Ask: How did Joseph Smith demonstrate these traits in his life? Joseph Smith 1805-1844 Born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont, to Joseph and Lucy Mack Smith, Joseph Smith Jr. grew up on a series of tenant farms in Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York. Five weeks later, 15 May 1829, they were on 3 Nephi and the Savior’s sermon on baptism to the Nephites. Read to students the last part of Joseph Smith—History 1:20, which begins “It seems as though …” and ask who of these three people knew who Joseph Smith really was and why he was here on earth. (They were not, because the Church was not yet organized.) Have students review Joseph Smith—History 1:5–7 and 1 Nephi 13:23–29 and tell how the subject of Nephi’s prophecy contributed to the religious climate described by Joseph Smith. Have each group explain the main points of their assigned scripture block and how those verses apply to the mission of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the latter-day work. Invite students to consider the following quotation from President Ezra Taft Benson, and then explain the relationship between a testimony of the Book of Mormon and a testimony of Joseph Smith’s other work. Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65 Joseph Smith—History 1:28. What can go wrong when one’s timing is “off”? Ask: Why is the combination of our righteous choices and the power of God always greater than the power of Satan? List and discuss what we learn about the Aaronic Priesthood in Joseph Smith—History 1:68–72. Scot Facer Proctor and Maurine Jensen Proctor [1997], 108). (see Jacob 4:8–10; D&C 98:1–2; 112:10; 121:41–42). The First Vision. Some of the events surrounding the coming forth of the Book of Mormon were prophesied by Isaiah and fulfilled by Martin Harris and others (see Joseph Smith—History 1:62–65; see also Isaiah 29:4–24; 2 Nephi 26:14–19; 27:4–35). Invite students to read Joseph Smith—History 1:49–54 and tell how they think Moroni helped Joseph examine and refine his motives for obtaining the gold plates (see also the commentaries for Joseph Smith—History 1:50–53 and Joseph Smith—History 1:54 in the student manual,pp. God answers the sincere prayers of those who ask in faith (see Joseph Smith—History 1:11–13; see also Matthew 7:7–11; James 1:5–6; 1 Nephi 15:8–11; 3 Nephi 18:19–20; D&C 42:68). Discuss ways students can help “disabuse the public mind” and “put all inquirers after truth in possession of the facts” (v. 1). Testify of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and invite students to share their testimonies of it. The First Vision is the very foundation of this Church, and it is my conviction that each member of this Church performs his duty in direct ratio to his personal testimony and faith in the First Vision” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1973, 102; or Ensign, Jan. 1974, 87). Ask students what commanded their time and attention during their teenage years. Satan uses whatever means he can to try to thwart us from attaining our divine destiny (see Joseph Smith—History 1:20; see also 2 Thessalonians 2:3–10; Moses 7:26). 2, Special Issue on the First Vision, 2020 “Hear Him,” Saints, Volume 1: The Standard of Truth Primary Accounts of Joseph Smith’s First Vision of Deity, Joseph Smith Papers … Book of Mormon Central. Joseph Smith—History 1:33–35. 54–55). Read to students the story in the commentary for Joseph Smith—History 1:59–60 in the student manual (p. 62). During the four years he had to wait before receiving the plates, young Joseph struggled with his motives. Read to students the following description of the translation of the Book of Mormon (you may also want to refer to the commentary for Joseph Smith—History 1:67 in the student manual, p. 64): “When Joseph Smith began translating in 1827, he evidently started with the book of Lehi from Mormon’s abridgment of the large plates of Nephi (see heading to D&C 10). From the time of his first vision until his martyrdom, he was a victim of bitter persecution, reviling, and ridicule, but never did he falter” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1983, 89; or Ensign, Nov. 1983, 62). 60–61). John the Baptist restored the Aaronic Priesthood to the earth, conferring it upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, who then baptized and ordained each other (see Joseph Smith—History 1:68–72; see also Hebrews 5:4; D&C 13 section heading; 13:1; 27:8; 84:18, 26–28). 26). (If available, show students one or more volumes of History of the Church and invite students to look through them.) A revised edition appeared in 1971, and on the … Ask students why the information in Joseph Smith—History 1:3–4 is important and helpful to know. Joseph Smith - History 1:1-26 read aloud from Pearl of Great Price. Ask if any of them have ever had such experiences or feelings. Remind students that all those who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood also have authority to function in the Aaronic Priesthood.). It is clearly in Malachi; in Doctrine and Covenants 2; in the Joseph Smith History in the Pearl of Great Price; in Luke 1:17, in 3 Nephi 25:6—and many, many more places. A series of remarkable spiritual experiences prepared him for his prophetic calling. Discuss how we can recognize and overcome these negative influences today. Have students read Joseph Smith—History 1:8–10. [1], The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, List of Reorganized Restorationist churches, Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite) history, Doctrine and Covenants (Book of Commandments), Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Joseph_Smith–History&oldid=1001190277, Works originally published in Times and Seasons, Articles lacking reliable references from December 2010, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 18 January 2021, at 16:56. Because his family could not afford the luxury of public education, Joseph received only three years of formal schooling. Ask students to list the truths we learn from Joseph Smith—History 1:14–20 (see also James E. Faust, in Conference Report, Apr. The visitations of Moroni to the Prophet Joseph Smith are an example of how the Lord instructs those He calls to serve Him. The work of translating the Book of Mormon was done by the gift and power of God (see Joseph Smith—History 1:35, 62, 67–68; see also D&C 1:29; 3:12; 20:8; 135:3). … In our present day there are many who are sowing seeds of dissension and discord. Events in the lives of Joseph Smith’s family members during his early years reveal the guiding and protecting hand of the Lord (see Joseph Smith—History 1:3–5; see also Proverbs 3:5–6; Romans 8:28). Discuss the character traits required to remain faithful to God in the face of opposition. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. Why did the Lord not reveal all those truths to Joseph during the First Vision? Discuss how each event may have prepared Joseph to receive the plates and complete his life’s mission. How would you feel toward that witness? Father and Mother believed him, why should not the children?’ [in J. W. Peterson, “Another Testimony, Statement of William Smith, Concerning Joseph the Prophet,” Deseret Evening News, 20 Jan. 1894, p. 11]” (in Church History in the Fulness of Times [Religion 341–43 student manual, 1993], 34). We should be more concerned about offending God than offending people (see Joseph Smith—History 1:25; see also Acts 5:29; 24:16; D&C 3:6–8). This week, Taylor Halverson and Tyler Griffin discuss the pivotal event of Joseph Smith's First Vision and the impact that it has on the Church today. In 1832 he looked back on this period and wrote: “‘I had been tempted of the advisary and saught the Plates to obtain riches and kept not the commandment that I should have an eye single to the glory of God therefore I was chastened and saught diligently to obtain the plates and obtained them not until I was twenty one years of age’ (D. Jessee, The Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, p. 7). Invite students who have had the opportunity to teach investigators about the First Vision to share their experiences. Joseph Smith’s official testimony and history of the Church is found in History of the Church, volumes 1–6 (see the Introductory Note of the Pearl of Great Price). “Joseph Smith–History,” The Pearl of Great Price: Teacher Manual (2000), 54–64. 52–53). Discuss why the timing of things is so important. Why do people sometimes give in to temptation? In response to that prayer, God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to him, initiating the Restoration of the Gospel . For almost all of us instructions come through authorized servants rather than from divine manifestations, but it is the same as divine messengers speaking to us (see Joseph Smith—History 1:33–54; see also D&C 1:38; 33:16; 38:23; 88:78; 107:85–89). 36–41; he gave clear and specific instructions, see v. 42; he repeated his instructions to Joseph several times, adding new insights each time, see vv. (For example, Moroni called Joseph by name and introduced himself, see v. 33; he briefly explained what was to be done, see v. 34; he gave Joseph insights into the importance of his work, see vv. Have students list the major events of their lives in the past four years. A verse-by-verse study of Joseph Smith-History 1:1-26, the 1838 account of Joseph Smith's First Vision. But in like manner, if the Book of Mormon be true—and millions have now testified that they have the witness of the Spirit that it is indeed true—then one must accept the claims of the Restoration and all that accompanies it” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 5; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 6). Invite students to read this testimony of Oliver Cowdery (or you may want to read it together as a class). …. Joseph Smith —History contains excerpts from Joseph Smith’s official testimony and history of the Church. His Name Should Be Had for … Joseph Smith published two accounts of the First Vision during his lifetime. (see D&C 3:1; 10:43; 29:36–38; Moses 1:12–22). It is part of the canonized standard works of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). His brother William affirmed, ‘We all had the most implicit confidence in what he said. Discuss how our motives can help us resist Satan’s temptations. Ask students if Joseph and Oliver were members of the Church yet. Read the following to students: “Eventually [Joseph] confided his theophany [vision of God] to other family members. It is gathering Israel on both sides of the veil. The Lord commanded Joseph Smith not to join any church because all of them were wrong (see Joseph Smith—History 1:18–20; see also 2 Timothy 4:3–4; Mormon 8:28, 32–38). Have students study Isaiah 29:11–12 and 2 Nephi 27:9–10, 15–20 and tell how these scriptures relate to what happened in Joseph Smith—History 1:63–65. Read Joseph Smith—History 1:27–29 and discuss the habits Joseph Smith said he “fell into” during these years. The incidents described in Joseph Smith–History include the First Vision and the visitation of the angel Moroni. ... Church History Topics: … Read or sing “The Morning Breaks” (Hymns, no. God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith. Compare what certain scribes and Pharisees asked of the Lord in Matthew 12:38–39 to what Joseph Smith asked for in Joseph Smith—History 1:29. From Joseph's humble beginnings to facing overwhelming odds, we see Joseph Smith as the hero of a great story, one that includes each one of us. The fundamental messages of Joseph Smith—History are that God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ have appeared again to mankind; that there was an Apostasy of the true Church; that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God; that the Book of Mormon is the word of God; and that the Church of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth (see Joseph Smith—History 1:17–19, 25, 33–34, 72–73; see also D&C 20:1–11; 128:19–21). Ask: What did Joseph do in verses 11–16 to get answers to his questions? Next, have students read Joseph Smith—History 1:1–2 and tell Joseph’s reasons for writing this history. What promise did Moroni give Joseph? (Answers might include the keys that belong to the Aaronic Priesthood, the power that does not belong to the Aaronic Priesthood, the direction the Aaronic Priesthood functions under, and so forth.) His statements stand on more solid footing because they were declarations against human nature and admissions against self-interest” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1981, 107; or Ensign, Nov. 1981, 77). Ask: In Joseph Smith—History 1:25, what did Joseph Smith say would have been offensive to God? So does our claim to priesthood keys, and revelation, and the restored Church. Had they received the gift of the Holy Ghost? Listen and follow along as I read the D&C aloud one section at a time. He is an Associate Professor at Brigham Young University in the Department of Church … What Was Joseph Smith’s Early Life Like?” and “Joseph Smith—History 1:4. Our only motive for Church service should be to build the kingdom of God; otherwise, the work we do will not prosper (see Joseph Smith—History 1:46; see also Proverbs 16:3; Moroni 7:6–7; D&C 4:2, 4–5; 88:67–68). Discuss why our younger years can be so challenging and how we can stay close to Heavenly Father during this time (see Alma 37:35–37; 53:20–21). Ask students how they think Joseph felt when he received the warning in verse 59. We are all weak and imperfect, so we all need to constantly strive to improve (see Joseph Smith—History 1:28–29; see also1 John 1:8–9; 2 Nephi 4:17–19; Alma 7:15–16; Helaman 12:1; Ether 12:27; D&C 62:1). Have students search Joseph Smith—History 1:22–23, 27 for who else eventually heard about Joseph’s vision, and how. Any person who sincerely studies, ponders, and prays about the truthfulness of the accounts given by the Prophet Joseph Smith may know by the power of the Holy Ghost that they are true (see 2 Nephi 32:3–5; Alma 5:45–47; Moroni 10:3–5). In its current form, the narrative ends with Smith translating the Book of Mormon, shortly before the foundation of Smith's Church of Christ, though the original Times and Seasons serial it is based on continued the story until the mid-1830s. Born into a poor farming family, he was the fifth child of 11 — nine of whom survived childhood. Invite students who would like to share what they thought and felt when they first heard about the First Vision to do so. Invite students to tell what impresses them most in Oliver’s account, and why. (Answers might include that Satan is a real being who seeks to stop the work of God; God appears to man; man is made in the literal image of God; Jesus is a personage, separate and distinct from Heavenly Father; there was an apostasy of the Church that Jesus Christ established during His mortal ministry; the true Church was not on the earth in 1820; the Lord keeps the promise found in James 1:5; direct revelation from the heavens has not ceased.) You could invite a class member to summarize it, or class members could tell the story to each other in pairs or small groups. The first of these, known today as Joseph Smith—History, was canonized in the Pearl of Great Price and thus became the most well-known account. Discuss guidelines students should follow in sharing their spiritual experiences with others. Born of Goodly Parents. This is why they go to such great lengths to try to disprove the Book of Mormon, for if it can be discredited, the Prophet Joseph Smith goes with it. For Joseph Smith that experience was as real as the warmth of the sun at noonday. Joseph Smith was called by God to do His work. Tell students that Joseph naively believed that the minister would welcome his great news from heaven. Have students use Doctrine and Covenants 63:8–12 to explain why Joseph received his manifestation, while others, such as the scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 12, did not. Encourage students to strive to live each day with a conscience free of offense toward God (see Matthew 13:20–21; Acts 24:16; D&C 135:4). Have students read the five italicized summary statements that are found throughout Joseph Smith—History and list the major events that are described in the text. Oliver’s testimony helps establish the truthfulness of the account of the Prophet Joseph Smith (see Joseph Smith—History endnote; see also Matthew 18:16; 2 Nephi 11:3; Ether 5:4; D&C 6:20–28; 17:1–9; 18:1–5; 24:10–12; 28:1). The following statement by Elder Boyd K. Packer, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, may be helpful: “I have come to believe also that it is not wise to continually talk of unusual spiritual experiences. Read the paragraph about Joseph Smith—History in the Introductory Note of the Pearl of Great Price. Make sure students understand the importance of asking in faith and of accepting the will of the Lord when asking for any kind of inspiration or divine manifestation. 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