Joseph Smith Was The Greatest Prophet To Ever Live On The Earth

The Presidents Of The Church Series: Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith’s Bio

• Born on December 23rd, 1805 in Vermont.
• 1816 moves to New York.
• 1820 The First Vision, where he sees and talks with God the Father and Jesus Christ.
• 1823 Moroni a Book of Mormon prophet visits him.
• May 15 1829 receives the Aaronic priesthood.
• May or June 1829 receives the Melchizedek priesthood.
• June 1829 finishes translating the Book of Mormon.
• April 6, 1830 organizes the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
• August 3, 1831 dedicates a temple.
• February 14, 1835 organizes the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
• March 17, 1842 organizes the Relief Society.
• January 1844 runs for U.S. President.
• June 27 1844 martyred with his brother.

Joseph was called to be a prophet at 14. Joseph Smith was the fifth of eleven siblings. He grew up in a patriotic and deeply religious family. His family was poor and moved around frequently looking for work. Joseph had parents who sought God and studied the Bible. His family knew the Bible was true, but they also intuitively knew that God had more to say.

During Joseph's time, there was great activity among the Christian churches, trying to win converts. Joseph Smith was very concerned about his standing before the Lord and wanted to make sure he did not make the wrong decision.

Joseph consistently studied the Bible. One day he read James 1:5 which influenced him deeply. This verse motivated him to pray in a grove of trees. His prayer lead to God the Father and Jesus Christ visiting him. Joseph Smith learned that there was no true church upon the earth, and he was not to join any of them. He learned that God the Father and Jesus Christ were not the same person, but were separate and distinct beings who had a resurrected physical body. Joseph learned that he was created after their image and likeness.

Joseph Smith received intense persecution as he talked about his vision. The persecution was not limited to Joseph Smith only; people expelled and murdered many Saints. The Saints were forced to walk across the country to what is now the state of Utah. They experienced great trial and suffering during their journey. But through their trek they came to know God. They also learned firsthand that God is a God of miracles.

Later a Book of Mormon prophet named Moroni visited the prophet Joseph. Moroni’s first visit with Joseph was teaching about covenants God made with ancient Israel, and that would be fulfilled at the Lord’s Second Coming. Moroni told Joseph Smith about some gold plates that were buried in a nearby hill. Joseph Smith eventually recovered the gold plates written in an ancient language. Joseph translated the plates by the power of God. Joseph continued to meet with Moroni every year for four years before Joseph was permitted to obtain the plates and translate them.

Many of the ancient prophets and apostles from the Bible visited Joseph such as Peter, James, John, Elijah, Moses, and others. Jesus Christ visited Joseph more than once in person. Eventually, Joseph Smith received from heavenly messengers everything he needed to establish the kingdom of God on earth. He sent missionaries to foreign lands, and he built a temple, the most holy place on earth.

Joseph Smith married and had a large family. Many of his children passed away at a young age. One such occasion happened when a mob broke their way into his house ripped him out and tarred and feathered Joseph. Some of his children caught a cold from the weather and died. Later, Joseph Smith with his brother was martyred by an angry mob.

Chapel Address and contact information: 1928 E. South Campus Drive, Salt Lake City; (University of Utah, next to the institute) 801-562-8089. You can also call 801-259-6709 for the mission home in Midvale if you want to talk to someone.