Sunday School: Gospel Doctrine
Lesson 18: ‘Establish … a House of God’


“Lesson 18: ‘Establish … a House of God’” Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Class Member Study Guide (1999)

“Lesson 18,” Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Class Member Study Guide

Lesson 18

“Establish … a House of God”

Reading assignment: Doctrine and Covenants 95; 109; 110; Our Heritage, pages 33–36.

Temples are an essential part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. In December 1832, the Lord commanded the Saints to build a temple in Kirtland, Ohio (D&C 88:119; 109:2).

  • Read D&C 95:3–4, 8–9, 16–17; 109:5, 8. What do these verses teach about the purposes for building the Kirtland Temple? What did the Lord reveal to Joseph Smith about how to build the Kirtland Temple? (See D&C 95:13–17.)

  • What were some of the challenges and sacrifices associated with building the temple? (See D&C 109:5; Our Heritage, 33–34.) What are some sacrifices you could make to participate in temple work?

  • Why do we dedicate temples? How have you felt as you have attended a temple dedication service? What spiritual manifestations occurred during the dedication of the Kirtland Temple? (See Our Heritage, 34–35.)

  • What priesthood keys did Moses, Elias, and Elijah restore? (See D&C 110:11–16.) What blessings and responsibilities do you have today because these keys were restored?

Scripture Chain: The Holiness of the Temple