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Come, Follow Me – Doctrine and Covenants (February)

Links for other months: January, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December

February, Week 1

Day 1

Primary
1. Today read D&C 3.
2. At times we may feel pressured by others to disobey God. Joseph Smith felt similar pressure when Martin Harris asked to take the translated pages of the Book of Mormon. Joseph learned, however, that these are moments when we should be faithful to God and not give in to the pressure of others.
3. Watch the video “Martin Harris Helps Joseph.”

Youth
1. Today read D&C 3.
2. At times we may feel pressured by others to disobey God. Joseph Smith felt similar pressure when Martin Harris asked to take the translated pages of the Book of Mormon. Joseph learned, however, that these are moments when we should be faithful to God and not give in to the pressure of others.
3.

Martin Harris was a respected citizen of Palmyra and successful farmer who was one of only a few people in the area who believed Joseph Smith. Though almost twice his age, Martin was Joseph’s friend and gave him money so he could move to Harmony, Pennsylvania, to translate the Book of Mormon undisturbed. Martin also sacrificed to travel there himself and serve as scribe.

Martin’s wife, Lucy, was not supportive of his involvement with the Book of Mormon translation. Martin asked Joseph if he could show the first 116 pages of the translation to Lucy as evidence of their work. Joseph prayed about it twice and each time was told not to allow Martin to take the pages.

Joseph prayed a third time, and the Lord gave permission with strict conditions. Martin took the pages to Palmyra to show them to his wife.

The day after Martin left, Emma Smith gave birth to her and Joseph’s first child, a son. Tragically, the infant lived only a few hours, and it seemed Emma might die too. Thankfully, Emma’s health started improving after a couple weeks. Though Joseph did not want to leave her side, Emma urged him to travel to Palmyra and inquire about the manuscript.

When Joseph arrived at his parents’ home, they invited Martin to join them for breakfast. Martin didn’t come for more than four hours. When he finally arrived and sat down, he mournfully exclaimed, “I have lost my soul!” He had not followed the strict guidelines and had lost the manuscript.

“Oh, my God, my God. All is lost!” Joseph said. “Must I return to my wife with such a tale? And how shall I appear before the Lord?”

After Joseph returned to Harmony, Moroni appeared and took the plates from him. (See Saints, 1:50–54.)

4. Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained what it means to fear God:

There are many places in the scriptures that counsel mankind to fear God. In our day we generally interpret the word fear as “respect” or “reverence” or “love”; that is, the fear of God means the love of God or respect for Him and His law. …

… We should so love and reverence Him that we fear doing anything wrong in His sight, whatever may be the opinions of or pressure from others. (D. Todd Christofferson, “A Sense of the Sacred” [Church Educational System fireside for young adults, Nov. 7, 2004], 6–7, broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

5. Why would the Lord allow Joseph to give Martin the pages after his third request? Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

Martin begged Joseph to ask a third time, and Joseph did so. This time God did not say no. Instead, it was as though God said, “Joseph, you know how I feel about this, but you have your agency to choose.” Feeling himself relieved of the constraint, Joseph decided to allow Martin to take 116 manuscript pages and show them to a few family members. The translated pages were lost and never recovered. The Lord severely rebuked Joseph.

Joseph learned, as the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob taught: “Seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For … he counseleth in wisdom” [Jacob 4:10]. Jacob cautioned that unfortunate things happen when we ask for things we should not. …

If we have received personal revelation for our situation and the circumstances have not changed, God has already answered our question. (Dale G. Renlund, “A Framework for Personal Revelation,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 18)

Day 2

Primary
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 4.
2. Joseph Smith Sr. wanted to know how he could serve God and others. In response to his father’s desire, the Prophet Joseph sought and received the first of several revelations given to individuals who desired to assist in the Lord’s work. 3. Though he had not yet associated himself with any organized religion, Joseph Smith Sr. believed what his son shared about his heavenly visions and supported him in his translation of the Book of Mormon. Joseph Sr. wanted to serve God but did not know what to do. In February 1829, he and his wife visited Joseph Jr. in Harmony, Pennsylvania. During that visit, the Prophet Joseph received Doctrine and Covenants 4 in answer to his father’s question.
3. Listen to the song “Dare to Do Right.”

Youth
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 4.
2. Joseph Smith Sr. wanted to know how he could serve God and others. In response to his father’s desire, the Prophet Joseph sought and received the first of several revelations given to individuals who desired to assist in the Lord’s work. 3. Though he had not yet associated himself with any organized religion, Joseph Smith Sr. believed what his son shared about his heavenly visions and supported him in his translation of the Book of Mormon. Joseph Sr. wanted to serve God but did not know what to do. In February 1829, he and his wife visited Joseph Jr. in Harmony, Pennsylvania. During that visit, the Prophet Joseph received Doctrine and Covenants 4 in answer to his father’s question.
4. Joseph Smith Sr. went on to serve in Christlike ways throughout his life. Shortly after this revelation, he shared the gospel with Oliver Cowdery. Joseph Sr. continued to support his son and was baptized into the Church soon after it was organized. He also became one of the Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon. Joseph Sr. worked on the Kirtland Temple and served in various callings, including Patriarch and assistant counselor to the First Presidency. At age 63, he served a mission to the Eastern United States.
5. Why should I serve God? Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

Serving Him requires all of our heart, might, mind, and strength. Consequently, selflessly serving others counteracts the self-centered and selfish tendencies of the natural man. We grow to love those whom we serve. And because serving others is serving God, we grow to love Him and our brothers and sisters more deeply. Such love is a manifestation of the spiritual gift of charity, even the pure love of Christ. (David A. Bednar, “If Ye Had Known Me,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 104)

Day 3

Primary
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 5:1-15.
2. Lucy Harris, the wife of Martin Harris, was upset about the time and money her husband was dedicating to the publication of the Book of Mormon. She filed a legal complaint against Joseph Smith and gathered several people who were willing to testify that he had lied about the existence of the plates. Martin was warned that if he did not join them in testifying against Joseph, Martin could also be sent to prison. Though Martin had previously been a scribe for Joseph, had shown characters from the plates to scholars to verify their antiquity, and had lost 116 pages of the original manuscript, Martin still sought a further witness of the reality of the gold plates. He traveled to Joseph Smith’s home, where Joseph inquired of the Lord and received the revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 5.
3. Listen to the song “A Child’s Prayer.”

Youth
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 5:1-15.
2. Lucy Harris, the wife of Martin Harris, was upset about the time and money her husband was dedicating to the publication of the Book of Mormon. She filed a legal complaint against Joseph Smith and gathered several people who were willing to testify that he had lied about the existence of the plates. Martin was warned that if he did not join them in testifying against Joseph, Martin could also be sent to prison. Though Martin had previously been a scribe for Joseph, had shown characters from the plates to scholars to verify their antiquity, and had lost 116 pages of the original manuscript, Martin still sought a further witness of the reality of the gold plates. He traveled to Joseph Smith’s home, where Joseph inquired of the Lord and received the revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 5.
3. Although Martin was not allowed to see the gold plates at that time, this revelation strengthened him in a way that enabled him to bear powerful testimony of the Prophet. The Lord has provided witnesses to help each of us gain our own testimony of Joseph Smith as a prophet of God and the Book of Mormon as another testament of Jesus Christ.
4. Why do you think the Lord is more concerned about us believing in and hearkening to His words in the Book of Mormon than He is about us knowing that the plates existed? Referring to the Book of Mormon, President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) taught:

The evidence for its truth, for its validity in a world that is prone to demand evidence, lies not in archaeology or anthropology, though these may be helpful to some. It lies not in word research or historical analysis, though these may be confirmatory. … The test of its truth lies in reading it. It is a book of God. (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Four Cornerstones of Faith,” Ensign, Feb. 2004, 6)

5. Later, Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer would see the gold plates and testify of their reality. You will learn more about this event when you study Doctrine and Covenants 17. Referring to the Three Witnesses, President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught:

Their testimony stands uncontradicted by any other witnesses. Reject it one may, but how does one explain three men of good character uniting and persisting in this published testimony to the end of their lives in the face of great ridicule and other personal disadvantage? Like the Book of Mormon itself, there is no better explanation than is given in the testimony itself, the solemn statement of good and honest men who told what they saw. (Dallin H. Oaks, “The Witness: Martin Harris,” Ensign or Liahona, May 1999, 36)

Week 2

Day 1

Primary
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 6.
2. There is a Doctrinal Mastery Scripture in this chapter! Doctrine and Covenants 6:36.

36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

3. On April 5, 1829, Oliver Cowdery met Joseph Smith for the first time. Two days later, he became Joseph’s scribe for the Book of Mormon translation. Doctrine and Covenants 6 includes counsel from the Lord that addresses many of the questions and concerns Oliver had about participating in the Lord’s work.
4. Watch the video “The Lord Sends Oliver Cowdrey.”

Youth
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 6.
2. There is a Doctrinal Mastery Scripture in this chapter! Doctrine and Covenants 6:36.

36 Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.

3. Oliver Cowdery was a schoolteacher who began boarding with Joseph Smith’s parents in the fall of 1828. While staying with the Smith family, Oliver learned about Joseph’s divine calling and the ongoing translation of the Book of Mormon. Oliver felt prompted to ask if he could help Joseph with the translation. In the spring of 1829, Oliver accompanied Joseph’s brother Samuel to Harmony, Pennsylvania, to meet the Prophet for the first time. Soon after arriving in Harmony, Oliver became Joseph Smith’s scribe. Although Oliver had previously received a divine confirmation of Joseph’s prophetic gift to translate, he still had questions about his own participation in the Lord’s work. Joseph Smith received the revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 6 during this time.
4. How does the Savior feel about me despite my concerns? Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

My dear young friends, if the Savior were here right now, what would He say to you?

I believe He would start by expressing His deep love for you. He might say it with words, but it would also flow so strongly—just from His presence—that it would be unmistakable, reaching deep into your heart, filling your whole soul!

And yet, because we’re all weak and imperfect, some concerns might creep into your mind. You might remember mistakes you’ve made, times you gave in to temptation, things you wish you hadn’t done—or wish you had done better.

The Savior would sense that, and I believe He would assure you with words He has spoken in the scriptures:

“Fear not” [Luke 5:10; 8:50; 12:7; Doctrine and Covenants 38:15; 50:41; 98:1].

“Doubt not” [Doctrine and Covenants 6:36].

“Be of good cheer” [Matthew 14:27; John 16:33; Doctrine and Covenants 61:36; 68:6; 78:18].

“Let not your heart be troubled” [John 14:1, 27].

(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Jesus Christ Is the Strength of Youth,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 9)

5. How can I look unto Christ in every thought? President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency taught:

The way to optimism as we go forward was given by the Lord: “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (D&C 6:36). President Monson told us how to do that. We are to ponder and apply the Book of Mormon and the words of prophets. Pray always. Be believing. Serve the Lord with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. We are to pray with all the energy of our hearts for the gift of charity, the pure love of Christ (see Moroni 7:47–48). And above all, we are to be consistent and persistent in following prophetic counsel. (Henry B. Eyring, “Fear Not to Do Good,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 103)

6. What can happen to me when I look unto Christ in every thought? President Russell M. Nelson taught:

Our focus must be riveted on the Savior and His gospel. It is mentally rigorous to strive to look unto Him in every thought. But when we do, our doubts and fears flee. (Russell M. Nelson, “Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 41)

Day 2

Primary
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 7.
2. With Oliver Cowdery serving as his scribe, Joseph Smith made miraculous progress on the translation of the Book of Mormon during the spring of 1829. While we don’t know specific details about how Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, we do know he did it by the gift and power of God.
3. Listen to the song “Dare to Do Right.”

Youth
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 7.
2. With Oliver Cowdery serving as his scribe, Joseph Smith made miraculous progress on the translation of the Book of Mormon during the spring of 1829. While we don’t know specific details about how Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, we do know he did it by the gift and power of God.
3. Later historical accounts indicate that in addition to using the Urim and Thummim (sometimes called the Nephite interpreters or spectacles) to translate the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith used another instrument called a seer stone. The Prophet had discovered this instrument several years before he obtained the gold plates. We do not know many details about how Joseph used these instruments God had prepared. But witnesses said Joseph would sometimes place either the Urim and Thummim or the seer stone into a hat to block out light, which allowed him to better see the words that appeared on the physical instruments
4. Watch the video “Seer Stone.”
5. Why do we know so little about how the translation happened? Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

Why do we not have more disclosure concerning the process of translation of the Book of Mormon? Perhaps the full process was not disclosed because we would not be ready to understand it, even if given. Perhaps, too, the Lord wanted to leave the Book of Mormon in the realm of faith, though it is drenched with intrinsic evidence. After all, Christ instructed Mormon, who was reviewing the Savior’s own teachings among the Nephites, not to record all of them on the plates because “I will try the faith of my people” (3 Ne. 26:11). Perhaps the details of translation are withheld also because we are intended to immerse ourselves in the substance of the book rather than becoming unduly concerned with the process by which we received it. (Neal A. Maxwell, “By the Gift and Power of God,” Ensign, Jan. 1997, 41)

6. How can the Book of Mormon be a revelatory experience for me? Elder Kim B. Clark, emeritus General Authority Seventy, taught:

The Book of Mormon can be a revelatory experience for you, just like it was for Joseph.

The prophets who wrote the Book of Mormon saw our day. They wrote to us. Their words speak to our times, our needs, and our purposes. If your heart is open as you read and pray about the Book of Mormon, the Holy Ghost will “manifest the truth of it unto you” [Moroni 10:4]. (Kim B. Clark, “Thou Art Joseph” [worldwide devotional for young adults, May 7, 2017], ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

Day 3

Primary
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 8.
2. There’s a Doctrinal Mastery Scripture in this section: Doctrine and Covenants 8:2-3.

2 Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.

3 Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground.

3. Oliver Cowdery was impressed by Joseph Smith’s ability to translate the Book of Mormon. He wanted God to give him the same gift. The Lord promised Oliver the gift to translate, according to his faith. At that point, Jesus Christ taught Oliver many important principles about revelation.
4. Listen to the song “A Child’s Prayer.”

Youth
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 8.
2. There’s a Doctrinal Mastery Scripture in this section: Doctrine and Covenants 8:2-3.

2 Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.

3 Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground.

3. Oliver Cowdery was impressed by Joseph Smith’s ability to translate the Book of Mormon. He wanted God to give him the same gift. The Lord promised Oliver the gift to translate, according to his faith. At that point, Jesus Christ taught Oliver many important principles about revelation.
4. Based on your personal study and experience, what are some ways God communicates to our minds? How does He communicate to our hearts? Elder Richard G. Scott (1928–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared some of the ways God speaks to our minds and hearts through the Holy Ghost:

I bear witness that the Lord, through the Holy Ghost, can speak to your mind and heart. Sometimes the impressions are just general feelings. Sometimes the direction comes so clearly and so unmistakably that it can be written down like spiritual dictation. (Richard G. Scott, “To Acquire Spiritual Guidance,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 9)

You might help students see a pattern of communication to the mind and heart in the following examples involving Oliver Cowdery: Doctrine and Covenants 6:22–24; 9:8–9. Students could look for words and phrases the Lord used to explain some of the ways He speaks to our mind and heart.

It may be helpful to explain that the burning of the bosom described in Doctrine and Covenants 9:8 can refer to “a feeling of comfort and serenity” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Teaching and Learning by the Spirit,” Ensign, Mar. 1997, 13).

5. What can the Holy Ghost help me understand? Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

Personal revelation is based on spiritual truths received from the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is the revealer and testifier of all truth, especially that of the Savior. Without the Holy Ghost, we could not really know that Jesus is the Christ. (Quentin L. Cook, “The Blessing of Continuing Revelation to Prophets and Personal Revelation to Guide Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 98)

6. What should I do when God doesn’t seem to answer me? Elder Richard G. Scott (1928–2015) taught:

What do you do when you have prepared carefully, have prayed fervently, waited a reasonable time for a response, and still do not feel an answer? You may want to express thanks when that occurs, for it is an evidence of [God’s] trust. When you are living worthily and your choice is consistent with the Savior’s teachings and you need to act, proceed with trust. … When you are living righteously and are acting with trust, God will not let you proceed too far without a warning impression if you have made the wrong decision. (Richard G. Scott, “Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 10)

Day 4

Primary
1. Today watch “Days of Harmony.” Stop at 11:33.

Youth
1. Today watch “Days of Harmony.” Stop at 11:33.

Week 3

Day 1

Primary
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 10:1-42.
2. As the translation of the Book of Mormon continued, a question came up: What should Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery do about those lost pages of the translation? It might make sense to retranslate that portion, but the Lord saw something they could not: their enemies were planning to alter the words on those pages to cast doubt on Joseph’s inspired work. God had a plan to avoid that problem and keep the work moving forward. Thousands of years earlier, God inspired Nephi to write a second record that covered the same time period “for a wise purpose in Him” (1 Nephi 9:5).
3. Listen to the song “Dare to Do Right.”

Youth
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 10:1-42.
2. As the translation of the Book of Mormon continued, a question came up: What should Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery do about those lost pages of the translation? It might make sense to retranslate that portion, but the Lord saw something they could not: their enemies were planning to alter the words on those pages to cast doubt on Joseph’s inspired work. God had a plan to avoid that problem and keep the work moving forward. Thousands of years earlier, God inspired Nephi to write a second record that covered the same time period “for a wise purpose in Him” (1 Nephi 9:5).
3. What was in the 116 pages? In the preface to the first edition of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith explained:

I translated, by the gift and power of God, and caused to be written, one hundred and sixteen pages, the which I took from the Book of Lehi, which was an account abridged from the plates of Lehi, by the hand of Mormon; which said account, some person or persons have stolen and kept from me, notwithstanding my utmost exertions to recover it again. (“Preface to Book of Mormon, circa August 1829,” iii, josephsmithpapers.org)

4. Did we lose teachings we needed with the loss of the 116 pages? Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that the Lord’s “wise purpose” for commanding the writing and preserving of the small plates of Nephi went beyond compensating for the loss of the 116 manuscript pages:

As the Lord instructs Joseph on the procedure for translating and inserting the material from the small plates into what had been begun as the translation of the abridged large plates, he says, “Behold, there are many things engraven upon the [small] plates of Nephi which do throw greater views upon my gospel” (emphasis added). …

… We got back more than we lost. And it was known from the beginning that it would be so. It was for a wiser purpose. We do not know exactly what we missed in the 116 pages, but we do know that what we received on the small plates was the personal declarations of three great witnesses, three of the great doctrinal voices of the Book of Mormon, testifying that Jesus is the Christ. …

… As readers of the Book of Mormon, we have Nephi, Jacob, and Isaiah to speak to us immediately as personal eye-witnesses of the premortal Savior. They are recipients of marvelous revelations regarding his life and ministry and of God’s covenant relationship with the House of Israel, ancient and modern. …

I think it would be exciting if the 116 pages of manuscript turned up some day, but if they were delivered to my office tomorrow I would never trade them for the material in the small plates of Nephi, for the “greater views” given through the great prophetic sentinels who stand at the gate of the book. (Jeffrey R. Holland, “A Standard unto My People” [address to Church Educational System religious educators, Aug. 9, 1994], 7–9)

Day 2

Primary
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 10:43-70.
2. In Doctrine and Covenants 10, the Lord taught Joseph that those who stole the pages planned to alter the words of the manuscript. If Joseph retranslated the same material, they would have claimed that he translated it differently and therefore was a false prophet. Instead, the Lord had wisely prepared a way for Joseph to frustrate these evil plans.
3. Listen to the song “A Child’s Prayer.”

Youth
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 10:43-70.
2. Why would the Lord’s message in Doctrine and Covenants 10:43 have been especially comforting for Joseph after the loss of the 116 pages? In Doctrine and Covenants 10, the Lord taught Joseph that those who stole the pages planned to alter the words of the manuscript. If Joseph retranslated the same material, they would have claimed that he translated it differently and therefore was a false prophet (see Doctrine and Covenants 10:10–19).
3. What are examples of the work God asks youth to accomplish today? What cunning plans does Satan use to try to stop us from accomplishing God’s work?
4. This story illustrates the wisdom of God.

  1. 1 Nephi 19:1–3 — God commanded Nephi to make two sets of plates that covered the same time period.
  2. Words of Mormon 1:3–7 — God inspired Mormon to include Nephi’s small plates with the abridgment of the same time period Mormon had already made from Nephi’s other plates.
  3. Doctrine and Covenants 10:30, 40–42 — God told Joseph Smith to translate Nephi’s small plates rather than retranslate what Martin had lost from Mormon’s abridgement of the large plates.
  4. Doctrine and Covenants 10:43–46 — God compared the content of the stolen pages to what Joseph would translate moving forward.

3. Watch the video “The Work of God.”

Day 3

Primary
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 11:1-7.
2. Whom we choose to follow, the things we seek after, and how we spend our time can greatly influence who we will eventually become. As part of the Restoration, our loving Savior provided generous counsel on where the focus of our lives should be.

Youth
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 11:1-7.
2. Whom we choose to follow, the things we seek after, and how we spend our time can greatly influence who we will eventually become. As part of the Restoration, our loving Savior provided generous counsel on where the focus of our lives should be.
3. Why is eternal life more valuable than earthly riches? Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

We are God’s children, set apart for immortality and eternal life. …

In the end, it is the blessing of a close and abiding relationship with the Father and the Son that we seek. It makes all the difference and is everlastingly worth the cost. (D. Todd Christofferson, “Our Relationship with God,” Liahona, May 2022, 79–80)

4. How can I come to know Heavenly Father better? Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said:

Of the many magnificent purposes served in the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ, one great aspect of that mission often goes uncelebrated. His followers did not understand it fully at the time, and many in modern Christianity do not grasp it now, but the Savior Himself spoke of it repeatedly and emphatically. It is the grand truth that in all that Jesus came to say and do, including and especially in His atoning suffering and sacrifice, He was showing us who and what God our Eternal Father is like, how completely devoted He is to His children in every age and nation. In word and in deed Jesus was trying to reveal and make personal to us the true nature of His Father, our Father in Heaven.

He did this at least in part because then and now all of us need to know God more fully in order to love Him more deeply and obey Him more completely. (Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Grandeur of God,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2003, 70)

5. What is the wisdom we seek that leads to eternal life? Elder Christoffel Golden of the Seventy taught:

Our quest for eternal life is nothing other than a quest to understand who God is and for us to return to live with Him. The Savior prayed to His Father, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” [John 17:3]. (Christoffel Golden, “The Father and the Son,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 99–100)

Day 4

Primary
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 11:8-30.
2. As the Restoration of Jesus Christ’s gospel began to unfold, several people wanted to know how they might help. This included members of Joseph Smith’s own family, like his brother Hyrum. The Lord praised Hyrum for his good desires and taught him how to prepare to assist in the work.
3. In May 1829, Hyrum Smith’s great desire was to participate in the Restoration of the Savior’s Church. He traveled over 250 miles from Palmyra, New York, to Harmony, Pennsylvania, to visit his younger brother Joseph and learn what he could do to help.
4. Listen to the Third Article of Faith song.

Youth
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 11:8-30.
2. As the Restoration of Jesus Christ’s gospel began to unfold, several people wanted to know how they might help. This included members of Joseph Smith’s own family, like his brother Hyrum. The Lord praised Hyrum for his good desires and taught him how to prepare to assist in the work. In May 1829, Hyrum Smith’s great desire was to participate in the Restoration of the Savior’s Church. He traveled over 250 miles from Palmyra, New York, to Harmony, Pennsylvania, to visit his younger brother Joseph and learn what he could do to help.
3. Why is the example of Hyrum Smith and others important for me to remember? President M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

We should always remember the price Joseph and Hyrum Smith paid, along with so many other faithful men, women, and children, to establish the Church so you and I could enjoy the many blessings and all of these revealed truths we have today. Their faithfulness should never be forgotten! …

… Consider what offering you will present to the Lord in righteousness in the coming days. Be courageous—share it with someone you trust, and most important, please take the time to do it! I know that the Savior is pleased when we present Him an offering from our hearts in righteousness, just as He was pleased with the faithful offering of those remarkable brothers, Joseph and Hyrum Smith, and all other faithful Saints. (M. Russell Ballard, “Shall We Not Go On in So Great a Cause?,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 11)

4. How were Hyrum’s desires to serve the Lord fulfilled? President M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained:

Hyrum gave unfailing service to the Church. In 1829 he was among a handful of individuals who were allowed to view the gold plates from which the Book of Mormon was translated, and for the rest of his life he testified to the divine nature of the Book of Mormon. … He was among the first to be baptized in this gospel dispensation. At age thirty, he was the oldest of the six men chosen in 1830 to formally organize The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. … In 1833, when the Lord chastised the Church for delaying the start of the Kirtland Temple, Hyrum was the first to start digging its foundation. …

Hyrum served in the Ohio bishopric, on the first high council, as Patriarch, counselor in the First Presidency, and finally as one of only two men ever to hold the office of Assistant President of the Church.

Hyrum served many missions for the Church. …

Clearly, Hyrum Smith was one of the firm pillars of the Restoration. But sadly, many Church members know little about him except that he was martyred with his brother in Carthage Jail. (M. Russell Ballard, “Hyrum Smith: ‘Firm as the Pillars of Heaven,’” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 7)

Week 4

Day 1

Primary
1. Today read Joseph Smith History 1:66-75 and Doctrine and Covenants 13.
2. While working on the Book of Mormon translation, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery learned that Jesus Christ gave the Nephites authority to baptize. As they prayerfully sought to know more, Joseph and Oliver were visited by John the Baptist and later Peter, James, and John, who were sent to restore priesthood authority to the earth.
3. Watch the video Angels Restore the Priesthood.

Youth
1. Today read Joseph Smith History 1:66-75 and Doctrine and Covenants 13.
2. While working on the Book of Mormon translation, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery learned that Jesus Christ gave the Nephites authority to baptize. As they prayerfully sought to know more, Joseph and Oliver were visited by John the Baptist and later Peter, James, and John, who were sent to restore priesthood authority to the earth.
3. In a talk given to the women of the Church, President Russell M. Nelson taught about the significance the priesthood restoration can have in our lives:

How I yearn for you to understand that the restoration of the priesthood is just as relevant to you as a woman as it is to any man. Because the Melchizedek Priesthood has been restored, both covenant-keeping women and men have access to “all the spiritual blessings of the church” or, we might say, to all the spiritual treasures the Lord has for His children.

Every woman and every man who makes covenants with God and keeps those covenants, and who participates worthily in priesthood ordinances, has direct access to the power of God. (Russell M. Nelson, “Spiritual Treasures,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 77)

4. What is the meaning of each of the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood? President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught:

What does it mean that the Aaronic Priesthood holds “the key of the ministering of angels” and of the “gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sins”? The meaning is found in the ordinance of baptism and in the sacrament. Baptism is for the remission of sins, and the sacrament is a renewal of the covenants and blessings of baptism. Both should be preceded by repentance. When we keep the covenants made in these ordinances, we are promised that we will always have His Spirit to be with us. The ministering of angels is one of the manifestations of that Spirit. (Dallin H. Oaks, “The Aaronic Priesthood and the Sacrament,” Ensign, Nov. 1998, 37–38)

5. Watch the video “Days of Harmony” from 17:48 to 21:02.

Day 2
Primary
1. Doctrine and Covenants 13:1 is a Doctrinal Mastery scripture.

1 Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.

2. John the Baptist called Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery his “fellow servants.” What do you think it means to be a fellow servant with John the Baptist? (see Matthew 3:13–17; Luke 1:13–17; 3:2–20).
3. Listen to the song “Dare to Do Right.”

Youth
1. Doctrine and Covenants 13:1 is a Doctrinal Mastery scripture.

1 Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.

2. John the Baptist called Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery his “fellow servants.” What do you think it means to be a fellow servant with John the Baptist? (see Matthew 3:13–17; Luke 1:13–17; 3:2–20).
3. As you read what John the Baptist said about the Aaronic Priesthood in section 13, ponder how the keys of this priesthood help accomplish John’s mission to prepare the way of the Lord. For example:

4.. Elder Dale G. Renlund and his wife, Ruth, offered this explanation about priesthood keys:

“The term priesthood keys is used in two different ways. The first refers to a specific right or privilege conferred upon all who receive the Aaronic or Melchizedek Priesthood. … For instance, Aaronic Priesthood holders receive the keys of the ministering of angels and the keys of the preparatory gospel of repentance and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins (see Doctrine and Covenants 13:1; 84:26–27). Melchizedek Priesthood holders receive the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, the key of the knowledge of God, and the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the Church (see Doctrine and Covenants 84:19; 107:18). …

“The second way the term priesthood keys is used refers to leadership. Priesthood leaders receive additional priesthood keys, the right to preside over an organizational division of the Church or a quorum. In this regard, priesthood keys are the authority and power to direct, lead, and govern in the Church” (The Melchizedek Priesthood: Understanding the Doctrine, Living the Principles [2018], 26).

Day 3
Primary
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 14.
2. Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery faced severe persecution while translating the Book of Mormon in Harmony, Pennsylvania. They wrote to the Whitmer family asking if they could move to their home in Fayette, New York, to complete the translation. After divine manifestations from the Lord, Mary and Peter Whitmer Sr. and their family decided to invite Joseph, Emma, and Oliver into their home. They supported them while they worked on the translation. David Whitmer in particular felt inspired by the work of the Restoration and desired to know the Savior’s will for him.
3. Listen to the song “A Child’s Prayer.”

Youth
1. Today read Doctrine and Covenants 14.
2. Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery faced severe persecution while translating the Book of Mormon in Harmony, Pennsylvania. They wrote to the Whitmer family asking if they could move to their home in Fayette, New York, to complete the translation. After divine manifestations from the Lord, Mary and Peter Whitmer Sr. and their family decided to invite Joseph, Emma, and Oliver into their home. They supported them while they worked on the translation. David Whitmer in particular felt inspired by the work of the Restoration and desired to know the Savior’s will for him.
3. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained what it means to endure to the end:

Enduring to the end, or remaining faithful to the laws and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout our life, is a fundamental requirement for salvation in the kingdom of God. …

… Enduring to the end is not just a matter of passively tolerating life’s difficult circumstances or “hanging in there.” Ours is an active religion, helping God’s children along the strait and narrow path to develop their full potential during this life and return to Him one day. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Have We Not Reason to Rejoice?,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2007, 20)

4. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

If we give our heart to God, if we love the Lord Jesus Christ, if we do the best we can to live the gospel, then tomorrow—and every other day—is ultimately going to be magnificent, even if we don’t always recognize it as such. Why? Because our Heavenly Father wants it to be! He wants to bless us. A rewarding, abundant, and eternal life is the very object of His merciful plan for His children! It is a plan predicated on the truth “that all things work together for good to them that love God” [Romans 8:28]. So keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep growing. Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow, and forever. (Jeffrey R. Holland, “Tomorrow the Lord Will Do Wonders among You,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 127)

5. What is eternal life? President Russell M. Nelson taught:

Eternal life is so much more than a designation of time. Eternal life is the kind and quality of life that Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son live. When the Father offers us everlasting life, He is saying in essence, “If you choose to follow my Son—if your desire is really to become more like Him—then in time you may live as we live and preside over worlds and kingdoms as we do.” (Russell M. Nelson, “Four Gifts from the Savior,” Ensign, Dec. 2019, 15)

6. Is enduring to the end more than making it through hard times? Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles (1917–2008) explained:

Some think of enduring to the end as simply suffering through challenges. It is so much more than that—it is the process of coming unto Christ and being perfected in Him. …

Enduring to the end means that we have planted our lives firmly on gospel soil, staying in the mainstream of the Church, humbly serving our fellow men, living Christlike lives, and keeping our covenants. (Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Press On,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2004, 101)

Day 4
Primary
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 17.
2. The Lord promised Joseph Smith that three others would be witnesses of the gold plates. Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris were called of God to be these witnesses. Through their faith, they were visited by the angel Moroni and heard the Savior’s voice declaring what they saw was true.
3. Watch the video “Witnesses See the Book of Mormon Plates.”

Youth
1. Read Doctrine and Covenants 17.
2. The Lord promised Joseph Smith that three others would be witnesses of the gold plates. Joseph Smith knew through the Book of Mormon and revelations that the Lord would allow other individuals to see the gold plates. He knew that three of the witnesses would see them through the power of God (see 2 Nephi 27:12–13; Ether 5:2–4; Doctrine and Covenants 5:11–15). Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris each had an inspired desire to be one of the witnesses. Each played an important role in the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.
3. Read The Testimony of the Three Witnesses.
4. What can we learn from the Three Witnesses about gaining our own witness that the Book of Mormon is true? President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency testified of the power of their witness.

Those you love can have more than the physical evidence given those witnesses by what they saw and heard. Those Three Witnesses had something more, something we all need. The Holy Ghost bore witness to their minds and hearts that what they saw and heard was true. The Spirit told them that the angel was from God and that the voice was that of the Lord Jesus Christ. That witness of the Spirit was given to them and many who were not there. It is a witness that can, if we qualify for the companionship of the Holy Ghost, be ours and stay with us forever.

The Three Witnesses never denied their testimony of the Book of Mormon. They could not because they knew it was true. They made sacrifices and faced difficulties beyond what most people ever know. Oliver Cowdery gave the same testimony about the divine origin of the Book of Mormon as he lay dying. But in the times of trial, they wavered in their faith that Joseph was still God’s prophet and that the only way to come unto the Savior was through His restored Church. That they continued to affirm what they saw and heard in that marvelous experience, during long periods of estrangement from the Church and from Joseph, makes their testimony more powerful. (Henry B. Eyring, “An Enduring Testimony of the Mission of the Prophet Joseph,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2003, 90)

5. Watch “A Day for the Eternities” from 15:01 to 17:55.