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Scripture Study Resources: Supplement Your Come, Follow Me Study » Study Resources for the Doctrine & Covenants and Pearl of Great Price » Week 11 The Rise of the Church of Christ
The Savior’s original Church, as described in the New Testament, included ordinances, priesthood authority, and prophetic leadership. Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, Christ restored His Church, ensuring that these same essential elements were in place again. Doctrine and Covenants 20 outlines the foundational doctrines and organization of Christ’s restored Church.
Without the Church being “regularly organized and established” (D&C 20:1), many blessings—including baptism, the sacrament, and priesthood authority—would not be available. This organization ensures that the doctrine remains pure, ordinances are performed properly, and members can receive divine guidance through modern prophets.
Doctrine and Covenants 22 teaches that baptism must be performed with proper authority, emphasizing that rebaptism under false pretenses does not fulfill the covenant (D&C 22:1–4). Through baptism, we make promises to follow Christ, and He, in turn, promises us forgiveness and the companionship of the Holy Ghost.
In Doctrine and Covenants 20:75–79, the Lord reveals the sacrament prayers, reminding us of the sacred commitment to always remember Him. Each week, as we partake of the sacrament, we recommit to keeping our baptismal covenants, strengthening our connection to Christ, and receiving His Spirit.
In Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–5, the Lord instructs Church members to follow the words of His chosen prophet “in all patience and faith.” This teaches that prophetic counsel is inspired, even if we do not immediately understand it. Trusting and following the prophet helps us navigate challenges and stay on the covenant path.
The Lord promises in Doctrine and Covenants 21:6 that those who follow His prophet will have “the gates of hell not prevail against [them].” Prophets provide guidance to protect us from spiritual dangers, just as a watchman on a tower warns of approaching threats. As we follow their counsel, we invite divine help and direction into our lives.
This moment signified that the Church was not just a movement or a collection of believers, but a divinely sanctioned organization with priesthood authority, ordinances, and a prophetic structure. It demonstrated that Christ’s Church must be built upon a firm foundation, just as it was in ancient times (Ephesians 2:19–22).
The formal organization of the Church reminds us that God works through order and authority. Just as the early Saints needed a structured Church to receive ordinances and guidance, we today are blessed by that same structure, which ensures that Christ’s teachings remain intact and His blessings are available to all.
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Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:
Action Step: Make a conscious effort to study and apply the words of the current prophet in daily life.
Prophets provide divine guidance, helping us navigate spiritual and temporal challenges. Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–6 teaches that following the prophet offers protection from the adversary and brings blessings of light and truth.
Encouraging Thought:
Action Step: Prepare more intentionally for the sacrament each week by reflecting on personal covenants.
Baptism and the sacrament are sacred ordinances that help us draw closer to Christ. Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 75–79 reminds us that these covenants involve willingness to follow Christ, always remember Him, and receive His Spirit.
Encouraging Thought:
Gaining a personal witness of the Restoration builds spiritual confidence and resilience. Doctrine and Covenants 21:9 promises that as we embrace the truths of the Restoration, the powers of darkness will be dispelled, and we will receive divine strength.
Encouraging Thought:
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland testified, “Not everything in the latter-day Restoration is perfectly understandable to our mortal minds, but all things God has revealed are perfectly true.”
Objective: Help learners understand why Christ organized His Church and why it needed to be restored.
Blocks or LEGO pieces, a picture of Christ’s original Church, a picture of the First Vision, Doctrine and Covenants 20:1, 17–25.
Follow-Up Question: If someone asked you why an organized Church is necessary, how would you answer?
Objective: Teach the importance of baptism and the sacrament in keeping covenants with Christ.
Paper strips with baptismal and sacramental covenants written on them, a string or tape path labeled “Covenant Path,” Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 75–79.
Follow-Up Question: How does keeping our baptismal and sacramental covenants help us stay on the covenant path?
Objective: Teach the importance of following the living prophet and trusting his counsel.
A blindfold, a rope (or string) to act as a “lifeline,” a picture of the current prophet, Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–6.
Follow-Up Question: How has following the prophet blessed your life?
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