Purpose: To help family members understand we should learn about the signs of Christ’s coming because He loves us and knowing them will help us.
Preparation:
Prayerfully study the lesson in Gospel Principles chapter 43 and the scriptures given in the lesson.
Color tree brown or print on brown paper and cut out. Print leaves and cut out.
Gather graham crackers, frosting and candy (optional) for treat.
Song: Now Let Us Rejoice, hymn #3
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:22-24
Followup on challenge: Share how the challenge went for you and ask for the experiences of the others in the family.
Lesson:
Share: signs that came before an experience or happening in your life. Then explain how by seeing the signs you were able to prepare for it. Examples: Signs that you would be losing your job and how saving money and building a food storage helped you when you lost it. Seeing “green sky” and taking cover before a tornado hit. Seeing signs of depression in a loved one and helping them find help.
Explain: before the second coming there will be signs given such as trials and storms. Because Heavenly Father loves us he wants us to be prepared both physically and spiritually and he ward of the signs to remind us to do that preparation. Those that follow Jesus will know the signs and will watch for them. The scriptures tell of both scary and positive signs.
Gospel Principles quote: (Jesus) taught this with the parable of the fig tree. He said that when we see a fig tree putting forth leaves, we can tell that summer will soon come. Likewise, when we see the signs described in the scriptures, we can know that His coming is near.
Activity: Signs Tree (When using this activity family members will be learning by sight, sound and touch)
Pass out the leaves. Have family members read or summarize the scripture. Discuss whether the sign has already happened, is in the process or hasn't happened yet. If it has happened the leaf should be put on the tree. If it hasn't happened yet it should be put to the side of the paper. If it is in the process let him put the leaf wherever he thinks best.
Signs that might make one afraid
D&C 29:16 - great hailstorm
D&C 29:18 - flies upon the earth
D&C 45:23-24 - Israel scattered
D&C 45:27 - “The love of men shall wax cold, and iniquity shall abound”
D&C 45:42 - sun darkened...”
D&C 88:90 - “sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds”
D&C 88:91 - “all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts shall fail them”
D&C 88:92 - angels fly warning people
Matthew 24:6 - wars and rumors of wars
Matthew 24:7 - famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes
Daniel 12:1 - time of trouble such as the earth has never known
Signs that bring us joy
D&C 45:28 - restoration of the gospel
D&C 49:24 - “ ...the Lamanites shall blossom as the rose”
D&C 84:2-3 - building of New Jerusalem in Missouri
D&C 90:11 - all people will hear the gospel in their own language
Revelation 14:6-7 - gospel restored by an angel
Matthew 24:14 - gospel preached to all the world
Isaiah 29:4-18 - coming forth of the Book of Mormon
Malachi 4:5-6 - the prophet Elijah would be sent to the earth. He would restore the sealing powers. The prophet Elijah came to Joseph Smith in April 1836.
3 Nephi 21: 23-25 - gathering of Israel
Signs that could go either way
D&C 88:93 - great sign in heaven
1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 - people will say, “peace and safety”
Discuss: things your family could be doing to get better prepared.
Conclusion: We can remain calm even those some signs are scary by:
Gospel Principles:
1) prepare for them
2) look forward to the coming of the Savior and be glad. The Lord said, “Be not troubled, for, when all these things [the signs] shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled” (D&C 45:35).
3) (know) He said those who are righteous when He comes will not be destroyed “but shall abide the day. And the earth shall be given unto them for an inheritance; … and their children shall grow up without sin. … For the Lord shall be in their midst, and his glory shall be upon them, and he will be their king and their lawgiver” (D&C 45:57–59).
Bear Testimony: Heavenly Fathers love for each of us so He warns us
Challenge: Find one sign of the second coming of Christ in the scriptures that we didn’t discuss tonight.
Song: The Wise Man and the Foolish Man from Children’s Songbook page 281
Treat: Houses made of graham crackers and frosting. (Candy optional) Let each family member build their own house and decorate it. Explain that when we build upon the rock we are preparing for things to come.
PDF links
Lesson Part 1
Lesson Part 2
Lesson Part 3
Leaves
Tree Top
Tree Trunk
