Gospel Principles
Unit 5: The Church of Jesus Christ
Chapter 17: The Church of Jesus Christ Today
Concept 1: Introduction
"When Jesus lived on the earth, he established his Church, the only true Church. He organized his Church so the truths of the gospel could be taught to all people and the ordinances of the gospel could be administered correctly with authority. Through this organization, Christ could bring the Blessings of salvation to mankind.
After the Savior ascended into heaven, men changed the ordinances and doctrines that he and his Apostles had established. Because of apostasy, there was no direct revelation from God. The true Church was no longer on the earth. Men organized different churches that claimed to be true but taught conflicting doctrines. There was much confusion and contention over religion. The Lord had foreseen these conditions, saying there would be "a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord : .... They shall....seek the word of the Lord and shall not find it" (Amos 8:11-12).
Discussion
What does it feel like to go without food or Water?
Amos 8:11-12. "11 ¶ Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord :
12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord , and shall not find it."
What kind of famine is spoken of in this scripture? Compare the famine to the period of time before the Restoration.