5 TEACHING IDEAS FOR COME FOLLOW ME LESSONS

See the complete list of CFM Lessons

Doctrine and Covenants 109 – 110

This week’s lesson topics are speedy repentance, powerful blessings from the temple, a visit from Christ, gathering Israel, and turning hearts.

You can find the full Come, Follow Me lesson here. Unless you opt to spend a lot of time on a particular quote, try to pick around 2 questions per quote. Choose the questions that resonate the most with you and make a meaningful discussion for your group of personalities.

All blue quotes from the Doctrine and Covenants (unless otherwise noted).

Lesson Prep

• If you want the discussion to be more meaningful, hand out reading assignments ahead of time and ask the reader to answer one question about them (pick one of the questions below and give it to them, along with the assigned quote). The sooner you do this, the better, but if possible, at least show it to them before the Sacrament meeting. You can also send it via text or email.
• Ask various people to read and participate—especially those who aren’t asked as much.

Lesson Delivery

You can arrange the quotes in any order that makes sense to you. I suggest starting with the most important ones and working your way down. Don’t worry about covering all the quotes.

• Ensure every class member has a set of scriptures in front of them or on their phone. Always invite the class to read along—hearing and seeing the words together increases comprehension and engagement.
• Avoid videos – they shut down discussion. Save them for personal study.
• If the discussion becomes too non-spiritual, pull it back by moving on to the next quote or question.
• Make sure you assign others to read the quotes. You’re talking enough already, and letting others read allows more people to participate.
• Encourage discussion by accepting all reasonable answers. Validate people for participating, and be thankful they spoke up. Engage with the answer in a conversational way whenever it feels natural. Never say, “That’s not the right answer,” or “We haven’t got to that part of the lesson yet.”
• Remember, spiritual discussion is golden. We want people to talk about the gospel together.
• If the discussion takes a different turn than you had planned, roll with it. The Spirit intends for you to be successful.

Quote #1 (speedy repentance)

Possible engagement tool: The Church does not teach long-term guilt and punishment. The Lord is ever ready to move forward when we are.

Note: Please divide between two readers.

21 And when thy people transgress, any of them, they may speedily repent and return unto thee, and find favor in thy sight, and be restored to the blessings which thou hast ordained to be poured out upon those who shall reverence thee in thy house. (Doctrine and Covenants 109:21)

—AND—

When repentance is full and one has been cleansed, there comes a new vision of life and its glorious possibilities. How marvelous the promise of the Lord: “Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.” The Lord is and ever will be faithful to His words. (Elder Richard G. Scott, Finding Forgiveness – April 1995)

Possible discussion questions: What stands out for you today from these quotes—what thoughts came up for you? How does it feel to confess and repent—even small things? How often do we want to repent? (Great quote from the prophet below.)

Nothing is more liberating, more ennobling, or more crucial to our individual progression than is a regular, daily focus on repentance. … Repentance is the key to happiness and peace of mind. When we choose to repent, we choose to change! We allow the Savior to transform us into the best version of ourselves. We choose to grow spiritually and receive joy—the joy of redemption in Him. (President Nelson, We Can Be Better and Do Better – April 2019)

Sometimes repentance and change can be understood as starting something new or stopping something you were doing before.

Quote #2 (temple)

Possible Intro: At the dedication of the Kirtland temple, Joseph Smith prays for powerful blessings upon those who go to the temple.

Note: Please divide between two readers.

And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them; (Doctrine and Covenants 109:22)

—AND—

“I promise that increased time in the temple will bless your life in ways nothing else can.” (President Nelson, Focus on the Temple – Oct 2022)

Possible discussion questions: What is your favorite temple and why? What kinds of good experiences have you had in the temple? Have you ever felt blessed by going to the temple? What is our closest temple? When are you going to the temple next?

Quote #3 (seeing christ)

Possible Intro: Joseph Smith left us with one of the most amazing descriptions in our dispensation of a visit by Christ.

Note: Please divide among three readers.

2 We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber.

3 His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:

4 I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father. (Doctrine and Covenants 110:2-4)

advocate: champion, upholder, supporter

Possible discussion questions: What descriptions or details from these verses especially stand out to you today? How would you feel if you were there in the Kirtland temple when this happened? How would you explain the word advocate to a friend? Does Jesus Christ have your best interest at heart? How do you know?

Quote #4 (gather)

Possible engagement tool: Listen to these two quotes and see if they help you think of a way to help gather Israel.

Note: Please divide between two readers.

After this vision closed, the heavens were again opened unto us; and Moses appeared before us, and committed unto us the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth, and the leading of the ten tribes from the land of the north. (Doctrine and Covenants 110:11)

—AND—

When we speak of gathering Israel on both sides of the veil, we are referring, of course, to missionary, temple, and family history work. We are also referring to building faith and testimony in the hearts of those with whom we live, work, and serve. Anytime we do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—to make and keep their covenants with God, we are helping to gather Israel.” (President Nelson, Let God Prevail – Oct 2020)

Possible discussion question: In what ways might you help build faith and testimony in others? (Accept all reasonable answers – by sharing your own faith and testimony, by service, and by example.) Why is it important to you to help others strengthen their faith? Can you give an example of someone you know who helps gather Israel?

Quote #5 (hearts)

Possible intro: Temple work is some of the most important service we can give in this world!

Note: Please divide among several readers.

14 Behold, the time has fully come, which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi—testifying that he [Elijah] should be sent, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come—

15 To turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse. (Doctrine and Covenants 110:14-15)

—AND—

“But how are they to become Saviors on Mount Zion? By building thair temples, erecting their Baptismal fonts & going forth & receiving all the ordinances: Baptisms, Confirmations, washings anointings ordinations & sealing powers upon our heads in behalf of all our Progenitors who are dead & redeem them that they may Come forth in the first resurrection & be exhalted to thrones of glory with us.

“And here in is the chain that binds the hearts of the fathers to the Children, & the Children to the Fathers which fulfills the mission of Elijah. & I would to God that this temple was now done that we might go into it & go to work & improve our time & make use of the seals while they are on earth & the Saints have none to much time to save & redeem their dead, & gather together their living relatives that they may be saved also.” (Joseph Smith, Words of Joseph Smith – Jan 1844)

Possible discussion questions: In what ways do we turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to the fathers? Have you ever done baptisms for the dead? Who would like to share their experience?

Summary

Summarize class discussion highlights and/or share your testimony and feelings about the lesson. Thank your class for their excellent contributions and insights.

Final Comment

As you study and teach, you can help others find more truths in the scriptures. Thank you for bringing powerful Doctrine and Covenant teachings into the lives of others.

If you would like some tips on how to feel more confident while teaching, try “9 Tips for More Class Participation.” Please arrange the quotes in any order that makes sense to you.