On April 11, 1838, Joseph Smith prophesied that David W. Patten would serve a mission in the following spring. This should happen in 1839. However, David died five months later in October, 1838. Thus, he never was able to fulfill Joseph Smith’s desires. Imagine how it made Joseph Smith feel when this man was unable to serve a mission at the time he predicted. Here is that failed prophecy. “Verily, thus saith the Lord: It is wisdom in my servant David W. Patten, that he settle up all his business as soon as he possibly can, and make a disposition of his merchandise, that he may perform a mission unto me next spring, in company with others, even twelve including himself, to testify of my name and bear glad tidings unto the world. (Doctrine and Covenants 114:1) Testify of who? Joseph Smith and not Jesus. Wow. Speaking of this false prophesy, is it something we should just brush under the rug and say, “he was just a man, we all make mistakes”?  Absolutely not. However, this is exactly what Mormons will tell you when it comes to their false prophets of the past. “They made mistakes like all of us. Therefore, we don’t believe in everything they said is scripture”. This is the Mormon excuse.
Isn’t it a good thing that Jesus is our authority and not men? Out of His own mouth, the Lord, our God, warned us about false prophets. Therefore, we can know what to do when we encounter them or find out about them.  Jesus said, “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. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matthew 7:15-20) It has been written, and God has said that we can know who is a false prophet by their evil fruits. A prophet of God will not declare false prophesies that do not come to pass. Therefore, these evil men are cast down into the fire, which is hell, come death. Don’t trust Mormons when they say that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God.  This same man wanted missionaries to speak of Him and not Jesus. Surely, He is of the devil, for Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray for the sake of the people trapped in Mormonism. I say trapped, for many of them feel like they have no escape, lest they lose their father, mother, children, spouse, friends, and even their job. These thoughts come over thousands of Mormons on a year-to-year basis, but still, do they brush these thoughts under the rug and keep their way of life going lest anyone find out and things go south. God, these are the people I hope to find while on my mission trip to Utah in a few weeks. I pray that although they don’t wish to go to their general conference that they do just so Patrick and I can witness to them Your truths from the Bible. They are already checked out but need some motivation to resign. That is where we come into place as Your servants in the harvest. Lead these lost people to us, that we might bring good tidings of You, Jesus. How salvation doesn’t have to be complicated. All the works that their church pushes for exaltation in the highest degree of glory are all lies and filthy rags at that. If only they knew that by grace alone, faith alone, are we saved, they would stop trying to save themselves and allow You to do the saving. I love You, Jesus. I trust in You, God. Amen.