Why Is It Important That Priesthood Keys Are on Earth Today?
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September 26
Why Is It Important That Priesthood Keys Are on Earth Today?
Prepare Yourself Spiritually
“Priesthood keys,” Elder Gary E. Stevenson taught, “unlock blessings, gifts, and powers of heaven for [us]” (“Where Are the Keys and Authority of the Priesthood?” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 32). Jesus Christ holds all priesthood keys, and He authorized heavenly messengers to confer priesthood keys upon Joseph Smith. Today the members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles hold these same keys (see Doctrine and Covenants 90:3–4, 6; 107:35; 132:7). These keys are the authority God has given to priesthood leaders to direct the use of His priesthood on earth.
As you read Doctrine and Covenants 107 this week, think about how God can bless you and those you teach through His priesthood. What do you find in this section that is important for quorum or class members to know? As you prepare to teach, you could review Elder Gary E. Stevenson’s message cited above and “Priesthood Keys” in True to the Faith ([2004], 126–27).
Learn Together
Doctrine and Covenants 107 can help answer the question “What blessings do we receive through the priesthood and the service of priesthood leaders?” Maybe quorum or class members can look for some answers in verses 18–23, 85–89. To help them better understand how the priesthood and priesthood leaders bless our lives, use one or more of the following activities.
WHAT BLESSINGS DO WE RECEIVE THROUGH THE PRIESTHOOD AND THE SERVICE OF PRIESTHOOD LEADERS?
WHAT ARE PRIESTHOOD KEYS?
You could begin a discussion about priesthood keys by inviting a quorum or class member to come prepared to share the story of President Spencer W. Kimball’s visit to a church in Denmark, told by President Boyd K. Packer in his message “The Twelve” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2008, 83–87; see also the video “The Restoration of Priesthood Keys” [ChurchofJesusChrist.org]). You could also ask your quorum or class to read together the section “Priesthood Keys” in True to the Faith (pages 126–27). Give them time to teach each other in pairs what priesthood keys are, based on what they learned.
The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of our Heavenly Father. Through the priesthood, God created and governs the heavens and earth. Through this power, He redeems and exalts His children. He gives worthy priesthood holders authority to administer ordinances of salvation. All of Heavenly Father’s children can qualify to receive these ordinances and access the power and blessings of the priesthood.
You might want to share Elder Gary E. Stevenson’s story about losing his keys from the first six paragraphs of his message “Where Are the Keys and Authority of the Priesthood?” (or show the video “Where Are the Keys?” [ChurchofJesusChrist.org]). You could show some keys and invite your quorum or class to share how those keys are similar to priesthood keys. Those you teach could review and discuss the scriptures referred to by Elder Stevenson (Joseph Smith—History 1:68–72; Doctrine and Covenants 110:11–16), which describe priesthood keys being committed to the earth. You might invite quorum or class members to each choose one of the following scriptures and share a one-sentence summary of what they learn about the powers and blessings we receive through priesthood keys: Matthew 16:18–19; Doctrine and Covenants 27:12; 65:2; 84:19–20.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT THAT PRIESTHOOD KEYS ARE ON THE EARTH TODAY?
WHAT ARE THE KEYS OF THE PRIESTHOOD?
Quote: “You know something about keys. In your pocket there might be a key to your home or car. Priesthood keys, on the other hand, are intangible and invisible. They “switch on” the authority of the priesthood. Some keys even convey power to bind in heaven as well as on earth.”— Elder Russell M. Nelson, “Personal Priesthood Responsibility”
THE FIRST WAY TO “FIND THE KEYS” IS TO PREPARE FOR MISSIONARY SERVICE
In For the Strength of Youth, we read, “Young men of the Aaronic Priesthood, … work diligently to prepare yourself to represent the Lord as a missionary.”8 Young women can prepare also, but you “are not under the same mandate to serve.”9 MORE …
See MISSIONARY SERVICE Index (HERE) below are just a few matching activities
DOWNLOAD ColorQuote (that follows) ColorQuote: “We lighten the loads of others best by helping the Lord strengthen them. That is why the Lord included in our charge to comfort others the command to be His witnesses at all times and in all places.”—President Henry B. Eyring, “The Comforter”
THE SECOND WAY TO “FIND THE KEYS” IS TO ATTEND THE TEMPLE
“Ordinances performed in these temples enable individuals and families to return to the presence of our heavenly parents.” – “Where Are the Keys and Authority of the Priesthood?” By Elder Gary E. Stevenson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles MORE …
See TEMPLES Index (HERE) below are just a few matching activities
“As you and I go to the holy houses of God, as we remember the covenants we make within, we will be more able to bear every trial and to overcome each temptation. In this sacred sanctuary we will find peace; we will be renewed and fortified.” President Thomas S. Monson, “The Holy Temple–a Beacon to the World” DOWNLOAD ColorQuote HERE (or above)
THE THIRD WAY TO “FIND THE KEYS” IS TO GO FORWARD WITH FAITH
See PRAYER Index (HERE) below are just a few matching activities
See SCRIPTURES Index (HERE) below are just a few matching activities
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You could give each member of your quorum or class a paper key and assign each person to read section II, III, IV, or V of President Dallin H. Oaks’s message “The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 49–52). SEE VIDEO below. Invite them to write on the key what they learned about the priesthood and then share what they wrote. How do these truths influence the way we feel about our quorum or class leaders and the assignments we receive from them?
The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood
Dallin H. Oaks – Priesthood keys direct women as well as men, and priesthood ordinances and priesthood authority pertain to women as well as men. – April 2014 General Conference
WHAT BLESSINGS HAVE COME TO US THROUGH THE SERVICE OF THOSE WHO HOLD PRIESTHOOD KEYS?
ColorQuote (HERE or above) “When we understand our baptismal covenant and the gift of the Holy Ghost, it will change our lives and will establish our total allegiance to the kingdom of God. When temptations come our way, if we will listen, the Holy Ghost will remind us that we have promised to remember our Savior and obey the commandments of God.” – Elder Robert D Hales
Act in Faith
Encourage quorum or class members to ponder and record what they will do to act on the impressions they received today. How does today’s lesson relate to personal goals they have made? If they would like, quorum or class members could share their ideas.
Supporting Resources
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Russell M. Nelson, “Spiritual Treasures,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 76–79
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“Priesthood Keys,” in General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3.4.1
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“Learn Your Duty,” “The Priesthood, an Opportunity to Serve” (videos), ChurchofJesusChrist.org
