Restoration
God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children (Rom 8:16). He created us in His image (Gen 1:27). He knows each of us personally (D&C 39:7) and loves each of us very much (1 John 4:16, 18-19). God has a glorified, perfected body of flesh and bones (D&C 130:22). He desires to bless us with peace and a fulness of joy throughout eternity (Moses 1:39). Because God loves us, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us from death and sin (John 3:16-17, Rom 5:8).
God calls prophets as His representatives on earth (Amos 3:7). Anciently He called men like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Isaiah. Today a living prophet receives revelation from God to teach and lead us.
Jesus Christ is the Son of God (John 3:16-17). During His earthly ministry Jesus taught His gospel (Matt 4:23; Matt 5-7; 22:36-39) and established His Church. Jesus called 12 Apostles and gave them authority to lead His Church (Mark 3:13-14; Eph 2:19-20; Eph 4:11-14). At the end of His life, Jesus suffered for our sins in the Garden of Gethsemane and during His Crucifixion (Luke 22:39-44; John 19:16-19). After Jesus's death, He was resurrected (Matt 28:1-8). Because of Jesus's atoning sacrifice, we can be forgiven and cleansed of our sins as we repent. This brings us peace and makes it possible for us to return to God's presence and receive a fulness of joy. Because of Jesus's Resurrection, we will all be resurrected after we die. This means that each person's spirit and body will be reunited and live forever (1 Cor 15:1-4, 20-22; Alma 7:11-14).
After Jesus's Apostles died there was a widespread falling away from the gospel and Church of Jesus Christ. During this time people changed many gospel teachings. People also changed priesthood ordinances such as baptism. Priesthood authority and the Church that Jesus had established were no longer on the earth (2 Thes 2:1-3; Acts 3:20-21).
In 1820 in upstate New York, USA, Joseph Smith sought to know which church was God's church so he could join it. Following James's counsel in James 1:5, Joseph Smith prayed to know which Church to join. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him. [Memorize Joseph Smith’s description of seeing the Father and the Son (JS—H 1:16–17). Always be ready to describe the First Vision using Joseph Smith’s own words. Bear sincere testimony of its truth and why it is important to you.] God called Joseph Smith to be a prophet, just as He had called prophets in earlier times. The fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored through Joseph Smith (D&C 20:8-9; D&C 19:26). Heavenly messengers restored the priesthood and Joseph Smith was directed by God to organize the Church of Jesus Christ (JS-H 1:68-70; D&C 20:1-3; D&C 27:12). Jesus Christ continues to lead His Church today through living prophets and apostles.
The Book of Mormon is a book of scripture written in ancient times by prophets in the Americas. Joseph Smith translated the book by the gift and power of God (D&C 1:29; D&C 20:8). Along with the Bible, the Book of Mormon provides a clear and powerful witness of Jesus Christ's teachings and mission as our Savior (D&C 42:12; AofF 1:8). We can get closer to God by reading the Book of Mormon and following its teachings (BoFM Intro para 6). We can know the Book of Mormon is the word of God by reading it, pondering it, and praying about it (Moro 10:3-5). This process will also help us come to know that Joseph Smith was a prophet.
Prayer is a two-way communication between God and His children. Through sincere prayer we can know that the message of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. As we pray the Holy Ghost teaches and confirms truth to us. Pray to our Father in Heaven in the name of Jesus Christ (Moro 10:4; John 16:23).