Preparation
What was Joseph Smith’s age when he first began to be seriously concerned about religion and his soul’s salvation?
What is 12?
Which book, named after an English King, did Joseph Smith turn to in his search for answers about religion?
What is James?
What type of opposition did Joseph Smith experience as he began to pray in the grove?
Joseph Smith was overcome by a thick darkness, which filled him with fear and made it difficult for him to speak.
Who appeared to Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove, and what was the first thing they told him?
God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith. The first thing they told him was to listen to the Son, Jesus Christ.
What question weighed most heavily on Joseph Smith’s mind during the religious revivals in his area?
What is which church was true and which one he should join.
What specific scripture from the Bible influenced Joseph Smith’s decision to pray for guidance?
What is James 1:5?
How did Joseph Smith describe the power that opposed him during his prayer, and what did he do to overcome it?
Joseph Smith described the power as a force that entirely overcame him and bound his tongue so he could not speak. He exerted all his effort to call upon God, and at that moment, he was delivered by a heavenly light.
What specific answer did Joseph Smith receive regarding which church he should join?
Joseph Smith was told not to join any of the churches, as they were all wrong and their creeds were an abomination in God’s sight.
What actions did Joseph Smith take to try to resolve his confusion about religion before praying?
Joseph Smith attended religious meetings of different denominations, listened to preachers, studied the Bible, and pondered deeply on the subject of religion.
How did Joseph Smith describe his reaction to James 1:5, and what role did scripture study play in his preparation?
What is the feeling of entering his heart with “great force,” and he saw it as a direct instruction from God for his situation. This scripture study gave him the confidence and direction to act in faith by praying.
After Joseph Smith shared his vision, what kind of opposition did he face from others in his community?
Joseph Smith faced significant opposition from many religious leaders and others in his community who mocked him and dismissed his account as false, claiming such visions were impossible in their day.
How did Joseph Smith respond emotionally and spiritually to the answer he received during the vision?
Joseph Smith accepted the answer humbly and with a sense of purpose. Although he did not fully understand its implications at the time, he was committed to following the guidance he had received.
In Joseph Smith’s account, how did his decision to act on James 1:5 demonstrate careful preparation and thought?
Joseph Smith recognized that the scripture in James 1:5 directly applied to his situation. He carefully pondered its meaning, believed in its promise, and made a deliberate choice to approach God in prayer as the solution to his uncertainty.
How did Joseph Smith’s method of studying the Bible reflect his earnestness in seeking truth?
Joseph Smith studied the Bible with deep reflection and personal application, searching not only for general knowledge but for specific guidance regarding his spiritual concerns. His thoughtful approach demonstrated his sincere desire to understand God’s will.
How did Joseph Smith’s perseverance in the face of spiritual and social opposition reflect his preparation to fulfill his divine calling?
Joseph Smith’s perseverance demonstrated his faith and determination. Despite mockery, rejection, and even hostility, he stood firm in his testimony of what he experienced, showing his unwavering commitment to God’s guidance.
How did Joseph Smith’s willingness to accept the answer he received in the Sacred Grove demonstrate his readiness for further revelation?
Joseph Smith’s willingness to accept and act on the answer, even though it went against the popular beliefs of his day, showed his faith in God and his readiness to receive and fulfill greater responsibilities in the future.
How did Joseph Smith’s pondering about the nature of God and the sincerity of his question show his readiness to receive an answer?
His sincere desire to act in accordance with the answer he sought and his faith in God’s willingness to provide guidance demonstrated his readiness to receive divine direction.
In what way did Joseph Smith’s study of scripture prepare him to approach God with faith and confidence?
Through studying the Bible, Joseph Smith learned that God is willing to answer the prayers of those who seek Him sincerely. This understanding strengthened his faith and gave him the confidence to ask God directly for wisdom, knowing that divine answers were promised to those who asked in faith.
What lesson can be drawn from Joseph Smith’s experience with opposition during and after his vision regarding the nature of divine work?
Joseph Smith’s experience teaches that divine work often attracts opposition, both spiritual and temporal. His ability to endure and overcome these challenges underscores the importance of faith, reliance on God, and steadfastness in truth when pursuing divine purposes.
What does Joseph Smith’s acceptance of the answer in the Sacred Grove teach about the nature of divine communication and personal responsibility?
Joseph Smith’s acceptance shows that divine communication often requires faith and courage. It also highlights that receiving an answer from God comes with the responsibility to act on it, even in the face of opposition or uncertainty.