Lesson 24: D&C 63

 June 7- 13
Doctrine and Covenants 63
"That which cometh from above is sacred"

Materials: campfire (optional), Google slides (link below), coloring pages and utensils, video clip (optional)
Opening Song: "Faith" (Children's Songbook, 96)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity:

Ask a family member about the steps and materials needed to make a campfire. If time and circumstances allow you could make a campfire together before FHE. 

Lesson:

The Lord finally revealed the site for New Jerusalem in Missouri and many were called to go to Missouri to prepare. One such person was a man named Ezra Booth. For FHE tonight we are going to talk a little bit about Ezra Booth's story. 

(Follow the link below for a slides about Ezra Booth.)

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Y2BZPyuA8CSu6C3fEj8eIx6KGlVIhvNQ3c6ODuwzJGE/edit?usp=sharing

When Samuel the Lamanite visited the Nephites, he prophesied of many signs and wonders in the heavens that would proclaim Jesus's birth. Yet, when these signs were seen, many Nephites were wicked and did not believe them. Some even sought to kill the faithful. Others believed for a time but then forgot about the signs and became wicked before Christ's death. 

President Kimball used to say, "Faith precedes the miracle." What does that mean? We know as latter-day saints that miracles do happen, and more often than we think. We often see small miracles through the Lord's tender mercies and, sometimes, we get to experience or hear about "big" miracles, like someone being healed or saved from a deadly situation. Even though miracles abound, and all miracles are blessings of God, they become quite meaningless to those of little or no faith. Miracles are like spiritual kindling. 

Fires can be started with kindling. It burns fast and hot, but it also doesn't last long. More robust fuel like firewood is needed to keep a fire going for a long period of time. Kindling can also be added to a fire to make it stronger, but it alone is not enough. Signs and miracles are the same with our testimonies. They can be a good start but the sturdy logs of faith are needed to keep a lasting fire of testimony. 

Activity: "Faith Precedes the Miracle" coloring

Show the coloring page below. Remind your family that Alma 34 teaches that our faith can grow like seed into beautiful testimonies just like these flowers. Have your family color their page. 

Optional activity: "There can be miracles, if you believe" (video from The Prince of Egypt)

Bear your testimony about faith. If you have witnessed a miracle, share it with your family and how your faith and testimony grew. 

Closing Song: "True to the Faith" (Hymns, 254)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Campfire Banana Boats