Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
Obituary from Dallas Daily Herald:
A HORRIBLE DEATH—-An Old Settler Died From the Poisonous Effects of a Rattlesnake Bite.- Mr. John W. Penn, an old resident and respected farmer living on the mountain near Cedar Hill, in Dallas county, was bit by a rattle snake last Friday evening evening, from the effect of which, he died early Saturday morning. The fangs of the reptile were buried deep in the back of the hand, and as soon as he was bit, Mr. Penn declared he would never survive. … Mr Penn had been living on the place twenty-five years, and he stated after he was bit that it was the largest snake he ever saw. … Stimulants and every remedy available were administered without effect. After its deadly work, the snake escaped in the high weeds. (June 25, 1888, Dallas Daily Herald, P. 1, col. 4.)
Elder Dale G. Renlund: “Contention weakens our collective witness to the world of Jesus Christ and the redemption that comes through His “merits, … mercy, and grace” [2 Nephi 2:8]. … His latter-day work is compromised when contention or enmity exists among His disciples. … [Contention] is spiritually unhealthy for us as individuals. We are robbed of peace, joy, and rest, and our ability to feel the Spirit is compromised.” (Dale G. Renlund, “The Peace of Christ Abolishes Enmity,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 83–84)
President Russell M. Nelson: “My call today, dear brothers and sisters, is to end conflicts that are raging in your heart, your home, and your life. Bury any and all inclinations to hurt others—whether those inclinations be a temper, a sharp tongue, or a resentment for someone who has hurt you. The Savior commanded us to turn the other cheek, to love our enemies, and to pray for those who despitefully use us. …
“We are followers of the Prince of Peace. Now more than ever, we need the peace only He can bring. How can we expect peace to exist in the world when we are not individually seeking peace and harmony? Brothers and sisters, I know what I’m suggesting is not easy. But followers of Jesus Christ should set the example for all the world to follow. I plead with you to do all you can to end personal conflicts that are currently raging in your hearts and in your lives.” (Russell M. Nelson, “The Power of Spiritual Momentum,” Liahona, May 2022, 97)
Elder Quentin L. Cook: “Personal foundations, like many worthwhile pursuits, are usually built slowly—one layer, one experience, one challenge, one setback, and one success at a time. …
“Just as repetition and consistent effort are required to gain physical or mental capacity, the same is true in spiritual matters. …
“In the end, our faith in Jesus Christ is the essential foundation for our eternal salvation and exaltation.” (Quentin L. Cook, “Foundations of Faith,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 127–31)”
Elder Donald L. Hallstrom: “All the tools you need to build, repair, or strengthen your foundation are available to you. These are the same tools used to maintain an established foundation. You know what they are. They include consistent, quality prayer; daily gospel study through the scriptures; actively participating in the meetings of the Church, especially by partaking of the sacrament with real intent; continual selfless service; and diligent covenant keeping.
“Another essential tool is the counsel of living prophets.” (Donald L. Hallstrom, “Jesus Christ: Our Firm Foundation,” Ensign, April 2016, 61)
President Russell M. Nelson: “Please believe me when I say that when your spiritual foundation is built solidly upon Jesus Christ, you have no need to fear. As you are true to your covenants …, you will be strengthened by His power. Then, when spiritual earthquakes occur, you will be able to stand strong because your spiritual foundation is solid and immovable.” (Russell M. Nelson, “The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 96)
Elder Robert D. Hales: “[Jesus Christ’s] light will form a protective shield between you and the darkness of the adversary as you live worthy of it. You need that light. We need that light. Carefully study the scriptures and For the Strength of Youth [booklet] and listen to the teachings of your parents and leaders. Then, by obedience to wise counsel, learn to claim the protective light of the gospel as your own.
“You may wonder, “How can I do that?” There is only one way: you must learn to generate that light each day by believing on Jesus Christ and following His commandments.” (Robert D. Hales, “Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2002, 70)
Sister Reyna I. Aburto: “Black clouds may also form in our lives, which can blind us to God’s light and even cause us to question if that light exists for us anymore. Some of those clouds are of depression, anxiety, and other forms of mental and emotional affliction. They can distort the way we perceive ourselves, others, and even God. They affect women and men of all ages in all corners of the world. …
“If you are constantly surrounded by a “mist of darkness” [1 Nephi 8:23], turn to Heavenly Father. Nothing that you have experienced can change the eternal truth that you are His child and that He loves you. Remember that Christ is your Savior and Redeemer, and God is your Father. They understand. Picture Them close by you, listening and offering support.” (Reyna I. Aburto, “Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide with Me!,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 57, 58)
Spiritual Poisons
#1 Corruption of the laws and government (Purpose: to destroy a free society).
#2 Secret Combination (Purpose: to get gain and power)
#3 Wealth and materialism (feeds the other two) (Purpose: to get gain and power)
#4 Pride (Purpose: “To get hold upon the hearts of the children of men (Hel 6:30))
How does Satan get “hold of the hearts” of people?
Look for words that describe aspects of Nephite society in Hel 6:8, 9, 12, 13.
Summary: “they began to set their hearts upon their riches … seek to get gain that they might be lifted up one above another…” (Hel 6:17).
#5 Accept and embrace wickedness (Purpose: To get people to accept and then embrace wickedness)
Nephites – accept and embrace
Lamanites – reject and turn away from wickedness.
Antidote / inoculation – Word of God – Hel 3:29-30
Antidote / inoculation – Grow in Faith – Hel 3:35
“Frequent recurrence to fundamental principles” (Constitution of Virginia, Article I. Bill of Rights, Section 15. Qualities necessary to preservation of free government)
“As we rely on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, He can help us endure our trials, sicknesses, and pain. We can be filled with joy, peace, and consolation. All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/preach-my-gospel-a-guide-to-missionary-service/lesson-2-the-plan-of-salvation?lang=eng)
Elder Boyd K. Packer: “I’m not ashamed to say that I want to be good. And I’ve found in my life that it has been critically important [to establish this intention] between me and the Lord so that I knew that he knew which way I committed my agency. I went before Him and said, “I’m not neutral, and you can do with me what you want. If you need my vote, it’s there. I don’t care what you do with me, and you don’t have to take anything from me because I give it to you – everything, all I own, all I am – ” and that makes the difference. (“To Those Who Teach in Troubled Times,” address delivered at seminary and institute conference, Summer 1970, Salt Lake City; quoted by Ezra Taft Benson, “Jesus Christ – Gifts and Expectations,” Ensign, Dec. 1988, p. 4).
Antidote / inoculation – Remember who you are
Antidote / inoculation – Disperse the Powers of Darkness – Hel. 5:20-52
3 mists of darkness in the Book of Mormon
Scriptures, exercise faith in Christ, prayer, prophets, and God’s voice will disperse the mists of darkness.
President Ezra Taft Benson: “The record of the Nephite history just prior to the Savior’s visit reveals many parallels to our own day as we anticipate the Savior’s second coming.” (Ensign May 1987, p.4).
Ideas for teaching:
A HORRIBLE DEATH—-An Old Settler Died From the Poisonous Effects of a Rattlesnake Bite.- Mr. John W. Penn, an old resident and respected farmer living on the mountain near Cedar Hill, in Dallas county, was bit by a rattle snake last Friday evening evening, from the effect of which, he died early Saturday morning. The fangs of the reptile were buried deep in the back of the hand, and as soon as he was bit, Mr. Penn declared he would never survive. … Mr Penn had been living on the place twenty-five years, and he stated after he was bit that it was the largest snake he ever saw. … Stimulants and every remedy available were administered without effect. After its deadly work, the snake escaped in the high weeds. (June 25, 1888, Dallas Daily Herald, P. 1, col. 4.)
Elder Dale G. Renlund: “Contention weakens our collective witness to the world of Jesus Christ and the redemption that comes through His “merits, … mercy, and grace” [2 Nephi 2:8]. … His latter-day work is compromised when contention or enmity exists among His disciples. … [Contention] is spiritually unhealthy for us as individuals. We are robbed of peace, joy, and rest, and our ability to feel the Spirit is compromised.” (Dale G. Renlund, “The Peace of Christ Abolishes Enmity,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 83–84)
President Russell M. Nelson: “My call today, dear brothers and sisters, is to end conflicts that are raging in your heart, your home, and your life. Bury any and all inclinations to hurt others—whether those inclinations be a temper, a sharp tongue, or a resentment for someone who has hurt you. The Savior commanded us to turn the other cheek, to love our enemies, and to pray for those who despitefully use us. …
“We are followers of the Prince of Peace. Now more than ever, we need the peace only He can bring. How can we expect peace to exist in the world when we are not individually seeking peace and harmony? Brothers and sisters, I know what I’m suggesting is not easy. But followers of Jesus Christ should set the example for all the world to follow. I plead with you to do all you can to end personal conflicts that are currently raging in your hearts and in your lives.” (Russell M. Nelson, “The Power of Spiritual Momentum,” Liahona, May 2022, 97)
Elder Quentin L. Cook: “Personal foundations, like many worthwhile pursuits, are usually built slowly—one layer, one experience, one challenge, one setback, and one success at a time. …
“Just as repetition and consistent effort are required to gain physical or mental capacity, the same is true in spiritual matters. …
“In the end, our faith in Jesus Christ is the essential foundation for our eternal salvation and exaltation.” (Quentin L. Cook, “Foundations of Faith,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 127–31)”
Elder Donald L. Hallstrom: “All the tools you need to build, repair, or strengthen your foundation are available to you. These are the same tools used to maintain an established foundation. You know what they are. They include consistent, quality prayer; daily gospel study through the scriptures; actively participating in the meetings of the Church, especially by partaking of the sacrament with real intent; continual selfless service; and diligent covenant keeping.
“Another essential tool is the counsel of living prophets.” (Donald L. Hallstrom, “Jesus Christ: Our Firm Foundation,” Ensign, April 2016, 61)
President Russell M. Nelson: “Please believe me when I say that when your spiritual foundation is built solidly upon Jesus Christ, you have no need to fear. As you are true to your covenants …, you will be strengthened by His power. Then, when spiritual earthquakes occur, you will be able to stand strong because your spiritual foundation is solid and immovable.” (Russell M. Nelson, “The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 96)
Elder Robert D. Hales: “[Jesus Christ’s] light will form a protective shield between you and the darkness of the adversary as you live worthy of it. You need that light. We need that light. Carefully study the scriptures and For the Strength of Youth [booklet] and listen to the teachings of your parents and leaders. Then, by obedience to wise counsel, learn to claim the protective light of the gospel as your own.
“You may wonder, “How can I do that?” There is only one way: you must learn to generate that light each day by believing on Jesus Christ and following His commandments.” (Robert D. Hales, “Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2002, 70)
Sister Reyna I. Aburto: “Black clouds may also form in our lives, which can blind us to God’s light and even cause us to question if that light exists for us anymore. Some of those clouds are of depression, anxiety, and other forms of mental and emotional affliction. They can distort the way we perceive ourselves, others, and even God. They affect women and men of all ages in all corners of the world. …
“If you are constantly surrounded by a “mist of darkness” [1 Nephi 8:23], turn to Heavenly Father. Nothing that you have experienced can change the eternal truth that you are His child and that He loves you. Remember that Christ is your Savior and Redeemer, and God is your Father. They understand. Picture Them close by you, listening and offering support.” (Reyna I. Aburto, “Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide with Me!,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 57, 58)
Spiritual Poisons
#1 Corruption of the laws and government (Purpose: to destroy a free society).
- Laws become corrupted (Hel 4:22).
- “They who chose evil were more numerous than they who chose good … the laws had become corrupted” (Hel 5:2).
- Overthrow of government from corruption and secret combinations (Hel 6:38-39).
- No justice, wicked go unpunished, might more easily kill (Hel 7:4).
- Nephi spoke to them about the corruption of the law (Hel 8:2-3).
#2 Secret Combination (Purpose: to get gain and power)
- Mingle among the people (Hel 1:12).
- Major objective – to get gain and power – use murder and robbery (Hel 2:8).
- Where will you find them? The more settled parts (Hel 3:22).
- Secret signs, words, oaths, etc. (Hel 6:20-30).
- Cain (Hel 6:27) and the 3 laws of secret combinations in Moses 5.
- “Mahem” principle – trade life for money (Moses 5:31).
- “I am free” – you can sin and not suffer consequences (Moses 5:33).
- “Am I my brother’s keeper” – I have no responsibility for anyone else (Moses 5:34).
#3 Wealth and materialism (feeds the other two) (Purpose: to get gain and power)
#4 Pride (Purpose: “To get hold upon the hearts of the children of men (Hel 6:30))
How does Satan get “hold of the hearts” of people?
- “a little pride” (Hel 3:1 / 49 BC).
- “pride which began to enter into the … hearts of the people” who belong to the church (Hel 3:33 / 41 BC).
- “lifted up in pride” (Hel 3:34 / 41 BC).
- “exceeding great pride” (Hel 3:36 / 41 BC).
- “ … and it did grow upon them from day to day“(Hel 3:36 / 41 BC).
- “because of the pride of their hearts … making a mock of that which was sacred, denying the spirit of prophecy and of revelation …” (Hel 4:12 / 31 BC).
Look for words that describe aspects of Nephite society in Hel 6:8, 9, 12, 13.
Summary: “they began to set their hearts upon their riches … seek to get gain that they might be lifted up one above another…” (Hel 6:17).
#5 Accept and embrace wickedness (Purpose: To get people to accept and then embrace wickedness)
Nephites – accept and embrace
- “Growing” in wickedness (Hel 6:33).
- “Dwindle in unbelief” (Hel 6:33).
- Spirit “began to withdraw” (Hel 6:35).
- Began to build up and support the “more wicked part of them” (Hel 6:38, 37). i.e. ‘if you can’t beat them, join them.”
Lamanites – reject and turn away from wickedness.
- “Grow exceedingly in knowledge of their God” (Hel 6:34).
- “The Lord began to pour out his Spirit upon the Lamanites (Hel 6:36).
- “Easiness and willingness to believe…” (Hel 6:36).
- “They did preach the word of God among the more wicked part” to destroy wickedness and secret combinations (Hel 6:37).
Antidote / inoculation – Word of God – Hel 3:29-30
- “Lay hold upon the word of God”
- Hold on the iron rod
- Quick and powerful
- Sword – divide the snares and plans of the adversity.
- “Lead the man of Christ”
- Light = Psalm 119:105
- Compass = Alma 37 – “Liahona, which is, being interpreted, a compass;”
- Boat = “Old Ship Zion” to “land their souls” in the Celestial kingdom.
Antidote / inoculation – Grow in Faith – Hel 3:35
- “ … fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ.”
- “filled their souls with joy and consolation.”
- “…yielding their hearts unto God.”
- If you yield your heart to God, then the Holy Ghost enters into the heart (Hel. 5:45).
- Being thankful is a barrier to having pride enter into your hearts. Draw your hearts out unto the Lord in thankfulness (Hel. 13:22)
“Frequent recurrence to fundamental principles” (Constitution of Virginia, Article I. Bill of Rights, Section 15. Qualities necessary to preservation of free government)
“As we rely on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, He can help us endure our trials, sicknesses, and pain. We can be filled with joy, peace, and consolation. All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/preach-my-gospel-a-guide-to-missionary-service/lesson-2-the-plan-of-salvation?lang=eng)
Elder Boyd K. Packer: “I’m not ashamed to say that I want to be good. And I’ve found in my life that it has been critically important [to establish this intention] between me and the Lord so that I knew that he knew which way I committed my agency. I went before Him and said, “I’m not neutral, and you can do with me what you want. If you need my vote, it’s there. I don’t care what you do with me, and you don’t have to take anything from me because I give it to you – everything, all I own, all I am – ” and that makes the difference. (“To Those Who Teach in Troubled Times,” address delivered at seminary and institute conference, Summer 1970, Salt Lake City; quoted by Ezra Taft Benson, “Jesus Christ – Gifts and Expectations,” Ensign, Dec. 1988, p. 4).
Antidote / inoculation – Remember who you are
- Live up to your family name (Hel 5:6-7).
- Live up to having the name of Christ.
- “Behold, I [your Heavenly Father] have given unto you the name of Christwho came out of the land of Jerusalem; and this I have done that when you remember His name ye may remember Him; and when ye remember Him ye may remember His works; and when ye remember His works ye may know how that it is said, and also written, that they were good” (Hel 5:6 – emphasis added).
Antidote / inoculation – Disperse the Powers of Darkness – Hel. 5:20-52
- Exercise faith in Christ, Repent (v. 41).
- Pray (v. 42).
3 mists of darkness in the Book of Mormon
- Lehi’s Dream (1 Nephi 8) – word of God (scriptures) get you through the mists.
- Faith in Christ, repentance, prayer (Hel. 5:32). You will be able to see the prophets as you navigate through the mists.
- Voice of God (3 Nephi 9) helps you to get through the darkness.
- “Come unto me” (3 Nephi 9:22).
Scriptures, exercise faith in Christ, prayer, prophets, and God’s voice will disperse the mists of darkness.
President Ezra Taft Benson: “The record of the Nephite history just prior to the Savior’s visit reveals many parallels to our own day as we anticipate the Savior’s second coming.” (Ensign May 1987, p.4).
Ideas for teaching:
- Look for how events in Helaman and 3 Nephi parallel our day.
- How can the antidote/inoculation of:
- word of God,
- growing your faith in Christ,
- remember who you are, and
- build your foundation on Christ help you disperse the powers of darkness from your life?
