RS Lesson 15 Aug 2010

Our lesson was taught by Sis. Nicky Newell, and was Ch.16; The Church of Jesus Christ in Former Times, from the Gospel Principles book.

When Christ established His church, He personally instructed and directed its leader. He, in turn, received His instructions from His Father in Heaven. Before Jesus ascended into heaven after His resurrection, He told His Apostles, "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28:20) He continued to guide them from heaven, He sent the Holy Ghost to be a comforter and revelator to them. The Holy Ghost doesn't just teach us He reminds us of what we already know. The organization of His church can seem confusing, and it probably was to those who followed Him while He was on earth. But, there is no reason for us to be confused, because in the scriptures we have it all there for us!

The ordinances and principles of the gospel cannot be administered and taught without the priesthood. The Father gave this authority to Jesus Christ, who in turn ordained His Apostles and gave them the power and authority of the priesthood. Heavenly Father's kingdom is a kingdom of order. To keep it in order men must be ordained, following proper priesthood authority. (John 15:16.) That there might be order in His church, Jesus gave greatest responsibility and authority to the Twelve Apostles. Jesus also ordained other officers with specific duties to perform. The Church of Jesus Christ was a carefully organized unit. The Bible does not tell us everything about the priesthood or the organization and government of the Church. However, enough of the Bible has been preserved to show the beauty and perfection of the Church organization. The New Testament shows that this Church organization was intended to continue. Jesus set a pattern for twelve Apostles to govern the Church. it seemed clear that the organization was to continue as He had established it.

The Apostles taught two basic principles: faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and repentance. After one has faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and as the Redeemer, and repents of their sins, they received two ordinances: baptism by immersion following the example of Christ, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 19: 1-6) Jesus has provided for everyone to hear the gospel, whether on earth or after death. (See 1 Peter 3:18-20)

All faithful members of the church were and are entitled to receive gifts of the Spirit. These are given according to their individual needs, capacities, and assignments. Spiritual gifts always exist in the true Church of Jesus Christ. Jesus told His disciples that these signs or spiritual gifts always follow them that believe. (Mark 16:17-18)

Throughout history, evil people have tried to destroy the work of God. This happened while the Apostles were still alive and supervising the young, growing Church. Church members were killed for their beliefs. One by one, the Apostles were killed or otherwise taken from the earth. Because of wickedness and apostasy, the apostolic authority and priesthood were also taken from the earth. The organization that Jesus Christ had established no longer existed. The period of time when the true Church no longer existed on earth is called the Great Apostasy.

John the Revelator foresaw the time when the gospel would be restored. (Revelation 14:6)

What blessings have come to you because the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth? Dede B.