That Joy Which is Unspeakable

Helaman 5

Here at the beginning of Helaman 5, we have Nephi doing a similar thing to what Alma did years earlier in Alma 4. He delivers up the judgment seat to another and confines himself wholly to the preaching of the word of God. The footnote in Alma 4 ends by stating that he confined himself “to the testimony of the word, according to the spirit of revelation and prophecy.”

This was the accusation that Mormon makes against the people in Helaman 4:23:

they began to disbelieve in the spirit of prophecy and in the spirit of revelation; and the judgments of God did stare them in the face.

“A Still Voice of Perfect Mildness”

Much later in this chapter a miraculous account of Nephi and Lehi’s deliverance out of a Lamanite prison is recorded. The event is unprecedented among missionary experiences. 300 people are surrounded by clouds of darkness as they sought to destroy these missionaries that they had held in confinement for many days without food. They hear a voice from heaven, repeatedly telling them to repent. The amount of actual heavenly involvement in this particular episode is significant.

Mormon provides an interesting observation about this episode:

Behold, it was the faith of Nephi and Lehi that wrought the change upon the Lamanites, that they were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost.

Ether 12:14 (emphasis added)

This is a notably incredible experience. Such a powerful spiritual experience among Lamanites and Nephite dissenters is recorded at the end of this chapter. The more that I sit and reflect upon it, the more amazing it seems to me that this happened. The work needed to go forth among the Lamanites, “Dios Ex Machina” is the measure that was called for. Or in other words, when God needs to intervene, He can. I believe that.

Helamán 5 (en español)

You will argue that every man may believe what he will, but the reality of the matter is this: We all sin and create for ourselves darkness and heart ache, pain and sorrows. Things which we cannot overcome for ourselves. The reality of Christ’s atoning blood for the sins of the world is that it works!

Satan would have you believe otherwise. The world would have you to believe otherwise. Why? Because they have something to gain from it, or so they foolishly believe.

I have experienced the atoning, redeeming blood of Jesus Christ, time and again through the gift of repentance. So much of the world turns to the vices of this world for relief from pain and sorrows. They try to cover their grief with another dose of sin.

We are now trying to regulate hard, and harder drugs, because it logically stands to reason that no one should have to suffer.

Does the Atonement of Christ create a dependency upon Christ? Yes, it does! But is different than the dependency of drugs, alcohol, social media, or any other vice. When we depend upon Christ, we are made better! It cost us nothing! It frees us and makes available to us opportunities that are wonderful.

The vices of this world rob us of stronger family ties and relationships. The atonement of Christ strengthens family bonds, feelings of love, and even gives us the guarantee of life beyond this world together as families.

It is true, it is true, it is true. Christ died once for sin!

Un pensamiento humillador: con todo lo poder que pensamos que tenemos como humanos, no tenemos poder ni ninguna influencia fuera de nuestra sistema solar. Y fuera del mundo apenas podemos observar. No podemos salir de allí. Pero, todo existe en un orden perfecto, de silencio, en una paz inmutable.

Among those also who professed to belong to the church of God

Helaman 4

Amidst an account of war amongst the Nephites and Lamanites, verse 11 reads as follows (emphasis added):

Now this great loss of the Nephites, and the great slaughter which was among them, would not have happened had it not been for their wickedness and their abomination which was among them; yea, and it was among those also who professed to belong to the church of God.

The author’s choice of words here is telling. It was among those who “professed to belong” to the church. This suggests to me that I can of myself claim membership in the kingdom of God, but if my action indicate otherwise, all the professing in the world is a vain hope.

Helamán 4

El problema que los nefitas tiene es con los miebros de la iglesia que rebelaron contra la iglesia. Son estos disidentes nefitas que van a los lamanitas para incitar a ellos a la guerra contra los Nefitas.

Esto es un capítulo que relata al arrepentimiento de los Nefitas. Aquí esta el Cristo.

Sometimes we don’t recognize the blessing that we have until they have been taken away. This seems to be the sad state of the Nephites at the end of chapter 4. No longer did they believe in the spirit of prophecy and revelation. No longer were they being protected by the power of the Holy Ghost.

I find it very curious in deed that one of the most obvious signs of apostasy according to Mormon was that they no longer sought after nor believed in the spirit of prophecy and revelation.

In the Sincerity of Thier Hearts

Helaman 3

In verse 15, amidst accounts of the growth and prosperity of the Nephite nation we get this short little verse that points out that the Nephites were they that kept records of all sorts. This little bit of insight comes to me at a time, when I’ve been contemplating records, and record-keeping.

It is not necessarily an evidence of righteousness, though records are typically kept more regularly amongst the righteous.

I am paused on verse 27, reflecting upon how in these quiet moments of the early morning, this scripture study is primarily for me. Oh, how it is for me, and not another. Oh, how I need to remember to remain sincere, honest, heartfelt and diligent. When a righteous man turns from his righteousness, he is no longer righteous. When a good man turns from the sincerity of his heart, to the rote and vain things of this word, his prayers are empty and without meaning. God hears none such.

Opposition from within the church (because of pride) actually brought the most humble part to a place of purification and sanctification.

…Stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ

vs. 35

On a personal note, in the next verse it talks about how the people grew richer and more prideful. I am reflecting upon how the Lord has through His Spirit taken me in a humble course, almost devoid of the things of this world. This is a personal journey and sanctioned of God, but not one that I should condemn others for not following my path. It is a hard road that I travel at times.

Helaman 3 (en español)

Estoy contemplando estos versículos en un tiempo cuando la importancia del matrimonio y la famila se hacen hincapíe en mi mente. El Espíritu es fuerte en esta cosa mientres leyo estos versículos. Pero no hallo nada de esta lectura que hable expresadamente de la familia o la importancia del matrimonio. Sin embargo, todo esto exisite y sucede entre una orden familiar. Es este orden que es en peligro de destruir en nuestros dias. Esto es muy importante.

Aunque es difícil ver, esto es un capítulo de la familia. Estamos hablando de las doctrinas de la familia, los cuales son también las doctrinas de Cristo. Son iguales. Pero a verlo del perspectivo de familia, me ayuda ver como es que al vivir en una familia, todavía no estamos logrando éxito como familia. Porque no estamos viviendo los principios de la familia, los cuales son los principios del evangelio de Cristo.

La tarea es mío solamente.

La familia ha fracasado porque las familia no han vivido de acuerdo con las enseñanzas que preservaren a la unidad de la familia. Y por esto, las personas supongan que es la organización de la familia que no funcione. En la realidad es porque los individuos no quieren vivir de acuerdo con los principios que permiten que la familia existiere.

This Was Their Secret Plan, and Their Combination

Helaman 2

Combination – an alliance of individuals, corporations, or states united to achieve a social, political, or economic end; two or more persons working as a team

Combination, Merriam-Webster.com

See also Moses 5:18-31

Helamán 2 (in Spanish)

Al contemplar el propósito de convenios y pactos, es para fortalecernos en nuestros debilidades. También nos polariza más al bien o al mal. Los que hace convenios para cumplir con la maldad no son a quien jugar, sino es un asunto de seria gravidad.

The Spirit of the Lord bids me to revisit this chapter before moving on. Here I am reading about Kishkumen’s motives to murder Helaman, the new chief judge. Gadianton had made a promise to Kishkumen and others that if they would place him on the judgment seat, that he would in turn secure their places of power within the government. These high stakes motives were compelling enough for Kishkumen to take action.

Among the Number Who Where Slain

Helaman 1

This morning I’ve read the first 13 verses and am drawn to the fact that wickedness was protected by covenant or oath.

But then I’m also asking the question, why do we see it as such as wrong thing (we = modern culture) to bind ourselves by covenant especially in matters of righteousness. And why do we equate such actions with the devil. These are tools of serious commitment whether in the hands of God or of the adversary. What is noteworthy is the seriousness of the covenants that these wicked people made to protect themselves, but further, to overthrow the freedoms of the people.

Perhaps I shouldn’t be so surprised to consider that the same seriousness of obligation exists today, in who knows what forms of corruption and greed. The opposition in organized.

( I am starting today’s study with a spiritual confirmation that the Lord has prepared a “meal” for me today. It is my challenge to be attentive enough to receive it. )

Vs. 14, by this point in the Lamanite history of opposition, which is actually rebellious Nephite opposition empowered by Lamanites as their pawns, they have learned the importance of physical preparations for war, and their efforts are now exhaustive.

So Coriantumr successfully takes the city of Zarahemla by force. It was the strongest city of the Nephites, but it was poorly defended at the time of the Lamanite invasion, which led to an easy takeover. What was more, there were numerous other internal factors at play that put Zarahemla at a weakened state, making it an easy prey for the Lamanites. Perhaps, most notable is the fact that the Nephite armies were busily engaged elsewhere in the land. This is important to note because it is Coriantumr’s assumption that because he took Zarahelma, he could easily march forward towards the land Bountiful. Attacking the biggest city, in a weakened state of defense, gave Coriantumr a false sense of confidence.

Pride is a powerful motivator. It can enable a man to undertake great and mighty campaigns of wickedness. It can be the source of great false confidence. It can lead a man to his destruction, as was the case of Coriantumr.

Helaman 1:1-13 (in Spanish)

Reflexionando sobre estos versículos me ha causado despartar. Estamos en una temporada de trabajo y peligro, si no actuamos.

Estos son tiempos peligrosos. Esta contención entre el pueblo no vino sin consecuencia. Si debilita la organización por adentro puede atacarlo por afuera también. Me hace considerar la esclavitud que es tan abundante en nuestra tierra hoy día. Me hace considerar como esto se aplica a mi familia. El Espíritu me causa contemplar estos versículos.

Helaman 1:14-34 (in Spanish)

La oposición que se organizó contra los nefitas fue de entre los que antes habían nefitas. Y así es con nosotros, nuestra oposición más organizado es de entre los que una vez pertenecía al pueblo de Dios.

Los atributos que el rey de los lamanitas valuó de Coriántumr fue su fuerza y gran sabiduría– atributos que fueron aparentes por lo superficial. Este punto es de suma importancia. Es la razón por lo cual fracasaron.

Into the Land Northward

Alma 63

This chapter has me puzzling quite a bit, because the spirit of the Lord is strong in these verses, but I am not seeing it. I’m not understanding why it is strong.

This chapter gives several accounts of Nephite migrations into the lands that were beyond a narrow stretch of land north of the land of Bountiful. Shipping is discussed briefly, especially as it relates to the enterprising efforts of one man by the name of Haggoth.

I think to myself that this is the human spirit at work. Man’s natural desire to expand, explore, make something new is illustrated here. I think that this happens immediately following the great war between the forces of Moroni and Amalekiah/Ammoron is also significant. After so many years of oppression, here comes a time a growth.

And yet there are some that are lost. Some boats didn’t return.

These verses also feel like post war, early 1950s. Or quiet suburbia, homes build on the outskirts of civilization, people looking for just a quiet spot of land were in to establish their quiet existence. I’m still not sure what these verses are trying to say about all this, as there is no commentary about whether this is good or bad, only that it happened.

Alma 63 (en español)

Según los deseos de Pahorán

Alma 62

(I didn’t make a post in English on this chapter, so I might mix it up here.)

What does it mean to be a leader? Moroni in the beginning of this chapter it taking lead from the chief judge and acting according to the desires of the chief judge, Pahoran.

So when leadership falls to us, the time for indecision has passed. Leaders make decisions and help others follow those decisions. Motives in this regard are extremely important, because if motives are selfish or self-serving, then to achieve those ends, to secure by in from other parties, one must lie about the true motives, or coerce.

If motives are pure, then one can teach the reality of things as they really are, persuade, invite, and act. Pure motives also do something more, the allow for love, or the power of God to compel our righteous endeavors forward.

I am just impressed by this thought, that a leader has to have a vision of where they want to go, and that vision must be compelled by righteous intentions. Prophets have that vision, and can see much further into the future than most of the rest of us.

Moroni tuvo la ventaja porque pudo juntar un suficiente número de hombres pare ir contra el enemigo. Entendió con claridad el propósito por cual estuvo luchando, y pudo expresarse con palabras simples a los hombres para animarlos a la acción. Fue un juego de números, en un sentido.

In this chapter, without any reservation, many dissenters are put to death because of their open rebellion against the government. At the outset this seems like a very harsh response, but I was drawn to the verses that illustrated why this was a justified and even appropriate response. The first point is that these kingman (“realistas” in Spanish) actually first rebelled against the established government, entirely ignoring the bigger picture (the Lamanites attacking the Nephites). This larger picture aptly justifies the micro-scale decisions.

I was about to wrap up for the morning and then I got to verse 40. And the statement about the prayers of the righteous woke me up. This is why we’re still fighting. This is why we will endure to the end. This is why there is hope. Because God lives, the righteous plead to him for deliverance, and we must work to do everything within our power to deliver the righteous from the hands of the wicked, and then stand still and behold the power of God.

Y por último, al fin del capítulo habla de como la oración fue lo que mantuvieron a ellos en su prosperidad. Aunque fueron ricos, el Señor los bendijo de acuerdo con sus palabras, y se hicieron fuertes y prosperos.

Seekers of Truth

Three parts to this activity:

  1. A Question
  2. A Story
  3. A Game

The Question

Do -> Believe (we do what we believe)

Know -> Done (we know what we’ve done.)

So the question is what do we believe?

Do we believe the lie or the truth?

When we do a lie, or when we act on something that is not true, the result will always end in darkness/confusion/loss.

When we do a truth, or when we act on a true principle, the result will always end in light/knowledge/strength. This points us to Christ.

Then the more important question is this: What do you seek? What do you desire? What do you want?

Do you seek for lies or do you seek for truth?

The Story

Before this life we lived with our Heavenly Father (God). This we will call pre-Earth life. Our Heavenly Father was different than us. He possessed a glorified physical body wherein His Spirit dwelt. We were only spirits.
But our Heavenly Father wanted us to become like him.

To do this, he presented a plan to us. We shouted for joy when this plan was presented because it gave us a way to become like Him, and it also placed a guide, Jesus Christ, at the center of that plan to act as our map to successfully complete that transformation process that would bring us back to God the way He is.

That transformation process we know by the name of repentance. And since the beginning, there has been opposition to repentence. As soon as Heavenly Father presented his plan for us to become like him, one of his children opposed the plan with the hopes of side-stepping God and his plan to become a god. That was Satan.

His opposition to the plan was ludicris, rediculous beyond belief, because not only did he propose an alternative way of becoming gods, but he proposed to make himself the savior of man without actually saving us from anything. His proposal was to gut the plan, taking out the most important parts, and basically turn us into zombies, lifeless beings without the capacity to choose anything for selves.

Of course God, our Father, rejected such a prospect, but he didn’t entirely destroy the idea, because we needed the opportunity to choose for ourselves, which direction we wanted to go. So the idea, foolish as it is, still exists on the earth today. And unfortunately, this alternative idea is more popular today than ever before.

What is the lie? It is this: There is an alternative to showing God that you love Him besides keeping the commandments of God.

(Transition?)

Seek = Desire

What seek ye? Whom seek ye?

And the angel spake unto me, saying: Behold the gold, and the silver, and the silks, and the scarlets, and the fine-twined linen, and the precious clothing, and the harlots, are the desires of this great and abominable church.

1 Nephi 13:8

But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

Hebrews 11:16

Seeker of truth, what seek ye?

I seek the truth regarding… [name of standard]

( The team member runs accross the room. It is timed. )

Then the host pulls a question from the file on the topic. There is a contexual introduction, and then a question?

Round one, Round two.

The rules of the game are these:

  • Use the For the Strength of Youth Pamplets to study out topics, At your home base. Every person on your team has to take a turn. When it is their turn they act as voice for the team.
  • They approach the giver of truth as a seeker of truth and pick up a noise-maker to summon the giver. The giver then asks: “Seeker of Truth, What seek ye?”
  • The seeker responds “I seek for truth regarding _________” and picks a topic from the wall. The giver then pulls the topic and reads the question. The seeker then can choose to answer the question or return back to home base to council with the team. The seeker must return to the giver to answer the question.
  • At the end of the round, each team has two opportunities to share examples of a standard that they had received. If successful, they can clear one of their time entries to zero.

The Standards

Agency and Accountability

  • Next to life itself, what is one of the greatest gifts that God has given you? (the ability to choose right from wrong and to act for yourself)
  • Have the moral courage to stand firm in obeying God’s will, even if you have to do what? (even if you have to stand alone)
  • While you are free to choose your course of action, you are not free to choose what? (you are not free to choose the consequences)

Dating (use)

  • Marrying in the temple and creating an eternal family are what? (essential in God’s plan of happiness)
  • Developing serious relationships too early in life can do what? (limit the number of other people you meet and can perhaps lead to immorality)
  • Remember that a young man and a young woman on a date are responsible for what? ( responsible to protect each other’s honor and virtue )

Dress and Appearance

  • When you are well groomed and modestly dressed, you invite what? (the companionship of the Spirit and you can be a good influence on others)
  • Through your dress and appearance, you can show what? Name one of what two things. (1: that you know how precious your body is, 2: that you are a disciple of Jesus Christ and that you love Him.)
  • When you dress immodestly, you send a message do what? Name one of two things. (You send a message that is contrary to your identity as a son or daughter of God. You also send the message that you are using your body to get attention and approval.)

Education (use)

  • The education you gain will be valuable to you when? (during mortality and in the life to come)
  • Education is an important part of Heavenly Father’s plan to help you do what? ( become more like Him)
  • Education is an investment that brings great rewards and will open what? (the doors of opportunity that may otherwise be closed to you )
  • This spiritual learning will help you find answers to the challenges of life and will invite who? (the companionship of the Holy Ghost )

Entertainment and Media (use)

  • Choose wisely when using media because whatever you read, listen to, or look at has an effect on you. Select only media that does what? ( uplifts you )
  • Satan tries to use media to mislead you into thinking that breaking God’s commandments is acceptable and what else? ( has no negative consequences for you or others )
  • Take care that your use of media does not dull your sensitivity to the Spirit or interfere with what? ( your personal relationships with others )

Family (use)

  • Your family will be blessed as you do what? ( do your part to strengthen it )
  • Many problems in the home come from family members doing what? ( speaking and acting selfishly or unkindly )
  • God desires that all of His children come into the world as part of an eternal family with a mother and father who love and care for each other and for their children. If this is not your experience, what should you do? ( be patient and continue to live righteously )

Friends (use)

  • To have good friends, what should you be? ( be a good friend )
  • Your friends will influence how you think and act, and even do what? ( help determine the person you will become )
  • If your friends urge you to do things that are wrong, be the one to stand for the right, even what? ( even if you stand alone )

Gratitude (use)

  • Live with a spirit of thanksgiving and you will have what? ( greater happiness and satisfaction in life )
  • Gratitude will turn your heart to the Lord and help you recognize what? ( His [the Lord’s] influence and blessings in your life )
  • When you keep His commandments and serve others, you show what? ( that you love Him and are grateful to Him )

Honesty and Integrity (use)

  • Being honest means choosing not to do what? ( choosing not to lie, steal, cheat, or deceive in any way )
  • Being honest will enhance your future opportunities and your ability to do what? ( your ability to be guided by the Holy Ghost )
  • When you have integrity, you are willing to live by your standards and beliefs even when what happens? ( when no one is watching )

Language (use)

  • Clean and intelligent language is evidence of what? ( a bright and wholesome mind )
  • Do not use profane, vulgar, or crude language or gestures, and do not tell jokes or stories about immoral actions. Why? ( These are offensive to God and to others. )
  • If we have developed the habit of using poor language —such as swearing, mocking, gossiping, or speaking in anger to others, what can we do to change? ( Pray for help. Ask your family and friends to support you in your desire to use good language. )

Music and Dance

  • Music can edify and inspire you and help you do what? (help you draw closer to Heavenly Father)
  • If you listen to music constantly, you may not have the quiet time you need to do what? ( for thinking, feeling, and receiving spiritual guidance )
  • Attend only those dances where dress, grooming, lighting, lyrics, music, and entertainment contribute to what? ( a wholesome atmosphere where the Spirit may be present )

Physical and Emotional Health (use)

  • Being under the influence of alcohol weakens your judgment and self-control. Drinking can also lead to what? ( to alcoholism, which destroys individuals and families )
  • Addictions harm your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. They also damage what? ( relationships with family and friends and diminish your feelings of self-worth )
  • Your emotional health is important. If you have prolonged feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, or depression, what should you do? ( talk with your parents and your bishop and seek help )

Repentance

  • Through the Savior’s great sacrifice for us, which is called the Atonement, you can receive what? ( forgiveness and be cleansed from your sins when you repent )
  • When you do what is necessary to repent and receive forgiveness, you will know what for yourself? ( the power of the Atonement and the love God has for you )
  • Some people knowingly break God’s commandments, planning to repent later, such as before they go to the temple or serve a mission. Why is that wrong? ( Such deliberate sin mocks the Savior’s Atonement. )

Sabbath Day Observance

Service (use)

  • Service to others is an important characteristic of who? ( a disciple of Jesus Christ. )
  • Some of the most important service you can give will be where? ( within your own home )
  • As you devote yourself to serving others, what will happen? ( you will draw closer to Heavenly Father. )

Sexual Purity (use)

  • Remaining sexually pure helps you to do what? ( be confident and truly happy and improves your ability to make good decisions now and in the future )
  • Do not allow the media, your peers, or others to persuade you about what?
    ( that sexual intimacy before marriage is acceptable )
  • Never do anything that could lead to what? ( sexual transgression )

Tithes and Offerings

Work and Self Reliance (use)

  • Developing the capacity to work will help you to do what? ( contribute to the world in which you live )
  • Set high goals for yourself, and be willing to do what? ( work hard to achieve them )
  • One form of idleness is spending excessive amounts of time in activities that keep you from productive work, such as what? Name one thing listed. ( using the Internet, playing video games, and watching television )

El Espíritu de Dios… es el espíritu de la libertad

Alma 61

Se entiende las cosas diferentes y se justifica las acciones mucho más cuando entendemos la relación entre la libertad y el Espíritu de Dios. La libertad es un derecho que viene de Dios.

Hallo este punto interesante porque no se puede justificar el pecado por medio de la libertad. Dios nos da la libertad. Nos da la oportunidad de escoger. Pero escogemos la libertad cuando pecamos contra los mandamientos de Dios.

La libertad solo se mantiene cuando escogemos a hacer lo bueno con esta libertad. Cuando rechazamos los mandamientos de Dios, el Espíritu de Dios, perdimos el espíritu de la libertad. Perdimos la capacidad de escoger.