Questions and Answers Found in The Joseph Smith Papers

first vision, sacred grove

Preserved through years of toil, travel, and persecution, The Joseph Smith Papers provide answers to questions about early Church history. Joseph Smith once told a congregation, “You don’t know me—and you never will.” Joseph’s life may remain a mystery to some, but The Joseph Smith Papers —a vast collection of revelations,… Continue reading

Keep Following God’s Will: Don’t Give Up on What You Feel Is Right

an image of a sunbeaming cloud with a plane in the sky

Sometimes we don’t understand the spiritual promptings we receive. But Joseph Smith’s example shows us that as we trust and follow those promptings, we can know for certain that we are doing God’s will. We all have desires, many of them righteous ones. You may want to serve a mission… Continue reading

The Pearl of Great Price…and Mummies?

an image of a painting of a boy reading a book

With the publication of the Joseph Smith Papers, we can better understand the history of the Book of Abraham and thereby gain greater faith in it. The Pearl of Great Price is perhaps the least-mentioned book in the Latter-day Saint canon. We know that some parts of the book are… Continue reading

Ancient Witnesses of Joseph Smith

Drawing of the Gold Plates

Just as we are blessed with knowledge of the past, ancient prophets were blessed with knowledge of the future. Joseph F. McConkie (1941–2013) was an emeritus professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University when he researched the connection between ancient prophets and Joseph Smith. Through revelation, ancient prophets learned… Continue reading

Joseph Smith’s Example of Accepting the Lord’s Will

Pen laying on a piece of paper with old script writing

In a letter to his wife, Emma, the Prophet Joseph Smith shows his willingness to humbly submit to the will of the Lord. In 1832, Joseph Smith and other Church leaders traveled from Ohio to Missouri and back. They were delayed in Indiana for one month on their journey home because Newel… Continue reading

Judging to Save, Not Destroy

an image of a group of people sitting on a wall looking at a boat

As future leaders of the rising generation, we must learn how to judge in Christ’s way, which is “merciful, loving, and redemptive, not condemning.” When speaking to young adults, President Russell M. Nelson has said, “you are the future leaders of the Lord’s Church!” It is thus our sacred opportunity to… Continue reading

The Book of Mormon: Worth More than Gold

an image of a wooden box sitting on the ground in the woods

Oliver Cowdery explains in a letter the true worth of the gold plates that were translated into the Book of Mormon. In 1827, Joseph Smith learned from an angel named Moroni that a record of ancient inhabitants of the Americans was hidden in a hill in Manchester, New York. He… Continue reading

Treasures from the Wentworth Letter

an image of a painting of a man in a forest

Discover the original document containing an account of the First Vision, the Standard of Truth, and the Articles of Faith. In 1842, John Wentworth, editor and owner of a newspaper, Chicago Democrat, asked Joseph Smith to write a summary and history of the early Church. Joseph took this opportunity to… Continue reading

Four Ways to Turn Weaknesses into Strengths

man in a pew praying

Building on our strengths, recognizing our limitations, relying on the Savior, and receiving his grace can help us find strength in God. God consistently chooses the young, small, weak, and humble to do his work. In a Brigham Young University devotional, Bishop Gérald Caussé, First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric,… Continue reading

Joseph Smith: Just Another Treasure Seeker?

landscape with river

Why would Joseph Smith have hunted for Spanish treasure? What did he find as a result? Have you ever found yourself prompted to do something that you normally wouldn’t do? Perhaps you’ve accepted a job that takes you out of your comfort zone. Or maybe you’ve felt like you should… Continue reading