Priesthood & Keys

“The keys of the kingdom of God are committed
unto man on the earth” 
(D&C 65:2)

Q: Why is it important to follow the counsel given by priesthood leaders?

Priesthood leaders

Priesthood leaders receive inspiration from the Holy Ghost to counsel those they are called to lead.

Learning how to listen and follow the counsel given by our priesthood leaders will help us:

  • be protected from spiritual and physical danger
  • make wise choices

Scriptures:

  • Ask the youth to share examples from the scriptures of someone who sought and followed the counsel of a priesthood leader (such as Mosiah 28:3–8, or Alma 16:5–8). Invite the youth to discuss what they learn from these examples about receiving counsel. How did the leaders in these stories receive inspiration to guide those they served?
  • Invite the youth to read Ephesians 4:11–14 and Doctrine and Covenants 1:38; 21:4–5; 124:45–46 and answer the following question: Why is it important to follow the counsel of priesthood leaders?

Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Two Lines of Communication
All should understand and be guided by both of these essential lines of communication.
Personal Line
In the personal line we pray directly to our Heavenly Father, and He answers us by the channels He has established, without any mortal intermediary. 
 Priesthood Line
The priesthood line is the channel by which God has spoken to His children through the scriptures in times past. And it is this line through which He currently speaks through the teachings and counsel of living prophets and apostles and other inspired leaders.

Q:  How can I use stories to teach others about the priesthood?


There are many stories in the scriptures, in the words of living prophets, and from our own lives that we can use to teach others about the priesthood.

Scriptures:


Luke 10:1 (The Savior ordains the seventy)

Acts 3:1–9 (Peter heals a lame man)

Acts 8:14–24 (Simon tries to obtain the priesthood w/ money)

3 Nephi 18:1–9 (Jesus administers the sacrament)


How can Latter-day Saints make scripture study a priority?

Elder Eyring: The only way you can be sure that a busy schedule doesn’t crowd out scripture study is to establish a regular time to study the scriptures. I have found that the beginning of the day and the end of the day are mine. Those are times I can usually control. So my pattern since I was a boy has been to read my scriptures at the beginning and end of the day. I read the Book of Mormon many times before I was 18 because of that pattern.

When I am in situations where I break out of the pattern, it’s hard on me. Once you get used to regular scripture study, you miss it if you don’t have it. It’s like food—you have to have it. I know that I need the scriptures like I need food. I don’t miss a regular meal, and I don’t miss regular scripture study.


Special Witnesses

[15] President Monson - Book of Mormon, Afterlife

Q:  What are the keys of the priesthood?



Keys of the Priesthood


Keys are the rights of presidency, or the power given to man by God to direct, control, and govern God’s priesthood on earth. Priesthood holders called to positions of presidency receive keys from those in authority over them.

Priesthood holders use the priesthood only within the limits outlined by those who hold the keys.

The President of the Church holds all priesthood keys (D&C 107:65–67, 91–92; 132:7).

  • Peter received the keys of the kingdom:Matt. 16:19;
  • Michael (Adam) received the keys of salvation under the direction of Jesus Christ:D&C 78:16;
  • The keys of the kingdom belong always to the First Presidency:D&C 81:2;
  • The Melchizedek Priesthood holds the key of the mysteries of the knowledge of God:D&C 84:19;
  • Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received keys concerning the gathering of Israel, the gospel of Abraham, and the sealing powers:D&C 110:11–16;
  • Special keys are held by the Twelve Apostles:D&C 112:16;
  • The First Presidency and the Twelve hold the keys of the dispensation of the fulness of times:D&C 112:30–34;
  • Officers in the priesthood hold keys:D&C 124:123;
  • He who has keys can obtain knowledge:D&C 128:11;
  • The Aaronic Priesthood holds the keys of the ministering of angels and of the gospel of repentance and baptism:JS—H 1:69; ( D&C 13; )

Ordinances

Performance of a saving ordinance requires authorization from a priesthood leader who holds the appropriate keys or who functions under the direction of a person who holds those keys. Such authorization is also required for naming and blessing a child, dedicating a grave, giving a patriarchal blessing, and preparing, blessing, and passing the sacrament.

(source)

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