March 10–16: “The Rise of the Church of Christ”: Doctrine and Covenants 20–22
“March 10–16, ‘The Rise of the Church of Christ’: Doctrine and Covenants 20–22,” Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 (2025)
“Doctrine and Covenants 20–22,” Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: 2025
The Savior’s work of bringing forth the Book of Mormon was now complete. But His work of Restoration had just started. In addition to restoring doctrine and priesthood authority, the Lord had made it clear through earlier revelations that He also wanted to restore a formal organization—His Church (see Doctrine and Covenants 10:53; 18:5). On April 6, 1830, more than 40 believers crowded into the Whitmer family’s log home in Fayette, New York, to witness the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ.
Some people wonder why an organized Church is necessary. The answer may be found, at least in part, in the revelations connected with that first Church meeting in 1830. They describe blessings that would not have been possible if the true Church of Jesus Christ had not been “regularly organized and established” in the latter days (Doctrine and Covenants 20:1).
Invite sharing. When you invite people to share what they have been learning on their own, they will feel encouraged to continue with their personal study. What could you invite others to share?
When the Church was organized, the Lord taught His Saints about sacred ordinances, including baptism and the sacrament. As you read about these ordinances, ponder how they help you feel connected to the Savior. For example, how do these ordinances help you maintain your “determination to serve [Jesus Christ] to the end”? (verse 37). You might also read the sacrament prayers (verses 77, 79) and imagine that you are hearing them for the first time. What insights do you receive?
See also D. Todd Christofferson, “Why the Covenant Path,” Liahona, May 2021, 116–19.
Priesthood service blesses Church members and their families.
Have you ever thought about why it was important to the Savior to restore the priesthood in His Church? Reading what He asks priesthood holders to do in Doctrine and Covenants 20:38–60 might give you some insights. How has the Savior blessed you and your family through the work described in these verses?
In addition to those who are ordained to the priesthood, women who are set apart to serve in the Church also exercise God’s authority as they participate in His work. To learn how, see President Dallin H. Oaks’s message “The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2014, 49–52).
Obeying God’s word through His prophets will give me divine protection.
Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–9 contains invitations to follow the Lord’s prophet and powerful promises for people who do. The following ideas can help you ponder these verses:
What words in verses 4–5 describe what the Savior wants you to do with the words of His living prophet? Why do you feel “patience and faith” are needed to do this?
Ponder the imagery the Savior uses in verse 6 to describe the blessings of following His prophet. What do think is meant by “the gates of hell”? How does the Lord “disperse the powers of darkness” for you? What does it mean for “the heavens to shake for your good”?
What is the Lord asking you to do through the current President of the Church? How has the Lord fulfilled His promises as you have followed His counsel?
List additional insights you gain from the following sections of Elder Neil L. Andersen’s message “The Prophet of God” (Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 24–27):
Why We Follow the Prophet:
A Watchman on the Tower:
Don’t Be Surprised:
See also “Watchman on the Tower” (video), ChurchofJesusChrist.org; Topics and Questions, “Prophets,” Gospel Library; “We Listen to a Prophet’s Voice,” Hymns, no. 22.
For more ideas, see this month’s issues of the Liahona and For the Strength of Youth magazines.
Consider using the section heading for Doctrine and Covenants 21, chapter 9 of Doctrine and Covenants Stories, or the video “Organization of the Church” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) to help your children understand what happened on the day the Church was organized.
Perhaps your children could match pictures of Jesus Christ, someone ministering, a baptism, and the sacrament with verses in section 20 (see verses 21–23, 47, 72–74, 75–79). Use these pictures and verses to discuss the blessings we have because Jesus Christ restored His Church.
If your children have already been baptized and confirmed, ask them about their experience. Do they have pictures they could share? Talk with them about what they are doing to follow Jesus Christ and how He is blessing them.
I can take Jesus’s name upon me and always remember Him.
Your children could look for the word “willing” in both Doctrine and Covenants 20:37 (about baptism) and verse 77 (the sacrament prayer). What does Jesus Christ want us to be willing to do? Maybe your children could look at something that has a name on it (such as a brand name or a personal name). What does the name tell us about the item? What does it mean to take Jesus Christ’s name upon us?
Consider reading together Doctrine and Covenants 20:77 and asking your children to identify the promises we make as part of the sacrament. Maybe they could take turns acting out something they can do to “always remember” the Savior and guessing what each other’s actions are. According to verse 77, how are we blessed when we always remember the Savior?
After discovering the invitations and promises in Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–6, your children could look at a picture of the current prophet and share something they have learned or heard from him. Share with each other ways Jesus Christ has blessed you for following His prophet.
Imagegirl being baptized and girl being confirmed
