Lecture Notes: Faith, Choices, and the Pride Cycle

Introduction

• Speaker: Jared Halverson
• Topic: Scriptures, particularly the Book of Helaman from the Book of Mormon.
• Context: Transition from the Book of Alma to Helaman, leading to the events of 3 Nephi, 4 Nephi, Mormon, and Moroni.
• Key Idea: The Book of Mormon as a model for the last days.

Overview of Helaman

• Signs of the Times: Wickedness, secret combinations, signs in heaven and earth.
• Contemporary Relevance: Parallels between Helaman's time and modern society, including political contention and societal wickedness.

The Pride Cycle

• Definition: A cycle of prosperity leading to pride, destruction, and potential repentance.
• Steps:
  • Prosperity: Initial stage where blessings are abundant.
  • Pride: Arises from prosperity, leading to wickedness.
  • Destruction: Natural consequence of pride and wickedness.
  • Repentance: Turning back to humility and righteousness.
• Importance of Choices: The cycle emphasizes the importance of choices and their consequences.

Significant Figures

• Nephi and Lehi: Sons of Helaman who choose to preach and bring about repentance despite challenges.
• Gadianton: Represents secret combinations and the negative influence of pride and ambition.
• Kishkumen and Coriantumr: Characters symbolizing deception and direct attacks on righteousness.

Lessons from Helaman

• Faith and Foundations:
  • Build on the "rock of our Redeemer" to withstand trials and adversities.
  • Importance of maintaining humility in the face of prosperity.
• Role of the Righteous:
  • Stay and strengthen communities, fight against darkness rather than flee.
  • Helaman and his sons as examples of staying true to their faith in challenging times.
• The Lord's Mercy:
  • Always available regardless of external circumstances.
  • Heavenly gates are open to those who believe and follow Christ.
  • Holding onto the word of God provides guidance through life’s challenges.

Modern Application

• Parallels to Today:
  • Similarities between the societal challenges in Helaman’s time and today.
  • The need for righteousness and humility amidst modern "pride cycles" and societal conflicts.
• Role of the Church and Individuals:
  • Importance of community and church in navigating modern challenges.
  • Staying firm in faith while being a positive influence in the world.

Conclusion

• Choice and Consequence: The principal takeaway from the Book of Helaman is the choice between pride and humility, destruction and salvation.
• Encouragement: Use the current days of darkness to build faith and choose righteousness actively.
• Final Thought: These are our days, and they hold opportunities to draw closer to Christ despite the challenges.