Modern Apostles of Jesus Christ

Recently (March 11, 2019) Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dedicated the Rome Temple. The temple is the 162^nd temple in operation in The Church and is the first temple built in Italy and in an area where the ancient the Apostle of Jesus Christ spent their ministry. To learn more about the purpose of modern temples and to see more pictures inside and outside the temple go here.

Rome Italy Temple

Another first in the modern Christian era was when the Twelve Apostles and the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ met in Rome for the temple dedication. It was the first time all fifteen Apostle had been together outside of the United States.

Modern Apostles of Jesus Christ

They met in the new temple visitors center. Behind the apostles is the Christus statue and the original twelve Apostle of Jesus Christ. The modern apostles hold the same priesthood authority that the original apostles held. In The New Testament we read that Christ called and gave his apostle power to administer his gospel (Luke 9:1). That same authority was given to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery by Peter, James, and John in May of 1930 (Doctrine and Covenants 27:12).

As in ancient times, the modern apostles are called as special witnesses of Jesus Christ to the world. President Russell M. Nelson is the Lord’s prophet today just as Moses, Elijah, and other prophets of the Old Testament times. Prophets of the Lord then and now speak the mind and will of the Lord to all the world, not just the members of His Church. The Lord, Jesus Christ, has said:

“What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:38)

This next weekend we will have the opportunity to listen to our modern prophets in the 189^th General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During the general conference sessions members of the First Presidency, The Quorum of Twelve Apostles, and other general officers of the church will give messages of council and direction for our lives. In addition to general council announcements of changes in church policies and programs have been announced as well as new temples that will be constructed. We live in the gospel dispensation known as the “dispensation of the fullness of times” where the Lord’s Church is preparing the earth for the second coming of the Jesus Christ.

All sessions of general conference are open to the public, including the priesthood session Saturday evening. To find out more information and to watch the sessions go to www.thechurchofjesuschrist.org. If you have ever wondered what the Lord’s message to you today would be, I invite you to come and listen to the prophet’s voice because it is the same as if the Lord were here himself. I also invite you to come and listen to the modern apostles as they testify of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Your thoughts and questions are welcome.