In this article, weʻll be deep diving into Doctrine and Covenants 20-22. To download our free lesson help + customizable Canva Template, click here: https://otherthanamom.myflodesk.com/dandc29
Heavenly Father has a plan for the salvation of His children.
Engaging Questions:
- What do you learn from Doctrine and Covenants 29:1–2 about how much Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love and gather Their children?
- How does knowing that Heavenly Father has a plan for your salvation help you when life feels uncertain or difficult?
- What stands out to you in Doctrine and Covenants 29 about how God’s plan prepares us for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?
- How do the Fall, the Atonement, and the Resurrection each play a part in God’s plan for His children?
- What comfort do you find in knowing that Heavenly Father’s plan includes both justice and mercy (Doctrine and Covenants 29:26–28)?
- How has understanding the plan of salvation helped you make better decisions in your personal life?
- What role does repentance play in Heavenly Father’s plan, and how does that bring you hope?
- How can you share Heavenly Father’s plan with someone who might not know about it or might feel lost?
- Why do you think it’s important to view your trials through the lens of God’s eternal plan?
- What is one way you can show greater gratitude for Heavenly Father’s plan this week?
Object Lessons:
1. The Blueprint (God’s Plan is Designed with Purpose)
Materials:
- A blueprint or floor plan (real or printed)
- A picture of a finished building or temple
Lesson Overview:
Show the blueprint and explain that builders don’t start without a plan. The plan of salvation is like God’s blueprint for us—it helps us know where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going. Without the plan, we’d be lost. Then show the finished picture and explain that God’s plan leads us back to His presence.
Discussion Points:
- How does a blueprint guide builders?
- How does the plan of salvation guide us in life?
- Why is it important to know that God’s plan was made before we came to earth?
2. The Puzzle Picture (Seeing the Big Picture)
Materials:
- A puzzle (with a picture on the box)
Lesson Overview:
Hold up the box cover with the finished puzzle image. Then show the puzzle pieces scattered. Explain that without seeing the big picture (like the plan of salvation), life can feel like random pieces. God has given us the full picture through His plan for our salvation, helping us know where each “piece” (birth, trials, covenants, resurrection) fits.
Discussion Points:
- How does the big picture help us make sense of our life experiences?
- Why does knowing the plan give us hope during difficult times?
- How does this plan show God’s love and organization?
3. The Map and the Destination (God’s Roadmap Back to Him)
Materials:
- A map or GPS on a phone
- A marked destination point (representing eternal life with God)
Lesson Overview:
Explain that without a map or directions, traveling can be confusing and frustrating. The plan of salvation is like God’s roadmap, showing us how to return to Him after this life. The map helps us navigate choices like faith, repentance, ordinances, and enduring to the end.
Discussion Points:
- Why is it comforting to know that God has a plan to guide us?
- How does this “map” help us when we feel spiritually lost?
- What role do prophets and scriptures play in helping us stay on the path?
4. The Ladder to Heaven (Step-by-Step Progression)
Materials:
- A small ladder or steps drawn on paper
- Labels for each step (e.g., Premortal Life, Earth Life, Spirit World, Resurrection, Judgment, Exaltation)
Lesson Overview:
Show the ladder or steps and explain that the plan of salvation is step-by-step. God’s plan is structured to help us progress and eventually return to His presence. You can invite someone to climb each rung as you explain each phase of the plan.
Discussion Points:
- How does knowing the next “step” help us stay focused on eternal goals?
- What step are we currently on, and how can we progress to the next?
- How does this help us trust in God’s timing?
5. The Rescue Story (The Savior is Central to the Plan)
Materials:
- A lifesaver ring or rope (symbolizing Jesus Christ)
Lesson Overview:
Explain that the plan of salvation includes the necessity of a Savior. Like a person stranded in water needing a lifesaver ring, we all need Jesus Christ to rescue us from sin and death. Heavenly Father’s plan hinges on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which makes salvation possible.
Discussion Points:
- Why is Jesus Christ the center of the plan?
- How does His role make salvation possible for all God’s children?
- How can we show our gratitude for His sacrifice?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you felt the Lord’s hand guiding your life and reassuring you of His plan. How did that experience strengthen your trust in His plan of salvation?
- Think of a time when you taught or learned about the plan of salvation and felt the Spirit testify of its truth. How did that knowledge bring you peace or purpose?
- Think of a time when you or someone you know found comfort in understanding where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going. How did knowing God’s plan help during that moment?
- Think of a time when a difficult trial made more sense to you because you saw it through the lens of the plan of salvation. How did that eternal perspective help you endure?
- Think of a time when you felt the Lord helping you understand your divine identity and eternal potential. How did knowing you are part of God’s plan change the way you saw yourself?
- Think of a time when you shared the plan of salvation with someone who was searching for hope or answers. How did explaining God’s plan bless both of you?
- Think of a time when you participated in temple work and felt a deeper connection to Heavenly Father’s plan for His children. How did that experience increase your testimony of eternal families?
- Think of a time when you studied about the Savior’s central role in the plan of salvation. How did that deepen your love for Him and your understanding of why His Atonement is essential?
- Think of a time when you felt personal peace after losing a loved one or facing uncertainty about the future. How did God’s plan provide comfort and hope during that time?
- Think of a time when the Holy Ghost confirmed to you that Heavenly Father’s plan is perfect and designed for your happiness. How did that confirmation help you feel closer to Him?
Jesus Christ invites me to help gather His people before His Second Coming.
Engaging Questions:
- What does it mean to you personally to help gather God’s people before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?
- Doctrine and Covenants 29:7–8 speaks about gathering the elect. How do you think you can help in that gathering today?
- Why do you think the Lord asks His disciples to participate in the gathering of Israel, instead of doing it Himself all at once?
- Have you ever felt like you played a role, big or small, in helping someone come closer to Christ? What happened?
- How can you invite others to learn more about Jesus Christ in your everyday life, even outside of formal missionary work?
- What are some simple ways to help gather God’s people in your school, neighborhood, or community?
- How does participating in the gathering of Israel help prepare you personally for the Second Coming?
- What role does kindness, friendship, or service play in gathering God’s children?
- Why is it important to gather people not just into the Church, but into a relationship with Jesus Christ?
- What is one thing you can do this week to participate in Christ’s invitation to help gather His people?
Object Lessons:
1. The Gathering Wheat vs. Scattered Grains (Bringing Together God’s Children)
Materials:
- A small bowl of wheat kernels or rice grains scattered across a table
- An empty bowl to gather them into
Lesson Overview:
Scatter the grains across the table and explain that the world is full of scattered souls. Then, as a group, gather them into the bowl. This represents how we are invited by Jesus Christ to help gather His children into His gospel before His Second Coming.
Discussion Points:
- What does it feel like to see the grains scattered versus gathered?
- How does gathering people into the gospel help prepare the world for Christ’s return?
- What are some ways we can help gather His people today?
2. The Invitation to the Feast (All Are Invited to Christ’s Gathering)
Materials:
- Printed invitations (or simple slips of paper)
- A sign that says “The Lord’s Feast” or “The Savior’s Kingdom”
Lesson Overview:
Hand out the invitations and explain that we are like messengers, inviting people to Christ’s feast. The Lord is inviting everyone to prepare spiritually for His Second Coming. It is up to us to help extend that invitation through missionary work, ministering, and setting a Christlike example.
Discussion Points:
- What are some ways we can invite others to come unto Christ?
- Why is this invitation especially important as we prepare for His Second Coming?
- How does sharing the gospel bless both us and those we invite?
3. The Puzzle Pieces (Everyone is Needed in the Gathering)
Materials:
- A puzzle, but hide some of the pieces separately
Lesson Overview:
Begin assembling the puzzle, but when key pieces are missing, show that the image is incomplete. As you “gather” the remaining pieces and place them in the puzzle, explain that the Lord’s work is to gather all His children so that His work is complete before He comes again.
Discussion Points:
- How does this represent the need to gather people into the Church?
- What can we do to help the Lord find the missing pieces in our ward or community?
- How does participating in the gathering bring us closer to Christ?
4. The Shepherd and the Lost Sheep (The Savior Needs Our Help)
Materials:
- A stuffed animal sheep or paper cutout of a sheep
- Hide the sheep somewhere in the room
Lesson Overview:
Hide the sheep and explain that the Savior is the Good Shepherd but also calls on us to help find the lost sheep. Once found, place the sheep back with the “flock” and explain that helping to gather God’s people is part of preparing the world for His Second Coming.
Discussion Points:
- Why does Christ want us to help find His lost sheep?
- What does this parable teach us about our role in the gathering of Israel?
- How can we actively help in this gathering at home, church, and in our community?
5. The Net for Gathering (We Help “Cast the Net”)
Materials:
- A net or rope (or a visual of a fishing net)
- Small paper fish labeled with words like “family,” “friends,” “neighbors,” “all nations”
Lesson Overview:
Explain that Christ’s apostles were called to be “fishers of men”, and today we are invited to cast the net and gather His people. Pull in the net with the “fish,” symbolizing gathering souls into His Church before His Second Coming.
Discussion Points:
- How do we cast the net spiritually in our lives today?
- Why is this work urgent before the Savior returns?
- How does participating in this gathering help us strengthen our own faith?
6. The Harvest Analogy (The Time is Now to Gather)
Materials:
- A small basket and printed or plastic fruits/grains
- A sign that says “The Harvest is Ready”
Lesson Overview:
Explain that in the scriptures, the gathering of Israel is compared to a harvest (see Matthew 9:37-38). Fill the basket with “fruit,” showing that the fields are ready now, and Christ needs workers to help gather His people before His return.
Discussion Points:
- Why is the gathering of Israel like a harvest that must be gathered before it spoils?
- How can we be more willing to be “laborers in the Lord’s vineyard”?
- What blessings come from participating in the Lord’s harvest?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you shared the gospel with someone or invited them to church. How did that experience help you feel part of the Lord’s gathering?
- Think of a time when you felt prompted to minister to someone in need. How did that act of service help bring them closer to Christ and His Church?
- Think of a time when you felt a personal responsibility to help in the Lord’s work of gathering Israel. How did that realization influence your actions?
- Think of a time when you helped someone feel included or welcomed in your ward, branch, or community. How did that experience help you see the Savior’s love for all of His people?
- Think of a time when you participated in temple or family history work and felt connected to the Lord’s gathering efforts. How did that deepen your understanding of gathering on both sides of the veil?
- Think of a time when you were part of a missionary effort, even in a small way, that brought someone closer to the gospel. How did participating in that gathering bring you joy?
- Think of a time when you helped someone learn about their divine identity as a child of God. How did that moment help you feel you were part of the Savior’s gathering?
- Think of a time when you felt inspired to share your testimony or invite someone to learn about Jesus Christ. How did following that prompting bless both you and them?
- Think of a time when you saw someone return to the Church or strengthen their relationship with Christ. How did witnessing their journey inspire you to continue helping in the Lord’s work?
- Think of a time when studying the Second Coming motivated you to act with greater urgency in sharing the gospel. How did that motivation change how you approach gathering His people?
“All things unto me are spiritual.”
Engaging Questions:
- What do you think it means when the Lord says, “All things unto me are spiritual”? How does that change how you view everyday activities?
- How can ordinary, daily actions—like school, work, or family time—become spiritual experiences?
- What are some examples from your own life where something “temporal” became a spiritual moment for you?
- Why do you think the Lord wants us to view even small decisions through a spiritual lens?
- How does knowing that everything is spiritual help you make better choices in your day-to-day life?
- In what ways can you invite the Spirit into your daily routine, even when doing things that don’t seem “spiritual” at first?
- How can seeing all things as spiritual help you feel more connected to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?
- What do you think is the relationship between taking care of physical needs (health, work, finances) and your spiritual growth?
- How can you help others recognize the spiritual significance of everyday actions?
- What is one simple thing you can do this week to treat something in your life as more “spiritual” than you previously thought?
Object Lessons:
1. The Two Lenses (Seeing Temporal vs. Spiritual)
Materials:
- Two pairs of glasses: one with clear lenses and one with tinted lenses (or use sunglasses)
Lesson Overview:
Put on the tinted lenses and explain that sometimes people see life through a lens that focuses only on temporal things (money, work, daily tasks). Then put on the clear lenses and explain that when we see life as God does, we realize that everything has a spiritual purpose—even work, school, or service.
Discussion Points:
- How does changing our perspective help us see the spiritual side of ordinary tasks?
- How can everyday experiences like chores, work, or challenges become spiritual?
- How does seeing life through a spiritual lens bring us closer to God?
2. The Iceberg Analogy (The Spiritual is Beneath the Surface)
Materials:
- A picture of an iceberg (or draw one)
- A marker to label the top as “temporal” and the larger bottom as “spiritual”
Lesson Overview:
Show that the visible part of an iceberg is small (temporal), while the larger portion beneath the surface (spiritual) is hidden. Explain that God sees both the temporal and spiritual layers in our lives, and often, what looks ordinary (school, work, family life) has deep spiritual meaning underneath.
Discussion Points:
- What are some “hidden” spiritual lessons in daily life?
- How does knowing that God sees everything as spiritual change the way we live?
- How can we uncover the spiritual significance in routine activities?
3. The Seed and the Plant (Small Actions with Big Spiritual Growth)
Materials:
- A small seed and a grown plant or picture of one
Lesson Overview:
Show the small seed and the grown plant, explaining that small, seemingly temporal tasks (prayer, kind words, hard work) can grow into spiritual blessings. Just like planting a seed leads to unseen growth beneath the soil, spiritual development happens quietly behind ordinary moments.
Discussion Points:
- How can simple actions like being kind or studying become spiritual growth?
- Why does God see small and ordinary things as spiritually important?
- How can we better nurture our spiritual roots through daily living?
4. The Toolbox (Tools for Temporal AND Spiritual Use)
Materials:
- A toolbox with common tools (hammer, wrench, etc.) or printed pictures of tools
- A label on the box that says “Spiritual Toolbox”
Lesson Overview:
Open the toolbox and explain that just as a tool like a hammer can be used to build something physical, it can also represent building spiritual habits (work ethic, service, patience). Each “tool” has both a physical and spiritual application when used with purpose.
Discussion Points:
- How can we “build” spiritual strength while doing temporal work?
- What tools (patience, prayer, service) do we need for both temporal and spiritual tasks?
- How does God use everyday situations to shape us spiritually?
5. The Candle and the Light Switch (Spirituality in Light and Darkness)
Materials:
- A candle and a light switch
Lesson Overview:
Explain that the candle and light switch serve the same basic purpose—to bring light into darkness. The candle might seem old-fashioned, but it still has spiritual value, just as simple, daily tasks can illuminate our spiritual lives. Even small acts of service, work, and obedience bring spiritual light.
Discussion Points:
- How does serving others in small ways bring light to our lives?
- Why does God see both modern and simple efforts as spiritually significant?
- How can we make sure we’re shining spiritual light in everyday situations?
6. The Mirror Reflection (Our Physical and Spiritual Self Are Connected)
Materials:
- A mirror
Lesson Overview:
Have participants look into a mirror and explain that while we see the physical reflection, God sees both our spiritual and temporal selves. Even physical actions like work, worship, and relationships have spiritual impact on our character and soul.
Discussion Points:
- How do physical actions affect our spiritual well-being?
- How can we reflect Christ more fully in both our temporal and spiritual choices?
- How does this knowledge help us approach daily life more intentionally?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you recognized that an everyday task or responsibility had spiritual significance. How did that realization change the way you approached it?
- Think of a time when an ordinary moment—like a conversation, a chore, or a work assignment—turned into a spiritual experience. How did the Lord help you see it differently?
- Think of a time when you learned that even small acts of kindness or service were important to God. How did that experience help you feel the spiritual nature of your actions?
- Think of a time when you invited the Spirit into a routine activity, like work, parenting, or school. How did viewing that activity as spiritual change the way you felt or acted?
- Think of a time when following a seemingly simple commandment brought spiritual blessings. How did you come to understand that God cares about both small and large things?
- Think of a time when you realized a trial or challenge you were facing was shaping your spiritual growth. How did that perspective help you endure it with more faith?
- Think of a time when you participated in a community event, family tradition, or gathering and felt it had spiritual meaning. How did the Spirit help you see God’s hand in that moment?
- Think of a time when the Lord taught you that a “temporal” choice (like how you use your time, money, or talents) also had spiritual consequences. How did that realization influence your decisions?
- Think of a time when a normal part of Church service, like a ward activity or leadership role, helped you grow spiritually. How did you see that “all things” truly can be spiritual?
- Think of a time when you realized that your daily efforts to live the gospel—however simple—were building your spiritual strength. How did that realization motivate you to continue in faith?
Jesus Christ redeems us from the Fall.
Engaging Questions:
- What do you learn from Doctrine and Covenants 29:39–45 about how Jesus Christ redeems us from the Fall?
- How does understanding the Fall of Adam and Eve help you better appreciate the Savior’s Atonement?
- In what ways do you personally feel the effects of the Fall in your life, and how does Christ help you overcome them?
- Why is it important to know that the Fall was part of God’s plan and not a mistake?
- How does Christ’s power to redeem us from physical and spiritual death give you hope?
- What does it mean to you that Christ can “redeem all mankind, even as many as will believe” (Doctrine and Covenants 29:43)?
- How have you experienced the Savior’s redeeming power when dealing with personal struggles, weaknesses, or mistakes?
- How can you use your understanding of the Fall and the Atonement to comfort or uplift someone who feels weighed down by life’s challenges?
- Why do you think it’s important to teach both the Fall and the Atonement together when helping others understand the plan of salvation?
- What is one way you can show gratitude this week for Christ’s role as your Redeemer?
Object Lessons:
1. The Broken and Repaired Bridge (The Fall & Atonement)
Materials:
- Two chairs or tables with a gap between them
- A board, plank, or rope to create a “bridge”
- A toy figure or paper cutout representing a person
Lesson Overview:
Explain that the two chairs represent God’s presence and humankind. The gap symbolizes the separation caused by the Fall. Place the board over the gap to create a bridge, explaining that Jesus Christ’s Atonement bridges the gap, allowing us to return to God.
Discussion Points:
- How did the Fall create a gap between us and God?
- How does Christ’s Atonement provide a way back across the gap?
- How do we “walk across the bridge” through faith, repentance, and covenants?
2. The Dirty and Clean Cloth (Redeemed from Sin and Death)
Materials:
- A white cloth
- A marker or mud to stain it
- A bowl of soapy water or cleaning solution
Lesson Overview:
Stain the cloth while explaining that the Fall brought sin and imperfection into the world. Then wash or wipe it clean, symbolizing how Christ’s Atonement redeems us and makes us spiritually clean again.
Discussion Points:
- What stains came into the world because of the Fall (sin, death, sorrow)?
- How does Jesus Christ help us become clean and whole again?
- How can we access Christ’s redeeming power daily?
3. The Locked Door and Key (Overcoming Spiritual Death)
Materials:
- A locked box or door
- A key labeled “Atonement of Jesus Christ”
Lesson Overview:
Explain that the Fall locked the door to returning to God’s presence. Then use the key to open the lock, symbolizing how Christ’s Atonement unlocks the door to redemption, overcoming both physical and spiritual death.
Discussion Points:
- Why is Christ the only one who could “unlock the door”?
- How does the key represent both the Resurrection and forgiveness of sins?
- What can we do to show gratitude for Christ’s redeeming power?
4. The Broken Glass and the Healer (Christ Restores What Was Broken)
Materials:
- A picture or image of something broken (e.g., a broken plate or vase)
- A second image of the item repaired or whole
Lesson Overview:
Explain that the Fall “broke” our perfect relationship with God. Through Jesus Christ, we are spiritually healed and made whole again. Just as broken pottery can be mended, Christ can restore and redeem us from the effects of the Fall.
Discussion Points:
- How does Christ heal what was spiritually broken by the Fall?
- How does the Atonement make healing and restoration possible for everyone?
- How does knowing this give us hope in our personal struggles and sins?
5. The Lifesaver Ring (Christ as Our Rescuer)
Materials:
- A lifesaver ring or a picture of one
- A story or analogy about a person trapped in water needing rescue
Lesson Overview:
Explain that the Fall is like falling into deep water. We cannot save ourselves from sin and death without help. Christ is the lifesaver who rescues us and brings us safely to shore through His infinite Atonement.
Discussion Points:
- How did the Fall create a situation where we need a rescuer?
- Why is Jesus Christ the only one who could save us from the effects of the Fall?
- How do we accept His help by coming unto Him?
6. The Two Gifts Object Lesson (Resurrection and Redemption)
Materials:
- Two wrapped boxes
- One labeled “Resurrection” and the other “Forgiveness of sins”
Lesson Overview:
Explain that because of the Fall, we are subject to physical death and spiritual death. Open the first gift, explaining that resurrection is Christ’s gift to all. Open the second, explaining that through repentance, we receive the gift of forgiveness.
Discussion Points:
- How do these two gifts overcome the effects of the Fall?
- How does the Resurrection bless all people, and how is repentance a personal gift?
- How can we show gratitude for these gifts in our daily lives?
Personal Sharing Prompts:
- Think of a time when you felt grateful for the Savior’s role in overcoming sin and death. How did that gratitude deepen your understanding of His redemption from the Fall?
- Think of a time when you saw how mortality—pain, trials, or imperfection—was made bearable because of Jesus Christ. How did His Atonement give you hope?
- Think of a time when you found peace knowing that Christ’s redemption means you can repent and change. How did that knowledge help you move forward after a mistake?
- Think of a time when you or someone you know found comfort after the death of a loved one. How did the Savior’s victory over physical death bring hope to that situation?
- Think of a time when you gained a deeper understanding of Adam and Eve’s role in God’s plan. How did learning about the Fall help you appreciate Christ’s role as your Redeemer?
- Think of a time when you taught or learned about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. How did it help you personally apply His redemption in your own life?
- Think of a time when you felt the burden of life’s imperfections—weakness, sickness, or sorrow—and the Savior provided relief. How did Christ’s power to redeem you from the effects of the Fall bring comfort?
- Think of a time when you recognized that Christ’s redemption not only applies to eternity but also blesses you daily. How did that awareness change how you live the gospel?
- Think of a time when you shared your testimony of the Savior’s role in God’s plan of redemption. How did sharing that truth strengthen your faith?
- Think of a time when you felt joy knowing that, because of Jesus Christ, we can all be restored to God’s presence. How did that realization give you greater purpose and hope?
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