Beginning in 1820 at Palmyra, New York, Joseph Smith saw God the Father and Jesus Christ in vision. 1984, 92–93; or Ensign, May 1984, 68; see also Carlos E. Asay, in Conference Report, Apr. Reading the official canonized version of Joseph Smith’s history, the narrative describing the events that led up to and include his very first vision of God and Jesus first vision end at verse 26. Have students look at the maps at the end of the Doctrine and Covenants to find and mark the places where the Smith family lived. With half truths and slander, they are endeavoring to lead members of the Church of Jesus Christ into apostasy” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1983, 89; or Ensign, Nov. 1983,63). Read the following to students: “Eventually [Joseph] confided his theophany [vision of God] to other family members. Joseph Smith published two accounts of the First Vision during his lifetime. “In this revealing account we find the Lord seeing into the heart of the young prophet, chastening him for his improper motives in respect to the plates, giving him time to repent and mature, and eventually forgiving him and allowing him to go forward with the performance of his mission” (Pure in Heart [1988], 16). Divide the class into five groups and assign each group to study and report what one of the following scripture blocks from the Bible teaches: Isaiah 11:1–16; Joel 2:28–32; Malachi 3:1–6; 4:1–6; Acts 3:19–21. The Church of Jesus Christ has been restored. (Answers might include that they are all prophecies of the last days, soon to be fulfilled; they all predict the Restoration of the gospel; and they all speak of Christ.). First, Joseph Smith was born into a hard-working but poor family. Born December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont, Joseph Smith Jr. was the fifth of 11 children of Joseph Smith and Lucy Mack. (1 Nephi 21:3).” KnoWhy 24 (February 2, 2016). 52–53). You could also read with students the material under “Joseph Smith—History 1:1. 53–54). The Lord teaches His people “line upon line.” We should remain faithful to the direction we receive from the Lord until He gives us further instructions (see Joseph Smith—History 1:26–27; see also 2 Nephi 28:30; D&C 42:61). We should be cautious about how and with whom we share the stories of our spiritual experiences (see Joseph Smith—History 1:21–23; see also Matthew 7:6; D&C 6:12; 10:37; 41:6). Read Joseph Smith—History 1:53 and apply these principles of timing to Joseph’s circumstances. (see Joseph Smith—History 1:20). They are to be guarded with care and shared only when the Spirit itself prompts you to use them to the blessing of others” (“The Candle of the Lord,” Ensign, Jan. 1983, 53; see also Matthew 7:6; D&C 6:12; 10:37; 41:6). Invite several volunteers to tell what steps they would follow to accomplish this training responsibility. (If available, show students one or more volumes of History of the Church and invite students to look through them.) Discuss how our motives can help us resist Satan’s temptations. Joseph Smith —History contains excerpts from Joseph Smith’s official testimony and history of the Church. Discuss the following statement by Elder Marvin J. Ashton of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “Neither the Apostle Paul nor Joseph Smith wavered, though they faced severe trials. (They had not, because it is only given by Melchizedek Priesthood holders when confirming people as members of the Church.) Ask students: If any one of these statements were false, how would that affect the other statements, and why? Ask students to explain how the power of Satan was overcome. The Choice of My Heart. 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. Joseph Smith was called by God to do His work. The Lord can provide timely and generous assistance in the midst of our afflictions (see Joseph Smith—History 1:61–62, 66–67, 75; see also Psalm 46:1; 2 Corinthians 1:3–4; Hebrews 4:16; 1 Nephi 1:20; 17:3, 13–14; D&C 84:87–88; 112:19). Give students a telephone book and have them look up and list the names of several churches in your area. Not until arriving at the Whitmer residence in Fayette did Joseph translate the small plates of Nephi, which contain 1 Nephi through the Words of Mormon. Five weeks later, 15 May 1829, they were on 3 Nephi and the Savior’s sermon on baptism to the Nephites. The enemies of the Church understand this clearly. What Were the ‘Many Reports … by Evil-Disposed and Designing Persons’?” in the student manual (pp. “Joseph Smith–History,” The Pearl of Great Price: Teacher Manual (2000), 54–64. 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). Read or sing “The Morning Breaks” (Hymns, no. Joseph Smith–History (abbreviated JS–H) is a book in the Pearl of Great Price that contains an excerpt of the autobiographical record of some of the early events in Joseph Smith's life. (For example, you may want to ask: How might the experience of courting and marrying Emma have helped Joseph in his preparation?). Elder Marvin J. Ashton said: “Joseph Smith placed commitment ahead of life itself. Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65. Before reading Joseph Smith—History 1:5–20, have students list the events that they can remember from the story of the First Vision, in the order the events occurred. Listen and follow along as I read the D&C aloud one section at a time. Joseph Comes to Know God. Like many of Smith's publications, it was dictated to a scribe. Trials and Persecutions. Joseph Smith—History 1:1-26: “I Saw a Pillar of Light” (January 4-10) In the spring of 1820, a 14-year-old boy named Joseph Smith prayed to know which church he should join. Ask students why the information in Joseph Smith—History 1:3–4 is important and helpful to know. Let your unique identity shape each decision you make on the path toward your eternal destiny” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1990, 97; or Ensign, Nov. 1990, 75). The Prophet was commanded to translate the small plates to replace the 116 lost pages (see D&C 10:43–45)” (in Church History in the Fulness of Times, 59). Discuss possible reasons why the Lord would want Joseph to keep a record. Did you know that the story of the First Vision is the second greatest story ever told? Help students understand the difference between receiving the influence of the Holy Ghost and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost (see also Bible Dictionary, “Holy Ghost”). 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). 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). How can the policeman learn the truth? Have students read Doctrine and Covenants 21:1 and find what the Prophet Joseph Smith was commanded to do. Ask: Why is the combination of our righteous choices and the power of God always greater than the power of Satan? 0:53 Episode 3 available NOW! Join us for Episode 3: “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers” Our guest is Dr. Michael MacKay. 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. List and discuss what we learn about the Aaronic Priesthood in Joseph Smith—History 1:68–72. Ask students if Joseph and Oliver were members of the Church yet. He prepared it in 1838, and it was published in the Church publication Times and Seasons in Nauvoo, Illinois. tells of the Prophet’s experiences from his early years through May 1829. Have students search Joseph Smith—History 1:22–23, 27 for who else eventually heard about Joseph’s vision, and how. (They were not, because the Church was not yet organized.) 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). 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). Ask: What gospel principles did you learn from such experiences? 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. Invite students to mark the phrase “no one need suppose me guilty of any great or malignant sins” (Joseph Smith—History 1:28). 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). (Ether 12:27),” KnoWhy 350 (August 9, 2017). 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. 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. That conviction motivates today as it has done from the beginning of this work. You could invite a class member to summarize it, or class members could tell the story to each other in pairs or small groups. Have students identify the four events. It is gathering Israel on both sides of the veil. Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc. (If any who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood do not raise their hands, ask them why they did not; and if any Melchizedek Priesthood holders do raise their hands, ask them why. Discuss how each event may have prepared Joseph to receive the plates and complete his life’s mission. According to these verses, what did these people do to Joseph? 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. Introduction “Awakenings and Revivals,” Church History Topics. Remind students that all those who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood also have authority to function in the Aaronic Priesthood.). 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. Satan uses ridicule, false doctrine, lies, and prejudice to persecute the humble followers of God (see Joseph Smith—History 1:21–25; see also Isaiah 32:6–7; 1 Timothy 4:1–2; 3 Nephi 1:6, 22; D&C 109:29–30). (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.) I Was Ordained to This Very Calling. Now imagine that a witness steps forward and establishes the truthfulness of your description of the accident. A verse-by-verse study of Joseph Smith-History 1:1-26, the 1838 account of Joseph Smith's First Vision. It is part of the canonized standard works of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Discuss the character traits required to remain faithful to God in the face of opposition. 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). 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). He also quoted many Biblical passages, telling Joseph that all of these prophecies were about to be fulfilled (Joseph Smith—History 1:27-49). Review with students Joseph Smith—History 1:36–41. Why do people sometimes give in to temptation? Ask students what they would say if somebody asked them why there are so many different churches. Satan is a real being with power. While the 1832 account emphasizes the more personal story of Joseph as a young man seeking forgiveness, the Pearl of Great Price account focuses on the vision as the beginning of … Point out what a great blessing it is to be able to describe one’s life in this way. Next, have students read Joseph Smith—History 1:1–2 and tell Joseph’s reasons for writing this history. Book of Mormon Central, “How Does Grace Help Us Overcome Weakness? Show students pictures of temples that have a statue of the angel Moroni on top, and invite them to tell what they know about Moroni’s mortal and postmortal life. He was a truthful boy. Have students search Joseph Smith—History 1:30–54 and list what Moroni did to teach Joseph. Invite students to imagine that they have been assigned to teach someone to do a task that is difficult and complex, such as building a house or performing surgery. 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). Invite students who would like to share what they thought and felt when they first heard about the First Vision to do so. Read Joseph Smith—History 1:42, 46 and share this quotation from Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “When the young prophet first went to Cumorah, in 1823, the angel refused to give him the plates containing the Book of Mormon, saying it was not yet time (Joseph Smith—History 1:53). He is an Associate Professor at Brigham Young University in the Department of Church … … In our present day there are many who are sowing seeds of dissension and discord. Historical background and the earliest manuscript of each revelation, as published in The Joseph Smith Papers. His … Discuss guidelines students should follow in sharing their spiritual experiences with others. By 1817, Smith's family had moved to the "burned-over district" Joseph Smith—History 1:33–35. …. Joseph Smith History (1832) ... Joseph Smith recorded that God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him in a grove of trees near his parents’ home in western New York State when he was about 14 years old. President Russell M. Nelson said, “The Lord is gathering those who are willing … Moroni showed Joseph in vision where he could find the plates, buried in the ground in a hill near his home. 1), and then invite students to ponder how their lives have been influenced by this singular event. 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). Joseph Smith was an American religious leader and the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement whose current followers include members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Community of Christ, and other Latter Day Saint denominations. Then have students read Joseph Smith—History 1:68, 72 and list what they learn about this “messenger.” To learn more about John the Baptist and to help students understand why he was chosen to restore the Aaronic Priesthood, briefly review Luke 1:5–25, 57–66; 3:1–20 and Doctrine and Covenants 84:26–28(see also Bible Dictionary, “John the Baptist”). (see 2 Nephi 28:30; Alma 12:9). Joseph Smith—History 1:25. The First Vision. Moreover, his world, his tradition both in his family and for the time, was not one of making a recorded history,” Elder McKay said. 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 … Invite students to tell what impresses them most in Oliver’s account, and why. Tell students that in Joseph Smith—History 1:55–58 Joseph tells us about four major events in his life. An important part of Joseph Smith’s preparation to do the work of the Lord was meeting and marrying Emma Hale (see Joseph Smith—History 1:55–58; see also 1 Corinthians 11:11; Ephesians 5:31; D&C 42:22; 131:1–2). He never wrote about his 7-year-old … Ask students if they would have liked being in Joseph Smith’s family, and why. What promise did Moroni give Joseph? “It is that kind of certitude that has moved this Church forward in the face of persecution, ridicule, sacrifice of fortune, the leaving of loved ones to travel to distant lands to carry the gospel message. Ask students to give examples of areas of their lives that require proper “timing.” (Answers might include dating, missions, marriage, and so forth.) Like many of Smith's publications, it was dictated to a scribe. Invite students to tell about times they have told the story of the First Vision to people who are not members of the Church. BYU Studies Quarterly 59, no. 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