Doctrine and Covenants 129–132

Doctrine and Covenants 129–132

Overview

While the Saints were in Illinois, the Prophet Joseph Smith shared important teachings about a variety of topics, including the importance of obtaining knowledge and intelligence, the blessings we receive through obedience to God’s commandments, and the nature of God. He introduced the doctrine of eternal marriage and taught that we must enter into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage to obtain the blessings of exaltation. The Prophet also recorded a revelation related to the practice of plural marriage, a revelation that the Lord asked some early members of the Church to live.

Convey to learners that their contributions are valued: Throughout the lesson, think of ways to help students feel that their contributions are valued and important. For example, when they raise their hands to make a comment, you could call them by name and express your desire to hear what they have to say. For more on how the Savior helped His learners feel valued, see the section “The Savior Ensured That All Felt Respected and Valued” 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 130.”

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 130

Lesson purpose: To help students practice teaching elements of Jesus Christ’s doctrine.

• Student preparation: Invite students to reflect on any recent teaching opportunities they’ve had at home or at church. Consider inviting them to come prepared to discuss their successes and challenges with teaching the Savior’s gospel.

• Handout: “Teaching Truths from Doctrine and Covenants 130 (Part 1 and Part 2)”

Doctrine and Covenants 131

Lesson purpose: To help students understand the importance of eternal marriage in Heavenly Father’s plan.

• Student preparation: Invite students to ask a loved one or Church leader to share some of the blessings they have received through their temple marriage. Students could be invited to share what they learned with the class.

• Video: “Eternal Marriage, an Apostolic Perspective” (5:26)

• Content to display: Instructions for the study activity under the heading “The Importance of Marriage in God’s Plan”

Doctrine and Covenants 132:1-2, 34-66

Lesson purpose: To help students understand more about the Lord’s commandment for some Saints to practice plural marriage in the early days of the Church.

• Student preparation: Invite students to come prepared to share an example of someone in the scriptures who obeyed a difficult commandment from God.

• Images: Abraham, Mary, Jesus Christ.

• Videos: “Is It Hard to Be the Prophet?” (1:54); “Faith Is Not by Chance, but by Choice” (15:01; watch from time code 6:25 to 8:27)

• Handout: “Excerpts from ‘Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo’”

Doctrinal Mastery Practice 9

Lesson purposes: To give students opportunities to practice memorizing the references of doctrinal mastery passages and their associated key scripture phrases. The lesson will also help them learn and apply divine principles for acquiring spiritual knowledge.

• Student preparation: Invite students to practice memorizing the scripture reference and key scripture phrases for a few doctrinal mastery passages they have studied during the year.

• Items to bring: Water pitcher and several cups