In the New Testament, the Savior told His disciples, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you” (John 15:16). In other words, God calls His servants. After Jesus ascended into heaven following His resurrection, His disciples called and ordained others under divine direction. (See, e.g., Acts 1:15‒26.) You too, can be called and blessed by this power.
By Study
The fifth Article of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints affirms this doctrine: “We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.” (The Pearl of Great Price, The Articles of Faith 1:5.)
Assignment
Study the following chapters from the Church manual Gospel Principles, which is available free online in electronic form or in hard copy for members at the Church’s online store and for anyone else here (the chapters listed below all have links to the online version):
Chapter 14: Priesthood Organization
Study also the following article from the Church’s website:
By Faith
Both women and men enjoy the blessings of priesthood power. The Church’s General Handbook of Instructions says, “The Melchizedek Priesthood is ‘the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God’ (Doctrine and Covenants 107:3). It is the power by which the sons and daughters of God can become like Him (see Doctrine and Covenants 84:19–21; 132:19–20).”
Assignment
Read Alma 13, which talks about people who were called of God and then became sanctified through their exceeding great faith righteousness. Ponder about how you can become more righteous and serve the Lord better. Select one thing you can do to become and serve better. Then do it this week.
Credit for the image at top of the page: Stock photo from depositphotos.com.
