Transcript Document

Lesson 29 - Nephi Prophesies
Purpose
• To teach the children that Heavenly Father sends
prophets to teach us about the Savior, help us
repent, and warn us of things to come.
The Still Small Voice
Through a still small voice, the Spirit speaks to me
To guide me, to save me from the evil I may see.
If I try to do what’s right, he will lead me thru the
night,
Direct me, protect me, and give my soul his light.
Listen, listen. The Holy Ghost will whisper.
Listen, listen to the still small voice.
Words and music: Merrill Bradshaw, 1929–2000. ©
1969 IRI
Our opening prayer will be given by:
(Enter Name Here)
• On the floor there are some footprints.
• Please line up and one at a time, follow the
footprints.
• Who did you find at the end of the footprints?
• What do these foot prints remind you to do?
Prophet
Follow
The
He
The
Knows
Way
Follow the Prophet – He knows the Way
• If we obey these words, we will know the truth
and avoid being deceived.
• Todays lesson is about the Prophet Nephi, the
son of Helaman.
• Nephi knew a murder had been committed and
who the murderer was without being at the
scene of the crime.
As you learn more about the prophet Nephi, You
can strengthen your confidence in the words of the
living prophet
As you learn more about the prophet Nephi, You
can strengthen your confidence in the words of the
living prophet
As you learn more about the prophet Nephi, You
can strengthen your confidence in the words of the
living prophet
Thomas S. Monson
Nephi Prophesies
• There was a group of murderers and plunderers
that were formed by Kishkumen and Gadianton.
• They were known as Gadianton’s robbers.
• They had taken an oath that they would protect
and preserve each other.
• They developed secret signs and words so they
could know other members of the band of
robbers.
• The Gadianton robbers did wicked things, such as
murder, plunder, steal, and commit all manner of
wickedness contrary to the laws of God and man.
Watch the slides
Watch the video
Discussion Questions
• Wicked men had become judges over the
Nephites.
• They punished the righteous people but not the
wicked people.
• Nephi was sad to see so much wickedness
among the people.
• One day he was praying on a tower in his
garden.
• His garden was by the highway that led to a
marketplace in Zarahemla.
• People passing
by on the
highway heard
Nephi praying.
• A large group
gathered,
wondering
why he was so
sad.
• When Nephi saw the people, he told them he
was sad because of their wickedness.
• He told them to repent.
• He warned them that if they did not repent,
their enemies would take their homes and cities
and the Lord would not help them fight their
enemies.
• Nephi said the Nephites were more wicked than
the Lamanites because the Nephites had been
taught the commandments but were not
obeying them.
• He said that if the Nephites did not repent, they
would be destroyed.
• Some of the wicked judges were therefor
speaking against them and their law.
• They wanted the people to punish Nephi for
speaking against them and their law.
• Some of the people agreed with the wicked
judges.
• Others believed Nephi; they knew he was a
prophet and spoke the truth.
• Nephi told the people that they had rebelled
against God and would soon be punished if they
did not repent.
• Nephi told the people to go find their chief
judge.
• He would be lying in his own blood, murdered
by a brother who wanted his position.
• Five men from the crowd ran to see the chief
judge.
• They did not believe that Nephi was a prophet
of God.
• When they saw Seezoram, the chief judge, lying
in his blood, they fell to the ground in fear.
• Now they knew that Nephi was a prophet.
• Seezoram’s servants had already found the chief
judge and had run to tell the people.
• They returned and found the five men lying
there.
• The people
thought the
five men had
murdered
Seezoram.
• They threw the
five men into
prison and then
sent word
throughout the
city that the
chief judge had
been killed and
that the
murderers were
in prison.
• The next day the people went to where the chief
judge would be buried.
• The judges who had been at Nephi’s garden
asked where the five men were.
• The judges asked to see the accused murderers.
• The accused murderers were the five men who
had run from Nephi’s garden to the chief judge.
• The five men said they had found the chief
judge lying in blood, just as Nephi had said.
• Then the judges accused Nephi of sending
someone to murder Seezoram.
• Knowing that Nephi was a prophet, the five men
argued with the judges, but they would not
listen.
• They had Nephi tied up.
• The judges offered Nephi money and his life if
he would say he had plotted to kill the chief
judge.
• Nephi told the judges to repent of their
wickedness.
• Then he told them to go to Seantum, Seezoram’s
brother.
• Nephi told them to ask Seantum if he and Nephi
had plotted to murder Seezoram. Nephi said
Seantum would say “no.”
• Then the judges were to ask Seantum if he had
killed his brother.
• Seantum would again say “no,” but the judges
would find blood on his cloak.
• Nephi said Seantum would then shake and turn
pale and finally confess to killing his brother.
• The judges went to Seantum’s house, and
everything happened as Nephi said it would.
• Nephi and the five men were set free.
• As the people walked away from Nephi, some
said he was a prophet; others said he was a god.
• Nephi went home, still sad about their
wickedness.
• Who were the Gadianton robbers?
(Helaman 6:18.)
• What oaths had this band taken?
(Helaman 6:21–22.)
• What wicked things had the Gadianton robbers
done? (Helaman 6:23.)
• What did Nephi do because of the wickedness of
the people? (Helaman 7:6–7, 10.)
• What did the people do when they saw him on
the tower? (Helaman 7:11–12.)
• What did Nephi say to the people?
(Helaman 7:13–18.)
• Why do you think he talked about repentance?
• What must we do to repent?
• What did Nephi say would happen to the people
if they did not repent? (Helaman 7:19, 22.)
• How did Nephi know these things would
happen? (Helaman 7:29.)
• What have other prophets said will happen to us
if we do not repent?
• How can listening to the living prophet help us in
our lives? (D&C 21:4–6.)
• How can
listening to
the living
prophet help
us in our
lives? (D&C
21:4–6.)
• How did the
judges respond to
Nephi’s teachings?
(Helaman 8:1.)
• How did some of
the people defend
Nephi?
(Helaman 8:7–9.)
• Why does it sometimes take courage to stand up
for the truth?
• What can we do to sustain the living prophet?
• What were the five men thinking about as they
ran to the judgment seat? Helaman 9:2
• How do we know that the five men eventually
believed all of Nephi’s words?
(Helaman 9:4–5, 39)
• What can we do to strengthen our testimonies of
the living prophet?
• How did the other
judges try to
convince the people
that Nephi was a
false prophet?
(Helaman 9:16)
• What was Nephi’s
response to their
accusations?
(Helaman 9:25–35.)
• What effect did Nephi’s revelation have on some
of the people? (Helaman 9:39–41.)
• How have you been blessed by following the
prophets?
• What have all the holy prophets testified of?
(Helaman 8:14–16.)
• What has the living prophet taught us about Jesus
Christ?
• President Monson continues to reveal knowledge
from heavenly father.
• He relays inspired messages that are meant to help
us better ourselves.
• In the fall 2011 conference,
President Monson had
these words to share.
You Can Know for Yourself
By President Thomas S. Monson
“In order for us to be strong and to withstand all the
forces pulling us in the wrong direction or all the
voices encouraging us to take the wrong path, we
must have our own testimony. Whether you are 12 or
112—or anywhere in between—you can know for
yourself that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Read
the Book of Mormon. Ponder its teachings. Ask
Heavenly Father if it is true. We have the promise that
‘if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent,
having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it
unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost’
(Moroni 10:4).”
Elder James E. Faust Has made the
following statement:
Elder James E. Faust Has made the following
statement:
“We have been promised that the President of the
Church will receive guidance for all of us as the
revelator of the Church. Our safety lies in paying heed
to that which he says and following his counsel” (in
Conference Report, Oct. 1989, p. 11; or Ensign, Nov.
1989, p. 10; see also D&C 21:4–6).
What do you think of what Elder Faust said?
The ninth article of faith states:
9 We believe all that God has arevealed, all that He
does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet
breveal many great and important things pertaining
to the Kingdom of God.
Does anyone have this memorized?
Let’s say this together.
• Let’s role play the story from Helaman 8 – 9.
• It’s the story that we just presented.
• Can you remember the story?
Testimony
• The Church is lead by a living prophet today.
• I want to testify to you that they speak the truth
of what he has taught, and continues to teach us.
• We will be blessed by following and living by the
guidance of these inspired men.
Our Closing Prayer will be given by:
(Enter name here)
THE END
• Images and clipart are from lds.org, Microsoft
Office, and other websites indicating the images
were in the public domain or permitted for church
and home use.
• The lesson and scripture story are from lds.org.
• Please do not use this presentation for commercial
use. Feel free to alter the presentation for use in
church or home to suit personal preference.
• This presentation is intended to supplement, not
replace, the lesson manual and scriptures.
• Teachers should refer to the manual, scriptures and
other resources when preparing and conducting the
lesson.
Helaman 6:18
• 18 And now behold, those murderers and plunderers were a
band who had been formed by Kishkumen and aGadianton.
And now it had come to pass that there were many, even
among the Nephites, of Gadianton's band. But behold, they
were more numerous among the more wicked part of the
Lamanites. And they were called Gadianton's robbers and
murderers.
Return
Helaman 6:21–22
• 21 But behold, Satan did stir up the ahearts of the more part
of the Nephites, insomuch that they did unite with those
bands of robbers, and did enter into their covenants and their
oaths, that they would protect and preserve one another in
whatsoever difficult circumstances they should be placed,
that they should not suffer for their murders, and their
plunderings, and their bstealings.
• 22 And it came to pass that they did have their signs, yea,
their asecret signs, and their bsecret words; and this that they
might distinguish a brother who had entered into the
covenant, that whatsoever wickedness his brother should do
he should not be injured by his brother, nor by those who did
belong to his band, who had taken this covenant.
Return
Helaman 6:23
• 23 And thus they might murder, and plunder, and steal, and
commit awhoredoms and all manner of wickedness, contrary
to the laws of their country and also the laws of their God.
Return
Helaman 7:6–7, 10
• 6 Now this great iniquity had come upon the Nephites, in the
space of anot many years; and when Nephi saw it, his heart
was swollen with sorrow within his breast; and he did exclaim
in the agony of his soul:
• 7 Oh, that I could have had my days in the days when my
father Nephi first came out of the land of Jerusalem, that I
could have ajoyed with him in the promised land; then were
his people easy to be entreated, bfirm to keep the
commandments of God, and slow to be led to do iniquity; and
they were quick to hearken unto the words of the Lord—
Helaman 7:6–7, 10
• 10 And behold, now it came to pass that it was upon a tower,
which was in the agarden of Nephi, which was by the highway
which led to the chief market, which was in the city of
Zarahemla; therefore, Nephi had bowed himself upon the
tower which was in his garden, which tower was also near
unto the garden gate by which led the highway.
Return
Helaman 7:11–12
• 11 And it came to pass that there were certain men passing by
and saw Nephi as he was pouring out his soul unto God upon
the atower; and they ran and told the people what they had
seen, and the people came together in multitudes that they
might know the cause of so great mourning for the
wickedness of the people.
• 12 And now, when Nephi arose he beheld the multitudes of
people who had gathered together.
Return
Helaman 7:13–18
• 13 And it came to pass that he opened his mouth and said
unto them: Behold, awhy have ye gathered yourselves
together? That I may tell you of your iniquities?
• 14 Yea, because I have got upon my tower that I might pour
out my soul unto my God, because of the exceeding sorrow of
my heart, which is because of your iniquities!
• 15 And because of my amourning and lamentation ye have
gathered yourselves together, and do marvel; yea, and ye
have great need to marvel; yea, ye ought to marvel because
ye are given away that the devil has got so great hold upon
your hearts.
Helaman 7:13–18
• 16 Yea, how could you have given way to the enticing of him
who is seeking to hurl away your souls down to aeverlasting
misery and endless wo?
• 17 O repent ye, repent ye! aWhy will ye die? Turn ye, turn ye
unto the Lord your God. Why has he forsaken you?
• 18 It is because you have hardened your hearts; yea, ye will
not ahearken unto the voice of the bgood shepherd; yea, ye
have cprovoked him to anger against you.
Return
Helaman 7:19, 22
• 19 And behold, instead of agathering you, except ye will
repent, behold, he shall scatter you forth that ye shall become
meat for dogs and wild beasts.
• 22 And for this cause awo shall come unto you except ye shall
repent. For if ye will not repent, behold, this bgreat city, and
also all those great cities which are round about, which are in
the land of our possession, shall be taken away that ye shall
have no place in them; for behold, the Lord will not grant unto
you cstrength, as he has hitherto done, to withstand against
your enemies.
Return
Helaman 7:29
• 29 Behold now, I do not say that these things shall be, of
myself, because it is not of myself that I aknow these things;
but behold, I bknow that these things are true because the
Lord God has made them known unto me, therefore I testify
that they shall be.
Return
D&C 21:4–6
• 4 Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give aheed unto
all his words and bcommandments which he shall give unto
you as he receiveth them, walking in all choliness before me;
• 5 For his aword ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in
all patience and faith.
• 6 For by doing these things the agates of hell shall not prevail
against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of
bdarkness from before you, and cause the heavens to cshake
for your dgood, and his name's eglory.
Return
Helaman 8:1
• 1 AND now it came to pass that when Nephi had said these
words, behold, there were men who were judges, who also
belonged to the secret band of Gadianton, and they were
angry, and they cried out against him, saying unto the people:
Why do ye not seize upon this man and bring him forth, that
he may be condemned according to the crime which he has
done?
Return
Helaman 8:7–9
• 7 And it came to pass that thus they did astir up the people to
anger against Nephi, and raised contentions among them; for
there were some who did cry out: bLet this man alone, for he
is a good man, and those things which he saith will surely
come to pass except we repent;
• 8 Yea, behold, all the judgments will come upon us which he
has testified unto us; for we know that he has testified aright
unto us concerning our iniquities. And behold they are many,
and he aknoweth as well all things which shall befall us as he
knoweth of our iniquities;
• 9 Yea, and behold, if he had not been a prophet he could not
have atestified concerning those things.
Return
Helaman 9:2
• 2 Behold, now we will know of a surety whether this man be a
prophet and God hath commanded him to prophesy such
marvelous things unto us. Behold, we do not abelieve that he
hath; yea, we do not believe that he is a prophet;
nevertheless, if this thing which he has said concerning the
chief judge be true, that he be dead, then will we believe that
the other words which he has spoken are true.
Return
Helaman 9:4–5, 39
• 4 And now behold, when they saw this they were astonished
exceedingly, insomuch that they fell to the earth; for they had
not believed the words which Nephi had spoken concerning
the chief judge.
• 5 But now, when they saw they believed, and fear came upon
them lest all the judgments which Nephi had spoken ashould
come upon the people; therefore they did quake, and had
fallen to the earth.
Return
Helaman 9:16
• 16 And now it came to pass that the judges did expound the
matter unto the people, and did cry out against Nephi, saying:
Behold, we know that this Nephi must have agreed with some
one to slay the judge, and then he might declare it unto us,
that he might convert us unto his faith, that he might raise
himself to be a great man, chosen of God, and a prophet.
Return
Helaman 9:25–35
• 25 And now behold, I will show unto you another sign, and
see if ye will in this thing seek to destroy me.
• 26 Behold I say unto you: Go to the house of Seantum, who is
the abrother of Seezoram, and say unto him—
• 27 Has Nephi, the pretended prophet, who doth prophesy so
much evil concerning this people, agreed with thee, in the
which ye have murdered Seezoram, who is your brother?
• 28 And behold, he shall say unto you, Nay.
• 29 And ye shall say unto him: Have ye murdered your
brother?
Helaman 9:25–35
• 30 And he shall stand with fear, and wist not what to say. And
behold, he shall deny unto you; and he shall make as if he
were astonished; nevertheless, he shall declare unto you that
he is innocent.
• 31 But behold, ye shall examine him, and ye shall find blood
upon the skirts of his cloak.
• 32 And when ye have seen this, ye shall say: From whence
cometh this blood? Do we not know that it is the blood of
your brother?
• 33 And then shall he tremble, and shall look pale, even as if
death had come upon him.
Helaman 9:25–35
• 34 And then shall ye say: Because of this fear and this
paleness which has come upon your face, behold, we know
that thou art guilty.
• 35 And then shall greater fear come upon him; and then shall
he confess unto you, and deny no more that he has done this
murder.
Return
Helaman 9:39–41
• 39 And there were some of the Nephites who believed on the
words of Nephi; and there were some also, who believed
because of the testimony of the five, for they had been
converted while they were in prison.
• 40 And now there were some among the people, who said
that Nephi was a prophet.
• 41 And there were others who said: Behold, he is a god, for
except he was a god he could not aknow of all things. For
behold, he has told us the thoughts of our hearts, and also
has told us things; and even he has brought unto our
knowledge the true murderer of our chief judge.
Return
Helaman 8:14–16
• 14 Yea, did he not bear record that the Son of God should
come? And as he alifted up the brazen serpent in the
wilderness, even so shall he be lifted up who should come.
• 15 And as many as should look upon that serpent should alive,
even so as many as should look upon the Son of God with
faith, having a contrite spirit, might blive, even unto that life
which is eternal.
• 16 And now behold, Moses did not only testify of these
things, but also aall the holy prophets, from his days even to
the days of Abraham.
Return
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