Heleman 16- Samuel the Lamanite

Chapter 16

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.

The Prideful Refuse to Follow the Prophet

Read Helaman 16:16-21

1. Look for the excuses that the unrighteous made for not believing Samuel’s prophecies.

- The people started to reason because they did not understand the things of the spirit.

- They thought that the coming of our savior was just a tradition from their fathers.

- They did not believed because the Savior did not show him self unto them.

-They were full of pride.

•

What versions of these arguments persist against the prophet in our day?

- People can't see God

- The don't need to be Save

- Science explains all the masteries of this life

- Pride in what we own such as house, cars, personal belongings.

• •

  How can we tell if we are beginning to reject the words of the prophet in our personal lives?

• - I think we can tell if we are beginning to reject the words of the prophets when we start rationalizing our actions that don't follow the teachings of the gospel.

Read Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–5.

• •

  What can we do to receive the prophet’s word “in all patience and faith”?

• - live the commandment

• Elder RussellM. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: “My experience is that once you stop putting question marks behind the prophet’s statements and put exclamation points instead, and do it, the blessings just pour” (in Lane Johnson, “Russell M. Nelson: A Study in Obedience,” Ensign, Aug. 1982, 24; italics in original).

• •

  What does it mean to put exclamation points, instead of questions marks, on the prophet’s counsel?

• - I think it meas that I just do what I am counsel to do.

• I am grateful I have guidance and counsel form the Lord, I will be lost with out it.