37 Tidings of Great Joy
Tidings of Great Joy
Book of Mormon Videos https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/videos-and-images/book-of-mormon-videos?lang=eng
Helaman 13:7 Why would anyone reject glad tidings? Do we see that today? Samuel tried to share glad tidings, that he received from an angel, in Zarahemla and was rejected. Do you know someone, or have you yourself, built a wall around your heart, against things that require faith or invite the Spirit?
Helaman 13:3 Because of the importance of the message, Samuel listened to God’s command and returned to prophesy unto the people.
Helaman 14:9 Samuel was commanded to teach repentance and prepare the way of the Lord?
What walls, obstacles, or opposition have you faced when you’ve been sent as the messenger of God’s words? How has following the prophets blessed you?
Helaman 13:6 6 Yea, heavy destruction awaiteth this people, and it surely cometh unto this people, and nothing can save this people save it be repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ, who surely shall come into the world, and shall suffer many things and shall be slain for his people.
Do you think we are living in this same situation today? Can you see the importance of being righteous, repenting and becoming more like Jesus, and loving and forgiving everyone? It is up to us to be the leaven, to work with others, teach others, and invite all to come to Christ and be perfected in Him. This is our purpose and responsibility, as we help prepare the world for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
What opportunities have you had to bear witness of Jesus Christ and to invite others to believe on His name?
14:13 13 And if ye believe on his name ye will repent of all your sins, that thereby ye may have a remission of them through his merits.
How much do you believe on the name of Jesus Christ? Does your faith move you to action? Have you felt the joy of repentance in your past? Are you striving to repent today, so that you can have and retain a remission of your sins through Him?
Do you need to be perfect in order to share the gospel? Do you need to have faith in Jesus Christ?
We need faith in Jesus Christ both for our own repentance and salvation, and to invite others to come to Him and be saved.
Helaman 16:14 How has the gospel message, the joyful tidings of great joy, influenced your life? How does faith in Jesus Christ and in our Father’s plan help you to navigate this life?
The Lord gives warnings through His prophets.
Helaman 13
How are prophets like watchmen on a tower? Isaiah 62:6; Ezekiel 33:1–7
They are speaking for all to see and hear. They are on higher ground. The Lord has given them revelations, prophesy, and seership. They can see what is coming from a long way off.
Watchmen can blow the trumpet and let everyone know of approaching danger, so that they can prepare and protect themselves and their loved ones.
If we hear the words of the prophet, and then ignore them; we are responsible for the judgments that come, which could have been avoided. If we heed warnings, we will be protected and our souls will be saved.
If the watchman sees the impending doom and does not warn the people, then the watchman is responsible for the blood of those who are killed.
I paused here to write my thoughts in light of today’s world situation:
I'm studying about prophets and watchmen in my scripture reading.
In light of the recent shootings at the rally in Pennsylvania, this particular verse is very condemning:
"But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand" (Ezekiel 33:6).
Considering a building wasn't guarded from intruders, and considering Mr. Crooks was a suspicious subject 62 minutes before the shooting, and considering all the other oversights (deliberate or not), there are many who will be accountable for this shooting; not just Mr. Brooks. And it is way unfortunate that a man's life, the health and vitality of others, and the safety of a presidential candidate and all his supporters, and even the nation at large were put on line; because, the watchmen didn't do their job.
"When will we ever learn?"
As you study Samuel’s words in Helaman 13, consider how he is like a watchman for you. What did he say that seems relevant to our day? (see especially verses 8, 21–22, 26–29, 31, and 38). For example, what did Samuel teach about repentance? about humility and wealth? about seeking happiness “in doing iniquity”? (See notes in chapter 13 below.)
Search conference messages for similar warnings the Lord has given through modern prophets. What do you feel inspired to do about these warnings?
Look for patterns. A pattern is a plan or model that can be used as a guide for accomplishing a task. In the scriptures, we find patterns that show how the Lord accomplishes His work, such as sending His servants to warn the people.
For kids:
God can speak to me in my heart.
Helaman 13:2–5
Relate to the children when God has spoken to their hearts. Let them share their experiences too.
What are some different ways we can communicate with each other? Can you tell what someone is thinking or feeling by the expression on his face, or by the way his body is acting?
How can we recognize when God is talking to us?
Read Helaman 13:2–5: The voice of the Lord came to Samuel; he also prophesied those things that the Lord put into his heart.
How do we hear the voice of the Lord? (With our ears; with our minds; with our hearts; feeling inspired.)
Do you remember a time when the Holy Ghost gave you knowledge or understand, when He comforted you, or when you were inspired by the Spirit to know what to do? How did you recognize and know that it was the Lord who was talking to you?
God invites me to repent.
Helaman 13–15
Look for these invitations throughout Helaman 13–15 (see especially Helaman 13:6–11; 14:15–19; 15:7–8). Remember, God not only send warnings about destruction and judgment; he invites us to repent. (See notes below.)
How should we view repentance? Is it akin to harsh judgment and fear, or is it a chance to be made clean, healthy, and whole? The Lord wants to offer us forgiveness.
We Can Do Better and Be Better
Look for how President Nelson defines repentance. What blessings can we receive through sincere repentance? What invitations has the prophet extended to us? Listen to feel the promptings from the Holy Ghost on what you should begin changing. Write down the revelation you receive and make a goal and a commitment.
What is the difference between changing your behavior and repenting? (Changing behavior is a crucial part. What else should we do? Do you accept the Lord’s invitation to repent?
Jesus Christ Will Help You (For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices, 6–9)
Videos: Repentance: A Joyful Choice: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2017-01-0008-repentance-a-joyful-choice?lang=eng
Principles of Peace: Repentance: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2017-02-6500-principles-of-peace-repentance-princeofpeace?lang=eng
“My worst day today is better than my best day during my time on the streets.”
For kids:
Prophets teach about Jesus Christ.
Helaman 14:2–7, 20–25
Sing Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus
Chapter 40: Samuel the Lamanite Tells about Jesus Christ (Book of Mormon Stories, 111–13)
What did Samuel teach about Jesus Christ?
God sent signs and wonders to testify of the Savior’s birth and death.
Helaman 14; 16:13–23
Helaman 14:12 Heavenly Father sent signs and wonders so that the people would believe at the time that Jesus was born that the Savior was on the earth and believe on His name.
Note the signs of the Savior’s birth in verses 1–8 and the signs of His death in verses 20–28. (See notes below.)
What miracles and signs have you witnessed in your own life that have helped you recognize the love Heavenly Father has for you and that He and His Son are watching out for you and want to bless and help you as you practice faith in Jesus Christ? What has He done to strengthen your faith in Him? What have you done?
What caution is given about signs in Helaman 16:13–23? (See notes below.)
Alma 30:43–52 Korihor was rebellious, he was possessed with a lying spirit, and he sought for and pressed for a sign. He was struck dumb.
Chastening from the Lord is a sign of His love.
Helaman 15:3
Helaman 15:3 The Lord issues His warnings and His invitations for repentance and blessings through His prophets. Here Samuel is His mouthpiece. I need to listen again to the recent addresses from our prophet, President Russell M. Nelson.
Can you see the love and mercy the Lord has for His children? Have you seen signs and wonders lately? (President Trump’s life was spared.) Are you giving thanks, repenting, serving, and trying to get closer to your Heavenly Father? You should do that for yourself, for your family, and for the good of humanity.
As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten
When have you seen the Lord’s work in these ways in your own life?
For kids:
I am blessed as I follow the prophet.
Helaman 16:1–6
Read Helaman 16:1, 5 Because of the prophet Samuel’s teachings, many people decided to repent, be baptized and follow Jesus.
How are you blessed by listening to the words of the prophet, and applying the teachings into your life?
Read verses 2 and 6 What did these unbelievers do differently than those who believed?
What should we do when we believe the words of a prophet? How have you been blessed by following the words of the Lord through the counsel of His prophet?
Prophets point me to Jesus Christ.
Helaman 16
What do you learn from people who accepted Samuel’s teachings? What do you learn from people who rejected him? (See notes below.)
Think about how following the living prophets has helped you draw closer to Jesus Christ.
The prophecy of Samuel, the Lamanite, to the Nephites.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/hel/13?lang=eng
Samuel the Lamanite prophesies the destruction of the Nephites unless they repent—They and their riches are cursed—They reject and stone the prophets, are encircled about by demons, and seek for happiness in doing iniquity. About 6 B.C.
Vs 3-5 Like Alma, Samuel went back again to testify, because the Lrod asked him to. He spoke the words that God put into his heart.
He had to sneak into the city and prophesy from a wall, speaking the words the Lord put into his heart.
He warned them of the sword of justice which hung over there heads and that they'd be destroyed as a people, in 400 years if they did not repent.
Remember, God not only send warnings about destruction and judgment; he invites us to repent. Look for these invitations to throughout Helaman 13 (see especially Helaman 13:6–11).
Vs 6-8 Destruction would surely come to that people, and they could only be saved by repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ, who would soon be born and suffer all things for his people, even being slain for them.
An angel declared glad tidings to Samuel. We should rejoice and be happy to, because Jesus came to save us all. Let's receive this good news.
Today like in Samuel's time, many are hard in their hearts. It is necessary for us to repent so that the Lord's words and blessings can stay with us, so that we have His Spirit with us, and so that we aren't destroyed.
Vs 11 When we repent and turn to the Lord, the Lord turns away his anger and blesses us.
Vs 12 Even now, it is because of the righteous and the prayers of the righteous that our people, our lands, and our Country have been saved. We need to increase our efforts in prayer and righteousness; and we need to pray for righteous leadership in our cities, states, and nations.
As you study Samuel’s words in Helaman 13, consider how he is like a watchman for you. (See notes above.) What did he say that seems relevant to our day? (see especially verses 8, 21–22, 26–29, 31, and 38). For example, what did Samuel teach about repentance? about humility and wealth? about seeking happiness “in doing iniquity”?
Vs 8 Today like in Samuel's time, many are hard in their hearts. It is necessary for us to repent so that the Lord's words and blessings can stay with us, so that we have His Spirit with us, and so that we aren't destroyed.
Vs 13-14 The Lord will spare you if you are righteous; even in death, you will be saved.
Vs 21-22 Do not put the blessings and riches the Lord has given you above your love for God. Know that He is your God and that you have great need of his love, guidance, and support. Thank Him for your blessings and riches, and then use what you can to serve your fellowman.
Vs 24-28 Hearken unto the words of the prophets as if from the Lord's own mouth. Acknowledge your unworthiness. Seek repentance. Do not be bought by flattery, but be bought by God's love and the blood of Jesus Christ.
Vs 29 It is up to us not have have evil leaders in our government. We should not suffer it to be so. Also, we should chose to follow the Lord’s anointed and be humble enough to accept the words of the prophets and repent.
Vs 31 We should value the blessings the Lord has given us, both spiritually and temporally. If we don't, we may very well lose them all.
Vs 38 Look for love and riches in the right place, from the Giver of all good gifts. Don't forsake Him and think that you can find something better; you won't.
Vs 39 I am so thankful that we have a prophet who is praying for our success and works hard to direct us to follow the Lord like Alma did for his people.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/hel/14?lang=eng
Samuel predicts light during the night and a new star at Christ’s birth—Christ redeems men from temporal and spiritual death—The signs of His death include three days of darkness, the rending of the rocks, and great upheavals of nature. About 6 B.C.
Note the signs of the Savior’s birth in verses 1–8:
Vs 2 Samuel prophesied of Jesus's birth and gave signs to look for at His coming.
Vs 3-4 A night with the brightness of a day, would mark Jesus's birth. So a day, a night, and a day as if it were one day.
Vs 5-7 A new star and many signs and wonders in the heavens will marked the birth of Jesus Christ.
8 And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall believe on the Son of God, the same shall have everlasting life.
Vs 9 This is one of the most important scriptures. This is our faith. If we believe on Jesus Christ, we will have eternal life. It's so important to teach this; to invite others to come unto Jesus Christ, have faith in Him, repent, be baptized, receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost; make covenants in the temple; endure to the end, and have the Gift of Eternal Life.
Vs 10-13 Even though the Nephites had driven Samuel away, the Lord wanted this gospel taught in the hearing of the Nephites. So he went back, stood bravely on a wall, with arrows being shot around Him and taught the people of Jesus Christ. He taught them about the conditions of repentance and the gospel of Jesus Christ.
13 And if ye believe on his name ye will repent of all your sins, that thereby ye may have a remission of them through his merits.
Look for these invitations throughout Helaman 14 (see especially 14:15–19). Remember, God not only send warnings about destruction and judgment; he invites us to repent.
Vs 14-19 The crucfixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ were necessary for our salvation.
Note the signs of the Savior’s death in verses 20–28:
Vs 20, 27 Three days of darkness when the Savior died.
Vs 21-24, 26 When Jesus died there were thunderings, lightenings, earthquakes, upheavals, much destruction. The thunderings and lightenings lasted for several hours.
Vs 25 After Christ's resurrection, many graves were opened and the dead resurrected. (This happened in the Holy Land as well.)
Vs 28-31 We have many testimonies and signs that Jesus came. We have the knowledge we need to follow Him, and we will be accountable appropriately for the things that we do.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/hel/15?lang=eng
The Lord chastened the Nephites because He loved them—Converted Lamanites are firm and steadfast in the faith—The Lord will be merciful unto the Lamanites in the latter days. About 6 B.C.
Look for these invitations throughout Helaman 15 (see especially Helaman 15:7–8). Remember, God not only send warnings about destruction and judgment; he invites us to repent.
Vs 3 Accept correction. The Lord loves you.
Vs 7-9 True conversion should mean that we truly don't want to keep making the same mistakes, but that we bury our weapons of war and follow Jesus in faith. It means we love our neighbors as ourselves.
Vs 10-11 Our righteousness, if like that of the converted Lamanites, will not only bless us but the generations that follow after. We need to increase our righteousness.
Vs 12-13 How can I help in this great gathering? The Lord wants all his people who are the children of the covenant back.
Vs 17 Samuel prophesied that the Lord would destroy the Nephite people if they didn't repent.
The United States has this same blessing and cursing; but, it has been prophesied that it will be saved. What am I doing to help the missionary work of testifying of Jesus Christ and inviting people to be gathered to Him?
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/hel/16?lang=eng
The Nephites who believe Samuel are baptized by Nephi—Samuel cannot be slain with the arrows and stones of the unrepentant Nephites—Some harden their hearts, and others see angels—The unbelievers say it is not reasonable to believe in Christ and His coming in Jerusalem. About 6–1 B.C.
What do you learn from people who accepted Samuel’s teachings? What do you learn from people who rejected him?
Vs 1 Some straightely believed Samuel and sought out Nephi to be haptized.
Vs 2-3 When they saw that no one could hit Samuel with stones or arrows, more believe and went to Nephi.
Vs 4-5 Both Nephi and Samuel could not be restrained from teaching the gospel to the people and seeking to prepare them for the Coming of the Lord.
What caution is given about signs in Helaman 16:13–23?
Vs 13-14 Great signs and wonders were seen. The words of the prophetsand the scriptures began to be fulfilled.
The people talked away the signs and wonders and wouldn’t believe.
The said that these things that were taught were only traditions to keep them down. They attributed the signs and wonders to the devil.
Satan hardened the hearts of the people against that which is good and that which is to come.
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