"Sunday Sermon" Birth: Born June 1, 1801 in Whitingham, Vermont, the ninth of eleven children. Marriage: He married Miriam Works in 1824. She died in 1832. He then married Mary Ann Angell in 1834. He later entered into polygamy and had dozens of wives and children. Occupation: He had only 11 days of schooling. He … Continue reading Brigham Young: Life and Legacy
"Sunday Sermon" (These quotes are taken from sermons, letter, and modern scriptures. We sometimes forget that the quotes in the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price are the words of Joseph Smith) Jesus Christ, The Savior and Redeemer The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles … Continue reading Joseph Smith – Favorite Quotes
Justin Martyr and the First Apology Saint Justin Martyr (100-165 AD) is one of the first Christian apologists. (“Apologies” are defenses of Christianity.) His First Apology (155-157 AD) was written to the Roman Emperor. Justin explained Christian beliefs and practices. He denied rumors that Christians were atheists and disloyal to the empire. He also rejected … Continue reading In Synch: Saint Justin Martyr and the Prophet Joseph Smith
Background and Context: Persecution and Redress The saints in Jackson County, Missouri, experienced severe persecution in 1833. They were driven from their homes and forced across the river into Clay County. Many families were forced to flee 30 miles, leaving their possessions behind. The mobs also confiscated all the saints' weapons. The saints … Continue reading Zion’s Camp – “A Failure?”
"Sunday Sermon" After the murder of Joseph Smith, several men claimed they should be the next president of the church. Sidney Rigdon made the most vocal claim. He was First Counselor Presidency. He returned from Pittsburgh, where he had gone into self-imposed exile contrary to the counsel and revelation of Joseph Smith. (Sidney seemed to … Continue reading Brigham Young -“Transfiguration” and Succession to Lead the Church
Orrin Porter Rockwell (1813-1878) is one of the most colorful characters in LDS Church history. He is memorialized in biographies, novels, articles, ballads, and monuments. Childhood protector, lifelong friend, and bodyguard of Joseph Smith Imprisoned for the attempted assassination of Gov. Boggs “No bullet or blade can harm thee.” (Joseph Smith prophecy) Rowed the boat … Continue reading Porter Rockwell and the Prophet
"Sunday Sermon" In July 1838, the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation calling the Twelve Apostles to serve a mission in Britain. They were to leave on April 26th 1839 from Far West, Missouri. (D&C 118) Tragic conditions made fulfillment of the prophecy virtually impossible This revelation could not have come at a worse time. … Continue reading The Incredible Mission of the Twelve to Britain(1838-1841)
"Fun Facts Saturday" In the 1840’s, Nauvoo, Illinois was a thriving Latter-day Saint community on the banks of the Mississippi River. Nauvoo had about 12,000 residents, almost as large as Chicago. In 1845, the year after the mob murdered the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Nauvoo Charter was repealed, and the “City of Joseph” was legally … Continue reading Nauvoo: Brigham Young’s “Whistling and Whittling Brigade” — Law Enforcement by “Nuisance”
"Sunday Sermon" The saints in Jackson County, Missouri, experienced severe persecution in 1833. They were driven from their homes and forced across the Missouri River into Clay County. Joseph Smith received assurances from the Governor that if the saints raised an army to help the Missouri militias, the saints would be restored to their land. … Continue reading Was Zion’s Camp a Failure?
Miracles of healing are among the most common miracles experienced by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Importantly, such miracles foreshadow the greatest healing miracle -- the universal resurrection. Joseph Smith and the Healing of Alice Johnson (1831) In the summer of 1831, a Methodist preacher named Ezra Booth arrived in … Continue reading 2 Amazing Miracles of Healing: Alice Johnson & Philo Dibble
The London Edition 