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The Restoration of the Church

The Restoration of the Church. How might your life be different if the Church had not been restored or if you were not a member of the Church? What can you do to more fully enjoy the blessings of membership in the Church?. Top ten. Best Practices.

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The Restoration of the Church

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  1. The Restoration of the Church

  2. How might your life be different if the Church had not been restored or if you were not a member of the Church? What can you do to more fully enjoy the blessings of membership in the Church? Top ten

  3. Best Practices • Best practice is an idea that asserts that there is a technique, method, process, activity, incentive or reward that is more effective at delivering a particular outcome than any other technique, method, process, etc. The idea is that with proper processes, checks, and testing, a desired outcome can be delivered with fewer problems and unforeseen complications.

  4. Top Ten LDS Best Practices for People of Any Faith Best practices be defined as the most efficient (least amount of effort) and effective (best results) way of accomplishing a task, based on repeatable procedures that have proven themselves over time for large numbers of people. http://mormanity.blogspot.com/

  5. D&C 18:1-4Context Sec 20 • As early as June 1829 Joseph Smith asked Oliver Cowdery to formulate an expression of basic principles and practices of the soon-to-be- organized Church. • Oliver asked the Prophet to inquire of the Lord about what he should do • D&C 18 given in response to that request • Told to rely upon the teachings in the Book of Mormon • Joseph and Oliver revised that document and they put it in the format now found in section 20 Revelations of the Restoration, McConkie & Ostler, 154-155

  6. Section 20 binds together a number of separate revelations • In this manner did the Lord continue to give us instructions from time to time, concerning the duties which now devolved upon us; and among many other things of the kind, we obtained of him the following (section 20), by the spirit of prophecy and revelation; which not only gave us much information, but also pointed out to us the precise day upon which, according to his will and commandment, we should proceed to organize his Church once more here upon the earth. • Joseph Smith, History of the Church, Vol 1, p64, April 1830

  7. Context D&C 20 • Read at the first conference of the Church held in Fayette, New York on 9 June 1830 to the members and unanimously sustained as the articles and covenants of the Church of Christ • It became first revelation of this dispensation to be formally presented to and sustained by the members • Over the next few years section 20 was revised and expanded several times to reflect additional revelation to Joseph Smith about the unfolding structure of the Church Commentary on the D&C, Robinson, Garrett, 128

  8. ContextD&C 20 • Constitution of the Restored Church • Served as the first priesthood manual or handbook for the Church • Read verbatim to the members at many early church conferences • Sections 20-22 - foundation documents for the organization of the restored Church

  9. Tabs for Handbook of Instructions 37 manner of baptism 38 elder 46 Priest’s 53 Teacher’s 57 Deacon’s 61 Conference 63 Licenses 65 vote 68 duty of the members 70 children 72 Baptism 75 Bread and Wine 80 Transgressing 83 General church record • 1 Church of Christ • 2 Joseph Smith • 3 Oliver Cowdery • 8 Book of Mormon Vs 37-84 Practical knowledge of basic procedures, sacraments, and duties of its officers and members Vs 1-16 Authority from God is needed 17 God 21 Only Begotten Son 26 Holy Ghost 29 Repent and believe Vs 17-36 Foundation of fundamental doctrine Jerry Wilson, Teaching With Spiritual Power, 125

  10. D&C 20 answers the question“How do we build the church?” Making Sense of the D&C, Steven Harper, 73-75

  11. What happened to prepare Joseph Smith to lead the Church? • “This day of organization was, in effect, a day of commencement, the graduation for Joseph from ten years of remarkable schooling. • Gordon B Hinckley (“150-Year Drama: A Personal View of Our History,” Ensign, Apr. 1980, 11–12). 1820 -14 yrs old 1830 – 24 yrs old

  12. What happened to prepare Joseph Smith to lead the Church?

  13. Video of the Restoration of the Church • The elements present at that meeting in 1830 continue in the Church today: • exercise of the law of common consent, • singing, • praying, • partaking of the sacrament, • sharing of personal testimonies, • bestowal of the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, • ordinations, • personal revelation, and • revelation through priesthood officers. • -Our Heritage, 14-16

  14. On April 6th, 1830 • Gathered at the Peter Whitmer Farm in Fayette, NY

  15. On April 6th, 1830 • Gathered at the Peter Whitmer Farm in Fayette, NY • About 30-40 persons gathered • Six people constituted the formal organization • Those six were baptized that day • Another four were also baptized- • Martin Harris • Joseph and Lucy Mack Smith • Porter Rockwell

  16. Heading to D&C 21What happened during the first meeting? • 1> Prayer • 2> Sustaining vote • 3> Ordinations • 4> Sacrament • 5> Baptisms • 6> Confirmations • 7> Revelation of Sec 21

  17. D&C 20:1; 115:4The Name • April 6,1830 - Church of Christ • 1834 – The Church of Latter Day Saints • April 26, 1838 – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

  18. D&C 20 answers the question“How do we build the church?” Making Sense of the D&C, Steven Harper, 73-75

  19. D&C 21:4-9 • How is Joseph Smith described in these verses? • How did the Lord bless him? • How should we respond to the words of the prophet? • What blessings are promised to those who follow the prophet?

  20. D&C 21:4-9How is Joseph Smith described in these verses?

  21. D&C 21:4-9How did the Lord bless Joseph Smith?

  22. How should we respond to the words of the prophet?

  23. D&C 21:5Why might it sometimes require patience and faith to follow the counsel of the prophet?

  24. D&C 21:4-9Patience and Faith • : • “We have some tight places to go before the Lord is through with this church and the world in this dispensation, which is the last dispensation, which shall usher in the coming of the Lord. The gospel was restored to prepare a people ready to receive him. The power of Satan will increase; we see it in evidence on every hand. . . .

  25. Patience and Faith • “Now the only safety we have as members of this church is to do exactly what the Lord said to the Church in that day when the Church was organized. We must learn to give heed to the words and commandments that the Lord shall give through his prophet. . . . You may not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may contradict your political views. It may contradict your social views. It may interfere with some of your social life. . . . • “. . . Your safety and ours depends upon whether or not we follow the ones whom the Lord has placed to preside over his church. He knows whom he wants to preside over this church, and he will make no mistake. . . . • “Let’s keep our eye on the President of the Church” • Harold B Lee, CR, Oct. 1970, 152–53).

  26. D&C 21:9What mighty blessings do we receive as we labor in the vineyard? Roadshow, carrie literacy

  27. Blessings to those who follow the prophet How are these promises fulfilled in the lives of Church members today?

  28. Disperse the powers of darkness • Story of David O McKay’s father, Gospel Ideals, 21-22 • James E. Faust, “Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon,” Ensign, Jan. 1996, 2 Testify that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God.’

  29. Someone who knows the way… • Brothers and sisters, have you ever had the experience of driving around and around the streets of a city with the driver saying, “I know where it is; I’m sure I can find it”? Finally, in frustration, he stops and asks someone for directions. I can tell you sisters have experienced this! How much easier it is to find our way when we follow the directions of someone who knows how to locate our destination. Many of us may find ourselves in a similar situation as we make our way through life’s challenging thoroughfares.

  30. These are difficult times, and the world’s cultural and sociological landmarks of propriety, honesty, integrity, and political correctness are constantly shifting. Just when we think we know the way to happiness and peace, some new ideology comes along which can lead us down a path that will only heighten our confusion and intensify our despair. At such times, we might well ask, “Is there one clear, unpolluted, unbiased voice that we can always count on? Is there a voice that will always give us clear directions to find our way in today’s troubled world?” The answer is yes. That voice is the voice of the living prophet and apostles. • M. Russell Ballard, “His Word Ye Shall Receive,” Ensign, May 2001, 65

  31. D&C 20 answers the question“How do we build the church?” Making Sense of the D&C, Steven Harper, 73-75

  32. D&C 20:68-69; 7-8What do these verses reveal about the Lord’s expectations of us as Church members? Webster’s 1828 Dictionary: Conversation – general course of manner; behavior deportment especially as it respects morals

  33. D&C 20:7-8; 68-69What is our duty as church members? • 7 And gave unto him commandments which inspired him; • …and gave him power from on high" Question: How do commandments “inspire” us?? Don’t they limit what we can do? G Wells, BYU Women’s conference, 2004

  34. Robert L. Millet • "The call to discipleship is a call to a higher righteousness. The Saints are asked to put off the natural man, put away the toys of a telestial world, and grow up in the Lord.  • They are summoned to be obedient, to keep the commandments, to manifest 'by a godly walk and conversation that they are worthy' of membership in the Church and kingdom of God (D&C 20:69).  • They covenant to take upon them the sacred name of Jesus Christ, to bear the same with fidelity and devotion, and to behave as becomes Christians. In short, they covenant before God and man to see to it that their actions evidence their Christian commitment. Disciples are expected to have clean hands. • "But there is more. Life in Christ is more than correct behavior, more than appropriate actions, more than what we do. It is being. It is what we are.  • True disciples seek that sanctifying influence that derives from the Holy Spirit, so that they come to do the right things for the right reasons. Life in Christ is characterized by pure attitudes, motives, and desires.  Disciples are expected to have pure hearts." • (An Eye Single To The Glory of God, p55)

  35. How might your life be different if the Church had not been restored or if you were not a member of the Church? What can you do to more fully enjoy the blessings of membership in the Church? Top ten

  36. Top Ten LDS Best Practices for People of Any Faith • 1 – Family Home Evening • 2 – Daily Prayer • 3 – Food Storage • 4 – Parental Interviews • 5 – Family History and Journal keeping • 6 – Tithing • 7 – Reading together as Family • 8 – Daily Study of Scriptures • 9 - Service through House Calls • 10 - Strive for High Personal standards http://mormanity.blogspot.com/

  37. Next Week:

  38. D&C 27 • Why do we use water for the sacrament instead of wine, as was done anciently and in the early days of the restored Church? Did you know that a special sacrament meeting will be held at the time of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ? Who will be there? Look for answers to these questions as you read Doctrine and Covenants 27.

  39. What is important and what is not with regards to the sacrament? • What preparations should you make to properly partake of the sacrament each week?

  40. D&C 27:5-14Sacrament Meeting just before the 2nd coming • who will be in attendance. According to verse 11, who is Michael? • Which verse indicates that many others, including yourself if you are faithful, are also to be there? • Read also Doctrine and Covenants 116:1 and write where this meeting will be held. • Read the following scriptures and write them as cross references to Doctrine and Covenants 27:5–14; Daniel 7:9–14; Matthew 26:29; Doctrine and Covenants 107:53–57; 116:1.

  41. D&C 27:15-18put on the armor of god • In your notebook, write two examples of how being obedient to a specific commandment (such as the Word of Wisdom or prayer) is like having a suit of armor. • How would having a suit of armor like the one described in these verses help you to be worthy to attend the great sacrament meeting described in verses 5–14?

  42. 59What, then, is the duty of the developing disciple? What does a man or a woman do whose motives are not absolutely pure? In short, what of many of us who hold membership in the Church of Jesus Christ? Do we sit back and avoid deeds of service because our desires are not yet sanctified? Do we refrain from home or visiting teaching, for example, because our motivation is presently clouded more by the spirit of inspection than of expectation and covenant? Certainly not. We have duties to perform, work to do in order to bear off the kingdom of God triumphant. And Zion—as well as its municipals, its citizenry—is being established "in process of time" (Moses 7:21). Simply stated, disciples do not wait to be transformed before they proceed in the work of the ministry. Missionaries do not wait in their apartments for an outpouring of the Spirit before they approach the first door. Rather, they seek to purify themselves from sin, pray intently for divine direction and power, and then proceed confidently that the needed endowment will be forthcoming when the Lord sees fit to send it.

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