If you don’t know the name of Joseph Smith, he was the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the first prophet of this dispensation. I’m planning on giving you several installments on the life of Joseph Smith. Here is the boy Joseph Smith.
Early Years of the Boy Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith Jr. was born December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont to Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith.
Joseph Sr. and Lucy had several children named Alvin, Hyrum, Sophronia, Joseph Jr., Samuel Harrison, William, Catherine, Don Carlos, and Lucy. They also had two children who died as infants, an unnamed child, and Ephraim.
Little is known about Joseph Smith’s early years. His mother Lucy said, “nothing occurred during his early life except those trivial circumstances which are common to that state of human existence.” (History of Joseph Smith by His Mother).
A Major Illness
However, Lucy does share one significant event that occurred while the family was living in Lebanon, New Hampshire. At age 7, young Joseph contracted typhus fever which is characterized by high fever, headaches, and a dark red rash. Initially, the doctor thought it was a sprain, but after two weeks of intense pain, the doctor reexamined Joseph and found a large fever sore had formed on his chest. The doctor lanced the sore and an entire quart of fluid came out.
Unfortunately, this was not the end of Joseph’s ordeal. Joseph’s leg soon began to swell and for the next three weeks, he suffered excruciating pain. During this time, Joseph’s brother Hyrum showed compassion for his brother by sitting beside Joseph day and night, applying pressure to the leg to help alleviate the horrific pain.
The surgeon was called for again and he made an eight-inch incision on the front of the leg, between the knee and ankle. This provided significant relief for a time, but the pain returned with a vengeance.
The surgeon was once again summoned and the same procedure was followed, enlarging the wound and deepening it to the bone. Unfortunately, the success of the procedure was short-lived. As soon as the incision began to heal, the swelling and pain would return. The complications from typhus fever led to an infection that we would today call, osteomyelitis.
When the swelling returned yet again, the family determined to seek further medical help. This time, a council of surgeons convened and, after careful consultation, determined that amputation was the only route to follow for success.
Joseph’s mother pleaded with the surgeons, asking, “Gentlemen, what can you do to save my boy’s leg?” Their answer was grim: “We can do nothing; we have cut it open to the bone and find it so affected that we consider his leg incurable and that amputation is absolutely necessary in order to save his life.”
Elder Neal A. Maxwell provides further insight into the surgeon who ultimately attended the boy Joseph Smith. “The medical doctor in final attendance, it turns out, was Dr. Nathan Smith, founder of the Dartmouth Medical School. He brought two doctors and several medical students with him to attend to young Joseph, who resisted amputation and pain-deadening alcohol. It turns out that Dr. Nathan Smith was highly qualified, and he was using a very advanced technique. Thus ‘the only man in America who could save [Joseph’s] leg was just five miles away’. Happily, for young Joseph, Dr. Smith’s plans to leave the area had been delayed by a typhoid epidemic.” (“Discipleship and Scholarship,” BYU Studies 32, no. 3)
The surgeon wanted to tie young Joseph down to prevent him from moving and offered him some liquor to dull his senses and reduce the pain. However, Joseph refused both. Instead, he proposed that his father, Joseph Sr., sit on the bed and hold him in his arms. Joseph also requested that his mother leave the room. With remarkable faith for his young age, Joseph said, “The Lord will help me, and I shall get through with it.”
The surgery was excruciatingly painful. The surgeons drilled into the bone in a couple of places and then broke away large pieces of it. Upon the removal of the first piece, Joseph screamed out so loudly that Lucy, who had gone several hundred yards away from the house, came running back. Despite his agony, Joseph sent his mother away again.
When the third piece of bone was removed, Joseph’s mother returned and described the scene:
“The wound tore open, the blood was still gushing from it, and the bed literally covered with blood. Joseph was pale as a corpse, and large drops of sweat were rolling down his face, whilst upon every feature was depicted the utmost agony!”
Once again, Lucy was forced from the room.
Despite the horrific ordeal, the operation was a success, and the boy Joseph Smith’s leg soon healed.
Thank you for reading Get to Know Joseph Smith Part 1: The Boy Joseph Smith
Although I’ve briefly written about the name of the Mormon church before, I want to revisit the topic in light of a recent announcement given by our living prophet, President Russell M. Nelson.
Different Names For Mormons
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are often referred to by various names, such as Mormons, Latter-day Saints, or simply LDS. I have a friend who, while serving a mission, met a woman who identified as a member of “the church at the crossroads of the West.” She had come to this conclusion because she regularly watched the Sunday musical broadcast of the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, which closes with that phrase.
Personally, I have often identified as a Mormon or LDS because these names are short and easy to say. However, the official name of the church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
This week, our prophet and president of the church reaffirmed that we should set aside these other names and use the official name given by the Lord. Acceptable alternatives include “the Church,” “The Church of Jesus Christ,” or “The Restored Church of Jesus Christ.”
This is not a new directive. I recall our former prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, making a similar statement years ago. Using the correct name is important because we are not members of Mormon’s church—Mormon was the ancient prophet who compiled the Book of Mormon.
Jesus Christ Himself addressed this very issue during His resurrected visit to the people of the American continent.
3 And they said unto him: Lord, we will that thou wouldst tell us the name whereby we shall call this church; for there are disputations among the people concerning this matter.
4 And the Lord said unto them: Verily, verily, I say unto you, why is it that the people should murmur and dispute because of this thing?
5 Have they not read the scriptures, which say ye must take upon you the name of Christ, which is my name? For by this name shall ye be called at the last day;
6 And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day.
7 Therefore, whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake.
8 And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses’ name then it be Moses’ church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel.
9 Verily I say unto you, that ye are built upon my gospel; therefore ye shall call whatsoever things ye do call, in my name; therefore if ye call upon the Father, for the church, if it be in my name the Father will hear you;
10 And if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel then will the Father show forth his own works in it.
11 But if it be not built upon my gospel, and is built upon the works of men, or upon the works of the devil, verily I say unto you they have joy in their works for a season, and by and by the end cometh, and they are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence there is no return.
It is important that we use the proper name of the church. I’ve met people who didn’t realize that “Mormons” and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints refer to the same faith.
This confusion can lead to misunderstandings, and in some cases, people might assume entirely separate churches exist simply due to a lack of full information.
That being said, the church will continue to use the term “Mormon” in historical contexts, such as the Mormon Trail.
Another key point emphasized is that we are not associated with polygamous groups that us the name “Mormon.” While polygamy was once part of the church’s history, it was discontinued long ago. Those who continue to practice it today belong to splinter groups.
There has been significant media coverage about the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS), particularly regarding their illegal practices, such as marrying minors. It is important to clarify that we have no connection to them.
Update:
President Russell M. Nelson recently addressed this topic in General Conference emphasizing the importance of using the correct name of the church. You can check out his talk here!
Image credit: LDS Church <— See that? I used the old terminology. They may not want me to use the old terminology, but I’m glad they’re happy about letting me use the image. Thank you, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.. <— Problem is resolved.
Twenty years ago, I served as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As missionaries, we taught people about the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. In short, this book is an additional record of the people of the American continent and their relationship with God. We would share copies with people and highlight specific sections to help them understand its message and significance.
These passages provide insight into the origins of the Book of Mormon and the testimonies of those who witnessed its coming forth. To make it easier, I’ve included the full text here, so you don’t have to follow multiple links.
Introduction of the Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God’s dealings with ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains the fulness of the everlasting gospel.
The book was written by many ancient prophets by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. Their words, written on gold plates, were quoted and abridged by a prophet-historian named Mormon. The record gives an account of two great civilizations. One came from Jerusalem in 600 B.C. and afterward separated into two nations, known as the Nephites and the Lamanites. The other came much earlier when the Lord confounded the tongues at the Tower of Babel. This group is known as the Jaredites. After thousands of years, all were destroyed except the Lamanites, and they are among the ancestors of the American Indians.
The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after His resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.
After Mormon completed his writings, he delivered the account to his son Moroni, who added a few words of his own and hid up the plates in the Hill Cumorah. On September 21, 1823, the same Moroni, then a glorified, resurrected being, appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith and instructed him relative to the ancient record and its destined translation into the English language.
In due course the plates were delivered to Joseph Smith, who translated them by the gift and power of God. The record is now published in many languages as a new and additional witness that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that all who will come unto Him and obey the laws and ordinances of His gospel may be saved.
Concerning this record the Prophet Joseph Smith said: “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book.”
In addition to Joseph Smith, the Lord provided for eleven others to see the gold plates for themselves and to be special witnesses of the truth and divinity of the Book of Mormon. Their written testimonies are included herewith as “The Testimony of Three Witnesses” and “The Testimony of Eight Witnesses.”
We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10:3–5.)
Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is His revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the Second Coming of the Messiah.
The Testimony of Three Witnesses
Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come: That we, through the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this record, which is a record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites, their brethren, and also of the people of Jared, who came from the tower of which hath been spoken. And we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true. And we also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates; and they have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man. And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these things are true. And it is marvelous in our eyes. Nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these things. And we know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgment-seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And the honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen.
Oliver Cowdery
David Whitmer
Martin Harris
The Testimony of Eight Witnesses
Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come: That Joseph Smith, Jun., the translator of this work, has shown unto us the plates of which hath been spoken, which have the appearance of gold; and as many of the leaves as the said Smith has translated we did handle with our hands; and we also saw the engravings thereon, all of which has the appearance of ancient work, and of curious workmanship. And this we bear record with words of soberness, that the said Smith has shown unto us, for we have seen and hefted, and know of a surety that the said Smith has got the plates of which we have spoken. And we give our names unto the world, to witness unto the world that which we have seen. And we lie not, God bearing witness of it.
Christian Whitmer
Jacob Whitmer
Peter Whitmer, Jun.
John Whitmer
Hiram Page
Joseph Smith, Sen.
Hyrum Smith
Samuel H. Smith
The Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith
The Prophet Joseph Smith’s own words about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon are:
“On the evening of the … twenty-first of September [1823] … I betook myself to prayer and supplication to Almighty God. …
“While I was thus in the act of calling upon God, I discovered a light appearing in my room, which continued to increase until the room was lighter than at noonday, when immediately a personage appeared at my bedside, standing in the air, for his feet did not touch the floor.
“He had on a loose robe of most exquisite whiteness. It was a whiteness beyond anything earthly I had ever seen; nor do I believe that any earthly thing could be made to appear so exceedingly white and brilliant. His hands were naked, and his arms also, a little above the wrist; so, also, were his feet naked, as were his legs, a little above the ankles. His head and neck were also bare. I could discover that he had no other clothing on but this robe, as it was open, so that I could see into his bosom.
“Not only was his robe exceedingly white, but his whole person was glorious beyond description, and his countenance truly like lightning. The room was exceedingly light, but not so very bright as immediately around his person. When I first looked upon him, I was afraid; but the fear soon left me.
“He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people.
“He said there was a book deposited, written upon gold plates, giving an account of the former inhabitants of this continent, and the source from whence they sprang. He also said that the fulness of the everlasting Gospel was contained in it, as delivered by the Savior to the ancient inhabitants;
“Also, that there were two stones in silver bows—and these stones, fastened to a breastplate, constituted what is called the Urim and Thummim—deposited with the plates; and the possession and use of these stones were what constituted ‘seers’ in ancient or former times; and that God had prepared them for the purpose of translating the book. …
“Again, he told me, that when I got those plates of which he had spoken—for the time that they should be obtained was not yet fulfilled—I should not show them to any person; neither the breastplate with the Urim and Thummim; only to those to whom I should be commanded to show them; if I did I should be destroyed. While he was conversing with me about the plates, the vision was opened to my mind that I could see the place where the plates were deposited, and that so clearly and distinctly that I knew the place again when I visited it.
“After this communication, I saw the light in the room begin to gather immediately around the person of him who had been speaking to me, and it continued to do so until the room was again left dark, except just around him; when, instantly I saw, as it were, a conduit open right up into heaven, and he ascended till he entirely disappeared, and the room was left as it had been before this heavenly light had made its appearance.
“I lay musing on the singularity of the scene, and marveling greatly at what had been told to me by this extraordinary messenger; when, in the midst of my meditation, I suddenly discovered that my room was again beginning to get lighted, and in an instant, as it were, the same heavenly messenger was again by my bedside.
“He commenced, and again related the very same things which he had done at his first visit, without the least variation; which having done, he informed me of great judgments which were coming upon the earth, with great desolations by famine, sword, and pestilence; and that these grievous judgments would come on the earth in this generation. Having related these things, he again ascended as he had done before.
“By this time, so deep were the impressions made on my mind, that sleep had fled from my eyes, and I lay overwhelmed in astonishment at what I had both seen and heard. But what was my surprise when again I beheld the same messenger at my bedside, and heard him rehearse or repeat over again to me the same things as before; and added a caution to me, telling me that Satan would try to tempt me (in consequence of the indigent circumstances of my father’s family), to get the plates for the purpose of getting rich. This he forbade me, saying that I must have no other object in view in getting the plates but to glorify God, and must not be influenced by any other motive than that of building his kingdom; otherwise I could not get them.
“After this third visit, he again ascended into heaven as before, and I was again left to ponder on the strangeness of what I had just experienced; when almost immediately after the heavenly messenger had ascended from me for the third time, the cock crowed, and I found that day was approaching, so that our interviews must have occupied the whole of that night.
“I shortly after arose from my bed, and, as usual, went to the necessary labors of the day; but, in attempting to work as at other times, I found my strength so exhausted as to render me entirely unable. My father, who was laboring along with me, discovered something to be wrong with me, and told me to go home. I started with the intention of going to the house; but, in attempting to cross the fence out of the field where we were, my strength entirely failed me, and I fell helpless on the ground, and for a time was quite unconscious of anything.
“The first thing that I can recollect was a voice speaking unto me, calling me by name. I looked up, and beheld the same messenger standing over my head, surrounded by light as before. He then again related unto me all that he had related to me the previous night, and commanded me to go to my father and tell him of the vision and commandments which I had received.
“I obeyed; I returned to my father in the field, and rehearsed the whole matter to him. He replied to me that it was of God, and told me to go and do as commanded by the messenger. I left the field, and went to the place where the messenger had told me the plates were deposited; and owing to the distinctness of the vision which I had had concerning it, I knew the place the instant that I arrived there.
“Convenient to the village of Manchester, Ontario county, New York, stands a hill of considerable size, and the most elevated of any in the neighborhood. On the west side of this hill, not far from the top, under a stone of considerable size, lay the plates, deposited in a stone box. This stone was thick and rounding in the middle on the upper side, and thinner towards the edges, so that the middle part of it was visible above the ground, but the edge all around was covered with earth.
“Having removed the earth, I obtained a lever, which I got fixed under the edge of the stone, and with a little exertion raised it up. I looked in, and there indeed did I behold the plates, the Urim and Thummim, and the breastplate, as stated by the messenger. The box in which they lay was formed by laying stones together in some kind of cement. In the bottom of the box were laid two stones crossways of the box, and on these stones lay the plates and the other things with them.
“I made an attempt to take them out, but was forbidden by the messenger, and was again informed that the time for bringing them forth had not yet arrived, neither would it, until four years from that time; but he told me that I should come to that place precisely in one year from that time, and that he would there meet with me, and that I should continue to do so until the time should come for obtaining the plates.
“Accordingly, as I had been commanded, I went at the end of each year, and at each time I found the same messenger there, and received instruction and intelligence from him at each of our interviews, respecting what the Lord was going to do, and how and in what manner his kingdom was to be conducted in the last days. …
“At length the time arrived for obtaining the plates, the Urim and Thummim, and the breastplate. On the twenty-second day of September, one thousand eight hundred and twenty-seven, having gone as usual at the end of another year to the place where they were deposited, the same heavenly messenger delivered them up to me with this charge: that I should be responsible for them; that if I should let them go carelessly, or through any neglect of mine, I should be cut off; but that if I would use all my endeavors to preserve them, until he, the messenger, should call for them, they should be protected.
“I soon found out the reason why I had received such strict charges to keep them safe, and why it was that the messenger had said that when I had done what was required at my hand, he would call for them. For no sooner was it known that I had them, than the most strenuous exertions were used to get them from me. Every stratagem that could be invented was resorted to for that purpose. The persecution became more bitter and severe than before, and multitudes were on the alert continually to get them from me if possible. But by the wisdom of God, they remained safe in my hands, until I had accomplished by them what was required at my hand. When, according to arrangements, the messenger called for them, I delivered them up to him; and he has them in his charge until this day, being the second day of May, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight.”
For a more complete account, see Joseph Smith—History in the Pearl of Great Price.
The ancient record thus brought forth from the earth as the voice of a people speaking from the dust, and translated into modern speech by the gift and power of God as attested by Divine affirmation, was first published to the world in the year 1830 as The Book of Mormon.
The second section from the Book of Mormon we would share describes the visit of Jesus Christ to the Nephites—a group of people living on the American continent—shortly after His resurrection.
This account powerfully testifies of Christ as our Savoir. This is found in 3 Nephi Chapter 11. Found on page 427 of the Book of Mormon.
3 Nephi 11 – Book of Mormon
The Father testifies of His Beloved Son—Christ appears and proclaims His Atonement—The people feel the wound marks in His hands and feet and side—They cry Hosanna—He sets forth the mode and manner of baptism—The spirit of contention is of the devil—Christ’s doctrine is that men should believe and be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost. About A.D. 34.
1 And now it came to pass that there were a great multitude gathered together, of the people of Nephi, round about the temple which was in the land Bountiful; and they were marveling and wondering one with another, and were showing one to another the great and marvelous change which had taken place.
2 And they were also conversing about this Jesus Christ, of whom the sign had been given concerning his death.
3 And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn.
4 And it came to pass that again they heard the voice, and they understood it not.
5 And again the third time they did hear the voice, and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came.
6 And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard; and it said unto them:
7 Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him.
8 And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them.
9 And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying:
10 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.
11 And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.
12 And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words the whole multitude fell to the earth; for they remembered that it had been prophesied among them that Christ should show himself unto them after his ascension into heaven.
13 And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying:
14 Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole dearth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.
15 And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.
16 And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying:
17 Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him.
18 And it came to pass that he spake unto Nephi (for Nephi was among the multitude) and he commanded him that he should come forth.
19 And Nephi arose and went forth, and bowed himself before the Lord and did kiss his feet.
20 And the Lord commanded him that he should arise. And he arose and stood before him.
21 And the Lord said unto him: I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people when I am again ascended into heaven.
22 And again the Lord called others, and said unto them likewise; and he gave unto them power to baptize. And he said unto them: On this wise shall ye baptize; and there shall be no disputations among you.
23 Verily I say unto you, that whoso repenteth of his sins through your words, and desireth to be baptized in my name, on this wise shall ye baptize them—Behold, ye shall go down and stand in the water, and in my name shall ye baptize them.
24 And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying:
25 Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
26 And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water.
27 And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name; for behold, verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are bone; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one.
28 And according as I have commanded you thus shall ye baptize. And there shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been.
29 For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.
30 Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away.
31 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, I will declare unto you my adoctrine.
32 And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me.
33 And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God.
34 And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned.
35 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also; and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and with the Holy Ghost.
36 And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are bone.
37 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things.
38 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.
39 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them.
40 And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them.
41 Therefore, go forth unto this people, and declare the words which I have spoken, unto the ends of the earth.
The last section we share is Moroni 10:3-5, found at the end of the Book of Mormon. It was written by Moroni, the son of Mormon– the very Mormon for whom the Book of Mormon is named and from whom members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints received their nickname.
This passage contains a powerful promise: if we read the Book of Mormon and sincerely pray about it, we can receive a witness from the Spirit of God that the Book of Mormon is truly the word of God.
Found on page 529 of the Book of Mormon.
Moroni 10:3-5 – Book of Mormon
3 Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.
After reading these portions of the Book of Mormon, we, as missionaries didn’t expect you to be immediately converted to its truthfulness. Instead, we invited you to decide for yourself through prayer allowing God to reveal the truth to you.
That is the power of the Book of Mormon. You can pray to God and receive your own personal witness of the truthfulness of the message it contains.
I have come to know of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and the restoration of Christ’s Restored truth. I invite you to read more of the Book of Mormon and feel the love of God.
You can request a copy of the Book of Mormon and ask any questions you might have simply by clicking on the link on the right side of the page or the button here.
Portrait of Dallas Golden as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Image Credit: Dallas Golden for Cover image holding the Book of Mormon/ Walmart for portrait
Fasting shouldn’t be too foreign as it’s as old as the Old Testament. Moses fasted in Exodus 34:28 while he was on Mount Sinai,
“And he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.”
Jesus also fasted for forty days in the wilderness as recorded in Matthew 4:1-4.
1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred.
3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.
4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Fasting is not limited to Christianity. Many faiths embrace fasting such as the Muslim observance of Ramadan.
Even outside of religious contexts, fasting is common, whether for medical reasons, such as bloodwork, or for personal health benefits.
While there are many physiological advantages to fasting, my focus is on its spiritual power.
Fasting for the Lord
When fasting for spiritual purposes, one essential component is prayer. Without prayer, fasting is merely an exercise of self-restraint while casting longing looks at the fridge.
Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught in a talk “The Law of the Fast“,
“We must lift our hearts, our minds, and our voices in communion with our Heavenly Father. Fasting, coupled with mighty prayer, is powerful. It can fill our minds with the revelations of the Spirit. It can strengthen us against times of temptation.”
Through prayer becomes a way to draw closer to God, seek guidance, and gain spiritual strength.
Participating in Fast Sunday
Once a month, typically on the first Sunday, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are encouraged to participate in a fast. Those who are unable because of medical or other prohibitive reasons are naturally exempt. Fasting is personal and fully voluntary for each person.This is fully voluntary. Nobody is forcing participation.
Members are invited to forgo food and water for two consecutive meals and then donate the money they would have spent on those meals as a fast offering.
The amount given is left to individual discretion. The Church simply encourages members to give a “generous” fast offering. Whether it’s $500 for two meals from the fanciest restaurant in town or 20¢ for two packages of Raman Noodles. The principle is about sacrifice and charity.
One of my religion teaches once put it this way, “pay till it hurts”. It is all according to the heart of the person. The Lord will bless people according to his will. The fast offering is a private thing and is not an opportunity to parade how generous you can afford to be.
Fast offerings are used to help those in need through humanitarian efforts, providing food, shelter, assistance to the less fortunate. I found an article that is a little dated, but talks about the use of donations. You can read it here. What better way to practice being Christlike than by sacrificing for the sake of others?
Additionally, Church leadership may sometimes call for special fasts in times of need, asking members to unite in fasting and prayer for specific causes. There is great spiritual power in such collective acts of faith.
There are Great Blessings in Fasting
Last night my wife mentioned how often she would think about stopping by the fridge for a quick snack, only to remember she was fasting. I had to agree as I had thought a dozen times about that very thing.
It can be life-changing for those who are fasting to remember something the Lord has done for them or to list a blessing each time they are tempted to have food. Every hunger pang can serve as a reminder to turn to the Lord, to express gratitude, or to remember the blessings we’ve received.
It also deepens our awareness of those how go without food daily due to circumstance and not by choice. What a privilege it is to help provide a meal for someone in need, simply by being willing to give.
Fasting is more than an act of personal sacrifice; it is a reminder of our dependence on God, an opportunity to strengthen our faith, and a means of blessing others. When done with purpose and prayer, it becomes a powerful spiritual practice—one that brings both personal growth and divine blessings.
In celebration of Father’s Day, I want to share a heartfelt message for fathers from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. This video fills me with hope as a father of four wonderful children, who show me grace in my imperfections. They allow me the space to make mistakes while trusting that I will continue to improve for their sake.
Many people have a friend or acquaintance who are Mormons (more properly known as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). Others may have only heard about them.
Unfortunately, what they’ve heard isn’t always 100% true or even close to being true. No, Mormons do not have horns! I mean who really came up with that one? It doesn’t even make any physiological sense, yet somehow, it persists.
Whether you’re familiar with Mormons or not, the church has produced a film showcasing six of its members– none of whom, I assure you, have horns (they aren’t members of Barnum and Bailey). Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints come from all walks of life. They are everyday people such as teachers, doctors, neighbors, and friends. Some are even public figures, from athletes you cheer for to actors in your favorite movies and TV shows.
Some Notable Mormons
Names you might recognize are Mark Rober (Youtuber), Glenn Beck (TV personality), Ken Jennings (repeated Jeopardy winner), Wilford Brimley (actor), Donny and Marie along with the rest of the Osmond family performers (musicians), Don Bluth (film producer), Rudy Ruettiger (Notre Dame football player which the film “Rudy” is based upon. Converted later in life after his time at Notre Dame), Gladys Knight (musician), Imagine Dragons (musician), Jared Hess (film producer), Jon Heder (actor), Kirby Heyborne (actor), Brandon Mull (author), Brandon Sanderson (author), Orson Scott Card (author), Philo T. Farnsworth (inventor of the TV), Mitt Romney (politician), Steve Young (athlete), Lindsey Sterling (musician), GENTRI (musician), and Stephen R. Covey (author and leadership coach). That’s just a short list of people who come to mind that are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Oh I forgot to include myself! I shared my conversion story here.
Have I peaked your interest? Watch the Meet the Mormons to learn about others.
I just found a website that indexes well-known members of the church Famousmormons.net
Anyway, check out the Meet the Mormons movie below.
I wanted to follow up on a scripture reference I shared from the Book of Mormon in a previous post, reinforcing the truth that there is a God.
Around 74 B.C., on the American continent, a prophet named Alma was confronted by a man named Korihor, who openly denied the existence of God.
Korihor traveled from place to place, attempting to turn people against Christianity. He told them that their faith was “the effect of a frenzied mind; and this derangement of your minds comes because of the traditions of your fathers, which lead you away into a belief of things which are not so.” he further argued, “ye cannot know of things which ye do not see.”
What follows is a major smackdown delivered by our man of God Alma to Korihor. Exposing the flaws in Korihor’s arguments.
The church has produced a wonderful video depicting this event, so I’ll let the story speak for itself.
Alma 30 – All Things Denote There is a God
37 And then Alma said unto him: Believest thou that there is a God?
38 And he answered, Nay.
39 Now Alma said unto him: Will ye deny again that there is a God, and also deny the Christ? For behold, I say unto you, I know there is a God, and also that Christ shall come.
40 And now what evidence have ye that there is no God, or that Christ cometh not? I say unto you that ye have none, save it be your word only.
41 But, behold, I have all things as a testimony that these things are true; and ye also have all things as a testimony unto you that they are true; and will ye deny them? Believest thou that these things are true?
42 Behold, I know that thou believest, but thou art possessed with a lying spirit, and ye have put off the Spirit of God that it may have no place in you; but the devil has power over you, and he doth carry you about, working devices that he may destroy the children of God.
43 And now Korihor said unto Alma: If thou wilt show me a sign, that I may be convinced that there is a God, yea, show unto me that he hath power, and then will I be convinced of the truth of thy words.
44 But Alma said unto him: Thou hast had signs enough; will ye tempt your God? Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when ye have the testimony of all these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets? The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator.
45 And yet do ye go about, leading away the hearts of this people, testifying unto them there is no God? And yet will ye deny against all these witnesses? And he said: Yea, I will deny, except ye shall show me a sign.
46 And now it came to pass that Alma said unto him: Behold, I am grieved because of the hardness of your heart, yea, that ye will still resist the spirit of the truth, that thy soul may be destroyed.
47 But behold, it is better that thy soul should be lost than that thou shouldst be the means of bringing many souls down to destruction, by thy lying and by thy flattering words; therefore if thou shalt deny again, behold God shall smite thee, that thou shalt become dumb, that thou shalt never open thy mouth any more, that thou shalt not deceive this people any more.
48 Now Korihor said unto him: I do not deny the existence of a God, but I do not believe that there is a God; and I say also, that ye do not know that there is a God; and except ye show me a sign, I will not believe.
49 Now Alma said unto him: This will I give unto thee for a sign, that thou shalt be struck dumb, according to my words; and I say, that in the name of God, ye shall be struck dumb, that ye shall no more have utterance.
50 Now when Alma had said these words, Korihor was struck dumb, that he could not have utterance, according to the words of Alma.
51 And now when the chief judge saw this, he put forth his hand and wrote unto Korihor, saying: Art thou convinced of the power of God? In whom did ye desire that Alma should show forth his sign? Would ye that he should afflict others, to show unto thee a sign? Behold, he has showed unto you a sign; and now will ye dispute more?
52 And Korihor put forth his hand and wrote, saying: I know that I am dumb, for I cannot speak; and I know that nothing save it were the power of God could bring this upon me; yea, and I always knew that there was a God.
53 But behold, the devil hath deceived me; for he appeared unto me in the form of an angel, and said unto me: Go and reclaim this people, for they have all gone astray after an unknown God. And he said unto me: There is no God; yea, and he taught me that which I should say. And I have taught his words; and I taught them because they were pleasing unto the carnal mind; and I taught them, even until I had much success, insomuch that I verily believed that they were true; and for this cause I withstood the truth, even until I have brought this great curse upon me.
54 Now when he had said this, he besought that Alma should pray unto God, that the curse might be taken from him.
55 But Alma said unto him: If this curse should be taken from thee thou wouldst again lead away the hearts of this people; therefore, it shall be unto thee even as the Lord will.
56 And it came to pass that the curse was not taken off of Korihor; but he was cast out, and went about from house to house begging for his food.
Image credit: still from the film – the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
