The establishment of the Church, while joyous, did not result in peace. Persecutions have always been the world’s reaction to gospel truths. Yet even when troubles arose, the Lord comforted His saints with peace: “Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but… I am with thee” (D&C 24:8). Through their trials, the saints grew their faith in Jesus Christ.
“Seek for Things of a Better World” Read More »
Imagine what it must have been like to witness the first sacrament meeting in the latter days. Conducted by the Prophet Joseph, the early saints met to pray, sing, partake of the sacrament, and officially organize themselves as The Church of Jesus Christ. It was a day literally centuries in the making.
“The Rise of the Church of Christ” Read More »
The Doctrine and Covenants are filled with wisdom and guidance, and Section 19 teaches us to trust Christ to find peace. This week’s Come Follow Me FHE lesson includes scripture study, hands-on activities, and engaging ways to bring the light of Christ into your home. Strengthen your family’s faith with fun, meaningful activities for kids, toddlers, and teens.
“I am a Child of God, and He has sent me here.” While we know this to be the opening line to a Primary song, the doctrine taught in this sentence was a key part of the Restoration of the gospel. This divine truth was made clear even before the Church was organized when, in 1829, the Lord told the prophet Joseph to “Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (D&C 18:10).
The Worth of Souls Is Great Read More »
As the Book of Mormon was being translated, there must have been so much new information that Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery read from the gold plates: prayer, baptism, and the atonement of Christ to name just a few. Nephi’s direction that all must “take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism” (2 Nephi 31:13) might have prompted questions on whether or not they should be baptized.
Upon You My Fellow Servants Read More »
The Lord is fully aware of our efforts to serve Him and bring about much good in the world. However, that doesn’t mean everything will be easy. As we do our best to raise children in righteousness, carry out our callings, and love our neighbors as ourselves, we can be encouraged by the Lord’s wisdom to “not run faster or labor more than you have strength” (D&C 10:4).
That You May Come Off Conqueror Read More »
We sometimes think the best way to do something is to do it ourselves. The Lord, however, wants us to work with Him in accomplishing His “great and marvelous work” (D&C 6:1). To do so, we must be humble and seek revelation to learn how we can be a part of His plan to invite all people to come unto Him.
This Is the Spirit of Revelation Read More »
As the momentum of the Restoration began, many were “called to the work” (D&C 4:3). Among those were Joseph Smith, Sr., the prophet’s father, who had also searched for religious truth for most of his life. Eventually, much of the Smith family would be instrumental as God’s servants helping spread the gospel to the world.
My Work Shall Go Forth Read More »
In the few years since the visitation of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith had wondered what God would want him to do with his life. Again, in humble prayer, Joseph plead for guidance, “that I might know of my state and standing before him” (Joseph Smith—History 1:29). Again, his prayer was answered.
The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn to Their Fathers Read More »
As a teenager, Joseph Smith had pondered for many days about God and heaven. He had never prayed out loud in his life, but when he chose to open his heart to the Lord, the answer he received changed the world.
I Saw a Pillar of Light Read More »