Talk Preparation Guide for "The Times of Restitution of All Things"

Elder David A. Bednar's talk, "The Times of Restitution of All Things," commemorates the 195th anniversary of the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He reflects on the sequence of miraculous events that led to this historic occasion, emphasizing the restoration of the gospel and the Church in the latter days. Elder Bednar outlines the significance of the First Vision, the translation of the Book of Mormon, the restoration of the priesthood, and the organization of the Church, all of which were necessary for the fulfillment of God's plan in the dispensation of the fulness of times.

Topics

Witness the First Vision

The First Vision was a pivotal moment in the restoration of the gospel, where Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ, initiating the "restitution of all things." This vision confirmed the separate and distinct nature of the Godhead and set the stage for the restoration of the Church.

Joseph affirmed: "I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air."

This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!

Key Points:

Joseph Smith's sincere prayer led to a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ.
The vision initiated the restoration of the gospel.
Joseph learned about the distinct nature of the Godhead.

Experiences:

Reflect on a time when you sought guidance through sincere prayer.
Consider how understanding the nature of the Godhead has influenced your faith.
Share an experience where you felt personally known by God.

Translate the Book of Mormon

The translation of the Book of Mormon was a miraculous event that provided another testament of Jesus Christ. It complements the Bible and restores lost truths, affirming the divinity of the gospel and the plan of salvation.

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

[The Book of Mormon] teaches of life’s purpose and explains the doctrine of Christ.

Key Points:

The Book of Mormon is a companion scripture to the Bible.
It testifies of Jesus Christ and restores plain and precious truths.
It confirms the truthfulness of the Bible.

Experiences:

Describe how the Book of Mormon has strengthened your testimony of Jesus Christ.
Discuss a time when the Book of Mormon provided clarity or guidance in your life.
Share how the Book of Mormon has helped you understand the plan of salvation.

Restore Priesthood Authority

The restoration of priesthood authority was crucial for the reestablishment of the Church. Ancient prophets conferred priesthood keys upon Joseph Smith, enabling the performance of essential ordinances and the direction of the Church.

Priesthood authority allows God’s servants to “represent [Him] and act in His name.”

Priesthood keys are the authority to direct the use of the priesthood on behalf of God’s children.

Key Points:

John the Baptist restored the authority to baptize.
Peter, James, and John restored the apostleship and additional priesthood authority.
Moses, Elias, and Elijah committed additional keys necessary for God's work.

Experiences:

Reflect on the significance of priesthood ordinances in your life.
Share a moment when you witnessed the power of the priesthood.
Discuss how priesthood authority has blessed your family.

Organize the Church of Jesus Christ

The formal organization of the Church was the culmination of the restoration events. It was established in proper sequence after the priesthood restoration and the publication of the Book of Mormon, fulfilling God's plan for the latter days.

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

This Church is anchored in the perfect life of its chief cornerstone, Jesus Christ.

Key Points:

The Church was organized on April 6, 1830.
It is Christ's New Testament Church restored.
The Church follows the divine pattern established by Jesus Christ.

Experiences:

Consider how being a member of the restored Church has impacted your life.
Share your thoughts on the significance of the Church's organization date.
Reflect on a time when you felt the strength of the Church community.

Embrace the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times

The current dispensation is the fulness of times, where all previous dispensations and keys are united. The Church is the instrument for gathering in Christ's name, fulfilling prophecies, and preparing for His Second Coming.

The Lord is fulfilling His promise. The Savior’s restored Church is being established throughout the world.

A whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place.

Key Points:

The Church is the instrument for gathering God's children.
This dispensation unites all previous dispensations.
The Church prepares the world for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Experiences:

Share how you have seen the Church grow and spread in your lifetime.
Reflect on the importance of being part of the dispensation of the fulness of times.
Discuss how you are preparing for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.