Preach My Gospel Family Scripture Study Program

Preach My Gospel Family Scripture Study ProgramCreated by Catania Larson

Table of Contents

1.1 God Is Our Loving Father......................................................................................4

1.2 What Is the Nature of God the Father and Jesus Christ (1/3)................................5

1.3 What Is the Nature of God the Father and Jesus Christ (2/3)................................6

1.4 What Is the Nature of God the Father and Jesus Christ (3/3)..................................7

1.5 The Gospel Blesses Families....................................................................................8

2.1 Heavenly Father Reveals His Gospel in Every Dispensation (1/3)............................9

2.2 Heavenly Father Reveals His Gospel in Every Dispensation (2/3)...........................11

2.3 Heavenly Father Reveals His Gospel in Every Dispensation (3/3)...........................13

2.4 Prophets...............................................................................................................14

2.5 Dispensations.......................................................................................................15

3.1 The Savior’s Earthly Ministry and Atonement.......................................................16

3.2 The Great Apostasy (1/6)......................................................................................17




4.1 The Great Apostasy (5/6).....................................................................................22


4.3 The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Joseph Smith (1/3)............25

4.3 The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Joseph Smith.....................27

4.5 The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Joseph Smith.....................28

5.1 Joseph Smith and the Restoration (1/2)................................................................29

5.2 Joseph Smith and the Restoration (2/2)................................................................30

5.3 The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ (1/2)............................31

5.4 The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ (2/2)............................32

5.5 Pray to Know the Truth through the Holy Ghost...................................................33

6.1 The Plan of Salvation – Pre-earth Life/God’s Purpose and Plan for Us (1/2)..........34

6.2 The Plan of Salvation – Pre-earth Life/God’s Purpose and Plan for Us (2/2)..........35

6.3 The Plan of Salvation – The Creation (1/3)............................................................36



1.1 God Is Our Loving Father

Begin by saying a prayer. On page 31 of the Preach My Gospel manual, Begin reading at the section titled God is Our Loving Heavenly Father. Ask questions to help reinforce understanding:

Who is Heavenly Father How do you think He feels about each of us? Why is it important to know whom Heavenly Father is and that He loves us?

Some people do not now God nor do they believe in Him. In the Book of Mormon, Ammon was a missionary that taught the Lamanites. The Lamanites didn’t know Heavenly Father or Jesus Christ. We will read a little bit of what Ammon taught to King Lamoni, a Lamanite king.

Read Alma 18:24-40.

If you have older kids and have more time, then you can also read the account of Aaron teaching King Lamoni’s father in Alma 22:4-23. Otherwise, just read Ammon’s account.

Ask questions to reinforce comprehension: Did the king know who God was? What did Ammon teach the king to help him know about Heavenly Father? What did King Lamoni think after Ammon had taught him?

Today, there are many people who don’t know or understand about Heavenly Father. What can we do to follow Ammon’s example in our lives? (know the scriptures, share the gospel)

1.2 What Is the Nature of God the Father and Jesus Christ (1/3)

Begin by reviewing what we learned yesterday – some people don’t know who God is.

What are Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ like? How can we find out more about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

Today we will start studying a scripture chain that will teach us about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. (Teach your children how to mark the scripture chain. For more information on this, you can check out my blog: http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/scripture-study-tips-cross-references-and-scripture-chains/ )

Scripture Chain1. 1 Nephi 17:36 – Mark this scripture, read, and discuss the main point:

Heavenly Father created the earth.2. 2 Nephi 9:6 – Mark this scripture, read, and mention the main point:

Heavenly Father created a plan for us to overcome death and sin.3. Mosiah 4:9 – Mark this scripture, read, and mention the main point: He IS!

Believe in Him! He exists!4. 3 Nephi 12:48 – Mark this scripture, read, and mention the main point: God

is perfect.5. 3 Nephi 14:9-11 – Mark this scripture, read, and mention the main point:

Heavenly Father will answer our prayers. He loves us because we are His children.

(Tomorrow’s lesson will begin with 3 Nephi 27:13-22. You might want to write this in the margins of 3 Nephi 14:9-11, but you will read and discuss it tomorrow.)


Review what we did yesterday. Today we will continue to discover what the scriptures teach us about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Scripture Chain (Continued)

1. 3 Nephi 27:13-22 – Mark in scriptures, read, and discuss: The gospel was given to us from God and Jesus Christ.

2. Doctrine and Covenants 38:1-3 – Mark in scriptures, read, and discuss: Jesus Christ: I AM. He is the beginning and the end. He is alpha and omega. He is everything – the first, last, and everything in between.

3. Doctrine and Covenants 130:22 – Mark in scriptures, read, and discuss: Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have a body.

4. Moses 1:39 – Mark in scriptures, read, and discuss: what does this scripture teach us about God? He finds glory in our happiness and eternal life.

5. Matthew 5:48 – Mark in scriptures, read, and discuss: What does this scripture teach us about God? (He is perfect)

(Tomorrow’s lesson will begin with John 3:16-17. You might want to write this in your margins, but we won’t look it up today.)


Review what we learned yesterday. Today, we will finish our scripture chain.

Scripture Chain (Continued)

1. John 3:16-17 – Mark in scriptures. Read. Ask, “What does this scripture teach us about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?” (God loves us, so He sent His Son to save us from death).

2. Acts 17:27-29 – Mark in scriptures. Read. Ask, “What does this scripture teach us about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?” (We should seek God, and we will find Him. We are His children.)

3. Romans 8:16 – Mark in scriptures. Read. Ask, “What does this scripture teach us about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?” (We are children of God.)

4. Hebrews 12:9 – Mark in scriptures. Read. Ask, “What does this scripture teach us about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?” (We are spirit children of God and can receive instruction of Him.)

5. 1 John 4:7-9 – Mark in scriptures. Read. Ask, “What does this scripture teach us about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?” (God loves us. We should love Him, too.)

Finally, in the margins of 1 John 4:7-9, complete the chain by cross-referencing it back to the first scripture of the chain (1 Nephi 17:36). You might also want to write this scripture with a short description somewhere in the front (blank) pages of your scriptures.

I keep a list of scripture chains in the front of my scriptures so I can find them later.

You are done with the chain. You might want to mention a few things that you learned from this exercise.

1.5 The Gospel Blesses Families

We have learned about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ this week. Why is it important to know who Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are? Why is it important to understand what they are like?

The gospel will not only bless us each, individually, but it will bless our entire family.

On page 32 of Preach My Gospel, read the section titled, “The Gospel Blesses Families.”

Discuss what is being read by asking a few questions for understanding: How does the gospel bless our family? Do you think that Heavenly Father considers families to be important? How

important are they? Why did Heavenly Father establish families? How can a home established on gospel principles bless our family?

Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:119. In the margin, write the Keyword: Home. Discuss this scripture:

What does this scripture teach us about God’s house? What is God’s house? How can we make our home like God’s house? Why do you think that we should make our home like a temple? What do you think will happen as we have the Spirit in our home?

Testify of the importance of the companionship of the Spirit in our lives and in our home.

2.1 Heavenly Father Reveals His Gospel in Every Dispensation (1/3)

Read the first paragraph under the heading “Heavenly Father Reveals His Gospel in Every Dispensation” in Preach My Gospel on page 32.

Before you begin reading, tell your children to listen for the words: prophets, priesthood, and revelation.

What does this paragraph teach us about prophets, priesthood, and revelation?

Let’s learn more about these three things:

Look up “Prophets” in the Bible Dictionary. Read through and name some of the prophets.

Read Doctrine and Covenants 121:36. In the margins, write the keyword: Priesthood What does this teach us about the priesthood? Give your children a copy of the following quote to paste in their scriptures,

“The priesthood is the authority of God delegated to men on earth to act in all things for the salvation of mankind.” – Spencer W. Kimball.

o Note: I simply wrote this quote on a post-it, and then let the child stick the post it somewhere in their scriptures near D&C 121:36

Read Doctrine and Covenants 28:2-3 In the margins, write the keyword: Revelation Who receives revelation for our church? Does this mean that we cannot receive revelations for ourselves in our own

lives? (Be sure to emphasize the difference between personal revelation and the power and keys that the prophet has to reveal for the church.)

Read the Second Paragraph on p. 32 of Preach My Gospel, under the heading “Heavenly Father Reveals His Gospel in Every Dispensation

What is Heavenly Father’s plan? What scripture does this remind you of? (Expect various answers, but I was

looking for Moses 1:39 because we had memorized it the week before). Please describe Heavenly Father’s plan? What gift have we been given? (Agency)? What is agency?

Read 2 Nephi 2:27-29 In the margins, write the keyword: Agency

What does this scripture teach us about agency? Why do you think that we can consider Agency to be a gift?


Sum up yesterday’s study: We have been given prophets, and we have the agency to obey or ignore them.

Read paragraphs 3-4 on age 33 of Preach My Gospel, under the heading “Heavenly Father Reveals His Gospel in Every Dispensation”

What is apostasy?

Look in the Topical Guide for clues on Apostasy. Notice how there are four main entries for Apostasy. We will look at each of

them and study one scripture from each type of apostasy listed in the topical guide.

Apostasy There are no scriptures listed here, but read through the “see also” list. What do we learn about apostasy from this?

Apostasy of Individuals – Alma 12:11 In the margins, write the keyword: Personal Apostasy What happens to a person who is hard-hearted? Why do you think that a lack of knowledge, until a person has no

understanding of God will lead to “the chains of hell”?

Apostasy of Israel – Jacob 5:3 In the margins, write the keyword: Apostasy of Israel. Explain that the Olive tree is like the house of Israel. Even though they had

been taken care of, what happened to them? How did they exercise their agency?

The House of Israel has had several periods of faithfulness and apostasy throughout the scriptures.

Apostasy of the Early Christian Church – 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, Joseph Smith History 1:19

In the margins, write the keyword: The Great Apostasy Study 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4. What does Paul teach the people? What is the

“falling away” that he describes? Give each person the quote (on a post-it note, or similar) to affix in their

scriptures: “We affirm that the great apostasy was foretold by the Savior Himself while He lived as a Man among men, and by His inspired prophets both before and after the period of His earthly probation.” – James E. Talmage

Study Joseph Smith History 1:19. What does this teach us about the Great Apostasy?

Why do you think it is important to know that there was a “Great Apostasy?”


Begin by reviewing what was taught yesterday: Apostasy—of individuals, Israel, and the Great Apostasy

Read Paragraphs 5-6 under the heading “Heavenly Father Reveals His Gospel in Every Dispensation” on page 33 of Preach My Gospel

Help your children to understand what the word dispensation means.

Read Doctrine and Covenants 21:4-7 In the margin, write the keyword: Follow the Prophet To whom should we “give heed?” What does “give heed” mean? What does verse 5 tell us about the words of the prophets? Is it enough to “give heed” to the ancient prophets that wrote the scriptures?

What prophet should we also be giving heed to now? What can we do to “give heed” unto the voice of our current prophet? (You

might want to discuss topics that our apostles and prophets have spoken of recently).

Sing all of the verses to Follow the Prophet (Children’s Songbook, p. 110)

What can we do to use our agency to follow the prophet and avoid apostasy?

2.4 Prophets

Review: God blesses every dispensation with revelation and prophets.

Not everyone knows or believes in prophets, but the scriptures teach us about prophets. Today we will study a “Prophets” scripture chain. (Teach your children how to mark the scripture chain. For more information on this, you can check out my blog: http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/scripture-study-tips-cross-references-and-scripture-chains/ )

Prophets Scripture Chain1. Jacob 4:4, 6. Mark in scriptures, read, and discuss: Why did Jacob write the

things he wrote in the scriptures? What else did the prophets teach?2. Mosiah 8:13-18. Mark in scriptures, read, and discuss: What did Ammon

teach King Limhi about prophets, seers, and revelators? Is a seer greater than a prophet? How do you feel to know that President Monson is not only the president of the church, but is also a seer and a revelator?

3. Acts 10:34-43. Mark in scriptures, read, and discuss: What was Peter a witness of? What is so special about Peter’s witness? What do all of the prophets witness of? Peter’s witness is a special witness. Do we have a special witnesses of Christ today? Who are they? (There are many instances when the apostles and prophet bear special witness. One example comes from the April 2013 General Conference: “I am a witness of the Resurrection of the Lord as surely as if I had been there in the evening with the two disciples in the house on Emmaus road. I know that He lives as surely as did Joseph Smith when he saw the Father and the Son in the light of a brilliant morning in a grove of trees in Palmyra.” – Henry B. Eyring).

4. Amos 3:7. Read, mark, and discuss: What will the Lord do before he revelas his secret to the prophets? What does this mean? Will the Lord allow catastrophes and bad events to happen, on a general scale, without some kind of warning first? (Think of an example from your own life. We discussed the recent housing market crash/great recession. For years, the prophets had warned the people to get out of debt and procure a food storage. We chose to follow the prophet. It was hard. Most people might have thought this to be foolish because the economy was going so well. But we sacrificed during a time of plenty, and have been blessed during this time of sparcity.)

Be sure to connect the final scripture of the chain back to the first scripture, and write the key scripture in the list of Scripture Chains at the beginning of your scriptures.

2.5 Dispensations

Review yesterday’s lesson: the prophets.

Today we are going to learn more about dispensations. What are dispensations? (If your children don’t really know, it’s okay. We’ll

learn it today. No need to discuss this at length now.) Why is it important to know that God has always revealed His will and Gospel

to people throughout time?

We will study a scripture chain on dispensations today.

Dispensations Scripture Chain1. Doctrine and Covenants 136:36-38. Mark in scriptures, read, and discuss:

What did the people do to the prophets?a. This scripture was received to the new prophet – Brigham Young.

What had happened to Joseph Smith?b. Why do you think that people would kill the prophets?c. What can we do to sustain our prophet?

2. Moses 5:4-12, 55-59. Mark in scriptures, read, and discuss:a. What was Adam commanded to do after he was kicked out of the

garden of Eden?b. Did he know why he was sacrificing? Then why did he do it?c. What did the angel eventually tell Adam?d. Adam’s dispensation was the first dispensation. He was the first one to

learn of Christ’s role in his life. How did Adam feel when he learned about the Atonement and the purpose of giving sacrifice?

e. Even though Adam’s was the first generation, and the people had a prophet, did they always listen and obey? What did the people begin to do? (Apostasy!)

3. Moses 8:19-30. Mark in scriptures, read, and discuss:a. Here we are reading of another dispensation. Which prophet is

mentioned here?b. Did the people always listen to Noah? What eventually happened to

them?4. Bible Dictionary—Dispensations. Mark in scriptures, read, and discuss:

a. Notice the first sentence. This is a great definition of a dispensation. What is a dispensation?

b. Which dispensation are we currently living in?c. What can we do to keep from becoming like the wicked people in

other dispensations? How can we keep from becoming apostate?d. Why do you think we should sustain and follow the prophet?

3.1 The Savior’s Earthly Ministry and Atonement

Review last week’s reading: prophets and dispensations.

Read the section titled, “The Savior’s Earthly Ministry and Atonement,” p. 34 in Preach My Gospel. Ask the following questions to help with understanding.

Why was Christ sent to the earth? What are some of the things he did during His mortal ministry? What did He give the apostles before His death and resurrection? Why do

you think that He gave them the priesthood?

Study the following scripture chain together. (Teach your children how to mark the scripture chain. For more information on this, you can check out my blog: http://thatgoodpart.wordpress.com/2009/11/14/scripture-study-tips-cross-references-and-scripture-chains/ )

Scripture Chain: The Authority of the Priesthood1. Articles of Faith 1:5 – Read, mark, and discuss: What does this scripture

teach us about callings and the priesthood? Why is authority important? (You might want to connect the idea of priesthood authority with the authority to be a policeman. You can’t just wake up one day and be a policeman; you must be given the authority by the proper person who holds the authority to do so).

2. Matthew 10:1-10 – Read, mark, and discuss. What did Christ do in this scripture? Why do you think that He called these men to serve with Him? What charge did He give them?

3. Luke 6:13 – Read, mark, and discuss: What do we learn about the calling of the 12 from this verse? Did they choose to be apostles? Who chose? Why is it important to understand that we need to be chosen of God? What difference does it make to know that the apostles who lead our church today were chosen?

4. John 15:16 – Read, mark, and discuss: This verse teaches us more about the concept of being called and chosen. What else did Christ do to the apostles? What does ordain mean? Why must a priesthood holder be ordained?

5. Hebrews 5:4 – Read, mark, and discuss: Can a person take the honor of holding the priesthood (and it’s power) unto themselves? If a person must be called of God, then does this mean a woman never is able to enjoy the blessings of the priesthood in her life? (Discuss the difference between the authority to hold and officiate in the Priesthood and the power of the priesthood. We are all blessed by the power of the priesthood. I drew heavily on the talk by Boyd K. Packer, (“The Power of the Priesthood”). I have three daughters. I want them to understand that the priesthood power blesses

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2010/04/the-power-of-the-priesthood?lang=eng

their lives and is relevant. Of course, tailor your discussion to the needs and concerns of your own family.)

3.2 The Great Apostasy (1/6)

Review yesterday: During Christ’s ministry, He called and ordained 12 apostles.

Read paragraph 1 under “The Great Apostasy” p. 34 in Preach My Gospel. What happened to the apostles after the death of Jesus Christ What happened to the church without the apostles and priesthood authority.

Scripture StudyThis assignment can be long, so we broke it up. Each child (and adult) was assigned to read a portion of scriptures independently, then after a few minutes, we reported on what we read. We read the final grouping of scriptures together and had a discussion about it (and the rest of the scriptures we read).

1. 1 Nephi 13:1-9 – a. What is the great and abominable church? b. What did they seek?c. Why did they want to destroy the saints of God?

2. 1 Nephi 13:10-12a. People are inspired to leave Europe and come to the “new world.”b. What separated the Nephites and the Gentiles?c. Who are the Gentiles?

3. 1 Nephi 13:13-19a. What happened to the Gentiles that left their “mother lands” in

Europe?b. What period of history was this?

4. 1 Nephi 13:20-29a. What did the Gentiles have with them?b. What book was this?c. What had happened to this book over time?

5. 1 Nephi 13:30-36a. What will happen to the remnants of Israel and the Gentiles?b. How did Heavenly Father perform His marvelous work?


Review Yesterday: Nephi’s vision – of the latter days, the great and abominable church, the Gentiles.

Read paragraph 2 under the heading “The Great Apostasy” on p. 35 in Preach My Gospel.

Scripture Chain – The Great ApostasyFor the next two days, we’ll study a scripture chain about the great apostasy.

1. 2 Nephi 26:20-21 – Read, mark, and discuss: What do we learn about the gentiles in this scripture? What had the built up? Why? What have these churches caused?

2. 4 Nephi 1:27 – Read, mark, and discuss: not only did the people in Jerusalem experience an apostasy, but others did, too. Who also left the church and God in this verse?

3. Doctrine and Covenants 86:1-3 – Read, mark, and discuss: You might need to explain the parable of the wheat and the tares to your children. Help them understand the significance of this parable and what it has to do with the apostasy.

4. Matthew 24:9-11 – Read, mark, and discuss: What did Christ warn the apostles about? Did this happen to them? Imagine how they must have felt to know that they would be serving God, and they would be rejected and hurt.

5. Mark 12:1-9 – Read, mark, and discuss: The parable of the wicked husbandmen. In my opinion, this is one of the saddest parables! However, it does a good job of teaching the principle of apostasy. Help your children to understand who the Lord of the Vineyard his, the husbandmen, the servants, and the son are.


Review yesterday’s assignment: The Great Apostasy scripture chain. We will continue the scripture chain today.

6. Acts 3:19-21 – Read, mark, and discuss: All of the prophets have preached that there will be a restoration or a restitution of all things.

7. Acts 20:28-30 – The people were warned – wolves would enter into the flock to destroy it. Explain the significance of the symbols – wolves, flock, those who tend the flock. If your children are younger, talk about symbols in general and how they might be used in the scriptures. Understanding symbolism will greatly enhance your understanding of enjoyment in the scriptures. (And all literature).

8. Galatians 1:6-9 – What is Paul saying to the Galatians here? Why do you think that they would remove themselves from the gospel. You might want to explain “pervert.” To pervert something is to change it – for the worse. It is to cause whatever has been changed to lose integrity. While it’s not a bad thing to change, in general, to pervert has serious negative consequences, and the people were perverting the gospel. Why do you think that people might try to pervert the gospel? Instead of perverting the gospel, what should we do?

9. 1 Timothy 4:1-3 – Read, mark, and discuss: What are some of the characteristics of the people during the latter times and apostasy.

10. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 – Read, mark, and discuss: What were the people choosing not to endure? Why do you think that people would choose to ignore sound doctrine? Instead of listening to truth, what were the people searching for? What are you choosing to tune into? Sound doctrine? Fables? Truth?


Review yesterday’s assignment: The Great Apostasy

Today, we will study a scripture in 2 Nephi to learn more about the great apostasy and apostasy, in general.

Read 2 Nephi 28:3-6 What do the people do with the Holy Ghost? What does it mean to deny the

Holy Ghost? What do the people think about miracles? Why? What to the people think about God? Be sure to point out the fallacy in this vain and foolish doctrine. Of course the

people were not experiencing miracles. They denied the Holy Ghost and God. How would they expect God to be a God of miracles? There is no logic to this argument. If the people were exercising faith and heeding the Holy Ghost, and if God was then not performing miracles, then you could make the statement that God is no longer a God of miracles. However, they were omitting their part in the process for miracles, then blaming God. It is silly, and it is a prevailing philosophy.

Read 2 Nephi 28:7-9 What is the vain and foolish doctrine being taught in these scriptures? What is meant by “eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die?” Do we die tomorrow? Is that it? Are we dead forever? If we were to die and then remain dead, then this would be a sound doctrine.

However, the truth is, we die, but our spirits are immortal. We will be reunited with our physical bodies, and we will be resurrected. What we do on earth matters. We will be expected to account for every decision on earth.

It might be a good idea to point out how these vain and foolish doctrines (both in verses 3-6 and in 7-9) can sound pretty good at first. Point out how Satan doesn’t usually straight up lie. Instead, he laces partial truths with seemingly keen observations, then he subtly intertwines a lie within. He is crafty. However, all we have to do is think about his philosophies for just a minute to see right through them! The Spirit will help us with this, too.

Finally, do a comparison and contrast activity. You will be comparing and contrasting two groups of people mentioned in 2 Nephi. Read the scriptures, then have a discussion.

Read 2 Nephi 28:15, 30 – be sure to mention that you will be reading about two different types of people and experiences here.

How are each of these the same (list every possible similarity. There are some! Refrain from listing differences. It is important to see how we all start on the same level ground.)

How are each of these groups of people different? What should we be like? How can we keep from falling into the trap of apostasy?


We have been talking a lot about the Great Apostasy. It is IMPORTANT to understand. Some people don’t believe that an apostasy ever took place. When we understand that the apostasy truly happened, then we will understand the need for a restoration.

The Church of Jesus Christ is built on a foundation of apostles and prophets.

Read Ephesians 2:19-20 – Write a keyword in the margins: Foundation of the Church of Jesus Christ. Read and discuss.

What do we learn about the foundation of the church? Why do you think that it is important for Christ to be the cornerstone of the

church?

Read Ephesians 4:11-14 – Write a keyword in the margins: Organization of Christ’s Church. Read and discuss:

What does this scripture teach us about the organization of Christ’s church? Make sure to discuss what “evangelists” and “pastors” are. Look in the

footnotes for explanation. How does this compare to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

People rejected and killed Christ and His apostles. This resulted in a loss of the priesthood keys and power on earth.

Watch a series of bible videos on lds.org – 1) Jesus is tried by Caiaphas2) Jesus is condemned before Pilate3) Jesus is scourged and crucified4) The martyrdom of Stephen.

Discuss how these videos depicted events that resulted in the great apostasy and a loss of priesthood power on earth.

What else happens when there is no revelation, no gift of the Holy Ghost? No authority?


Review: Christ organized His church, people rejected it, Him, and His servants.

Even before the death of the apostles, conflicts arose. Instead of consulting the Lord, people would just try to figure out their

problems on their own. Often, they changed the things that they didn’t particularly like.

Read Isaiah 24:5 – Keyword: Corruption of the Gospel. Mark and discuss. What did the people do? Why do you think that transgressing laws, changing ordinances, and

breaking the covenants causes the earth to be defiled? Why is it so important for us to keep laws, ordinances, and covenants?

Read Moroni 8:5-12 – Keyword: Baptism of Children. Mark and discuss. What were the people doing? Why did Mormon write a letter to his son

Moroni? What was the way that they were supposed to perform baptisms? How is this related to the warning given in Isaiah 24:5? We can see that this actually happened!

Read 2 Timothy 4:3-4 – Keyword – Corruption of Gospel. Mark and discuss. What do we learn about the saints in this scripture? Instead of seeking the Lord, what are they following? Why do you think that

people often want to follow after their own lusts? Will changing the doctrine and covenants change the fact that a sin is a sin?

The Apostasy and general changes and perversions of the true gospel of Christ have gone on for a loooong time.

Read Doctrine and Covenants 123:12. Keyword: Apostasy We know that people were following their own lusts and kept by the truth

back when Christ organized the church and even before. We find that it was happening even in modern times.

This went on for so long, what kind of effect did it have on the people? Were they physically blind? What does this mean?

Note the final phrase in the verse. Why are some people unaware of the truth?

A Restoration was necessary.

Print out the following quote for your family and read. You may want to print one out for each child (in small font, or write it on a post-it note), so that you can put a copy of this quote in your scriptures at D&C 123:12.

“I acknowledge the Lord’s hand in the restoration of the Gospel. Through the inspired sacrifices of God’s children through the ages, the foundation of the restoration was laid, and the world is preparing for the second coming of Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – Robert D. Hales

4.3 The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Joseph Smith (1/3)

Review: The apostasy means we need a restoration!

Read Preach My Gospel, page 36-37. Paragraphs 1-5 under the heading “The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Joseph Smith.

Discuss points as they stand out to you from these paragraphs.

Today and tomorrow we will study a single scripture. This scripture is incredibly important as it prompted Joseph Smith to pray to know which of all the churches was right to join. Because of this scripture, and because of his prayer, the restoration of the church of Jesus Christ was ushered in.

Print out the following page for everyone. It is the scripture James 1:5. You will study each of the scriptures listed for the footnotes. As you study, you will write notes in the margins.

Note – if you get to a footnote/reference that tells you to look in the Topical Guide, then go to the topical guide! Read through the entry. Look for a scripture that strikes you and read it.

For today, only study the footnotes for a) If and; b) wisdom.

5 aIf any of you lack bwisdom, let him ask of God, that cgiveth to all men liberally, and dupbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

4.3 The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Joseph Smith

Review – the restoration and James 1:5

Continue the spider web by studying footnotes for James 1:5 c) giveth and; d) upbraideth. You might want to also go to a dictionary and look up the word “upbraideth.”

After studying, discuss: How does it make you feel to know that God will answer our questions? What do you need to know? What do you want help with? How can you take

this to the Lord?

4.5 The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Joseph Smith

Review: James 1:5 – this is the scripture that inspired the entire restoration of the gospel.

Read Preach My Gospel, page 37, paragraph 6 under the heading “The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Joseph Smith.”

Watch the video: The Restoration on lds.org (It is about 20 minutes long).

Read Preach My Gospel, page 37, paragraphs 7-8 under the heading “The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Joseph Smith.”

You might want to close with your testimony that Joseph Smith did restore the gospel in these latter-days.

5.1 Joseph Smith and the Restoration (1/2)

Review: Last Week we learned about the Great Apostasy and the Restoration of the Gospel.

Heavenly Father prepared a way for the end of the Great Apostasy: a restoration. Joseph Smith would be His servant that would help to restore the fullness of the gospel. This was revealed to prophets anciently.

Read 2 Nephi 3:1-3 Discuss: Who is speaking here? To whom is Lehi speaking?

Read 2 Nephi 3:4-9. Discuss: Who are Lehi and Joseph related to? Why do you think that Lehi named his son Joseph? What did Joseph (in Egypt) see?

Read 2 Nephi 3:10-14. Discuss: How is the seer of the future like Moses? Note –When Joseph received this revelation, even Moses had not yet lived. What is verse 12 talking about?

Read 2 Nephi 3:15-18. Discuss: What is the name of the seer?

Read 2 Nephi 3:19-22. Discuss: What would Joseph (Smith) do? Who is “crying from the dust”?

Read 2 Nephi 3:23-25. Discuss: How does this covenant, the restoration of the gospel, bless Israel and all of

Joseph’s family? Why do you think that Lehi and Joseph both had received revelations that

Joseph Smith would later live and help to gather Israel? Why would this be important to them?

5.2 Joseph Smith and the Restoration (2/2)

Review: 2 Nephi 3 – the prophecy of Joseph Smith.

Today we will study a scripture chain about the restoration and Joseph Smith.

Scripture Chain: The Restoration and Joseph Smith

2 Nephi 3:11 Mark, read, and discuss: Joseph smith will be brought forth in the latter days, empowered by God.

Doctrine and Covenants 112:30. Mark, read, and discuss: What had the Lord restored? Why is this organization critical as a part of His church?

Ephesians 1:10 Mark, read, and discuss: What will be gathered? Why?

Ephesians 4:5 – Mark, read, and discuss: How many true and full churches are there? Why does it matter to know that only ONE church is authorized with the

priesthood?

James 1:5 – Mark, read, and discuss: What does this scripture teach us about God? If you want to know the truthfulness of this Gospel, according to this

scripture, what can you do?

5.3 The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ (1/2)

Review: Restoration and Joseph Smith.

Read Preach My Gospel, page 38, paragraph 1 under the heading, “The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.”

What happened, over the centuries, to the bible?

Read 1 Nephi 13:25-29 In this prophecy that Nephi received, what did he see? When this book was first written, how was it? Was it missing “plain and

precious parts?” What happened to this book over time? Why had it been changed?

Because of the Great Apostasy and because many people perverted (or changed, for the worse) the words of the Bible, confusion had ensued.

Get a piece of cardstock or paper. You will also need a few markers. Begin reading the quote by Tad Callister and illustrate it on the cardstock as you read.

“The Bible is one witness of Jesus Christ; the Book of Mormon is another. Why is this so crucial? The following illustration may help. How many straight lines can you draw through a point on a piece of paper? [Draw a point on the paper, and then draw many lines going through it.] The answer is infinite. For a moment, suppose that single point represents the Bible and that hundreds of those straight lines drawn through that point represent different interpretations of the Bible and that each of those interpretations represents a different church.” [On several of the lines, I wrote the names of different churches. Additionally, I labeled the point “Bible”]

“What happens, however, if on that piece of paper, there is a second point representing the Book of Mormon? [draw a second point, labeled “Book of Mormon.”] How many straight lines can you draw between 2 reference points: the Bible and the Book of Mormon? ONLY ONE interpretation of Christ’s doctrines survives the testimony of these two witnesses.”


How can we know the Book of Mormon is true? Bear testimony of the Book of Mormon

5.4 The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ (2/2)

Review: Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon. This was essential to the restoration of the gospel.


Watch video: Book of Mormon Testimonies (on lds.org/media or on Youtube/mormonmessages)

Read the Title Page of the Book of Mormon. As you are reading, ask the 5 w’s and h.

Who? – There are many more than one “who” answered in the title page. What? Where? When? Why?

Share a favorite Book of Mormon Scripture, or, if you wish, write your testimony of the Book of Mormon for your children.

5.5 Pray to Know the Truth through the Holy Ghost

Read Preach My Gospel, page 39, the entire section “Pray to know the truth through the Holy Ghost.”

Prayer is communication. How many people are involved when we pray? (various answers.) What about when we are praying by ourselves? 2! Don’t forget about Heavenly Father. Prayer is communication!

Scripture Chain: Obtaining Testimony through Prayer

Alma 4:45-46 – Mark, read, and discuss: How did Alma gain a testimony? How much did he fast and pray? Was it a “one-time” thing?

Doctrine and Covenants 8:2-3 – Mark, read, and discuss: How will God answer us? What does “in your mind and in your heart” mean? Do prayer and the spirit of revelation have much power? How do you know?

John 14:26 – Mark, read, and discuss: Who is sent to us? In whose name is the Holy Ghost sent? Why? Why can’t we have access to the

Holy Ghost on our own? What will the comforter do? What is the relationship between comfort and revelation?

Introduction to the Book of Mormon, Paragraphs 8-9 What have we been invited to do?

6.1 The Plan of Salvation – Pre-earth Life/God’s Purpose and Plan for Us (1/2)

Before reading, ask your children, “Why are we here on earth? What is the purpose of our lives?” Today, we’re going to learn about the reason why we are on earth.

In Preach My Gospel, page 48, read the first two paragraphs from the section “God’s Purpose and Plan for Us.”

What can give us the answers to the questions that we asked earlier? Who is the Father of our Spirits? How do you think that Heavenly Father feels about you? You may want to take the time to draw the relationship between our earthly

fathers and our Heavenly Father. Show the children how Heavenly Father is like many earthly Fathers – he loves His children. Of course, Heavenly Father is PERFECT and loves His children, each of us, perfectly.

In Preach My Gospel, page 48, read the third paragraph from the section “God’s Purpose and Plan for Us.”

What is God’s purpose? What does the word, purpose mean? (many younger children may

misunderstand this word. You may want to find the definition of it and really explain what it means.)

Read Moses 1:39 (You might want to consider memorizing this scripture!) Give background – in this scripture, the Lord is speaking to Moses. What are God’s work and His glory? What do those things mean? What does this verse mean by “work”? What is

“glory”? Why do you think that Heavenly Father works for our salvation? Why do you think that Heavenly Father finds glory when we succeed and

receive eternal life? How do you suppose Heavenly Father feels about each of us?

Sing the Song “I can Follow God’s Plan for Me” (Children’s Songbook, page 164) This song is a primary song that the children learned last year (2014) that

really emphasizes the purpose and plan of our lives.

6.2 The Plan of Salvation – Pre-earth Life/God’s Purpose and Plan for Us (2/2)

Review: God’s work and His glory.

Begin by reading Paragraphs 4-6 in Preach My Gospel, page 48, under the heading “Pre-Earth Life: God’s Purpose and Plan for Us.”

Who was central to God’s Plan? We have a choice to make. This is called agency. Who are we able to choose

to follow? Right now, while we’re on earth, are we able to see God – face to face – on a

daily basis? We have been separated from Him. But we can find a way to make a relationship with Him. We can find a way to feel Him in our lives. What can we do?

Before moving on, emphasize the fact that we lived with Heavenly Father before coming to earth. This is the first part of the plan of salvation – our antemortal existence.

Sing the song, “I Lived in Heaven,” (Children’s Songbook, page 4) Where did we live before we came to earth? Who else was there? What was presented in Heaven? What did Heavenly Father need? Why would Christ have to give His life? Who else tried to volunteer? Jesus came to earth, did He fulfill His mission as the Messiah? What is the blessing we receive because of the Savior and the Plan of

Salvation?

6.3 The Plan of Salvation – The Creation (1/3)

Review: We lived in Heaven before we came to the earth.

A major component of the Plan of Salvation would be mortality. We, God’s children, would live on earth. It was crucial that God would create an earth for us to inhabit so His plan could go forward.

Read the Section, “The Creation,” in Preach My Gospel, page 49

Who created the earth? Why was the earth created?

The CreationAs you study the creation, mark, in the margins of your scriptures, each “day.” I like to take a pen or pencil and bracket the included verses, rather than highlight large chunks of text.

Read Moses 2:1-5 – Light Before God created the earth it was “without form, and void.” What does this

mean? We believe that the elements used to create the earth existed before God

created the earth. The creation wasn’t magic! It was miraculous, but it still had order and the wisdom of God behind it.

Read Moses 2:6-10 - Firmament What did God create on the second day? What is the firmament? Explain that the firmament is the atmosphere, the heavens. “Waters from the

waters” much of the earth and its atmosphere is made of water molecules. Our atmosphere is very unique and supports life. Heavenly Father also had the dry land appear. Why would this be important

for our earth? How did Heavenly Father feel about his creation?

Are there planets that exist without water? Do they sustain life? Why do you think that God created the earth to have light and to have water?


Review: God created the light and the firmament.

Continue Studying the CreationRead Moses 2:11-13 - Plants

What did God create? Each of these plants had seeds and fruit. Why do you think that is? How did Heavenly Father feel about His creation?

Read Moses 2:14-19 – Sun and Moon What did Heavenly Father create next? How does this compare to what was created on the first day? Why did God create the sun and the moon? What would this earth be like without the sun? (Everything would be dead!) How does the moon affect our earth (tides, etc)? How did Heavenly Father feel about his creation?

Think about what God created on the third and fourth day. How do you feel about the plants – the trees, flowers, grass, shrubs – on this earth? How do they help us in the Plan of Salvation? How would we do, on earth, without plants? (We’d be dead!!!)

Think about the sun, moon, and stars. What do you like about them (emphasize experiences in nature. Often they are spiritual and easy for children to relate to)?

How can you show Heavenly Father your gratitude for these creations?


Review: God created plants, and the sun, moon, and stars.

Moses 2:20-23 – Fish in the water and birds in the air What did God create? Why do you think that God created birds, fish, etc.? How did He feel about His creation? What is the commandment that He gave to the animals? Why do you think

that they would need to multiply?

Moses 2:24-25 - Animals What did God create next? What are your favorite animals that God created? How do animals bless our lives and help God’s purpose: the Plan of

Salvation?

Moses 2:26-31 – People Well, God has created the light, the water, the atmosphere, the land, the

plants, the fish, the birds, and the animals. What else does He need to create? People!

When God created people, what did He make them look like? Emphasize what this means: God doesn’t look like a whale or a cow. What

does He look like? Why do you think that we were created to look like Heavenly Father? What commandment did Heavenly Father give to the first people He created? What does God explain about the creation in verse 29 and 30? Because God has given us this earth, does this mean we should just treat it

however we want? Should we put trash on the ground, use more than we need, or hurt animals just for fun? How should we treat the earth, this magnificent creation that God made for us?

Yet – should we ignore these creations? Should we try not to use plants, eat, or enjoy the earth? Heavenly Father DID create this earth for our consumption. We just need to be wise and thankful.

Finally, how does Heavenly Father feel about the earth that He had created?

Documents

Preach My Gospel Family Scripture Study Program