Samuel the Lamanite concisely synthesized the teachings of prior Book of Mormon prophets into a sobering statement about agency: You own your choices and their consequences, including the choice to repent.
Helaman 13-16: “Glad Tidings of Great Joy” (September 9-15)
1. The way you respond to messages from prophets says a lot about your level of pride 2. The Savior brings light into our lives, even in the darkest of times. 3. God can help us act in accordance with true principles 4. God chastens us because He loves us
The Sealing Power
Nephi taught that we should focus on eternal treasures, not temporary ones. God promised that whatever he sealed on earth would be sealed in heaven. God has made it possible for us to enter into permanent covenants with Him and with other people.
Stronger and Stronger in Humility (or Pride)
Our spiritual fitness improves gradually through consistent effort. Church members in Helaman's time grew "stronger and stronger in their humility" as they engaged in fasting and prayer. Later, they grew "stronger and stronger in pride" through negligence
On Seeing and Believing
The old adage "Seeing is believing" isn't always true. We are very good at rationalizing away inconvenient facts. We need to follow the example of the five Nephites who ran to the judgment seat to test Nephi's prophecy, and "when they saw they believed."
Home
Three lessons about our homes from the Book of Mormon: 1. We need a place of peace and security for ourselves and for our families. 2. We ought to invite other people into our homes. 3. Sometimes, we need to leave our homes and serve people where they are
Knowing “Of Myself”
Both Alma and Nephi testified that they had received knowledge directly from God which they could not have gained on their own. These testimonies encouraged their listeners to open their hearts and receive the knowledge that only God can give.
For Our Welfare and Happiness
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught that the first great truth of the gospel is that God loves us. Mormon testified that God does "all things for the welfare and happiness of his people." It's reassuring to know that God is actively working for our happiness.
Helaman 7-12: “Remember the Lord” (September 2-8)
1. Sin is turning away from God. Repentance is turning back toward Him. 2. God can empower you to accomplish great things. 3. Our testimony can rely on multiple types of evidence. 4. Adversity can turn us to God. 5. God will support us in our afflictions.
“This March…Gave Moronihah Great Advantage”
When Coriantumr easily took Zarahemla, he concluded that he had crushed the Nephite army. In fact, his army was now surrounded by a more powerful force. We should avoid irrational exuberance and be clear-eyed about the risks we face.