Elder L. Tom Perry said the Articles of Faith teach “the essential doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ and are among the most important and certainly the most concise statements of doctrine in the Church”. Understanding the history behind the two revelations known as Official Declarations 1 & 2 might help us understand why the previous Church policies were altered, and help strengthen or testimonies today of living prophets, seers, and revelators.

Joseph Smith saw his brother Alvin in the Celestial Kingdom. 82 years later, Joseph F. Smith would see the Savior organize the missionary work of the Spirit World. Understanding both visions can help us better understand God’s love for us, and it can help us better prepare for the Celestial Kingdom.

This week in Come Follow Me, we look at John Taylor’s announcement of the martyrdom of Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith. I’ll take you through the events that led to their last days on Earth, how Joseph prepared the Church for his death, a virtual tour of the Carthage Jail and Joseph Smith properties, and recount some stories that occurred in Nauvoo following their deaths.

In the most recent General Conference, President Nelson used words and phrases which are found throughout Section 133. As the Lord teaches us the need to prepare for the Second Coming, President Nelson recently taught us how to do so. In this video, I highlight those commandments from the Lord, and share those particular quotes from President Nelson.

Joseph Smith provides instructions to help the Saints prepare for the future temple endowment and other sacred temple ordinances which were coming. These instructions to those early Saints can help us better understand the power and the blessings that are available to us as we participate in those same sacred ordinances today.

Also, Section 132 is a revelation on eternal marriage and the crowing blessings that are available to those who are faithful and obedient to the laws and commandments of Heavenly Father.  Plus, I share a couple of insights to the early practice of polygamy.

Tom Pettit
Beyond Come Follow Me