"Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7)

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (2 Peter 1:20 - 21)

You see, the importance of Apostles and Prophets were emphasized when Peter spoke of the church being "...built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;" (Ephesians 2:20) Also, "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;" (Ephesians 4:11 - 14)

Another great reference is when the Lord himself said to his apostles and prophets, "He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward;" (Matthew 10:40-41)

Your question evokes another question; If God has spoken through prophets from Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, the Apostles and Prophets and many others, why would he cease speaking to man though prophets as he did through all of Biblical history? I personally believe that with over a thousand different Christian churches teaching varying doctrines all claiming the Bible to be their source, we need guidance now more than ever before from a prophet of God.

The promise of a "restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began" (Acts 3:21) speaks of an event that was promised before Christ's return that would require significant divine communication. I am confident that communication came to Joseph Smith and others who were associated with him. Furthermore, I am convinced that Gordon B. Hinckley is a living prophet today, along with the Twelve Apostles who receives divine guidance for all who "receive them", in directing the Lord's Church on the earth in these latter days.

There is a warning by the Lord to "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits." (Matthew 7:15 - 16)

I have studied the life of Joseph Smith as well as some of the Apostles and Prophets living today and I can tell you with all sincerity that they are inspired of God. ---------------------

[BEV'S thoughts: While Joseph Smith is not specifically mentioned in the Bible, the Book of Mormon certainly is. In the days of Ezekial, wooden tablets called 'sticks' were used to write important things upon.

Ezek. 37: 16 16 Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions:

Also,"Ezek. 37: 19 19 Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.

The stick of Judah is the Holy Bible, the stick of Ephraim (one of Joseph's sons) is the Book of Mormon. I know this to be true, and through study and prayer you can know the truth of this also.]

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Sincerely,

Donny Osmond


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