Lesson: Priesthood Organization

Gospel Principles, Lesson 14, Priesthood Organization
Taught by Marie Tiller

The Priesthood is on the earth today

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is governed by the priesthood. The priesthood, which is always associated with God’s work, “continueth in the church of God in all generations, and is without beginning of days or end of years” (D&C 84:17).

It is upon the earth today.

Men young and old are baptized into the Church, and when they are judged worthy they are ordained to the priesthood. They are given the authority to act for the Lord and do His work on the earth.

Where can you find such a body of men

Where on earth can you find a body of men who unitedly espouse chastity before marriage and complete fidelity after marriage, who abhor pornography, abuse, and denigration of women, who love their wives and want to have children, who share in the burdens of home-life including child-rearing and housework, and who seek to follow the example of Jesus Christ and bless the lives of others through their callings and by the power of the Priesthood?!

Here in the restored church of Jesus Christ. It is the best, most blessed place to be as a woman today.

Those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood have authority to administer the outward ordinances of the sacrament and baptism.

Those holding the Melchizedek Priesthood have the power and authority to lead the Church and direct the preaching of the gospel in all parts of the world. They administer all the spiritual work of the Church. They direct the work done in the temples; they preside over wards, branches, stakes, and missions. The Lord’s chosen prophet, the President of the Church, is the presiding high priest over the Melchizedek Priesthood.

It is a blessing to have this order and organization in our homes and in the church. It is how the Lord accomplishes the great work of His church at this time, and around the world.

[If you are new to the church or need a refresher, please review the offices, duties and special callings in the Priesthood at the lesson link above.]

The Relief Society is an auxiliary of the priesthood
All organizations in the Church work under the direction of priesthood leaders and help them carry out the work of the Lord. For example, the presidencies in a ward’s Relief Society, Young Women, Young Men, Primary, and Sunday School organizations serve under the direction of the bishopric.

These organizations are called auxiliaries to the priesthood.

They bless the lives of each member according to their needs.

Through the organization of the Priesthood we have the opportunity to invite God's power into our lives through our own faith, by worthy men who seek to bless our lives, and through the ordinances and covenants of the gospel and the temple.

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