The Priesthood

Well this week was definitely interesting. This was the case because for the most part I found myself with a fever for three days straight. Not an insanely bad one, don't worry I am still alive. But my pillow and I did have a lot of time to get to know each other. But even with this I can still say that I learned so much and that this week was an absolutely amazing week.

Now I don't have too much time to share all the reasons why but I would like to share one story. But first a little doctrine.

Many ask what makes our church different from plenty other Christian churches. Many churches have the same teachings as you what makes yours more true. The factor is this, it is a question of authority in the doctrines that are shared. When a boy of fourteen asked the question "Which church do I join." Heavenly Father responded immediately in appearing to the boy with his son Jesus Christ and telling him that none of the churches on the Earth at that time held his authority. They taught some true doctrines but many others were lost or changed through a period called apostasy that started not too long after the 12 Apostles were killed and had continued all the way up to the 1820s. This lack of authority was in no fault their own, but because of this apostasy of the past they were rendered incapable of restoring all of the true doctrines that were originally taught and therefore unable to have God's authority. It was necessary that God reinstate the true doctrines and thus following, his authority. Which he did through calling, Joseph Smith, this young boy, to be his Prophet and to bring about the fullness of his gospel. This Restoration of the teachings included many things, such as Baptisms by immersions, which many churches at the time had begun to practice again. However the difference here was not only the act reinstated but the authority that made it a covenant was restored through the sending of John the Baptist, the same who baptized Jesus, to give the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood, or the power and authority of God needed to baptize to Joseph Smith, who then gave it to others. Which was then followed by a visit by Peter, James and John, of the twelve Apostles, conferring the Melchizedek Priesthood, which is what I would like to speak on today.

The Melchizedek Priesthood is the Power and Authority given by God to worthy men to give sacred ordinances, such as marriage for eternity, as well as the conferring of blessings to the sick and afflicted, whether in body or in spirit. I can testify with all my heart that this power is truly on this Earth. For this week I saw it in action. As I was lying sick for many hours my companion asked if I would like a blessing of this priesthood. I said yes and the Elders were able to come and give me a blessing. During which blessing I was promised that within a days time I would find all the strength I needed to continue to do the work I needed to. Immediately my fever broke and true to the words which had been blessed on my head I received all the strength I needed within a days time and was able to help a family in need pack away their belongings as they moved. I am so grateful for the wonderful moment I had to see and feel the reality of this authority that God once again gave to man. I am so grateful to be able to share these truths to those around me who are in need. Who's souls do hunger for God. I love this work that I am doing and am so grateful to be here testifying of it.

I love you all and I pray for each and every one of you. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.