Jonah was on a ship headed for Tarshish. There’s nothing wrong with sailing to Tarshish, except that it is far away from Nineveh, where Jonah was supposed to go to deliver God’s message. When the ship encountered a great storm, Jonah knew it was because of his disobedience. At Jonah’s insistence, his fellow mariners cast him into the depths of the sea to stop the storm. It looked like the end of Jonah and his ministry. But the Lord hadn’t given up on Jonah—just as He hadn’t given up on the people of Nineveh, on the house of Israel, or on any of us.
So He keeps sending prophets—like Jonah, Amos, Obadiah, and our prophets today—with the message that if we repent, we will not be cast off forever. Of all the “secrets” God reveals (see Amos 3:7), this one is among the most precious: that because of Jesus Christ, it’s not too late to change. He still wants to help us live up to the covenants we made with Him, and He’s willing to offer us another chance.
For more about these books, see “Amos,” “Obadiah,” and “Jonah” in the Bible Dictionary.
Ideas for Learning at Home and at Church
Amos 3:1–8 ; 7:10–15 — The Lord reveals truth through His prophets.
In Amos 3:3–6, the prophet Amos presented examples of conclusions we can draw from signs we hear or see: when a lion roars, it must have captured prey; if a bird is caught in a trap, there must have been bait there. In verses 7–8, Amos applied this logic to prophets. What conclusions can we draw when a prophet prophesies? What else do you learn about prophets from Amos 7:10–15?
In his message “Follow the Prophet; He Knows the Way” (Liahona, May 2026, 22–23), Elder Michael John U. Teh shared how teachings from President Dallin H. Oaks have influenced his life. What has the Lord revealed to you through His prophets?
What would you say to someone who feels prophets are not needed today?
See also Topics and Questions, “Prophets,” Gospel Library.
Amos 4–5 — “Seek the Lord, and ye shall live.”
According to Amos 4:6–13, what had the Lord hoped would happen after the Israelites experienced trials? (see also Helaman 12:3). While your trials may not have been sent by God, how have they given you opportunities to turn to Him?
As you read Amos 5:4, 14–15, ponder how the Lord has been gracious to you. How has seeking Him brought you life?
Amos 8:11–12 — The word of the Lord can satisfy spiritual hunger and thirst.
These verses could also apply to the Great Apostasy (see Topics and Questions, “Apostasy,” Gospel Library). How has that spiritual “famine” affected God’s children? How has the Restoration satisfied your spiritual hunger?
See also “The Great Apostasy” (video), Gospel Library.
Obadiah 1:21 — Who are the “saviours … on mount Zion”?
Referring to Obadiah 1:21, President Gordon B. Hinckley explained that we become saviors on Mount Zion when we receive ordinances for the dead in the temple (see “Closing Remarks,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2004, 105). How is doing that work similar—if only in a small way—to what the Savior did for us? How has doing this work helped you feel closer to the Savior?
Jonah 1–4 — The Lord is merciful to all who turn to Him.
Nineveh was an enemy of Israel known for its violence and cruelty. To Jonah, it seemed unrealistic that they were ready to repent. It might be interesting to compare Jonah’s attitude (see Jonah 1; 3–4) to the feelings of Alma and the sons of Mosiah (see Mosiah 28:1–5; Alma 17:23–25). What do you learn from Jonah 3 that inspires you to share the gospel even with people who may not seem ready to change?
As you read Jonah, look for examples of the Lord’s mercy. Why do you feel Jonah was “displeased” and “very angry” (Jonah 4:1) when the Lord extended mercy to the people of Nineveh? What do you feel the Lord was trying to teach him in chapter 4? Ponder how you have experienced His mercy in your life. What do you learn from Jonah that can help you be more merciful?
01 The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake .02 And he said, The Lord will roar from Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the habitations of the shepherds shall mourn, and the top of Carmel shall wither.03 Thus saith the Lord ; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron:04 But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael , which shall devour the palaces of Ben-hadad.05 I will break also the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the plain of Aven, and him that holdeth the sceptre from the house of Eden: and the people of Syria shall go into captivity unto Kir, saith the Lord .06 ¶ Thus saith the Lord ; For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they carried away captive the whole captivity, to deliver them up to Edom:07 But I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, which shall devour the palaces thereof:08 And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod , and him that holdeth the sceptre from Ashkelon, and I will turn mine hand against Ekron: and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, saith the Lord God .09 ¶ Thus saith the Lord ; For three transgressions of Tyrus , and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom, and remembered not the brotherly covenant:010 But I will send a fire on the wall of Tyrus , which shall devour the palaces thereof.011 ¶ Thus saith the Lord ; For three transgressions of Edom , and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pity, and his anger did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath for ever:012 But I will send a fire upon Teman , which shall devour the palaces of Bozrah.013 ¶ Thus saith the Lord ; For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have ripped up the women with child of Gilead, that they might enlarge their border:014 But I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah , and it shall devour the palaces thereof, with shouting in the day of battle, with a tempest in the day of the whirlwind:015 And their king shall go into captivity, he and his princes together, saith the Lord .
Amos 3
01 Hear this word that the Lord hath spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying,02 You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.03 Can two walk together, except they be agreed ?04 Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey? will a young lion cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing?05 Can a bird fall in a snare upon the earth, where no gin is for him? shall one take up a snare from the earth, and have taken nothing at all?06 Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? shall there be evil in a city, and the Lord hath not done it?07 Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets .08 The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord God hath spoken, who can but prophesy ?09 ¶ Publish in the palaces at Ashdod , and in the palaces in the land of Egypt, and say, Assemble yourselves upon the mountains of Samaria, and behold the great tumults in the midst thereof, and the oppressed in the midst thereof.010 For they know not to do right, saith the Lord , who store up violence and robbery in their palaces.011 Therefore thus saith the Lord God ; An adversary there shall be even round about the land; and he shall bring down thy strength from thee, and thy palaces shall be spoiled.012 Thus saith the Lord ; As the shepherd taketh out of the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear; so shall the children of Israel be taken out that dwell in Samaria in the corner of a bed, and in Damascus in a couch.013 Hear ye, and testify in the house of Jacob, saith the Lord God , the God of hosts,014 That in the day that I shall visit the transgressions of Israel upon him I will also visit the altars of Beth-el : and the horns of the altar shall be cut off, and fall to the ground.015 And I will smite the winter house with the summer house; and the houses of ivory shall perish, and the great houses shall have an end, saith the Lord .
Amos 4
01 Hear this word, ye kine of Bashan, that are in the mountain of Samaria , which oppress the poor , which crush the needy, which say to their masters, Bring, and let us drink.02 The Lord God hath sworn by his holiness , that, lo, the days shall come upon you, that he will take you away with hooks, and your posterity with fishhooks.03 And ye shall go out at the breaches , every cow at that which is before her; and ye shall cast them into the palace, saith the Lord .04 ¶ Come to Beth-el, and transgress; at Gilgal multiply transgression; and bring your sacrifices every morning, and your tithes after three years :05 And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven , and proclaim and publish the free offerings: for this liketh you, O ye children of Israel, saith the Lord God .06 ¶ And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord .07 And also I have withholden the rain from you, when there were yet three months to the harvest: and I caused it to rain upon one city, and caused it not to rain upon another city: one piece was rained upon, and the piece whereupon it rained not withered.08 So two or three cities wandered unto one city, to drink water; but they were not satisfied: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord .09 I have smitten you with blasting and mildew: when your gardens and your vineyards and your fig trees and your olive trees increased, the palmerworm devoured them: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord .010 I have sent among you the pestilence after the manner of Egypt: your young men have I slain with the sword, and have taken away your horses; and I have made the stink of your camps to come up unto your nostrils: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord .011 I have overthrown some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and ye were as a firebrand plucked out of the burning : yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord .012 Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel: and because I will do this unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.013 For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought , that maketh the morning darkness , and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The Lord , The God of hosts, is his name.
Amos 5
01 Hear ye this word which I take up against you, even a lamentation, O house of Israel.02 The virgin of Israel is fallen; she shall no more rise: she is forsaken upon her land; there is none to raise her up.03 For thus saith the Lord God ; The city that went out by a thousand shall leave an hundred, and that which went forth by an hundred shall leave ten, to the house of Israel.04 ¶ For thus saith the Lord unto the house of Israel, Seek ye me, and ye shall live:05 But seek not Beth-el, nor enter into Gilgal, and pass not to Beer-sheba: for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Beth-el shall come to nought.06 Seek the Lord , and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Beth-el.07 Ye who turn judgment to wormwood, and leave off righteousness in the earth,08 Seek him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning , and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: The Lord is his name:09 That strengtheneth the spoiled against the strong, so that the spoiled shall come against the fortress.010 They hate him that rebuketh in the gate , and they abhor him that speaketh uprightly.011 Forasmuch therefore as your treading is upon the poor, and ye take from him burdens of wheat: ye have built houses of hewn stone, but ye shall not dwell in them; ye have planted pleasant vineyards, but ye shall not drink wine of them.012 For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: they afflict the just, they take a bribe , and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their right.013 Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time.014 Seek good , and not evil , that ye may live: and so the Lord , the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.015 Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate: it may be that the Lord God of hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of Joseph .016 Therefore the Lord , the God of hosts, the Lord, saith thus; Wailing shall be in all streets; and they shall say in all the highways, Alas! alas! and they shall call the husbandman to mourning, and such as are skilful of lamentation to wailing.017 And in all vineyards shall be wailing: for I will pass through thee, saith the Lord .018 Woe unto you that desire the day of the Lord ! to what end is it for you? the day of the Lord is darkness , and not light.019 As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him.020 Shall not the day of the Lord be darkness, and not light? even very dark, and no brightness in it?021 ¶ I hate, I despise your feast days, and I will not smell in your solemn assemblies .022 Though ye offer me burnt offerings and your meat offerings, I will not accept them: neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat beasts.023 Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols.024 But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream.025 Have ye offered unto me sacrifices and offerings in the wilderness forty years, O house of Israel?026 But ye have borne the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun your images, the star of your god, which ye made to yourselves.027 Therefore will I cause you to go into captivity beyond Damascus, saith the Lord , whose name is The God of hosts.
Amos 7
01 Thus hath the Lord God shewed unto me; and, behold, he formed grasshoppers in the beginning of the shooting up of the latter growth; and, lo, it was the latter growth after the king’s mowings.02 And it came to pass, that when they had made an end of eating the grass of the land, then I said, O Lord God , forgive, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small.03 The Lord repented for this: It shall not be, saith the Lord .04 ¶ Thus hath the Lord God shewed unto me: and, behold, the Lord God called to contend by fire, and it devoured the great deep, and did eat up a part.05 Then said I, O Lord God , cease, I beseech thee: by whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small.06 The Lord repented for this: This also shall not be, saith the Lord God .07 ¶ Thus he shewed me: and, behold, the Lord stood upon a wall made by a plumbline, with a plumbline in his hand.08 And the Lord said unto me, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A plumbline. Then said the Lord, Behold, I will set a plumbline in the midst of my people Israel: I will not again pass by them any more:09 And the high places of Isaac shall be desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste; and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.010 ¶ Then Amaziah the priest of Beth-el sent to Jeroboam king of Israel, saying, Amos hath conspired against thee in the midst of the house of Israel: the land is not able to bear all his words.011 For thus Amos saith, Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be led away captive out of their own land.012 Also Amaziah said unto Amos, O thou seer , go, flee thee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there:013 But prophesy not again any more at Beth-el: for it is the king’s chapel , and it is the king’s court.014 ¶ Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet , neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:015 And the Lord took me as I followed the flock, and the Lord said unto me, Go , prophesy unto my people Israel.016 ¶ Now therefore hear thou the word of the Lord : Thou sayest, Prophesy not against Israel, and drop not thy word against the house of Isaac.017 Therefore thus saith the Lord ; Thy wife shall be an harlot in the city, and thy sons and thy daughters shall fall by the sword, and thy land shall be divided by line; and thou shalt die in a polluted land: and Israel shall surely go into captivity forth of his land.
Amos 8
01 Thus hath the Lord God shewed unto me: and behold a basket of summer fruit.02 And he said, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A basket of summer fruit. Then said the Lord unto me, The end is come upon my people of Israel; I will not again pass by them any more.03 And the songs of the temple shall be howlings in that day, saith the Lord God : there shall be many dead bodies in every place; they shall cast them forth with silence.04 ¶ Hear this, O ye that swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail,05 Saying, When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell corn? and the sabbath , that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel great, and falsifying the balances by deceit?06 That we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes; yea, and sell the refuse of the wheat?07 The Lord hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, Surely I will never forget any of their works.08 Shall not the land tremble for this, and every one mourn that dwelleth therein? and it shall rise up wholly as a flood; and it shall be cast out and drowned, as by the flood of Egypt.09 And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord God , that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day:010 And I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation ; and I will bring up sackcloth upon all loins, and baldness upon every head; and I will make it as the mourning of an only son, and the end thereof as a bitter day.011 ¶ Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God , that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord :012 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord , and shall not find it.013 In that day shall the fair virgins and young men faint for thirst.014 They that swear by the sin of Samaria, and say, Thy god, O Dan , liveth; and, The manner of Beer-sheba liveth; even they shall fall, and never rise up again.
Deuteronomy 18
01 The priests the Levites, and all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of the Lord made by fire, and his inheritance.02 Therefore shall they have no inheritance among their brethren: the Lord is their inheritance , as he hath said unto them.03 ¶ And this shall be the priest’s due from the people, from them that offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep; and they shall give unto the priest the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw .04 The firstfruit also of thy corn , of thy wine, and of thine oil, and the first of the fleece of thy sheep, shalt thou give him.05 For the Lord thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the Lord , him and his sons for ever.06 ¶ And if a Levite come from any of thy gates out of all Israel, where he sojourned , and come with all the desire of his mind unto the place which the Lord shall choose;07 Then he shall minister in the name of the Lord his God, as all his brethren the Levites do, which stand there before the Lord .08 They shall have like portions to eat, beside that which cometh of the sale of his patrimony.09 ¶ When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.010 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire , or that useth divination , or an observer of times, or an enchanter , or a witch,011 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits , or a wizard, or a necromancer.012 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord : and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee.013 Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God.014 For these nations, which thou shalt possess , hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the Lord thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.015 ¶ The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;016 According to all that thou desiredst of the Lord thy God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of the Lord my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I die not.017 And the Lord said unto me, They have well spoken that which they have spoken.018 I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.019 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.020 But the prophet , which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.021 And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken?022 When a prophet speaketh in the name of the Lord , if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him.
Ezekiel 3
01 Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll , and go speak unto the house of Israel.02 So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll.03 And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.04 ¶ And he said unto me, Son of man, go, get thee unto the house of Israel, and speak with my words unto them.05 For thou art not sent to a people of a strange speech and of an hard language, but to the house of Israel;06 Not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee.07 But the house of Israel will not hearken unto thee; for they will not hearken unto me: for all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted .08 Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads.09 As an adamant harder than flint have I made thy forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house.010 Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, all my words that I shall speak unto thee receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears.011 And go, get thee to them of the captivity, unto the children of thy people, and speak unto them, and tell them, Thus saith the Lord God ; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.012 Then the spirit took me up, and I heard behind me a voice of a great rushing, saying, Blessed be the glory of the Lord from his place.013 I heard also the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another, and the noise of the wheels over against them, and a noise of a great rushing.014 So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the Lord was strong upon me.015 ¶ Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel-abib, that dwelt by the river of Chebar, and I sat where they sat, and remained there astonished among them seven days.016 And it came to pass at the end of seven days, that the word of the Lord came unto me, saying,017 Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.018 When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die ; and thou givest him not warning , nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity ; but his blood will I require at thine hand.019 Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.020 Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness , and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.021 Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned ; also thou hast delivered thy soul.022 ¶ And the hand of the Lord was there upon me; and he said unto me, Arise, go forth into the plain , and I will there talk with thee.023 Then I arose, and went forth into the plain: and, behold, the glory of the Lord stood there, as the glory which I saw by the river of Chebar: and I fell on my face.024 Then the spirit entered into me, and set me upon my feet, and spake with me, and said unto me, Go, shut thyself within thine house.025 But thou, O son of man, behold, they shall put bands upon thee, and shall bind thee with them, and thou shalt not go out among them:026 And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb , and shalt not be to them a reprover: for they are a rebellious house.027 But when I speak with thee, I will open thy mouth , and thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God ; He that heareth, let him hear; and he that forbeareth, let him forbear: for they are a rebellious house.
Jonah 1
01 Now the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the son of Amittai, saying,02 Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me.03 But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord , and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the Lord .04 ¶ But the Lord sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.05 Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his god, and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah was gone down into the sides of the ship; and he lay, and was fast asleep.06 So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.07 And they said every one to his fellow, Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us. So they cast lots, and the lot fell upon Jonah.08 Then said they unto him, Tell us, we pray thee, for whose cause this evil is upon us; What is thine occupation? and whence comest thou? what is thy country? and of what people art thou?09 And he said unto them, I am an Hebrew; and I fear the Lord , the God of heaven, which hath made the sea and the dry land.010 Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him, Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the Lord , because he had told them.011 ¶ Then said they unto him, What shall we do unto thee, that the sea may be calm unto us? for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous.012 And he said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you.013 Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring it to the land; but they could not: for the sea wrought, and was tempestuous against them.014 Wherefore they cried unto the Lord , and said, We beseech thee, O Lord , we beseech thee, let us not perish for this man’s life, and lay not upon us innocent blood: for thou, O Lord , hast done as it pleased thee.015 So they took up Jonah, and cast him forth into the sea: and the sea ceased from her raging.016 Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice unto the Lord , and made vows.017 ¶ Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.
Jonah 2
01 Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God out of the fish’s belly,02 And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the Lord , and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, and thou heardest my voice.03 For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me.04 Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple .05 The waters compassed me about, even to the soul : the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head.06 I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption, O Lord my God.07 When my soul fainted within me I remembered the Lord : and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple .08 They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.09 But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed . Salvation is of the Lord .010 ¶ And the Lord spake unto the fish, and it vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.
Jonah 3
01 And the word of the Lord came unto Jonah the second time, saying,02 Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.03 So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord . Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days’ journey .04 And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.05 ¶ So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast , and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.06 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth , and sat in ashes.07 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste any thing: let them not feed, nor drink water:08 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn every one from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands.09 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?010 ¶ And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not .
Jonah 4
01 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry.02 And he prayed unto the Lord , and said, I pray thee, O Lord , was not this my saying, when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before unto Tarshish: for I knew that thou art a gracious God, and merciful , slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repentest thee of the evil.03 Therefore now, O Lord , take, I beseech thee, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live.04 ¶ Then said the Lord , Doest thou well to be angry?05 So Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made him a booth , and sat under it in the shadow, till he might see what would become of the city.06 And the Lord God prepared a gourd , and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shadow over his head, to deliver him from his grief. So Jonah was exceeding glad of the gourd.07 But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered.08 And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind ; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live.09 And God said to Jonah, Doest thou well to be angry for the gourd? And he said, I do well to be angry, even unto death.010 Then said the Lord , Thou hast had pity on the gourd, for the which thou hast not laboured, neither madest it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night:011 And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?
Obadiah 1
01 The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord God concerning Edom ; We have heard a rumour from the Lord , and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle.02 Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised.03 ¶ The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?04 Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord .05 If thieves came to thee, if robbers by night, (how art thou cut off!) would they not have stolen till they had enough? if the grapegatherers came to thee, would they not leave some grapes?06 How are the things of Esau searched out! how are his hidden things sought up!07 All the men of thy confederacy have brought thee even to the border: the men that were at peace with thee have deceived thee, and prevailed against thee; they that eat thy bread have laid a wound under thee: there is none understanding in him.08 Shall I not in that day , saith the Lord , even destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of the mount of Esau?09 And thy mighty men, O Teman , shall be dismayed, to the end that every one of the mount of Esau may be cut off by slaughter.010 ¶ For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever.011 In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even thou wast as one of them.012 But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress.013 Thou shouldest not have entered into the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; yea, thou shouldest not have looked on their affliction in the day of their calamity, nor have laid hands on their substance in the day of their calamity;014 Neither shouldest thou have stood in the crossway, to cut off those of his that did escape; neither shouldest thou have delivered up those of his that did remain in the day of distress.015 For the day of the Lord is near upon all the heathen : as thou hast done , it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head.016 For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been.017 ¶ But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance , and there shall be holiness; and the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions.018 And the house of Jacob shall be a fire , and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them; and there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau; for the Lord hath spoken it.019 And they of the south shall possess the mount of Esau; and they of the plain the Philistines : and they shall possess the fields of Ephraim, and the fields of Samaria: and Benjamin shall possess Gilead.020 And the captivity of this host of the children of Israel shall possess that of the Canaanites, even unto Zarephath; and the captivity of Jerusalem, which is in Sepharad, shall possess the cities of the south.021 And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau; and the kingdom shall be the Lord ’s.
To the rich young man, Jesus said, “Sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.” The young man did not know that the path he was asked to tread would lead him to “treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt.”
I am grateful for teachings received over the years that have helped me better follow the Savior. For my purpose today, I simply would like to focus on one. As the Primary song goes, “Follow the prophet; he knows the way.”
In October 2024, President Dallin H. Oaks gave the following counsel: “Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice. It is a continuous commitment and way of life that should guide us at all times and in all places. His teachings and His example define the path for every disciple of Jesus Christ. And all are invited to this path.”
My parents were born in the Philippines, but both of them had Chinese ancestry. Like almost everyone else in the Philippines, they embraced the predominant faith of my native country. So, our family enjoyed a healthy mix of different family, ethnic, and religious practices and traditions that influenced our daily lives.
When my parents joined the Church, little did they know that they were embracing yet another set of values and traditions—even the gospel culture, based on the plan of salvation, God’s commandments, and the words of living prophets. Over time, as our family strived to fully embrace the gospel, my parents discovered that some of our well-loved traditions were not consistent with gospel culture. It became apparent to them that they needed to make a choice.
And so began the difficult undertaking of weeding our family of traditions and cultural practices that were contrary to gospel culture. You could just imagine the immense pressure they received from family and friends to hold on to certain traditions even though they were contrary to the gospel.
I am so grateful that my parents exercised faith and chose to keep their covenants. It was a long and difficult process. Even when I left to live on my own, they were still working on it. Although our family was still not perfect, we had come a long way. This experience taught me that embracing gospel culture simply meant keeping our covenants.
President Oaks taught:
“The gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to change. ‘Repent’ is its most frequent message, and repenting means giving up all of our practices—personal, family, ethnic, and national—that are contrary to the commandments of God. The purpose of the gospel is to transform common creatures into celestial citizens, and that requires change. …
“The traditions or culture or way of life of a people inevitably include some practices that must be changed by those who wish to qualify for God’s choicest blessings.”
A few weeks ago a stake president in Japan felt that we should visit a man diagnosed with cancer. Despite his going through treatment, the cancer continued to spread. In these situations, I struggle to find the words to say. So, for days I pleaded for the Lord’s help. I pictured the man to be downtrodden and devastated. I anticipated that he would ask why the Lord gave him this trial. I imagined that he would be hopeless and perhaps even a little angry. The day of the visit arrived, and I was still at a loss. When we finally met, I was completely astonished. What stood before me was not at all the man I had imagined. His countenance was bright and happy. There was no bitterness, and he never asked why.
Just recently, I had very similar experiences with members living in Korea. My intention was to minister to others. However, at the end of my visits, it felt like I was the one being ministered to.
Jesus Christ strengthened each of these individuals to endure their trials. As President Oaks has taught: “Our Savior experienced and suffered the fulness of all mortal challenges. … He therefore knows our struggles, our heartaches, our temptations, and our suffering, for He willingly experienced them all as an essential part of His Atonement. And because of this, His Atonement empowers Him to succor us—to give us the strength to bear it all.”
Two years ago we were asked to live in Hong Kong, known for its tall buildings. Our apartment building was dwarfed by much taller buildings around it. So, I was prepared to live in the shadows. Imagine my delight to wake up and see the rays of the morning sun shining through our windows. This simple experience filled my soul with immense joy and gratitude.
When I finally got my bearings, I was so confused. Our windows were not facing east. How did we ever get the morning sun? Upon further investigation, I learned that the sun’s rays were being reflected into our apartment by the tall building in front of us. I was reminded that when we strive to follow the Savior, He will use us to bless others. Through our example and service to others, they will feel the Savior’s love for them.
From President Oaks: “During his ministry Jesus taught, ‘Behold I am the light; I have set an example for you.’ Later, he told his Apostles, ‘Hold up your light that it may shine unto the world,’ adding, ‘Behold, I am the light which ye shall hold up—that which ye have seen me do.’”
It is interesting to me that some people would think that God’s prophets live in the past and are not attuned to the times. Everything I know of prophets is the opposite. They actually see into the future as watchmen on a tower.
As we learn in the book of Mosiah, “A seer can know of things which are past, and also of things which are to come, and by them shall all things be revealed, or, rather, shall secret things be made manifest, and hidden things shall come to light, and things which are not known shall be made known by them, and also things shall be made known by them which otherwise could not be known.”
I testify that we are led today by a living prophet, President Dallin H. Oaks. He, along with the counselors in the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, are indeed prophets, seers, and revelators. I am grateful to have participated in the solemn assembly this morning. My dear brothers and sisters, especially you, my dear young friends, when we follow their teachings and examples, we are following our Savior, Jesus Christ. I so testify in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
My dear brothers and sisters, wherever you may be, I would like to express my sincere and deep thanks for your sustaining vote yesterday. Though I feel ineloquent and slow of speech like Moses, I console myself in the Lord’s words to him:
“Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord?
“Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say” (Exodus 4:11–12; see also verse 10).
I take solace also in the love and support of my beloved wife. She has been an example of goodness, love, and total devotion to the Lord and for me and my family. I love her with every ounce of my heart, and I am grateful for the positive influence she has had on us.
Brothers and sisters, I want to testify to you that President Russell M. Nelson is the prophet of God on earth. I have never seen anyone more kind and loving than he is. Though I felt so inadequate for this sacred call, his words and the tender look in his eyes as he extended this responsibility made me feel embraced by the Savior’s love. Thank you, President Nelson. I sustain you and I love you.
Isn’t it a blessing to have prophets, seers, and revelators on earth in these days in which we live, who seek to know the will of the Lord and follow it? It is comforting to know that we are not alone in the world, despite the challenges we face in life. Having prophets is a sign of God’s love for His children. They make known the promises and the true nature of God and of Jesus Christ to Their people. I have learned that through my personal experiences.
Eighteen years ago, my wife and I received a phone call from President James E. Faust, then Second Counselor in the First Presidency. He called us to serve as mission president and companion in Portugal. He told us that we had only six weeks before we started the mission. Although we felt unprepared and inadequate, we accepted the call. Our most important concern at the time was to obtain the visas required to serve in that country because, according to past experience, we knew the process took six to eight months to complete.
President Faust then asked if we had faith that the Lord would perform a miracle and that we would be able to solve the visa problem faster. Our answer was a big yes, and we started making the arrangements immediately. We prepared the documents required for the visas, took our three young children, and went to the consulate as fast as we could. A very nice lady met with us there. In reviewing our papers and getting acquainted with what we were going to do in Portugal, she turned to us and asked, “Are you really going to help the people of my country?” We firmly answered yes and explained that we would represent Jesus Christ and testify of Him and His divine mission in the world. We returned there four weeks later, received our visas, and landed in the mission field within the six weeks, as a prophet of the Lord had asked us to do.
Brothers and sisters, from the bottom of my heart, I testify that the prophets speak by the power of the Holy Spirit. They testify of Christ and His divine mission on earth. They represent the mind and heart of the Lord and are called to represent Him and teach us what we must do to return to live in the presence of God and His Son, Jesus Christ. We are blessed as we exercise our faith and follow their teachings. By following them, our lives are happier and less complicated, our difficulties and problems are easier to bear, and we create a spiritual armor around us that will protect us from the attacks of the enemy in our day.
On this Easter day I solemnly testify that Jesus Christ is risen, He lives, and He directs His Church on earth through His prophets, seers, and revelators. I testify that He is the Savior and Redeemer of the world and that through Him we can be saved and exalted in the presence of our dear God. I love Him; I adore Him. I want to follow Him and do His will and become more like Him. I humbly say these things in the sacred name of our Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
In ancient times, God called ordinary, faithful men as prophets and authorized them to represent Him. He inspired those servants, spoke to them, and gave them His power to accomplish His work. One of the significant messages of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is that we have living prophets on the earth today.
Because the Lord’s prophets have been commissioned to teach God’s children and direct His work, it is essential that we give heed to their words. Learning about the role of prophets can increase your confidence in their divine calling as the Lord’s servants and deepen your desire to trust in their counsel and direction. To those who follow the living prophet, God promises safety, protection, and even salvation and eternal life.
A prophet is a person who has been called by God to speak for Him (see Jeremiah 1:4–5; Amos 3:7; John 15:16; Doctrine and Covenants 1:37–38). Prophets testify of Jesus Christ and teach His gospel. They make known God’s will and true character. They denounce sin, warn of its consequences, and help us avoid deception (see Ezekiel 3:16–17; Ephesians 4:11–14). At times, they prophesy of future events. Prophets are able to perform these responsibilities because they receive authority, keys, and revelation from God.
Since the days of Adam, God has sent prophets among His children. During His mortal ministry, the Lord Jesus Christ organized His Church on the foundation of apostles and prophets (see Ephesians 2:19–20). God followed this same pattern in the latter days when He called the Prophet Joseph Smith, restored His Church, and established the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
The President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today is God’s prophet to all the people of the earth. We sustain the President of the Church as a prophet, seer, and revelator and as the only person on the earth who has God’s authority to exercise all priesthood keys. We also sustain the counselors in the First Presidency and the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, and revelators.
Regarding the importance of apostles and prophets, the Prophet Joseph Smith observed: “The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.”
Things to think about
The Prophet Joseph Smith was called by God to preach the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and help God’s children receive the priesthood ordinances needed for salvation and exaltation. His successors, including the President of the Church today, have received the same authority and responsibility to carry on as the Lord’s representatives. Read Doctrine and Covenants 107:91–92. What does this passage indicate to you about the significant role of the Lord’s prophet in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
Activity for learning with others
Members of the Church who seek to follow the Lord’s chosen servants are blessed. Invite members of your group to compare the truths taught in Helaman 13:24–28 and in 3 Nephi 12:1–2. Why do some individuals respect past prophets but reject living prophets? What blessings have you recognized because we have living prophets and apostles on the earth today?
The Lord Jesus Christ has emphasized how important it is to receive His living prophets and apostles. We do so when we listen and give heed to their counsel. “He that receiveth my servants receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth my Father; and he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father’s kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him” (Doctrine and Covenants 84:36–38).
God commands us to consider the words of His servants as if they were His own words. He declared, “Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:38). Because God sends His prophets to teach and guide His children and prepare them for eternal life and exaltation, we will be protected and blessed when we give heed to Jesus Christ and His chosen servants (see Doctrine and Covenants 124:45–46).
Things to think about
President Russell M. Nelson explained: “It is precisely because [leaders of the Lord’s Church] care deeply about all of God’s children that we proclaim His truth. We may not always tell people what they want to hear. Prophets are rarely popular. But we will always teach the truth!” When has your willingness to trust the Lord’s prophet helped you recognize the truthfulness of his message?
The scriptures warn of false prophets who will arise in the last days and will attempt to deceive God’s children (see Matthew 24:24). The Lord explained that He will always raise up His prophets through the established pattern recognized in the Church. Read John 10:1–2 and Doctrine and Covenants 43:7. What does it mean that the Lord’s servant will come in at the gate? How does knowing that revelation from God always comes through recognized priesthood channels help you avoid deception?
Activity for learning with others
Read the following statement by President Russell M. Nelson with members of your group: “Our sustaining of prophets is a personal commitment that we will do our utmost to uphold their prophetic priorities. Our sustaining is an oath-like indication that we recognize their calling as a prophet to be legitimate and binding upon us.” Read Doctrine and Covenants 107:22. In what ways can we uphold the First Presidency through our “confidence, faith, and prayer[s]”?
Members of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles hold the priesthood keys necessary to organize and direct the affairs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (see Matthew 16:16–19; Doctrine and Covenants 81:1–2). The Lord promises that His power will accompany decisions made by the united voice of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The General Handbook states: “All members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are prophets, seers, and revelators. Together they form the Council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Under the direction of the Lord and by unanimous voice, this council has authority to declare and interpret doctrine and establish policy for the Church (see Doctrine and Covenants 1:38; 107:27–31).”
Speaking of the First Presidency, the Prophet Joseph Smith taught: “The Presidents or [First] Presidency are over the Church; and revelations of the mind and will of God to the Church, are to come through the Presidency. This is the order of heaven, and the power and privilege of [the Melchizedek] Priesthood.”
While God gives revelation through prophets and apostles to guide His children, individuals can receive personal revelation to help them with their specific needs, responsibilities, and questions and to help strengthen their testimonies. Personal inspiration from the Lord will always align with the revelation God gives through His prophets.
Things to think about
The Apostle Paul explained that apostles and prophets are the foundation of the Church (see Ephesians 2:19–20). Read Ephesians 4:11–14. How do the apostles and prophets of the Lord keep us from being “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness”? (verse 14).
Activity for learning with others
Read the following statement by Elder Neil L. Andersen with your group members:
“A few question their faith when they find a statement made by a Church leader decades ago that seems incongruent [inconsistent] with our doctrine. There is an important principle that governs the doctrine of the Church. The doctrine is taught by all 15 members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. It is not hidden in an obscure paragraph of one talk. True principles are taught frequently and by many. Our doctrine is not difficult to find.”
Invite group members to discuss how we can recognize true gospel principles and official Church doctrine.
In the Old Testament, the Lord likened the role of His prophets to that of a “watchman” who had the responsibility to alert people of approaching danger (see Ezekiel 33:1–7). During His mortal ministry, Jesus Christ emphasized the need for repentance (see Matthew 4:17; 7:13–14; Luke 5:32). Prophets have the responsibility to declare the same message—warning God’s people about the consequences of sin and wickedness and teaching the need for repentance (see Acts 10:43; Doctrine and Covenants 1:4–5).
President Russell M. Nelson taught: “You may not always understand every declaration of a living prophet. But when you know a prophet is a prophet, you can approach the Lord in humility and faith and ask for your own witness about whatever His prophet has proclaimed.”
On the day the Church of Jesus Christ was organized, the Lord commanded His people to receive the words of His prophet “as if from [His] own mouth, in all patience and faith” (see Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–5). This divine instruction suggests that it will not always be easy to accept the words or teachings of a prophet. We may not immediately feel a spiritual confirmation of their importance. That is why the Lord reminds us to exercise patience and faith while we wait for clearer understanding. The Lord promised great blessings to those who will trust His prophets in patience and faith (see Doctrine and Covenants 21:6).
Things to think about
In the Old Testament, we read about Naaman—a captain of the Syrian king’s army. He suffered from a disease known as leprosy. He learned there was a prophet in Israel who had the power to heal, and Naaman travelled to meet him (see 2 Kings 5:1–9). Study 2 Kings 5:10–14. Why was Naaman frustrated by the instructions delivered by the Lord’s prophet? What happened that led Naaman to finally heed the prophet’s words and be healed? How can you apply this story in your own life?
Activity for learning with others
Choosing to follow the counsel of the Lord’s prophets brings safety. With members of your group, read the following statement by President Henry B. Eyring:
“The choice not to take prophetic counsel changes the very ground upon which we stand. It becomes more dangerous. The failure to take prophetic counsel lessens our power to take inspired counsel in the future. …
“Every time in my life when I have chosen to delay following inspired counsel or decided that I was an exception, I came to know that I had put myself in harm’s way. Every time that I have listened to the counsel of prophets, felt it confirmed in prayer, and then followed it, I have found that I moved toward safety. Along the path, I have found that the way had been prepared for me and the rough places made smooth. God led me to safety along a path which was prepared with loving care, sometimes prepared long before.”
Invite group members to share ways they may have received increased safety and protection because they chose to follow a prophet’s counsel.
When individuals or groups of people turn away from the principles of the gospel, they are in a state of apostasy. One example is the Great Apostasy, which occurred after the Savior established His Church. After the deaths of the Savior and His Apostles, men corrupted the principles of the gospel and made unauthorized changes in Church organization and priesthood ordinances. Because of this widespread apostasy, the Lord withdrew the authority of the priesthood from the earth. This apostasy lasted until Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son appeared to Joseph Smith in 1820 and initiated the Restoration of the fulness of the gospel.
Latter-day Saints believe that, through the priesthood conferred to Joseph Smith by the ministering of angels, the authority to act in God’s name was brought back to the earth. This is “restored,” not “reformed,” Christianity. Their belief in a restored Christianity helps explain why most Latter-day Saint converts, from the 1830s to the present, converted from other Christian denominations. None of these converts thought they were leaving Christianity; they are simply grateful to learn about, and become part of, the restored Church of Jesus Christ, which they believe offers a more complete and rich Christian Church spiritually, organizationally, and doctrinally.
During the Great Apostasy, people were without divine direction from living prophets. Many churches were established, but they did not have priesthood power to lead people to the true knowledge of God the Father and Jesus Christ. Parts of the holy scriptures were corrupted or lost, and no one had the authority to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost or perform other priesthood ordinances.
We now live in a time when the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored. But unlike the Church in times past, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will not be overcome by general apostasy. The scriptures teach that the Church will never again be destroyed (see Doctrine and Covenants 138:44; see also Daniel 2:44).
Although there will not be another general apostasy from the truth, we must each guard against personal apostasy by keeping covenants, obeying the commandments, following Church leaders, partaking of the sacrament, and constantly strengthening our testimonies through daily scripture study, prayer, and service.
We have experienced another great conference. What remarkable meetings these are. What a great purpose they serve. We gather together in a spirit of worship and with a desire to learn. We renew our relationships as members of this large family of Latter-day Saints who live in many lands, who speak a variety of languages, who come out of difficult cultures, who even look different. And we recognize that we are all one, each a son or daughter of our Father in Heaven.
In a few minutes this great Conference Center in Salt Lake City will be emptied. The lights will be dimmed and the doors locked. It will be so with thousands of other halls across this broad world. We shall return to our homes, greatly enriched I hope. Our faith will have been strengthened, our resolve fortified. Where we have felt defeated and beaten, I hope that a new courage has come into our lives. Where we have been wayward and indifferent, I hope that a spirit of repentance has taken hold of us. Where we have been unkind or mean and selfish, I hope that we have determined that we will change. All who walk in faith will have had that faith strengthened.
Today is Monday in the Far East. Tomorrow is Monday in the Western Hemisphere and in Europe. It is a time that we have designated as family home evening. On that occasion I hope that fathers and mothers will gather their children about them and talk of some of the things they have heard in this conference. I would wish they might even write down some of these things, reflect on them, and remember them.
Now as we conclude I wish to remind you of another matter. I would hope that we might go to the house of the Lord a little more frequently. As I indicated at the opening session, we have done all that we know how to do to bring temples closer to our people. There are still many who have to travel long distances. I hope they will continue to make that effort until such time as a temple is justified in their midst.
Most of our temples could be much busier than they are. In this noisy, bustling, competitive world, what a privilege it is to have a sacred house where we may experience the sanctifying influence of the Spirit of the Lord. The element of selfishness crowds in upon us constantly. We need to overcome it, and there is no better way than to go to the house of the Lord and there serve in a vicarious relationship in behalf of those who are beyond the veil of death. What a remarkable thing this is. In most cases we do not know those for whom we work. We expect no thanks. We have no assurance that they will accept that which we offer. But we go, and in that process we attain to a state that comes of no other effort. We literally become saviors on Mount Zion. What does this mean? Just as our Redeemer gave His life as a vicarious sacrifice for all men, and in so doing became our Savior, even so we, in a small measure, when we engage in proxy work in the temple, become as saviors to those on the other side who have no means of advancing unless something is done in their behalf by those on earth.
And so, my brothers and sisters, I encourage you to take greater advantage of this blessed privilege. It will refine your natures. It will peel off the selfish shell in which most of us live. It will literally bring a sanctifying element into our lives and make us better men and better women.
Every temple, large or small, has its beautiful celestial room. This room was created to represent the celestial kingdom. When the Mesa Arizona Temple was extensively renovated some years ago and was opened for public tours, one visitor described the celestial room as God’s living room. So it well might be. It is our privilege, unique and exclusive, while dressed in white, to sit at the conclusion of our ordinance work in the beautiful celestial room and ponder, meditate, and silently pray.
Here we can reflect on the great goodness of the Lord to us. Here we can reflect on the great plan of happiness which our Father has outlined for His children. And so I urge you, my brothers and sisters, to do it while you have strength to do it. I know that when you get old, it becomes extremely difficult to get up and down. But what a great blessing it is.
Now, my brothers and sisters, I express to you again my love. May heaven smile upon you. This work is true. Never doubt it. God, our Eternal Father, lives. Jesus is our Redeemer, our Lord, the Son of the living God. Joseph was a prophet, the Book of Mormon is of divine origin, and this is God’s holy work in the earth. I leave you my witness, my love, my blessing as we separate to go to our homes. May God be with you till we meet again is my humble prayer, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
1.Holy temples on Mount Zion In a lofty splendor shine, Avenues to exaltation, Symbols of a love divine. And their kindly portals beckon To serenity and prayer, Valiant children of the promise, Pledged to sacred service there.
Verse
2.Merciful and gracious Father, Purify our hearts, we pray; Bless our mission of redemption In thy hallowed house each day, Till at length our faithful kindred, Sealed with us eternally In celestial bonds of union, Sing hosannas unto thee.
Verse
3.Sing aloud, ye heav’nly chorus, Anthems of eternal praise To the glorious King Immanuel! Sing with Saints of latter days! Let the mountains shout for gladness, And the valleys joyful be, While the stars acclaim in rapture, For the prisoners shall go free.
A schoolteacher once taught that a whale—even though large—could not swallow a human because whales have small throats. A girl objected, “But Jonah was swallowed by a whale.” The teacher responded, “That’s impossible.” Still not convinced, the girl said, “Well, when I get to heaven, I will ask him.” The teacher sneered, “What if Jonah was a sinner and didn’t go to heaven?” The girl replied, “Then you can ask him.”
We laugh, but we should not miss the power Jonah’s story offers every “humble seeker of happiness,” especially those struggling.
God commanded Jonah to “go to Nineveh” to declare repentance. But Nineveh was ancient Israel’s brutal enemy—so Jonah promptly heads the exact opposite direction, by boat, to Tarshish. As he sails away from his calling, a ship-wrecking storm develops. Certain his disobedience is the cause, Jonah volunteers to be thrown overboard. This calms the raging sea, which saves his shipmates.
Miraculously, Jonah escapes death when a “great fish” the Lord “prepared” swallows him. But he languishes in that unbelievably dark and putrid place for three days, until he’s finally spit out on dry ground. He then accepts his call to Nineveh. Yet, when the city repents and is spared destruction, Jonah resents the mercy shown his enemies. God patiently teaches Jonah that He loves and seeks to rescue all His children.
Stumbling more than once in his duties, Jonah provides a vivid testimony that in mortality, “all are fallen.” We don’t often speak of a testimony of the Fall. But having a doctrinal understanding and spiritual witness of why every single one of us struggles with moral, physical, and situational challenges is a great blessing. Here on earth, ugly weeds grow, even strong bones break, and all “come short of the glory of God.” But this mortal condition—a result of choices made by Adam and Eve—is essential to the very reason we exist: “that [we] might have joy”! As our first parents learned, only by tasting the bitterness and feeling the pain of a fallen world could we even conceive of, let alone enjoy, true happiness.
A testimony of the Fall does not excuse sin or a lax approach in life’s duties, which always call for diligence, virtue, and accountability. But it should temper our frustrations when things just go wrong or we see a moral failing in a family member, friend, or leader. Too often things like this cause us to wallow in contentious criticism or resentment that robs our faith. But a firm testimony of the Fall can help us be more like God as described by Jonah, that is, “merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness” to all—including ourselves—in our unavoidably imperfect state.
Even greater than manifesting the effects of the Fall, Jonah’s story powerfully directs us to Him who can deliver us from those effects. Jonah’s self-sacrifice to save his shipmates is Christlike indeed. And three times when Jesus is pressed for a miraculous sign of His divinity, He thunders that “there shall no sign be given … but the sign of Jonas [Jonah],” declaring that as Jonah was “three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” As a symbol of the Savior’s sacrificial death and glorious Resurrection, Jonah may be flawed. But this is also what makes his personal witness of and commitment to Jesus Christ, offered in the belly of the whale, so poignant and inspiring.
Jonah’s cry is that of a good man in crisis, one largely of his own making. For a saint, when catastrophe is brought on by a regrettable habit, comment, or decision, despite so many other good intentions and earnest efforts of righteousness, it can be especially crushing and leave one feeling forsaken. But whatever the cause or degree of disaster we face, there is always dry ground for hope, healing, and happiness. Listen to Jonah:
“I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the Lord … ; out of the belly of hell cried I. …
“For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; …
“[And] I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple.
“The waters compassed me about, even to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head.
“I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; … yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption. …
“When my soul fainted … I remembered the Lord: and my prayer came … into thine holy temple.
“They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy.
“But I will sacrifice unto thee with the voice of thanksgiving; I will pay that that I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord.”
Though it was many years ago, I can tell you exactly where I was sitting and exactly what I was feeling when, deep in the belly of a personal hell, I discovered this scripture. For anyone today feeling like I did then—that you are cast off, sinking in deepest waters, with seaweed wrapped about your head and oceanic mountains crashing all around you—my plea, inspired by Jonah, is forsake not your own mercy. You have immediate access to divine help and healing despite your human flaws. This awe-inspiring mercy comes in and through Jesus Christ. Because He knows and loves you perfectly, He offers it to you as your “own,” meaning it is perfectly suited to you, designed to relieve your individual agonies and heal your particular pains. So, for heaven’s sake and yours, do not turn your back on that. Accept it. Start by refusing to listen to the “lying vanities” of the adversary, who would tempt you into thinking that relief is found in sailing away from your spiritual responsibilities. Instead, follow the lead of the repentant Jonah. Cry unto God. Turn to the temple. Cling to your covenants. Serve the Lord, His Church, and others with sacrifice and thanksgiving.
Doing these things brings a vision of God’s special covenantal love for you—what the Hebrew Bible calls hesed. You will see and feel the power of God’s loyal, untiring, inexhaustible, and “tender mercies” that can make you “mighty … unto … deliverance” from any sin or any setback. Early and intense anguish may cloud that vision at first. But as you continue to “pay that that [you] have vowed,” such a vision will shine brighter and brighter in your soul. And with that vision you will not only find hope and healing, but, astonishingly, you will find joy, even in the midst of your crucible. President Russell M. Nelson taught us so very well: “When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation … and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him.”
Whether we are facing a deep, Jonah-like catastrophe or the everyday challenges of our imperfect world, the invitation is the same: Forsake not your own mercy. Look to the sign of Jonah, the living Christ, He who rose from His three-day grave having conquered all—for you. Turn to Him. Believe in Him. Serve Him. Smile. For in Him, and Him alone, is found the full and happy healing from the Fall, healing we all so urgently need and humbly seek. I testify this is true. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Alma 27:18. A mere 48 verses in total, the book of Jonah is a compressed, poetic classic of numerous doctrinal truths and spiritual lessons. See Ellis T. Rasmussen, A Latter-Day Saint Commentary on the Old Testament (1993), 653–57; D. Kelly Ogden and Andrew C. Skinner, Verse by Verse: The Old Testament, vol. 2, 1 Kings Through Malachi (2013), 133–38. Ogden and Skinner note that due to the power of the teachings of repentance in the book of Jonah, it is “read in synagogues on the holiest day of the year for the Jewish people—the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur—which also centers on repentance and forgiveness.”
See Ogden and Skinner, Verse by Verse: The Old Testament, 134.
Jonah 2 is a later testimony and psalm of thanks, much of which describes Jonah’s prayer from the belly of the whale.
In this way, Jonah contrasts with someone like Job, who appears seemingly innocent with respect to the suffering that comes to him. Both are stories of faith and resilience in the face of catastrophe, but Jonah’s might be more relatable for those who feel their own deeds are the justifiable source of their pain.
It certainly was for Joseph Smith when his heartfelt empathy and appreciation for his benefactor Martin Harris led him to share with Harris the precious first 116 pages of translation of the Book of Mormon that then went missing, which caused Joseph to wail, “All is lost” (see Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days, vol. 1, The Standard of Truth, 1815–1846 [2018], 43–53).
1 Nephi 1:20; see Russell M. Nelson, “The Everlasting Covenant,” Liahona, Oct. 2022, 6, 10. The original Hebrew word for mercy in Jonah 2 is hesed, which President Nelson explains is a “special kind of love and mercy” for those who have made sacred covenants with God—a mercy that he explained is loyal, untiring, and inexhaustible.
Amos warned the Israelites and surrounding nations that they would be destroyed if they did not repent. He prophesied that because the Israelites had rejected the prophets, the Lord would remove His prophets from among them. Obadiah prophesied that Edom would be destroyed because of their betrayal when Babylon invaded Jerusalem. He also prophesied of the restoration of Israel and of saviors on Mount Zion. The Lord called Jonah to preach to the people of Nineveh. But Jonah fled and was swallowed by a great fish. After God delivered him, Jonah went to Nineveh and the people repented. The Lord then taught Jonah about His love and mercy.
Note: The citation of a source not published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not imply that it or its author is endorsed by the Church or represents the official position of the Church.
What is the book of Amos?
The book of Amos contains the teachings and prophecies of Amos, originally a shepherd and farmer from a small town near Jerusalem. He lived in the eighth century BC during the reigns of King Uzziah of Judah and King Jeroboam II of Israel. Although Amos was from the Southern Kingdom of Judah, his prophetic mission was primarily directed to the Northern Kingdom of Israel.
Amos warned that judgment was soon to come upon Israel because the people had rejected the prophets, and the wealthy had mistreated the poor and vulnerable. Many of the people of Israel rejected the warnings of Amos and the other prophets, and they were conquered by the Assyrians in 722 BC.
The book of Amos can be divided as follows:
Amos 1–2: Prophecies of judgment against various nations, including Judah and Israel, for their wickedness.
Amos 3–6: Warnings to the Northern Kingdom and Amos’s plea for the people to repent.
Amos 7–9: Amos’s visions of coming judgment and a message of hope that God would one day restore and bless His people.
The term Nazarite (also spelled Nazirite) comes from a Hebrew word that means “dedicated” or “withheld.” Nazarites were individuals who made a special vow to dedicate themselves wholly to God’s service for a period of their lives. The Lord reproved the Israelites for giving wine to the Nazarites and causing them to break their vow to abstain from such drink.
Through the prophet Amos, the Lord rebuked Israel, which had rejected His messengers by telling the prophets to “prophesy not.” The Lord then posed a series of rhetorical questions in Amos 3:2–8 to emphasize that silencing the prophets would not spare Israel from judgment.
Amos also testified, “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” The Joseph Smith Translation of this verse changes the word “but” to “until.” The Hebrew word for “secret” in Amos 3:7 can also be rendered “council,” “counsel,” or “plan.” Amos was likely emphasizing that the Lord would not allow Israel to be destroyed without first revealing His intentions to His prophets and warning the people to repent.
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught a similar principle: “Whenever God was about to bring a judgment upon the world or accomplish any great work, the first thing he did was to raise up a Prophet, and reveal unto him the secret, and send him to warn the people so that they may be left without excuse. This was the case in the days of Noah, and Lot: God was about to bring judgments upon the people, and he raised up those prophets who warned the people of it; yet they gave no heed to them, but rejected their testimony; and the judgments came upon the people so that they were destroyed, while the prophets were saved by pursuing the course marked out by the Lord.”
What was meant by the phrase “Woe unto you that desire the day of the Lord”?
The “day of the Lord” refers to times when the Lord brings judgment to the wicked and salvation to the righteous. Many Israelites in Amos’s time assumed that the day of the Lord would bring them victory over their enemies. However, the Lord warned that because of the Israelites’ sins, for them “the day of the Lord is darkness, and not light.” Instead of receiving protection, they would experience judgment unless they repented.
In the King James Version of Amos 7, verses 3 and 6 state that “the Lord repented” after Amos pleaded for mercy on behalf of the people. The Hebrew word translated as “repented” in these verses has a variety of meanings, including “to regret,” “to feel sorrow or sympathy,” “to comfort,” or “to relent or forebear.” The Joseph Smith Translation revises these verses to clarify that the Lord did not repent; instead, He withheld judgment because “Jacob shall repent.”
A plumb line is a cord with a metal weight or stone tied to one end. This tool was used by builders to ensure that walls were exactly straight vertically. In these verses, a plumb line is used figuratively to represent God measuring the righteousness of the Israelites. By symbolically stretching out the plumb line, the Lord revealed how far the people had strayed from His commandments.
What was the spiritual famine the Lord promised to send?
In earlier times, God had sent physical famines to help turn the people back to Him, but they still refused to repent. In chapter 8, Amos prophesied of a different type of famine—a spiritual famine in which the Lord would withdraw His word from the people.
One fulfillment of this prophecy occurred after the ministry of the prophet Malachi, when more than 400 years passed without divinely called prophets ministering in the land of Israel. Amos’s words were fulfilled again after Jesus Christ established His Church during His mortal ministry. Following the deaths of the Savior and His Apostles, the Church fell into apostasy and the people no longer received God’s words through living prophets. This widespread falling away was foretold by the Lord’s prophets and continued until God restored His gospel to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Amos prophesied of a famine of God’s word.
What is the book of Obadiah?
Obadiah is the shortest book in the Old Testament. His prophecy was written after one of the conquests of Jerusalem—probably its capture by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Obadiah contains a prophecy of judgment against Edom, a nation descended from Isaac’s son Esau. When Jerusalem was captured, the people of Edom refused to help the people of Judah, gloated over their misfortune, looted the goods they left behind, and betrayed them to their enemies. Obadiah foretold the doom that awaited the people of Edom because of their cruelty toward the people of Jerusalem. Obadiah also prophesied of the future restoration of Jerusalem.
What does it mean that saviors will come up on mount Zion?
Although Jerusalem was conquered, Obadiah prophesied of a future day when God’s covenant people would be delivered. He taught that during this time, there would be “saviours” who would “come up on mount Zion.” In the Old Testament, the term “Mount Zion” typically refers to Jerusalem, particularly the temple mount.
Latter-day prophets have applied Obadiah’s prophecy to the last days, when Israel will be gathered, Zion will be established, and temple work will bless God’s children. Elder Quentin L. Cook taught, “We can … perform vicarious ordinances and truly become saviors on Mount Zion for our own families in order that we, with them, might be exalted as well as saved.”
The Prophet Joseph Smith explained: “How are [the Saints] to become saviors on Mount Zion? By building their temples, erecting their baptismal fonts, and going forth and receiving all the ordinances, baptisms, confirmations, washings, anointings, ordinations and sealing powers upon their heads, in behalf of all their progenitors who are dead, and redeem them that they may come forth in the first resurrection and be exalted to thrones of glory with them.”
What is the book of Jonah?
Unlike other prophetic books in the Old Testament, the book of Jonah is not a collection of Jonah’s prophecies but a narrative account of his personal experiences. Jonah was a prophet from the northern territory of Zebulun who ministered during the reign of Jeroboam II in the mid-eighth century BC. When Jonah attempted to avoid God’s call to preach repentance to the people of Nineveh, he discovered the uselessness of trying to flee from Jehovah. Jonah’s miraculous deliverance from a “great fish” and the opportunity given to the people of Nineveh to repent demonstrate God’s merciful nature.
What do we know about the cities of Nineveh and Tarshish?
Nineveh was a major city in the Assyrian Empire that later became its capital under King Sennacherib. It was more than 500 miles (800 kilometers) from Jonah’s hometown of Gath-hepher. Before Jonah preached to them, the people of the city were involved in great wickedness. The exact location of Tarshish is unknown, but many scholars identify it with Tartessus, an ancient city in southern Spain. Tarshish was situated in the opposite direction of Nineveh and likely represented a faraway location. By attempting to flee to Tarshish, Jonah was trying to get as far away as he could from where the Lord had called him to go.
What is significant about Jonah’s experience inside the fish?
After being swallowed by a fish, Jonah offered a prayer from within its belly. His prayer is structured as a psalm of thanksgiving, and it echoes numerous themes from the book of Psalms. Jonah described his descent into the sea as a symbolic descent into death. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ pointed to Jonah’s experience as a sign of His own death, burial, and Resurrection.
What was the meaning of Jonah’s experience with the gourd?
Although Jonah had personally benefited from the Lord’s mercy and kindness, he resented these same qualities when the Lord spared the people of Nineveh. Jonah’s reaction to the withered gourd exposed his misplaced priorities—he showed more concern for a plant that gave him temporary comfort than for an entire city of people. Through the plant, the Lord reminded Jonah that He cared for the people of Nineveh, even if Jonah did not.
See Guide to the Scriptures, “Amos,” Gospel Library. See also Joshua M. Matson, “Covenants, Kinship, and Caring for the Destitute in the Book of Amos,” in Covenant of Compassion: Caring for the Marginalized and Disadvantaged in the Old Testament, ed. Avram R. Shannon and others (2021), 399–420; Blair G. Van Dyke and D. Kelly Ogden, “Amos through Malachi: Major Teachings of the Twelve Prophets,” Religious Educator, vol. 4, no. 3 (2003), 63–65.
See Richard Neitzel Holzapfel and others, Jehovah and the World of the Old Testament: An Illustrated Reference for Latter-day Saints (2009), 279.
J. D. Douglas and Merrill C. Tenney, Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary (2011), “Nazirite,” 1001–2.
Many scholars suggest that the Lord revealing his secret to the prophets refers to prophets taking part in a heavenly council in which the Lord’s counsel was made known (see Holzapfel and others, Jehovah and the World of the Old Testament, 262; Taylor Halverson, “The Path of Angels: A Biblical Pattern for the Role of Angels in Physical Salvation,” in The Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Old Testament, ed. D. Kelly Ogden and others (2009), 167, note 23).
See Kerry Muhlestein, Scripture Study Made Simple: The Old Testament (2017), 497, note on Amos 3:7.
History, 1838–1856 (Manuscript History of the Church), volume E-1, 1727, josephsmithpapers.org.
Joshua M. Sears, “O Lord God, Forgive! Prophetic Intercession in Amos,” in Prophets and Prophecies of the Old Testament, ed. Aaron P. Schade and others (2017), 187–88. See also the discussion for endnote 7 on pages 199–200.
See Dana M. Pike, “Obadiah 1:21: Context, Text, Interpretation, and Application,” in Prophets and Prophecies of the Old Testament, ed. Aaron P. Schade and others (2017), 49–50.
See Berlin and Brettler, The Jewish Study Bible, 1183.
See Pike, “Obadiah 1:21,” 55. See also pages 47–71 for a broader discussion of various interpretive approaches to Obadiah 1:21.
Quentin L. Cook, “Roots and Branches,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 48. See also Gerrit W. Gong, “All Things for Our Good,” Liahona, May 2024, 43. The Hebrew word for “saviour” refers to someone who saves, rescues, or delivers (see Tremper Longman III and Mark L. Strauss, eds., The Baker Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words [2023], “Save, Savior,” 704–6).
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 473.
See Matthew 12:39–40; 16:4; Luke 11:29–30. For more possible ways the account of Jonah points to Jesus Christ, see David R. Scott, “The Book of Jonah: Foreshadowings of Jesus as the Christ,” BYU Studies Quarterly, vol. 53, no. 3 (2014), 161–80.
In months that have five Sundays, Primary teachers are encouraged to replace the scheduled Come, Follow Me outline on the fifth Sunday with one or more of these learning activities.
The doctrine of Christ teaches us how to return to God.
When Jesus Christ appeared to the people in the Americas, He taught them His doctrine. He said that we can enter the kingdom of God if we have faith, repent, are baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end (see 3 Nephi 11:31–40; see also Doctrine and Covenants 20:29). The activities below can help you teach the children that these principles and ordinances will help us draw closer to the Savior throughout our lives.
To learn more about the doctrine of Christ, see 2 Nephi 31.
Possible Activities
Give the children pictures that represent faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, and confirmation (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 1, 111, 103, and 105). Read or recite with the children the fourth article of faith, and ask them to hold up their pictures when that principle or ordinance is mentioned. Help the children understand how each of these principles and ordinances helps us become more like Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
How can you help the children understand that faith, repentance, baptism, and confirmation are not one-time events but influence our spiritual growth throughout our lives? You could show them a picture of a seed and a large tree (or draw these things on the board). Help them think of things that help the seed grow into a large tree, such as water, soil, and sunlight. Help them see that these are like the things we do to grow closer to God throughout our lives—building our faith in Jesus Christ, repenting each day, living our baptismal covenant, partaking of the sacrament, and receiving the Holy Ghost.
Share with the children the story about the firecracker from Elder Dale G. Renlund’s message “How Can Repenting Help Me Feel Happy?” (Friend, Dec. 2017, 12–13, or Liahona, Dec. 2017, 70–71; see also the video “Repentance: A Joyful Choice” [Gospel Library]). At various points during the story, invite the children to think about how Elder Renlund might have felt. Why do we feel joy when we repent? Share with the children the joy and love you have felt when you asked Heavenly Father to forgive you.
Jesus Christ set an example for me when He was baptized.
Even though Jesus was without sin, He was baptized to set a perfect example of obedience to Heavenly Father (see 2 Nephi 31:6–10).
Show a picture of the Savior’s baptism and another person’s baptism (or see Gospel Art Book, no. 35 and either no. 103 or no. 104). Ask the children to share what is different and what is the same between the two pictures. Read together Matthew 3:13–17 or “Chapter 10: Jesus Is Baptized” in New Testament Stories, 26–29. Let the children point to things in the pictures that they hear in these stories. Tell the children about your love for the Savior and your desire to follow Him.
Listen to or sing a song about baptism, such as “When Jesus Christ Was Baptized” (Children’s Songbook, 102). What do we learn about baptism from the song? Read 2 Nephi 31:9–10, and invite the children to listen for why Jesus Christ was baptized. Invite them to draw a picture of themselves on their baptism day.
I can choose to make a covenant with God and be baptized.
Preparing for baptism means much more than preparing for an event. It means preparing to make a covenant and then keeping that covenant for a lifetime. Ponder how you can help the children understand the covenant they will make with Heavenly Father when they are baptized, which includes the promises He makes to them and the promises they make to Him.
Possible Activities
Explain that a covenant is a promise between a person and Heavenly Father. As we strive to keep our promises to God, God promises to bless us. Write on the board My Promises to God and God’s Promises to Me. Read together Mosiah 18:10, 13 and Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, and help the children make a list of the promises they find under the appropriate headings (see also Dallin H. Oaks, “Your Baptism Covenant,” Friend, Feb. 2021, 2–3). Share how Heavenly Father has blessed you as you strive to keep your baptismal covenant.
Show the children pictures of things Jesus Christ did during His ministry (for some examples, see Gospel Art Book, nos. 33–49). Let the children talk about what Jesus is doing in each picture. Read Mosiah 18:8–10, 13, and invite the children to listen for ways they can keep the covenant of baptism (see also “My Baptismal Covenant,” Liahona, Aug. 2023, 10–11). How can the baptismal covenant influence our actions every day? Invite the children to draw a picture of themselves helping someone the way Jesus would.
When I am baptized and confirmed, I become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Becoming a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints brings many blessings, including opportunities for the children to be active participants in God’s work.
Possible Activities
Invite someone who was recently baptized and confirmed to come to class and share what it was like to be confirmed. Ask this person to talk about what it means to him or her to become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Help the children think of ways they can keep their baptismal covenant as members of the Church. Share how doing these things has helped you feel the joy of being a member of Christ’s Church.
Show a picture of the people at the Waters of Mormon (see Gospel Art Book, no. 76), and ask the children to describe what they see in the picture. Tell the story of Alma and his people being baptized there (see Mosiah 18:1–17; “Alma at the Waters of Mormon,” in Book of Mormon Stories). Review Mosiah 18:8–9 and invite the children to do actions to help them remember the things the people were willing to do as members of Christ’s Church. Share an experience when you have witnessed members of the Church serving in these ways.
When I am confirmed, I receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
When we are baptized and confirmed, Heavenly Father promises that we “may always have his Spirit to be with [us]” (Doctrine and Covenants 20:77). This wonderful gift from God is called the gift of the Holy Ghost.
To learn more about the gift of the Holy Ghost, see Gary E. Stevenson, “Promptings of the Spirit,” Liahona, Nov. 2023, 42–45; Topics and Questions, “Gift of the Holy Ghost,” Gospel Library.
Possible Activities
Read Doctrine and Covenants 33:15, and ask the children to listen for the special gift that Heavenly Father gives us when we are baptized and confirmed. To help them learn more about how the gift of the Holy Ghost will help them, review together John 14:26; Galatians 5:22–23; 2 Nephi 32:5; 3 Nephi 27:20. You could also review the article “A Special Gift” (Liahona, Aug. 2023, 18–19).
Before class, ask the parents of one or more of the children to share how they have been blessed because they have the gift of the Holy Ghost. How does He help them? How do they hear His voice?
Sing together a song about the Holy Ghost, such as “The Holy Ghost” (Children’s Songbook, 105). Help the children understand what the song teaches us about how the Holy Ghost can help us.
The Holy Ghost can speak to me in many ways.
Children who can recognize the voice of the Spirit will be prepared to receive personal revelation to guide them throughout their lives. Help them understand that there are many ways the Holy Ghost can speak to us.
Possible Activities
Help the children think of different ways we could talk to a friend who lives far away, such as writing a letter, sending an email, or talking on the phone. Teach them that Heavenly Father can speak to us in different ways through the Holy Ghost. Use President Dallin H. Oaks’s message “How Does Heavenly Father Speak to Us?” to help the children understand the different ways the Holy Ghost can speak to our minds and hearts (Friend, Mar. 2020, 2–3, or Liahona, Mar. 2020, F2–F3).
Share an experience when the Holy Ghost communicated with you, either through your thoughts or through a feeling in your heart (see Doctrine and Covenants 6:22–23; 8:2–3; see also Henry B. Eyring, “Open Your Heart to the Holy Ghost,” Friend, Aug. 2019, 2–3, or Liahona, Aug. 2019, F2–F3). Testify to the children that the Holy Ghost can help them in similar ways.
Help the children recognize times when they are feeling the Spirit—for example, when singing a song about the Savior or when doing something kind for others. Help them recognize the spiritual feelings that the Holy Ghost brings, especially His promptings to act. Why do you think the Holy Ghost gives us these feelings? Help the children think of things that we need to do to hear the Holy Ghost speak to us. Talk about what you do to hear the Spirit more clearly.
When I take the sacrament, I remember the Savior’s sacrifice and make a covenant with Him.
When we partake of the sacrament, we make a covenant to always remember the Savior, take His name upon ourselves, and keep His commandments.
Invite the children to color “Jesus Introduced the Sacrament to the Nephites” in Scripture Stories Coloring Book: Book of Mormon (2019), 26. Ask them to point to what the people are thinking about in the picture. Read to the children portions of 3 Nephi 18:1–12 or “Jesus Shares the Sacrament,” in Book of Mormon Stories. What can we do to remember Jesus Christ during the sacrament?
Ask the children to tell you some things they should always remember to do, such as tying their shoes or washing their hands before they eat. Why is it important to remember these things? Read Moroni 4:3 to the children, and invite them to listen for what we promise to always remember when we take the sacrament. Why is it important to remember Jesus Christ? Help the children understand how the bread and water of the sacrament help us remember what Jesus has done for us (see Moroni 4:3; 5:2).
Write on the board “I promise to …” Read the sacrament prayers to the children (see Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79). When they hear a promise we make to God, pause and help them complete the sentence on the board with the promise they heard.
What does it mean to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ? To help the children answer this question, share an example of something that we put our names on. Why do we put our names on these things? Why would Jesus Christ want to put His name upon us? Consider sharing this explanation from President Russell M. Nelson: “Taking the Savior’s name upon us includes declaring and witnessing to others—through our actions and our words—that Jesus is the Christ” (“The Correct Name of the Church,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 88).
God blesses His children through priesthood power.
All of God’s children—female and male, young and old—receive God’s power as they keep the covenants they have made with Him. We make these covenants when we receive priesthood ordinances such as baptism (see General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3.5, 3.6, Gospel Library). To learn more, see Russell M. Nelson, “Spiritual Treasures,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 76–79; “Priesthood Principles,” chapter 3 in General Handbook.
Possible Activities
Help the children notice the blessings they receive because of the priesthood. To give them some ideas, you could show the video “Blessings of the Priesthood” (Gospel Library). Consider listing these blessings on the board. Why are these blessings important to us? Testify that these blessings come to us because of Jesus Christ and His priesthood power.
Help the children find pictures that illustrate how God uses His power to bless us. For example, they could find a picture of the world He created for us, examples of healing the sick, and sacred ordinances He has provided for us (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 3, 46, 104, 105, 107, 120). Share why you are grateful for the priesthood and the blessings it brings. Help the children think of experiences when they were blessed by God’s priesthood power.
One of the main ways we receive the blessings of God’s power in our lives is through priesthood ordinances (see Doctrine and Covenants 84:20). To help the children learn this truth, you could list the following scriptures on the board: 3 Nephi 11:21–26, 33 (baptism); Moroni 2 (confirmation); Moroni 4–5 (sacrament). The children could each choose one of these passages and identify the ordinance it describes. Invite the children to share how they have been personally blessed by receiving priesthood ordinances.
Help the children understand that they will receive power from God as they are baptized and keep their baptismal covenant. Ask the children how this power could help them.
God’s work is directed by priesthood keys and accomplished by priesthood authority.
Whenever a person is set apart for a calling or assigned to help in God’s work, she or he can exercise delegated priesthood authority. In addition, worthy male Church members can have the priesthood conferred on them and be ordained to a priesthood office. The use of all priesthood authority in the Church is directed by leaders who hold priesthood keys, such as the stake president, the bishop, and quorum presidents. Priesthood keys are the authority to direct the use of the priesthood in doing the work of the Lord.
Possible Activities
Read with the children Mark 3:14–15, and show them a picture of the event described there (such as Gospel Art Book, no. 38). Ask the children if they have ever seen someone be set apart for a calling or ordained to a priesthood office (or tell them about experiences you have had). How is that similar to what the Savior did with His Apostles? Help the children list on the board callings or priesthood offices that can be given to members of the Church, such as a teacher or leader in an organization. Next to each calling or office, you could write what someone with that calling or office has the authority to do. Tell the children how being set apart by someone with the direction of priesthood keys has helped you serve.
Invite the children to think of something that you need a key for, such as a car or a door. What happens if you don’t have the key? Read together Doctrine and Covenants 65:2, and share your testimony about the importance of having priesthood keys. You could also watch the video “Where Are the Keys?” (Gospel Library) and look for what Elder Gary E. Stevenson teaches about priesthood keys.
The temple is the house of the Lord.
Temples are a part of Heavenly Father’s plan for His children. In temples, we make sacred covenants with Him, are endowed with priesthood power, receive revelation, perform ordinances for our deceased ancestors, and are sealed to our families for eternity. All of this is possible because of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice.
How can you help the children you teach recognize the sacredness of the Lord’s house and prepare themselves to be worthy to participate in temple ordinances? Consider reviewing these resources: Russell M. Nelson, “The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 93–96; “Why Latter-day Saints Build Temples,” temples.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
Temples are a part of Heavenly Father’s plan for His children.
Possible Activities
Display one or more pictures of temples. Ask the children what makes the temple a special place. Point out that on each temple is this inscription: “Holiness to the Lord—The House of the Lord.” Ask the children what they think “Holiness to the Lord” might mean. Why is the temple called the house of the Lord? What does this teach us about the temple? If any of the children have been to a temple, they could also share how they felt when they were there. If you have been to the temple, share how you have felt the Lord’s presence there, and talk about why the temple is a sacred place to you.
Read together Doctrine and Covenants 97:15–17. Ask the children to look for what the Lord expects of people who enter His holy house. Why do we need to be worthy to enter His house? As part of this conversation, talk to the children about temple recommends, including how to receive one. You could invite a member of the bishopric to share with them what a temple recommend interview is like and the questions that are asked in one.
In the temple, we make covenants with God.
President Russell M. Nelson taught, “Jesus Christ invites us to take the covenant path back home to our Heavenly Parents and be with those we love” (“Come, Follow Me,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 91). Help the children understand that the covenant path includes baptism, confirmation, and the temple endowment and sealing.
Possible Activities
Ask the children to help you review the covenants that we make with God when we are baptized and when we partake of the sacrament (see Mosiah 18:10, 13; Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79). Show a picture of the temple, and explain that Heavenly Father has more blessings He wants to give us in the temple.
Draw a gate leading to a path. Ask the children why they think it is helpful to have a path to walk on. Read together 2 Nephi 31:17–20, where Nephi compares the covenant of baptism to a gate and invites us to continue on the path after baptism. There are more covenants to make after baptism, including covenants made in the temple. Explain that President Nelson has called this path the “covenant path.”
In the temple, we can be baptized and confirmed for ancestors who have died.
The gospel of Jesus Christ makes it possible for all of God’s children to return to live with Him, even if they die without knowing the gospel. In the temple, we can be baptized and confirmed on their behalf.
Possible Activities
Talk about a time when someone did something for you that you could not do for yourself. Invite the children to share similar experiences. Explain that when we go to the temple, we can receive sacred ordinances such as baptism for others who have died. How are we being like Jesus when we are doing work for the dead? What has He done for us that we couldn’t do for ourselves?
Invite one or more youth who have been baptized for their ancestors to share their experience. Ask them what it was like in the temple. Encourage them to share how they felt doing this work for their ancestors.
Draw a tree on the board, including the roots and branches. Ask the children to think of how a family is like a tree. Label the roots Ancestors, label the branches Descendants, and label the trunk of the tree You. Read together this sentence from Doctrine and Covenants 128:18: “For we without them [our ancestors] cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect.” Ask questions like the following: “Why do we need our ancestors? Why do our ancestors need us? How have our parents, grandparents, and other ancestors helped us?” Invite the children to search the rest of Doctrine and Covenants 128:18 for a phrase that describes how we can help our ancestors.
Consider working with the parents of each child to find the name of an ancestor who needs ordinances in the temple (see FamilySearch.org).
1.Adam was a prophet, first one that we know. In a place called Eden, he helped things to grow. Adam served the Lord by following his ways. We are his descendants in the latter days.
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2.Enoch was a prophet; he taught what was good. People in his city did just what they should. When they were so righteous that there was no sin, Heav’nly Father took them up to live with him.
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3.Noah was a prophet called to preach the word, Tried to cry repentance, but nobody heard. They were busy sinning—Noah preached in vain. They wished they had listened when they saw the rain.
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4.Abraham the prophet prayed to have a son, So the Lord sent Isaac as the chosen one. Isaac begat Jacob, known as Israel; Jacob’s sons were twelve tribes, so the Bible tells.
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5.Moses was a prophet sent to Israel. He would lead them to the promised land to dwell. They were slow to follow, or so it appears. They were in the wilderness for forty years.
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6.Samuel was a prophet chosen as a boy. Hannah promised God her son would serve with joy. In the tabernacle, Samuel heard his name; He was called by God and answered, “Here I am!”
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7.Jonah was a prophet, tried to run away, But he later learned to listen and obey. When we really try, the Lord won’t let us fail: That’s what Jonah learned deep down inside the whale.
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8.Daniel was a prophet. He refused to sin; So the king threw Daniel in the lion’s den. Angels calmed the lions, and the king soon saw Daniel’s pow’r was great, for he obeyed God’s law.
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9.Now we have a world where people are confused. If you don’t believe it, go and watch the news. We can get direction all along our way, If we heed the prophets—follow what they say.
Chorus
Follow the prophet, follow the prophet, Follow the prophet; don’t go astray. Follow the prophet, follow the prophet, Follow the prophet; he knows the way.
Those of us who come to this pulpit during conference feel the power of your prayers. We need them, and we thank you for them.
Our Father in Heaven understood that for us to make desired progress during our mortal probation, we would need to face difficult challenges. Some of these would be almost overpowering. He provided tools to help us be successful in our mortal probation. One set of those tools is the scriptures.
Throughout the ages, Father in Heaven has inspired select men and women to find, through the guidance of the Holy Ghost, solutions to life’s most perplexing problems. He has inspired those authorized servants to record those solutions as a type of handbook for those of His children who have faith in His plan of happiness and in His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. We have ready access to this guidance through the treasure we call the standard works—that is, the Old and New Testaments, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.
Because scriptures are generated from inspired communication through the Holy Ghost, they are pure truth. We need not be concerned about the validity of concepts contained in the standard works, since the Holy Ghost has been the instrument which has motivated and inspired those individuals who have recorded the scriptures.
Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high. They can become the key to open the channel to communion with our Father in Heaven and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.
The scriptures provide the strength of authority to our declarations when they are cited correctly. They can become stalwart friends that are not limited by geography or calendar. They are always available when needed. Their use provides a foundation of truth that can be awakened by the Holy Ghost. Learning, pondering, searching, and memorizing scriptures is like filling a filing cabinet with friends, values, and truths that can be called upon anytime, anywhere in the world.
Great power can come from memorizing scriptures. To memorize a scripture is to forge a new friendship. It is like discovering a new individual who can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort, and be a source of motivation for needed change. For example, committing to memory this psalm has been for me a source of power and understanding:
“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.
“For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.
“Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?
“He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
“He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation” (Psalm 24:1–5).
Pondering a scripture like that gives great direction to life. The scriptures can form a foundation of support. They can provide an incredibly large resource of willing friends who can help us. A memorized scripture becomes an enduring friend that is not weakened with the passage of time.
Pondering a passage of scripture can be a key to unlock revelation and the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Ghost. Scriptures can calm an agitated soul, giving peace, hope, and a restoration of confidence in one’s ability to overcome the challenges of life. They have potent power to heal emotional challenges when there is faith in the Savior. They can accelerate physical healing.
Scriptures can communicate different meanings at different times in our life, according to our needs. A scripture that we may have read many times can take on nuances of meaning that are refreshing and insightful when we face a new challenge in life.
How do you personally use the scriptures? Do you mark your copy? Do you put notes in the margin to remember a moment of spiritual guidance or an experience that has taught you a profound lesson? Do you use all of the standard works, including the Old Testament? I have found precious truths in the pages of the Old Testament that are key ingredients to the platform of truth that guides my life and acts as a resource when I try to share a gospel message with others. For that reason, I love the Old Testament. I find precious jewels of truth spread throughout its pages. For example:
“And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22).
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
“In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
“Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. …
“My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction:
“For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
“Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding” (Proverbs 3:5–7, 11–13).
The New Testament is also a source of diamond truth:
“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
“This is the first and great commandment.
“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
“On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matthew 22:37–40).
“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
“But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
“And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death.
“And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me. …
“But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said, This man was also with him.
“And he denied him, saying, Woman, I know him not.
“And after a little while another saw him, and said, Thou art also of them. And Peter said, Man, I am not.
“And about the space of one hour after another confidently affirmed, saying, Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean.
“And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while he yet spake, the cock crew.
“And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
How my heart aches for what happened to Peter on that occasion.
This scripture from the Doctrine and Covenants has blessed my life richly: “Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men” (D&C 11:21).
In my judgment, the Book of Mormon teaches truth with unique clarity and power. For example:
“And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.
“And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works” (Alma 7:23–24).
And another:
“And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—
“But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.
“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure” (Moroni 7:45–48).
My precious wife, Jeanene, loved the Book of Mormon. In her youth, as a teenager, it became the foundation of her life. It was a source of testimony and teaching during her full-time missionary service in the northwest United States. When we served in the mission field in Córdoba, Argentina, she strongly encouraged the use of the Book of Mormon in our proselytizing efforts. Jeanene confirmed early in her life that those who consistently read the Book of Mormon are blessed with an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a greater resolve to obey His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the divinity of the Son of God. For I don’t know how many years, as the end of the year approached, I would see her sitting quietly, carefully finishing the entire Book of Mormon yet another time before year’s end.
In 1991 I wanted to give a special Christmas gift to my family. In recording the fulfillment of that desire, my personal journal states: “It is 12:38 p.m., Wednesday, December 18, 1991. I’ve just concluded an audio recording of the Book of Mormon for my family. This has been an experience that has increased my testimony of this divine work and strengthened in me a desire to be more familiar with its pages to distill from these scriptures truths to be used in my service to the Lord. I love this book. I testify with my soul that it is true, that it was prepared for the blessing of the House of Israel, and all of its component parts spread throughout the world. All who will study its message in humility, in faith believing in Jesus Christ, will know of its truthfulness and will find a treasure to lead them to greater happiness, peace, and attainment in this life. I testify by all that is sacred, this book is true.”
May each of us avail ourselves of the wealth of blessings that result from scripture study, I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
See Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Testimony Vibrant and True,” Liahona and Ensign, Aug. 2005, 6.
Church leaders worked hard to teach people about Jesus Christ. They visited the Saints and wrote them letters. People joined the Church in many lands. Wicked people did not want people to believe in Jesus Christ.
The Apostles and many Saints were killed. No one was left to lead the Church. The keys of the priesthood were taken from the earth. The people did not have prophets to guide them. The Church of Jesus Christ was not on the earth anymore. The Apostles Peter and Paul had said this would happen.
Hundreds of years went by. There were many different churches. None of them had Apostles or the priesthood of God. None of the churches were the Church of Jesus Christ. But prophets had said that after many years the Church of Jesus Christ would return to the earth again.
In 1820 a boy named Joseph Smith wanted to know which church was the Church of Jesus Christ. He went into the woods near his home and prayed. He asked God to tell him which church was right.
God chose to bring the Church of Jesus Christ back to the earth through Joseph Smith. God sent angels to give Joseph Smith the priesthood. He helped Joseph translate the Book of Mormon. On April 6, 1830, the Church of Jesus Christ was organized on the earth again.
Just as Jesus chose Twelve Apostles when He was on the earth, God helped Joseph Smith choose Twelve Apostles to help him lead the Church. These men were given the power to teach the gospel and to do miracles.
Jesus wants everyone to know about His Church. He told Joseph Smith to send missionaries to teach all people about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Jonah knew the Lord sent the storm because he was running away from what the Lord asked him to do. Jonah wanted to save the people on the ship. He said if they threw him into the sea, the storm would stop.
The men did not want to throw Jonah overboard. They tried to row the ship to land, but the storm was too great. Finally, they threw Jonah into the sea.
Jonah was inside the belly of the fish for three days and three nights. During that time, Jonah prayed and repented. He wanted to do what was right and listen to the Lord. The Lord heard Jonah’s prayers and made the fish spit Jonah out onto dry land.
The Lord again told Jonah to preach to the people of Nineveh. This time Jonah obeyed. He went to Nineveh and told the people to repent or the Lord would destroy their city. The king and his people repented. The Lord forgave them and did not destroy Nineveh.
The Lord was teaching Jonah a lesson about His children. Jonah learned that he should be sad when people do not repent and that he should be happy when they do.
Amos 3:7 — Prophets are messengers of Jesus Christ.
To help your children understand Amos 3:7, you could whisper a simple message to one of them and ask them to share the message with the other children. How is the messenger in this activity like a prophet? Why does the Lord give us prophets?
Help children memorize scriptures. Elder Richard G. Scott shared: “To memorize a scripture is to forge a new friendship. It is like discovering a new individual who can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort, and be a source of motivation for needed change” (“The Power of Scripture,” Ensign, Nov. 2011, 6). To help your children memorize all or part of Amos 3:7, you could write it down and repeat it together. Then you could erase or cover a few words at a time until your children can repeat the entire verse from memory.
Amos 8:11–12 — The Restoration of the gospel ended the famine of apostasy.
Invite your children to pretend to be hungry as you read Amos 8:11–12. What does it feel like when we are hungry for God’s word? Maybe your children could pretend to eat as you share with each other some of your favorite scriptures.
You could use Guide to the Scriptures, “Apostasy” (Gospel Library), or “After the New Testament” (in New Testament Stories, 167–70) to help your children understand the “famine” that came from the Great Apostasy and how it ended with the Restoration. Share with each other reasons you are grateful that the Lord restored His gospel in our day.
Jonah 1–3 — The Lord will help me obey Him, even when it’s hard.
To help your children learn the story of Jonah, you could review “Jonah the Prophet” in Old Testament Stories; see also this week’s activity page). You could then ask:
Your children might enjoy retelling the story of Jonah or acting it out. Share with each other some experiences when the Lord wanted you to do something that was hard for you. How did He help you obey Him?
Jonah 1–4 — The Lord is merciful to all who turn to Him.
Maybe your children could pretend they are interviewing Jonah about his experience. What questions would they ask him? Encourage them to ask questions to find out what Jonah learned about the Lord. What might Jonah say, for example, about the Lord’s mercy? (see, for example, Jonah 2:7–10; 3:10; 4:2).
Help your children think of examples when the Savior showed mercy to others, such as Mark 2:3–12; Luke 23:33–34; and John 8:1–11. You and your children could search for pictures of these examples. What opportunities do we have to be merciful to others?
For more, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
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