Ephesians

“For the Perfecting of the Saints”

After you’ve studied the scripture passages for this week and reviewed the questions and activities in the manual, consider sharing any of the following articles and activities with your family. These additional resources selected by the Church magazine staff can assist you as you strive to teach the gospel in your home.

Ephesians 2:19–22; 4:11–16

Foundation of Apostles and Prophets

The Savior’s Church is built “upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20). Today, as anciently, the Church is led by prophets, seers, and revelators who receive direction from the Lord.

Articles

“God Speaks to Us through Prophets.” This article from ComeuntoChrist.org explains why we have prophets, who they are, and how they impact society.
“We Believe in Following the Prophet.” This Ensign article explains our fundamental beliefs regarding living prophets and describes some of the blessings that have come to us through these servants of the Lord.
“Prophets, Seers, and Revelators.” In this general conference address, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles affirms that the heavens are open and that prophets, seers, and revelators today work under the guidance of the Savior.

Activities

“Why Do We Have Prophets?” Watch this illustrated video with your family to learn about how the Lord provides us with guidance and direction through His prophets.
“Elder Renlund Visits Children.” Print out this coloring page from the “Apostles around the World” series in the Friend to help your children understand what Apostles do.

Ephesians 5:21–6:4

Strengthening Family Relationships

“The Family: A Proclamation to the World” declares, “Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ” (Ensign, May 2017, 145). What can you do today to strengthen your family and show love to them?

Articles

“Applying the Simple and Plain Gospel Principles in the Family.” In this general conference address, Elder Francisco J. Viñas, a former member of the Seventy, explains that the Savior’s atoning sacrifice makes it possible for us to incorporate the principles of the family proclamation into our lives.
“Recipe for a Happy Family.” This New Era article offers nine ways we can strengthen our families, based on principles from the family proclamation.
“The No-Phone Zone.” In this Friend story, Tyler learns that putting his phone away helps him get to know his family better.
“Frowns, Smiles, and Leaf Piles.” This article from this month’s Friend shows how a brother and sister learn to get along.

Activities

“United We Stand.” Use this activity from the new Ensign series “Family Study Fun” to demonstrate the strength that comes when family members work together.
“15 Ways to Strengthen Your Family.” Have your children do the word puzzles on this activity page from the Friend to learn how they can strengthen their family relationships.

Ephesians 6:10–18

The Armor of God

Using the imagery of a soldier‘s uniform, the Apostle Paul offered a vivid description of what we can do to fortify ourselves against our adversary, Satan.

Articles

“The Armor of God.” This Ensign article lists several lessons we can learn from Paul’s military metaphor.
“Safe from Satan’s Sting.” Learn how keeping the commandments forges a “breastplate of righteousness” that can protect us from Satan’s influence.

Activity

“Put on the Whole Armor of God.” In this video, Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles recounts an experience from his youth in which his father taught him about putting on the armor of God.