Saturday, June 27, 2020

The Lives and Deaths of the Prophets

Today marks the 176th anniversary of the deaths of Hyrum and Joseph Smith. Every June 27th, I feel a sense of loss and sadness, not only at the deaths of the prophets, but also at what has become of their legacy. 

Their deaths were brought about by those who at one time had been their friends. Today, many who claim to believe their teachings also accuse them of gross wickedness. When the angel told Joseph his name would be had for good and evil, it foreshadowed something so bizarre and ironic that it's almost unimaginable. 

Our Lord said: “A prophet is not without honor, save in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.” (Mark 3:6, NC)

Those who claim to be the country, kin, and house of Joseph lavishly expect to fulfill prophecy. They have, unfortunately, fulfilled this one. An ignominious distinction, to say the least. 

A week ago, there was a conference held in honor of the 200th anniversary of the First Vision and the beginning of the restoration. All the branches of the restoration were invited to participate. It was a wonderful, uplifting, positive event, and I’m very grateful to have been there and participated. 

Here’s a link to the website where the conference recordings can be viewed:



And here’s a video of the talk I gave at the conference:



When God begins a work among men, he sends those who are ordinary, unremarkable, and un-notable. Those he calls are universally uncomfortable with the responsibilities he gives them. They are crippled by doubts about their own abilities and faith, and left to conclude the only way anything good can come of their efforts is through the might of the one who sent them. This is as it should be, and as it always is. The farm boy from New York, the Carpenter from Galilee, the fisherman from Bethsaida, the Pharisee from Tarsus, the Lamanite on Zarahemla’s wall, the Nephite on his garden tower, the brothers in prison surrounded by fire, and the brothers in prison surrounded by gunfire. All found themselves in situations and with responsibilities they did not seek, and would have gladly relinquished if it were possible. All were hated and threatened and many paid with their lives.

Few ever recognize those who God sends. Strait is the gate and narrow is the way, and few there be that find it. I would add, many there be that reject it, even while sure they are right. 

200 years ago, an unremarkable and uneducated farm boy met God face to face as the ancient patriarchs did. Ten years later, he published what may be the most remarkable book in the history of the world. Fourteen years after that, he was murdered by the conspiracy of traitors. Those who knew, and who know Brother Joseph are left to mourn. 

One of the most important things we can learn from his life is that God’s pattern yet remains unchanged. He calls upon the weak, makes himself known to them, empowers and sends them with his message, and they are generally rejected and cast out by fools who think they know better. 

If it happened again, how would you recognize it? 

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

Joseph’s Marvelous Experience: Lessons Learned from the First Vision

“The gospel of Jesus Christ has always been meant to teach mankind the correct character, perfections, and attributes of God in order that they might have the faith necessary to part the veil for themselves and enter back into His presence. Restoring ascension theology was Joseph’s greatest gift to mankind. In order to make the fiery ascent back into the presence of the Lord, we must seek further light and knowledge from those who are sent from the presence of God to teach us.”

—Whitney Horning

Last weekend’s Restoration Conference was a great success. A particularly important paper was presented by Whitney Horning, who considered and expounded the message of the First Vision, as reflected by the various written accounts of that event. I’ve attached a PDF of that excellent paper here for those who wish to read it.


Friday, June 12, 2020

Joseph Smith Restoration Conference 2020




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.
—Joseph Smith, Jr. 


2020 marks the 200th anniversary of the encounter that has come to be known as Joseph Smith's First Vision. Two hundred years ago, in the early spring of 1820, a young boy took the message found in scripture to heart and sought an answer from God. The event that followed would forever change the history of the world. The heavens were opened and God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph in answer to his humble prayer. This event marked the beginning of a new era of restoration, in which God once again speaks to man. 

We are excited to celebrate this world-changing event by inviting the various branches of the Restoration to come together in remembrance of the First Vision. We look forward to hearing from a variety of speakers speaking on the First Vision and other topics related to the Restoration. 

Please join us this year for the third annual Restoration Conference held on Saturday June 20, 2020 in Meridian, Idaho!

You can find complete information, as well as recordings of previous conferences at the official site: 


We welcome live participants! Please RSVP at the site above to let us know you are coming. 

We also plan to livestream the conference this year. Check back here, or on the site above, for the broadcast link on the day of the conference.