BOOK OF MORMON 2020

Come Follow Me

with

The First Vision

Special General Conference Lesson
Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the First Vision

Scripture:

Joseph Smith History 1:17

17 It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!

Song:

On A Golden Springtime Children’s Songbook page 88

Lesson:

This year marks the 200th year since Joseph Smith’s vision in the Sacred Grove in 1820. That important event was the beginning of the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Gaining a testimony that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God takes desire, work, faith and prayer. When Joseph Smith was a boy, he had a desire to know which church was true. After studying the various religions, reading the scriptures, and praying with faith, he received an answer. In the Sacred Grove, Joseph was visited by God the Father, and the resurrected Jesus Christ. Joseph was told that none of the churches on the earth at the time taught the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that he should join none of them. Joseph also learned that he would be able to help establish the Lord’s church on the earth.

What a blessing it is that Joseph Smith prayed to Heavenly Father. Through study and prayer we can gain a testimony from Heavenly Father that Joseph Smith was a prophet. A testimony is knowing something is true through revelation from the Holy Ghost. This is the blessing that is given to all of us. 

A testimony of Joseph Smith’s vision helps us to know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are real, that they know us by name, and that we can get answers our prayers. We may not see an angel or a vision, but our prayers will always be answered.

Quote:

“This is how Joseph Smith’s First Vision blesses our own personal lives, the lives of families, and eventually the whole human family—we come to believe in Jesus Christ through the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith… God has spoken to Joseph Smith for the purpose of blessing all of God’s children with His mercy and love, even in times of uncertainties and insecurities, of wars and rumors of wars, of natural and personal disasters.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Q&A:

Why is Joseph Smith’s vision in the Sacred Grove so important to us? (Discuss ideas)

What did Joseph learn? (Discuss ideas)

What can we learn about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ from the account of the First Vision? (Discuss ideas)

How can we receive answers to our prayers? (Discuss ideas)

How can we gain a testimony that Joseph Smith was a prophet? (Discuss ideas)

Activity idea:

First Vision Puzzle


Review the story of Joseph Smith's First Vision with questions on the back of each puzzle piece as you complete the puzzle with your family.

Treat idea:

Grove-y Leaves Treat


These creamy gelatin cut-outs are a delicious way to remember today's lesson on Joseph Smith's experience in the Sacred Grove.

These lessons are perfect for: Family Home Evening at the beginning of the week, to recap the following Sunday or to enhance your family scripture study.

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