The following quote from Sheri Dew’s book Prophets See Around Corners gives insight into this week’s discussion on prophets: “Prophets are an extraordinary gift to those who believe. But those of us who have sung and talked about prophets throughout our lives may be at risk of becoming numb to how remarkable this blessing actually is.” This check-in is especially important for those who have lived their whole lives knowing about prophets. And Helaman 7–12 offers additional guidance on their importance in our lives.
Segment 1
Scriptures:
Helaman 10:5 (Follow the prophet with unwearyingness)
Helaman 12:3 (How we remember Christ)
Books:
Prophets See Around Corners by Sheri Dew
Segment 2
Scriptures:
Helaman 8:26-28 (Nephi sees the death of the chief judge)
Helaman 9:25-36 (Nephi is sent by God)
Helaman 7:20-22 (Nephi sees the destruction of the city)
CR: 3 Nephi 8:8
Segment 3
Scriptures:
Helaman 10:18 (Contention)
Helaman 7:29 (God calls a prophet)
Helaman 8:12 (God gives the power)
Helaman 7:7-9 (Nephi is the prophet for his day)
Helaman 7:10-14 (Watchman on the tower)
Words of the General Authorities:
In 1982, two years before being called as a General Authority, Brother Russell M. Nelson said: “I never ask myself, ‘When does the prophet speak as a prophet and when does he not?’ My interest has been, ‘How can I be more like him?’” And he added, “My [philosophy is to] stop putting question marks behind the prophet’s statements and put exclamation points instead.” This is how a humble and spiritual man chose to order his life. Now, 36 years later, he is the Lord’s prophet. (Neil L. Andersen, “The Prophet of God”, April 2018 General Conference from Lane Johnson’s “Russell M. Nelson: A Study in Obedience”, January 1983 Liahona)
Don’t be surprised if at times your personal views are not initially in harmony with the teachings of the Lord’s prophet. These are moments of learning, of humility, when we go to our knees in prayer. We walk forward in faith, trusting in God, knowing that with time we will receive more spiritual clarity from our Heavenly Father. (Neil L. Andersen, “The Prophet of God”, April 2018 General Conference)
Although we admire all of these noble qualities, why do we follow President Nelson? Why do we follow the prophet? Because the Lord Jesus Christ has called him and designated him as His watchman on the tower…A prophet is a watchman on the tower, protecting us from spiritual dangers we may not see. (Neil L. Andersen, “The Prophet of God”, April 2018 General Conference)
The prophet’s voice, while spoken kindly, will often be a voice asking us to change, to repent, and to return to the Lord. When correction is needed, let’s not delay. And don’t be alarmed when the prophet’s warning voice counters popular opinions of the day. The mocking fireballs of annoyed disbelievers are always hurled the moment the prophet begins to speak. (Neil L. Andersen, “The Prophet of God”, April 2018 General Conference)
In a future day, looking back on our mortality, we will rejoice that we walked the earth at the time of a living prophet. At that day, I pray that we will be able to say: We listened to him. We believed him. We studied his words with patience and faith. We prayed for him. We stood by him. We were humble enough to follow him. We loved him. (Neil L. Andersen, “The Prophet of God”, April 2018 General Conference)
Segment 4
Scriptures:
Helaman 7:18-20 (A prophet cries repentance)
Helaman 8:15 (A prophet teaches eternal life
Helaman 10:7 (A prophet has the sealing power)
CR: Helaman 11:18
Segment 5
Scriptures:
Helaman 10:12 (The prophet’s declaration)
Study Helps:
A proclamation is different from an official declaration, a doctrinal exposition, or statements on policies. Some of these come from only the First Presidency, some just from the Quorum of the Twelve, and some from both the presidency and the quorum. (How Rare a Proclamation: A Look at Today’s and the 5 Previous Proclamations in Church History)
Segment 6
Helaman 12:1-3 (And thus we see)
View transcript here.