Beyond Renewal: Unpacking the Aaronic Priesthood and the Sacrament

Hey Rogue Disciples! Labor Day just passed, and that got me thinking about work – not just the kind that earns a paycheck, but the work we do as Latter-day Saints, the work of building the kingdom of God. It’s easy to fall into routines, even sacred ones. How often do we really ponder the power and authority behind the things we do?

This week's episode of This Is Kingdom – “For the One Who Needs Angels” really struck a chord with me. They asked a simple question: “How does the Savior bless us through the Aaronic Priesthood?” Honest answer? I’d never really stopped to consider it. We talk about renewing covenants during the sacrament, and that’s vital, absolutely. But the episode unpacked something deeper – the ministering of angels, the gift of repentance, and baptism for the remission of sins – all accessed through this incredible priesthood authority.

Think about that for a second. It’s not just about checking a box on Sunday morning. It’s about actively receiving access to Jesus Christ, forgiveness, and divine assistance. Remember that feeling when you first realized the Spirit was truly present during sacrament meeting? That’s a glimpse of what’s possible when we truly understand and appreciate the power at play.

I’ve seen this firsthand, especially working with new investigators. They often come to the sacrament table feeling lost or burdened. If we, as missionaries (and now as internet missionaries!), can help them understand the depth of that blessing—the access to divine intervention—it’s transformative. It shifts their focus from guilt and shame to hope and healing.

This reminds me of something Elder Bednar taught: “Discipleship is not a passive role.” It requires active participation, seeking, and understanding. How do we cultivate that understanding?

Here’s a bite-sized mission-prep skill I learned—something that really helped me in the field. Practice asking *yourself* the hard questions. The ones investigators will throw at you. Why do we believe this? How do we know that’s true? What about this objection? If you've wrestled with the answers, you'll be better equipped to guide someone else through those same struggles. Davee, my AI co-pilot, is fantastic for this – he can walk you through tough investigator scenarios and help you formulate responses rooted in gospel principles. (You can find him linked below.)

Speaking of preparation, I’m reminded of my own MTC experience. It wasn’t just about memorizing lessons. It was about cultivating a deeper relationship with the Savior, so that when faced with challenges, the Spirit could guide me. Those “random” experiences – like trimming vines with a friend and talking about life – those *can* be mission prep, too. It’s about developing Christlike character, showing empathy, and building genuine connections.

Don't wait for a formal calling to be an internet missionary. Every interaction, every post, every conversation—it's an opportunity. Are you sharing your light? Are you offering a hand to those who are struggling?

Next up, we're having a Disciple Challenge this week focused on strengthening our understanding of priesthood authority. It's a chance to deepen your own testimony and equip yourself for the work. Join us!

And if you’re looking for a deeper dive into scripture, I highly recommend Avraham Gileadi’s Isaiah Studies available in LivingBook. It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding read.

Let’s be those rogue disciples, actively engaged in the work, and ready to share the blessings of the Aaronic Priesthood with the world.

Keep striving, friends!