The Lord’s plan for His children on this earth will culminate in four great events: (1) the Second Coming of Christ, (2) a thousand-year period of peace on earth called the Millennium, (3) the Judgment of all mankind, and (4) the earth becoming the celestial kingdom of God (see Articles of Faith 1:10; see also Isaiah 11:1–9; 49:22; Ether 13:6; D&C 77:1; 88:17–26; 130:9).
Ask students to describe some of the rules and regulations of non-Church organizations, clubs, teams, or groups they belong to. Ask them to also share how the leaders of these organizations are chosen and installed. How do these principles and procedures differ from those we follow in the Church? You may want to ask students to study and discuss some of the Church’s principles and procedures, using the fifth article of faith and some or all of the following scriptures: Numbers 27:15–23; John 15:16; Hebrews 5:4; 3 Nephi 12:12; Moroni 3:1–4; Doctrine and Covenants 2:1–3; 11:15; 13:1; 26:2; 42:11; 84:6–44; 110:1–16; 121:34–46. Invite students to share experiences that show the Lord’s involvement in their Church callings.
Assign students to search for references in the Bible that mention any of the five Church titles or positions mentioned in the sixth article of faith (students could use the Bible Dictionary and Topical Guide; explain to students that pastor is another word for bishop and that evangelist is another word for patriarch). How is all this evidence of the true Church? How would you explain why there are other offices and positions in the Church today that are not mentioned in the Bible (see Articles of Faith 1:9)?
Invite a student to read the eighth article of faith aloud. Display the following statement by the Prophet Joseph Smith (1805–44), and ask a student to read it aloud:
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Joseph Smith
“From sundry revelations which had been received … it was apparent that many important points touching the salvation of man had been taken from the Bible, or lost before it was compiled” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 217; see also 1 Nephi 13:21–29).
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Bible and Book of Mormon
Display and invite a student to read aloud President Gordon B. Hinckley’s testimony of the Book of Mormon under “Articles of Faith 1:8. The Book of Mormon” in the student manual. Ask students to find and share scriptures that show some of the beauty, depth, and power of the Book of Mormon (for example, 2 Nephi 4:16–35; Mosiah 4:16–27; Moroni 7:27–38). Invite students to share why we need both the Bible and the Book of Mormon.
Show students something that is alive (such as a plant) and something that is inanimate (such as a rock). Ask students which is alive, and how they can tell if something is living. Invite a student to read Doctrine and Covenants 1:30 aloud, and then ask how we can tell if the Church is true and “living.” Display and ask a few students to take turns reading aloud the commentary under “Articles of Faith 1:9. Continuing Revelation” in the student manual. Invite a student to read the ninth article of faith aloud, and ask students to give examples of the “many great and important things” the Lord has revealed in our day. Ask students how the truths outlined in the fifth and ninth articles of faith make The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints different from all other churches.
Show students a map of the world and ask them to locate the two cities known in scripture as “Zion” (Independence, Missouri; and Jerusalem). Carefully review and discuss the material under “Articles of Faith 1:10. ‘Zion … Will Be Built upon the American Continent’” in the student manual. Display the following statement by President Brigham Young (1801–77), and invite a student to read it aloud:
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Brigham Young
“When we conclude to make a Zion we will make it, and this work commences in the heart of each person. …
“There is not one thing wanting in all the works of God’s hands to make a Zion upon the earth when the people conclude to make it. We can make a Zion of God on earth at our pleasure, upon the same principle that we can raise a field of wheat” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 113).
Invite a student to read aloud what happened to Aaron and his missionary companions in Alma 21:12–14. Ask students what “crime” they think these missionaries were imprisoned for. According to verses 21–22, what political changes did King Lamoni make (see also Alma 23:1–4)? Why was political change necessary in order for the missionaries to find success? What happened to the people and the nation because of these changes (see Alma 21:23; 23:5–7, 18)? Invite a student to read the eleventh article of faith aloud, and then ask students if they would like living in a land where the rulers of government were all members of Christ’s true Church, and why they would like it. Ask students what blessings have come, or could come, because of religious freedom.
Invite a student to read the twelfth article of faith aloud, and ask students to make a list of all the people or organizations in their government that they are “subject” to. Discuss why they should be subject to each of them, and how they can be tolerant and respectful of them.
Display and invite several students to take turns reading aloud the commentary under “Articles of Faith 1:13. Being Chaste” in the student manual, and then discuss the material as a class. What blessings can students think of that come from being chaste (sexually pure)?
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service project
Display and ask several students to take turns reading aloud the commentary under “Articles of Faith 1:13. Being Benevolent” and “Articles of Faith 1:13. Doing Good to All Men” in the student manual. Invite them to share experiences they have had in “doing good” to others, or when others have shown good works or service toward them. How have these experiences affected your life?
Compare the thoughts students have when they are discouraged to the thoughts they have when they are encouraged and happy. Display and ask a few students to take turns reading aloud the commentary under “Articles of Faith 1:13. Paul’s Admonition to Believe, Hope, and Endure” in the student manual, and then discuss the material as a class.
Invite a student to read the last sentence of the thirteenth article of faith aloud, and then ask students to think of things that are “virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy.” Discuss how we can fill our lives with such things. How do the Church and the gospel help us achieve this goal? How do other Church members also help? How do people and organizations outside the Church help?
The Pearl of Great Price. Conclusion
Testify of the truth and value of the principles, doctrines, and events you have studied together in the Pearl of Great Price. Invite students to share some of the things they have learned that have been most meaningful to them and have helped them understand why this book of scripture is a rare and precious pearl of great price. Invite students to share their testimonies.