"We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth," Article of Faith 6.
"Organization is necessary, and the same organization that existed in the primitive Church has been restored. The restored Church exists on the earth today, with the sacred power received through the restoration of the holy priesthood." L. Tom Perry, The Articles of Faith, April 1998
One way to find the true Church of Jesus Christ is to compare it to the primitive Church that Jesus organized. Some signs that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized according to Jesus' model include:
The Church is built upon the foundation of Apostles and prophets. "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone," Ephesians 2:19-20
Apostles and prophets are essential to the Church. "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love," Ephesians 4:11-16
In these latter-days, when the earth is so filled with evil and strife, I am comforted to know a prophet of God guides those who will listen. God knows we need a voice crying in the wilderness during these confusing times to help us find the right way. I don't follow blindly but study out each thing he presents. God would expect me to use the mind and spirit He gave me to gain a testimony of each prophesy. I find it so easy to live according to God's will, when I follow His prophet. Life is easier. Days are productive. It brings joy to life that could be so filled with concern or despair over the future.
