What is the Message of the Restoration?
(Part two)
Many stalwart, courageous souls had been placed upon the earth in that moment of history when the grand truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ were about to be welcomed back. No one did this work alone. The great Reformers had done their part to make the Bible and it’s truths accessible. A new land had been prepared and welcomed many with the promise of religious and political freedom. The limitations of the religions of the day were exposed to all who carefully studied the pages of the King James Bible. There was a hunger among the population for a religion that reflected the ancient Church. The keys and the priesthood, prophecy and revelation, apostles and prophets and the particular ordinances and order of the early Church were missing. Many began to pray and plead for a restoration.
The hand of God began to move upon this land of promise. Joseph Smith prayed for personal direction and was blessed to behold God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. He was told not to join any church of the day. And he was blessed to begin the translation of the Book of Mormon, a volume of holy scripture, hidden for centuries, that contained the fulness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ. He was led to others who were waiting and seeking. Step by step a people gathered and a new dispensation began. At last the world was ready for the restoration. The earth began to prepare for the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2008-06-01-the-restoration?lang=eng
There are many lessons and insights that come out this important period.
Here are a couple of questions to guide your study and pondering.
1. In our class we learned about the prayers of many people. Joseph prayed to know which church to join. Many others prayed to be led to a church that had the fullness of truth. What are other ways that prayer forwarded the process of the restoration? Do you believe that Heavenly Father hears and answers your prayers? How do our prayers impact the building of the kingdom? (JSH 1:5-20)
2. Many early saints knew the Bible so well that they were able to use it as a blueprint to discern the flaws in the churches of the day. How would you rate your own understanding of the scriptures? When you read do you ponder? Do you hear the voice of the Lord? Do the things you read inform your decisions and your understandings? What change could you make to improve your scriptural understanding? Here's a video on our scripture heritage.
3. On many occasions Joseph became aware of the efforts of Satan to thwart the work of God. (Joseph Smith – History 1:20-26)
Have you noticed frustration and troubling interference as you have worked to fulfill callings and responsibilities? As you have tried to open your mouth to share the gospel? As you have worked to keep commandments and honor covenants? Joseph came to understand that this was often a good indication that the kingdom was moving forward. What can we do to prevent “the Prince of Darkness” from stopping our efforts?
Further Reference: Church History Manual, Chapter 4
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