YOUTH CLASSES
November 14, 2021
Come, Follow Me
DOCTRINAL TOPICS & ACTIVITIES
Teach the Doctrine
Led by an adult leader or youth; approximately 25–35 minutes
Prepare Yourself Spiritually
“Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it” (Doctrine and Covenants 135:3).
• DOWNLOAD this Praise to the Man D&C 135:3 bookmark (HERE or below).
• DOWNLOAD Joseph Smith: God’s Chosen Prophet Tribute Search (HERE or below)
This is a bold statement about the role of Joseph Smith. Have you ever thought about what this statement means in your life? How would your life be different if the gospel of Jesus Christ had not been restored? What can you do to help the members of your quorum or class strengthen their testimonies of Joseph Smith’s mission?
D&C 135:3 John Taylor’s statement about the Prophet Joseph Smith’s achievements
As you prepare to teach, in addition to studying Doctrine and Covenants 135, consider reviewing President M. Russell Ballard’s message “Shall We Not Go On in So Great a Cause?” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 8–11) and Elder Neil L. Andersen’s message “Joseph Smith” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 28–31). VIDEO shown right/below.
M. Russell Ballard | April 2020 General Conference | Shall We Not Go On in So Great a Cause?
Learn Together
To begin a discussion about how Joseph Smith helped accomplish Heavenly Father’s plan, you might start by reviewing what quorum or class members learned about the Prophet from reading Doctrine and Covenants 135 this week. For example, they could MAKE A LIST OF TRUTHS THEY KNOW ABOUT THE SAVIOR AND HIS GOSPEL BECAUSE OF JOSEPH SMITH.
Why are each of these truths important in Heavenly Father’s plan? The following activities can help your quorum or class better understand Joseph Smith’s role in the plan of salvation.
POST-AND-PRESENT Activities youth can share
Revealed the Godhead
Brought forth The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ
Revealed The Plan of Salvation
Revealed The Atonement of Jesus Christ’s Blessings
Revealed truths of Jesus Christ’s mission not found in the Bible
HANDOUTS
Revealed The Plan of Salvation
Revealed The Plan of Salvation
Revealed the Godhead
• To help quorum or class members prepare to help others understand the importance of the Prophet Joseph, they could read “The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Joseph Smith” in chapter 3 of Preach My Gospel ([2019], 36–38). Working in pairs or small groups, they could identify points that seem important to share with others. Then they could practice sharing Joseph Smith’s experience with each other in their own words. Ask them to consider what they might do to
SHARE THE MESSAGE OF THE RESTORATION.
Perhaps they can think of a specific person with whom they could share this message. They may also be willing to share experiences when they have helped someone learn about Joseph Smith.
Apostasy & Restoration
Missionaries love this teaching tool
Youth can use this tool to teach children about the restoration
• Ask quorum or class members to imagine that one of their friends at church says, “I’m not sure I have a testimony of Joseph Smith. How do you know he is a prophet?” How would we answer? What do we learn from Joseph Smith’s own experience in Joseph Smith—History 1:8–19 about how we can gain or strengthen our testimonies? Ask quorum or class members to make a list of
WAYS TO STRENGTHEN THEIR TESTIMONIES OF THE PROPHET JOSEPH SMITH and each choose one thing they would like to do this week.
To help quorum or class members better understand the work that God accomplished through Joseph Smith, you could invite them to read pages 48–53 of Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Gordon B. Hinckley (2016) or watch one or more of the videos in “Supporting Resources.” They could pick one or two of the doctrines and practices presented in these resources that are especially meaningful to them. They could explain why they are thankful the Lord restored these things through Joseph Smith. They might also enjoy writing a note expressing their gratitude for how Joseph Smith’s work has helped bring them closer to the Savior. They could also ponder what they can do to more fully take advantage of the blessings the Lord has made available through Joseph Smith.
Revealed the Godhead
ColorQuote Alma 32:28 “Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.”
D&C 135:3 John Taylor’s statement about the Prophet Joseph Smith’s achievements
Act in Faith
Encourage quorum or class members to ponder and record what they will do to act on the impressions they received today. How does today’s lesson relate to personal goals they have made? If they would like, quorum or class members could share their ideas.
Supporting Resources
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Doctrine and Covenants 35:17–18 (Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord restored the fulness of the gospel)
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Russell M. Nelson, “The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2017, 60–63
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“Teachings of Joseph Smith: The Nature of God,” “Ministry of Joseph Smith: The Book of Mormon,” “Ministry of Joseph Smith: The Organization of the Church,” “Ministry of Joseph Smith: The Restoration of Priesthood Authority,” “Ministry of Joseph Smith: Temples” (videos), ChurchofJesusChrist.org
The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?
