Archives for January 2021

Joseph Smith prayed for a scribe and the Lord sent Oliver Cowdery. Getting Joseph and Oliver together was simply another miracle the Lord provided in bringing forth the Book of Mormon. Oliver’s questions, and the answers provided in these Sections are so relevant today. It’s as if Sections 6-9 were written as council to the Latter-day Saints of 2021! This week in our Come Follow Me lessons, we learn important truths of how to gain a testimony, defend that testimony, and some things about the translation of the plates. Enjoy the Church History stories behind this week’s Come Follow Me lessons.

When we think of Martin Harris, we often quickly recall his mistake in losing the 116 manuscript pages of the Book of Mormon, and the rebuke which Joseph received as recorded in Sections 3 and 5. However, understanding the historical stories behind Doctrine and Covenants Sections 3-5 lead us to better understand the immense love of the Lord and just how far reaching the infinite atonement can be.

The Moroni Visits! This week I will share with you the fascinating stories surrounding Moroni’s visits to Joseph, his obtaining the Book of Mormon record, and his attempts to keep the plates hidden and safe.

Our Come Follow Me study this year begins in 1834 at the John and Elsa Johnson Farm in Hiram, Ohio where Doctrine and Covenants Section 1 is received by the prophet Joseph Smith. Who are the Johnson’s and how did Joseph Smith end up in Hiram, OH? Hear these answers and more stories from Church History.

By Tom Pettit