“Let him who wants a true church cling to the Word by which everything is upheld.”

MARTIN LUTHER

1483–1546

BORN-AGAIN PERSPECTIVE

LET’S BRIEFLY REVIEW

THE PREVIOUS LESSONS

  • The source of truth
  • The nature of God
  • The person of Christ
  • The message of salvation
  • The role of prophecy

TWO OTHER DOCTRINES ARE

PROMINENT IN LDS THINKING

ETERNAL FAMILIES

(next lesson)

THE RESTORATION

(this lesson)

THE RESTORATION HAS AT LEAST
FOUR DISTINCT PILLARS

GREAT APOSTASY

Restored Priesthood

Modern Prophets

Temple Work

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Apostasy. Retrieved March 22, 2019 from https://www.lds.org/topics/apostasy?lang=eng&_r=1&LANG=ENG&old=true

1. GREAT APOSTASY: DEFINED

16 CENTURIES OF CORRUPTION

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Apostasy. Retrieved March 22, 2019 from https://www.lds.org/topics/apostasy?lang=eng&_r=1&LANG=ENG&old=true

1. GREAT APOSTASY: IMPLICATIONS

LOSS OF PRIESTHOOD AUTHORITY

IN OUR OWN WORDS

  • The Great Apostasy explains why Heavenly Father intervened through Joseph Smith.
  • Heavenly Father’s Restoration through Joseph Smith brings us to pillar #2: Priesthood Authority.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Retrieved March 22, 2019 from https://www.lds.org/topics/joseph-smith/testimony?lang=eng&old=true

2. PRIESTHOOD AUTHORITY

1820: BEGAN WITH THE FIRST VISION

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Restoration of the Priesthood. Retrieved March 22, 2019 from https://www.lds.org/topics/restoration-of-the-gospel?lang=eng

2. PRIESTHOOD AUTHORITY

1829: AARONIC PRIESTHOOD RESTORED

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Melchizedek Priesthood. Retrieved March 22, 2019 from https://www.lds.org/topics/melchizedek-priesthood?lang=eng

2. PRIESTHOOD AUTHORITY

1829: MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD RESTORED

Retrieved April 24, 2020 from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2006/04/that-we-may-always-have-his-spirit-to-be-with-us?lang=eng

2. PRIESTHOOD AUTHORITY

ENABLES BAPTISM UNTO SALVATION

Retrieved April 24, 2020 from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/priesthood-ordinances-and-blessings/baptism-and-confirmation?lang=eng

2. PRIESTHOOD AUTHORITY

ENSURES EFFECTIVE BAPTISMAL PROCEDURES

IN OUR OWN WORDS

  • Christ’s original church lost its authority, but restoration of the priesthood recovers that authority. 
  • As Heavenly Father restored the priesthood, he did so through modern prophets, which brings us to the third aspect: Modern Prophets.

Retrieved April 15, 2020 from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/shared/content/english/pdf/language-materials/36920_01188_198_eng.pdf?lang=eng

3. MODERN PROPHETS

RESTORATION THROUGH JOSEPH SMITH

Retrieved April 15, 2020 fromhttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/prophets?lang=eng

3. MODERN PROPHETS

CONTINUED OBEDIENCE TO THE PROPHET

IN OUR OWN WORDS

  • Modern prophets not only gave vital information about Heavenly Father’s plan, they were instrumental in restoring priesthood authority.
  • Attaining the highest degree of glory requires obedience to modern prophets.
  • Modern prophets have commanded every Latter-day Saint to do temple work.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Temples. Retrieved March 22, 2019 from https://www.lds.org/topics/temples?lang=eng

4. TEMPLE WORK

TO RECEIVE ORDINANCES

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple. Retrieved March 22, 2019 from https://www.lds.org/manual/preparing-to-enter-the-holy-temple/preparing-to-enter-the-holy-temple?lang=eng

4. TEMPLE WORK

ORDINANCES FOR BOTH THE LIVING & DEAD

Retrieved April 15, 2020 from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/sealing?lang=eng

4. TEMPLE WORK

ETERNAL FAMILY SEALINGS

IN OUR OWN WORDS

  • Temple work is central to Heavenly Father’s plan.
  • Temple work is required to attain the highest degree of glory.

Stop: Let’s INTERACT

STOP: Let’s interact

  • Do you agree with our explanation of these four pillars of the Restoration?
     
  • Would you add or subtract any? If so, why?

THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH

THREE FOUNDATIONAL TERMS

Discipleship

DOCTRINE

DEFINITION

DEFINITION

DEFINITION EXPLAINED

  • “Church” is a distinctly New Testament idea.
  • The New Testament church must define itself according to New Testament teaching.

DEFINITION DISCOVERED

New Testament churches are groups of born-again Christians who gather for the purpose of being a church.

 

To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours… (1 Corinthians 1:2)

DEFINITION DISCOVERED

New Testament churches vary by size and location.

As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily. (Acts 16:4–5)

 

The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 16:19)

DEFINITION DISCOVERED

New Testament churches picture the universal, unconquerable church of which Christ is the Head.

And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)

 

And he [God] put all things under his [Christ’s] feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (Ephesians 1:22–23)

DEFINITION DISCOVERED

New Testament churches have pastors (also called elders)
to shepherd their souls.

 

So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. (1 Peter 5:1–3)

DEFINITION DISCOVERED

New Testament churches have deacons to facilitate service.

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:1–4)

IN OUR OWN WORDS

  • New Testament churches are groups of believers who picture Christ’s universal church.
  • The New Testament church will never be conquered by apostasy.
  • The New Testament has two categories of leaders within local churches: elders (also called pastors) and deacons. 

DOCTRINE

DOCTRINE EXPLAINED

  • “Doctrine” is a major New Testament concept emphasizing the content of one’s teaching.
  • The New Testament church does not create its own doctrine, but pursues the teaching revealed in the New Testament.

DOCTRINE DISCOVERED

New Testament churches must pursue sound doctrine.

 

If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. (1 Timothy 4:6)

DOCTRINE DISCOVERED

New Testament churches must reject false doctrine.

 

As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. (1 Timothy 1:3–4)

DOCTRINE DISCOVERED

Sound or false doctrine? How can we tell the difference?

If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain….(1 Timothy 6:3–6)

DOCTRINE DISCOVERED

New Testament doctrine teaches that believers are priests already.

John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:4–6)

DOCTRINE DISCOVERED

New Testament doctrine teaches that believers are temples already.

 

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16)

DOCTRINE DISCOVERED

New Testament doctrine teaches that believers have the promise of glory already.

 

And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.​ (Romans 8:30)

IN OUR OWN WORDS

  • The New Testament church must define itself by the doctrines taught in the New Testament.
  • New Testament doctrine teaches that believers are priests already, temples already, and possess the promise of glory already.

DISCIPLESHIP

DISCIPLESHIP EXPLAINED

  • When born-again Christians say they want to be like Jesus, they don’t mean to ascend to Jesus’s level, but to follow his ways.
  • In ancient times, “disciples” were followers or adherents to a particular teacher. 
  • Christian disciples follow Christ.

[Jesus] said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. (Mark 8:34)

DISCIPLESHIP DISCOVERED

True disciples follow the word of Christ.

 

After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:66–69)​

DISCIPLESHIP DISCOVERED

The word of Christ creates Christian community.

 

And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common.…And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42–47)

DISCIPLESHIP DISCOVERED

The word of Christ compels corporate worship.

 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16)

DISCIPLESHIP DISCOVERED

The word of Christ commands teaching and preaching.

 

Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. (2 Timothy 4:2)

DISCIPLESHIP DISCOVERED

The word of Christ encourages personal investment.

 

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24–25)

IN OUR OWN WORDS

  • The New Testament church must seek to follow Christ and his words.
  • When New Testament churches follow Christ’s words, they will gather, worship, preach, and encourage one another.

NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH: CONCLUSIONS

  • Jesus is the Head of a universal Church that can’t be wiped out. 
  • Jesus’s redeemed people form local churches to encourage one another, hear God’s Word, and worship.
  • Jesus’s followers are still congregating today; part of being a Christian disciple is assembling with them.

COMMON LDS OBJECTIONS

COMMON LDS OBJECTIONS

  • What about denominations: why are there so many?
  • How would I find a New Testament church?

Do you identify with either of these objections?

How Do I Pick a Good Church?

Ask These Questions

  • Does this church labor to teach the Bible and apply it to life? (Note: If you visit a church on a day they have special service, give them a second chance.)
  • Does this church worship? Do they sing, pray, and listen to God’s word?
  • Does this church encourage me to love, good works, and mutual service?
  • Does this church exhort me to follow Christ daily?
  • Does this church provide a straightforward doctrinal statement? If no, run. If yes, work through it with your born-again friend.

CLOSING QUESTIONS

  • Have you ever attended a non-LDS church service? If so, describe your first experience.
  • Many who’ve left the LDS Church no longer participate in worship services anywhere. Why do you think that is? Do you share any of those same feelings?
  • If you’ve ever thought about church outside the LDS context, what scares you the most?
  • Would you be willing to go with me to the service of a church that teaches the Bible (it doesn’t even have to be my church)?