Family Home Evening for Revelation 1-5

 Read Revelation 3:15-16

15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Activity

Give your children a drink that should usually be hot and give it to them cold, then lukewarm, and then hot. How can we compare this activity to our spiritual “temperature?”

Discuss

What does it mean to be spiritually cold?

What does it mean to be spiritually lukewarm?

What does it mean to be spiritually hot?

Where is your family on this spiritual scale? Are there any places where you can improve?

Watch

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Family Home Evening for 1-3 John; Jude

 Read 3 John 1:4

4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Discuss

What does it mean to walk in truth? To help your children understand, tell family members how you have seen them walk in truth and talk about the joy this brings you. Explain that if it brings you this much joy, imagine how much it brings Heavenly Father when He sees His children walk in truth.

 What are other ways that you can walk in truth? Write down some things you can do, and post them in your home.

One way that you can walk in truth is by serving others. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints invites us to serve others by remembering the true meaning of Christmas by Lighting the World, each Christmas season. There is a link to their website in the description box below. On the website, there is a downloadable checklist of ideas and even an interactive idea generator. There is also information about the Giving Machine. It’s kind of like a vending machine, but instead of dispensing sodas and snacks, it dispenses donations to causes around the world! You can purchase anything from donating clean water to a country that doesn’t have any to donating money to refugees. Check it out and give Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ joy as you walk in truth this Christmas season!

Watch

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Family Home Evening for 1 and 2 Peter

 Read 1 Peter 3:15-17

15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.

17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

Discuss

When we are having conversations about religion, it is possible for them to turn to anger very quickly. It is important to remember to always be respectful of other people, and remember that you represent Jesus Christ in all that you do. The best thing to do is think about some questions that some people might ask you, and think about, ponder, and pray about how you would answer them.

Here are some commonly asked questions:

Q: Are you a Mormon?

Possible A: Though others may refer to me as a Mormon,  I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 

Q: Why does your church have such a long name?

Possible A: When Jesus Christ was on the earth, He established His church, The Church of Jesus Christ, upon the earth. After His apostles died, His church was removed from the earth. In the Latter-Day, His church was again restored to the earth and again called by His name, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and that is the church that I am a part of.

Q: Do you worship Joseph Smith?

Possible A: No, we don’t worship Joseph Smith. We respect him as a prophet of God. Just as Jesus called apostles and prophets in the church, when He was on the earth, He has again called prophets and apostles to His church. Joseph Smith was the first prophet called in the latter days, and President Russell M. Nelson is the prophet today.  We only worship Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ as deities.

Q: Do you have another Bible?

Possible A: We have the Book of Mormon that is another testament of Jesus Christ. We also read and study the Bible as one of our standard books of scripture.

Q: Are you a Christian?

Possible A: Yes. I am a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. I believe that Jesus Atoned for my sins and because of Him, I can be resurrected and receive eternal life.

Discuss

What are some other questions that you might encounter? Discuss these as a family.

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Family Home Evening for James

 Read James 1:5

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Lesson

James was the son of Mary, so he was Jesus’s half brother. It seems right that he would write one of the most powerful scriptures to open the last dispensation of the fullness of time. 

Sometimes just one verse of scripture can change the world. This scripture seems simple—if you need wisdom, ask God. But when 14-year-old Joseph Smith read that verse, “it seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of [his] heart” (Joseph Smith—History 1:12). When Joseph wondered which church to join, he sought wisdom from God through prayer. And God did indeed give liberally, giving Joseph one of the most remarkable heavenly visitations in human history—the First Vision. This vision changed the course of Joseph’s life and led to the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ on the earth. All of us are blessed today because Joseph Smith read and acted on James 1:5.

Discuss

What are some questions that you “lack wisdom” in? Teach your children how to ask Heavenly Father for answers.

Watch

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Family Home Evening for Hebrews 7-13

 Read or Summarize Hebrews 12:5-7, 9-11

5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?

9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.

11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

Activity

In the following scenario Johnny made a poor choice.  

Johnny played all day and made a big mess. His room was so messy that when his mom went in to put his laundry away, she tripped over his toy car. Though she wasn’t really hurt, she told Johnny that he was old enough to clean up after himself, and he needed to learn how to take better care of his toys. What did Johnny’s mother teach him while chastising him?

Here is a scenario of a time that the Lord chastised someone for a poor choice.

Susie went shopping with her Mom. While she was at the store, she saw a toy that she really wanted. She asked her mother for it, but her mom told her, “no.” Instead of putting it back, she stuck it in her pocket. Her mom didn’t know about it, and so they went home. When Susie went home, she was laying in her bed, and looking at her new toy. Susie looked on her bedroom wall and saw a picture of Jesus. She thought about her baptismal covenants and knew that what she did was wrong. She didn’t want to get in trouble with her mom, so she decided not to do anything. After a few days, her new toy was not very fun anymore. Everytime she looked at it, she felt the Holy Ghost tell her that it was wrong for her to take that toy home without paying for it. Susie went to her Mom and told her what she had done. She emptied her piggy bank and went to the store to purchase the toy that she had taken. She apologized to the store owner for what she had done. When she got home, she said a prayer and asked Heavenly Father to forgive her for not being honest. She felt a warm feeling in her heart and felt peaceful again. She knew that Heavenly Father had forgiven her.

Conclusion

According to the scripture above, God says that He chastises those He loves. God’s chastisements help us to become better people and “partake of His holiness.”

Just like our parents teach us to be better people and become better people, the Lord’s goal is to help us be happy and receive exaltation in the kingdom of God. As we are repenting and receiving the Lord’s chastisements, it can be very difficult, but this scripture promises us, “afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness…” Just remember that The Lord loves you, and you are never “too late” to repent and receive the peaceable fruit of righteousness, that comes when we are forgiven for our sins.

Watch

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Family Home Evening for Hebrews 1-6

 Read Hebrews 2:9-10

9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

10 For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

Lesson

Ask your children to tell you what a captain is. They may think of Captain America, the captain of a ship, the captain of a sports team, etc. What characteristics does a captain have? Make a list of these attributes. 

The scripture above says that Jesus is the Captain of our Salvation. How do the attributes that you listed above compare to the attributes that the Savior has? Verse 9 lists some special attributes that help us understand how Jesus is the Captain of Our Salvation. Discuss these as a family.

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Family Home Evening for 1 and 2 Timothy; Titus; Philemon

 Read 1 Timothy 4:12

12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Lesson and Activity

This scripture teaches us that even though you are young, you can be an example of a believer of Jesus Christ. Talk about or act out ways that you can be an example of a believer. Use the ways, given in the scripture, for guidance.

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Family Home Evening for 1 and 2 Thessalonians

 Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14-25

14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

16 Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

19 Quench not the Spirit.

20 Despise not prophesyings.

21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

25 Brethren, pray for us.

Activity

Have each family member find a phrase that the family could focus on. Find creative ways to display these phrases in your home as a reminder. For example, each person might find or draw pictures that illustrate or reinforce the phrase he or she chose.

Watch

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Family Home Evening for Philippians and Colossians

 Read or Summarize Philippians 4:13

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Lesson

Sometimes, life gets really hard. It can feel like we are being pushed beyond what we are capable of handling. It feels like we are pushing a giant rock up a hill, or carrying a heavy burden, while blindfolded, so we can’t see where we are going or how much longer we have to endure our suffering. We can find strength in remembering the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We can find strength in knowing that Jesus suffered all things, and endured all of our trials to the very end. He is there, cheering us on and lifting us up, and encouraging us to endure just a little longer. 

In trials, I like to think that Jesus says to me, as he did to Joseph Smith, in Liberty Jail, “ My [child], peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment; And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.” (D&C 121:7-8)

President Russell M. Nelson said, “When the focus of our lives is on … 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. He is the source of all joy.” (“Joy and Spiritual Survival,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 82).

Discuss

When have you found strength through Christ to do hard things?

Watch

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Family Home Evening for Ephesians

 Read or Summarize Ephesians 6:10-18

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Activity

Use household items and/or cardboard boxes to make the Armor of God. Have one of your children dress in the Armor of God. As you dress your child, discuss the different parts of the armor and what they represent. Have the other family members throw “fiery darts.” This could be foam darts, wadded up paper, or some other projectile. As they throw them at the person in armor, point out that with the armor on, they are fully protected, just as we are fully protected from Satan.

 Watch

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Family Home Evening for Galatians

 Read or Summarize Galatians 5:22-26

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Lesson

Look at this picture pair, can you tell which one is fruit and which one is not? How do you know?

What about this one?

In the scripture above, we read that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. Things of the Spirit are super easy to recognize when we are choosing the right and doing good things. When we choose the right, the Spirit helps us to know the difference between what is right and what is wrong, just like it was easy for you to spot the real fruit in the first group of pictures. 

Sometimes, when we don’t choose the right and listen to the Spirit, it becomes a little bit tougher to tell what is right and what is wrong. Sometimes, what is wrong tries to look like what is right. Just like in the second group of pictures 

When you walk in the Spirit, by choosing the right and praying to Heavenly Father, you will be able to overcome temptations and tell what is right and wrong.

Watch

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Family Home Evening For 2 Corinthians 8-13

 Read or Summarize 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Lesson

Often, we think that service is something big like cleaning someone else’s house, doing someone else’s yard work, visiting the elderly, or fixing someone's dinner. All of these things are great acts of service, but did you know that the dictionary defines service as “the action of helping or doing work for someone.”

The “someone” in this definition could be anyone. It could be as big as the whole world, your country, your state, your community, your neighborhood, or even as small as your house, your parents, your siblings, or your pets.

Think about it, if your mom or dad are busy, and you decide to serve them by cleaning the toys up in the family room. You just served them! The action you did was cleaning up. You helped your parents, because you did work for them. If you didn’t clean up, then they would have to do it themselves later.

If your little brother is crying and you ask him what is wrong and help him feel better, you just served your brother. The action you did was offering help and showing you cared, and the work you did was finding out a solution to the problem that made him sad.

The scriptures above teach us that God wants us to be a cheerful giver. If you complain, yell, or stomp your feet when you serve or are asked to serve, then you are not being a cheerful giver. One way that helps me to be a cheerful giver is I think of how surprised or happy I will make the person I am serving. I also think about how happy Heavenly Father is when I do nice things for His children.

Discuss 

What are some ways that you can change your thinking so that you can become a more cheerful giver?

Activity 

Think of some ways that you can serve. Think of one thing at each level of service, mentioned above (family members, home, neighborhood, community, area, and world),  and do them! As you do them, be cheerful in your service.

Watch

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Family Home Evening for 2 Corinthians 1-7

 Read 2 Corinthians 6:17-18

17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Activity 

Show your children the following pictures and ask them to identify which one is different from the others, in each group.

Lesson

In the first 5 groups, it was very easy to spot the different one. In the next 4 groups it was a little more difficult, the next group it was a lot harder, and by the last one, it was only a teeny, tiny, little difference. In the scripture, at the beginning of the lesson, Heavenly Father said that he wants us to “come out from among them, and be ye separate.” This does not mean that God wants us to put ourselves above others and believe that we are better than anyone else. Just like you were able to look at the pictures above and spot the difference, people will look at you and know that you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, by the way you act, the things you say, and what you do. 

Here is a story that President James E Faust told in October 2005 General Conference that demonstrates this principle:

I recently recalled a historic meeting in Jerusalem about 17 years ago. It was regarding the lease for the land on which the Brigham Young University’s Jerusalem Center for Near Eastern Studies was later built. Before this lease could be signed, President Ezra Taft Benson and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, then president of Brigham Young University, agreed with the Israeli government on behalf of the Church and the university not to proselyte in Israel. You might wonder why we agreed not to proselyte. We were required to do so in order to get the building permit to build that magnificent building which stands in the historic city of Jerusalem. To our knowledge the Church and BYU have scrupulously and honorably kept that nonproselyting commitment. After the lease had been signed, one of our friends insightfully remarked, “Oh, we know that you are not going to proselyte, but what are you going to do about the light that is in their eyes?” He was referring to our students who were studying in Israel.

What was that light in their eyes which was so obvious to our friend? The Lord Himself gives the answer: “And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings.” Where did that light come from? Again the Lord gives the answer: “I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” The Lord is the true light, “and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit.” This light shows in our countenances as well as in our eyes.

Discuss

How brightly would you say that the Light of Jesus Christ shines in you? Are you like the last group of pictures where it is super hard to see, or are you like the first 5 groups of pictures where it is super easy to see? If it is not as bright, what things can you do to help it get brighter? If it does help you stand out in a crowd, then how can you continue to keep that light?

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