Helaman 7–12

Overview

The prophet Nephi, who was the son of Helaman, lived in a time of great wickedness. When he was questioned by the wicked Nephites about why he had spoken so harshly about them, he testified boldly of the Savior. He warned his people that they would be destroyed if they did not repent. After his prophecies surrounding the murder of the chief judge, he contemplated all that the Lord had shown to him. As he did, he had a remarkable experience in which the Lord blessed him for his faithfulness. He asked the Lord to send a famine among the Nephites so they would repent. As a result, many of the Nephites humbled themselves, and the people were again blessed with rain. Despite this miracle, over time most of the people turned again from the Lord and continued in their wickedness.

Prepare to Teach

The following information provides teachers with ideas of what may need to be prepared in advance for each lesson.

Helaman 7–10

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students understand the critical role prophets play in Heavenly Father’s plan.

Student preparation: Invite students to discuss with a friend or family member how living prophets have impacted their lives.
Videoconference teaching suggestion: To prepare students to study and discover truths about the Lord’s prophet, consider using the whiteboard feature to write the heading Truths about the Lord’s Prophets. Invite students to list truths under this heading throughout the lesson.

Helaman 8

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students understand that prophets testify of Jesus Christ, and it can help them feel the truth of prophets’ testimonies.

Student preparation: Consider inviting students to look for one or more examples of prophets and apostles testifying of Jesus Christ in a recent general conference.
Content to display: The list of prophets and scriptures for option A
Videoconference teaching suggestion: For students who select option A, display the list of prophets and scripture references from the lesson. For students who select option B, consider sharing in the chat the link to the “Special Witnesses of Christ” video collection so they can watch a few of the testimonies of modern prophets and apostles.

Helaman 10

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students understand truths from Nephi’s experience that can invite the Lord’s direction and power into their lives.

Student preparation: Invite students to read Helaman 10 and to look for what they can learn from Nephi’s example that can bless their lives.
Handouts: “Pondering and Personal Revelation,” “Seeking to Do the Lord’s Will with Unwearyingness,” and “The Sealing Power”
Videoconference teaching suggestion: For the group activities, you could put students into breakout rooms in groups of three. You could then enter each breakout room to offer help if needed or just observe the students’ activities.

Helaman 11–12

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students feel a greater desire to increase in humility toward God.

Student preparation: Consider inviting students to read President Ezra Taft Benson’s April 1989 general conference talk titled “Beware of Pride.” This talk can be found on Gospel Library or in Ensign, May 1989, 4–7.
Content to display: The image with numbers; the pride cycle diagram
Videoconference teaching suggestion: Consider displaying the pride cycle diagram at the beginning of the lesson so students can copy it into their study journal to complete the study activity. Alternatively, you may want to provide an attachment of the image that students could open on their computer and possibly print for use during the class.

Doctrinal Mastery Review 17

Lesson purpose: This lesson is intended to help students memorize multiple scripture references and key scripture phrases from the final 12 doctrinal mastery passages in the Book of Mormon.

Student preparation: Invite students to think about things in their lives they have memorized. How were they able to memorize these things, and how has it helped them?
Content to display: “Book of Mormon Doctrinal Mastery: Alma–Moroni”
Materials for students: Paper, pencils, and scissors for creating memory cards
Videoconference teaching suggestion: At the beginning of the lesson, consider allowing students to share their responses from the student preparation activity.