The Restoration Proclamation
In April 2020, it marked the 200th anniversary of the restoration of Christ’s church on earth.
The church commemorated the anniversary by releasing a proclamation: “The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World.”
God loves EVERY person.
Everyone write down who they think God loves the most in the room.
Read the first line of the proclamation. (Scriptures>Ordinances and Proclamations.
Why do you think that the proclamation begin with the statement: “We solemnly proclaim that God loves His children in every nation of the world.”?
This is a bold proclamation about the restoration of the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ! It’s possible that some members may read this and consider ourselves superior in some way.
The truth is that God loves EVERY person in every nation the same as he does members of our church.
The Restoration begins with one person having questions about which religion was the true one and whether there even was a religion that taught the same principles and had the same authority that Christ himself did and had.
Events of the Restoration.
ACTIVITY: Split into THREE GROUPS to read and then report on what’s happening.
JSH 1:9-12
JSH 1:13-15
JSH 1:16-17
JSH 1:9-12 Joseph being confused and reading in James 1:5.
Have you ever NOT known what to do - where you didn’t feel like you had all of the information and there was no way for you to get all of the information you need to make a good decision? Will anyone share?
This is a perfect example of when God steps in. When there isn’t another option!
JSH 1:13-15 Joseph goes to the grove to pray. Evil being attacks him.
When something is about to happen that is good; or, you’ve made a good decision and you’re attempting to move that direction - Satan doesn’t like it! Obstacles will be placed in your way. What are examples of obstacles you sometime face when you’re wanting to do something good?
JSH 1:16-17 Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph.
Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ step in like this when there is not another option.
They told Joseph to not join any church - that Christ’s gospel was removed after the deaths of the original apostles and would be restored through him.
Take turns reading the three key paragraphs of the Proclamation.
Who does James 1:5 apply to?
You can also follow the promise found in James 1:5. You can know if there is a true church on the earth.
Jesus Christ has restored his church.
If there is a true church of Jesus Christ. It should match the church that Christ originally set up during his ministry.
ACTIVITY: Match up New Testament verses with D&C then review.
MATTHEW 16:15-19 and D&C 110:11-16
LUKE 6:12-13 and D&C 18:37-38
1 CORINTHIANS 15:29 and D&C 124:31, 36
EPHESIANS 4:11-15 and ARTICLES OF FAITH 1:6
The promised restoration goes forward.
“Sometimes we think of the Restoration of the gospel as something that is complete, already behind us. … In reality, the Restoration is an ongoing process; we are living in it right now.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf
The Restoration is ongoing in that every single person must decide for his or herself whether there is a true religion on the earth. It is an ongoing event in all of our hearts.
ACTIVITY: Write down on own paper:
How can I know if there is a true religion and which one is it?
How do I participate in the Restoration today?
The heavens are open.
There are some that believe that the heavens are closed and there is no continuing revelation. That all of that died with the apostles. We believe that the heavens are open.
What does the phrase “the heavens are open” mean to you?
I can receive answers to my prayers.
There is a prophet.
What evidence do you see—in the Restoration proclamation, in the Church today, in the scriptures, and in your life—that the heavens truly are open?
How does this match up with the principle that God loves all of his children?
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