We believe ...

in the same organization that existed in the primitive church. The sixth Article of Faith.

I got to teach Gospel Essentials today and got to choose my own topic so I decided to use my favorite (truthfully, the only one I ever liked) missionary discussion. I like this "lesson" because a) it utilizes visual aids - good for both the teacher and class members and b) it is a clear and concise introduction to what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is. And what that is, although similar in many ways, is not a Protestant church, but restored New Testament Christianity.

So the Cliffs Notes version of the lesson goes like this (stacking cups labeled with the bold words)... When CHRIST was on earth He established His church by REVELATION from our Heavenly Father, calling PROPHETS and APOSTLES who recorded His teachings in the SCRIPTURES. (Next Level) Christ and his apostles taught the Gospel which consisted of FAITH in Jesus Christ, REPENTANCE, BAPTISM and the conferring of the gift if the HOLY GHOST. (Next Two Levels) Other ordinances and practices taught and encouraged in Christ's church included PRAYER, FASTING, TITHING, SERVICE, SACRAMENT and then on the top level I put FAMILY, emphasizing the opportunity to be together temporally and eternally and the joy, love (and work) therein. The top layers can have any number of topics on them.

Then what happens...This was Miles' favorite part since he got to help me bring down the tower. With Christ's crucifixion and the subsequent martyrdom of the apostles (pull these cups out) the established church crumbles. Apostasy occurs. Over time with the help of the teachings recorded in the scriptures, spiritual promptings and desire to worship God, people begin to form churches again, taking bits that they remember, adapting them, with the best intention (i.e. - forms if baptism, law of tithing, how to pray) as they interpret what record they have, both written and passed down. Of course, councils ensue, more churches and philosophies form; resulting in many denominations and sects striving to bring glory to God.

Roger Williams founder of the first Baptist church in America said "There is no regularly constituted church of Christ on earth, nor any person qualified to administer any church ordinances; nor can there be until new apostles are sent by the Great Head of the Church for whose coming I am seeking" Had he only lived longer...

Fast forward to the 1800's and to a land of religious freedom. Joseph Smith, after divine visitation and commission, restores the priesthood and ordinances lost in the apostasy (Re-stack the cups, this time I make them all one level with Christ the cornerstone), and voila, the church of Christ is re-established on the earth today.

From that point you can talk more about any of the "cups" or topics that anyone has questions or comments about until you run out of time. It makes for good discussion, especially if you have class members from different religious backgrounds.