The Priesthood of God

The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God. Through the priesthood God created and governs the heavens and the earth. Through this power He redeems and exalts His children, bringing to pass “the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). God gives priesthood authority to worthy male members of the Church so they can act in His name for the salvation of His children. Priesthood holders can be authorized to preach the gospel, administer the ordinances of salvation, and govern the kingdom of God on the earth.

John 15:16
16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have ^achosen you, and ^bordained you, that ye should go and bring forth ^cfruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my ^dname, he may give it you.

I am very grateful for the Priesthood power and authority that exists within the Restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have been blessed by its power throughout my life and have been privileged to bless the lives of others through exercising the rights and privileges of the priesthood.

When I turned age 12 I had hands laid upon my head and was conferred the Aaronic Priesthood and ordained to the office of Deacon. At age 14, I was ordained a Teacher. At age 16, I was ordained to the office of Priest. And at age 18 I had conferred upon me the rights, power, and authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood and became an Elder in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have been able to serve in these various offices within the church and be an instrument in the hands of God to bless others. It has strengthened my testimony and life as a result!

For a male member of the Church to hold the priesthood, an authorized priesthood holder must confer it on him and ordain him to an office in that priesthood (see Hebrews 5:4; D&C 42:11)

The proper authority is essential in order for the true church to grow and for each of us to receive the proper saving ordinances to return back to live with our Heavenly Father some day.

~C. Poulsen

Apostles ~ Christ's church is founded upon this quorum.

Christ ordaining His original Apostles

During Christ's time on the earth, He established his church and called 12 Apostles to stand as special witnesses of Him and to be the foundation of His church. It is no different today in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church has been restored to the earth in its fullness and these 12 brothers have been called and given the proper keys and authority of the priesthood to administer the affairs of Christ's church.

Quorum of the 12 Apostles 2011

Yesterday I witnessed two baptisms. Following the baptisms the two newest members of Christ's church were confirmed and given the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands by worthy Melchezidek Priesthood holders. The priesthood has been restored to the earth to allow the people of all nations to receive these essential, saving ordinances.

Restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood to Joseph Smith the Prophet.

Restoration of the Melchezidek Priesthood to the Prophet Joseph Smith.

I am so grateful for my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or the "Mormon" church. It has blessed me abundantly with a greater understanding of the love my Heavenly Father has for each of us, His children. I know more about his eternal plan of salvation and happiness. I am grateful for the Holy Ghost that whispers this to my heart and teaches me by these feelings:

• Galatians 5:22

  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, ^btemperance: against such there is no law.

Whenever we experience these types of feelings we can know with certainty that the Holy Ghost is teaching us truth from our Father in Heaven.

• John 14:26

  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

Have a blessed Sabbath Day today. If you're unfamiliar with what I have shared today, I invite you to pray to God about it and ask Him if it's true? For God is the source of all truth.

Priesthood Restored!

How grateful I am for the knowledge of priesthood power, authority, and its many blessings. Soon after the Prophet Joseph Smith had the 1st vision, John the Baptist returned unto the earth to give him the Aaronic Priesthood. Then Peter, James, and John returned and conferred upon him the Melchezidek Priesthood.

"I have lived to see my father baptized into the true church of Jesus Christ!" Joseph Smith exclaimed as his father came out of the waters of baptism the day the Church was organized, April 6, 1830.1

A year earlier, May 15, 1829, while Joseph translated passages of the Book of Mormon about the necessity of baptism, he and Oliver Cowdery had asked the Lord who had authority to baptize in His name. "The voice of the Redeemer spake peace to us," Oliver later wrote, and a heavenly messenger, John the Baptist, "came down clothed with glory."2 He conferred upon the two men the Aaronic Priesthood, which holds the priesthood keys "of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins."3

John the Baptist directed the two men to baptize each other, and they soon also baptized others converted to the restored gospel. Through priesthood ordination they authorized others to perform baptism by immersion. From that small beginning, many millions of people worldwide have been baptized members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels,"1 the ancient prophet John the Baptist announced on May 15, 1829, when sent by God to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery at Harmony, Pennsylvania.

Weeks later, Peter, James, and John, who possess "the keys of the kingdom, and of the dispensation of the fulness of times,"2 appeared to Joseph and Oliver and conferred upon them the Melchizedek Priesthood. Now the fulness of the gospel could be restored, the Church of Jesus Christ could be organized to "roll forth,"3 and all the ordinances necessary for the salvation of God's children could be performed—including bestowing the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Because priesthood keys were restored to Joseph Smith, all of God's children can receive the ordinances of salvation such as baptism administered by those called of God to act and speak in His name. -www.josephsmith.net