What is an Apostle?
from the Bible Dictionary - "one sent forth"
D&C 27:12 - "especial witnesses of my name"
D&C 107:23 - "special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world"
President Hinckley said, "They must do all that they can to give comfort to those who mourn, to give strength to those who are weak, to give encouragement to those who falter, to befriend the friendless, to nurture the destitute, to bless the sick, to bear witness, not out of belief but out of a certain knowledge of the Son of God, their Friend and Master, whose servants they are" (Special Witnesses for Christ, April 1984)
Examples of Modern Day Apostles' Testimonies of Christ
give students 5-7 minutes to find examples of modern-day apostles' testimony of Christ.
Joseph Smith D&C 76:22-24
Bruce R. McConkie April 1984
David B. Haight October 1989
The Living Christ
Other Information about being Witnesses of Christ
In June 2015, Elder Oaks and church historian Richard Turley held a fireside for members in a Boise, Idaho area stake. The topic of receiving a personal visit from Jesus Christ came up in the fireside.
"[Turley] Another claim we sometimes hear is that current apostles have no right to run the affairs of the church, since they do not meet the New Testament standard of apostles because they do not testify of having seen Christ."
"[Oaks] The first answer to this claim is that modern apostles are called to be witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world (D&C 107:23). This is not to witness of a personal manifestation. To witness of the name is to witness of the plan, the work, or mission, such as the atonement, and the authority or priesthood of the lord Jesus Christ, which an apostle who holds the keys is uniquely responsible to do.
"Of course apostles are also witnesses of Christ, just like all members of the church, who have the gift of the Holy Ghost. This is because the mission of the Holy Ghost is to witness of the Father and the Son.
"In addition, while some early apostles and other members of the church have had the sublime spiritual experience of seeing the Savior, and some have made a public record of this, in the circumstances of today we are counseled not to speak of our most sacred spiritual experiences. Otherwise, with modern technology that can broadcast something all over the world, a remark made in a sacred and private setting can be sent abroad in violation of our Savior's commandment not to cast our pearls before swine." (source link)
