Why is it important to belong to The Church of Jesus Christ? What is the value of a name? Teach your family about the spiritual power that comes with associating themselves with Jesus Christ. Where have all the Mormons gone? Find out!
Recently, the prophet Russell M. Nelson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made a special prophetic announcement. He said in an official statement to the media, “The Lord has impressed upon my mind the importance of the name He has revealed for His Church, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
Many of the members of the Church and people in the world refer to the Church as the Mormon Church. It is a tradition that has evolved and expanded over the past 100 years. Because the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in the Book of Mormon, the “Mormon” nickname is a popular shortened version of the name of the Church.
The prophet reminded the members and the world that the true name of The Church includes Jesus Christ. It is His church and the members are part of His fold. He asked, “What is in a name?” This lesson will teach your family the importance of a name. Especially, when the name involves Jesus Christ. You won’t find as many “Mormons” around anymore. Because, they are now called members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A bit more of a mouthful! But, more accurate.
Why is the Church called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
When Joseph Smith restored the Church in the latter days, he asked the Lord what it should be called. Because of his faith, he got an answer. You can read it in the Doctrine and Covenants. The Lord said, “for thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Verily I say unto you all: Arise and shine forth, that they light may be a standard for the nations.” (D&C 115:45)
Have someone read 3 Nephi 27:8 in the Book of Mormon. It states: “And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses’ name then it be Moses’ church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel.”
Christ named his church for us! He leads us and guides us along. Jesus is our shepherd and we are his flock. The followers of Christ in ancient times were referred to as “Saints.” Hence, the followers of Christ in modern times are called, “Latter-day Saints.” The name The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the perfect name for our church.
What is the power of belonging the The Church of Jesus Christ?
There is actual power that comes when you associate yourself with Jesus Christ. He is a God, the Savior and Redeemer. Hence, He has the power to rescue and redeem us.
Tell your family the story of David and Goliath: A long time ago, the army of Israel was under the leadership of King Saul. They were involved in a deadly battle with the army of the Philistines. One army camped on one hill, the other on an opposite hill. There was a valley between them. The Philistines had a great giant of a man named Goliath of Gath. He was almost nine feet tall. Can you imagine how big that is? He was a real giant!
The giant Goliath came to the valley and shouted up the the Israelites, “Choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me.” He wanted to settle the war with a personal fight between himself and a single Israelite soldier. How could anyone face Goliath on his own? He was clad in armor, he was strong and trained to fight. Who would dare battle the giant?
There as a man who was brave enough to try. David, who was no more than a boy, said to the king that he would go and fight. When the king tried to persuade David not to attempt, David replied that he knew that the Lord would keep him safe. He understood that if he fought in the name of the Lord, then anything was possible. Even, slaying a giant.
David knew he belonged to God. This knowledge gave him courage.
Goliath taunted the Israelite army calling them, “the servants of Saul.” They army was filled will fear. But, when David arrived, his response was different. He knew to whom he belonged. David belonged to the Lord. He said, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the army of the Living God?”
David knew that he was not a servant of man, but a member of the army of Christ. He was a child of the covenant.
David faithfully went to the valley to fight Goliath. He said, “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a speaker, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, who thou hast defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand…that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.”
David was small and untrained, yet, it only took one small rock and a sling for him to slay the giant. Why? Because, there is immense power in being the children of Christ. When we keep our covenants and take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ we can accomplish anything and overcome all things that come our way.
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have the slingshot of truth that they need to slay the giants of modern times.
What are the blessings of knowing that you are a member of the Church of Jesus Christ?
David was blessed for recognizing God’s hand in his life when he fought Goliath. His life was spared! We are also blessed by taking upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ. Every member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, young and old, is a member of the household of God. As Christians, we gladly take his name upon us.
Ask your family to suggest blessings they have because they have taken upon themselves the name of Christ. Some of the blessings we can recognize are:
- Peace in a scary world
- Happiness in daily life
- The ability to repent
- Knowledge of our divine worth
- Hope for the future
- Someone to watch over us each day
- The gift of the Holy Ghost
- Ability to change and become better
- Eternal life and exaltation
Have each of your children stand next to a picture of the Savior. Take a picture or let them look in a mirror. Show him or her that they are part of Jesus Christ’s family. He loves them. He is their friend. Thus, He will always be with them. Ask how they feel having the Savior stand beside them. Do they like being part of His fold?
We all have access to the power of Christ and the blessings of taking his name upon us. It is the called the Church of Jesus Christ, because it is, in fact, HIS church. Let’s always remember to give him the love and respect He deserves.
President Nelson answered the question, “What’s in a name?” with the perfect reply, “Everything!” So, say goodbye to all the Mormons and hello to the members of the Church of Jesus Christ!
HERE ARE SOME MORE FAMILY NIGHT ACTIVITIES YOU MIGHT ENJOY: