Introduction

I first wrote this post over 2 years ago about the Prophet Joseph Smith¹⁷. It is my perspective. Other people, for various reasons, have opposite perspectives widely published. In his first encounter with an angel, Joseph Smith was told that it would so:

33 He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people. (PGP, JS History 1)

That has come to pass. I have added Chapter 2 to address it. But first, Chapter 1.

Chapter 1

I have always loved to hear and read about the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Because of his writings and teachings, I feel I know something of his heart and character. My first reading of The Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (TPJS) had a serious positive impact on me. My favorite hymn as a child (because I just liked the tune) was “Praise to the Man” and I can still remember the page number from the old edition hymn book – page 149. Below is the music and lyrics: One of the most beautiful and sublime renditions the Tabernacle Choir has ever done (IMO).

Continue reading "Praise To The Man"

[Note: Hover over the links for more information.]

The Latter-day Zion is governed by God through men holding the Melchizedek Priesthood¹. The Holy Priesthood is the power of God delegated to men and it’s reach and purpose² is the most amazing thing in the universe. Outsiders don’t understand it⁴³. Some Priesthood holders don’t understand it⁴³ either. The effect of Priesthood is to delegate authority⁵ from God through man. That is POWER. To be sure, only a very narrow slice of the divine authority is typically given, and even then with a stern warning⁶. This POWER can include wielding control over nature⁷. Enoch⁸, Elijah⁹, Moses¹⁰, and Jesus¹¹ Himself controlled the forces of nature. The Holy Priesthood has power over disease¹², infirmity¹³, death¹⁴, and lucifer¹⁵. But the greatest power Continue reading “Power In The Priesthood”