Day 27 - Alma 62-63; Helaman 1-4; D&C 105-108


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The Word of God Leads Men To Salvation

Scripture Reference: Helaman 3:27-30

27 Thus we may see that the Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name.

28 Yea, thus we see that the gate of heaven is open unto all, even to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God.

29 Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked—

30 And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out.

Elder Robert D. Hales, "Holy Scriptures: The Power of God unto Our Salvation," Liahona, Nov 2006, 24–27

The holy scriptures are the word of God given to us for our salvation. The scriptures are essential in receiving a testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel. The scriptures given to us by God in these latter days are the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. These sacred records bear testimony of the Savior and lead us to Him. That is why great prophets like Enos cried unto the Lord in faith to preserve the scriptures.

Will you open with me the cover of the Book of Mormon? Look on the title page. We read that it is "written by way of commandment, … by the spirit of prophecy and of revelation." It has "come forth by the gift and power of God," and its interpretation is "by the gift of God"—by the Holy Ghost. It shows "what great things the Lord [has] done" and has given to us "that [we] may know the covenants of the Lord," that we might not be "cast off forever." Most importantly, it has been written to convince us "that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God."

Turn the page again, to the introduction. Here we learn that this prophetic record is "holy scripture comparable to the Bible." It contains "the fulness of the everlasting gospel, ... outlines the plan of salvation, and tells [us] what [we] must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come." It promises each of us that "all who will come unto [the Savior] and obey the laws and ordinances of his gospel may be saved."

President Ezra Taft Benson, "The Power of the Word," Ensign, May 1986, 79

The Apostle Paul also saw our day. He described it as a time when such things as blasphemy, dishonesty, cruelty, unnatural affection, pride, and pleasure seeking would abound. (See 2 Tim. 3:1–7.) He also warned that "evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." (2 Tim 3:13.)

Such grim predictions by prophets of old would be cause for great fear and discouragement if those same prophets had not, at the same time, offered the solution. In their inspired counsel we can find the answer to the spiritual crises of our age.

In his dream, Lehi saw an iron rod which led through the mists of darkness. He saw that if people would hold fast to that rod, they could avoid the rivers of filthiness, stay away from the forbidden paths, stop from wandering in the strange roads that lead to destruction. Later his son Nephi clearly explained the symbolism of the iron rod. When Laman and Lemuel asked, "What meaneth the rod of iron?" Nephi answered, "It was the word of God; and [note this promise] whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction." (1 Ne. 15:23–24; italics added.) Not only will the word of God lead us to the fruit which is desirable above all others, but in the word of God and through it we can find the power to resist temptation, the power to thwart the work of Satan and his emissaries.

Paul’s message is the same as Lehi’s. After portraying the terrible wickedness of future times—future to him, but present to us!—he said this to Timothy: "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned. …

"From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation." (2 Tim. 3:14–15; italics added.)

My dear brethren, this is an answer to the great challenge of our time. The word of God, as found in the scriptures, in the words of living prophets, and in personal revelation, has the power to fortify the Saints and arm them with the Spirit so they can resist evil, hold fast to the good, and find joy in this life.

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Alma 62:43 Moroni yielded up the command of his armies…that he might spend the remainder of his days in peace

Moroni was probably only about 42 years old when he retired. His military career had been a long and arduous one, and it took its toll. Hugh Nibley said of Moroni, “He's an overachiever, he's a military genius, and he only lives a very short life. He just wears himself out, I think. He's that sort of person.” (Hugh Nibley, Teachings of the Book of Mormon--Semester 1, p. 190)

While he could have expected any political office or social standing, he preferred to drift off into a peaceful oblivion. As Douglas MacArthur once said, “Old soldiers never die, they just fade away.” Moroni’s faithful fading away was the final proof that he had no personal political agenda—that he did not seek for power, honor, or glory, except for the glory of his God (Alma 60:36).

Joe J. Christensen

“This Moroni is a heroic ideal and model for our times. He is one whose life and characteristics should be understood by the older and taught to the younger so that they will never be able to say honestly that they do not have a hero worthy of emulation. He is one who taught us powerfully of those values-those priceless blessings-worth fighting and even dying for.

“Captain Moroni was a believer in Christ and defended His cause. He followed the example of the Savior's development and ‘increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favour with God and man’ (Luke 2:52Luke 2:52). Of him it has been recorded: ‘Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men’ (Alma 48:17Alma 48:17).

“Our young people today need heroes who go beyond the popular musicians, comedians, great athletes, the rich, and the famous. They, and all of us, need to know of people like Captain Moroni, whose influence will live long after the applause of those who are currently popular has faded away.

May we all emulate his example.” (Heroes from the Book of Mormon, p.133-4)

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Alma 63:3 And it came to pass that Moroni died

Within a year or so of his retirement, Moroni died. His death within such a short time reminds us of other great figures in history—those whose deaths came very shortly after their missions were accomplished, e.g. Joseph Smith and Abraham Lincoln. With Moroni too, it seems that his life was ordained for one purpose, to preserve the Nephite nation. Once that mission was accomplished, the Lord took him.

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Helaman 1:9 Kishkumen…murdered Pahoran

The entrance of Kishkumen onto the stage of Nephite history marks the beginning of the end for the Nephites. Mormon’s commentary is as follows, in the end of this book ye shall see that this Gadianton did prove the overthrow, yea, almost the entire destruction of the people of Nephi (Hel 2:13). Kishkumen is the first of the Gadianton robbers and his murder represents the first crime which was supported by secret combinations.

Helaman 1:12 Kishkumen and his band…did mingle themselves among the people

Hugh Nibley

“Thus they became an underground organization, whose members' identity was ‘not known unto those who were at the head of the government’ (Helaman 3:23). And that explains how it was possible later on, in the midst of great peace and prosperity, for the chief of state, Cezoram, and after him his son and successor, to be murdered in office in such a way that the assassins were never discovered (Helaman 6:15). It is significant that the times of great prosperity and abundance were also the times when murder and intrigue were the order of the day, ‘for behold, the Lord had blessed them so long with the riches of the world that . . . they began to set their hearts upon their riches; yea, they began to seek to get gain that they might be lifted up one above another; therefore they began to commit secret murder . . . that they might get gain’ (Helaman 6:17). The sequence is a natural one: with easy wealth comes the feeling of superiority which makes people status-conscious; and with a feeling for status comes a desperate need to acquire the one thing that will give status; and with the recognition of the all-importance of that one thing, any scruples that may stand in the way of its acquisition are pushed aside, even murder being permissible as long as one is not found out.” (Since Cumorah, p. 363)

Who was Kishkumen?

A founder of secret combinations among the Nephites. Kishkumen murdered the chief judge Pahoran in retaliation for the decision by "the voice of the people" to execute Pahoran's ambitious and rebellious brother Paanchi. The robber Gadianton later assumed leadership of Kishkumen's secret band, and together they plotted to assassinate chief judge Helaman. The plot was discovered by a servant of Helaman, and Kishkumen was killed in a failed attempt to carry it out.

Edited by pam
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Helaman 2:13 this Gadianton did prove…almost the entire destruction of the people of Nephi

Mormon himself later chronicles the destructive power of the Gadianton robbers. During his day, they had reached the pinnacle of their strength. But, like a parasite that kills its host, their wicked strength overcame the righteousness of the Nephites until they could no longer glut themselves upon their labors.

In the words of Mormon, ‘the land was filled with robbers and with Lamanites…therefore there was blood and carnage spread throughout all the face of the land…no man could keep that which was his own, for the thieves, and the robbers, and the murderers, and the magic art, and the witchcraft which was in the land…And it is impossible for the tongue to describe, or for man to write a perfect description of the horrible scene of the blood and carnage which was among the people, both of the Nephites and of the Lamanites; and every heart was hardened, so that they delighted in the shedding of blood continually (Mormon 2:8-10; 4:11).’

“Thus we comprehend how Mormon had clearly seen from prophecy and from the social ills of his own lifetime the nature and origin of the destructive forces among the Nephites, and he knows that Satan is the ultimate source. This perspective is later echoed by his son Moroni, who laments that ‘they [secret combinations] have caused the destruction of this people of whom I am now speaking [the Jaredite civilization], and also the destruction of the people of Nephi’ (Ether 8:21).” (Book of Mormon Symposium Series, “Helaman – 3 Nephi 8,”edited by PR Cheesman, MS Nyman, and CD Tate, Jr., 1988, p. 145)

Hugh Nibley

“At this point we are assured that, in time, Gadianton's gang would prove ‘almost the entire destruction of the people of Nephi’ (Helaman 2:13). If ever a story was worth heeding after that announcement, this is one to which we should pay the closest attention—a nation helpless to resist the march of crime!” (The Prophetic Book of Mormon, p. 552)

Ezra Taft Benson

“Our nation will continue to degenerate unless we read and heed the words of the God of this land, Jesus Christ, and quit building up an upholding the secret combinations which the Book of Mormon tells us proved the downfall of both previous American civilizations.” (A Witness and a Warning, p. 6 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 371)

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Helaman 3:7 became exceedingly expert in the working of cement

One might assume that the cement spoken of refers to the working of adobe. However, professor John Welch describes how accurately the term cement describes the building material of the time.

“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)

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Helaman 4:11 wickedness…among those also who professed to belong to the church of God

Harold B. Lee

“There are many who profess to be religious and speak of themselves as Christians, and, according to one such, ‘as accepting the scriptures only as sources of inspiration and moral truth’, and then ask in their smugness: ‘Do the revelations of God give us a handrail to the kingdom of God, as the Lord's messenger told Lehi, or merely a compass?’

“Unfortunately, some are among us who claim to be Church members but are somewhat like the scoffers in Lehi's vision—standing aloof and seemingly inclined to hold in derision the faithful who choose to accept Church authorities as God's special witnesses of the gospel and His agents in directing the affairs of the Church.

“There are those in the Church who speak of themselves as liberals who, as one of our former presidents has said, ‘read by the lamp of their own conceit.’ (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p. 373.) One time I asked one of our Church educational leaders how he would define a liberal in the Church. He answered in one sentence: ‘A liberal in the Church is merely one who does not have a testimony.’ (Stand Ye In Holy Places, p. 352-3)

Helaman 4:12 it was because of the pride of their hearts, because of their exceeding riches

“For the most part, the Church today finds itself in much the same circumstances as those in the beginning of the book of Helaman. It is wealthy and growing rapidly. Are we in danger? The Book of Mormon suggests that the only real danger to the Church itself is not an outward foe but rather a more powerful and far more devastating enemy within—pride. It grows in the hearts of those who profess to be Saints. It is little wonder that President Benson has warned us against pride. Will we heed the warning or become as the Nephites of old?” (Richard D. Draper, FARMS: Journal of Book of Mormon Studies, vol. 3, no. 2, Fall-1994, p. 32)

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DC 105:2-9 were it not for the transgressions of my people, speaking concerning the church and not individuals

This is an interesting phrase, “speaking concerning the church and not individuals.” The Lord had previously stated that he was pleased with the Church, “speaking unto the church collectively and not individually—For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance.” (D&C 1:30-31). The message being: the Church is OK, but I can’t vouch for certain individual members who are guilty of sin.

Now the table has turned. Listen to the language of the Lord. He declares that the Church is guilty of transgression. The individuals are not condemned. This may be confusing, but the Lord clarifies what he means.

I speak not concerning those who are appointed to lead my people, who are the first elders of my church, for they are not all under this condemnation;

But I speak concerning my churches abroad—there are many who will say: Where is their God? Behold, he will deliver them in time of trouble, otherwise (or therefore) we will not go up unto Zion, and will keep our moneys. (DC 105:7-8, italics added)

Section 104 deals with the financial trials of 1834. Debt in Kirtland and persecution in Missouri meant the Prophet needed men and money from members of the Church abroad—from Canada, New York, outlying areas in Ohio, etc. The Prophet wrote Orson Hyde as follows:

Now, Brother Orson, if this Church, which is essaying to be the Church of Christ will not help us, when they can do it without sacrifice, with those blessings which God has bestowed upon them, I prophesy—I speak the truth, I lie not—God shall take away their talent, and give it to those who have no talent, and shall prevent them from ever obtaining a place of refuge, or an inheritance upon the land of Zion. (History of the Church, 2:48)

The response was disappointing and Joseph’s prophecy fulfilled. The Lord asked for 500 men for Zion’s camp (DC 103:30), the group started with a little over 100. The response in monetary donations was just as poor. This brought the whole church under condemnation and proved to the Lord that the Church was not ready to live the law required in Zion or the celestial kingdom.

J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

You will remember that back in the early days of the Church, it took the people in Missouri approximately three years and four months to forfeit the blessings of the United Order. If you will read the revelations and the history of the time, you will find that it was the greed, rapacity, idleness, and covetousness of the people that caused the Lord to withdraw the principle from their midst. (Conference Report, April 1945, pp. 25-26)

Lorenzo Snow

I think we are not justified in anticipating the privilege of returning to build up the Center Stake of Zion, until we shall have shown obedience to the law of consecration. One thing, however, is certain, we shall not be permitted to enter the land from whence we were expelled, till our hearts are prepared to honor this law, and we become sanctified through the practice of the truth. (Journal of Discourses, 16:276)

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DC 106 Historical Background

Oliver Cowdery came from a large family. In 1830, his older brother Warren was living in Freedom, NY about 80 miles southwest of Palmyra. Oliver apparently had unbound proof sheets from the original printing of the Book of Mormon which he shared with his brother:

“Oliver Cowdery gave loose sheets of the Book of Mormon to his brother Warren A. Cowdery as they came from the press. Warren then showed them to others in the town of Freedom, Cattaraugus County, New York. William Hyde, an early proselyte, verified this matter, saying: ‘In the year 1830 or 31, we began to hear something concerning the Book of Mormon, and the setting up of the Kingdom of God on earth in the last days. The little information that we gained upon this subject, until the Elders came preaching, was through Warren A. Cowdery, whose farm joined with ours. Warren A. obtained from his brother Oliver, at an early date, some of the proof sheets to the book of Mormon some of which we had the privilege of perusing, and we did not peruse any faster than we believed.’ William [Hyde], his father and mother, and other family members were baptized at Freedom in 1834.” (Larry C. Porter and Susan Easton Black, eds., The Prophet Joseph: Essays on the Life and Mission of Joseph Smith [salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1988], 82 - 83)

Warren made an impression on the Prophet Joseph Smith earlier in 1834, when he and a handful of Brethren fulfilled a mission to the East (D&C 103:37-40). Warren took particularly good care of his missionary visitors. Joseph Smith recorded:

Sunday, March 9.—We preached in a school house, and had great attention. We found a few disciples who were firm in the faith; and, after meeting found many believing and could hardly get away from them, and appointed a meeting in Freedom for Monday the 10th, and stayed at Mr. Warren A. Cowdery's, where we were blessed with a full enjoyment of temporal and spiritual blessings, even all we needed, or were worthy to receive. (History of the Church, 2:42)

In 1835, after presiding over the saints in Freedom, he moved to Kirtland where the Prophet put him to work as a scribe. His contributions in this role are timeless. He recorded the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple, acted a scribe for the dedication, and worked as editor of The Messenger and Advocate. Most interesting is his 1835 account of the First Vision:

“In 1835 Joseph Smith spoke of his first vision to a man named Matthias. Warren Cowdery recorded this account.

“Monday Nov. 9th. . . . While sitting in his house this morning between the hours of ten and eleven, a man came in and introduced himself to him calling himself Joshua, the Jewish Minister, His appearance was something singular, having, a beard about three inches in length which is quite gray. his hair was also long and considerably silvered with age. He had the appearance of a man about 50 or 55 years old. He was tall and straight, slender frame, blue eyes, thin visage, and fair complexion. He wore a green frock coat and pantaloons of the same color. He had on a black fur hat with a narrow brim. When speaking he frequently shuts his eyes and exhibits a kind of scowl upon his countenance. He (Joseph) made some inquiry after his name, but, received no definite answer. The conversation soon turned upon the subject of Religion, and after the subject of this narrative had made some remarks concerning the bible, he commenced giving him a relation of the circumstances, connected with the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, which were nearly as follows. Being wrought up in my mind respecting the subject of Religion, and looking at the different systems taught the children of men, I knew not who was right or who was wrong, but considered it of the first importance to me that I should be right, in matters of so much moment,[matter involving eternal consequences. Being thus perplexed in mind I retired to the silent grove and there bowed down before the Lord, under a realizing sense, (if the bible be true) ask and you shall receive, knock and it shall be opened, seek and you shall find, and again, if any man lack wisdom, let [him ask] of God who giveth to all men liberally & upbraideth not. Information was what I most desired at this time, and with a fixed determination to obtain it, I called on the Lord for the first time in the place above stated, or in other words, I made a fruitless attempt to pray My tongue seemed to be swoolen in my mouth, so that I could not utter. I heard a noise behind me like some one walking towards me: I strove again to pray, but could not; the noise of walking seemed to draw nearer; I sprang upon my feet and looked round, but saw no person, or thing that was calculated to produce the noise of walking. I kneeled again, my mouth was opened and my tongue loosed; I called on the Lord in mighty prayer. A pillar of fire appeared above my head; which presently rested down upon me, and filled me with unspeakable joy. A personage appeared in the midst of this pillar of flame, which spread all around and yet nothing consumed. Another personage soon appeared like unto the first: he said unto me thy sins are forgiven thee. He testified also unto me that Jesus Christ is the son of God. I saw many angels in this vision. I was about 14 years old when I received this first communication. . . .” (Joseph Fielding McConkie, Joseph Smith: The Choice Seer [salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1996], Appendix B)

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DC 107:3 it was called the Holy Priesthood after the Order of the Son of God

Priesthood power comes from the Lord Jesus Christ. Although Satan may claim his own priesthood, the Lord is the only source of this righteous power. It emanates from him to his servants through their diligent exercise of faith and righteousness. This Holy Priesthood is the same power by which the earth was created, it is the same power by which the planets move in their several orbits, and it is the same power by which our sun powers the solar system (DC 88:7-10). It is the same power which authorizes every ordinance in the church of God.

Orson Spencer (early convert and elder in the church)

Jesus said that “all power was given him in heaven and upon earth.” But how did he propose to exercise all that power which was given him both among the nations of the earth and in heaven? My answer is, that he proposed to do it through a delegation of power to the different orders of his priesthood. We are told distinctly what the priesthood consists of, which is established on the earth, viz., apostles, prophets, evangelists, etc. The heavenly order minister to the authorities of the earthly order. The ruling object to be accomplished by the latter is, the work of the ministry, the perfecting of the Saints, the edifying of the body of Christ. (Letters Exhibiting the Most Prominent Doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [salt Lake City: George Q. Cannon and Sons, 1891], 95.)

Joseph F. Smith

What is that Priesthood? It is nothing more and nothing less than divine authority committed unto man from God. That is the principle that we should honor. (Gospel Doctrine: Selections from the Sermons and Writings of Joseph F. Smith, compiled by John A. Widtsoe [salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1939], 160.)

Gordon B. Hinckley

It is a tremendously humbling experience to realize that the Melchizedek Priesthood which we hold is after the order of the Son of God, and that we have responsibility and accountability to Him and our Eternal Father for all that we do in exercising the stewardship given us. What I say of myself concerning this matter is equally applicable to all who hold office in this the Church and kingdom of God. It is no simple or unimportant thing to wear the mantle of the holy priesthood in whatever office or at whatever level and in whatever responsibility we might be called to serve. (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1997], 146.)

Ezra Taft Benson

No honor that will ever come to any of us conferred by men of the world, or any man-made honorable body, will ever approach in importance the great honor and blessing which came to us the day we were ordained to the holy Melchizedek Priesthood. This is a priceless blessing, an eternal blessing, and I hope and pray that we will honor it all the days of our lives. Wealth, power, position are as nothing, by comparison, to the honor and blessing which come through the priesthood of the Living God. (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988], 223.)

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DC 108:2 resist no more my voice

Robert D. Hales

[The Bishop] is there to help you, guide you, listen to you, keep your confidences, and to strengthen you in your relationship with the Lord, who is also your friend. The bishop may simply need to reassure you and remind you of your goals and promises: to pray, read the scriptures, live the commandments, give service to others, and strengthen your testimony.

But as your friend, your counselor, and your judge, he may need to call you to repentance, in the same way that the Lord commands us to repent and reminds us of the consequences of sin. The bishop does this because he loves you, because he wants you to overcome your problems. It is an act of love, an opportunity to set things right. Once you go to the bishop, don’t resist his counsel. The Lord will inspire and direct him so that he can help you find the answers you need.

Receive counsel of him whom I have appointed,” the Lord said. “… Resist no more my voice” (D&C 108:1–2). (“The Bishop,” New Era, June 1986, 45)

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Read this on 7/31.

Alma 61 – Pahoran deals with General Moroni’s letter in an impressively patient and loving fashion, sympathizing with his anger, then explaining to him about the problem with the king-men (of which General Moroni was unaware). The king-men have taken over and formed an alliance with the Lamanites. Pahoran requests military aid to handle the rebellion.

Alma 62 – General Moroni promptly takes part of the army and recruits more while en route to aid Pahoran. In the land of Gideon, the men of King Pachus are captured, and Pachus is killed. Pahoran is restored to the judgment seat. Those king-men who will not defend their country are executed. Pahoran and General Moroni send men and supplies to the rest of the army, headed by Lehi and Teancum. Nephihah is retaken without bloodshed. More Lamanites join the people of Ammon. Teancum kills Ammoron, and is himself killed. The Lamanites are driven from Nephite territory and peace comes. General Moroni gives command of the army to his son Moronihah and retires. Helaman returns to the ministry and the Church is again organized. Helaman dies.

Alma 63 – Helaman’s brother Shiblon takes custody of the records and other sacred things. A large number of Nephites go to the land northward. Hagoth builds ships that go northward from the west coast. Shiblon dies, and his nephew, Helaman Jr., takes custody of the sacred things. Dissenters stir up the Lamanites, who attack the army of Moronihah and are defeated.

Helaman 1 – Pahoran dies. There is contention among his sons for the judgment seat, and the people choose Pahoran Jr. His brother Pacumeni accepts the decision of the people, but their brother Paanchi does not, and winds up sentenced to death for attempting to incite a revolt. Kishkumen kills Pahoran Jr. The people choose Pacumeni to succeed his brother. Coriantumr (a Nephite dissenter) leads the Lamanites against the Nephites. His army takes Zarahemla, and Pacumeni is killed. Moronihah’s army defeats the Lamanites and retakes Zarahemla. Coriantumr is killed.

Helaman 2 – Helaman is chosen chief judge by the voice of the people. The Gadianton robbers are introduced as Gadianton takes control of Kishkumen’s band of followers. A servant of Helaman learns by espionage of a plot to kill Helaman, and kills Kishkumen. Gadianton’s band flees to the wilderness.

Helaman 3 – Contention and dissensions grow among the Nephites. Many migrate to the land northward. Since there is little timber, they build houses of concrete, and they keep many records. Helaman fathers sons, whom he names Nephi and Lehi. Peace comes to the land, except for the activities of the Gadianton band. Thousands join the Church. The people prosper. Pride grows in the Church. Helaman dies and his son Nephi becomes chief judge.

Section 105 – Zion will be built by conformity to celestial law. The redemption of Zion will be delayed for a short time due to transgression. The Lord will fight Zion’s battles. The Saints are to be wise and not boast of mighty works. Lands in Jackson and neighboring counties are to be purchased. The elders are to receive endowment in the Kirtland Temple (note that this is not the full endowment as we now know it, which was not given until 1842 in Nauvoo). Saints who are both called and chosen will be sanctified. The Saints are to lift the ensign of peace to the world.

Section 106 – Warren Cowdery is called as a local presiding officer. The Second Coming shall not catch the children of light unaware as would a thief in the night. Faithful service brings great blessings.

Section 107 – An explanation is given of the powers and keys of the Melchizedek and Aaronic priesthoods. The First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve, and the Seventy are presiding quorums and must make decisions in unity and righteousness. There is discussion of the patriarchal order from Adam down to Noah and of the council at Adam-Ondi-Ahman. The Twelve are to set the officers of the Church in order. Bishops are common judges in Israel. The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve make up the highest court in the Church. Priesthood presidents govern their respective quorums.

Section 108 – Lyman Sherman is forgiven of his sins and is to be numbered with the leading elders of the Church. He is called to preach the Gospel and strengthen his brethren.

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