follow Jesus Christ

Matthew 10...After Jesus called His twelve apostles, He gave them priesthood power and instructions. They have power to heal physical and spiritual sickness, (v.1). Find those prepared to hear the gospel (v. 11-14). Commanded them to preach of the kingdom of heaven to the lost sheep of Israel (v. 6-7). Through the priesthood, they bless and heal (v. 8). Teach by the Spirit (v. 19-20). Dedicate their lives entirely to building the kingdom of God upon the earth (v. 39).

The powers and responsibilities given to the original are identical to those of modern-day apostles. Doctrine and Covenants 107:23, 33, 35; 112:14, 19-22, 30-31. I have witnessed that they dedicate their lives to God's children throughout the world, proclaiming that the kingdom is at hand, blessing and healing, instruction and calling to repentance. When we listen and follow the Apostles, we follow Jesus Christ, (Matthew 10:40-42). We will be blessed to the extent of our obedience, Doctrine and Covenants 124:45-46

"No one in this church will go far astray who ties himself securely to the Church Authorities whom the Lord has placed in His church. This church will never go astray; the Quorum of the twelve will never lead you into bypaths; it never has and never will." Spencer W. Kimball, Conf. Report, Apr. 1951, 104.

Jesus is the true Messiah. His twelve apostles are a special witness of Him. Following their counsel, my life has been blessed on many levels. Not too many years ago, President Bednar spoke of offence; his words changed the course of my whole life and come to mind often. "...it is ultimately impossible for another person to offend you or to offend me...Indeed, believing that another person offended us is fundamentally false. To be offended is a choice we make; it is not a condition inflicted or imposed on us by someone or something else...we have been blessed with moral agency, the capacity for independent action and choice...we are to act and not be acted upon...the very nature of the Redeemer's Atonement and the purpose for the restored church are intended to receive...spiritual strength...'The church is not a well-provisioned rest home for the already perfected' (Maxwell) but a learning laboratory...though people may not intend to injure or offend us, they nevertheless cna be inconsiderate and tactless. we determine how we act...we can choose not to be offended...(Matt. 5:43-44, 46-48) If a person...is...offensive...refuse to take offense and ...communicate with that individual."