Come Follow Me - Joseph Smith-History 1:1-26: "I Saw a Pillar of Light"

A verse-by-verse study of Joseph Smith-History 1:1-26, the 1838 account of Joseph Smith's First Vision. This lesson focuses on visions and the difficulty of describing the ineffable, searching for truth, the mind and heart, dehumanizing and demonizing others, and holding fast to the things God knows that we know. Join Jared Halverson for your weekly Come Follow Me study of the Doctrine and Covenants!
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[@squirrlefv]

this video has helped my PTSD. I was in a bad episode and chose this video at random and you my dear brother have done more for me than any therapist. thank you for these videos.

[@bevfox8566]

Your videos are changing my life. Thank you for your spirit while you are teaching!

[@Unshaken]

Thank you so much. It's an honor to be a small part of anyone's change. You and the Lord are the ones doing the heavy lifting!

[@marieconforto1678]

I loved your lesson tonight! God bless you! You are a great missionary!

[@cherylbeam1969]

I am complete awe of you detail in teaching! So touching and inspiring

[@jacbox3889]

Thank you again! I love your testimony of the prophet Joseph.

[@TylerGarns]

Masterful instruction and testimony my friend. Thank you.

[@Unshaken]

Thanks, Tyler! I'm grateful you can take the message seriously in spite of knowing the messenger personally :) There's a reason why "no man is prophet in his own country"!

[@ediearnold1716]

This is such a blessing!! 🙏🏼🕊💪🏻❤️

[@miguelchavira5130]

I'm will always remember my first time recieving that conviction from the power of the Holy Spirit, in seminary (first year) in my senior year in High School, that Joseph Smith truly is a prophet of God. It has always been a foundation for my testimony. I'm so ever grateful for the D&C which has build my testimony in high school. Thanks you for this wonderful video and your words, it reaffirms my testimony I recieved during my high school senior year and strengthens me spiritually. Thank you!

[@Unshaken]

Those kinds of experiences are life-changing! At least they're meant to be, and will be if we hold on to them. It's always amazing to me to see the Lord reach into the life of a teenager and change them for good--just like He did for Joseph Smith. Thank you for sharing that testimony--and for keeping a tight grip on it!

[@posmatram2780]

Orthodox christian and I love your work

[@chrisstapleton7626]

Another awesome feast of the scriptures. Thank you for teaching these beautiful lessons

[@larryfloydwimber5217]

Yep

[@yvonneilsley2211]

I owe my eternal gratitude to the two elders who introduced me to the Book of Mormon and who witnessed my testimony that it was true - I love the Sabbath as - whilst on my own - I know that I am not alone - and I look eagerly forward to tuning into your inspirational lessons - to listen to your very expressive description on each verse and share your spiritual experiences and explaining Christ's doctrine - it helps me go forward into the week with more determina-tion to do my best as I know I have been bought at such a high price. Thank you for your new series on the Doctrine and Covenants and Joseph Smith's First Vision - helping me to learn and understand better. Thank you and God Bless.

[@ramonaford1667]

I loved your account of the first Vision. I started following you when the pandemic started. I listen to you every day, while during my physical exercise. I have been a member since I was 11 years old. I was taught the Gospel by missionaries in Germany. I was married in the Salt Lake Temple. The Gospel has blessed my life in so many ways. Unfortunately, my girls have taken another path. They are good kids. They work hard and live a honest life. I wish they could see that there is so much more. We were blessed to welcome our first Grandchild into our family this year. She is a pride and joy. I hope and pray that I can be a good example to her. You gave me hope when you mentioned about the third generation started again to embrace the believe of their grandparents. My desire is to fordefy my faith, that I can be the example the Lord wants me to be. Your lessons have opened my eyes that there is so much more that Heavenly Father has in store for me and that I need to learn. I believe that you were inspired and that God guided you to share your knowledge, but more importantly your strong faith of the Savior Jesus Christ with us. I will be forever grateful to you. Ramona

[@weekendmovie3793]

Ditto

[@weekendmovie3793]

@James Wines Ezekiel 37:16-17 talks of two books. One is by Judah and the other is by Joseph. The records written in the Book of Mormon are of the descendants of Joseph. They were written before and after the life of Christ just as the Bible was. They both testify of him. This is my witness after reading both many times. I am grateful for them. I invite you to just take the same opportunity. It is only a book. Just like the Bible, it could not have been written by one man.

[@mrs.schmenkman]

@James Wines you do realize that the bible didnt even exist when that was written? It just a scroll. A single scroll. What do you think Christians survived 1500 years WITHOUT THE BIBLE? Scriptures include the Talmud which is the old testament. Are you going to claim the Old Testament isnt scriptures? Do you think Christianity just pipped into existence at the invention of the printing press? At the assembling and translation into ENGLISH? You seriously think God is only as simple as that? That the only people who can be counted as Christians are based on your very uneducated view? Please, try to imagine if there is an all knowing God would he really only speak to a tiny population living in your town and only during your life?

[@toddchamberlain782]

I love Jared’s enthusiasm for learning from the scriptures. What a great role model. This is wonderful stuff here.

[@Unshaken]

Thank you for your kindness, Todd. I'm grateful we get to study the scriptures together!

[@trower64]

Without 2020 and the quarantine, we might never have heard this amazing teacher. Such a great fount of knowledge. When quarantine is over, Brother Halverson may not have the time for this online teaching. That is a sad thought. 🤔

[@lizanomura6430]

Maybe he’ll give time for many waiting for him like me

[@lizanomura6430]

Maybe he’ll find time for all of us watching on Utube for him🥲

[@margiehill1325]

I agree that the quarantine made it possible less for us to have further Halverson. I want you to know your lessons of meant a great deal to me. I was going through some challenging faith just

[@margiehill1325]

I got cut off so this is finishing it I was going through just a separation time I hadn’t been reading my scriptures and as much as I needed to especially the book of Mormon and having your lessons with your insights has just really boosted me spiritually and I want to thank you for your knowledge your ability to teach it has made such a difference in my life

[@isabellee7212]

Thank you so much for your lessons. These lessons make my days less lonely.

[@BeyondtheNotesPiano]

Sorry you feel alone :(

[@anephraimite]

Lots of unshaken friends here!

[@jscott6680]

Thank you Bro. Halverson. Through your teaching and story about singing in the choir and your thoughts about the pauses "Joseph" "Hear Him" etc., the Spirit has witnessed to me of the truthfulness of the visitation of the Father and the Son to Joseph Smith, yet so very sweetly once again. It also reminds me of the importance of the pauses in prayer or quiet meditation. Then we hear the Spirit more clearly. It was reading Joseph Smith's testimony in the front of a missionary edition of the Book of Mormon in 1972, that was so astonishing and I believe enough so, that combined with history of the peoples of ancient America- that I looked up the meeting times to go to learn more about the church. It "settled" on my mind 48 years ago and I was baptized. My life has been so blessed! Such a very special lesson.

[@annhaws6677]

I served my mission in Up State NY with so much love for serving the Lord. I learned to LOVE Joseph Smith and his first vision and the revelations that pierce thru the darkness! You've helped remined me of the JOY of loving the light and truth that I had received so often.

[@postthispostthat11]

My husband and I have been studying with you now for a couple months. We have really enjoyed it, we appreciate your knowledge and humility while teaching. We have always enjoyed going to institute classes together. This makes it so nice that we can do it in our home and at our own pace.

[@timeparame9934]

I remember my first interview as a new convert I asked my Branch President what would he recommend for me to do and to focus on as a new convert and his response was "Study diligently the life of Joseph Smith, you will not survive this new lifestyle unless you develop a testimony and love for the prophet of the restoration" soon after that interview with my branch president, I purchased the 7 volume history of the Church and for my first year I dedicated time to read, ponder on everything to do with Joseph Smith to know the life and the man. I remember thinking there's no way I can ever feel nothing but gratitude and love for the prophet of the restoration.

[@Unshaken]

What a beautiful experience--and a worthy price to pay for it. If only every convert and every member were to do likewise. Thank you for sharing that.

[@rosalielines1801]

My teenaged son was going through a hard time and questioned everything because it seemed for a short time, that if it were not true, life would be easier because the long to-do list of all the expectations of valiant membership would be irrelevant. So for a short time he was exploring the scenario of the restoration being all a fable by over-zealous pioneer settlers. Then when he was trying to sort out what he was left with to believe in, for Christ, salvation, if that were true, what portion, whose version of Christianity…the temple, priesthood, miracles, scriptures…Ten Commandments, Moses, Israel, Adam and Eve…as things dropped out, scaling down…if nothing religious were true, what on earth was he left with KNOWING it was true, being able to build a firm foundation to build his life, his motives for acting. That scenario startled him to think through what was firm ground of doctrine and truth to build a set of values on. It was scarier to believe in nothing and have no anchor, no navigation system. The golden questions stared him down to meaningfully resolve: why are we here, what should we prioritize doing and being while we live here, and what becomes of us once we die? He resolved to resort to prayerful seeking, testing prayerful fasting, scripture study, church attendance and preparing for missionary standards and working to save up money for a mission or college. I told him I would fast every Sabbath (for 3 straight yrs) for him to receive answers and to experience the reality of the gift & testimony of the Holy Ghost. I felt prompted to invite him to read with me a book of firsthand witness accounts of the Prophet Joseph Smith called “They Knew the Prophet.” It affected both of us profoundly. It was a game changer! It gave him a boldness in testifying of truths. It gave him a boldness to seeking more truths. He ended up serving as a powerful missionary speaking very bluntly to the youth of his own experiences very candidly. I asked the Lord to know how my fasting may have helped my son in his progress. Well…This mama received so very many photos, stories and notes of gratitude consistently across the duration of his mission from strangers who took the trouble to thank me for the son who was serving and having such a profound influence on their testimonies, their youth, the dynamic in their wards. I have 8 sons: 5 mission-serving sons and three more to go, being too young currently. I have received very positive feedback on my sons here and there, but not so profusive and consistent as this one for whom I asked the Lord to please demonstrate whether my fasting was having an impact.

[@Rod_Johnson-Moroni-Saw-Me]

The defining moment in my life occurred when the missionaries came to my house when I was 13 years of age. I already had the Book of Mormon, which converted me to Jesus Christ. The final thing that was missing was Joseph Smith's story. My missionaries had me at prophet and I have been had since for 29 years coming March 29, 2021. I was Joseph Smith. This video helped me to remember and to relive my introduction to JSH. I love this. You do great work for the edification of your fellow Saints and others.

[@squirrlefv]

Dear brother your early video was amazing. All I heard was your message. Oh to spend an hour with you what I would give. Please please keep these videos going. Your videos have changed my life and help me finally kick a 15 year habit that was dragging me down. Please keep up the work.

[@b1of4bs]

I spend an hour with him most days! Aren't we blessed?

[@conniejohnson6760]

I have a confession, I’m new to the Mormon (in my senior years) before I belonged to Native American "Shaker Church 1910", When I came to your site I realized I am impatient for I would say to you " get on with the study" But I still continually came back to your site. For the Mormon is so different it has been difficult, but I come to realize I wanted just to learn not realizing I wasn't injecting it with the spirit but only with my mental learning. Now, with prayer, I now really appreciate your study of giving... back history, examples before going on with the less lesson. Thanks again. I'm THANKFUL the spirit kept me coming back to your site.

[@jeannedeshazer-ellsworth9995]

That's a wonderful testimony. ❤

[@sebenecke]

Welcome Connie!!!

[@Unshaken]

Thank you for enduring, Connie! I know what you mean about the difference between mental and spiritual study--so insightful of you. I'm honored to be a small part of your journey!

[@ginnywilliams7821]

I truly was moved by this lesson. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and testimony.

[@rebeccamason4001]

One of the best lines yet for your lecturers. "For those who want to make everything purely rationale, good luck with your marriage" Hahaha. Thank for starting my day with a smile! I'm sending that one to my rational military husband!

[@Unshaken]

Haha! I think a lot of people need that realization--especially us husbands!

[@donnakearse2503]

So beautiful Brother Halvorson. Thank you. I feel the spirit so strong when you teach.

[@mariazamarripa8274]

Did I endure it, it was liking eating my favorite chocolate cake, I love this so much. My testimony grows with the knowledge of the Gospel. Thank you.

[@ryanhartley32]

I am definitely one that struggles with my testimony when it comes to Joseph Smith even though I believe the Book of Mormon to be true. I was not looking forward to teaching sunday school this year because it was D&C, but you are helping me with that struggle. I'm learning that just because information was presented to me in a certain way, does not mean that it was reality of the situation. You are helping me see outside the box, and I thank you for that. God bless your efforts

[@mrs.schmenkman]

The one thing that got to me more than anything was reading long version of his testimony. His plain speaking approach really struck me. Certain passages literally recounted my own experience of seeking God and when he said how he responded to the Methodist minister I felt i knew him because I had the same experience. I knew and I knew that God knew it - and I could not deny it.

[@why-i6060]

Ryan, this life is a test and trial of our faith to see if we will do all that the Lord will require. The Lord, because of the gift of agency, will never give us knowledge not sought. He is no respector of persons. If he gave you something others did not receive the same way, that would be unfair and preferential. He loves all his children the same. We need to hearken to the Lord or said differently, listen with intent to obey. We cannot find out that Joseph Smith was a Prophet without being willing to follow the Lord and his witnesses. There is no doubt that there have been Prophets on the earth if you believe the Bible. Then why not now? Has God changed? Has man changed? Has God’s love changed for his children. No, the only way for us to really know is to ask God in faith and be willing to listen with the intent to obey. It will do no good to know there is a Prophet if we are unwilling to follow his guidance. Is there a Prophet on earth today? Yes, and it will require our faith to hear him. God will not prove Josep Smith a Prophet nor will he allow the enemies of the church to prove him false, but the Holy Ghost will verify him if we seek to really know. Once known, many will try to dissuade us from our wittness and knowledge. It requires continued faith to follow him and the Savior. I hope this is received in the spirit that it was written, in love.

[@Thehappyme02]

You can't read the series "Saints" and not come to know Joseph Smith was truly the prophet of the restoration. No man would endure what he had and what he saw his family endure....unless he had truly seen what he had seen. And knew what he knew.

[@Unshaken]

Thank you for your honesty and faith, Ryan. (And thank you, to those who commented, for sharing your faith!). I know what you mean about struggling to teach when we still have questions or room to grow in conviction. Knowing that the teacher always learns more than the students, however, what a blessing that the Lord is stretching you in this way. Joseph's name is certainly known "for good and evil" these days, but I am consistenly amazed by the way God's divinity shines through Joseph's humanity. It gives me hope for me. May the Lord bless you in your teaching and your learning this year! I'm honored to join you along the journey!

[@creativecamo1]

Thank you for all your insights and the spirit you bring to your lessons

[@suzetteh7736]

Jarrrreeeddd, this is sister Haub , I was one of the adult leaders when you were “a annoying youth”, On the Stake Yth Committee in Valencia. I can actually testify that you were never an annoying teenager. Your parents did an awesome job with you. I remember you saying at the age of 17 that You wanted to teach seminary and I thought that was pretty strange for a kid that was attending seminary so early in the morning in California. My only question is, “when did you get so smart? Ha. I am so proud of you & who you’ve become. (I have lived in Utah for the past 8 years). Say hello to you wonderful mother & father, you have your moms great hair gene). Keep The Faith you handsome young man.

[@Unshaken]

Hello Sister Haub! It's so good to hear from you after all these years! That year on the Stake Youth Committee was life-changing for me. I'll always remember our committee retreat at the beach, which did so much to strengthen my testimony of Jesus Christ. I'll definitely pass along your love to my parents!

[@miriamthacker6883]

Thank you for sharing your insights on these lessons. I have felt the spirit and learned so much.

[@grhs1964]

Upppoooopooooooo pop poopp

[@lupeafuvaikanoa8695]

Thank you for sharing your testimony of Joseph Smith first vision. I’m so grateful for your teachings

[@fitzyutah]

The man believed to be the Methodist Ministor who Joseph had contact with, Rev. George Lane, is the Brother of my Great Great Great Great Grandmother. She was converted to this great restored gospel. One of the fun treasures of family history.

[@Knutekritt]

...and my 4th GGrandfather Henry L Hollister, a methodist exhorter rode with the Rev George Lane in the Wayne Seneca County area NY.....

[@Unshaken]

I love these kinds of connections! The Lord does have beautiful ways of bending certain branches in order to save an entire family tree. Thank you for sharing!

[@lizanomura6430]

Wow 🥰🥰🥰

[@vereenkennelly2587]

Thank you for your lessons. I joined the church at 21 in 1963. I enjoy listening to the way you open up the scriptures and making it easier to obtain knowledge.

[@angelastacks883]

I'm so grateful for my testimony it is always with me. Thank you for your classes.

[@lindajensen2738]

Thank You for these lessons. I Love continuous learning!!

[@applehoneypieph8622]

What a feast of knowledge

[@lindakessler3649]

I am so thankful for your lessons. I've been listening for many month now and I have come to know that your podcasts are the most complete of any out there. They're for anyone over 15 years old. I like that I can learn the meat of any lesson by just listening to you. I look forward to this year because of what I can learn on your podcast. Thanks!

[@marentucker6813]

Everything about this lesson was inspiring. Thank you for sharing the pre-recorded video...that was wonderful and there was no focus on the technical aspects but rather just a focus on the spiritual message. I am incredibly grateful for you Brother. 🙏

[@veragabriel8716]

My husband and I are so excited,taking the Doctrine and Covenant Scriptures along with you. We have always been uplifted,edified and inspired,and searching and pondering for more. Thanks. We appreciate.

[@caz2870]

It was an honour to do a road trip from New York to Nevada in 2019 , which included The Sacred Grove, The Hill Cummorah, Palmyra Temple, Nevada Temple and Adam Ondi Ahman ect, where I felt such peace and an increase conviction of what I believe to be true - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 💙.

[@juliajacob3374]

I read wthe book of MORMON 111 TIMES OR More didn't get the gift of it . But thru you brother JARRED HARVERSON. I love love the book of Mormon..and it's how you professionally detailed and Explain Verses by Verses Chapter. By chapter even . Many times using Old AND new be testaments Of The Bible +D and C. ... WOW you showed me thee spiritual way thru study and prayer how to get closer to my heavenly father and Jesus Christ... Before that you'll always hear THOSE. Words study and prayer.YOU NEVER EVER GET THE GIFT OF HOW TRUE THOSE WORD$ are..So A VERY SPECIAL thank YOU very much. FOR Strengthening my spiritual BEEN I'm Soo happy ...I wish i could get the starting of the book of Mormon to the END BY JARRED HARVERSON JULIA

[@geriholland2459]

Another special study that touches my heart and strengthens my testimony! Thank You!

[@ensignj3242]

You glow with the light of the gospel

[@spencerbrown4541]

Each lesson is amazing! Thank you!

[@LynetteBRobinson]

I could never figure out how in the early church, speakers could expound for an hour or two and still maintain the attention of the audience. Now I know and love how you dig deep into the scriptures and the backstories. Well done!

[@JuanettesCraftingCorner]

Thank you so much for such a fantastic lesson.

[@sueh.5101]

I just ended 2020 listening to this lesson and started 2021 concluding it. What a beautiful way to end the year and start the new one! Thank you so much for sharing your testimony and love for the Gospel with us! This is so much better than watching a glass ball fall down on tv.

[@bcase2056]

Thank goodness I have an hour drive to work. So much good information but best of all I return home excited to talk about church history with my family. No, I don't watch while I'm driving but I do listen. Yes, it takes several commutes to get through it.

[@ramonahudson5710]

When I attended BYU (Provo) in the early 70's, I was part of the Lamanite Program. On an occasion of entertainment, by different Lamanite students, a song was presented. It was beautiful! They lyrist(?) combined two scriptures: "If any of you lack wisdom. Let him ask of God. Who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not. And, if you ask in the name of the Lord, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you by the power of the Holy Ghost." They also included native sign language. (I wish I knew how to share it audibly.) James 1:5 and Moroni 10:4-5 (the music to it is beautiful too.) Thank you for all you share!

[@mrschefyoda7825]

Always love your commentaries. It's a shame that many will not open their minds up to the possibility. Reminds me of a quote " God reveals himself to us to the degree in which we seek him"

[@suzannejones20]

So very grateful for your insight. For your knowledge that you share so freely. I loved the Book of Mormon and am looking forward to the Doctrine and Covenants. Thank you Brother Halversen!

[@bardsleyute]

Hey Jared, I really enjoyed re-listening to Joseph Smith History. I loved the idea that scripture study should be a revelatory experience where God speaks to our minds and hearts. I felt that in my personal study of the Bible today. I also have learned for myself to find scriptural peers that I can relate to in my experiences. I felt greatly strengthened as I studied the lives and sacrifices of the early pioneer Saints when our son was in the hospital January of last year. I felt humbled last summer as I searched Job’s experiences and compared them to my own. I felt inspired by Moroni’s faithfulness in his moments of loneliness as I coped with my moments of isolation and loneliness. I hope to add to my cloud of witnesses in 2021. Thank you!

[@benkishpaugh917]

Excellent point on Herd mentality, I think it is particularly pertinent to today with everything that is going on with media in current events. I have to say that I have followed you for nearly a year, and I have loved it. Thank you for being bold enough to come on here and reach out to the world and share your views, your experiences, and your knowledge to enhance others' study on the 'Come Follow Me' lessons.

[@carissaworkman4928]

I started listening to your KZbin channel when I was studying Jacob. I appreciate that you definitely do not teach on the edge of your knowledge! Thank you. I served in the New Hampshire, Manchester Mission, where in my last area we were able to take a few people we had been teaching to Joseph Smith's birth place in Sharon. It was an amazing experience and such a beautiful monument! I tell people who are going on a Church History tour that they need to go to Sharon, Vermont. Then I tell them that the Ben and Jerry's ice cream factory is only a few miles away in Waterbury!

[@Unshaken]

You definitely got to serve in a beautiful part of the world! And I agree, the Joseph Smith birthplace is definitely worth the trip. But how did I now know about the Ben and Jerry's factory?!? Looks like a return trip is in order :)

[@rothmy1]

One of the many blessing of 2020 has been finding your discussions. V. 21 eye opener was your mention that the minister believed that the devil could produce visions and revelations but that God could not (or would not). Thank you for this insight. I look forward to another year of study.

[@dionnareeb8183]

I love how the testimony process was demonstrated in this lesson... I’m still seeking but I’m close...

[@laurap5019]

Keep seeking. Keep praying and keep watching Brother Halverson! I love how he reminds us that God meets us where we are.

[@myeyepie]

@@fescot349 sadly you misunderstand God and limit him. But we love you anyway. Salvation is vital but it is not enough. To live forever, having not reached our potential as Gods own children, would be sad. Christ’s call is not to simply believe in him, but to follow him. And the lives of the apostles models what that looks like. They did not just believe, although that is vital, they put his every word into action and became more and more like Christ until many of them also were persecuted and treated poorly by the wicked. But we are all blessed by their sacrifice in what they have left behind In their examples and their ministries. Thank goodness Paul and Peter did not just believe, but they became.

[@myeyepie]

@@fescot349 well you are taking my comment out of context. I didn’t mean that Christ salvation isn’t enough to save us and give us immortality. Of course it is and does that. What I meant was that being saved into immortality to do nothing other than sing praises endlessly and lounge in some cloud, with nothing else to do. We are to be more than pets. We are the sons and daughters of God. 1john 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. Exaltation is a step beyond salvation which is a free gift to all that confess his name. Exaltation is to grow to our full potential and be like him but never to surpass him. In the Savior says that professing his name is not enough. He says only those that actually try to do what he teaches them will be accepted of him. Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

[@myeyepie]

@@fescot349 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that DOETH the will of my Father which is in heaven.

[@myeyepie]

@@fescot349 perhaps the disconnect is that you are assuming that I think works in anyway justify you to God. Which they don’t. They may qualify you to receive Christ’s atoning blood on your behalf to make you clean, but they would never come remotely close to justifying you or gaining favor. We do the will of the Father because we love him and want to follow in Christ’s footsteps. We do it to become like that which we worship. Creedal Christianity believes that salvation is it, the pinnacle of human existence. Restored Christianity believes that salivation is to be had by all those that confess the Christ but exaltation, having the capacity to continue to progress and have eternal marriage and family units forever, is for those that seek to become like Christ and are willing to sacrifice their will to do the will of the Father. The creeds are written by men that were not called by God and not authorized by God as were his apostles to set or change doctrine or church practices. This is exactly why Protestants broke off from the catholic church’s to try and reform what they realized had become corrupted. However in the last days the Lord has set forth to restore his own church under his own direction and authority. Christ lives and leads his church today and we love and admire the devotion and sacrifice exemplified by our Christian brothers and sisters. We ask them to set aside no truths they have found but to bring them and see if we cannot share truths we have had restored to those. Paradise is a temporary holding place where spirits wait for judgement day. It’s not indicative of the thief’s eternal destination. That is yet to be decided on judgement day.

[@jessicajacobs1500]

I have a clear memory of being eight and hearing the seventies, in my home, tell the story of Joseph and the first vision and knowing that it was true and deciding that I wanted to be part of this church. That testimony is still in my heart. Also thank you for sharing about James and that God gives wisdom “liberally and upbraideth not”. I add my testimony that as it’s is stated in another translation, “he won't see your lack of wisdom as an opportunity to scold you over your failures but will overwhelm your failures with his generous grace.” As we wait together, continuing in our current path until given further direction from God. I ask that He may continue to bless and guide us through these turbulent waters.

[@Unshaken]

Thank you for sharing the sweet experience you had as a child. Too often we allow those pure experiences to slip through the fingers of our memory. And what a beautiful translation of James 1:5! I'm so grateful you shared that. "Generous grace" indeed.

[@isabellee7212]

The First Vision changed my life Forever!!!!!!!!!

[@beatricesalgado9534]

I love your comment about being true about how we feel about the gospel or religion. I was 14 years old when I started to come back to church. During a YW lesson about personal testimony, I realized that I did not have a personal testimony. And when I shared my feelings, the sweet teacher I had invited me to ponder and pray about what I was being taught as I went to church and read my scriptures. When I left the room, I felt such a peace and that I should trust the feelings of my heart. There is nothing to rush for a sure foundation on Christ. Time and trust in the influence of the Holy Ghost with a true desire and just doing what we are invited to do will build our faith and testimony in Christ and the restoration of His Church.

[@SupremeCavalry]

“Transition from Transcriber to Revelater”. Love it.

[@judyarnold3573]

Thank you! This was so very insightful for this day. At a time when the adversary would distract us with manipulation and discouragement, not to mention deceit, we are shown that the faith of "an obscure boy" can inspire us to Hear Him and follow the living prophet!

[@janiebobs]

Thank you as always Elder Halversen. I am thankful for your testimony and years of faithful study and teaching. Your insights make such a massive difference to my study. Words are inadequate to thank you and your family for your time.

[@brentgerrard8331]

Always enjoy your insights! Love hearing your divinity school experiences. I have wondered myself what a course of studies would be like. Thank you so much.

[@bondezachbonde8076]

I made it and I endured it well 😇🙌🏽

[@penelopetrujillo6695]

Thank you brother Halverson. I thought you did a wonderful job with 1-20. I didn't notice anything. You are great! 🙂

[@stephengreen5616]

Thank you brother

[@sherlenetraughber8058]

I have been watching since you made this. You have grown in the technology talent. You how ever have been wonderful. From the beginning for what you teach. I have not the access to this quality of college course. But through your lectures I have the blessing of this education thank you very much

[@peggybogar3059]

So good of those donations for your talks/lessons. I like your pause in song. A meditative pause. And I'd have Hear Him echo with one man after another singing it for about 5 people then move on again. Isn't it lovely how repentance is so important and the restoration came via one so young.

[@annehelsdingen1963]

I have for a long time repeated the Articles of Faith using I as a testimony to my Heavenly Father and to His son Jesus Christ that I do believe. I love the Articles of Faith. If you haven’t memorized them I recommend that you do. I thank my service in the Primary organization for my memorization of them.

[@lizanneellis8552]

I still remember them from teaching my children to sing them when they were in Primary. I often start singing them when they come back to mind.

[@cyndeerichards6040]

Thank you so much!!

[@gladysbone2286]

Thank you so much. I truly love it. For your teachings and testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith. I feel likewise.

[@silverfoxidm]

If Joseph Smith wasn’t perfect then as Sister Kimball said about Spencer, the Beloved, our 12th prophet, he came wonderfully close ! I hold such reverence for the prophet of the restoration! I’m proud of ur efforts & the dedication u r to the work. I would of loved to have a son like u. The spirit of the Lord accompanies u so very well how u organize & with such obedience yields forth a significant synergy or energy of the spirit w/ ur convictions that resonates so very well !

[@marieeis3748]

That presentation had no need of upgrading. It was beautiful.

[@sandram3213]

The question I had so many years ago, which brought me to finding the restored church and Joseph Smith, was “If God loved us during the Old Testament time, , when Christ was alive and in the Meridian of time - why wasn’t there prophets to lead us in these times?” I didn’t understand how God could love his people, which I trusted that he did and does, and as we approach the end of times when Chris will come again and not have a prophet on the earth to help us know how to prepare and what we need to do. It just didn’t make sense to me. So, with this question in my heart and mind, I went to my father, who had been investigating the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and asked him about it. He gave me the Book of Mormon and told me I would find my answers in it. As I began to read it I immediately knew it was the word of God, just as the Bible is. I knew that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that we had prophets once more here upon earth. I am so grateful for the opportunity to study the account of the First Vision. It always reminds me again and again that the Heavens are opened once more, that God hears us and knows us. Thank you Brother Halverson this weeks study.

[@lynnemills2650]

I had an experience that I cannot deny on my very first discussion with the missionaries and this keeps me going in the difficult times. Really enjoy your lessons I feel I have my own private teacher.

[@julievanwauwe]

What a blessing to be in quarantine with you as a teacher! These words about the First Vision are particularly expressed and noted because Joseph was not yet aware of the contents of the BvM. Thank you brother and .... I was in L.A. for 6 weeks and I am in love with that city. Greetings from Belgium

[@kennbren]

Thank you Jared! It was the Shrine Auditorium. I too sang in that choir. It was a beautiful experience! How wonderful that you were able to be a part of it!

[@briannebarry6071]

Praise: I pray

[@sandra7eaton]

Thank you so very much for sharing your knowledge with us. I was so happy to see that Lesson 2 was posted and I love these last 2 lessons. Thank you so much,

[@robertcharlesluerssen3294]

Thank you so much my brother & friend for sharing your knowledge, wisdom, testimony & humility with both the church & the world. Your gift to teach by the Spirit even helps me an old veteran of visions, dreams, revelations, visitations & testimonies who knows as he is known. You strength me in my mission for I've been more like a Jonah then a Moses, but the Lord has told me face to face that he will sanctify me before the nations. This I know that God knows. God bless you my angel for you help prepare me for our future. You help me to settle it in my heart as the Lord has always firmly to me. You help the weak and the strong by making the weak strong and the strong weak so the Lord can do his own work through all his children according to their gifts & callings.

[@JenergyYogi]

With plant medicine, prayer, meditation And my Mormon experience It’s very obvious the unseen is so much greater than the seen

[@dianneirinaga8995]

Love love love this..

[@beau4307]

This is a great one! I appreciate your work thanks.

[@leswalker2639]

Love this lesson , it was a long one but it was well worth the time thank you. I'm grateful for Joseph Smith putting out the effort for the desire to understand if we want to know we must have this desire also. It comes with much study and prayer. Just knock, and ask and those things will be revealed, look how the prophets in the Bible and the Book of Mormon had to do. We are no different than them, they laid the foundation how to get answers. If they can do it we can do it.

[@nancyseljestad5051]

Thank you so much for sharing your insights and knowledge and strong beautiful testimony. I look forward to each time that you teach it it's just so uplifting. I have learned so much. Thank you and happy New year!

[@donstelfox2936]

Thank you

[@tdijon7]

Love this!

[@sandramemmott1680]

Excellent lesson- enjoyed it all so much. Perhaps my favorite part was at the end where you compared Joseph’s experience in persecution to Paul’s. So true, I hadn’t thought of that. And I loved your comments about us asking God our questions, as we will not be upbraided.

[@messymusings1812]

Thank you for your words and testimony!! Why anyone would hit the thumbs down... I really do not understand. But the number of thumbs up far far outnumber the others!! Anxiously wait for each week!!

[@ginamharris]

Thank you for sharing your gift of teaching with us. I wish I knew shorthand because I am taking notes furiously, and rewinding to catch every word! Better yet, I wish you would write a book so I can study it slowly. You explain the scriptures so clearly and make them come alive with your genuine enthusiasm and testimony. I am so grateful I found your class in 2020. 💕💕

[@Chōrō13]

Beautifully done. I wish to be able to teach at the caliber you do one day. God bless you for helping His work go forth.

[@patriciawoods2701]

Thank. You !!!!

[@Clarkwilcox8]

Shout out from the Bethany Home ward; watching from Phoenix, AZ.

[@Shinystar_10]

Thank you for the well explanation 😊

[@anephraimite]

I absolutely love this! Especially the older video you included; the quality was negligible, the content was spectacular. I know you put a great deal of time and effort into lesson preparation and bring years of experience and knowledge gathering but there is nothing better than, after all that, trusting wholly in the Spirit. Some of the best experiences I have had teaching seminary or relief society or gospel doctrine or even giving a talk, is when I throw away my plan and rely wholly on the Spirit. To teach, I've always said I only need the scriptures and a piece of chalk (dry erase) 😊 Let the Spirit lead. Your lesson today really was incredible. Thank You!

[@kathyreams3249]

Awesome lessons. You are a great teacher.

[@gracemontgomery5198]

I joined the church at 18 years of age. I believed that the Book of Mormon was true, but I wasn't sure about Joseph's vision. After 10 years of membership I realized that my testimony of Joseph Smith's vision had grown a little at a time. What a wonderful realization for me. I have been a member now for 63 years and loved it all the way.

[@dorispethig1775]

Hi brother Halverson, thank you so much for these lesson. I am learned so much and I felt the spirits with your insight. 🤗

[@allisonbevans4323]

Joseph Smith's First Prayer has always been a favorite of mine as well. For the commemoration last year our ward encouraged everyone to take the First Vision as a theme for some kind of work of art. I wrote a piano arrangement of the song with the lyrics as a strong influence as well as the original melody. The spirit testified to me anew through those lyrics that the Father and Son truly appeared to Joseph Smith, and this lesson has done the same again. Thank you

[@sherlenetraughber8058]

I didn't mind the old school recording at all I mostly love your insite th and you,

[@heidifullmer4050]

Thank you for sharing your experience in receiving testimony through the hymn, Joseph's Smith's First Prayer. I had a similar experience as I play the organ for my ward. I was practicing that beautiful hymn when I was overcome with the knowledge that Joseph really experienced all that he did. I am grateful for that witness and I was even more grateful to have it happen while I was practicing. It is never a good idea to make the organist cry, it's hard to read music with tear filled eyes. Thank you for sharing all that you have learned. I didn't attend seminary or institute as a young woman and now I feel like I am making up for lost time.