Organization of the Church
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized on April 6, 1830. In Doctrine & Covenants section 20, the basic doctrine and organization of the church is described.
We are also taught about baptism, including who should be baptized, how we should be baptized, and who has authority to baptize. We learn about the sacrament, who should administer it, and the prayers that should be used.
In this section we learn the duties of elders, priests, teachers, and deacons. Each priesthood office has specific duties and keys that pertain to that office, and members of all priesthood offices should βwarn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.β (D&C 20:59)
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Read and Discuss
Scripture
Doctrine & Covenants 20:1
βThe rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh, it being regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called Aprilββ
Quote
βPriesthood is the greatest power on earth. Worlds were created by and through the priesthood. To safeguard this sacred power, all priesthood holders act under the direction of those who hold the keys of the priesthood. These keys bring order into our lives and into the organization of the Church. For us, priesthood power is the power and authority delegated by God to act in His name for the salvation of His children. Caring for others is the very essence of priesthood responsibility.βΒ James E. Faust
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Activity
Priesthood Keys Game
The keys of the priesthood are spiritual keys that we can not see β given to worthy priesthood holders by the laying on of hands. Play the PRIESTHOOD KEYS GAME to learn about how the priesthood and a few of the priesthood keys work together.
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Treat
Peanut Butter Fudge Keys
Your family will not only have fun molding PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE KEYS out of this delicious, easy & edible fudge clay, but theyβll have fun eating them, too!
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D&C 20: Revelation on Church organization and government, given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at or near Fayette, New York. Portions of this revelation may have been given as early as summer 1829. The complete revelation, known at the time as the Articles and Covenants, was likely recorded soon after April 6, 1830 (the day the Church was organized). The Prophet wrote, βWe obtained of Him [Jesus Christ] the following, 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.β
D&C 21: Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Fayette, New York, April 6, 1830. This revelation was given at the organization of the Church, on the date named, in the home of Peter Whitmer Sr. Six men, who had previously been baptized, participated. By unanimous vote these persons expressed their desire and determination to organize, according to the commandment of God (see section 20). They also voted to accept and sustain Joseph Smith Jr. and Oliver Cowdery as the presiding officers of the Church. With the laying on of hands, Joseph then ordained Oliver an elder of the Church, and Oliver similarly ordained Joseph. After administration of the sacrament, Joseph and Oliver laid hands upon the participants individually for the bestowal of the Holy Ghost and for the confirmation of each as a member of the Church.
D&C 22: Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Manchester, New York, April 16, 1830. This revelation was given to the Church in consequence of some who had previously been baptized desiring to unite with the Church without rebaptism.
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