Day 50 - Helaman 1-3

Spiritual Thought:
"The Book of Mormon teaches that the devil is the “author of all sin” and the founder of these secret combinations. He uses secret combinations, including gangs, 'from generation to generation' according as he can get hold upon the hearts of the children of men.” His purpose is to destroy individuals, families, communities, and nations. "
                   (M. Russell Ballard, “Standing for Truth and Right,” Ensign, Nov 1997, 37)

Focus Scripture Table to study: 

For Kids:
Click here to watch and listen to "Master the Tempest is Raging"

Food for Thought: 
How can a man or woman of Christ operate in a world filled with secret combinations, corrupt governments and Satan's manipulations?  (Helaman 3:30-37)
1.  Beware of Pride
2.  Fast
3.  Pray oft
4.  Be humble
5.  Grow firmer and firmer in faith of Christ
6.  Yielding their hearts unto God
7.  Becoming purified and sactified

If we are not careful, today’s secret combinations can obtain power and influence just as quickly and just as completely as they did in Book of Mormon times. Do you remember the pattern? The secret combinations began among the “more wicked part” of society, but eventually “seduced the more part of the righteous” until the whole society was polluted..."
               -- M. Russell Ballard, “Standing for Truth and Right,” Ensign, Nov 1997, 37

Hugh Nibley

“If the reader has imagined to himself the Gadianton band (of robbers) as abandoned wretches or street Arabs lurking in dark alleys and fleeing from the light of day in dingy and noisome hideouts, let him disabuse his mind of such a concept. They were a highly respected concern that made their handsome profits by operating strictly within the letter of the law, as they interpreted and controlled it. They were the government, the well-to-do, the respectable, and the law-abiding citizens.” (An Approach to the Book of Mormon, p. 385)

BOMING Picture:      SECRET COMBINATIONS IN THE LAST DAYS