It had been three years since God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith, but he hadn’t received any additional revelations. He began to wonder whether the Lord was displeased with him. Like all of us, Joseph had made mistakes, and he felt condemned by them. In this week’s Come, Follow Me study of Joseph Smith History 1:27–65, we feel the relief that God is still there and has a work for all of us to do.
Segment 1
Scriptures:
JSH 1:28 (God calls imperfect people)
Segment 2
Scriptures:
JSH 1:28-29 (Who is Joseph Smith)
Moroni 7:44 (Confess before God)
Words of the General Authorities:
We must remember that whatever our best-but-imperfect offering is, the Savior can make it perfect. No matter how insignificant our efforts may seem, we must never underestimate the Savior’s power. (Vern P. Stanfill, “The Imperfect Harvest”, April 2023 General Conference)
Some of us question whether Heavenly Father can use us to make important contributions. But remember, He has always used ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. (John C. Pingree Jr., “I Have a Work for Thee”, October 2017 General Conference)
Segment 3
Scriptures:
JSH 1:30-33 (Angel Moroni visits the prophet)
Words of the General Authorities:
The Lord has more in mind for you than you have in mind for yourself! You have been reserved and preserved for this time and place. (Russell M. Nelson, “The Lord Uses the Unlikely to Accomplish the Impossible”, BYU-Idaho Devotional January 27, 2015)
The Lord needs you to change the world. As you accept and follow His will for you, you will find yourself accomplishing the impossible! (Russell M. Nelson, Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do (2015), 147)
Quotes:
Here is your final lesson - do not commit the crime for which you now serve the sentence. God said, Vengeance is mine. Edmond Dantes: I don't believe in God. Abbe Faria: It doesn't matter. He believes in you. (Alexandre Dumas, Count of Monte Cristo)
Segment 4
Scriptures:
JSH 1:34 (Introduction to the Book of Mormon)
Words of the General Authorities:
The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and the great tool of conversion in the latter days. Our purpose in sharing the gospel is to invite all to come unto Jesus Christ, receive the blessings of the restored gospel, and endure to the end through faith in the Savior. Helping individuals to experience the mighty change of heart and bind themselves to the Lord through sacred covenants and ordinances are the fundamental objectives of preaching the gospel.
Moroni’s introduction of the Book of Mormon to Joseph Smith initiated the work of salvation and exaltation for individuals on this side of the veil in the dispensation of the fulness of times. (David A. Bednar, “With the Power of God in Great Glory”, October 2021 General Conference)
Segment 5
Scriptures:
JSH 1:37-39 (Turn the hearts of the fathers)
D&C 2 (Promise of Elijah)
Malachi 3 (Elijah prepares the way)
Segment 6
Scriptures:
JSH 1:46 (Moroni gives a caution)
Alma 5:14-31 (Self check up)
3 Nephi 11:40 (Nothing more or less than this)
Mormon 8:14 (The word is of great worth)
John 21:15-17 (Feed my sheep)
View transcript here.