“Establish … a House of God”
- CFMCorner
- Aug 12
- 11 min read
Updated: Aug 30
Videos, Podcasts, & Weekly Lesson Material
Videos & Podcasts
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BYU RSC Library | |
Come Follow Church History with Lynne Hilton Wilson | |
Come Follow Me Kid | |
Come Follow Me Scott Woodward & Casey Griffiths | |
Come Follow Up | |
D&C Historical Background | |
Don't Miss This | |
Follow Him | |
Grounded with Barbara Morgan | |
Gospel For Kids | |
Hurricane Adult Religion Class | |
Latter Day Kids | |
Line Upon Line | |
Meridian Magazine | |
Our Mothers Knew It | |
Saving Talents | |
Scripture Study Central | |
Scripture Explorers | D&C 88 |
Scripture Gems | |
Scripture Insights | |
Seminary Decks | D&C 88 |
Talking Scripture | D&C 88 |
Teaching With Power | |
The Interpreter Foundation | |
The Red Crystal | |
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Thumb Follow Me | D&C 88 |
Unshaken | D&C 88 |
Chapter & Section Summaries
Resources and Insights for this Week's Lesson
Doctrine & Covenants 88: The Olive Leaf
Finding Joy in God's Perfect Patterns of Peace
Opening: The Message After the Storm
Imagine Noah, watching the dove return with an olive leaf—a small token promising that the storm has passed and new life awaits. In December 1832, after receiving the prophecy of war and destruction (D&C 87), the Lord gave Joseph Smith what he called "the Olive Leaf... plucked from the Tree of Paradise"—a message of peace amidst prophecies of tribulation.
This revelation teaches us that JOY is found not in the absence of trials, but in recognizing God's patterns that always lead from chaos to peace, from death to resurrection, from darkness to light.
Core Teaching: Three Divine Patterns That Bring Joy
Pattern 1: Light Always Conquers Darkness
"The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not" (D&C 88:49)
The Light of Christ Framework (vv. 6-13)
Christ descended below all things and ascended above all things
His light fills the immensity of space
This light is simultaneously:
Physical (powers the sun, moon, stars)
Spiritual (enlightens understanding)
Governing (the law by which all things operate)
Joy Application: When we understand that Christ's light is literally in everything—from the sunrise to our very thoughts—we realize darkness is temporary. Light isn't just coming; it's already here, working in and through us.
Activity: "Finding the Light"
Identify three areas where you see Christ's light operating:
In creation around us
In our understanding/intelligence
In the laws that bring order to our lives
Pattern 2: God's Calendar of Redemption
"All kingdoms have a law given... unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions" (D&C 88:36-38)
Understanding God's Ancient Calendar
When the Lord gave Israel their law through Moses, He didn't just give commandments—He outlined a divine calendar, a clock, a sequence of events, outlining the plan of salvation. In this plan, he organized the Redemption of Israel as the Bride of Christ.
Seven sacred feast days were established in the Torah as "divine appointments" (in Hebrew: these are called moedim, pronounced "moh-eh-DEEM," meaning "appointed times" or "set meetings").
Think of these feasts like standing appointments with God—specific times when heaven's schedule intersected with God’s covenant people. Just as we might mark important dates months in advance, God marked these times for Israel to meet with Him in special ways.
What made these feasts special?
They pointed to Christ
They were parables, using the agricultural seasons (harvest times) and lunar cycles (new moons) to teach the Israelites how to recognize the Savior in tangible ways
They required Israel to pause regular life and gather at appointed times for worship and covenant renewal
They served as prophetic emblems of what God would do for his people
They created a rhythm of remembrance and anticipation
Let’s examine a few Book of Mormon passages where we see these concepts reflected:
"Behold, my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ; for, for this end hath the law of Moses been given; and all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him."
Jacob 4:5 "Behold, they believed in Christ and worshiped the Father in his name, and also we worship the Father in his name. And for this intent we keep the law of Moses, it pointing our souls to him; and for this cause it is sanctified unto us for righteousness"
Mosiah 13:29-30 "And now I say unto you that it was expedient that there should be a law given to the children of Israel, yea, even a very strict law... And now, did they understand the law? I say unto you, Nay, they did not all understand the law; and this because of the hardness of their hearts; for they understood not that there could not any man be saved except it were through the redemption of God."
Alma 34:14 "And behold, this is the whole meaning of the law, every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice; and that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal."
Jarom 1:11 "Wherefore, the prophets, and the priests, and the teachers, did labor diligently... persuading them to look forward unto the Messiah, and believe in him to come as though he already was."
D&C 88 echoes this pattern when it describes his “times and seasons,” using the parable of the Lord’s vineyard, how the Lord visits each kingdom "in its hour, and in its time, and in its season" (v. 59), and how "times and seasons" are divinely patterned to teach us powerful truths about His Holy Order (v. 42).
The Seven Feasts as God's Timeline
These Holy Days weren't random celebrations—they form a powerful map of God's entire plan of salvation:
Spring Feasts (Christ's First Coming - Already Fulfilled):
Passover (Pesach) → The angel of death "passed over" Israel's firstborn in Egypt. Christ, our Passover Lamb, was crucified on Passover, saving us from spiritual death.
Unleavened Bread (Matzot) → Seven days eating bread without yeast (symbol of sin/corruption). Christ's sinless body lay in the tomb for three days during this feast. The Hebrew word Matza means “to find,” and part of the festival of Matzot is to find the bread of life, representing the body of Christ.
Firstfruits (Bikkurim) → The first sheaf of barley harvest waved before God. Christ rose on this exact day as "the firstfruits of them that slept" (1 Cor. 15:20; D&C 88:98)
Summer Feast:
Pentecost/Weeks (Shavuot) → The Israelites were instructed to count 7 weeks after Passover to celebrate the Feast of Weeks. 7x7+1=50, and this is where we get the name Pentecost, meaning 50th day. The wheat harvest and the giving of the Law at Sinai were celebrated during this season. This was one of the three pilgrimage celebrations where the obedient followers would gather at the Temple. It was while observing this feast day that the Holy Ghost was poured out on the apostles (Acts 2). This was possibly the same time Christ appeared to the Nephites at the Temple in Bountiful, when they would have been gathered as they faithfully observed the Feast Days per the Law.
Fall Feasts (Second Coming - Yet to Fulfill):
Trumpets (Yom Teruach/Rosh Hashanah) → A day of trumpet blasts calling Israel to prepare. D&C 88:92-109 describes seven angels with trumpets announcing Christ's return. The sound of the Trumpet was a beacon call to gather Israel to the Temple. This was also the Day that the Angel Moroni (known for his trumpet) gave Joseph Smith the Golden Plates, ushering in a new dispensation, calling Israel once again to return to the covenant in preparation for the return of Jesus Christ.
Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) → The holiest day of the year when the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies with the blood of sacrifice to cleanse Israel. Interestingly, scripture often uses the plural form "Kippurim" (atonements/coverings), suggesting multiple layers of meaning. Jewish scholars note a profound connection: "Kippur-im" can be read as "K-Purim" (like Purim, using the kaph as a prefix to mean "like or as"). Purim celebrates Queen Esther's story—when a bride approached the king's throne unbidden, risking her life to save her people, resulting in deliverance and covenant renewal. This beautiful parallel points to the ultimate Day of Atonement when Christ, our High Priest, will present His bride (covenant Israel/the Church) before the Father's throne, completing the final cleansing and restoration. D&C 88:95 appears to echo this moment in reverse: "the curtain of heaven be unfolded... and the face of the Lord shall be unveiled"
Tabernacles (Sukkot) → Seven days of dwelling in temporary booths, remembering the wilderness wandering and celebrating the final harvest. Pictures the Millennium when God "tabernacles" with His people. This is a reflection of the Temple Covenant, where God and His people are reunited in the new and everlasting covenant. The Feast of Sukkot is concluded with Simchat Torah, or “Rejoicing in the Torah/ Law”
The Amazing Pattern: Christ fulfilled the spring feasts to the very day during His mortal ministry. The fall feasts await fulfillment at His Second Coming. This isn't a coincidence—it's divine design!
The Parable of Divine Visitation (vv. 51-59)
The Lord visits each "kingdom" in its appointed hour:
Every person/nation has their "season" of divine encounter
No one will be forgotten; all receive their invitation
The pattern moves in a chiasmic structure, "from first to last, and from last to first"
Joy Application: God has an appointment with YOU. Your struggles and experiences aren't random—they're part of a divine design leading to your personal "feast day" with Him.
Pattern 3: Resurrection and Glory by Law
"That which is governed by law is also preserved by law and perfected and sanctified by the same" (D&C 88:34)
The Law-Glory Connection (vv. 20-32)
Three profound truths about resurrection and joy:
Everyone receives a glory suited to the law they can abide by
The Earth itself follows celestial law and will be resurrected
We receive what we're willing to receive - God doesn't impose glory
The Seven Houses Become One (v. 119)
The temple/School of Prophets is described in seven divisions that together establish the House of God:
House of Prayer (communion)
House of Fasting (sacrifice)
House of Faith (trust)
House of Learning (intelligence)
House of Glory (divine presence)
House of Order (divine patterns reflected in Priesthood and ordinances)
House of God (complete unity)
Joy Application: These aren't seven different places—they're seven aspects of ONE joyful life in Christ. When we integrate all seven, His Spirit abides in us, and we become living tabernacles of His glory.
The Olive Leaf Promise: Tokens of Peace in Your Life
Recognizing Your Personal Olive Leaves
Just as Noah received the olive leaf before the ground was fully dry, God sends us tokens of peace before our trials are fully resolved:
Look for these "olive leaves" in your life:
Unexpected moments of peace during turmoil
Small confirmations that God remembers you
Patterns from past deliverances that strengthen faith
Glimpses of light when surrounded by darkness
People sent at just the right moment
The Washing of Feet: From Service to Sanctification (vv. 138-141)
The School of the Prophets concluded with the washing of feet—connecting:
Ancient priest preparation (Exodus 30:19-21)
Christ's example (John 13)
Personal sanctification for God's presence
Modern Application: In addition to the temple, what daily "washings" prepare us for divine encounters?
Morning prayer (washing the mind)
Scripture study (washing the heart)
Service (washing away selfishness)
Repentance (washing the soul)
Forgiveness (washing away hurt and pride)
Practical Application: Living the Patterns
Daily Pattern Practice
Morning - Seek the Light (vv. 11-13)
"The light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes"
Begin each day recognizing Christ's light already present
Practice: Identify three ways you see His light today
Midday - Remember the Calendar (vv. 42-44)
"He hath given a law unto all things, by which they move in their times and their seasons"
Trust that your current "season" has divine purpose
Practice: Identify which "feast season" you're in spiritually, consider what lessons he is trying to teach you, and how you should prioritize your time.
Evening - Choose Your Law (vv. 32-35)
"Enjoy that which they are willing to receive."
Evaluate what laws you're living by and what glory you're preparing for
Practice: Choose one celestial law to explore and embrace more fully
Weekly Sabbath Pattern
Create your own "solemn assembly" as you approach the sacrament (v. 70):
Gather with purpose
Study and Ponder with purpose "by study and also by faith" (v. 118)
Share the light you've received through word and action
Help to guide others on their way by pointing them to Christ
Testimony Moments: Where Participants Share
Discussion Questions for Deep Engagement
The Light Question: "When have you experienced the Light of Christ helping you comprehend something you couldn't understand before?"
The Season Question: "Looking back, can you identify a 'divine appointment' in your life—a time when God visited you in your season?"
The Glory Question: "What 'glory' are you preparing yourself to receive? What law do you need to embrace more fully?"
The Olive Leaf Question: "What small token of peace has God sent you recently that testifies His storm in your life will end in peace?"
Closing: The Joy of Sure Promises
D&C 88 begins with angels rejoicing over our prayers (v. 2) and ends with the promise that Christ will "come quickly and receive you unto myself" (v. 126). Between these bookends lies the entire plan—complex yet simple, vast yet personal, challenging yet joyful.
The Ultimate Joy: We're not random beings in a chaotic universe. We're covenant children moving through divine patterns with purpose toward a glorious, promised end. Every sunset follows a pattern. Every season returns. Every promise God makes is kept. And every child of God who seeks the light will find it.
Final Invitation: "Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you" (D&C 88:63)
This week, look for:
Your olive leaves (tokens of coming peace)
Your divine appointment (your season with God)
Your increasing light (growing intelligence and joy)
Your Hero's Journey (facing challenges with courage and hope)
Remember: In God's pattern, joy isn't the absence of winter—it's knowing spring always comes.
Additional Resources for Teachers
Visual Aids
Feast Calendar Wheel: Connect the seven feasts to D&C 88's prophecies
An Eye Single to the Glory of God: Learning to receive His image in our countenance comes as we cultivate His attributes, developing charity toward both ourselves and others.
Music to Consider
"The Light Divine" (Hymn 305)
"I Know That My Redeemer Lives" (Hymn 136)
"Press Forward, Saints" (Hymn 81)
Extended Study References
Genesis 8:11 (Noah's olive leaf)
Leviticus 23 (Feast patterns)
John 13 (Washing of feet)
Revelation 8-11 (Trumpet patterns)
D&C 84:45-47 (Light of Christ)
D&C 93:36 (Glory and light)
"Wherefore, I now send upon you another Comforter, even upon you my friends, that it may abide in your hearts, even the Holy Spirit of promise; which other Comforter is the same that I promised unto my disciples" (D&C 88:3)
The olive leaf has been delivered. Peace is coming. Joy is sure.
Maps:
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