Far West, by Al Rounds

October 11–17

Doctrine and Covenants 115–120

“His Sacrifice Shall Be More Sacred unto Me Than His Increase”

As you prepare to teach, remember that your main objective is to help others build faith in Jesus Christ.

Record Your Impressions

Invite Sharing

Before you talk about principles from sections 115–20 that were meaningful to you, ask class members to share what was meaningful to them. For example, you could invite class members to complete this sentence: “I am grateful I read sections 115–20 because …”

Teach the Doctrine

Doctrine and Covenants 115:4–6

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a defense and a refuge.

• Class members could search President Russell M. Nelson’s message “The Correct Name of the Church” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 87–90) for insights that help them understand verses 4–6. Why is it important to use the correct name of the Church?

• After reading together Doctrine and Covenants 115:4–6, class members could discuss how the Church and its members are like a light or a standard. You could show an image of a lighthouse in a storm and ask class members how it relates to the message of verses 5–6. How has gathering to “Zion, and … her stakes” given you “refuge from the storm”? (verse 6).

  

  We can shine as lights to help others find refuge in the Church.

Doctrine and Covenants 117

Our sacrifices are sacred to the Lord.

• Invite class members to imagine that they are Newel K. Whitney or his wife, Elizabeth, who owned a successful store in Kirtland but were asked by the Lord to leave their property and move to Missouri. They could then read verses 1–11 and share something the Lord said that would help them make this sacrifice.

• Visual aids might help class members consider the “drop” we sometimes covet instead of the “weighty matters” (verse 8). Consider showing objects such as a drop of water and a bottle of water or a chocolate chip and a chocolate bar. Maybe class members could think of other examples. You could also write drop and weighty matters on the board and ask class members to list examples of things we may need to “let … go” of (verse 5) in order to receive God’s “abundance” (verse 7).

• If class members had any impressions while reading the Lord’s words about Oliver Granger in verses 12–15, invite them to share. Why might our sacrifices be more sacred to the Lord than our increase?

Doctrine and Covenants 119–20

By paying tithing, we help build and “sanctify the land of Zion.”

• Imagine the spiritual strength that could come from class members sharing with each other the blessings they’ve received from obeying the law of tithing. They could also read Doctrine and Covenants 119:6 and discuss how this law can “sanctify the land of Zion” and make our ward or branch “a land of Zion unto [us].” They could also read Malachi 3:8–12 to identify blessings the Lord promises for paying tithing.

• If class members have questions about how tithing is used, you might invite them to read section 120 and the explanation in “Additional Resources.” (Elder David A. Bednar also gives a helpful description in “The Windows of Heaven” [Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 19–20].) How can we help others increase their faith in the Lord’s law of tithing?

Additional Resources

The Council on the Disposition of the Tithes.

Elder Robert D. Hales said:

“As revealed by the Lord, the use of tithing is determined by a council comprised of the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the Presiding Bishopric. The Lord specifically states that the council’s work be directed ‘by mine own voice unto them’ [Doctrine and Covenants 120:1]. This council is called the Council on the Disposition of the Tithes.

“It is remarkable to witness this council heed the Lord’s voice. Each member is aware of and participates in all the council’s decisions. No decision is made until the council is unanimous. All tithing funds are spent for the purposes of the Church, including welfare—care for the poor and needy—temples, buildings and upkeep of meetinghouses, education, curriculum—in short, the work of the Lord. …

“… I bear my testimony of the Council on the Disposition of the Tithes. I have sat on this council for 17 years, as the Presiding Bishop of the Church and now as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Without exception, the tithing funds of this Church have been used for His purposes” (“Tithing: A Test of Faith with Eternal Blessings,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2002, 28).

Improving Our Teaching

Invite learners to teach each other. “It may be appropriate to invite learners to help each other find answers to their questions. When prompted by the Spirit, you may decide to do this even if you feel that you know the answer” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 24).