Joseph's Early Life
The First Vision
Sharing and Testifying
Learning from the First Vision
Purpose and Motivation
100

100 - Family Matters: This was the number of people in Joseph Smith Jr.'s immediate family.

What is eleven?

100

100 - Scriptural Search: Joseph Smith sought guidance from this book in the New Testament.


Answer: What is the Epistle of James?

100

100 - Sharing Spiritual Experiences: Sharing impressions from the Holy Ghost can do this for others.


Answer: What is bear witness of truth?

100

100 - Prophet of the Restoration: This is Joseph Smith's title.

Answer: Who is the Prophet of the Restoration?

100

100 - Setting the Record Straight: Joseph wrote his history for this reason.


Answer: What is to correct false reports about the Church?

200

200 - Home Sweet Home: Joseph Smith Jr. was born in this state.

Answer: What is Vermont?

200

200 - Humble Heart: Joseph acknowledged this need before praying.


Answer: What is a lack of wisdom?

200

200 - Strength in Testimony: What inspired you in Joseph's account to remain true to your testimony?

(This is an open-ended question with varying answers)


200

200 - "In Possession of the Facts": This was the purpose of Joseph Smith writing his history.


Answer: What is to give an accurate account of the events and correct false reports?

200

200 - Truth and Righteousness: Joseph pledged to write his history according to these principles.


Answer: What are truth and righteousness?


300

300 - Moving Day: The Smith family moved to this New York town when Joseph was around 10 years old.

Answer: What is Palmyra?

300

300 - Heavenly Manifestation: This descended from heaven in answer to Joseph's prayer.


Answer: What is a pillar of light?

Joseph Smith—History 1:14–20, 25

300

300 - Facing Opposition: Joseph Smith was surprised by this after sharing his First Vision experience.


Answer: What is opposition?

300

300 - Responding to Ridicule: Joseph compared his experience to this biblical figure.


Answer: Who is the Apostle Paul?

300

Joseph Smith—History 1:21–26 - I can remain true to what I know, even if others reject me.

After his remarkable First Vision, Joseph Smith naturally wanted to share his experience with others. The opposition he faced surprised him.

What inspires you to remain true to your testimony?

Open discussion

400

400 - Sibling Rivalry: This Smith brother died young in 1823.

Answer: Who is Alvin?

400

400 - Inspired Word: Joseph was inspired to pray after reading this verse.

Answer: What is James 1:5?

400

400 - Finding Courage: Besides the scriptures, where can we find examples of people who have remained true to their spiritual experiences?


Answer: What are from ancestors, or people we know?

400

400 - Personal Reflection: How has the First Vision changed your life?

(This is an open-ended question with varying answers)

400

Joseph Smith—History 1:21–26 - I can remain true to what I know, even if others reject me.

After his remarkable First Vision, Joseph Smith naturally wanted to share his experience with others. The opposition he faced surprised him.

What other examples—from the scriptures, an ancestor, or people you know—give you courage to stay true to the spiritual experiences you have had?

Open discussion

500

500 - Conversion Conundrum: These three denominations were vying for converts during the religious revival in Joseph's youth.

Answer: What are Methodists, Presbyterians, and Baptists?

500

500 - Personal Revelation: Joseph's experience teaches us that we can receive this.

Answer: What is personal revelation?

500

500 - Multiple Accounts, Consistent Message: Why are there several different accounts of the First Vision?


Answer: What is because Joseph Smith recounted his experience many times to different audiences and scribes, each providing unique details and perspectives?


500

500 - A Hymn of Faith: This hymn in the LDS hymnal recounts Joseph Smith's First Prayer.


What is "Joseph Smith's First Prayer"? (Hymn #26)

500

Year of Revelation: Joseph experienced the First Vision in this year.


Answer: What is 1820?