Salvation

1. Where did I come from? Your life did not begin when you were born and it will not end when you die. You are made up of a spirit body (soul) and a physical body. In Jeremiah 1:5 we read the following: "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew theee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." Before we were born our spirits lived with God in a place called the pre-existence.

Ask: What was your relationship with God before you were born?

2. The Creation. This earth was created as a place for us to gain experience and a body. Adam and Eve were the first of Heavenly Father's children to come to earth and lived in a place called the Garden of Eden. "Behold the Lord hath created the earth that it should be inhabited; and he hath created his children that they should possess it." (1 Nephi 17:36)

Ask: Why was it important for you to be given a physical body? Why did Heavenly Father want you to come to earth?

3. The Fall. Heavenly Father gave Adam and Eve agency or the freedom to choose. They were told not to eat of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, but if they obeyed this commandment they could not progress and learn from experiences and challenges. Satan tempted them to eat the forbidden fruit and the chose to eat it. In 2 Nephi 2:25 we find the following: "If Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained int he garden of Eden...And Adam and Even would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin. But behold all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things. Adam fell that men might be; and men are that they might have joy."

Ask: What is the Fall? Why was it necessary?

4. Earth Life. Because of the Fall, we were separated from the presence of our Heavenly Father. This is called spiritual death. Our purpose again in coming to earth is to gain a body and to be tested to prove ourselves worthy to return to the presence of our Heavenly Father. In Alma 24:32 there is a scripture on the purpose of this life: "For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors."

Ask: What is the purpose of your life here? How could this knowledge affect the decisions you make each day? (Notice the importance of teaching the why - the doctrine which is eternal life).

5. The Atonement. Our Heavenly Father loves us. He sent His Son Jesus Christ to pay for our sins. This payment is part of what is called the Atonement of Jesus Christ. "For God so love the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16). There is another scripture that helps us understand the Atonement a little better: "And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people. And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might ake upon him the sins of his people that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and nwo behold, this is the testimony which is in me. (Alma 7:11-13)

Ask: What is the Atonement? How can it help you in your daily life?

6. Where Will I Go After This Life? Many think death is the end, but it is a beginning...a step forward in Heavenly Father's plan. Alma explains this in Alma 40:11-2: "Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection--Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirts of all me, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life. And then shall it come to pass that the spirits of those who are rightesous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow."

Ask: What is the Spirit World? What happens there? (1 Peter 4:6)

7. What Is the Resurrection? One of the great gifts of God to all of his children who come to this world is the resurrection, made possible by the Atonement of the Savior. In the book of Alma, chapter 11: 43-44 we read: "The spirt and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are at this time; and we shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt. Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its pefect frame, as it is now, or in the body, and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil."

Ask: What does it mean to be resurrected? Who will be resurrected? Why is resurrection important?

8. Kingdoms of Glory. After you are judged, you wil live in a state of glory. This is described in 1 Corinthians 15:40-41: "There are celestial bodies and bodies terrestrial; but the glory fo the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corrruption; it is raised in incorruption. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live in the Celestial Kingdom and if you live according to the gospel of Jesus Christ and are cleansed from sin by the Atonement, you will live there too. The terrestial kingdom is for those who refuse to accept the gospel but live honorable lives. The telestial kingdom is for those who continue in their sins and do not repent.

Ask: What is heaven? Why are there different levels of glory?

Preach My Gospel Lesson One

It would be wonderful in Family Home Evening, if you could each go through the five missionary lessons from Preach My Gospel.

The first lesson is entitled "The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ." On the cover of the missionary tract of the first lesson is a picture of the Savior holding a lost lamb.

There are 8 principle points of the first lesson. Perhaps in Family Home Evening you could cover just a few points each time.

Lesson Outline and key scriptures:

1. God is our loving Heavenly Father . In Romans 8:16-17 we read that the Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. And if children, then heirs; heirs of GOd, and joint-heirs with Christ; if is so be that we suffer with him that we may be also glorified together.

Ask: What does it mean to you that God is your Heavenly Father?

2. The Gospel blesses families. Mosiah 2:41 says "And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of neverending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it."

Ask: What are the blessings that you enjoy by being a member of a family?

3. Heavenly Father reveals His Gospel. In Amos 3:7 we read that "surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." This is the way God has always spoken to man.

Ask: What is the role of a prophet? Why is it important to know that God speaks to prophets?

4. Savior's earthly ministry. When Jesus lived on the earth, He established His Church. In Ephesians 2:19-20 we find a description of the Savior's church. "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God. And are buildt upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ helmself being the chief cornerstone. Verse 11 of Ephesians 4 gives additional details about the organization: "And he gave some apostles and some prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers."

Ask: How should the Church of Jesus Christ be organized today? What does it mean to have priesthood authority? (Matt. 10:1 and John 15:16).

5. The Great Apostacy. Following the death of the Savior, wicked people persecuted the members and leaders of His church. The apostles were killed and the priesthood authority was taken from the earth. Heavenly Father knew there would be an apostacy. In Amos 8:11-12 it is recorded that "Behold, the days come...that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thrist for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord...And (people) shall wander frm sea to sea, and form the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it."

Ask: What happened with the authority of Jesus Christ was lost? What were some the results found on the earth due to the apostacy?

6. The Restoration of the Gospel. In 1820, our Heavenly Father chose a prophet by the name of Joseph Smith to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ and the authority to act in His name. Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. In his own words, in Joseph Smith History 1:16-17 (Pearl of Great Price), we read "I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me...When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me inthe air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other--This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!" The skies were not closed. Heavenly Father again spoke to His children. Through that young man, the Church of Jesus Christ that was previously taken from the earth was restored.

Ask: What does it mean to you that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored through Joseph Smith?

7. The Book of Mormon. In restoring His gospel, Heavenly Father brought forth the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus-Christ. By the power of God, Joseph Smith translated the book from gold plates that were given to him by the angel Moroni, one of the prophets who lived in the American continent shortly after the resurrection of the Savior. In the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 20: 9-11 is given a great description of the purpose of the Book of Mormon in the words of the Savior. The Book of Mormon "which contains a record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also. Which was given by inspiration and is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels, and is declared unto the world by them--proving to the world that the holy scriptures are ture and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old."

Ask: What is the Book of Mormon? How is it a witness of Joseph Smith's calling as a prophet. (See Book of Mormon title page and introduction)

8. Pray to know the truth through the Holy Ghost. You can know that the gospel is true. If you ask Heavenly Father, as Joseph Smith did, you can receive an answer from Heavenly Father through the Holy Ghost. In Moroni 10:4-5 is recorded "And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Chirst, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Gost ye may know the truth of all things."

Ask: What is the role of the Holy Ghost? How would you describe what it feels like to receive personal revelation from the Holy Ghost?

Hint: The most effective way to learn about the gospel is to experience the gospel. Having homework as a result of lessons is one of the most effective ways to remember the principles and doctrines taught.