Study Guide for "The Correct Name of the Church"

In his General Conference address, President Russell M. Nelson emphasizes the significance of using the correct name of the Church, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." He explains that this is not merely a matter of branding or preference, but a commandment from the Lord. By using the correct name, members honor Jesus Christ and acknowledge His central role in the Church. President Nelson outlines the historical and doctrinal reasons for this correction and promises divine blessings for those who adhere to this instruction.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

Why does President Nelson emphasize the importance of using the correct name of the Church?
What are the historical and doctrinal reasons for calling the Church by its full name?
How does the use of the correct name honor Jesus Christ?
What are the potential consequences of using nicknames for the Church?

Topics

Understand the Command of the Lord

President Nelson explains that the directive to use the correct name of the Church is a commandment from the Lord. He emphasizes that it is not a name change, rebranding, or cosmetic adjustment, but a correction to align with the Savior's instructions.

It is not a name change.

It is a correction. It is the command of the Lord.

Joseph Smith did not name the Church restored through him; neither did Mormon. It was the Savior Himself who said, "For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

Why is the name of the Church considered a command of the Lord?
How did President Nelson describe the nature of this directive?
How can you personally ensure that you are using the correct name of the Church in your daily life?
What steps can you take to help others understand the importance of this directive?

Recognize the Significance of the Savior’s Name

President Nelson highlights the importance of including the Savior’s name in the Church’s official title. He explains that removing the Savior’s name from the Church is a victory for Satan and diminishes the recognition of Jesus Christ's role and atonement.

To remove the Lord’s name from the Lord’s Church is a major victory for Satan.

When we discard the Savior’s name, we are subtly disregarding all that Jesus Christ did for us—even His Atonement.

What are the implications of removing the Savior’s name from the Church?
How does including the Savior’s name in the Church’s title honor His role and atonement?
Reflect on how you can more fully honor the Savior in your daily interactions and conversations.
Consider situations where you can testify of Jesus Christ and His role in the Church.

Acknowledge the Historical Context

President Nelson provides historical context for the name of the Church, explaining that it was given by Jesus Christ Himself. He recounts instances from both ancient and modern history where the Savior instructed His followers on the importance of His name.

In AD 34, our resurrected Lord gave similar instruction to members of His Church when He visited them in the Americas.

In the year 1820, God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith to initiate the Restoration of the Lord’s Church.

What historical events support the importance of the Church’s name?
How did the Savior instruct His followers regarding the name of the Church in ancient times?
How does understanding the historical context of the Church’s name strengthen your testimony?
In what ways can you share this historical context with others to help them understand the importance of the Church’s name?

Emphasize the Covenant Path

President Nelson connects the correct name of the Church with the covenant path, explaining that partaking of the sacrament and taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ includes using the correct name of His Church.

Every Sunday as we worthily partake of the sacrament, we make anew our sacred promise to our Heavenly Father that we are willing to take upon us the name of His Son, Jesus Christ.

When we omit His name from His Church, we are inadvertently removing Him as the central focus of our lives.

How does the sacrament relate to taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ?
What does it mean to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ?
Reflect on your sacrament experience and how you can more fully remember and honor Jesus Christ.
How can you ensure that Jesus Christ remains the central focus of your life?

Prepare for the Second Coming

President Nelson concludes by promising that adhering to the correct name of the Church will bring divine blessings. He emphasizes that this obedience will help prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord.

I promise you that if we will do our best to restore the correct name of the Lord’s Church, He whose Church this is will pour down His power and blessings upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints, the likes of which we have never seen.

We will have the knowledge and power of God to help us take the blessings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people and to prepare the world for the Second Coming of the Lord.

What blessings does President Nelson promise for those who use the correct name of the Church?
How does using the correct name of the Church help prepare the world for the Second Coming?
How can you participate in preparing the world for the Second Coming?
What actions can you take to ensure you receive the promised blessings from using the correct name of the Church?