Helaman 14-16

Helaman 14-16 Study Guide – to be discussed October 9
Day 1: Read Helaman 14:1-9; 1 Nephi 11:13-18
1. At the beginning of Helaman 14, how close were the Nephites to the year of Christ’s birth? From Nephi’s prophecy - almost 600 years previous to Samuel’s time (1 Nephi 11:13-38) - did the people understand where Jesus would be born?



2. What were to be the signs of Christ’s birth to the people in the Americas? Why does the Lord give signs? What signs and wonders do we have today?



3. According to the angel’s message through Samuel, what was the best way to prepare for the advent of the Savior?


Day 2: Read Helaman 14:10-19
4. What was the purpose of a city wall? How easy do you think it was to get on top of the wall? Why was Samuel there?



5. Why did the Nephites need both signs of Christ’s birth and his death?



6. What is the “first death” the Savior would overcome, as described by Samuel? What is the “second death”? Are these two deaths spiritual or physical?



Day 3: Read Helaman 14:20-31; 1 Nephi 19:11-12; Moroni 7:16-17
7. List signs of Jesus’ death as given by Samuel.





BONUS: What is the symbolism behind the signs of Christ’s birth and death?



8. Read 1 Nephi 19:11-12. What do you think Samuel meant when he prophesied that “many shall see greater things than these” (Hel.14:28)?



9. Read Moroni 7:16-17 with Helaman 14:30-31. What have we been given to help us discern good from evil? Why is it a universal gift?



Day 4: Read 10. What did Samuel warn would happen if the people did not repent?
11. Why does the Lord chasten his people? Why did the Lord prolong the days of the Lamanites?



12. Read Alma 23:6. What characteristic of righteousness was evident among the Lamanites?


Day 5: Read Helaman 15:9-17; 2 Nephi 4:4-7; D&C 49:24
13. Review Lehi’s blessing to his son Laman in 2 Nephi 4:4-7. How was this blessing fulfilled during Samuel’s time? How is the Lord’s mercy manifested? (See also D&C 49:24.)



14. Make a list of the keys to spiritual progression as found in Helaman 15:7-8.



15. Why were the Nephites told it would be better for Lamanites than for them except they repent?



Day 6: Read Helaman 16:1-12
16. What actions did those who believed Samuel’s words take? What actions did the unbelievers take? Which group was more numerous?



17. List the activities in which Nephi was engaged.



18. What happened to Samuel after he delivered his message?



Day 7: Read Helaman 16:13-25
19. According to the notes at the bottom of page 405 referring to the 90th year of the reign of the judges, how many years were left before Christ would be born? What happened in that year? How did the people react to the signs?



20. Upon what reasoning did the dissenters base their argument?



21. How did Satan get such a great hold on the hearts of the people?



BONUS: Make a list of the steps to apostasy from Helaman 16:13 -22.