The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ

       The Book of Mormon is another book of scripture comparable to the Bible. It contains the gospel of Jesus Christ given to the people of the ancient Americas. Just as the Bible, the Book of Mormon was written by prophets of God who were striving to teach their people the word of God.
       Through Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon was translated into the English language by the power of God and published in 1830. It is proof of our Father in Heaven's love for us and that He has restored the true church of Jesus Christ on the earth again. Moroni, an ancient American prophet, gives us the promise that if we read and pray with faith and real intent that God will reveal to us its truthfullness (see Moroni 10:3-5). I can testify that I have done this and I know the Book of Mormon is true.
       To find out more about this book of scripture please check out some of the following links:

mormon.org

Free copy of the Book of Mormon

How the Book of Mormon has helped everyday people

Safety for the Soul

The Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Joseph Smith

       Joseph Smith was just a young man when he learned the true nature of God. He lived in an area where there was quite a bit of excitement concerning religion. He wondered which church was true, which one would lead him to salvation. Many of the religions interpreted the same scripture differently, confusing young Joseph. As he attended different meetings and studied the scriptures he came across a passage that really grabbed his attention. It was James 1:5 which says, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." Joseph decided that was exactly what he needed to do.

       He picked out a place near his home and prayed to Heavenly Father. Joseph says, "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 was instructed that none of the churches were true and that he would be called as a prophet to restore Christ's church, once again, to the earth. He would be given priesthood authority to lead and guide God's children.

Why Joseph Smith?

The Great Apostasy

The Great Apostasy was the period of time referred to in history as the Dark Ages. Doesn't sound very good does it? Well, it wasn't. During this time period the Priesthood, God's power given to man, was not on the earth. There was no prophet, no authorized man to lead the church. Needless to say, Christ's church fell apart. With nobody receiving revelation from God on how to perfrom ordinances like baptism and the sacrament, man's ideas were soon mixed with the doctrine of Christ. No good. Their were righteous men during this time who recognized the wrongs created by man. Men like Martin Luther, William Tyndale, and John Wycliffe tried making reformations to fix what was broken. They did not, however, claim that God had called them as a prophet. Thankfully, God saw fit to restore His Church, and call a prophet. His name was Joseph Smith Jr.

Martin Luther nailing 95 theses to chruch door

For further information see the following sources:

Early Signs of the Apostasy

Chapter One: Prelude to the Restoration

2 Thessalonians 2:3