November 12

How Can I Draw Closer to Jesus Christ through Sacred Ordinances and Covenants?

Hebrews 7–13

Counsel Together

Led by a member of the class or quorum presidency; approximately 10–20 minutes

At the beginning of the meeting, repeat together the Young Women Theme or the Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Theme. Then lead a discussion about the work of salvation and exaltation using one or more of the questions below or questions of your own (see General Handbook, 10.2, 11.2). Plan ways to act on what you discuss.

• Live the gospel. How have we come closer to the Savior? How are we trying to be more like Him?

• Care for those in need. Who has been on our minds lately? How can we help these individuals?

• Invite all to receive the gospel. How can we answer our friends’ questions about the Church in a way that strengthens their faith in the Savior?

• Unite families for eternity. What are some ways we can better connect with extended family members, such as grandparents and cousins?

At the end of the lesson, as appropriate, do the following:

• Testify of the principles taught.

• Remind class or quorum members about the plans and invitations made during the meeting.

Teach the Doctrine

Led by an adult leader or youth; approximately 25–35 minutes

Prepare Yourself Spiritually

For centuries, the children of Israel, sometimes called the Hebrews, had been diligently participating in ordinances connected with the tabernacle and the law of Moses. And yet many of them did not realize that these things were “patterns of things in the heavens”—“a shadow of good things to come” (Hebrews 9:23; 10:1). The ordinances were all intended to teach them about Jesus Christ. This is what Paul explained in his Epistle to the Hebrews. His message is also important to us today because we too have sacred ordinances with the same purpose. So it’s worth asking ourselves these questions: Are these ordinances helping us remember Jesus Christ? Is there more we could do to experience the power of Jesus Christ through gospel ordinances? Or are we, like the ancient Hebrews, missing their deeper significance?

Ponder these questions as you read Hebrews 7–13 and as you prepare to teach about how ordinances and covenants bring us closer to Jesus Christ. You might also study some of the general conference messages cited in this outline.

Learn Together

To help those you teach see how they can draw closer to Jesus Christ through the ordinances and covenants of His gospel, you could invite them to list some gospel ordinances and their related covenants on the board (see Gospel Topics, “Ordinances,” “Covenant,” topics.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What do these ordinances and covenants teach us about Christ and His Atonement? The statement by Elder David A. Bednar in “Supporting Resources” provides a definition of ordinances and other important insights. Activities like the following can also help.

• You could invite the youth to read Doctrine and Covenants 84:19–22 and discuss questions like these: What does the “the power of godliness” mean? How have ordinances and covenants helped us experience that power? What difference do ordinances and covenants make in our lives? How do they help us stay connected to the Savior? To help answer these questions, youth could read the first four paragraphs of Elder Kent F. Richards’s message “The Power of Godliness” (Liahona, May 2016, 118) or Elder Bednar’s message “Let This House Be Built unto My Name” (Liahona, May 2020, 84–87), especially the section “From the Inside Out.”

• Consider asking those you teach how they would explain the ordinance of the sacrament to someone who doesn’t know anything about it. The section “Experience and Testimony” in Elder Taniela B. Wakolo’s message “Saving Ordinances Will Bring Us Marvelous Light” (Liahona, May 2018, 39–41) provides an example. The youth may also find important teachings in the video “Always Remember Him” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). How does the sacrament bring us closer to Jesus Christ? What opportunities do we have to teach others about this?

• Reviewing the five suggestions in Elder Peter F. Meurs’s message “The Sacrament Can Help Us Become Holy” (Liahona, Nov. 2016, 85–87) could help the youth understand how to better prepare for the sacrament. Or, if you have youth preparing to receive their endowment, review together the section titled “About the Temple Endowment” at temples.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Discuss how these sacred ordinances and their related covenants can help bring us closer to the Savior.

• Consider writing the words Sacrament, Baptism, and Temple on the board. Under each one, invite the youth to list the covenants we make. The references found in “Supporting Resources” can help. Discuss together how these covenants help us come closer to Jesus Christ.

• You could divide your class or quorum into groups and assign each group to review a section of either Elder Ronald A. Rasband’s message “Standing by Our Promises and Covenants” (Liahona, Nov. 2019, 53–56) or Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s message “Why the Covenant Path” (Liahona, May 2021, 116–19). Encourage them to share what they learn about how keeping their covenants strengthens their relationship with Jesus Christ.

Sacred gospel ordinances bring “the power of godliness” into our lives (see Doctrine and Covenants 84:19–22).

Act in Faith

Encourage class or quorum members to ponder and record what they will do to act on the impressions they received today. If they would like, they could share their ideas. Invite them to think about how acting on their impressions will strengthen their relationships with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Supporting Resources

• Mosiah 18:8–10 (Baptismal covenant)

• Moroni 4–5 (Sacramental covenant)

• Elder David A. Bednar taught: “Holy ordinances are central in the Savior’s gospel and in the process of coming unto Him and seeking spiritual rebirth. Ordinances are sacred acts that have spiritual purpose, eternal significance, and are related to God’s laws and statutes. …

  “The ordinances of salvation and exaltation administered in the Lord’s restored Church are far more than rituals or symbolic performances. Rather, they constitute authorized channels through which the blessings and powers of heaven can flow into our individual lives. …

  “Ordinances received and honored with integrity are essential to obtaining the power of godliness and all of the blessings made available through the Savior’s Atonement” (“Always Retain a Remission of Your Sins,” Liahona, May 2016, 59–60).

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

As you invite those you teach to act on true doctrine, you help them extend the learning experience into their homes and daily lives.