Before joining the Church, Leman Copley had been part of a religious group known as the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, also known as the Shakers. After a conversation with Leman, Joseph Smith sought clarification from the Lord about some of the Shakers’ teachings. The Lord responded with the revelation in section 49. Some of the Shakers’ beliefs are mentioned in the section heading.

What did the Lord teach in section 49 to correct the beliefs of the Shakers? What evidence do you see in this revelation of His love and concern for people who do not have the fulness of His truth? How can you reach out to them with love and concern?

What impresses you about the Lord’s observation in verse 2? You might compare this to what happens if you watch only part of a movie, see one piece of a puzzle, or hear one side of an argument. How does the Lord’s warning relate to Doctrine and Covenants 50:24? Consider what you’re doing to receive more light from the Lord.

See also “Leman Copley and the Shakers,” in Revelations in Context, 117–21.

You can find some of this truth in Doctrine and Covenants 49:15–17; Genesis 2:20–24; 1 Corinthians 11:11; and “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” Make a list of the truths you find. Why is marriage so important to God’s plan?

Elder Ulisses Soares taught that “the restored gospel of Jesus Christ proclaims the principle of full partnership between woman and man, both in mortal life and in the eternities” (“In Partnership with the Lord,” Liahona, Nov. 2022, 42). You might study his message, looking for principles “that strengthen the partnership between man and woman.” How can you apply these principles in your life? If someone of another faith asked you why marriage is important, how would you respond? Why are you grateful for this understanding?

See also Topics and Questions, “Marriage,” “Family,” Gospel Library; David A. Bednar, “Marriage Is Essential to His Eternal Plan,” Ensign, June 2006, 83–84; “Renaissance of Marriage” (video), Gospel Library.

IDEAS FOR TEACHING CHILDREN

• To introduce these verses, you could explain that the Shakers were a religious group that believed people should not get married (see the section heading to Doctrine and Covenants 49). Invite your children to find things the Lord taught about marriage in Doctrine and Covenants 49:15–17. What does it mean that “marriage is ordained of God”? Maybe you could read together the first three paragraphs of “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” Then talk about why marriage and family are important to Heavenly Father.

If you were asked to help these members understand how to recognize true manifestations of the Holy Ghost, what principles in Doctrine and Covenants 50 would you share? (see especially verses 22–25, 29–34, 40–46). How has the Savior helped you know the difference between truth and error?

See also 1 Corinthians 14:1–28; 2 Timothy 3:13–17.

IDEAS FOR TEACHING CHILDREN

One way you might study Doctrine and Covenants 50:13–24 is to draw a picture of a teacher and a learner. Next to each, make a list of words and phrases from these verses that teach you something about gospel learning and teaching. When have you had experiences that taught you the importance of the Spirit in teaching and learning? Consider what you can do to improve your efforts as a gospel learner and teacher.

For example, how do these verses guide your choices about how to spend your time? what entertainment or media to seek?
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Which conversations to engage in? What other decisions can these verses help you with? A hymn like “The Lord Is My Light” (Hymns, no. 89) might inspire additional thoughts.

See also “Walk in God’s light,” For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices, 16–21.

IDEAS FOR TEACHING CHILDREN

• To introduce Doctrine and Covenants 50:23–25, talk with your children about the difference between light and dark. Why do we need light? You could read together the first paragraph of “Walk in God’s light” in For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices (page 17) as well as Doctrine and Covenants 50:23–25. Talk about ways we receive God’s light and ways we can chase darkness away. You could then sing together a song about their spiritual light, such as “Shine On” (Children’s Songbook, 144).