The Church of Jesus Christ Has Been Restored

By JoAnn Child and Cristina Franco

I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him! (Joseph Smith—History 1:17).

You can use this lesson and activity to learn more about this month’s Primary theme.

Do you know what the word restore means? It means to bring something back to the way it was.

When Jesus Christ was on the earth He taught His gospel. He taught faith, repentance, baptism by immersion, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. He gave His Apostles His authority, which is the priesthood of God. The Church of Jesus Christ was on the earth.

After Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, His Apostles went forth to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, but many people rejected them. The Church of Jesus Christ and the priesthood were taken from the earth for hundreds of years.

In 1820, young Joseph Smith was reading in James in the New Testament. He read, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God” (James 1:5).

Joseph wanted to know which church to join. He decided to do what the scripture said.

Joseph went to a grove of trees one spring morning and knelt in prayer to ask of God. As he was praying, a bright light descended. In that light stood two glorious heavenly beings: Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

Joseph asked Them which church he should join. Jesus Christ told Joseph to join none of the churches.

Three years later, Joseph was visited by the angel Moroni, who taught him about the Book of Mormon and showed him where the golden plates were buried.

John the Baptist and the Apostles Peter, James, and John came to earth to ordain Joseph Smith to the priesthood of God. The priesthood was once again on the earth.

The true Church was restored—or brought back—to the earth. We are blessed to have the restored Church on the earth. The Lord’s Church today is called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Activity

Hidden in the picture of Joseph in the Sacred Grove are items related to the restoration of the Church. Read the list of items below and what they represent. Then find the items in the picture. Read Joseph Smith—History 1:7–17 and ask your parents if you can share what you read in family home evening. You can also do the hidden picture as a family activity.

Gold plates (the word of the Lord)
Kirtland Temple (temple work)
Sacrament tray (remembering Jesus Christ)
Missionary name tag (missionary work)
Baptismal font (covenanting with the Lord)
Keys (the priesthood)
Dove (the Holy Ghost)

Illustration by Adam Koford