Teaching Ideas for "The Sealing Power" by Elder D. Todd Christofferson
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Are you teaching Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s October 2023 talk, “The Sealing Power”? Need some ideas to get you started on your lesson plan? Look no further! We’ve got you covered.
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Questions to Ponder
Elder Christofferson begins by talking about the gathering of Israel. How did this intro change the way you think about the sealing power? What new insights did you gain?
Why do you think exaltation is not something we can do on our own? (“Salvation is an individual matter, but exaltation is a family matter. No one can be exalted alone.” - President Russell M. Nelson) How can we hold on to hope when we have not been blessed to be sealed to a spouse yet or when our spouse breaks their covenant?
In what ways can we show (or gain) greater gratitude for the sealing power? President Gordon B. Hinckley mentioned that the restoration would have been worth it simply for the sealing power. How does this reminder expand your gratitude for the sealing power?
What experiences have you had with gathering Israel on the other side of the veil because of sealing power?
Why do we build temples today? What is the purpose? Why do you keep going to the temple? How does the sealing power play into all of that?
In what ways have you been blessed because of the sealing power? Share your personal experiences.
In what ways we are dependent on our ancestors and they on us?
Discussion Ideas
Elder Christofferson says “This sealing power is a perfect manifestation of the justice, mercy, and love of God.” How have you seen this to be true? Where would you be without the sealing power? What blessings have you noticed because of the sealing power? When has it carried you through?
Start your lesson by asking people to say the first word they think of when you say sealing power (one word only!). Write them on the board and come up with your own definition of sealing power. Elder Christofferson stated that sealing power is “necessary to make any ordinance valid and binding beyond death.” This means that when we participate in any ordinances, not just marriage, the sealing power makes it permanent. How might we change the way we speak to be more inclusive of the true definition?
Talk about Elijah. Who was he? Why was he the one to return the sealing powers on earth? Elder Christofferson talks about him a little bit but you can also use the Guide to the Scriptures for a bigger picture quickly.
“The highest and holiest manifestation of the sealing power is in the eternal union of a man and woman.” How does this truth affect the way we treat and talk about marriage? Why is this truth so important today? How can we honor this truth while showing love for all?
Still stuck?
Try a lesson packet from My Upside Down Umbrella. They have more ideas and handouts to get you going.
