As you prepare to teach Doctrine and Covenants 137–138 in Sunday School this week, you’ll be helping your class explore two sacred visions that offer hope, healing, and a deeper understanding of God’s plan of salvation. These revelations testify of the Savior’s mercy, the reality of the spirit world, and the opportunity for all of God’s children—living and dead—to hear and accept the gospel. To support your teaching, we’ve gathered a set of engaging questions, simple object lesson ideas, and personal sharing prompts that will encourage thoughtful discussion and invite the Spirit. These helps are designed to make your class more meaningful, uplifting, and centered on Christ’s love and the eternal nature of His work.
Grab our free lesson help by clicking this link: https://otherthanamom.myflodesk.com/dc137-138
All of Heavenly Father’s children will have the opportunity to choose eternal life. (Doctrine and Covenants 137; 138:30–37, 57–60)
10 Engaging Questions
- How do sections 137 and 138 expand your understanding of God’s fairness?
- What does Alvin’s vision teach about God’s mercy?
- Why do ordinances still matter if God is merciful?
- How does knowing the gospel is preached in the spirit world bring you hope?
- How would you explain baptism for the dead to someone unfamiliar with it?
- What phrases show God’s love in these revelations?
- Why do you think God allows choice even after death?
- How can this knowledge change the way you view family history work?
- What hope does this bring to families with unbaptized or less-active loved ones?
- How does this strengthen your testimony of the Plan of Salvation?
5 Object Lessons
- Door with two sides – Choice is still offered beyond the veil.
- Blanket – God’s love covers all His children, living and dead.
- Invitation card – Everyone receives an invitation, but must accept it.
- Light switch – Opportunities may come later, but choice is always needed.
- Chain with missing link – Family ordinances connect generations.
10 Personal Sharing Prompts
- Share a time you felt peace about a deceased loved one.
- Reflect on why ordinances matter to you personally.
- Tell how family history work has blessed your life.
- Share what it means to you that “God is no respecter of persons.”
- Reflect on when you felt God’s plan was deeply fair and merciful.
- Tell about how you’ve explained baptism for the dead to someone before.
- Share what motivates you to go to the temple.
- Reflect on how these revelations bring hope in loss.
- Tell about someone who has inspired your faith in eternal families.
- Share how you feel God’s love includes everyone.
Reading and pondering the scriptures prepares me to receive revelation. (Doctrine and Covenants 138:1–11, 25–30)
10 Engaging Questions
- What was Joseph F. Smith pondering that led to revelation?
- How does scripture study invite the Spirit into your life?
- Why do you think God answers questions born from scripture pondering?
- How do these verses compare with Joseph Smith’s First Vision experience?
- What role does humility play in revelation?
- What can you do to better prepare your heart and mind for revelation?
- How have you seen revelation come “line upon line”?
- What is the difference between casual reading and deep pondering?
- How does Joseph F. Smith’s example inspire you to study differently?
- When have you received personal revelation during scripture study?
5 Object Lessons
- Seed in soil – Scriptures must be planted and nourished to grow revelation.
- Magnifying glass – Pondering helps us see details we’d otherwise miss.
- Journal – Writing impressions preserves inspiration and invites more.
- Flashlight – Scriptures illuminate truth when pondered.
- Recipe book – Following instructions brings desired results.
10 Personal Sharing Prompts
- Share a time you felt inspiration while studying scripture.
- Reflect on what helps you study with more intent.
- Tell about a scripture that opened deeper understanding for you.
- Share how journaling impressions has blessed you.
- Reflect on how you prepare spiritually before study.
- Tell about a time you received revelation unexpectedly.
- Share how you feel when scripture study feels like personal communication.
- Reflect on your favorite place or way to study.
- Tell about how scripture pondering has influenced a decision.
- Share how Joseph F. Smith’s example encourages your own study.
The Savior’s work continues on the other side of the veil. (Doctrine and Covenants 138:25–60)
10 Engaging Questions
- What do these verses teach you about Christ’s ongoing mission?
- Why do you think it’s important to know the gospel is preached in the spirit world?
- How does this knowledge influence the way you view missionary work?
- What impresses you about the “messengers” in the spirit world?
- How do these revelations expand your view of Christ’s mercy?
- What does this vision teach about the urgency of temple work?
- How does knowing the dead can accept ordinances affect your faith?
- What comfort does this bring to families with deceased loved ones?
- What phrases here inspire you to live more faithfully?
- How does this strengthen your testimony of the Plan of Redemption?
5 Object Lessons
- Two-way bridge – Temple ordinances connect both sides of the veil.
- Messenger bag – Symbolizes missionaries, both mortal and spirit.
- Doorway of light – Christ’s work continues beyond death.
- Ongoing construction site – The Lord’s work is never finished.
- Mirror – Reminds us life continues beyond what we see.
10 Personal Sharing Prompts
- Share how temple work has made you feel connected to ancestors.
- Reflect on what the Savior’s ongoing mission means to you personally.
- Tell about an experience with family history that strengthened your faith.
- Share how you’ve felt peace about loved ones after learning this doctrine.
- Reflect on how your view of missionary work has changed.
- Share when you felt impressed to serve in the temple or family history.
- Tell how these revelations give you hope in the resurrection.
- Share how you feel knowing Christ ministers to all of God’s children.
- Reflect on what motivates you to help in temple and family history work.
- Share how this section has deepened your gratitude for Jesus Christ
