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发帖数: 9485 | 1 After reading the Old Testament several years ago, I gained an interest in
its teachings, especially the writings of Isaiah, and continued to study it.
In 2010, I found myself seated on a flight next to a Jewish rabbi. I
started a conversation by asking him about some passages in Isaiah. As our
conversation progressed, we discussed the importance of priesthood authority
as understood in the Old Testament.
The rabbi asked me where members of my church get their priesthood authority
. I seized the opportunity to tell him about Joseph Smith’s First Vision
and the restoration of the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods. We discussed
the translation of the Book of Mormon and its purpose as “Another
Testament of Jesus Christ.” | m****a
发帖数: 9485 | 2 The rabbi was intrigued. He asked how old Joseph was when he had the First
Vision. When I told him Joseph was 14, about the same age as Samuel of the
Old Testament, he replied that many prophets were called in their youth. He
said it was consistent that God would call Joseph Smith in his teen years.
I opened my scriptures, and together we read the testimonies of the Three
and Eight Witnesses. I told him that several of the witnesses had left the
Church but that none ever denied having seen the golden plates.
“How could they leave the Church after seeing an angel and the plates?” he
asked.
“I remember that the children of Israel built a golden calf shortly after
witnessing the parting of the Red Sea,” I replied. | m****a
发帖数: 9485 | 3 He turned to 1 Nephi and began to read. He stopped and said, “This text is
Hebrew.”
He then explained why the text appeared to be an English translation of
Hebrew. I told him the book was written by a tribe of Israel. I cited
Ezekiel 37:15–20, which speaks of the stick of Judah and the stick of
Joseph. We agreed that the stick of Judah represents the Bible, and I
explained that the stick of Joseph is the Book of Mormon.
After our three-hour conversation the rabbi expressed an interest in
obtaining a copy of the Book of Mormon. When I returned home, I sent him a
copy personalized with my written testimony. I am thankful that my efforts
to study the Old Testament had prepared me to discuss the scriptures and
share my testimony with my new friend, a rabbi. |
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