THE ESTABLISHMENT STORY OF JOSEPH SMITH

 

Joseph Smith is known as the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormonism. He was born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont to a poor farming family. His parents were Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith, and he was the fourth of nine children. Joseph's early life was marked by THE ESTABLISHMENT STORY OF JOSEPH SMITH, hard work, and religious revivalism. He was raised in a family that practiced Christianity, but they were not affiliated with any particular denomination.

At the age of 14, Joseph experienced a religious awakening and began to question the teachings of the various Christian denominations. He turned to the Bible for guidance and read James 1:5, which states, 'If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.' This verse inspired Joseph to pray to God for guidance and direction.

On a spring day in 1820, Joseph went into the woods near his home to pray. According to his account, he was visited by God the Father and Jesus Christ, who told him that all the churches were corrupt and he was chosen to restore the true church on earth. This event, known as the First Vision, marked the beginning of Joseph's journey to establish the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Following the First Vision, Joseph continued to receive revelations from God. He was visited by an angel named Moroni, who told him about a record of ancient peoples in the Americas written on golden plates. This record, known as the Book of Mormon, contained the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Joseph was instructed to translate the plates and publish the Book of Mormon to the world.

In 1827, Joseph received the golden plates from Moroni and began the process of translation. With the help of a scribe, he translated the plates into English, and the Book of Mormon was published in 1830. The Book of Mormon is considered by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be another testament of Jesus Christ, alongside the Bible.

As the Church grew, Joseph faced opposition and persecution from those who did not believe his claims. Despite this, he continued to receive revelations and organize the Church. He received the priesthood authority to perform ordinances such as baptism and confirmation, and he established a system of church leadership and organization.

In 1831, Joseph and his followers settled in Kirtland, Ohio, where they built the first temple of the Church. This temple was a place of worship and instruction, and it was also where important ordinances, such as marriages, were performed. The Church continued to grow, and in 1838, Joseph and his followers were driven out of Kirtland due to ongoing persecution.

They settled in Missouri, but the persecution continued, and in 1839, Joseph and his followers were forced to leave Missouri and settle in Nauvoo, Illinois. In Nauvoo, the Church grew rapidly, and Joseph continued to receive revelations and lead the Church. He also ran for president of the United States in 1844, with the goal of protecting the rights of religious minorities.

Unfortunately, Joseph's life was cut short when he and his brother Hyrum were killed by a mob in Carthage, Illinois, on June 27, 1844. This event, known as the Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, marked a turning point in the history of the Church. Despite the loss of its founder, the Church continued to grow and spread throughout the world.

Today, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has over 16 million members worldwide and is known for its strong emphasis on family, service, and missionary work. The story of Joseph Smith and the establishment of the Church is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the belief in the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.