Outward Ordinances

In Gospel Essentials, we studies the priesthood and how the Aaronic priesthood constitutes outward ordinances. So, what are outward ordinances? When you look in the topical guide, you see temporal as another word to look it up through. So, what does that mean, since all things are spiritual unto the Lord? I found in the Student Manual in the Enrichment section some great insight into this. The Aaronic priesthood is an appendage to the Melchizedek priesthood, so they are all the same priesthood. The Aaronic is a preparatory priesthood, to prepare the saints for all the blessings that the Lord has in store for them. It's duties are, "to possess the keys of the ministering of angels, which include communion with them, to hold the keys of the preparatory gospel of repentance, baptism, and the law of carnal commandments given by Moses to a faithless Israel, and to fellowship its members and prepare them in all things pertaining to priesthood service so that they may be ready to receive the oarth and covenant of the Melchezedek priesthood"(Joseph Fielding Smith), which we know to be eternal marriage. What a great perspective. We were talkig about how amazing it is that Young Men start holding the priesthood, the power to act in the name of God, at the age of 12. I stand in awe at the preparation that comes to these young men. There was a big difference in the age of 11 and 12 for Austin. I saw him being prepared to receive the priesthood. He is such a great boy. I also see how much he reverances and respects the priesthood. This past Sunday, watching him pass the sacrement, he took great love and care with the tray as he passed it from person to person.