Peter, James, and John and the other Apostles worked hard. They were good missionaries. They taught about Jesus Christ. They helped many people join the Church. There were Saints in many lands. The Saints tried to obey God’s commandments. But wicked people did not want them to believe in Jesus.

Acts 6:2–4; 7; 11:19–21

The wicked people tried to change the commandments. They did not want the Saints to obey God’s commandments. Some Saints believed the wicked people. They stopped believing in Jesus. They did not obey God’s commandments.

Titus 1:10–11; Galatians 1:6–8; 1 John 2:18–19

Many righteous Saints were killed. The Apostles were killed. There was no one to lead the Church. The Church of Jesus Christ was not on the earth anymore. The people were not righteous enough to have the gospel. Peter, Paul, and many other prophets had said that would happen.

Matthew 23:34; 24:8–10; Romans 8:36; 1 Peter 4:12; 1 Corinthians 4:9–13; JC, pp. 745–46

Hundreds of years went by. There were many different churches. But they did not have Apostles. Their leaders did not have the priesthood. The churches were not the Church of Jesus Christ. But the prophets said that after many years the Church of Jesus Christ would be on the earth again.

2 Timothy 4:3–4; 2 Thessalonians 2:1–4; Acts 3:19–26

A boy named Joseph Smith wanted to know which church was the Church of Jesus Christ. He went into the woods near his home. He knelt down and prayed. He asked God to tell him which church to join.

Joseph Smith—History 1:5, 10, 14–15

Heavenly Father and Jesus came to Joseph Smith. Jesus told Joseph not to join any of the churches. The Church of Jesus Christ was not on the earth. Jesus chose Joseph Smith to help start the Church again.

Joseph Smith—History 1:17–19

God chose Joseph Smith to be a prophet. Angels gave Joseph Smith the priesthood. He translated the Book of Mormon.

Joseph Smith—History 1:33, 66–75

God chose twelve Apostles to lead the Church. They had the power to teach the gospel and do miracles. The Church of Jesus Christ was on the earth again.

D&C 107:22–23; 102:3

God sent missionaries to tell all people about the Church of Jesus Christ. The Doctrine and Covenants tells about these things.

D&C 1:18, 30

The Church is the same church that Jesus and his Apostles had when they lived on earth. It is called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

D&C 115:4