Joseph Smith the Prophet

“By the Gift and Power of God”

BY RICHARD LLOYD ANDERSON

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What do we know about how Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon?

The Three Witnesses proclaimed that the ancient plates were “translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us.” Since we know the Book of Mormon is correctly translated, why review how it was done? Because such a study can add further testimony of Joseph Smith’s great work. It can also help expand the concepts of those who tend to oversimplify the work of translation. For the Book of Mormon came into English through considerable spiritual, intellectual, and physical labor, and it takes similarly dedicated efforts on the part of its readers to fully receive the book’s benefits.

I know that the Book of Mormon was translated by Joseph Smith the prophet and that the full gospel is in this book.  I know that any one who comes to read it and truly wants to know of its truth can find our for your self by asking God the Eternal Father and He will manifest the truth of it to you.  

To read this full article follow this link. 

http://lds.org/ensign/1977/09/by-the-gift-and-power-of-god?lang=eng

Heading West

We have been learning a lot about the Saints as there were driven out of their homes and the mobs killed many and burned their homes.  They just kept being driven West to escape persecution.  We may ask why did they go through all that did and just continue to move forward?  They made that choice because of their strong testimony of the Savior and their deep faith and trust in the Lord.  Many made a great sacrifices for the gospel of Jesus Christ even though they suffered greatly.  It took them many months to travel across the country and finally make it to the Salt Lake Valley.  They endured all that they went through to the end.  They never quit or look backed.  We are now heading West as well.  However, we are not suffering or riding in a wagon or fighting bad weather.  We are riding in the comfort of our car flying down the freeway and spending the nights in Motels.  One thing we do have in common is our faith and testimony of Jesus Christ.  We put our trust in him as we served for 14 months sharing the message of the gospel hoping that others could gain that same faith and testimony of its truth.  We all must do the same and go forward with great faith and endure to the very end.  Then we can all be reunited with our Father in Heaven and our families eternally.