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9 Insightful Books to Better Understand the Priesthood

The concept of priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is unique. A portion of God's power is delegated to "individuals who He knows perfectly well are imperfect." How does that work? As authors, Dale and Ruth Renlund ask, "How is it conceivable that His awesome, delicate power could be used by both an illiterate farmer and a rocket scientist—to equal effect—in the salvation of humankind?" Understanding the doctrine of the priesthood and the principles that govern its use is a pursuit worth of any member of the Church, but one that should be of special concern to those who hold or are preparing to hold the Melchizedek Priesthood. This careful explanation offers a perfect way to enhance your knowledge and appreciation of priesthood power and how to use it.

11: “These Twelve Jesus Sent Forth” (Matthew 9-10, Mark 5, Luke 9)

In a burst of eagerness to help clean up, a young girl noticed that there were two jugs of milk in the fridge, but one of them was expired. Determining that the best thing to do was consolidate, she poured the remaining expired milk into the good jug, much to her mother’s chagrin. A lesson from that story might just come into play in this week’s lesson in Matthew 9–10, Mark 5, and Luke 9 as we study Christ’s teaching about old and new wine bottles and the special mission of His chosen Apostles.

Pondering Mormon Women and Priesthood

As I’ve mentioned before, I’ve been pondering the doctrine of the priesthood in earnest during the past few months, and I wanted to share some of the flood of recent resources that have been part of my personal study. As has already been mentioned in past posts, the focus of the Worldwide Leadership Training was on priesthood. Note the desire the leaders have to help us understand how the purpose of the priesthood — God’s power — is to bless all of His children. The blessings of the priesthood that come from covenants and ordinances (as well as simply even being able to enjoy the wonders of God’s creations) are available to all.

Latter-day Saint Life

3 ways women have priesthood authority in the Church

For a more in-depth look at this topic, check out, "5 Ways Women Are Already Given Priesthood Authority and Officiate in Priesthood Ordinances in the Church."

Latter-day Saint Life

"Don’t Let Me Die Here": How a Touching Visit from Her Deceased Husband Brought One Woman Peace

By Gerald N. Lund

Let me share one example of a divine signature that has special significance for me personally. This was a tender mercy in the fullest sense of the word tender. My father, typical of many other men from his generation, did not express emotion openly very often. In all my growing-up years, I can never remember him telling me or any of my brothers and sisters that he loved us. We knew that he did, because he was a good father. He read stories to us almost every night. He taught us to work and how to be responsible.

Teachings of Joseph Fielding Smith Lesson 11: Honoring the Priesthood Keys Restored through Joseph Smith

By LDS Living

Get the full lesson "Honoring the Priesthood Keys Restored through Joseph Smith" from the Teachings of Joseph Fielding Smith at LDS.org.

Latter-day Saint Life

Women Endowed with Priesthood Power: Relief Society General Presidency Answers 4 Crucial Questions

By Danielle B. Wagner

More than 5,000 questions were submitted to the general Relief Society, Young Women, and Primary presidencies by women around the world in preparation for the upcoming Sister-to-Sister Event on Friday, May 3. While many will be answered during this event and more will be discussed by Church leaders in councils to help provide better clarity and understanding, one was answered by the general Relief Society presidency at BYU Women’s Conference. The question read:

Latter-day Saint Life

Having vs. Holding the Priesthood

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we use two phrases interchangeably that can be confusing to even the most seasoned member of the Church. We refer to someone “having” the priesthood, and we refer to someone “holding” the priesthood. We don’t usually think of these two things as being different from each other, but for the purpose of this article I would like to make a subtle distinction between the two that might help in clarifying the issue of where women stand in relation to the priesthood that only men are ordained to.

Latter-day Saint Life

5 ways women are already given priesthood authority & officiate in priesthood ordinances in the Church

By Wendy Ulrich

Both men and women can be given priesthood authority, exercise priesthood power, perform priesthood ordinances, and more.

Lesson Helps

April 2017 Visiting Teaching Message: "Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood"

By LDS Living

As sisters in the gospel, it is important to remember that all of the blessings of the priesthood apply to us as well. Help those you visit teach to see how they can be worthy to receive the blessings that come through the priesthood.