Joseph Smith - History 1:66-75

Joseph Smith – History 1:66-75 Study Guide – to be discussed March 25
Day 1: Read JS-H 1:66-67; D&C 8:1-12
1. Why did Oliver Cowdery seek out Joseph Smith in April, 1829?



2. Look at map 3 in the Church History maps at the back of your scriptures. Approximately how far is it (as the crow flies) from Palmyra, NY to Harmony, PA? (Note: If you don’t have the Church History maps in your scriptures, you can find this map online at http://scriptures.lds.org/en/chmaps/3)


3. Read D&C 8:1-12, given to Oliver Cowdery in April, 1829. What gifts did the Lord tell Oliver he had been given? List also specific warnings to Oliver.




Day 2: Read JS-H 1:68-71
4. What questions regarding baptism might Joseph and Oliver have gone to the woods to ask in prayer?



5. List the keys of the Priesthood of Aaron.




6. How did John the Baptist (the heavenly messenger) answer any questions Joseph and Oliver may have had about baptism?



Day 3: Read paragraphs 1-3 in Oliver Cowdery’s endnote to JS-H at the bottom of page 58; 3 Nephi 11:18-41
7. How did Oliver feel about being Joseph’s scribe?



8. Read 3 Nephi 11:18-41.This is where Joseph and Oliver were in the translation of the Book of Mormon in May 1829. List three phrases from this passage in 3 Nephi that might have motivated the men pray fervently.



9. What is the “liquid grave” and who is buried there? (See also Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12, Mosiah 18:14-16.)



Day 4: Read paragraphs 4-5 in Oliver Cowdery’s endnote to JS-H on page 59; 3 Nephi 8:20-22; Revelation 19:10
10. Read 3 Nephi 8:20-22. How was this description of the conditions among Nephites before the appearance of the Savior like the state of religion prior to the restoration of the gospel?





11. Read Revelation 19:10. How did Oliver know the true church of Christ would be built on continuing revelation?



12. List what Oliver KNEW through direct revelation.




Day 5: Read paragraphs 6-7 in Oliver Cowdery’s endnote to JS-H on page 59
13. Why did John the Baptist address Joseph and Oliver as his “fellow-servants”?



14. What feelings did Oliver list specifically as coming to him by the power of the Holy Spirit?




15. What did “one touch with the finger of his love” cause for Oliver?



Day 6: Read JS-H 1:72-73
16. Under whose direction did John the Baptist act?



17. What did Joseph and Oliver experience directly after their baptisms?



18. Upon what subjects did Joseph prophesy?



Day 7: Read JS-H 1:74-75; Luke 24:30-32
19. Review JS-H 1:73, along with verse 74. What were Joseph and Oliver able to do because of the Holy Ghost? Were Joseph and Oliver members of the church yet? Had they received the gift of the Holy Ghost?



20. Read Luke 24:30-32. List similarities between the experience described in JS-H 1:74 and Luke’s description of the disciples on the road to Emmaus.




21. What blessings were received as part of the Lord’s answer to a simple but fervent prayer about the principle of baptism?