Lesson 33: D&C 88

 August 9-15
Doctrine and Covenants 88
"Establish... A house of God"

Materials: paper, pencils, scripture, youth goal books (if you have children ages 7-18)
Opening Song: "Search, Ponder, and Pray" (Children's Songbook, 109)
Opening Prayer:

Attention Activity: Play a few rounds of hide and seek as a family. Read D&C 88:63. The Lord wants us to draw near to him and seek him. How can we seek Jesus?

Lesson:

Section 88 is a large section in which the Lord gives a lot of direction to the saints. It talks about how God's kingdom is governed by law, invites us to draw near to Him, speaks of the second coming, and gives a lot of counsel on specific things we need to do to "prepare in every needful thing."

One of the main topics of sections 88 is God wants us to seek learning by faith. Gospel instruction and learning is an important part of the of being prepared for the Savior's second coming. Have family members take turns reading D&C 88: 77-78, 118. How can we teach one another? Family Home Evening, family scripture study, and family discussions are all ways that God intends for us to teach one another. These help us learn and grow in our knowledge of the gospel. 

In the last 5 years, the church made several large changes to the way we approach gospel instruction. What have been some of the changes? How has the change to home-centered and church supported gospel instruction blessed our family and blessed you individually? 

Activity: Gospel Study Goal Setting. 

Using paper and pencils, make a list of individual and family gospel study goals. 

Some family ideas are listed below:

• Make a rotation chart for different family members to take turns doing different duties for FHE (lesson instructor, scripture reader, chorister, prayers, etc.)
• Print of and color in a family reading scripture chart for this year. Make plans for what you will study if you finish that week's sections early or late. 
•  Explain how you put together an FHE lesson. Show children materials and resources on the church website that you use to help put together FHE lessons. Have children practice putting together a mini lesson.
• Appoint a family member to read from the Come Follow Me For Individuals and Families  at family scripture study to read the headings and questions that correspond to your nightly reading. 

Using youth program goal books, paper, and pencils. Have family members write an individual study goal for the rest of this year. Here are some ideas:

• Finish the rest of the D&C by the end of the year, following the calendar in Come Follow Me.
• Read my scriptures everyday for 10 minutes before school.
• Read one gospel related non-fiction book by the end of the year.
• Listen to all the April conference talks by October General Conference.
• Prepare and teach one lesson in my quorum/young women's class by the end of the year.
• Learn more about the life and teachings of one of the prophets or apostles, give a FHE lesson on him. 

Gospel learning is an essential part of our earthly journey. It enables us to learn what it means to be Christlike and understand the gospel. Read D&C 88: 119. Our home is the place where we can truly "dive in" and study the gospel, which is why so many recent conference talks have centered on home-centered and church-supported gospel instruction. After reading verse 119, what can we do to improve our home so it's a house of prayer, fasting, faith, learning, glory, order--a house of God?

D&C 88 gives some further advice on what we can do (or stop doing) to make our home a place where we can fully embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ. Have your family scan verses 121-126. What are some things the Lord points out in order to have "a house of God?" Have a family choose one thing from the verses to work on and have them write it next to their study goal. 

As we learn more about the gospel as a family, we will grow closer together and have more charity towards one another. Our family will be better equipped to weather trails and hardships that come our way. The same is true for us individually. The more we study about the Savior and His gospel, and apply it to our lives--the more Christlike we will become. Bear your testimony.

Closing Song: "Scripture Power" (Additional Songs for Children, Music app)
Closing Prayer:
Refreshment: Healthy cinnamon apple muffins recipe here