Doctrine and Covenants 46–48

Doctrine and Covenants 46–48

Overview

Not long after the Saints gathered to Kirtland, Ohio, in 1831, questions began to arise about certain practices and behaviors of some members of the Church. People who were not members were sometimes excluded from sacrament meetings, and some members began expressing unusual forms of worship, claiming to have received spiritual gifts. The Lord revealed important truths to the Prophet Joseph Smith to correct these behaviors and instruct the Saints about spiritual gifts.

Emphasize the example of Jesus Christ: One way to place Jesus Christ at the center of teaching and learning is to emphasize how He is the perfect example of all gospel principles. Even when the Savior’s example is not directly referred to in a scripture passage, we can help learners make connections between what we are learning in the scriptural account and the Savior’s example. For more on how the Savior did this, see the section “Emphasize the Example of Jesus Christ” in Teaching in the Savior’s Way. You can also see an example of how to do this in the lesson this week titled “Doctrine and Covenants 46:1–6.”

Prepare to teach

The following information provides you with ideas of what you may need to prepare in advance for each lesson.

Doctrine and Covenants 46:1–6

Lesson purpose: To help students improve their efforts in creating a welcoming environment at Church meetings.

• Student preparation: Invite students to prayerfully think about someone in their branch, ward, or Church class who could use their help to feel more welcome.

• Image: “Visitors Welcome” sign

• Videos: “Welcome” (1:05); “Inviting Others to ‘Come and Stay’” (1:39)

Doctrine and Covenants 46:7–33, Part 1

Lesson purpose: To help students feel Heavenly Father’s love for them as they learn why He blesses us with spiritual gifts.

• Student preparation: Invite students to think of times when the Holy Ghost has inspired them to think, say, or do something that blessed their lives or the lives of others. Ask them to consider what this experience taught them about the love Heavenly Father has for His children.

• Video: “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (3:37)

• Content to display: Definitions of spiritual gifts

• Handout: “These Gifts Come from God”

Doctrine and Covenants 46:7–33, Part 2

Lesson purpose: To help students become more like Jesus Christ as they seek gifts of the Spirit.

• Student preparation: Invite students to focus on their efforts to be like Jesus Christ throughout the day prior to this lesson. Encourage them to identify personal strengths and weaknesses they notice in their efforts. They will be given an opportunity to find ways to strengthen their weaknesses in this lesson.

• Videos: “The Atonement of Jesus Christ” (11:33; watch from time code 9:44 to 10:26)

• Content to display: List of steps for students to follow at the end of the lesson