No man since Jesus Christ has generated more religious interest than Joseph Smith - the founder of Christ's restored New Testament Church, who claimed he was called of God and ordained by divine messengers, including Peter, James and John, as directed by Jesus Christ.
On its face, this is astonishing information! If God did give revelation, that means there is a God, and his message is vital for this world.
Consequently, it is incumbent upon every person on this earth - bar none - to know that message and be responsible for its application. Christ did say: "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life." John 10:27-28.
There was a message, and it was prophesied in Isaiah 29, beginning with verse 12: "And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned.
Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: Therefore, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people."
"And in that day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of darkness. The meek shall increase their joy in the Lord, and they shall come to understanding, and they shall learn doctrine."
The fulfillment of this scripture is that In 1820 near Palmyra, in upper state New York, a lad of 14 named Joseph Smith wanted to know which of all the congregations he should join from among the many churches and their ministers, who vied for converts in that region.
Joseph went to the woods to ask in prayer, as to which religion he should join. There he received a vision from God and his Son, Jesus Christ, who told him that none of the churches were true, because they only taught the doctrines and commandments of men.
Joseph was also told that other heavenly messengers would assist him to restore God's New Testament gospel. Also prophesied as quoted above, is that a particular book would come forth.
However, the receiver would not be 'learned', yet the 'deaf shall hear' and the 'the eyes of the blind shall see out of darkness' due to the divine 'doctrine' of that book.
Today that book is known as The Book of Mormon, after the great military general and prophet who compiled it circa 400 AD, in the land which is now known as North America. That book was first published in English in 1829 and has since been translated into 97 languages. Today, 200 years later, Christ's restored New Testament Church has over 16 million global members.
The invitation is to read 'Joseph Part I' for additional information as to this historic topic. Enjoy!