John Smith... no wait Joseph Smith! That one guy who did something!

On my mission one of the most frequently asked questions is who is John Smith and why is he important? So I'm going to say it loud and clear so everyone can hear! Joseph Smith is a prophet of God who was called to restore Christ's church again on the Earth! That was pretty bold, right? It is true! His story is one of the most humbling experiences and proof that God still talks to His children.
Joseph Smith was a humble boy who, at the age of 14, was concerned about what church he should join. When I was 14 I was way more concerned about my glasses then my spiritual welfare, but he was a boy who wanted to know God's will and so he sought for it. He studied the scriptures and came across James 1:5 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." Joseph Smith pondered and applied this into his life. He offered a humble prayer and what occurred has changed the history of mankind. In his own words,

I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.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! (Jospeh Smith History 1: 16-17).

Joseph Smith saw our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ. They spoke with him and they counseled him to not join any of the churches. Joseph Smith went on in his life to restore the true Church of Christ and to bring back the lost truths of the gospel. 
Of course, the fear is there if this is a false prophet, but scripture tells us that by his "fruits ye shall know them" (Matt 7:20). The fruit of Joseph Smith is the Book of Mormon and the worldwide church known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. One latter prophet John Taylor said,

"Joseph Smith, the prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth . . . He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood." (Doctrine and Covenants 135: 3)

I invite everyone to learn more about the prophet Joseph Smith and his remarkable miraculous story. Learn of the humble boy who became the spokesperson for the Lord in these latter days. Then act as he and ask of God.

#josephsmith