Christmas Break

For a scripture-based Christmas Quiz and some great Book of Mormon research, check out the website linked to the right, Book of Mormon Research. Search for Christmas Quiz or click here.

3 Nephi 21-23

3 Nephi 21-23 Study Guide: To be discussed January 8
Day 1: Read 3 Nephi 21:1-10; Isaiah 66:18-20
1. Read the chapter heading for 3 Nephi 21. Which verses in 3 Nephi 21:1-9 include the theme: “Israel shall be gathered when the Book of Mormon comes forth”? What is the “sign” mentioned in verses 1 and 7?



2. Read Isaiah 66:18-20. What “sign” of the last days is described by Isaiah?



3. According to the Savior, who will work a great and marvelous work in the latter days? What is that work?



BONUS: Read D&C 135:3. Who is the “servant” described in 3 Nephi 21:10? In what sense was he “marred” but not hurt?


Day 2: Read 3 Nephi 21:11-21; Bible Dictionary entry, “Grove”
4. List warnings to those who reject the Book of Mormon. Now list ways it is rejected.



5. Horses and chariots symbolize power, or military victory. Cities and strongholds symbolize safety. How do the warnings in 3 Nephi 21:14-19 illustrate the phrase “my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil”?



6. Look up “Grove” in the Bible Dictionary. What were “groves” and why would the Lord want to pluck them up?



Day 3: Read 3 Nephi 21:22-29; Isaiah 52:11-12
7. What does the Lord promise those who “repent and hearken” to his words?



8. What three groups of people will participate in building the New Jerusalem?



9. 3 Nephi 21 is a commentary on Isaiah 52. What do 3 Nephi 21:22-28 add to your understanding of Isaiah 52:11-12?



Day 4: Read 3 Nephi 22:1-8; Isaiah 54:1-8 with footnotes; Joel 2:26-27; Revelation 19:7-8
10. 3 Nephi 22 is a continuation of the Lord’s sermon, in which he quotes much of Isaiah 54. When is the “then” of 3 Nephi 22:1, when the once-barren Zion will sing and rejoice in her posterity?



11. List promises to Israel at that day. See also Joel 2:26-27, Revelation 19:7-8.
12. What is the great mercy and everlasting kindness of the Lord? (See also Genesis 49:26.)



Day 5: Read 3 Nephi 22:9-17; Isaiah 54:9-17 with footnotes; 2 Kings 56:15-16; 1 John 4:4; D&C 109:26
13. What visual context (object lesson?) did the Nephites have for the Lord’s promise in 3 Nephi 22:10? When nothing else is certain, on what may we depend?



BONUS: The phrase, “with fair colors” in 3 Nephi 22:11 is sometimes rendered “in hard mortar.” Read this verse with Revelation 21:19-22. What impresses you about this description of Zion?


14. According to 3 Nephi 22:14, what establishes our safety within Zion’s walls?



15. What is the heritage of the servants of the Lord? See also 2 Kings 6:15-16, 1 John 4:4, D&C 109:26.



Day 6: Read 3 Nephi 23:1-6; review 3 Nephi 20:10-15
16. According to 3 Nephi 23:2, how many subjects relating to the House of Israel did Isaiah teach about? To what other group did he speak?



17. What do you think Jesus meant when he commanded the people to “search the prophets”?



18. List similarities between 3 Nephi 23:1-5 and 3 Nephi 20:10-15 (the first and last passages in the Lord’s discourse).



Day 7: Read 3 Nephi 23:7-14
19. What fulfillment of Samuel’s prophecy had not been recorded? Why was it important to do so?



20. It is recorded that Jesus “expounded all the scriptures” to the people (vv. 6, 14). What do you think this means?



21. What was the Savior’s final commandment in 3 Nephi 23?



BONUS: Why should we study the words of Isaiah?

Promised Quote

Here is the quote we discussed in class:
Which covenants do you renew when you partake of the Sacrament?
According to our latter-day prophets and leaders, when you partake of the sacrament you renew
whatever covenants you have made with the Lord. For example, if you have been baptized only, that is
the covenant you renew. If you have received the Melchizedek Priesthood, you also renew that part of
the oath and covenant related to your having received that priesthood. If you have received your
endowment, you also renew the covenants associated with it. Further, if you have been sealed, you also
renew that covenant. In other words, when you partake of the sacrament, you renew all the covenants
you have made with the Lord. John E. MacKay, Ensign, Mar 1995, 66

3 Nephi 19-20

3 Nephi 19-20 Study Guide – to be discussed December 11
Day 1: Read 3 Nephi 19:1-12
1. Why do you think the multitude that had seen Jesus spent the night inviting others to come?


2. List the commandments given by the Savior the previous day which were specifically carried out by the twelve, as described in 3 Nephi 19:6-12.



3. What did the twelve most desire?


Day 2: Read 3 Nephi 19:13-26; Bible Dictionary entry, “Fire”
4. After the twelve were baptized, how was their greatest desire realized?



BONUS: Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Fire.” List what the fire that filled and surrounded the twelve may have symbolized.



5. Why do you think Jesus asked the people to kneel and pray? To whom did they pray?



6. List elements of the Lord’s prayer to the Father.



Day 3: Read 3 Nephi 19:27-36
7. How many times did Jesus use the word “purified” in his prayer? How can we become purified?



8. How did the multitude understand the words of Jesus’ prayer?


BONUS: Read John 17:5-10. Compare the Great Intercessory Prayer in John’s gospel with Christ’s prayer for the remnant of Joseph in 3 Nephi. How are they the same? How are they different?



9. What principle of the gospel allowed the people on this continent to witness tremendous miracles?



Day 4: Read 3 Nephi 20:1-9; John 6:30-35, 53-57
10. How can we “cease to pray,” but “not cease to pray” in our hearts in preparation for taking the sacrament?


11. Review 3 Nephi 18:1-4. On the second day of Christ’s visit, he did not ask the people to wait while bread and wine were procured, but produced the sacramental emblems miraculously. How had the people been prepared this time? Were there more people or fewer to provide for?



12. Read John 6:30-35, 53-57. Why will the soul that partakes of Christ’s body and blood never hunger or thirst? With what were the people filled?



Day 5: Read 3 Nephi 20:10-22
13. Whose prophecies did Jesus quote in his “sacrament meeting” talk?


14. Why will the Lord gather his people?



15. List promised blessings from 3 Nephi 20:14-22.




Day 6. Read 3 Nephi 20:23-35
16. What part of God’s covenant with Abraham was fulfilled when Christ taught of the Holy Ghost and purified the people?



17. In 3 Nephi 20:32-34, each verse begins with “Then….” From 3 Nephi 20:29-30, when is “then”?



18. Why will waste places sing? Why would the Father “make bare his holy arm”?



Day 7: Read 3 Nephi 20:36-46; D&C 113:8-10; D&C 84:88; D&C 88:74-75 Ezekiel 36:25; Isaiah 52:1-12, using footnotes
19. Read D&C 113:8-10. What is the strength of Zion? What are the bands around her neck and how are they loosed?



20. Whose feet bring good tidings and publish peace? Read D&C 84:88 and 88:74-75. What makes these feet beautiful?




21. Using the JST footnote for Isaiah 52:15a and Ezekiel 36:25, give two possible meanings for the word “sprinkle” in 3 Nephi 20:45.

3 Nephi 17-18

3 Nephi 17-18 Study Guide – to be discussed December 4
Day 1: Read 3 Nephi 17:1-8; D&C 78:17-19
1. After quoting Isaiah, Jesus perceived that the people did not quite understand all he had been commanded to tell them. What instructions did he give to help them understand his teachings?



BONUS: Review 3 Nephi 11:1. Where were the people being taught? How could the instructions in 3 Nephi 17:3 apply to this setting?


EXTRA CREDIT: Read D&C 78:17-19. List promises to those who allow themselves to be led along and who receive all things with thankfulness.


2. Where was the Savior planning to go when he left the people at Bountiful?


3. Why did Christ tarry? What allowed Him to heal the people?



Day 2: Read 3 Nephi 17:9-17; D&C 76:1-10 and 114-118
4. What percentage of the sick and afflicted who were brought to Christ were healed? Who worshipped Him?


5. Why do you think Jesus asked for the children to be brought forward to encircle Him?



6. What was troubling the Savior as he prayed? For whom did He pray?


EXTRA CREDIT: Read D&C 76:1-10 and 114-118. What is the reward to those who respect and serve God in purity? By what power are we enlightened? Why couldn’t the people at Bountiful record the words of Christ’s powerful prayer?



Day 3: Read 3 Nephi 17:18-25
7. Why do you think Jesus wept?



8. What was the multitude commanded to DO in 3 Nephi 17:23? Why?


9. In what way(s) did blessing the children also bless the parents and grandparents? How had the parents already blessed the children?



EXTRA CREDIT: List the steps in 3 Nephi 17 that led to overwhelming joy.
Day 4: Read 3 Nephi 18:1-9
10. Why do you think Jesus asked his disciples to bring bread and wine instead of bringing them himself or causing them to appear miraculously? What did the multitude do as they waited?



11. Why do you think the Lord gave the sacrament to the disciples first, then commanded them to give to the multitude?



12. List the reasons Jesus gave for the commandment to observe His sacrament.



BONUS: According to 3 Nephi 20:9, with what were the people filled when they partook of the sacrament?


Day 5: Read 3 Nephi 18:10-16
13. To whom was Jesus speaking in 3 Nephi 18:10-16?

14. List promised blessings to those who worthily administer and partake of the sacrament.



15. How were the disciples commanded to pray in 3 Nephi 18:16? What example had Christ set in 3 Nephi 17:15-17?



Day 6: Read 3 Nephi 18:17-25
16. How does sincere prayer help us renew the covenant to “always remember Him”?



17. What two places are mentioned specifically as places where we should pray together?


18. How can we “hold up” the teachings of Christ as a light to the world and invite others to “feel and see”?



Day 7: Read 3 Nephi 18:26-39; BD entry: “Cloud”
19. What specific instructions did Jesus give the twelve regarding the administration of the sacrament?



20. What did the Savior say we must do in order for him to heal us? How can we help others receive this healing?



21. Why did the Savior need to go unto the Father? Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Cloud.” Why do you think the Lord often uses a cloud to veil His presence, or in this case, His ascension?

3 Nephi 14-16

3 Nephi 14-16 Study Guide – to be discussed November 20
Day 1: Read 3 Nephi 14:1-12; footnote to Matthew 7:1a; Moroni 7:15-16; Alma 41:14-15
1. Read the footnote to Matthew 7:1a, Moroni 7:15-16 and Alma 41:14-15. What kind of judgment must we exercise? What help do we have in discerning good and evil?



2. What two reasons are given in 3 Nephi 14:6 for why we should “give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast… pearls before swine….”?



3. What is the difference between asking, seeking and knocking?



Day 2: Read 3 Nephi 14:13-27; 2 Nephi 31:17-21
4. What is the “strait gate”? (See also 2 Nephi 31:17-20.) What makes it strait?



5. Why will the Lord, in the last days, deny knowing many who have professed they are his servants?



6. What is the “rock” upon which we should build? The rock will not keep us warm or dry – the house we build will. What might the house represent? The rain?




Day 3: Read 3 Nephi 15:1-10
7. By what authority did Jesus say he had fulfilled the law?



8. The brass plates of Laban contained three parts: (1) The Law, similar to the first five books in our Old Testament; (2) The Writings, historical books like Joshua or Kings and poetic writings like Psalms and Proverbs; and (3) The Prophets, which included writings by Isaiah, Zenock, etc. With this in mind, why do you think Jesus said he had fulfilled the law, but would no destroy the prophets?





9. List commands and promised blessings from 3 Nephi 15:9-10.






Day 4: Read 3 Nephi 15:11-24; JST Genesis 50:24-25
10. Read JST Genesis 50:24-25 (p. 799 of Bible Appendix). How did the Nephites and Lamanites in America fulfill prophecy?



11. Why didn’t Jesus give his disciples in Judea details about Lehi’s people?



12. Of whom did the people in Jerusalem believe Christ was speaking when he told them he had “other sheep”?



Day 5: Read 3 Nephi 16: 1-7; D&C 50:44-46
13. Read D&C 50:44-46. Might we be included in the Savior’s declaration that he has “other sheep”? Why or why not?



14. Why were the people commanded to record Jesus’ words?



15. How and why have gentile nations been blessed in the latter days?



Day 6: Read 3 Nephi 16:8-12
16. List two branches of Israel in history that have been smitten, afflicted and slaughtered.



17. What is the Lord’s warning to the Gentiles who reject the gospel in the latter days?



18. What covenants has the Lord made with the house of Israel? (See also Genesis 17:1-8.)



Day 7: Read 3 Nephi 16:13-20 Micah 5:7-8
19. What great promise did the Lord make to Gentiles who return to him?



20. What is the warning to Gentiles who will not hearken?



21. Read Micah 5:7-8. What two things are the remnant of Jacob compared to in these verses, and why?

3 Nephi 10-13

3 Nephi 10-13 Study Guide – to be discussed November 13
Day 1: Read 3 Nephi 10
1. Why do you think the people stopped lamenting when they heard the voice of God?



BONUS: Note the three different tenses used in 3 Nephi 10:4-6 as the Lord expressed his desire to gather and nurture Israel. What warning follows in 3 Nephi 10:7?


2. How many days of darkness were there? At what part of the day did the darkness disperse and the earth heal?



3. Since the calamities endured by the Nephites and Lamanites at the time of Christ’s death are types of the calamities to precede Christ’s second coming, how can we gain hope from this chapter?



Day 2: Read 3 Nephi 11:1-17; 1 Kings 19:11-12; 3 Nephi 17:25; John 20:27-28
4. List phrases that describe the voice of God. From 3 Nephi 17:25, how many people were gathered at the temple? What did they have to do in order to understand?



5. Even though the people heard Christ introduced by the Father as his Beloved Son, who did they think he was at first? How did he introduce himself?


6. Read John 20:27-28. Why do you think the Savior wanted each person, one by one, to feel his wounds?



Day 3: Read 3 Nephi 11:18-41; Ezekiel 1:28-2:2
7. Read Ezekiel 1:28-2:2. How do you think Nephi felt as he “bowed himself before the Lord”? How was he prepared to greet the risen Savior?



8. What was the first power and doctrinal instruction the Lord gave his disciples? Why was he so specific?



9. What is the doctrine of Christ? What are the promises to those who accept and build on this doctrine? What is the warning to those who build their lives on the philosophies of men?




Day 4: Read 3 Nephi 12:1-16
10. To whom had the Savior addressed his counsel in 3 Nephi 11:22-41? To whom did he then turn at the beginning of chapter 12? From 3 Nephi 12:1-2, to whom were the first statements of “blessedness” offered?
11. Read through 3 Nephi 12:3-12 and restate the Beatitudes, or statements of blessedness, in your own words. Use footnotes for Matthew 5:1-12; also D&C 56:17-18, Mormon 2:11-13, , Numbers 12:3, 2 Nephi 32:3, Proverbs 14:21, 2 Peter 1:3-10, 1 John 3:1-3, James 3:17-18, D&C 122:1-9.




12. How does accepting Christ’s call to be “salt” and “light” today assist in gathering Israel? What is the common reward to those who exhibit these qualities?



Day 5: Read 3 Nephi 12:17-48
13. How did Christ fulfill the Law? What was the purpose of the Law of Moses? (See also Galatians 3:21-24.)



14. Read Proverbs 25:21-22. Was “love your enemies” a new concept? Why is it important to forgive others before we come unto Christ?



15. In 3 Nephi 12:29, the Lord counseled that we not allow sinful things to enter our HEARTS. Why do you think his warning was about the “heart” instead of the “mind”?



Day 6: Read 3 Nephi 13:1-21
16. What is the reward of the hypocrites?



17. What are vain repetitions and why should we avoid them?



18. Are fasting and forgiveness related? Why or why not?



Day 7: Read 3 Nephi 13:22-34; D&C 4:5
19. Read D&C 4:5. To what should our eyes be single if we are to receive light?



20. Why can’t we serve two masters?



21. To whom did Jesus direct his address in 3 Nephi 13:25-34? How does this understanding help clarify the Savior’s directions?

3 Nephi 7-9

3 Nephi 7-9 Study Guide – to be discussed Nov. 6
Day 1: Read 3 Nephi 7:1-14; 2 Peter 2:9-10, 21-22
1. List the results of disunity in the 30th year.


2. Compare 3 Nephi 7:1-3 with 2 Peter 2:9-10, 21-22. List three ways in which the Nephites fit the pattern described by Peter.



3. What united the various tribes of people? What divided them? What was the name of the “king of the dissenters?



BONUS: What was wrong with the “peace” that existed?


Day 2: Read 3 Nephi 7:15-26
4. List three things of which Nephi was a special witness.



5. What miracles did the people witness? What was the general reaction? What was happening in Judea at the same time these events took place on the Western Hemisphere?



6. In what way(s) was Nephi’s mission successful? Why could the people NOT disbelieve Nephi’s words?



Day 3: Read 3 Nephi 8:1-11; Helaman 14:20-27; Alma 50:13
7. How do we know Nephi was “a just man” – cleansed from iniquity?



8. Compare 3 Nephi 8:5-10 with Helaman 14:20-27. List the fulfillments of Samuel’s prophecies. How much time had the Nephites had to repent and prepare for the storm?



9. According to Alma 50:13, where was the city of Moroni? What happened to this city?


Day 4: Read 3 Nephi 8:12-25; D&C 88:4-13
10. Was the most damage incurred in the north or the south? Were any cities listed as untouched?



11. How dark was it? For how long?


BONUS: Read D&C 88:4-13. What is the source of all light? How does light create hope?



12. Why did the people howl and weep?




Day 5: Read 3 Nephi 9:1-8; 1 Nephi 19:11-12
13. Was it still dark when the people heard the voice of Christ? What was the first counsel given by the Lord? Do you think the people were ready to listen?



14. List the cities named by the Lord and how they were destroyed. What reasons did the Lord give for their destruction?




15. Was the destruction random or at all haphazard? Why or why not?



Day 6: Read 3 Nephi 9:9-14
16. Were those who were spared perfect? In not, why were they spared? (See also 3 Nephi 10:12.)



17. How does the Lord heal us?



18. Identify one command and the associated promise(s) in 3 Nephi 9:14.



Day 7: Read 3 Nephi 9:15-22; D&C 21:9; D&C 97:8
19. List names of Christ in 3 Nephi 9:15-28.



20. What sacrifice did the Lord require instead of blood sacrifices and burnt offerings? Read also D&C 21:9, 97:8. How are we to accomplish this sacrifice?




21. From 3 Nephi 9:21-22, what was the Savior’s reason for putting on mortality? Compare these verses with 3 Nephi 9:15-18. Who was this Jesus of Nazareth? Who is he to you?

3 Nephi 4-6

3 Nephi 4-6 Study Guide: To be discussed November 6??
Day 1: Read 3 Nephi 4:1-10; 1 John 4:15-18
1. Why couldn’t the robbers exist except in the wilderness?



2. What was the Nephite strategy and why was it so effective?



3. Read 1 John 4:15-18. Why weren’t the Nephites afraid of Giddianhi and his terrible army?



Day 2: Read 3 Nephi 4:11-23; Alma 16:9-11; Alma 28:10-11
4. Read Alma 16:9-11 and Alma 28:10-11 with 3 Nephi 4:11. By comparison, how terrible was the slaughter in the 19th year after the signs of Christ’s birth?



5. Review 3 Nephi 3:21. Why didn’t Gidgiddoni attack first? Do you think the Nephites would have been victorious had they not waited for the robbers to attack?



6. List 3 reasons why the siege by the robbers was unsuccessful.



Day 3: Read 3 Nephi 4:24-33; Deuteronomy 21:22-23; Matthew 27:3-5; 1 Nephi 11:35-36
7. Does it sound like Gidgiddoni had spies among the robbers? What was his strategy? Did he show mercy?



8. Read Deuteronomy 21:22-23; Matthew 27:3-5 and 1 Nephi 11:35-36. What symbolism can be found in the manner of Zemnariah’s death?



9. Look up the word “Hosanna” in the Bible Dictionary and tell what it means. Why did the Nephites use the word “hosanna” in their rejoicing?



Day 4: Read 3 Nephi 5:1-13
10. How many times is the word “knew” used in 3 Nephi 5:1-2? What did the Nephites KNOW? What did that knowledge cause them to DO?



11. Describe the two-pronged rehabilitation process used by the Nephites.

12. From 3 Nephi 5:10-13, what did Mormon KNOW and bear witness of?



Day 5: Read 3Nephi 5:14-26; Mormon 9:30-33
13. From 3 Nephi 5:14, list two reasons why Mormon compiled his record. Upon what two sources did he rely?



14. Read Mormon 9:30-33. Why did Mormon write in reformed Egyptian? How did he feel about his record?



15. List promises made to the “remnant of the seed of Jacob. Who is meant by the remnant of Jacob’s seed?





Day 6: Read 3 Nephi 6:1-16; Review 3 Nephi 3:22
16. Compare 3 Nephi 6:1 with 3 Nephi 3:22. How many years did the Nephites spend garrisoned in the Zarahemla area before returning to their own lands? How did they establish peace and order?



17. List the steps that led to disunity – the destruction of peace and order.




18. What did inequality among members do to the church?



Day 7: Read 3 Nephi 6:17-30; Mosiah 3:11-12; 1 Samuel 8:1-7
19. How many years had passed between the time when there was “not a living soul among all the people of the Nephites who did doubt in the least the words of all the holy prophets who had spoken” (3 Nephi 5:1) and the “state of awful wickedness” described in 3 Nephi 6:17?



BONUS: Read Mosiah 3:11-12. How is willful rebellion worse than ignorance?



20. Of what did the prophets testify in teaching the fallen Nephites? Why were the chief judges, high priests and lawyers angry?



21. Read 1 Samuel 8:1-7. Who are people rejecting when they ask for a king? Why?

3 Nephi 1-3

3 Nephi 1-3 Study Guide: To be discussed October 16
Day 1: Read 3 Nephi 1:1-9, with headnote; Alma 45:18-19; D&C 63:7-10
1. Who wrote the book of Third Nephi? Who was his grandfather? His grandfather’s grandfather?



BONUS: According to Alma 45:18-19, how was Nephi’s departure similar to that of his great-grandfather?



2. How do you think the unbelievers could disregard the “greater signs and greater miracles” (v.4)? Read D&C 63:7-10. Which comes first, signs or faith?



3. Why were the believers sorrowful? Did they lack faith?



Day 2: Read 3 Nephi 1:10-19; Zechariah 14:6-9; 1 Nephi 1:5-12; Mosiah 26:12-17
4. Why was Nephi so sorrowful? List specific words and phrases from 3 Nephi 1:10-12 describing the intensity of Nephi’s prayer.



5. What answers did Nephi receive after his heart-felt prayer?



BONUS: Compare Nephi’s prayer and answer with Lehi’s prayer in 1 Nephi 1:5-12 and Alma’s prayer in Mosiah 26:12-17. How were these prayers similar?



6. In what year did the signs take place? Read Zechariah 14:6-9. When will a similar sign again occur?



Day 3: Read 3 Nephi 1:20-30; Review Helaman 14:3; Matt. 2:2; Moses 5:12-13
7. Why was a new star in the heavens a good way to signal the birth of the Savior?



8. Read Moses 5:12-13. Why did Satan ramp up the lies at this point in history? Was he successful? Why or why not?



9. Do you think the Gadianton robbers saw and understood the signs of Christ’s birth? What caused some of the youth of the church to be led away?



Day 4: Read 3 Nephi 2:1-9
10. How long did it take before the people began to “forget” the signs and wonders?


11. Why did the people begin to be “hard in their hearts and blind in their minds”?



12. What new system of recording years was initiated in the 100th year of the reign of the judges?



Day 5: Read 3 Nephi 2:10-19; 2 Nephi 5:20-24
13. What united the Nephites and Lamanites?



14. Read 3 Nephi 2:14-16 with 2 Nephi 5:20-24. What curse was removed from the righteous Lamanites?



15. According to 3 Nephi 2:18-19, why were the Nephites so sorely afflicted?



Day 6: Read 3 Nephi 3:1-10
16. What does Giddianhi’s letter tell you about his personality?



17. List the terms of Giddianhi’s truce.



18. Do you think Giddianhi would have honored his promises had the Nephites surrendered? Why or why not?



Day 7: Read 3 Nephi 3:11-26; D&C 98:33
19. From 3 Nephi 3:11-17, what can you tell about the character of Lachoneus? Can you apply his reaction to sin to how we can prepare ourselves against the adversary today?




20. What eternal principle did Gidgiddoni teach the people regarding defensive and offensive warfare? (See also D&C 98:33.)



21. From 3 Nephi 3:25, list three ways Lachoneus’ people “did fortify themselves against their enemies.”

Quotes from lesson on Helaman 10-13

In 1787 Edward Gibbon completed his noble work The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Here is the way he accounted for the fall. 1. The undermining of the dignity and sanctity of the home, which is the basis of human society. 2. Higher and higher taxes and the spending of public monies for free bread and circuses for the populace. 3. The mad craze for pleasure, sports becoming every year more and more exciting and brutal. 4. The building of gigantic armaments when the real enemy was within the decadence of the people. 5. The decay of religion – faith fading into mere form, losing touch with life, and becoming impotent to warn and guide the people. (Ezra Taft Benson, God, Family, County, 363-364)


Hugh Nibley: “The Prophet Samuel the Lamanite sets forth the interesting rule that when ‘the Economy’ becomes the main and engrossing concern of a society--or in the routine Book of Mormon phrase, when ‘they begin to set their hearts upon their riches’--the economy will self-destruct. This is how he puts it: ‘Ye do always remember your riches; . . . your hearts are not drawn out unto the Lord, but they do swell with great pride, . . . envyings, strifes, malice, persecutions and murders, and all manner of iniquities’ (Helaman 13:22). Note well the sequence of folly: first we are well pleased with ourselves because of our wealth, then comes the game of status and prestige, leading to competitive maneuvers, hatred, and dirty tricks, and finally the ultimate
solution. Where wealth guarantees respectability, principles melt away as the criminal element rises to the top: ‘For this cause hath the Lord God caused that a curse should come upon the land, and also upon your riches’ (Helaman 13:23).” (The Prophetic Book of Mormon, p. 349)

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.

Helaman 10-13 Study Guide

Helaman 10-13 Study Guide – to be discussed October 2
Day 1: Read Helaman 10:1-19; Review Helaman 7:10-9:41; D&C 50:29
1. What was Nephi’s state of mind as he pondered in his heart? List how the voice of the Lord blessed him as he was thus pondering, ie: why was the Lord pleased with him? See also D&C 50:29.



BONUS: List the Lord’s promises to Nephi.


2. What was Nephi’s immediate reaction after he received instruction from the Lord? Review what he had been through earlier that same day in Helaman 7:10-9:41. Do you think he was tired?



3. What was the crowd reaction to Nephi’s further preaching?



Day 2: Read Helaman 11:1-19
4. About how long did Nephi wait and suffer the wars and contentions of the people before he cursed the land with famine? What was the purpose of the famine? Do you think Nephi was personally impacted by the famine?



5. How long did it take for the wicked to REMEMBER the Lord their God and the words of Nephi? What specific act did Nephi list as part of their repentance?


6. How do we know the people recognized who had power over the elements?



Day 3: Read Helaman 11:20-38
7. List highlights of the 76th through 79th years of the reign of the judges. Which of these highlights seems most amazing to you?



8. What kind of warfare tactics did the Nephite dissenters and angry Lamanites use? Why?



9. Make a chart showing the rise and fall of wickedness in the 80th through 85th years of the reign of the judges. Why did the Gadianton robbers become so powerful?




Day 4: Read Helaman 12:1-17; 3 Nephi 28:32-35
10. What do you think Mormon means when he refers to the “unsteadiness” of the hearts of the people? What kinds of unsteadiness do we see today?
11. Read 3 Nephi 28:32-35 with Helaman 12:2-6. List ways in which people “trample under their feet the Holy One.”



12. According to Mormon, how are we dumber than dirt?



Day 5: Read Helaman 12:18-26; Helaman 13:17-20; Mormon 1:18
13. Why would the Lord curse buried treasure? Read also Helaman 13:17-20, Mormon 1:18.



14. What worse curse is upon those who do iniquity?


15. Why do we have the principle of repentance? What did Mormon add to repentance as necessary for a restoration to grace?



Day 6: Read Helaman 13:1-20 with headnote; Matthew 6:19-21
16. What was the general state of the Nephites in the 86th year of the reign of the judges? the state of the Lamanites? What was the reaction of the Nephites to Samuel’s preaching?



17. What was the Lord’s message through Samuel? What did he have to do to be heard? How long had it been since the famine?



BONUS: How many times might Samuel’s prophecy be fulfilled?


18. Speaking again of the curse of treasures, how did Samuel suggest hidden treasure could be redeemed? Can you apply this principle to treasures that are not monetary? See also Matthew 6:19-21.



Day 7: Read Helaman 13:21-39; Helaman 12:6; Ezekiel 13:1-3
19. What were the Nephites remembering? Why? What were they forgetting?



20. In what way(s) do we sometimes cast prophets out today? Read Ezekiel 13:1-3. What is a “blind guide”? See also Helaman12:6.



21. Why did Samuel tell the people their days of probation were past? Couldn’t they still repent? See also D&C 63:5-7.

Quotes from Helaman 4-5

5:6 Spencer W. Kimball: “When you look in the dictionary for the most important word, do you know what it is? It could be ‘remember.’ Because all of you have made covenants-you know what to do and you know how to do it-Our greatest need is to remember. That is why everyone goes to sacrament meeting every Sabbath day-to take the sacrament and listen to the priests pray that they . . . may always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them. . . . Nobody should ever forget to go to sacrament meeting. ‘Remember’ is the word. ‘Remember’ is the program.”

Jeffrey R. Holland: “’Ye shall have faith in Christ, . . . and when ye shall do this, the cloud of darkness shall be removed from
overshadowing you.’(Helaman 5:40-41.) This brightness of hope and unspeakable joy in God's power and comfort comes, even in everyday matters for me, only as I prayerfully exert my right to his Spirit. If in my heart I go to God the moment I feel even the slightest intimation of fear (or darkness or worry) instead of waiting to let it accumulate, if I speak to God even as my most trusted friend, my wisest counselor, and stay there in my heart or on my knees talking to him long enough, I can always see a ray of light at the edge of those dark shadows. Most often I can then leave his presence with my heart singing. This does not mean that my troubles have dissolved—they probably haven't—but I somehow have the power to see above and around and through those clouds of darkness with greater calm and peacefulness. I know that he will, with time, help me to dissipate them completely. Out of sorrow and despair we are, through the comforting, protecting grace of God, lifted out of our weakness to the very summit of spiritual, peaceful transcendence that, without the ‘Father of all comfort’ could only be dreamed about from afar.” (On Earth As It Is In Heaven, p. 40)

Helaman 6-9

Helaman 6-9 Study Guide – to be discussed September 25
Day 1: Read Helaman 6:1-19; Jacob 2:16-19; Jeremiah 39; 1 Nephi 1:4
1. What qualities of the Lamanites’ faith caused their righteousness to exceed that of the Nephites’? What had caused the Nephites to regress?



2. List the results of peace as identified in Helaman 6:7-14. How many years of peace did they have at this time?



3. Why did the people turn again to wickedness? See also Jacob 2:16-19.


BONUS: Who was Mulek? Who was Zedekiah? (See also Jeremiah 39, 1 Nephi 1:4, Mosiah 25:2.)


Day 2: Read Helaman 6:20-41; 2 Nephi 28: 11-14; D&C 10:20-27; Matthew 6:19-21, 12:35; Isaiah 51:7-8
4. Read Helaman 6:20-23 with 2 Nephi 28:11-14 and D&C 10:20-27. Why does Satan stir up the hearts of men to wickedness? Does the adversary protect his own?



5. As used in scripture, “heart” usually means “the center of feelings and desires.” Underline the word “heart” or “hearts” wherever it appears in Helaman 6:17-31. Read Matthew 6:19-21 and 12:35, Isaiah 51:7-8. How can we protect our hearts against the adversary’s assaults?



BONUS: Why did Satan encourage the people to build the tower of Babel?


6. What was the result of the Nephites’ wickedness and hardness of hearts? What was the result of an increased faith among the Lamanites?



BONUS: What does it mean to “turn to [our] own ways”?


Day 3: Read Helaman 7:1-11 (with headnote); D&C 98:10
7. According to the headnote, whose prophecies are recorded in Helaman 7-16? Why did he return to Zarahemla in the 69th year of the reign of the judges?



8. Who filled the judgment seats in Zarahemla during this time? Why? What were their goals?



BONUS: Read D&C 98:10. What can we learn from the Nephites and modern revelation about how to vote?

9. Do you think Nephi’s great prayer of mourning was meant to be so public? Why or why not?



Day 4: Read Helaman 7:12-29
10. Why do you think Nephi’s neighbors gathered to watch him mourn and pray?


11. In Nephi’s call to repentance, he identified why his people had forgotten their God and allowed themselves to be influenced by Satan. According to Nephi, what is the fastest way to wickedness?


12. What warning(s) does Nephi give to those who do not repent?



Day 5: Read Helaman 8:1-28; Moses 6:63
13. Why were the judges angry with Nephi? What law had he broken? How did their indictments divide the people?



14. Nephi seized the moment, seeing he had gained favor among some of the people. List the prophets he quoted and of what they bore witness. How does Moses 6:63 support what Nephi taught?




15. How many years before Christ’s appearance in Bountiful did Nephi preach?


Day 6: Read Helaman 9: 1-17
16. Why did the five Nephites run to the judgment-seat? What did they find there?


17. Why did the five Nephites pass out?


18. Unlike most prophets, Nephi offered the people a sign or further witness of his prophetic calling. What does the judges’ reaction tell you about why prophets do not generally give signs?



Day 7: Read Helaman 9:18-41
19. What kind of plea bargain was Nephi offered?


20. Why do you think Nephi gave the judges and the people another sign?



21. List the varied reactions of the people to the fulfillment of Nephi’s prophecy. Read Helaman 10:1 to see the results of their various opinions.

Helaman 2-3 with requested quotes

Helaman 2-3 Study Guide: To be discussed September 11
Day 1: Read Helaman 2:1-7
1. Why was there a void in the judgment-seat in the 42nd year of the reign of the judges? Who did the people call on to fill that void?


2. List what we know about Kishkumen and Gadianton from these verses. What did Gadianton promise his followers?



3. How did Helaman’s servant infiltrate Kishkumen’s band?



Day 2: Read Helaman 2:8-14; 3 Nephi 4:1; Mormon 2:27-28
4. List three goals of those who espoused Kishkumen’s secret combinations. Have these goals changed throughout history?




BONUS: Did Helaman’s servant have a license to kill? Why or why not?


5. How did Gadianton’s band escape after Kishkumen’s demise?



6. Give examples of secret combinations we should avoid today. No specific names, please.



Day 3. Read Helaman 3: 1-7
7. What two things were there a “little” of in the 43rd year of the reign of the judges? Do you think these two are connected?



8. What contributed to the great Nephite migration in the 46th year?



9. How did the immigrants in the north make houses? Why?



BONUS: How do you think Mormon knew the specifics of the people who moved north?



Day 4: Read Helaman 3:8-16; Words of Mormon 1:3-5
10. What indication do we have that there was a “Green” movement in the land northward?


11. In what way(s) was the north dependent on the south?



12. What do we learn from Mormon about the records he abridged? What does this tell you about Mormon? About the record we have? (See also Words of Mormon 1:305.)



Day 5: Read Helaman 3:17-22; Helaman 5:6
13. How many years of wars, contentions and dissensions did the Nephites have at this time?


14. Describe Helaman’s style of leadership.



15. Why did Helaman name his sons Nephi and Lehi? (See Helaman 5:6.)



Day 6: Helaman 3:23-30; Hebrews 4:12; D&C 11:2
16. What does it mean to “prosper”? What kind of prosperity was there among the Nephites in the 49th year?



17. Using parallelism in his two “thus we see” statements (vv. 27, 28), Mormon compared the elements of these two observations. How is the thought “the Lord is merciful” like the promise “the gate of heaven is open”? Is calling on the name of Christ the same as believing on his name? Why or why not?



18. How is the word of God “quick and powerful”? Look in a dictionary for alternate definitions of “quick.” See also Hebrews 4:12, D&C 11:2. Using Helaman 3:27-29, how can we help the church prosper during difficult times?



BONUS: From Helaman 3:30, of what is the right hand symbolic?

Day 7: Read Helaman 3: 31-37
19. Among what group of people did pride begin in the 51st year? What did their pride lead to? From v. 36, what is one common cause of pride?



20. Find and mark the six blessings of fasting and prayer listed in Helaman 3:35.




21. Compare Helaman 2:1-2 with Helalman 3:37. How many years did Helaman serve as chief judge among the Nephites? Who succeeded Helaman as chief judge?

Helaman 2:6 - Hugh Nibley: “And here's one of the servants of Helaman, ‘...having been out by
night, and having obtained, through disguise, a knowledge of those plans...’ Now what was his
disguise? His disguise was that of a defector, of course. He'd come over as an insider who
knew all about it, and defectors are quite common. He was a mole. He was actually an
undercover man; he was a double agent for Helaman. He knew all the workings, and this is
why they would come to him and why Gadianton said, lead me to him. Get me an audience
with the judge so I can bump him off. So this was one of the servants of Helaman; otherwise,
this looks rather confusing, but it isn't when you realize the nature of his disguise. He didn't
wear a mask or a false moustache or anything like that. But his disguise was his persona. He
was a [pretended] defector. He'd come over; he knew all about Helaman. And he had attained
‘a knowledge of those plans which had been laid by this band to destroy Helaman.’ This is
their regular police practice. He was put in there as an undercover man, a double agent.”
(Teachings From the Book of Mormon, Lecture 74, p. 204-5

Helalman 3:1 - [Pride] is an attitude that commences
with personal comparisons with others and leads to demeaning thoughts or oppressive actions directed at
other sons and daughters of God. The pride of self satisfaction imposes its primary effects upon the one
who is proud. His attitude blocks his own progress. In contrast, the pride of comparison is pernicious
because of its tendency to the oppression of others. C. S. Lewis described the pride of comparison when
he said: Pride is essentially competitive. . . . Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of
having more of it than the next man. . . . It is the comparison that makes you proud: the pleasure of being
above the rest. Lewis called pride "the utmost evil" and "the complete anti God state of mind," because
this kind of comparison leads men to enmity and oppression and every other kind of evil. This insightful
Christian saw that every person should look up to God as "immeasurably superior" to him or her. He
continued: Unless you Know God as that and, therefore, know yourself as nothing in comparison you do
not know God at all. As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking
down on things and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down, you cannot see something
that is above you. (Mere Christianity [New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc., 1960], pp. 109 11.)
President Ezra Taft Benson expressed a similar thought when he said: “Pride does not look up to God
and care about what is right. It looks sideways to man and argues who is right. Pride is manifest in the
spirit of contention. [("Cleansing the Inner Vessel," Ensign, May 1986, p. 6.); Dallin H. Oaks, Pure in
Heart, p.96]

Helaman 3:7 - While this is not significant doctrinally, it does give an additional external
evidence of the truthfulness of the book, since Joseph Smith could not have been aware, as a result of his
own intellect and learning, of this important item that has since been substantiated by modern scientific
findings. DCBM, 3:339. “The Book of Mormon dates this significant technological advance to the year
46 B.C. Recent research shows that cement was in fact extensively used in Mesoamerica beginning
largely at this time. One of the most notable uses of cement is in the temple complex at Teotihuacan,
north of present-day Mexico City. According to David S. Hyman, the structural use of cement appears
suddenly in the archaeological record. Its earliest sample ‘is a fully developed product.’ The cement
floor slabs at this site ‘were remarkably high in structural quality.’ Although exposed to the elements for
nearly two thousand years, they still ‘exceed many present-day building code requirements.’ After its
discovery, cement was used at many sites in the Valley of Mexico and in the Maya regions of southern
Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. It was used in the construction of buildings at such sites as Cerro de
Texcotzingo, Tula, Palenque, Tikal, Copan, Uxmal, and Chichen Itza...Mesoamerican cement was
almost exclusively lime cement. The limestone was purified on a ‘cylindrical pile of timber, which
requires a vast amount of labor to cut and considerable skill to construct in such a way that combustion
of the stone and wood is complete and a minimum of impurities remains in the product.’ The fact that
very little carbon is found in this cement ‘attests to the ability of these ancient peoples.’ John Sorenson
further noted the expert sophistication in the use of cement at El Tajin, east of Mexico City, after Book
of Mormon times. Cement roofs covered areas of seventy-five square meters! ‘Sometimes the builders
filled a room with stones and mud, smoothed the surface on top to receive the concrete, then removed
the interior fill when the [slab] on top had dried.’ The presence of expert cement technology in pre-
Hispanic Mesoamerica is a remarkable archaeological fact, inviting much further research. Cement
seems to take on significant roles in Mesoamerican architecture close to the time when the Book of
Mormon says this development occurred.” (John W. Welch, Reexploring The Book of Mormon, p. 213)

Helaman 3:15 - Brigham Young tells the story: “Oliver Cowdery went with the
Prophet Joseph when he deposited these plates... When Joseph got the plates, the angel instructed him
to carry them back to the hill Cumorah, which he did. Oliver says that when Joseph and Oliver went
there, the hill opened, and they walked into a cave, in which there was a large and spacious room. He
says he did not think, at the time, whether they had the light of the sun or artificial light; but that it was
just as light as day. They laid the plates on a table; it was a large table that stood in the room. Under this
table there was a pile of plates as much as two feet high, and there were altogether in this room more
plates than probably many wagon loads; they were piled up in the corners and along the walls. The first
time they went there the sword of Laban hung upon the wall; but when they went again it had been taken
down and laid upon the table across the gold plates; it was unsheathed, and on it was written these
words: ‘This sword will never be sheathed again until the kingdoms of this world become the kingdom
of our God and his Christ.’” (Journal of Discourses, vol. 19, p. 40)

Helaman 4-5

"Shechinah" depicted in 2 Chronicles 7:1-3

Helaman 4-5 Study Guide – to be discussed September 18
Day 1: Read Helaman 4:1-9
1. Where did the defeated Nephite dissenters go? Why?



2. What was the result of the numerous dissensions and contentions in the 58th and 59th years of the reign of the judges?



3. What kinds of loss do dissensions and contentions cause in families? Wards? Communities? Countries?



Day 2: Read Helaman 4:10-17; D&C 104:18
4. From Helaman 4:11-13, list reasons why the Nephites lost so much land and so many people. Which of these is common in our society?



5. What happens to those who boast in their own strength?


BONUS: Read D&C 104:18. What is the law of the gospel?


6. How did the people take back their lands?



Day 3: Read Helaman 4:18-26; Alma 5:53-56; Mosiah 29:27-30
7. Why were the Nephites unable to take back all their lands, even after they repented? How might this apply to us?



8. Read Alma 5:53-56 and Mosiah 29:27-30. What warnings did the Nephites remember too late?



9. What happened to the church because of the iniquities and weaknesses of the people?



BONUS: Read D&C 101:77-80. Why was the Constitution of the United States established?



Day 4: Read Helaman 5:1-12; D&C 11:24-25; Psalm 71:3-5
10. Why did Nephi give up the judgment seat?


11. Why did Helaman want his sons to REMEMBER and DO GOOD

12. Read Helaman 5:12 with D&C 11:24-25 and Psalm 71:3-5. How is Christ the sure foundation?




Day 5: Read Helaman 5:13-25; Read D&C 137:1-3; Exodus 24:15-17; Bible Dictionary entries “Fire” and “Shechinah”
13. Because they remembered their father’s counsel, what did Nephi and Lehi do?



14. Where did Nephi and Lehi preach first? How many Lamanites were converted?


15. Read D&C 137:1-3; Exodus 24:15-17; Bible Dictionary entries “Fire” and “Shechinah” with Helaman 5:23-24. Why were Nephi and Lehi “encircled about as if by fire”?




Day 6: Read Helaman 5:25-37; Isaiah 6:1-5; 1 Kings 19:12; 3 Nephi 11:3-6
16. Read Isaiah 6:1-5 with footnote 4a and the assigned passage in Helaman. Why did the prison walls shake after Nephi and Lehi said, “Fear not…”?



17. Compare 1 Kings 19:12 and 3 Nephi 11:3-6 with Helaman 5:30-31. How does the Lord communicate with his people when he really wants to get our attention?



18. To whom should we “turn and look” when darkness surrounds us?


Day 7: Read Helaman 5:38-52; Acts 2:37
19. Even though Aminadab was a dissenter, what did he REMEMBER?



20. How is the joy of the repentant described in Helaman 5:44? What was the source of that joy?



21. What was the result of the pentacostal experience described in Helaman 5:42-48?



BONUS: Compare Helaman 5:40 with Acts 2:37. What attitude might we adopt if we want to invite the cleansing power of the Spirit?


EXTRA CREDIT: Mark each use of the word “remember” in Helaman 5.

Helaman 1: to be discussed September 4

Helaman 1 – Study Guide: To be discussed September 4

Day 1: Review Alma 63, Alma 37
1. Beginning in Alma 62:52, in what year did Alma’s son Helaman die? From Alma 63:1, who took possession of the sacred relics at Helaman’s death?


BONUS: Review Alma 37 and list the “sacred things” Alma passed on to Helaman around 73 BC.




2. Who received the relics in the 39th year of the reign of the judges (53BC)?


3. What else was going on among the Nephites in 53 BC?



Day 2: Read Helaman 1:1-8, with headnote; Alma 50:39-40
4. Who wrote the Book of Helaman?


5. Who was Pahoran and why did his passing cause divisions among the Nephites? How was the succession decided?



6. What methods did Paanchi use to persuade his followers to join him in sedition?




Day 3: Read Helaman 1:9-13
7. Why did Paanchi’s minions put a contract out on Pahoran II?



8. By what did the murderous band swear? Does this seem odd to you? Why or why not?




9. What happens when a minority decides it has the right to overrule the voice of the people?



Day 4: Read Helaman 1:14-20
10. Why do you think the Lamanites close to pitch battle against the Nephites during the 41st year of the reign of the judges?




11. List what we know about Coriantumr from Mormon’s description. Who was Tubaloth? (Review Alma 47:21-26, 35; 52:3)




12. Why was Coriantumr bold enough to march his armies into the heart of Nephite territory? What weakness(es) did he exploit? How can we protect ourselves against modern-day Coriantumrs?




Day 5: Read Helaman 1:21-26
13. About how long did Pacumeni serve as chief judge?


14. What gave Coriantumr the courage to leave Zarahemla and march toward Bountiful?



BONUS: What made Bountiful a strategic location?


15. What advantage did Coriantumr inadvertently give Moronihah when he left Zarahemla?



Day 6: Read Helaman 1:27-34
16. Name the two Nephite commanders who surrounded the armies of Coriantumr. What do you know about them?



17. Draw a simple diagram of the battles described in Helaman 1, including Corianumr’s army, Zarahemla, Bountiful, and the Nephite armies.



18. Approximately how long did the Lamanites occupy Zarahemla?


Day 7: Review Helaman 1; read D&C 109:24-26
19. How many years are described in Helaman 1?


20. Make a note of every phrase or verse in which righteousness or wickedness is described. In what way(s) do the forces of evil today strike at the heart of our homes?




21. How can we prepare ourselves against secret combinations and overt enemies today (see D&C 109:24-26 also)?

Coming Soon!

Institute classes will begin again on Thursday, September 4. Day classes will be held from 11:00am till noon; evening classes 8:00-9:00pm. Both sessions will meet in the Relief Society room at the stake center, 12835 Black Mountain Road. This year's curriculum will continue our study of the Book of Mormon, finishing off the last third of the book. We'll briefly review the last few chapters of Alma, overview Helaman, and look closely at the first chapter of Helaman on September 4. Those who are on the email list from last year will receive study questions around August 27. If you are interested in having your name on that list, or if you have questions about the class, please leave a comment below.
The Book of Helaman is amazingly relevant to our society today, with messages that apply directly to us as we prepare for the Second Coming of the Savior. Third Nephi gives us a beautiful additional witness of the ministry of Jesus Christ, his tender love for his children and timeless counsel. Fourth Nephi shows us what it means to be a Zion people. Mormon draws us into his collapsing world with warnings about our own. Ether reflects and reinforces lessons of the Book of Mormon by introducing us to a more ancient people with similar problems. And Moroni eloquently enriches the book with his final commentaries and profound witness of the Savior. We have a marvelous year ahead! I look forward to seeing you all on September 4th.

Alma 61-63

Alma 61-63 Study Guide – to be discussed June 5
Day 1: Read Alma 61:1-9; D&C 101:1-5
1. What had Nephite dissenters accomplished while their armies were fighting Lamanites on two fronts? Look up the word “daunt” in a dictionary. What does it mean?




2. From what city was Pahoran writing to Moroni? What was he doing there?



3. Read Alma 61:9 with D&C 101:1-5. Why wasn’t Pahoran angry with Moroni? What does this tell you about Pahoran?



Day 2: Read Alma 61:10-21
4. According to Pahoran, what enemy was he really fighting? What part of his epistle indicates he was in tune with God’s will?



5. How did Pahoran describe the Spirit of God in Alma 61:15?



6. How did Moroni’s angry letter actually comfort and strengthen Pahoran?



Day 3: Read Alma 62:1-11
7. In what did Moroni take courage and joy? For what did he mourn?



8. What did Moroni do on his way to Gideon?



9. Who was Pachus? Was capital punishment necessary in this case? Why or why not?



Day 4: Read Alma 62:12-26
10. How many men were sent to assist Helaman in the west? How many were sent to Lehi and Teancum in the east? Where did Moroni and Pahoran go to fight? How many “converts” did they make on their way?



11. Why wouldn’t the Lamanites come out to fight on the plains of Nephihah? How does the adversary avoid a direct confrontation today?


12. How did Moroni get the advantage over his enemies? Where were the Lamanite guards? Were the Lamanites sound sleepers?



Day 5: Read Alma 62:27-38; Isaiah 2:1-4
13. Why do you think the Lamanite prisoners were desirous to stop fighting and start farming? According to Isaiah 2:1-4, how is this a “type” of what will happen in the last days? By what event(s) will it be preceded?



14. In what direction did Moroni’s army march? Where did the Lamanite armies gather?



15. Why was Teancum so angry with Ammoron? What do you think about his final battle - wise or unwise?




Day 6: Read Alma 62:39-52
16. What reason is given for the success of the Nephite armies and the safety of the nation?



17. During times of peace, to what did each of the key players return?



18. How did the Nephites continue in righteousness?



Day 7: Read Alma 63, Review Alma 38:1-3
19. Who succeeded Helaman as prophet? Review Alma 38:1-3 and list leadership qualities of this great spiritual man.



20. Why do you think so many Nephites wanted to explore unknown lands?




BONUS: What did Helaman II cause to be written and dispersed among the people? What was left out?



21. Who received the plates on Shiblon’s death? How long did it take after Moroni’s death for dissenters to arise again?

Alma 57-60

Alma 57-60 Study Guide – to be discussed May 29
Day 1: Read Alma 57:1-18; Ephesians 6:17; review Alma 51:1-2, 52:1, 54:1, 56:1,9
1. Why did Ammoron’s people evacuate the city of Antiparah?


BONUS: Make a simple time line showing the years 70-60BC. Review Alma 51:1-2, 52:1, 54:1, 56:1,9. List on your timeline the rise of the king-men, the death of Amalickiah, Ammoron’s letter to Helaman requesting an exchange of prisoners, Helaman’s letter to Moroni, the first march of the 2,000 stripling warriors to Judea, the evacuation of Antiparah, and the arrival of supplies and reinforcements from Zarahemla (Alma 57:6).

2. Why did Helaman’s army sleep upon their swords? How can we “sleep upon our swords” metaphorically today? (See also Ephesians 6:17.)



3. What problems were associated with taking too many prisoners of war?



Day 2: Read Alma 57:19-36; D&C 59:21; D&C 84:24
4. List qualities of Helaman’s 2,000 warriors you would like to emulate. To what did Helaman ascribe his army’s astonishing preservation?



5. What happened to the Lamanite POW’s? What caused their rebellion?



6. Read Alma 57:35-36 with D&C 59:21. What is one of the great lessons of the war chapters, as exemplified here?



BONUS: According to D&C 84:24, what is the “rest” of the Lord? Do righteous men die in war?


Day 3: Read Alma 58:1-22; 2 Nephi 31:20
7. Why couldn’t Helaman’s forces take Manti? What did they decide to do? How can we apply their strategy from Alma 58:3-10?



8. How did Helaman’s army gain hope and courage in a seemingly impossible situation? (See also 2 Nephi 31:20.)



9. On what did the Lamanites base their decision to go against Helaman’s forces in battle?



10. What can we learn from the foolish over-confidence of the Lamanite army? What can we learn from Helaman about relying on the Spirit and using available resources?
Day 4: Read Alma 58:23-41
11. How does fear sometimes cause us to “flee into the wilderness”? (Alma 58:29)



12. What were Helaman’s concerns after he had retaken all the Nephite cities in the west? Why didn’t he murmur?



13. List further qualities of Helaman’s “sons.”



Day 5: Read Alma 59
14. How did Moroni respond to Helaman’s letter? What was the good news? What was the bad news?



15. Where did the armies fleeing Manti go? Who was their leader?



16.Why did Moroni doubt the righteousness of the Nephite people? What caused his anger?



Day 6: Read Alma 60:1-17
17. What was Moroni’s perception of government support of troops?



18. Do you think Moroni was too severe in his reproach of Pahoran? What does this tell you about the side effects of war?



19. Ultimately, whom did Moroni blame for the Nephites’ losses?



Day 7: Read Alma 60:18-36
20. In Alma 60:20, what word did Moroni use three times? What is the message he wanted to emphasize to his government – and which is equally pertinent today?


BONUS: What word is used four times in verses 21-23?

21. What “inner vessel” did Moroni suggest needed cleansing? How can we cleanse our own inner vessels? Why should we?



22. List what Moroni threatened to do unless Pahoran sent supplies and reinforcements. Was this a selfish request?

Alma 54-56

Alma 54-56 Study Guide – to be discussed May 22
Day 1: Read Alma 54:1-14; 2 Nephi 5:1-7; Omni 1:12-13
1. Why do you think the Lamanites took women and children prisoner?



2. Moroni wrote about God’s justice, the “sword of his almighty wrath,” and the perils of hell in his letter to Ammoron – even though he seems to have assumed Ammoron would not be moved to repentance. Why do you think his epistle lacked diplomacy and political correctness?



3. List Moroni’s terms for exchanging prisoners.



BONUS: Why did Moroni refer to Lamanite lands (the land of Nephi) as “the land of our first inheritance”?


Day 2: Read Alma 54:15-24; 1 Nephi 4:35-37; 2 Nephi 1:30-32
4. Around what year did Ammoron write to Moroni? For about how many years had the Lamanites held a grudge against the Nephites? Was Ammoron a Lamanite?



5. Rephrase Ammoron’s religious philosophy.



6. From whom was Ammoron descended? After reading 1 Nephi 4:35-37 and 2 Nephi 1:30-32, list blessings promised to Ammoron’s family according to their faithfulness.



Day 3: Read Alma 55:1-18
7. Why was Moroni angry after he had received Ammoron’s letter? Why didn’t he just exchange prisoners?



8. Who was Laman and how did he end up in Moroni’s army? What does the search for a descendant of Laman tell you about the ethnicity of Moroni’s army?



9. Did Moroni’s army disable the Lamanites at Gid, or did they disable themselves? How do we disable ourselves?



Day 4: Read Alma 55:19-35
10. Why didn’t Moroni’s army kill all the drunken Lamanites when they had the chance?


11. In freeing the prisoners of war, how was Moroni a “type” of Christ?



12. The Lamanites tried to turn tables on the Nephites by laying “snares” for them. What kept the Nephite army safe? What kinds of “snares” does Satan set for us today?



Day 5: Read Alma 56:1-19
13. What was Helaman’s leadership role among the Nephites? Who is his counterpart today?



14. Why did Helaman refer to his 2000 warriors as his “sons” (see verses 10, 17)?



15. Name the cities taken by Lamanite forces, as listed by Helaman in this chapter. Using your small map of possible Book of Mormon sites, describe the locations of these cities.



Day 6: Read Alma 56:20-40
16. Why didn’t Helaman and Antipus attack the Lamanites directly? What was their first plan? How was it frustrated?



17. How many troops did the Nephites have at Judea, including Helaman’s army and the reinforcements from Zarahemla?



18. Why wouldn’t either army turn to the right or to the left? How could this be a metaphor for staying on the “strait and narrow path”?


BONUS: Make a diagram of the conflict described in these verses, including the city of Judea, the Lamanite army, Antipus’ army, Helaman’s army, Zarahemla, reinforcements from Zarahemla, the city of Antiparah, and the wilderness.


Day 7: Read Alma 56:41-57
19. On what was the courage of the stripling warriors based? In whom did they trust?



20. What caused confusion among Antipus’ army? How did they regain their focus?



21. List keys to the success of Helaman’s army. Was their survival a miracle? How can we use their example in fighting the forces of the adversary today?

Alma 50-53

Alma 50-53 Study Guide – to be discussed May 15
Day 1: Read Alma 50:1-23
1. Why do you think Moroni continued to build “places of security” (v.4) in a time of peace? How can we do this personally?



2. Why did Moroni’s armies increase daily?


3. What does Mormon list as causes of war and destruction? Why were the Nephites so happy in the 21st year of the reign of the judges? (See also Alma 49:30.)



Day 2: Read Alma 50:24-40
4. What was the cause of the “warm contention” between the people of Morianton and the people of Lehi?



5. What kind of a man was Morianton? Why was it so important for Moroni to keep Morianton from establishing his people in the land northward?



6. List the elements of the oath Pahoran took as new chief judge and governor over the Nephites.



Day 3: Read Alma 51:1-16; Alma 1:1
7. According to Alma 1:1, who established the laws governing the Nephites from the first year of the reign of the judges? How was the dispute between freemen and king-men resolved?



8. According to Alma 51:8, what class of people wanted a king and why?



9. What oath had Amalickiah sworn? Why were the king-men happy to hear about Amalickiah and his Lamanite army? What was Moroni’s reaction to the dissenters?



Day 4: Read Alma 51:17-37
10. How did the issues with King-men weaken the Nephites and leave them vulnerable? Can you think of ways internal dissention today might weaken a family? A ward? The Church? The country?



11. List the cities taken by the Lamanites. Where were they? Where did Teancum’s army pitch their tents?

12. Review highlights (lowlights?) of Amalickiah’s life in Alma 46:3-7, 16-19, 21-26, 31-35, Alma 48:1-2, Alma 49:10-11, Alma 51:9. Do you think he met a fitting end?



Day 5: Read Alma 52:1-18; D&C 38:11-12; D&C 109:24-28
13. Why do you think the blood-thirsty, ferocious Lamanite army was “affrighted” (terrified) on finding Amalickiah dead in his tent on New Year’s Day?



14. How did Teancum prepare for war? What additional help and counsel did Moroni send?



15. Where was Moroni’s army? Where was Teancum’s army? Do we ever face enemies on more than one “front” in our own lives? What wisdom can we take from these military leaders in dealing with problems that seem to come from all sides? (See also D&C 38:11-12 and D&C 109:24-28.)



Day 6: Read Alma 52:19-40
16. List ways in which we might follow the example to hold councils of war in our own lives.



BONUS: Draw a diagram of the Battle of Mulek, showing positions and/or movements of the city of Mulek, the army of Teancum, Moroni’s army, Jacob’s army, Lehi’s army, the east seashore, the wilderness on the west, and Bountiful.

17. How did Moroni regain Mulek and defeat the larger Lamanite army? What can we learn from his victory?



18. What happened to the Lamanite army when they were surrounded and lost their leader? What happens to a family when one of the parents loses faith, becomes inactive, or ceases to function in righteousness?



Day 7: Read Alma 53: Review Alma 24:11-16
19. Why did Moroni compel the Lamanite prisoners to bury the dead and build fortifications?



20. What happened because of “intrigue” and “dissentions” among the Nephites?



21. What kind of covenant had Ammon’s people taken at conversion? Why? What covenant did their sons make? Why? What do the Ammonites teach us about the importance of keeping our covenants?

Alma 46-49

Alma 46-49 Study Guide – to be discussed May 8
John Bytheway quote:
The scriptures contain many types and shadows of Christ, and my conviction is
that the story of Amalickiah provides us with the opposite – a type and shadow of Satan. Think of the
parallels! Amalickiah wanted to be king, he was cast out, and he took his followers with him.
Similarly, Satan wanted to “exalt [his] throne above the stars of God (2 Nephi 24:13), was cast out, and
took his followers with him. Amalickiah is described as cunning, flattering, and a murderer. Satan is
also described as cunning, flattering, and a murderer. Amalickiah poisoned Lehonti “by degrees.”
Satan leads us “carefully” or “by degrees” down to hell (2 Nephi 28:21). Amalickiah did “not care for
the blood of his people” (Alma 49:10). Satan will “not support his children at the last day (Alma 30:60).
Amalickiah succeeded in persuading the king of the Lamanites to attack the Nephites, but a large part of
the Lamanite army refused to fight the Nephites. They found refuge on top of the mount Antipas and
appointed Lehonti to be their leader. Three different times, Amalickiah invited Lehonti to come down
from the mountain. Lehonti refused each time. Eventually, Amalickiah went up, nearly to the camp of
Lehonti, and persuaded Lehonti to come down “just a little.” Amalickiah convinced Lehonti that he was
not really an enemy, but a friend who only wanted to be second in command. Eventually, Lehonti
agreed to Amalickiah’s scheme, and was unknowingly poisoned “by degrees” until he died. As Latter-
day Saints, we have gone up to the “mountain of the Lord” and made covenants. Satan continually
invites us to come down. We refuse. So he invites us to come down just a little. If we do, we subject
ourselves to his power where we will eventually be poisoned by degrees. If we are wounded by a
gunshot, or a sword, we know about it! But if we are slowly poisoned, we might not even realize it’s
happening. Poison is a perfect metaphor for Satan’s tactics, because a victim of poison may not even
realize what’s happening, and may still believe he’s in control up until the moment he dies. The spiritual
message is powerful and chilling – Don’t come down from your mountain! Keep your covenants!
Satan wants us to come down so he can poison us by degrees. (It’s interesting to note that Jesus was
invited to come down three times from the pinnacle of the temple, but he never did. See Matthew 4:1-
11).

Day 1: Alma 46:1-18; review Alma 43:45-57
1. What was Amalickiah’s goal? Why did the lower judges support him? How were others in the church swayed?



2. Identify six reasons the Nephites felt that going to war was justified (see also Alma 43:45-47).



3. What did Moroni do prior to presenting his Title of Liberty to the people?



BONUS: Write your own “Title of Liberty,” listing what you are willing to fight for.



Day 2: Read Alma 46:19-41; Genesis 37:3-4, 23-24,29-34; Genesis 45:3-7
4. What were the terms of the covenant made by those who were stirred to action by Moroni’s ensign? List the tokens of their covenant.



5. In what way(s) were the Nephites a “remnant” of the seed of Joseph? Why was Moroni’s torn coat such a powerful symbol? [Hugh Nibley in An Approach to the Book of Mormon wrote, “The rent garment of Joseph is the symbol both of his suffering and his divine deliverance, misfortune and preservation.”]



6. Where did Amalickiah go when he saw he was outnumbered? Why did Moroni try to intercept him?



Day 3: Read Alma 47:1-16; Matthew 4:1-11
7. Why do you think the king of the Lamanites did not imprison Amalickiah and his followers?


8. What made Amalickiah a good military leader? What made him a bad military leader?



9. Why did Lehonti, leader of the conscientious objectors, refuse to go down to meet with Amalickiah? What changed his mind?



BONUS: From Matthew 4:1-11, how many times did Satan invite Jesus to “come down”? How does Satan invite us to “come down” today?


Day 4: Read Alma 47:17-36
10. Compare Captain Moroni and Amalickiah by listing characteristics and goals of each leader (see also Alma 48:11-13, 16-18).


11. How did Amalickiah gain the hearts of the people and the hand of the queen?


12. Why do you think the Nephite dissenters became more hardened and impenitent, and more wild, wicked and ferocious than the Lamanites?


BONUS: How was Amalickiah’s poisoning “by degrees” similar to how Satan poisons people today?


Day 5: Read Alma 48
13. How did Amalickiah stir up hatred toward the Nephites? What was his ultimate goal, now that he had obtained kingship over the Lamanites?


14. Who did Amalickiah appoint as chief captains? Why? How did Moroni prepare his people?



15. If Amalickiah and his armies are types of Satan and his hosts, what can we learn from Captain Moroni about strengthening ourselves and our families against the powers of the adversary?



Day 6: Read Alma 49:1-15; Ether 12:25-28
16. In what month and year did the Lamanites march on the rebuilt city of Ammonihah? In what month and year would Satan most like to conquer young priesthood holders?


17. Why do you think Amalickiah did not lead his troops?


18. How can we make weak things become strong? (see also Ether 12:25-28)



Day 7: Read Alma 49:16-30
19. Why did the Lamanites attack Noah, in spite of their fears?



20. How many Lamanites were killed in their attempt to take the city of Noah? How many Nephites were killed? Why?


21. Who did Amalickiah blame for his losses? Who did the Nephites thank? Why did they enjoy peace and prosperity?

Special Gramma Edition

Alexander Patrick Tvedtnes was born this morning just after 10:30 - a beautiful baby boy! 7lbs. 5oz. Thanks for all your support and prayers. Mom and baby are doing great. I look forward to seeing you all on May 8 and promise not to inflict TOO many baby pictures on you.

Alma 43-45

Alma 43-45 Study Guide – to be discussed May 1

Day 1: Read Alma 43:1-15; Alma 31:3

1. Why did Zarahemna appoint Amalekites and Zoramites as chief captains? What was his ultimate goal? How is Zarahemna a “type” of Satan?









2. Review Alma 31:3, 27:21-25, 35:8-13. In what city were the people of Ammon located in the 18th year of the reign of the judges? Where had the Lamanites gathered to prepare for war? Where were the Nephite armies gathered?







3. What do you think the phrase in verse 14, "obliged to contend" means?







Day 2: Read Alma 43:16-36; Ephesians 6:13-17

4. How old was Moroni when he was given command of all the Nephite armies? From Alma 43:19, what was the first strategy Moroni employed? Can you give an example of a modern application in our battles with Satan? (See also Ephesians 6:13-17.)







5. List further strategies employed by Moroni from Alma 43:23-26. Give modern applications.







6. On the back of this paper, or on a separate sheet, draw a simple diagram of the battle described in Alma 43:27-36. Include the river Sidon, the hill Riplah, and the locations and movements of all armies.





Day 3: Read Alma 43:37-54

7. What motivated the Lamanites to “fight like dragons”?







8. How did Moroni inspire his armies? What was the result of their united prayer?







9. Why did Moroni command his men to stop shedding blood?







Day 4: Read Alma 44:1-11

10. What evidence did Moroni cite regarding “the true faith of God”? What evidence do we have today?







11. What were the terms of Moroni’s proposed peace treaty?





12. Why did Zarahemna refuse to swear an oath of peace?





Day 5: Read Alma 44:12-24

13. What emotion moved Zarahemna to attack Moroni? Did his subsequent de-scalping and loss of forces change or intensify that emotion?







14. What eventually motivated Zarahemna and his followers to enter into a covenant of peace?







15. How did Moroni sow both justice and mercy in dealing with the Lamanites and dissenters?







Day 6: Read Alma 45:1-14

16. List the questions Alma asked Helaman in his personal priesthood interview.







17. What prophecies regarding the future of the Nephite kingdom did Alma command Helaman to record, but not make public? Why do you think these prophecies were not to be made known at that time?







18. From Alma 45:12, what was to be the cause of the Nephites’ eventual downfall?







Day 7: Read Alma 45:15-24

19. What did Alma do before he left Zarahemla? Do you think he knew he wasn’t coming back?







20. Why was it necessary for Helaman and his brethren to travel throughout the land, reestablishing the church and preaching the gospel?







21. In spite of their efforts, what symptoms of the “Nephite Disease” were evident as described at the end of Alma 45?









BONUS: Choose one verse from Alma’s writings (Alma 1-44) that especially touched you in this reading.

Alma 39-42

Alma 39-42 Study Guide – to be discussed April 17 (No class April 10 due to Poway Unified spring break.)
Day 1: Read Alma 39:1-9 with headnote; 3 Nephi 12:28-30
OVERVIEW QUESTION: Find Corianton’s four questions (as his father said he perceived them) in Alma 39:16-17, 40:1, 41:1 and 42:1. Rewrite these four questions in your own words.




1. In Alma’s counsel to his son Corianton, he reviewed the steps leading up to Corianton’s act of immorality. List at least four of those steps and relate them to how we might put ourselves in danger today.



2. From Alma 39:5, what did Alma tell Corianton he must know in order to begin the repentance process?


3. Read 3 Nephi 12:28-30 and JST Matthew 16:26 with Alma 39:9. What do you think it means to “cross yourself”? (Hint: see the footnote for Alma 39:9b.)



Day 2: Read Alma 39:10-19; Jacob 4:4-6
4. How did Corianton’s choices affect more than just himself?



5. List further steps in the repentance process as outlined by Alma in these verses.



6. According to the note at the bottom of page 307 in your Book of Mormon, about what year was it when Alma gave this counsel? Why was it important to teach the coming of Christ so many years before it happened?



Day 3: Read Alma 40:1-14; D&C 138:11-23
7. Why do you think Corianton was worried about the resurrection?



8. What did Alma know concerning the resurrection? What did he NOT know?



9. After reading D&C 138:11-23, why do you think the righteous will be happy in the spirit world? Why will the wicked be miserable?



Day 4: Read Alma 40:15-26; D&C 76:50-70; Psalm 75:7-8
10. What is the meaning of the term “the first resurrection”? (see also D&C 76:50-70)
11. To what state will all things be restored in the resurrection?



12. Having explained the universal resurrection of mankind, Alma ended chapter 40 with a description of the “awful death” of the wicked. In what ways will the wicked be dead? What are the “dregs of a bitter cup”?



Day 5: Read Alma 41:1-15
13. By what two things will we be judged? What do you think Alma meant when he said we are our own judges? (v.7)



14. What is the nature of the happiness described by Alma in verses 5, 10 and 11? If “wickedness never was happiness” (v.10), why are some very wicked people quite happy with their lives?



15. How did Alma define the word “restoration”? List what Alma expected Corianton to DO now that he understood the law of restoration.



Extra credit readings on the resurrection: D&C 133:54-55, D&C 88:97-102, D&C 101:31.
Day 6: Read Alma 42:1-15
16. In Alma 42:4, Alma again referred to this life as a probationary time. What two things did he say we are to do here?



17. In reference to this passage of scripture, President Harold B. Lee asked, “Can you think of a more tragic experience than to have an earth with no mortal death…?” (See The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ch. 2.) What do you think he meant by this? What two kinds of death were brought about by the Fall?



18. What evidence do we have that God is perfectly just and merciful?



Day 7: Read Alma 42:16-31
19. What gift could not be extended to us if there were no law and no punishment? Why?


20. How is remorse of conscience a blessing?



21. Review Alma 42, looking at the phrase “God would cease to be God” in verses 13, 22 and 25. Although Alma is using hyperbole, what is the condition, in each case, under which, if possible, God’s very power and authority would be in question? How does this speak to Corianton’s question, as perceived by Alma at the beginning of this chapter?

Alma 36-38 Study Guide

Alma 36-38 Study Guide – to be discussed April 3
Day 1: Read Alma 36:1-16, with headnote; Proverbs 1:7; 2 Corinthians 7:8-11
1. List Alma’s instructions to his son Helaman from Alma 36:1-3. What reason(s) did Alma give for his counsel?



2. According to Proverbs 1:7, what is the fear of the Lord? How did fear open the door to spiritual knowledge for Alma? Is faith necessary for this kind of fear?



3. What was the source of Alma’s exquisite pain and inexpressible horror? How long was he racked with these pains? Were they physical? Spiritual? Emotional?


BONUS: Read 2 Corinthians 7:8-11. What indications do we have that Alma’s sorrow was “Godly” sorrow?


Day 2: Read Alma 36:17-30
4. Whose words became Alma’s seed of faith when he was in that awful state? What did he DO to exercise or nourish that seed?


5. List the results of Alma’s experiment upon the word.




6. By what power was Alma delivered from spiritual captivity, or from the bondage of sin?


BONUS: Alma recorded in verse 19 that he could no longer remember his pains, and yet he recalled them in his counsel to his son Helaman. What do you think he meant when he said he could remember them no more?


EXTRA CREDIT: Compare the last three verses of Alma 36 with the first two verses. Underline or note words, phrases or thoughts that are repeated. Now work your way to the middle of the chapter, from both ends, finding words or thoughts that mirror each other. What is Alma’s central or pivotal point, framed toward the middle of this chapter?


Day 3: Read Alma 37:1-12; D&C 64:33; D&C 123:16-17
7. As Alma continued his counsel to Helaman, he entrusted five sacred relics into Helaman’s care. Name the first two of these relics as listed in the first few verses of this chapter. Why was the proper care and keeping of these relics so important to Alma? To us?


8. Read Alma 37:6-7 with D&C 64:33 and D&C 123:16-17. What do you think Alma meant when he talked about “small and simple things”?


9. List the proofs given by Alma as evidence of the power of keeping sacred records.
Day 4: Read Alma 37:13-20; D&C 82:3; D&C 1:38
10. What did Alma want Helaman to remember?


11. What was the strict warning if Helaman failed in his stewardship? Read also D&C 82:3. Are we under the same obligation?


12. Read D&C 1:38. What promises are associated with faithful keeping of sacred records?


Day 5: Read Alma 37:21-32
13. From Alma 37:21, what were the third and fourth sacred relics consigned to Helaman? What did Alma say regarding his reasons for including them?



14. What happened, ultimately, to the Jaredites (see chapter heading for Ether 15)? Why do you think Alma entreated Helaman to keep the fate of the Jaredite nation in the memories of his people?



15. Unto whom is this land cursed?


Day 6: Read Alma 37:33-47; Hebrews 11:16
16. From Alma 37:32-37, list first what Helaman was instructed to TEACH, then list what Alma told him to DO.



17. Name the fifth sacred relic entrusted to Helaman. What do the five sacred items have in common?


18. Read Hebrews 11:16 with Alma 37:45. What is the “far better land of promise” for which this and all promised lands are a type? How do we get there?


Day 7: Read Alma 38 with headnote
19. From Alma 38:1-3, list qualities Alma saw in his son Shiblon.



20. What did Alma want Shiblon to remember?



21. In what was Alma’s testimony rooted? List elements of the powerful testimony he bore.



BONUS: What counsel did Alma give to both Helaman and Shiblon?

Alma 33-35

Alma 33-35 Study Guide – to be discussed March 27 (Note: No class March 20 due to SD Schools spring break)
Day 1: Read Alma 33:1-11; Psalm 29:1-2; 2 Nephi 25:29
1. What questions did the more humble Zoramites pose after hearkening to Alma’s discourse on experimenting upon the word?


2. From Alma 33:2, what is the first thing Alma suggested we do in order to exercise faith, or plant the seed?


EXTRA CREDIT: According to verse 3, what is a major part of worship? After reading Ps. 29:1-2 and 2 Nephi 25:29, what else does worship include?


3. List the mercies of God as expressed in Zenos’ heartfelt prayer. From verse 11, why is God so merciful?



BONUS: Update or rewrite the mercies you just listed so that they reflect modern situations.



Day 2: Read Alma 33:12-23; 1 Nephi 17:40-42; Numbers 21:5-9
4. Which of the ancient prophets did Alma quote as witnesses of Christ? What do we know about the first two?



5. Read 1 Nephi 17:40-42 and Numbers 21:5-9 with Alma 33:19-20. What was the “type” of Christ spoken of in Alma 33:19? Why were some Israelites not healed? How did this story motivate the Zoramites to begin the experiment on the word?



6. In what did Alma suggest the Zoramites should “begin to believe” in answer to one of their questions? How did this also answer their question about the nature of God? (Note: where you see the term, “begin to…” insert the phrase “plant the seed of….”)



BONUS: According to Alma 33:23, what is the ultimate reward of nourishing the tree?


Day 3: Read Alma 34:1-8
7. Whose words are recorded in Alma 34? What are the “great” questions he addressed in this chapter?


8. Why should the Zoramites have understood the doctrine of Christ prior to Alma’s discourse? Why didn’t they?



9. As a second witness to Alma’s teachings, how did Amulek verify? How did he testify?


Day 4: Read Alma 34:9-16; 2 Nephi 9:6-8
10. What does “expedient” mean? Why was it expedient that a great and last sacrifice be made?



11. Are the sins of this world infinite? Why did Christ’s atonement need to be infinite and eternal?



12. List the “intents” of the atoning sacrifice.



Day 5: Read Alma 34:17-27; Hebrews 7:22-28
13. What is one way to “begin to exercise your faith unto repentance”?


14. Why do you think these prayerful injunctions were translated as “cry” instead of “pray”? What are we told to cry to the Father AGAINST in verse 22 (see also v.23)?


15. What does Alma 34:26 imply regarding the intensity of our personal prayers?



BONUS: Read Hebrews 7:22-28 and D&C 45:3-5 with Alma 34:17-18. What qualifies Jesus to be our intercessor with the Father?


Day 6: Read Alma 34:28-41; D&C 130:23
16. What is the relationship between charitable service and prayer?



17. What is one of the purposes of this life? List warnings and promises associated with this counsel.



18. List further examples of planting the word in verses 38-41. What is the promise if we do these things?



Day 7: Read Alma 35
19. Why were the “popular” Zoramites angry about the preaching they had heard? What did they do to the “believers”?


20. How did the people of Ammon receive the poor Zoramites?



21. What caused Alma to be sorrowful?