This week, we study the doctrine found within The Family: A Proclamation to the World. In this week’s episode of Beyond Come Follow Me, I share the interesting background story of how the document came about, and how it further proves the blessing of having a living prophet. Plus, I share the stories of the Saints leaving Nauvoo and heading West.

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Getting to Know Them topics: Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Hyrum Smith, Porter Rockwell, Benjamin F Johnson, George Q Cannon, WW Phelps, Ephraim Hanks, Newell K and Elizabeth Ann Whitney, Parley P Pratt, Emma Smith, Eliza R Snow, Mary Fielding Smith, Lucy Smith, Joseph Smith Sr., Willard Richards, Orson Hyde, Heber J Grant, Heber C. Kimball, Moroni, The Mormon Battalion, Pioneer Rescuers, Martin & Willie Handcart Companies, Charles C Rich

Elder L. Tom Perry said the Articles of Faith teach “the essential doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ and are among the most important and certainly the most concise statements of doctrine in the Church”. Understanding the history behind the two revelations known as Official Declarations 1 & 2 might help us understand why the previous Church policies were altered, and help strengthen or testimonies today of living prophets, seers, and revelators.

Joseph Smith saw his brother Alvin in the Celestial Kingdom. 82 years later, Joseph F. Smith would see the Savior organize the missionary work of the Spirit World. Understanding both visions can help us better understand God’s love for us, and it can help us better prepare for the Celestial Kingdom.

This week in Come Follow Me, we look at John Taylor’s announcement of the martyrdom of Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith. I’ll take you through the events that led to their last days on Earth, how Joseph prepared the Church for his death, a virtual tour of the Carthage Jail and Joseph Smith properties, and recount some stories that occurred in Nauvoo following their deaths.

In the most recent General Conference, President Nelson used words and phrases which are found throughout Section 133. As the Lord teaches us the need to prepare for the Second Coming, President Nelson recently taught us how to do so. In this video, I highlight those commandments from the Lord, and share those particular quotes from President Nelson.