Helaman's Army

"There are some as wolves among us. By that, I mean some who profess membership in this church who are not sparing the flock. And among our own membership, men are arising speaking perverse things. Now perverse means diverting from the right or correct, and being obstinate in the wrong, willfully, in order to draw the weak and unwary members of the Church away after them. And as the apostle Paul said, it is likewise a marvel to us today, as it was in that day, that some members are so soon removed from those who taught them the gospel and are removed from the true teachings of the gospel of Christ to be led astray into something that corrupts the true doctrines of the gospel of Christ into vicious and wicked practices and performances." Harold B. Lee, Admonitions for the Priesthood of God, 1972 Semiannual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1972/10/admonitions-for-the-priesthood-of-god?lang=eng

"Jesus Christ recognized the divine nature and eternal worth of each person. He explained how the two great commandments to love God and love our neighbor are the foundation of all of God’s commandments. One of our divine responsibilities is to care for those in need. This is why as disciples of Jesus Christ we “bear one another’s burdens, … mourn with those that mourn … , and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.” Religion is not only about our relationship with God; it is also about our relationship with each other." Alan T. Phillips, God Knows and Loves You, 2023 Semiannual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/10/27phillips?id=p11-p12&lang=eng#p11

America is a choice land! "I testify that America is a choice land. (See 2 Ne. 1:5.) God raised up the founding fathers of the United States of America and established the inspired Constitution. (See D&C 101:77–80.) This was the required prologue for the restoration of the gospel. (See 3 Ne. 21:4.) America will be a blessed land unto the righteous forever and is the base from which God will continue to direct the worldwide latter-day operations of His kingdom. (See 2 Ne. 1:7.)" Ezra Taft Benson, I Testify, Semiannual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, October 1988 This was near the end of Ezra Taft Benson's life and he was clearly quite feeble. This was the last talk he gave in person in general conference. The awkward jumps in the video are editing out of lengthy silence as he turned the pages of his talk. It must have been printed in a very large font because he turned the pages a lot. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/1?lang=eng&id=5# https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/101?lang=eng&id=77-80 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/3-ne/21?lang=eng&id=4 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/1?lang=eng&id=7

Love without service? "In today’s world of so much suffering because of different circumstances, sending a text message with a funny emoji or posting a nice picture with the words “I love you” is good and valuable. But what many of us need to do is leave our mobile devices behind and, with our hands and feet, help others in great need. Love without service is like faith without works; it’s dead indeed." Jose L. Alonzo, Love One Another as He Has Loved Us, 2017 Semiannual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

A devout baptist preacher, Lynn Ridenhour, shares his testimony of the Book of Mormon. Another statement by Lynn Ridenhour: https://youtu.be/Ldu4XnQOP08?si=AnLZ3mrWgt6O-_Jn

Mosiah 2:17 "Behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." Read by Jose L. Alonso, Love One Another as He Has Loved Us, General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, October 2017

"We come to love those we serve. If we choose to begin to serve the Master out of even a glimmer of faith, we will begin to know Him. We will come to know His purposes for the people we serve for Him. Even when they do not accept our offer to serve them, we will feel His appreciation if we persist. As we persist, we will feel the need for the influence of the Holy Ghost because our task will seem beyond us. Our humble prayer to our Heavenly Father will be answered. The Holy Ghost has as a major purpose witnessing that Jesus is the Christ. As we plead for help in His service, the Holy Ghost will come and confirm our faith in Him. Our faith in the Savior will increase. And, as we continue to serve Him, we will come to love Him. To be called to serve is a call to come to love the Master we serve. It is a call to have our natures changed." Henry B. Eyeing, As a Child, General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, April 2006 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2006/04/as-a-child?id=p33-p34&lang=eng#p33

Any time I ask someone what their solution is to the problems of this world, and our country, I usually get a response that involves someone else doing things instead of them. For instance, "we all need to do X, Y, or Z", or "we need someone to be the next Captain Moroni". These solutions do not solve anything. These solutions give an answer without personal responsibility. The answer is within us. The answer is us. Not necessarily as a fighting force sending physical blows towards the enemies of righteousness, but instead as a spiritual fighting force, going forward to battle against the evils of this world with the spiritual strength we all have. At least, this is the way I see the fight. I do know others will disagree with me but this is the path I have chosen. The stripling warriors, the small band of righteous fighting men who are honored by this group's name, had a different approach. "The stripling warriors in the Book of Mormon (see Alma 53; 56–58) prayed earnestly that God would strengthen and deliver them out of the hands of their enemies. Interestingly, the answers to these prayers did not produce additional weapons or an increased number of troops. Instead, God granted these faithful warriors assurance that He would deliver them, peace to their souls, and great faith and hope for their deliverance in Him (see Alma 58:11). Thus, the sons of Helaman did take courage, were fixed with a determination to conquer, and did go forth with all of their might against the Lamanites (see Alma 58:12–13). Assurance, peace, faith, and hope initially might not seem like the blessings warriors in battle might want, but they were precisely the blessings these valiant young men needed to press forward and prevail physically and spiritually." - David A. Bednar, The Windows of Heaven, General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, October 2013 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/10/the-windows-of-heaven?lang=eng https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/53?lang=eng https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/58?lang=eng

Alma 7:11 "And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people." Read by Jose L. Alonzo, Love One Another as He Has Loved Us, General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, October 2017 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/7?lang=eng&id=11 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2017/10/love-one-another-as-he-has-loved-us?lang=eng

"The phrase “in the path of their duty” describes individuals who, having turned away from God, humbly are re-turning to Him once again, repenting of their sins, and seeking the cleansing and healing power of the Savior’s Atonement. Coming unto Christ by returning to the covenant path from sinful detours into “forbidden paths” is spiritually essential and righteously rigorous. As they press forward with faith and weary not in well-doing, they are laying the foundation of a great work in their individual lives, “to all generations and for eternity.” David A. Bednar, In the Path of Their Duty, General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, October 2023

1 Nephi 3:7 "And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/1-ne/3?id=p7&lang=eng#p7 Read by Ronald A. Rasband, Standing by Our Promises and Covenants, General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, October 2019 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/10/29rasband?lang=eng

"I began to ponder the actions of those persons who are giving time and money to discredit, embarrass, ridicule, and shame those who have religious views that differ from their own. Sometimes such actions can unify and strengthen those who are attacked. However, in some few instances they plant seeds of discord, and at times righteous people are hurt by their slander. I doubt that such actions can be called Christlike. At no time did Jesus Christ encourage us to spend time participating in damaging, destructive criticism. His message was to encourage us to seek, learn, and share all that is praiseworthy and of value as we associate with our fellowmen. Only those who are vindictive and cantankerous participate in ferreting out and advertising the negative and unsavory." Marvin J. Ashton, Pure Religion, General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, October 1982

Parents must bring light and truth into their homes by one family prayer, one scripture study session, one family home evening, one book read aloud, one song, and one family meal at a time. They know that the influence of righteous, conscientious, persistent, daily parenting is among the most powerful and sustaining forces for good in the world. The health of any society, the happiness of its people, their prosperity, and their peace all find common roots in the teaching of children in the home. L. Tom Perry, Mothers Teaching Children in the Home, 2010 Annual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2010/04/mothers-teaching-children-in-the-home?id=p14&lang=eng#p14

This film was produced as part of the 150th anniversary of Brigham Young's first arrival to Utah in 1847. Four years after the Church was organized, the Prophet Joseph Smith met in a small log schoolhouse with priesthood holders in Kirtland, Ohio, and said: "Brethren...you know no more concerning the destinies of this Church and kingdom than a babe upon its mother's lap. You don't comprehend it. . . . It is only a little handful of Priesthood you see here tonight, but this Church will fill North and South America -- it will fill the world" (Wilford Woodruff, in Conference Report, Apr. 1898, 57). An Ensign to the Nations examines the the worldwide growth and expansion of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Filmed in several countries, this one-hour video tells of Saints in Europe, the Pacific Islands, Latin America, Asia, and Africa that have helped the Church to flourish.

"Although we are imperfect at remembering Him, our loving Heavenly Father never fails to remember us." Joaquin E. Costa, The Power of Jesus Christ in Our Lives Every Day, 2023 Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

"The Apostle Paul taught that the Lord’s teachings and commandments were given that we may all attain “the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” That process requires far more than acquiring knowledge. It is not even enough to be convinced of the gospel; we must act so that we are converted by it. In contrast to other preaching, which teaches us to know something, the gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to become something. From such teachings we conclude that the Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is based on the final effect of our acts and thoughts—what we have become. We qualify for eternal life through a process of conversion. As used here, this word of many meanings signifies a profound change of nature. It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become." Dallin H. Oaks, Kingdoms of Glory, Semiannual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, October 2023 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/10/17oaks?lang=eng

Alma 48:17 17 Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/48?id=p17&lang=eng#p17

Matthew 11:28-30 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins Amy A. Wright, Abide the Day in Christ, Semiannual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, October 2023 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/10/12wright?lang=eng

STAND WITH HOLY PEOPLE! Gary E. Stevenson, Promptings of the Spirit, Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, October 2023 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/10/25stevenson?lang=eng

You've got to dig deep to build your house upon the rock. Jan E. Newman, Semiannual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, October 2023.

Compassion is an attribute of Christ. Ian S. Arden, Love Thy Neighbour, Semiannual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, October 2023. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2023/10/16ardern?lang=eng

2 Nephi 25:26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

Is tolerance a virtue or a vice? "Tolerance is a virtue, but like all virtues, when exaggerated, it transforms itself into a vice. We need to be careful of the “tolerance trap” so that we are not swallowed up in it. The permissiveness afforded by the weakening of the laws of the land to tolerate legalized acts of immorality does not reduce the serious spiritual consequence that is the result of the violation of God’s law of chastity." Boyd K. Packer, These Things I Know, Annual General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints The poem he wrote and shared in this same talk is also rather amusing. Link below: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/04/these-things-i-know?lang=eng