PRIESTHOOD POWER FOR US TODAY

This article was inspired by a talk given in an LDS General Conference by President Boyd K. Packer.

The Priesthood is the Power and Authority of God, delegated to man on the Earth.

President Packer talked about how Gideon, in the Bible, who was given authority to head the army of Israel, which were thousands strong but he only chose a select few because of the way they drank water from the stream.  Instead of bowing down, these men scooped up water in their hands and drank, while upright, being alert for the enemy.

The Lord has chosen certain men in the pre-existence to hold the priesthood after coming to earth in these Last Days.  While here, they receive the Aaronic or the preparatory priesthood.  With this priesthood he is given authority from God to administer in the outward ordinances like Baptism, passing the sacrament and service to others.

The Melchizedek priesthood is the higher priesthood.  Authorized Melchizedek Priesthood holders can be authorized to preach the Gospel, administer the ordinances of Salvation, and to govern the Kingdom of God on the Earth and to know the Mysteries of the Kingdom.

Now this has to do with the Authority which is given by God to a Melchizedek Priesthood holder, but the Power that is in that Priesthood can only be controlled or used only when the holder is Righteous.

DOCTRINE and COVENANTS 121: 34-37

34 Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?

35 Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—

 

36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.

 

37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.

 

Fathers listen up.  You have the opportunity to have the Authority and Power of God by receiving the Priesthood from someone holding the Melchizedek Priesthood.  You can bless and protect your family and give them the saving ordinances of the Gospel.

You can also bless and anoint them with Holy Oil when they are sick and heal them if its the Lords will that they are to be healed. 

 

This Melchizedek Priesthood, with direct line of authority to Jesus Christ is only found in this, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Each holder of the Priesthood can have upon them a card showing their LINE OF AUTHORITY back to JESUS CHRIST to prove their Authority.

 

To watch, hear or read this address from a modern Apostle Boyd K. Packer, click here.

 

For further information, go to www.lds.org .

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