Helaman 1-12 Contrasts in Righteousness and Wickedness The Gift of the Holy Ghost 4:24 5:24, 28-34, 40-48 Spirit will not dwell in unholy temples The darkness of life is dispelled by the power of the Holy Ghost 3:24-30, The companionship of the Spirit 35;6:35-36 is dependent on faithfulness 1
Helaman Chapters 2-6 Secret Combinations 1. How serious were secret combinations? (Ether 8:19-21; Hel. 2:13-14) They led to the destruction of both the Nephites and Jaredites 2. What were the three main groups of people that were affected by secret combination throughout history? a. Moses 5:28-31 Those who loved Satan more than God b. Ether 8:15-16 Those who sought power c. Helaman 6:17-18 Those who sought riches 3. What part of society does Satan often attack to promote secret combinations? Why? (Hel. 6:39) The government to trample the poor and humble followers of God 4. The Book of Mormon uses the term secret combinations. What terms might be the modern equivalent to describe the same situation in today s society? (See statement by Elder Ballard for commentary on Hel. 2:8). Gangs, organized crime families, drug cartels, etc. 5. What are at least six major characteristics of secret combinations? 1. Objectives are (Ether 8:22) Get power and gain 2. Those involved in secret combination were established in (Hel. 3:23) The more settled parts of the land. 3. Secret combinations involve (Hel. 6:21-22) Formal oaths and covenants with secret signs and secret words. 4. Those involved with secret combinations have their own set of (Hel. 6:23-24) laws and punishments 5. The source of secret combinations is always (Hel. 6:25-26) Satan 6. What is the only way to stop secret combinations? (Hel. 6:37) preach the word of God unto them 7. What can we do in our own communities, neighborhoods and homes? D&C 98:10 Seek out and support righteous leaders D&C 93:40 Bring our children up in light and truth D&C 1:4, 14 Follow prophets 2
The Power of a Name Helaman 5:6-12 Packet story D&C 20:37 Mosiah 18:9-10 Alma 5:38-39 Always remember Him What are you doing with His name? Determination to serve Him to the end Stand as witnesses at all times, places, and things Do you know the name by which ye are called? Follow the Prophet As President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Ezra Taft Benson taught: If we want to know how well we stand with the Lord, then let us ask ourselves how well we stand with His mortal Captain. How closely do our lives harmonize with the word s of the Lord s anointed the living prophet, the President of the Church, and with the Quorum of the First Presidency? (BYU Speeches, 1980). 3
Recognizing True Prophets Helaman 7-11, (from the packet) Chosen for a specific time and place Prophets always call people to repent Prophet s message is from the Lord Prophets are not popular with the wicked All Prophets testify of Christ Prophet s words are vindicated Prophets are seers they can see and know things we cannot Prophets have the sealing power Prophets esteem elevates with people Prophets establish true doctrine Hel. 7:7-9 Hel. 5:17-19, 7:17-19 Hel. 7:29 Hel. 8:1-7 Hel. 5:9-12; 8:13-19 Hel. 8:20-24 Hel. 8:27-28 Hel. 10:5-7 Hel. 11:18 Hel. 11:22-23 Prophets can see things we cannot see Elder Ballard of the Quorum of the 12 gave us an excellent and relevant example of this 1995 Proclamation on Family issued 1995 Same-sex marriage HAD NOT been legalized anywhere in the world 1995 Only 3 countries had legalized same-sex civil unions 1998-2015 Same-sex marriage became the focus of debate in many countries around the world 2003-2015 Same-sex marriage debate escalates in the U.S. Constitutional amendment voted on twice Family definition and same sex marriage currently being considered by the U.S. Supreme Court. As of May 14, 2014, 16 countries (up 1 from 2013) and 18 states (up 6 from 2013) had legalized same-sex marriage, but as of the same date in 2015: 37 states (up 19 from 2014) and 20 countries (up 4 from 2014). Of course, that all changed June 2015: legal in all states. 4
The Great Foil: Nephi and the Nephites in Helaman 1-12 Nephi (And Lehi) Helaman 5:1-4, 17-19, 51-52 Alma 31:5!!! Helaman 5:22-23, 44 wow! Helaman 8:27-28 first prophecy of chief judge Helaman 9:25-37 second prophecy of chief judge Helaman 10:2-11: sealing power Helaman 10:12-17-faithfulness Helaman 11:3-5, 9-19, 23 Nephi s power The Nephites Helaman 1:7-12 beginning of secret combinations Helaman 2:3-8, 13-14 Gadianton band Helaman 3:33-34, 36 pride in the Church Helaman 4:11-13, 22-24 great wickedness and loss Helaman 6:1-2, 16-17, 21, 31-35, 38-40: overtaken Helaman 11:24-27, 32-37: return to wickedness Pride and the Nephite Cycle Hel. 11:1-6 Destruction and Suffering Hel. 11:7-11, 15 Humility and Repentance Helaman 12:1-8 Hel. 11:36-37 Pride and Wickedness Hel. 11:20-21 Blessings & Prosperity 5
Modern Day Secret Combinations 6