Lesson Prepration Guide for "The Times of Restitution of All Things"

In his talk, Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles commemorates the 195th anniversary of the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He reflects on the foundational events that led to the restoration of the Church and highlights the significance of the First Vision, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, the restoration of the priesthood, and the organization of the Church. Elder Bednar emphasizes the ongoing impact of these events in the dispensation of the fulness of times and invites all to seek their own witness of the Restoration.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Begin the lesson by asking class members to share what they know about the First Vision and how it has impacted their understanding of the Restoration.
Invite a member to read Acts 3:21 and discuss what the "restitution of all things" means in the context of the Restoration.
Show a short video clip of Joseph Smith's First Vision and invite members to reflect on the significance of this event in the history of the Church.
Start with a personal testimony or story about how the Restoration has impacted your life, and invite others to share their experiences.
Ask the class to consider how their lives would be different without the Restoration of the gospel and the Church.

Topics

Understand the First Vision's Significance

The First Vision was the beginning of the Restoration, where Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ. This vision confirmed the separate nature of the Father and the Son and revealed that the original Church was lost after the death of the Apostles.

“In response to his sincere prayer, God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to Joseph and inaugurated the ‘restitution of all things’ (Acts 3:21) as foretold in the Bible.”

Why was Joseph Smith's First Vision a pivotal event in the Restoration?
How does knowing that God and Jesus Christ are separate beings affect your faith?
What can we learn from Joseph Smith's example of seeking answers through prayer?
How has the First Vision influenced your understanding of the Godhead?
In what ways can we seek personal revelations like Joseph Smith did?

Explore the Book of Mormon's Role

The Book of Mormon is a second witness of Jesus Christ and was translated by Joseph Smith through divine power. It supports the Bible and restores lost truths, playing a crucial role in the Restoration.

“Joseph Smith was given the gift and power of God to translate an ancient record: the Book of Mormon—Another Testament of Jesus Christ.”

How does the Book of Mormon complement the Bible in your study of the gospel?
What truths have you discovered in the Book of Mormon that have strengthened your testimony?
Why is it important to have the Book of Mormon as another testament of Jesus Christ?
How can we better utilize the Book of Mormon in our daily lives?
In what ways has the Book of Mormon influenced your understanding of Jesus Christ?

Recognize the Restoration of the Priesthood

The restoration of the priesthood through John the Baptist and later Peter, James, and John was essential for the establishment of the Church. It restored the authority to perform ordinances and direct the Church.

“Under the direction of the Father and the Son, the resurrected John the Baptist restored, in 1829, the authority to baptize by immersion for the remission of sins.”

What does the restoration of the priesthood mean to you personally?
How does priesthood authority affect the ordinances and covenants we make?
Why is it important to have priesthood keys in the Church today?
How can understanding the restoration of the priesthood strengthen our faith?
In what ways can we honor and uphold the priesthood in our homes and communities?

Witness the Church's Organization

The organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was a divinely guided process, following the translation of the Book of Mormon and the restoration of the priesthood. It marked the reestablishment of Christ's Church on earth.

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints … is Christ’s New Testament Church restored.”

Why was it important for the Church to be organized in the proper sequence?
How does the organization of the Church reflect divine guidance?
What blessings have you seen from being part of the restored Church?
How can we contribute to the ongoing growth and organization of the Church?
In what ways does the Church's organization help us draw closer to Christ?

Embrace the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times

The current dispensation is the last and greatest, where all previous dispensations and their keys are brought together. It is a time of gathering and revelation as foretold by prophets.

“The Lord’s latter-day work ‘is a cause that has interested the people of God in every age.’”

What does it mean to live in the dispensation of the fulness of times?
How can we participate in the gathering of Israel today?
Why is this dispensation considered the greatest and last?
What role do we play in the Lord's work during this dispensation?
How can we prepare for the Second Coming in this dispensation?

Additional Discussion Questions

How can the experiences of Joseph Smith inspire us to seek personal revelation?
What are some ways we can strengthen our testimony of the Restoration?
How does the Restoration impact our understanding of eternal families?
Why is it important to have both the Bible and the Book of Mormon in our study?
What role does faith play in accepting the truths of the Restoration?
How can we effectively share the message of the Restoration with others?
What are some modern-day miracles that affirm the Restoration for you?
In what ways can we show gratitude for the Restoration in our daily lives?
How does understanding the Restoration help us face challenges today?
What does it mean to you to be a member of Christ's restored Church?