As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints prepare to read the Old Testament in 2026, they may be looking for resources to help them study this scripture.
ChurchofJesusChrist.org recently reported that there are seven resources offered by the church for studying the Old Testament, some for children and some for youth and adults.
1. “Follow me” manual
As in previous years, the Church will provide a Come, Follow Me manual for home and church study. This manual, used as a primary source for Old Testament study by Latter-day Saints around the world, is a compilation of weekly guides that guide Church members through a year of Old Testament study.
“Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Old Testament 2026” is available digitally in the Gospel Library app or at ComeFollowMe.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.
2. Bible Help: Old Testament
The Old Testament “scriptures” provide historical context, prophetic commentary, doctrinal insight, and answers to questions. Built on the Institute’s student manual that many church members are familiar with, Old Testament Help is linked to the entire Come, Follow Me digital manual and relevant sections of the digital scriptures. The entire collection can also be accessed at the Gospel Library.
3. New commissioned work
Come, Follow Me 2026 includes 12 new artworks depicting Old Testament figures and events commissioned for this year’s manual.
4. “Insight from the Apostles” video
Continuing the series begun in 2025, “Insights from the Apostles” videos will be released monthly throughout 2026 in the digital “Come, Follow Me” manual and Gospel Library collection. Each video features a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles who shares a message related to an Old Testament passage.
5. “Old Testament Stories” for children
Printed copies of Old Testament Stories will be sent to ward leaders and distributed to families with elementary-age children. This illustrated collection of scripture stories will also be accessible digitally through the Gospel Library and the Gospel for Kids YouTube channel.
6. Games, stories and activities for kids
A collection of games, stories, activities, and other books to help teach the Old Testament to children, linked to weekly Come, Follow Me study guides and collections in the Gospel Library.
7. Email Subscriptions and Social Media Accounts
Receive weekly content that supports the Come, Follow Me study through your Gospel Learning and Teaching email subscription registered through the Church’s subscription center. Individuals can also follow the Gospel Learning and Teaching accounts on Facebook and Instagram. The content of these accounts includes insights from apostles and members of the church, teaching tips and ideas to improve gospel learning at home and in church.
8. Alternative translations of the Bible
The Church publishes its own versions of the Bible in specific languages and has also identified recommended versions in many languages. Church members are typically instructed to use these editions in church meetings and classes. However, the General Handbook has recently been updated to make it clear that other Bible translations that are easier to understand can also be used. To learn more and see examples of recommended Bible translations, see General Handbook, 38.8.40.1.
What do church leaders say about the Old Testament?
The last time Latter-day Saints studied the Old Testament was in 2022. And at the April 2022 general conference, several church leaders commented on the power and divinity of the Old Testament.
For example, Elder Michael T. Ringwood of the General Authority Seventy said in a Sunday morning talk that the Old Testament is “packed” with miracles and tender mercies.
“Chapter after chapter, we find examples of how Heavenly Father and Jehovah are intimately involved in our lives,” Elder Ringwood said.
“This year, I testify that we can learn more about God’s plan for us in the Old Testament. That sacred book teaches us the role of prophets in uncertain times and the role of God’s hand in a confusing and contentious world. It also tells of humble believers who faithfully awaited the coming of the Savior, just as we look forward to and prepare for his return, the long-prophesied glorious return.”
Brother Mark L. Pace, then Sunday School general president, spoke during the Sunday afternoon portion of the April 2022 general conference. The Old Testament, he said, is “a holy book that fills our souls with light.”
“In ancient times, the children of Israel followed the Lord’s instructions through the prophet Moses and were blessed with security and freedom. Today, as we follow the Lord’s instructions through the living prophets, we receive the same blessings of conversion of heart and protection of our homes.”
Other Church leaders have also testified to the Old Testament over the years. In October 2011 general conference, the late Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles asked members of the Church to consider how they use scripture, including the Old Testament.
“Within the pages of the Old Testament, I discovered precious truths that became important elements of the foundation of truth that guides my life and serves as a resource in sharing the message of the gospel with others,” he said. “That’s why I love the Old Testament. Its pages are studded with gems of truth.”
Also, the late President Boyd K. Packer, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, stated in October 1982 general conference that the Old Testament, New Testament, and Book of Mormon all support each other.
“If you reflect on one, you will be drawn to the other, and if you learn from one, you will be enlightened by the other,” Packer said. “They are certainly in our hands.”
