The lesson schedule below follows the New Testament Gospel Doctrine class study guide for 2011, which was developed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The church normally repeats this class every 4 years and will, from time to time, make minor revisions to lesson topics in order to make sure that the course study is balanced throughout the year. We have not made any attempt to make sure the topics we cover in our lessons coincide with any changes in the course structure that may have been implemented since 2011. However, for those of you who are currently attending the New Testament Gospel Doctrine class and would like to use our lesson material to supplement their experience in the class, the following document maps chapters and topics covered in the church’s lessons with our lessons. See the Sripitures101.com LDS.org New Testament Course Comparison Chart.
- Intro to the New TestamentView Lesson
- An introduction to the New Testament with background information regarding history, culture, and religion. The prophecies regarding the birth of Jesus Christ are addressed, including an introduction to the gospel writers and the other books of the New Testament.View LessonReading: Isaiah 61:1-3; JST, Luke 3:4-11; John 1:1-14; 20:31
- The pre-mortal role of Jesus Christ is addressed through the insight provided in the insight provided in the First Chapter of John. The life of Jesus Christ did not begin in Bethlehem nor end in Jerusalem. John's introduction helps us to put Jesus' life in context.View LessonReading: John 1:1-18
- The genealogies of Jesus are noted with special focus upon his divine birth and youth.View LessonReading: Luke 1-2; 3:23-38; Mathew 10
- The role of John the Baptist as the forerunner is explored with special emphasis upon the baptism of Christ and the special testimony borne by John.View LessonReading: Matthew 3; Mark 1:1-11; Luke 3:1-34; John 1:21-34; 2 Nephi 31:1-16
- This marks the beginning of Jesus' ministry including the purpose of his spending 40 days in the wilderness; the selection of five of his disciples and performing his first miracle in Cana.View LessonReading: Matthew 4:1-13; Luke 4:13; John 1:35-51; 2:3-13
- The focus of this lesson is upon the importance of cleansing both external and internal. We begin with the external cleansing of the Temple in Jerusalem and then teaching Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman about the importance of being clean internally. We conclude with a lesson on the importance of faith.View LessonReading: John 2-4
- In this lesson Jesus returns to Nazareth and announces He is the Messiah. He also calls twelve to serve as his Apostles and gives them special instruction. We would also expect that in His church today, there would also be Twelve Apostles who would serve today as his special witnesses.View LessonReading: Luke 4:14-32; 5; 6:12-16; Matthew 10
- Our focus is upon the miracles Jesus performed and their purposes. We also address the connection between faith and miracles. We explore the question, “What if you do not receive your miracle, what then? A list of all of Jesus' miracles is included along with scripture references.View LessonReading: Mark 1:21-45; 2:1-22; 4:35-5:43
- This is the first of two lesson on the Sermon on the Mount with a focus upon the Beatitudes. The Sermon on the Mount is seen as a process by which we become sanctified. Important aspects of the Law of Moses are contrasted with the teachings of Christ.View LessonReading: Matthew 5
- The Sermon on the Mount continues with a special focus upon our relationship with the Father, His Son and our fellowmen.View LessonReading: Matthew 6-7
- Jesus continues his ministry. The events in this lesson include: the death of John the Baptist; Jesus as the Lord of the Sabbath; the woman at Simon's House; casting out devils, the sins of blasphemy and seeking signs. The crucial question each of us must answer today is, "What is the source of Jesus' power and authority?"View LessonReading: Matthew 11-12; 14:1-12
- This lesson marks the introduction of Parables and why they are an important teaching tool. We address in detail two parables: The Sower and the Wheat and the Tares noting their message for us today. A list of all of Jesus' parables is included along with their scriptural references.View LessonReading: Matthew 13
- The important highlights in this lesson include: Why Jesus fed the five thousand; Peter walking on water, and an increased understanding of Jesus' sermon on the Bread of Life.View LessonReading: John 5-6
- Lesson addresses: Healing of Canaanite Woman's daughter; Feeding the Four Thousand; Peter's Testimony; The Transfiguration, concluding with Elias of the Restoration.View LessonReading: Matthew 15:21—17:13
- Lesson explores: Important qualities of children and Three parables: The Lost Lamb, Unmerciful Servant and the Good Samaritan. We conclude with Mary and Marthea and the importance of choosing the good part.View LessonReading: Matthew 18; Luke 10
- Here the focus is on the events that occurred during the the Feast of the Tabernacles. These include the woman taken in adultery and Jesus witness to all that he is, the Light of the World.View LessonReading: John 7-8
- Lesson addresses: Healing of the Blind man; the Role of the Shepherd in contrast to the Hireling herder; the Parable of the Good Shepherd; the Feast of Dedication and the increased hatred toward Jesus and his departure from Jerusalem to Bethabara.View LessonReading: John 9-10
- Lesson explores: Two extremes: The Rich Young Man and the Poor Widow and Three Parables: the Rich Fool; the Great Supper, and the Unjust Steward.View LessonReading: Mark 10:17-30; 12:41-44; Luke 12:13-21; 14:16-24; 16:1-13
- The focus is on three parables: The Lost Sheep; The Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son. Each addresses something that has been lost. We conclude with one of ten lepers being healed who then returns and gives what the other nine kept for themselves.View LessonReading: Luke 15-17
- The focus is on the parable of the Unjust Judge and the Widow; the healing of a blind man, and the raising of Lazarus from the dead. The common thread is the need for help and assistance when there was no one else to whom the individual could turn.View LessonReading: Luke 18:1-8, 35-43; 19:1-10; John 10
- We now begin the last week of Jesus' mortal life. Our attention is on the events that occurred and the messages Jesus taught during the first three days of his final week, Sunday, April 2, to Tuesday, April 4, A.D. 30. These three days mark the conclusion of Jesus' public ministry.View LessonReading: Matthew 21-23; John 12:1-8
- This is a continuation of the events that occurred on Tuesday, April 4, A.D. 30. They include: the Olivet Discourse; Three more parables and the judgment that will occur at the time of the commencement of Christ's Second Coming.View LessonReading: Matthew 24-25; Joseph Smith-Matthew
- The main events that occurred on Tuesday, April 4 and Wednesday, April 5, A.D. 30 are addressed. The concluding events of Tuesday are important pieces in bring about the final death and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Wednesday, April 5, marks Jesus' remarks being addressed mainly to the twelve.View LessonReading: Luke 22:1-38; John 13-15
- Lesson explores: The events in the Upper Room include persecution of the apostles; Our Lord's discourse on the Comforter and his mission, concluding with the Intercessory Prayer. These events occurred on Wednesday evening, April 5, A.D. 30.View LessonReading: John 16-17
- The events of Wednesday evening, April 5, A.D. 30 continue. They include: the Garden of Gethsemane and the Savior's Suffering for us; Why we need a Savior? and why only Jesus Christ? and the gifts given to us because of the Atonement.View LessonReading: Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-46
- These events mainly occurred on Thursday, April 6, A.D. 30. They include: Jesus' betrayal and arrest; the Jewish and Roman trials, concluding with the crucifixion and burial of Jesus.View LessonReading: Matthew 26:47-27:66; Mark 14:43-15:39; Luke 22:47-23:56; John 18-1
- This lesson reviews events events that occurred on Sunday, April 9, A.D. 30. They include the removal of the stone, the empty tomb, and the several appearances Jesus made confirming his resurrection.View LessonReading: Matthew 28; Luke 24; John 20-21
- The events addressed include Jesus' forty day ministry, the calling of a new apostle, the day of Pentecost, and the continuation of miracles by the apostles. We also witness a renewed resolve by the apostles, in spite persecution or imprisonment, to testify of Jesus Christ as the Son of God.View LessonReading: Acts 1-5
- We begin with the calling of the seven supervisors and the missionary work of Stephen, who was the first martyr, and Philip. We are introduced to Saul/Paul, as persecutor, convert, and defender. We conclude with Peter as administer and healer.View LessonReading: Acts 6-9
- The gospel to be taught to the Gentiles is confirmed in vision to Peter and Cornelius. Persecution by King Herod as James is killed and Peter is put in prison. Paul, with Barnabas, serves first mission to the Gentiles. We conclude with the events of the Jerusalem Council.View LessonReading: Acts 10-14; 15:1-35
- Paul and Barnabas disagree so Paul serves second mission with Silas, Timothy, and Luke. We explore Paul's two known letters to the Thessalonians.View LessonReading: Acts 15:36-18:22; 1 Thessalonians; 2 Thessalonians
- Our focus is on Paul's third missionary journey with its successes and adversity. While Paul writes five letters during this time, only Galatians is considered.View LessonReading: Acts 18:23-21:19; Galatians
- The first six chapters of Paul's writing to the Corinthians address four areas of major concern. These include: (1) Fractural divisions among leaders; (2) Spiritual vs. intellectual knowledge; (3) Moral cleanliness; and (4) Frivolous lawsuits.View LessonReading: 1 Corinthians 1-6
- Chapter 7 addresses Paul's views on marriage. Chapters 11 through 16 addresses four areas: (1) The relationship of husbands and wives with the Lord; (2) The purpose of the Sacrament; (3) The importance of all spiritual gifts; and, (4) The Resurrection.View LessonReading: 1 Corinthians 7; 11-16
- The themes addressed include: "Christ's atonement, the principles of sacrifice, repentance, welfare contributions, priesthood authority and three heavens." (Richard Lloyd Anderson. Understanding Paul. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1993, [Second Edition], 130).View LessonReading: 2 Corinthians
- The five areas addressed include: (1) The doctrine of justification; (2) Faith and works; (3) Rebirth; (4) Becoming a joint-heir with Christ; and, (5) Living as becomes saints [members].View LessonReading: Romans
- This letter was written in order to convince the Jewish Christians that the sacrificial ordinances of the Law of Moses had been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Christ and his gospel fulfilled the Law of Moses. Salvation is to be obtained only through faith in Christ and by obedience to His commandments.View LessonReading: Hebrews
- Paul testified of Christ in Jerusalem before the Jewish Sanhedrin and in Caesarea before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa. While imprisoned in Jerusalem, Paul was called by the Lord to go to Rome and be his witness. While traveling to Rome, he was shipwrecked on the Island of Malta. Paul healed and taught the natives before finally arriving in Rome where he was arrested.View LessonReading: Acts 21-28
- Paul's letter to the Ephesians was designed to strengthen faith in Jesus Christ and to increase understanding of the gospel. This included pre-earth life and foreordination; the relationship between husband and wife; the necessity of the officers in the Church organization and, the need for each of us to put on the whole armor of God in order to combat evil.View LessonReading: Ephesians
- Paul's letter to the Philippians reminded them to continue to endure in the faith; To the Colossians, to correct errors of doctrine that had entered into their congregation including the Godhead, the role of Christ and, the importance of standing firm in the faith when belief is tested; and, To Philemon, to help two special friends gain reconciliation between themselves and God.View LessonReading: Philippians; Colossians; Philemon
- Paul's "Pastoral Letters" are written to Timothy and Titus. Each were like sons to him. Both were serving as leaders over regions of the early Church and were in need of instruction and guidance regarding their callings. 2 Timothy is Paul's farewell to Timothy and his last known letter before his death.View LessonReading: 1 Timothy; Titus; 2 Timothy
- James and Jude are presented together as half-brothers of Jesus Christ. Neither James nor Jude, however, became followers of Jesus until after his resurrection. James focused upon applying one's faith in practical Christian living and enduring tribulation. While Paul focused on the importance of faith, James taught the vale of works. Both are important. Jude focused on alerting the members to those who sought to destroy the faith and pollute the doctrines of the gospel. He also provided four steps to strengthen faith against apostasy.View LessonReading: James; Jude
- These letters by the Apostle Peter were written from Rome. Both letters were sent to the five major provinces in the area of Asia Minor. Peter reminds the faithful that salvation comes only through Jesus Christ and the performance of the ordinances. He also addresses the subject of salvation for the dead and the importance of the members making their calling and election sure.View LessonReading: 1 and 2 Peter
- The three letters were written in order to combat false teachings concerning the actual mortality and physical resurrection of Jesus Christ. First John reaffirms both the humanity and divinity of Jesus Christ and the truth of his suffering and atonement. Second John, more personal and brief, seeks to warn the members against false teachers in their midst. Third John warns against the sin of insubordination by Church leaders and the spiritual effect upon the members.View LessonReading: 1, 2, and 3 John
- Revelation is a vision that John received while imprisoned on the Isle of Patmos by the Roman Emperor Domitian. Chapters 1-3, addresses seven churches in Western Turkey, but could have been written to all the churches, especially those of the latter-days. In symbolic language, it addresses the spiritual state of the members, which offering promised blessings to those who repent. Chapter 12, addresses our pre-mortal existence and the war that began there. This war continues on earth between the wicked, directed by Satan, and the righteous, whose allegiance is to Jesus Christ.View LessonReading: Revelation 1-3, 12
- Through the use of seven seals, the Lord addresses seven-one-thousand-year periods of the earth's history. The first five seals are covered in just eleven verses, while the latter two are covered in 240 verses. The focus is mainly on the return of Jesus Christ to the earth--the events that will precede it, as well as the wondrous events that will occur afterwards. It provides a warning to the wicked not to delay their repentance as well as a promise of hope and joy to the faithful who endure.View LessonReading: Revelation 5-7:1-8; 19-22