Jesus Christ’s
SECOND COMING
“Now is the time for you and for me to prepare for the SECOND COMING of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.” – Russell M. Nelson
“The Lord Jesus Christ Will Come Again”
General Conference Oct. 2024
YOUTH CAN TEACH Activities #1-34
. . . OUTLINE . . .
Part 1 Grow in Confidence Before the Lord
TOPICS: Faith that Jesus Christ will come again; Change of Heart; Follow Jesus
Part 2 Charity
TOPICS: Heart-to-heart love & service like Jesus
Part 3 Virtue
TOPICS: Thoughts; Words; Actions; Modesty & Chastity
Part 4 Prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ
Part 5 Let the Spirit Be Your Guide
Part 6 Seek to Be with the Millennial Messiah
TOPICS: Millennial reign 1,000 years of peace; Follow Jesus; Gather Israel (temple work, missionary service, fellowship, family history)
YOUTH CAN TEACH
So, please let them teach as it helps them learn the gospel and grow their testimony as they share it.
The following activities are based on the counsel given to us by our Prophet Russell M. Nelson in the April 2025 General Conference to prepare for the SECOND COMING of Jesus Christ. (see Church News report HERE)
QUOTE ON PREPARING FOR THE SECOND COMING
“Grow in your confidence before the Lord by diligently seeking to have charity and virtue, and to prepare for the Second Coming of the Savior, Jesus Christ.”
“The great opportunity before us is to become the people God needs us to be.”
– Russell M. Nelson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
With each of the #1-33 Jesus Christ’s SECOND COMING activities you purchase (below) you will find the following Bright Ideas Lesson Planner to gather INSPIRATIONS!
These are the Latter-days where Jesus Christ is like the HEN GATHERING HER CHICKS UNDER HER WINGS* He loves us and is willing to sacrifice for us and He desires to bring all of us home.
*See Activities #31-35 (below) to learn about the GATHERING and Jesus Christ’s love for us.
Part 1
“Grow in Confidence Before the Lord”
GET READY FOR THE SECOND COMING
President Nelson said the Lord explained how to obtain such confidence when He taught, “Let thy bowels … be full of charity towards all men, … and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 121:45; see also verse 46).
HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR THE SECOND COMING?
YOUTH CAN TEACH about many things leading up to Jesus Christ’s return.
This is when Jesus ushers in the millennium (1,000 years of peace) and “The earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory” (Articles of Faith 1:10). See HERE or #30 activity below).
The sack containing the cards for the game label reads D&C 1:12 (“Prepare … for the Lord is nigh”).
ACTIVIY:
The Millennium Match Game helps youth prepare for the second coming of Jesus Christ. Learning about what is to happen prior to the Savior’s return will help them desire to live more righteously and to look forward to the peace and joy that will come in the Millennium.
The Prophet Isaiah received many revelations concerning the last days when Christ will come again (Isaiah 65:17–25). This Game reveals what has and will take place to bring in the millennium, a 1,000 years of peace where Satan will be bound. Youth can prepare for this day.
Some questions for discussion:
Who will be on the earth during the millennium?
What will be the conditions on the earth?
What happens at the end of the millennium?
Answers found (here)
MY SAVIOR WANTS ME TO BE PREPARED FOR HIS SECOND COMING
YOUTH CAN TEACH how to prepare to meet Jesus when He comes again. With this BE READY TO MEET JESUS: Second Coming Suitcase preparedness packing they can pack in their spiritual-suitcase items that are actions of preparedness, e.g., the toothpaste action is “Keeping your speech clean.”
ACTIVITY: Show the children how they can prepare to meet Jesus when He comes by packing their suitcases with things that will help them BE the type of person Jesus wants them to BE when they see Him.
TO PREPARE is to “make all things ready.” A farmer prepares his soil for planting, a baker prepares ingredients before baking a cake, a builder creates a design and a plan before he builds a house, parents prepare their children for leaving home by teaching them good manners, how to work, how to study, and how to serve others.
DISCUSS how good preparation creates good outcomes and poor preparation creates bad or unhappy outcomes.
Our Heavenly Parents have given us HELP like the Holy Spirit, the scriptures, a good family, and our own body and mind.
WHY DID HEAVENLY FATHER SEND ME TO EARTH?
YOUTH CAN TEACH children that they lived as spirit children of Heavenly Parents before they came to earth. Their plan for these spirits is to come to earth, receive physical bodies, and have experiences to help them return to Their presence. This is only possible through the Atonement of Their Son, Jesus Christ.
ACTIVITY:
Our heavenly Parents knew through our earthly experience we would have JOY and SORROW. That we would learn by our own experiences the RIGHT from the WRONG, the GOOD from the EVIL. That giving in to temptation would make us WEAK and that trying our best and listening to the Holy Spirit would make us STRONG.
DISCUSS: JOY and SORROW, RIGHT and WRONG, GOOD and EVIL, WEAK and STRONG. Talk about how these experiences are PART OF THE PLAN. Help them feel their Savior Jesus Christ’s love for them. Teach them that through their obedience and His Atonement they can be made clean.
HOW DO I PREPARE TO MEET JESUS?
YOUTH CAN TEACH others that the virgins in this parable represent members of the Church, and the bridegroom represents Christ. Some of the virgins were wise and prepared to meet the bridegroom and some were slothful and procrastinated their preparation. There are consequences to our actions.
ACTIVITY:
In D&C 45:57, the Lord explained to Joseph Smith that the five wise virgins are those who “have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived”
Youth can know from this parable that it is important to have our own testimony of Jesus Christ. That is a special kind of preparation. We are taught that we can have the image of Jesus in our countenance. Alma taught the people of Zarahemla that they could have a “mighty change” of heart and be “born of God.” (Alma 5:14)
This “mighty change” of heart PREPARES us to meet the bridegroom (CHRIST).
HOW CAN I BE READY FOR WHEN JESUS COMES AGAIN?
YOUTH CAN TEACH the lesson of the 10 Virgins to learn that if we are out of oil we may lose a turn and not make it to the Second Coming of Jesus. From start to finish, we need to learn how to be ready.
ACTIVITY:
From the Lesson Parable of the Ten Virgins (HERE):
Quote by Spencer W. Kimball.
“The ten virgins belonged to the kingdom and had every right to the blessings—except that five were not valiant and were not ready when the great day came. They were unprepared through not living all the commandments. They were bitterly disappointed at being shut out from the marriage—as likewise their modern counterparts [members today who are not prepared] will be” (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 8).
How do we keep our lamps lit and burning so we are prepared for the coming of Jesus? We can encourage someone to prepare, but we cannot prepare for them and give them a testimony. DROP BY DROP: Service, scripture study, prayer, kindness, tithing, commandments, testimony sharing.
HOVER OVER or ZOOM IN (to view)
WHO TOLD US ABOUT JESUS AND HIS LIFE IN THE SCRIPTURES?
YOUTH CAN TEACH helping us imagine ourselves in a time machine traveling back in time to learn of the prophet’s words telling of Jesus. With this activity, we can learn about HIS: Birth, Ministry, Death and Atonement, Resurrection, Visit to the Nephites, and The Second Coming.
Even before Jesus Christ’s birth prophets told of His coming the first time. Soon to be coming again.
ACTIVITY: 2 Nephi 25:26, “And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.”
The prophets “talk of Christ,” “rejoice in Christ,” “preach of Christ,” “prophesy of Christ,” and write according to their prophecies so that we may know who will redeem us from our sins. What would it have been like to be there at the birth of Jesus, or with him as he walked the dusty roads? What would it have been like to see His many miracles? How about being there when He was ridiculed and beaten then put upon the cross? We all possibly witnessed all of this prior to our coming to earth. How do we have this information today? Prophets and Apostles called by God recorded these events so we can KNOW WHO TO LOOK TO FOR A REMISSION OF OUR SINS.
HOW DO I REMEMBER JESUS?
YOUTH CAN TEACH children what to think about when they partake of the sacrament: bread and water. What did Jesus do for them and how can they remember Him?
ACTIVITY:
Jesus gave the sacrament to His Apostles in the old world before He died (Luke 22:19-20), and to the Nephites in the new world, (3 Nephi 18:1-11) after His resurrection. The bread and water help us remember his flesh and blood which was sacrificed for our sins if we repent.
Today we partake of the sacrament renewing our baptismal covenants to bear each other’s burdens, mourn with those who mourn, and comfort those in need of comfort. We covenant to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ, keep His commandments, and always remember Him.
Part 2
“Charity”
President Nelson said, “Let us plead with our Heavenly Father to fill our hearts with greater CHARITY — especially for those who are difficult to love,” he said. “For charity is a gift from our Heavenly Father for true followers of Jesus Christ. The Savior is the Prince of Peace. We are to be His instruments for peace.”
Love like Jesus – charity choices (Moroni 7:45; 47)
1 Corinthians 16:14 “Let all your things be done with charity.
HOW CAN I IMPROVE MY RELATIONSHIPS WITH LOVED ONES?
YOUTH CAN TEACH can help others, as they memorize Moroni 7:45, to think of five ways they can improve their relationship with at least one person. Write these five ways on the border of the Charity Chart.
ACTIVITY:
What are some examples of Moroni 7:45 that you have observed in others. Share your examples.
DISCUSS:
SUFFERING LONG
KINDNESS
ENVY
PUFFED UP
SELFISHNESS
PROVOKED
THOUGHTS
INIQUITY
TRUTH
BEAR BURDENS
BELIEVE
HOPE
ENDURING
“The truth about you is so lofty, that if you understood who you really are, you would know that anything unworthy of God is also unworthy of you.” -author unknown
Love like Jesus (Charity is the pure love of Christ; loving with unfailing compassion, patience, and mercy)
See Charity article (HERE)
HOW CAN I SHOW CHARITY LIKE MORONI?
YOUTH CAN TEACH that Charity is the pure love of Christ.
ACTIVITY:
With these Days 1-12 challenges (to try) and fill in the journal. This way they can follow the Prophet Moroni to create their own set of Golden Plates.
For example on Day 8 “Rejoice in Truth” Moroni was honest in his writings (Moroni 10:27 “I lie not, for ye shall see me at the bar of God…). The challenge here is to “Show Honesty” and then record the results.
CHARITY “Your skills can change the lives, in a remarkable and wonderful way, of those who walk in need. If not now, when? If not you, who?”
(Discourses of President Gordon B. Hinckley, 2 vols. [2005], 1:544–45).
Part 3
“Virtue”
D&C 121:45 “Garish our thoughts unceasingly with virtue.”
President Nelson said, “Virtue makes everything better and happier” and “will free you from anxious, troublesome thoughts.
“As the world grows more wicked, we need to grow increasingly pure. Our thoughts, words, and actions need to be unfailingly virtuous, and filled with the pure love of Jesus Christ towards all men.”
HOW DO I KEEP MY THOUGHTS PURE?
YOUTH CAN TEACH others that they can’t be truly happy if they allow bad thoughts inside their heads. This exercise will help them make better choices, helping them understand that they CAN ALWAYS replace the bad with the good, saying “I will fill my head with good instead.”
ACTIVITY:
Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Garbage in, garbage out?” Just like eating too much junk food can weaken our body evil or bad thoughts can weaken our minds and spirits.
Our minds are like video recorders. When we put good pictures/thoughts into our minds, good actions even attitudes will come out.
Find an image you love (the Savior, mom or dad) and when a bad thought enters your mind focus on that image!
ALL THE WATER IN THE WORLD
All the water in the world,
However hard it tried,
Could never sink the smallest ship
Unless it gets inside.
All the evil in the world,
The blackest kind of sin,
Can never hurt you the least bit
Unless you let it in.
– Author unknown
(an easy way to memorize: start with the last word then add the one in front, i.e. “in, it in, let it in, you let it in…)
WHAT WOULD I DO IF JESUS WERE NEAR?
YOUTH CAN TEACH by reviewing the actions in this song that tell us how to act and feel when the Savior is Near.
ACTIVITY:
These are great questions! Ask them one at a time and help the children ponder their meaning.
If the Savior stood beside me:
Would you do the things you do?
Would you follow His example?
Would you say the things you say?
Would you always tell the truth?
Would you be kind to others?
Would you try to share the gospel by example?
Would your thoughts be clean?
Would you choose the right?
Heavenly Father and Jesus KNOW us. They understand it can be hard to choose the right. That is why they gave us the Holy Ghost to help us choose wisely AND repentance so we can take advantage of Christ’s Atonement.
WHAT ARE THE BLESSINGS OF VIRTUE?
YOUTH CAN TEACH with this planner, to search and ponder scriptures and goals. Then study and list PROMISED BLESSINGS of Being Sexually Clean and Pure. Youth can also state their Commitment to Be Chaste.
ACTIVITY: With this Planner, youth can have a scripture chase searching for and pondering scriptures and goals about chastity. Have fun!
To get you started:
Moroni 9:9
Jacob 2:28
Proverbs 31:10-31
VIRTUE applies to EVERYONE. It is the practice of moral duty from sincere love to God and His laws. It is a test of character!
From your finding of scriptures, list PROMISED BLESSINGS of Being Sexually Clean and Pure. Also, state their Commitment to Be Chaste.
A thought to memorize: “The truth about you is so lofty, that if you understood who you really are, you would know that anything unworthy of God is also unworthy of you.” -Author unknown
HOVER OVER or ZOOM IN (to view)
WHAT ARE THE VIRTUES GOD WANTS US HAVE?
YOUTH CAN TEACH help us identify “praiseworthy” goals we can seek in this 13th Article of Faith: “We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men.” These character traits and more will help them endure life’s challenges and prepare for the second coming of Jesus Christ.
ACTIVITY:
Our Heavenly Parents and their Son, Jesus Christ posses these traits. They sent us to earth to develop them. They understand that if we are honest, true, chaste, benevolent, and do good to all men we will be able to face all of life’s challenges.
There was a Roman army who had 40 members that had joined the Christian religion. Their commander asked all of the soldiers one day who were Christian and the 40 all stepped forward. He told them they would be punished. He gave them some time to rethink their position. Later in the day he asked the question again and again all 40 stepped forward. They were sent to the center of a frozen lake away from the warmth of the fire to stay all night at the mercy of the elements. All the night long the 40 Christian soldiers chanted the song of a warrior. Their leader was overcome and ran to the center of the lake to join them.
HOW CAN BEING CHASTE HELP US TO BE HAPPY?
YOUTH CAN TEACH memorize this quote by a Prophet on virtue. “Unchastity is the great demon of the day. Like an octopus, it fastens its tentacles upon one.”
– President Spencer W. Kimball, “The Law of Chastity” (HERE)
ACTIVITY:
In 2 Nephi 26:22, Nephi spoke of FLAXEN CORDS the devil uses to bind us if we are not watchful. A flaxen cord refers to a thin thread made from flax fibers, which are used to create linen and other textiles. In a metaphorical context, it symbolizes the subtle and gradual way that negative habits or influences can ensnare a person, starting with small, easily broken ties that can become stronger and more binding over time.
WOULD you judge to the lawfulness or unlawfulness of pleasure? Take this rule, now note: Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, takes off your relish for spiritual things; whatever increases the authority of the body over the mind; that thing is sin to you however innocent it may seem in itself.
– Susannah Wesley
Part 4
“Prepare for the Second Coming”
President Nelson said that even though we do not know the day or the hour of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, “I do know that the Lord is prompting me to urge us to get ready for that ‘Great and dreadful day’” (Malachi 4:5; see also Zephaniah 1:14–18).
“He is preparing to come again. May we likewise prepare to receive Him,” he said.
Increased time in the temple will help us prepare for the Second Coming, he taught, and it will increase our capacity for both charity and virtue and our confidence before Him.
He concluded with a promise that “as we go to our Heavenly Father with increasing confidence, we will be filled with more joy and our faith in Jesus Christ will increase. We will begin to experience spiritual power that exceeds our greatest hopes.”
HOW CAN I BE STRONG & KEEP JESUS IN MY HEART?
YOUTH CAN TEACH how to prepare for Jesus Christ’s second coming by repenting, standing in holy places, receiving the truth, follow the Spirit so you will not be deceived.
ACTIVITY:
• The Holy Ghost will protect us against being deceived, but to realize that wonderful blessing we must always do the things necessary to retain that Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:18).
Have you ever received a hand written letter? They are kind of rare these days. What if YOU WERE THE HAND WRITTEN LETTER and you delivered yourself personally to a friend, a family member, or even someone you just met and told them about Jesus Christ? When you have the Holy Spirit as your guide you can talk to others about Jesus and share your personal message. You can help others prepare for Jesus’ second coming.
WHAT ACTIONS HELP ME KEEP HEAVEN IN SIGHT?
YOUTH CAN TEACH the children how to prepare for Jesus Christ’s second coming by following His teachings.
ACTIVITY:
Second Coming Medallion: This medallion will remind the children of the following: On one side, “I am preparing for the Second Coming of Jesus.” On the other side, “I Will keep Heaven in Sight as I Choose the Right.”
TALK ABOUT what Jesus did: Healed the sick – what can you do for the sick? He fed the 5000 – what can you do to help feed someone? He taught people about His Father – what can you tell someone about Jesus?
HOW DO I PREPARE TO MEET JESUS?
YOUTH CAN TEACH others by asking them, “Are you ready to meet the Savior today? What would you do differently? What actions would you change? How would you help others to prepare?
ACTIVITY:
Revelation 3:20, “Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him …”
Jesus will receive and help us change the things we need to change to be ready to receive Him when He comes again.
Let’s review our habits; the ones to change and the ones to keep. Some keep us from Christ others draw us closer to Him. PERHAPS EVERY GENERAL CONFERENCE TIME would be a good time to change the batteries in our smoke alarms and the bad habits we have picked up over the last six months.
Brainstorm good/bad SECOND COMING habits: e.g.
Do I react or respond when upset?
Do I look for ways to serve or avoid helping?
Do I spend time in my scriptures daily or waste it?
Do I think about what to say in my prayers or say the same ones every morning and evening?
WHAT WILL IT BE LIKE WHEN JESUS COMES AGAIN?
YOUTH CAN TEACH other youth about anticipating the day Jesus will come again. Visualize what the earth will be like when Jesus is among us teaching and blessing us. What choices they need to make each day to prepare.
ACTIVITY:
Lyrics:
1. I wonder, when he comes again,
Will herald angels sing?
Will earth be white with drifted snow,
Or will the world know spring?
I wonder if one star will shine
Far brighter than the rest:
Will daylight stay the whole night through,
Will songbirds leave their nests?
I’m sure he’ll call his little ones
Together’ round his knee,
Because he said in days gone by,
“Suffer them to come to me.”
2. I wonder, when he comes again,
Will I be ready there
To look upon his loving face
And join with him in prayer.
Each day I’ll try to do his will
And let my light so shine
That others seeing me may seek
For greater light divine.
Then when that blessed day is here
He’ll love me and he’ll say,
“You’ve served me well my little one, come into my arms to stay.”
Words and music: Mirla Greenwood Thayne, 1907-1997
Discussion: Take each phrase and talk about its meaning and what it might be like.
HOW DO I GET READY TO MEET JESUS?
YOUTH CAN TEACH other youth that a checklist can help when planning for an important event. The Second Coming of Jesus Christ is a very important event. They can prepare for it by making a list and checking off the important things e.g. ways they will treat others, what they will do to strengthen their testimony, and other tasks that help them prepare to meet their Savior.
ACTIVITY:
Thinking ahead to the day the Savior will come will cause the youth to reflect on their habits and actions.
They can ask themselves, “If the Savior came to my house today, what would I do? What would I say?”
Would you hide some actions and start doing others?
Two Wolves
An old Cherokee was teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.” He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.” The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?” The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”
HOW CAN I PREPARE TO MEET JESUS?
YOUTH CAN TEACH about not entangling ourselves in sin, to stay clean and ready to meet the Lord Jesus Christ when He comes again. This means that we do as this scripture says to untie the ropes of wrongdoings. Write on this poster what you will do.
First memorize D&C 88:86 on this Bite-size poster.
“Abide ye in the liberty wherewith ye are made free; entangle not yourselves in sin, but let your hands be clean, until the Lord comes.”
ALSO, PONDER:
Galatians 5:1 “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”
Sin can entangle us like a rope. If repeated or adding another sin, the rope becomes stronger and harder to resist. Breaking the strand by repenting we gain power over the entanglement.
JOSEPH was tempted by Potiphar’s wife. He knew in advance what he should do. This enabled him to RUN from sin’s snare. Joseph’s response is powerful. “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9)
Our Savior through His powerful Atonement has provided a way to untangle and remove ALL that binds us in sin. D&C 58:42–43. “Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more. By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them.”
#21
STAND IN HOLY PLACES preparation list tent-card (ages 8-16 Teens)
HOW DO I STAND FIRM IN CHRIST?
YOUTH CAN TEACH other youth that they each have a unique and divine purpose for being here, a special work to do. Through prayer and pondering they can receive inspiration about what that purpose is. It will come in time if they continue to stand in holy places.
ACTIVITY:
What is a HOLY PLACE? It is a temple, a chapel, a tabernacle, or even your home. It is anywhere the Holy Spirit can dwell. To keep a place holy we must discard anything that would chase the Spirit away. Our thoughts can have a powerful influence. Worry, doubt, or criticism can cause the Spirit to leave.
Someone wise said: “Worry is a total waste of time. It doesn’t change anything. All it does is steal your joy and keeps you very busy doing nothing.”
As you STAND IN HOLY PLACES you will begin to form habits of a Christ-like character. As you give God your weakness, He will give you His strength.
“Communication with our Father in Heaven—including our prayers to Him and His inspiration to us—is necessary in order for us to weather the storms and trials of life.” -Thomas S. Monson
WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF PUTTING OFF PREPARATION?
YOUTH CAN TEACH others that Paul taught us that we should WATCH and be SOBER because the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.
ACTIVITY:
SOBER means to be calm, serious, solemn, not under the influence of passion.
The Lord has said, “Be not troubled, for, when all these things [the signs] shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled” (D&C 45:35). He told us not to worry about the calamities but to look forward to the Second Coming of the Savior and be glad. It will be a great and wonderful day of joy for those who prepare WISELY.
WISE OLD OWL
There was an old owl
Who sat in an oak;
The more he sat,
The less he spoke.
The less he spoke,
The more he heard.
Why can’t we be like
That wise old bird?
Part 5
LET THE SPIRIT BE YOUR GUIDE
President Nelson said, “Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”
Talk “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives” April 2018
HOW DO WE INVITE THE SPIRIT TO BE WITH US?
YOUTH CAN TEACH by choosing an invitation, e.g, “You’re Invited! because I read the scriptures.” Then tell why this ACTION (obeying that commandment) would invite the Spirit. Invitations are posted, then placed in an envelope. This commitment-filled envelope can actually serve as a time capsule to review again at a later date.
ACTIVITY:
Help others learn what they can do to invite the Holy Ghost into their lives. The Holy Ghost helps us make important decisions. If we live worthily, the Holy Ghost will help be with us and guide us to choose the right.
We send invitations to the Holy Ghost by our actions. He cannot stay with us if we are dishonest, angry, prideful, or selfish.
As you BRAINSTORM ideas that bring the help of the Spirit, try to commit yourself to one or two this next week! Perhaps you want to change the bad habit of not saying your prayers at night. This would be a great place to start – even if you only thank your Father in Heaven for what He has done for you that day. Prayer is one of the best ways to invite the Spirit into your life!
HOW CAN I MAKE RIGHTEOUS CHOICES USING THE SPIRIT?
YOUTH CAN TEACH about choosing correctly. Compare this fruit tree with repentance (“a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit”). Replace those actions with right actions (“good fruit bringeth forth good fruit”). When we make right choices, our rewards are the good FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT. e.g. love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
ACTIVITY:
Have you ever eaten a soft mushy grape or cherry, or taken a bite out of a rotten apple? How did they taste? Life sometimes tastes yucky! Our choices can be ripe and sweet or sour, mushy, and rotten.
TAKING THE TIME TO THINK about the consequences of our choices can help make them sweet and delicious. No one likes to bite into a rotten apple but that is sometimes what happens. Try as we may to make good and right choices we may fail and need to accept the consequences.
The Atonement of our Savior can see us through difficult times. Remember, we should NEVER deliberately choose the wrong thinking we can repent later. Our Savior knows our hearts! He can’t be deceived. If we are slow to follow him He may be slow to help us (Mosiah 11 and 21).
Fun fact: Following the path of least resistance is what makes rivers and men crooked.
WHAT ACTIONS INVITE THE HOLY GHOST TO GUIDE US?
YOUTH CAN TEACH by having the class or family draw from word strips to find actions and vote on which INVITES and which action TURNS the Spirit away. The Spirit can also help discern false prophets and teachings.
ACTIVITY:
We have a very important friend, the Holy Ghost!. He is always available to help us but, guess what? He can’t help us if we are cross, angry, or fighting with our brother or sister. He simply can’t be with us!
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THAT? IF WE CHASE THE SPIRIT AWAY, WHAT CAN WE DO TO INVITE HIM BACK AGAIN? Some suggestions: repent and say you are sorry, pray to Heavenly Father and ask for the spirit to come back, try hard not to do the things that cause it to leave, when unhealthy emotions begin to come over you stop and ask What Would Jesus Do?
HOW DO WE TURN ON RIGHTEOUS IDEAS, AND UNRIGHTEOUS IDEAS OFF?
YOUTH CAN TEACH help us discern with this crossmatch activity to TURN ON ideas from the Holy Ghost. Then TURN OFF unrighteous ideas.
ACTIVITY:
Jesus Christ is the Light of the World. We were all born with the Light of Christ. This gift was given to us so we can feel deep inside if something we are doing is right and of God or wrong and of darkness. If it is of God it comes with a good and happy feeling that lifts and edifies. Wrong choices may seem exciting and fun but if pondered may come with a feeling of doubt, sadness, or discomfort.
“WOULD you judge to the lawfulness or unlawfulness of pleasure? Take this rule, now note: Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, takes off your relish for spiritual things; whatever increases the authority of the body over the mind; that thing is sin to you however innocent it may seem in itself.” -Susannah Wesley
Part 6
SEEK TO BE WITH THE MILLENNIAL MESSIAH
President Nelson said, “In a coming day, Jesus Christ will return to the earth as the millennial Messiah. So today I call upon you to rededicate your lives to Jesus Christ. I call upon you to help gather scattered Israel and to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord. I call upon you to talk of Christ, testify of Christ, have faith in Christ, and rejoice in Christ!
Lesson Topics:
• Millennial Reign (latter-days; 1,000 years of peace)
• Follow Jesus Christ
• Gather Israel:
– Temple work
– Missionary Service
– Fellowship
– Family History
President Russell M. Nelson declared, “Anytime you do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—take a step toward making covenants with God and receiving their essential baptismal and temple ordinances, you are helping to gather Israel. It is as simple as that.”
• Millennial Reign (latter-days; 1,000 years of peace)
HOW TO KNOW IF I AM READY FOR JESUS’ SECOND COMING?
YOUTH CAN TEACH about the millennium and how to prepare for the 1,000 years that will come after the Savior comes again to “reign personally upon the earth; and the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory” (Articles of Faith 1:10).
DOWNLOAD to memorize this verse HERE)
ACTIVITY:
Ask yourself, “Am I ready for my Savior?“ As you ponder this question what goes through your mind? Do you consider your current actions? Do you need to clean up some of your language? Are your thoughts as they should be? We are placed here to practice living as our Savior would have us live.
A regular check-up on these things from time to time is good!
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” – Reinhold Niebuhr
• Millennial Reign (latter-days; 1,000 years of peace)
HOW CAN I WATCH FOR MY SAVIOR’S SECOND COMING?
YOUTH CAN TEACH others that we are to watch for the signs of our Saviors coming. God has revealed these signs to His prophets. If we are faithful followers of Christ, we will know the signs of His coming and watch for them (see D&C 45:39). We will not be overtaken suddenly as by a “thief in the night.”
ACTIVITY:
We know when a birthday, a holiday, or a test at school is coming. They are things we can expect to happen on time. But we can never know when a thief may break into our home! Though that sounds scary it is a very good way to help us understand when our Savior will come. We can’t know exactly when but we can watch for the promised signs and be prepared.
Ways to watch and prepare:
Study the scriptures.
Pray to our Father for guidance.
Learn what the signs of His coming are.
Be obedient to your covenants.
• Gather Israel – missionary service & fellowship
HOW CAN I SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH UNBELIEVERS?
YOUTH CAN TEACH that agency is Heavenly Father’s plan for sharing the gospel in this Article of Faith scripture. We are to respect other’s beliefs and be a friend (with no strings attached). This way when they want to know about the gospel or you mention things here and there in conversation, they can ask questions. Then you can share the gospel of Jesus Christ (when they are ready and seeking); let the Spirit guide.
ACTIVITY:
Help children/youth memorize Articles of Faith 1:11: “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”
WHAT WILL HAPPEN AT THE GATHERING?
YOUTH CAN TEACH this Articles of Faith 1:10 written by the Prophet Joseph Smith when asked what members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe.
“We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.”
To Make Print, color, and cut out poster of your choice. If printing the larger size poster, mount the two parts on poster paper. The smaller cards are for children/youth to take home.
Ways to Motivate/Memorize Scripture:
• Give out small black and white scripture cards to memorize.
• Once they are passed off give out the colored version of scripture cards.
Sing “When He Comes Again,” Children’s Songbook p. 82, using the song visuals (HERE or #18 above).
• Millennial Reign (1,000 years of peace)
WHAT WILL LIFE BE LIKE WHEN JESUS COMES AGAIN?
YOUTH CAN TEACH that we can look forward to 1,000 years of peace when Jesus comes again. That He will be our King and Satan will have no power. This Game will help them learn what will happen in those years when Christ will reign upon the earth.
ACTIVITY:
Can you imagine what it will be like when Jesus comes again? Have everyone close their eyes before or as you play the game and IMAGINE each situation. No sickness! No death! No evil! Our Savior among us all the time!
PREPARING for this wonderful time should be done NOW, TODAY.
TODAY
This day I pray, God give me strength anew
To do the task, I do not want to do,
To yield obedience, not asking why,
To love and own the truth and scorn the lie,
To look a cold world bravely in the face,
To cheer for those who pass me in the race,
To bear my burdens daily, unafraid,
To lend a hand to those we need to aid,
To measure what I am by what I give-
God give me strength that I may rightly live.
-author unknown
• Gather Israel – missionary service & fellowship
HOW CAN I FOLLOW THE SAVIOR, MY REDEEMER?
YOUTH CAN TEACH this scripture and help us list ways to follow the Savior. 3 Nephi 10:6 “How oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and return unto me with full purpose of heart.”
ACTIVITY:
Have you ever seen a hen and her baby chicks? If there is any danger she rushes to them and they run under her wings. She guards them till the danger is past. NO MATTER WHAT!
This is a beautiful way for our Savior to help us understand how much He loves us and will protect and save us IF we come to Him. Those baby chicks know they can trust their mother hen.
What can you do to be able to hear His voice? (some ideas: Be humble, prayer, obey the commandments, study the scriptures, attend Church, learn and apply correct principles, love and serve others).
WHY CAN WE TRUST JESUS?
YOUTH CAN TEACH that we can TRUST JESUS that He is our Savior and is there for us as our heavenly brother and friend. Point to the TRUST JESUS poster (Psalm 91:4) “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust ….”
We can always ask Jesus Christ to help us in our difficulties and sufferings. Even in our joys, Jesus knows each of us individually and what we need. We can always run to Him for help in good times and bad.
ACTIVITY:
• Have children/youth find a chick (placed around the room) and read the situation on the back. Chick situation, e.g., I get bullied at school.
• Then say what you might ask Jesus to help you with this problem. Maybe ask WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? if He were me.
• Maybe others can help you know what to ask to show you TRUST JESUS.
• Then place the chick under the wings of the hen to show that we are trusting Jesus for answers or peace and comfort in the situation.
THOUGHT TREAT. Fill treat bags with treats such as candy, cookies, or crackers. Print the TREAT TAG pattern (see below) to tie onto the bag that reads Psalm 91:4. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust … TRUST JESUS
HOW DOES JESUS GATHER HIS PEOPLE LIKE THE “HEN GATHERING HER CHICKS”?
YOUTH CAN TEACH using this Scripture Scholars reading and underlining activity telling about Jesus Christ’s SECOND COMING. First, the bookmark (one for children and one for adults/youth). Plus, they can print the D&C 29:1-8 pop-up to place in their scripture binding after they underline the scripture telling: Christ will gather his people … even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings.
ACTIVITY:
SCRIPTURE READING. Use the bookmark to read during the lesson.
The Children’s Bookmark Reads:
– Heavenly Father has a plan for the salvation of His children. D&C 29
– Jesus Christ is gathering His people before He comes again. D&C 29:1-2, 7-8
– Jesus Christ will come again. D&C 29:11
The Adults/Youth Bookmark Reads:
– Heavenly Father has a plan for the salvation of His children. D&C 29
– Jesus Christ invites me to help gather His people before His Second Coming. D&C 29:1-28
– “All things unto me are spiritual.” D&C 29:31-35
– Jesus Christ redeems us from the Fall. D&C 29:36-50
Don’t miss the “hen gathering chicks” reward stamp by clicking HERE to download the kit.
For the matching Come Follow Me lesson “Jesus Christ invites me to help gather His people before His Second Coming . . .
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE A FOUNDATION IN JESUS CHRIST?
YOUTH CAN TEACH that the Wheat and the Tares parable helps us understand that there is danger in the tares and safety in Jesus Christ. Satan sews tares (wickedness) in the world (the field) and the good seed (followers of Jesus Christ) is the wheat. At His coming there will be reapers (angels) to bring in the wheat and burn the tares.
ACTIVITY:
These two puzzles are a fun way to learn how to cultivate “good ground” in our homes. The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23; Mark 4:14-20; Luke 8:11-15), and The Parable of the Wheat and Tares (Matthew 13:24-30). It also teaches us to be aware of the tares.
In Matthew 13:27-28 the servant asked the householder of the Vineyard since he sewed good seed why there are tares in the wheat? The householder told him, “An enemy hath done this.” We must cultivate good ground but also be on our guard for the tares the enemy sews in the world. The Holy Ghost knows and can guide us to tell the false doctrine from the true.
