God's Power and Authority

This week my message centers around the power and authority that has been restored to man through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

A couple of days ago I had the opportunity to teach a young man about the church and of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. At first glances i was hesitant to speak with him because of his crude speech and many tattoos but as we sat down and I began to inquire of his understanding or knowledge of the church and the Gospel, I felt impressed to teach of the simple truths which the Lord has restored unto man in these last days. I read to him in the 27th chapter of 3 Nephi verses 19-20. I often read this scripture to many when introducing the true gospel of Jesus Christ-

"19 And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end.
20 Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day."

As I expounded the Gospel unto him. I felt inspired to ask him of the importance of baptism. he replied with a basic answer and then asked "But why are there so many different baptisms today? which is the correct?"

I felt inspired to asked him "What makes baptism, a baptism? and not just a quick dunk in the water?" He felt confused at the question and I explained to him- Baptism is made baptism through the power and authority which the person who performs the baptism holds. if the performer of the baptism has not power and authority given of God, the ordinance is null and without efficiency. When a baptism is performed by the authorized power and authority of God passed by the laying on of hands, that baptism is accepted not just on Earth but in heaven.

Christ taught to His apostles- Matthew 16:19
"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

I testify that this power and authority has been restored in the Church of Jesus Christ today. It has been conferred directly from the hands of Jesus Christ and the Prophet of His church holds these keys today.