In his youth, how did scripture study help the Prophet Joseph Smith?
Led him to pray to God (which church to join).
All:
What are two things we learned from the First Vision?
*God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghostare separate
*Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have physical bodies.
*God speaks to us in our day.
*God’s church, in its fullness, was no longer on the earth
*We can receive answers to our prayers (heaven is open to all)
*Angels are real
*God calls Prophets, seers, and revelatory to instruct, guide, warn, and lead us.
How long had Joseph gone back to normal life before praying again and having his "second vision"?
3 years
What did Martin Harris lose?
The 116 pages that had been translated from the gold plates.
What is a patriarchal blessing?
inspired blessing from Heavenly Father given by an ordained patriarch, usually from within your stake.
personal, revelatory message just for you.
Give you counsel, warnings, advice, and promises to help guide your life.
True or False:
Joseph was a natural at being a prophet because he didn't struggle with normal teenage temptations
False (JSH 1: 27-29)
What are the seven words that changed the whole world?
This is my beloved son, hear Him
Who appeared to Joseph Smith as he prayed in his bedroom?
The angel Moroni.
Why were the gold plates taken away from Joseph Smith for a time?
He feared man more than God. He lent the 116 pages already translated to Martin Harris, and they were lost.
When can you get your patriarchal blessing?
Anytime
When you feel prompted too
Joseph thought he faced opposition and persecution because he was destined to prove a ______ and a _____ of the adversary's kingdom"
disturber, annoyer (JSH 1:20)
JSH 1:15-20
Joseph Smith “saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description.”
ALL:
D&C 2
1 Behold, I will reveal unto you the __________, by the hand of ________ the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord
Priesthood, Elijah
ALL: fill in the blank
Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your ______, ______, ______ and ________, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day. (D&C 4:2)
Heart
Might
Mind
Strength
ALL:
Make a goal for studying or receiving your blessing
How to study more
When to receive it
How will you prepare?
Joseph drew strength from the scriptures by comparing himself to which ancient apostle?
Paul (JSH 1: 24)
What was Joseph initially concerned about and praying for before the First Vision?
his sins
repentance
forgiveness
*lacking knowledge
*which church was true
D&C 2 came from Moroni quoting which ancient prophet during his visit to Joseph?
Bonus: which versus in JSH explain this? which versus in the Old Testament?
Malachi
Bonus: JSH 1:36-39, Malachi 4:1, 5-6
*also quoted Malachi 3
As we serve with Christlike attributes, we will stand blameless before God and bring ____________ to our souls.
A. Peace B. Joy C. Salvation D. Healing
C. Salvation
Why is your lineage a key part of your patriarchal blessing?
It's a linkage to your your past
and a map to future potential
Eternal family
How you will be blessed and how you will bless others
part of the cruise ship crew
ALL:
Write at least 5 things that you have learned about the Prophet Joseph Smith in the past few weeks of seminary
Lots of possible answers, such as:
Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in the First Vision, translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God, received revelations from the Lord included in the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord restored the priesthood, the Church, and covenants and ordinances through Joseph Smith.
ALL:
Truth: We can follow the example of Joseph Smith to learn the truth of God for ourselves. What did Joseph do to learn the truth (name at least three things he did).
*desired to follow Jesus
*Attended church meetings
*studied the Bible
*pondered/reflected
*talked with his parents and religious leaders
*prayed
What are the promises made to the fathers that will be planted in the hearts of the children?
Abrahamic covenant
New and everlasting covenant
Sealing families together
Gathering Israel
Melchizedek priesthood
ALL: Name 3 Christlike attributes mentioned in D&C 4:5-6?
Faith, hope, charity, love, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, humility, and diligence.
How are the words in your blessing similar to the words on the Liahona used by Nephi's family in 1 Nephi 16:28-29
the words and revelations can take on many different meanings in different parts of life
words can seem to change based on life circumstances