Staying firm, never faltering from the truth, repent and follow the Lord's prophets

Helaman 5-15 are the hardest parts of the Book of Mormon for me to read, because I'm sadden to know of the great iniquity the Nephite nation was so heavily involved in. The Nephite's who were the righteous people of the Lord had now forgotten their God, set their hearts on riches, pride, boasting and supporting unrighteous groups like the Gadianton Robbers. The Lamanite nation who were a 'ferocious people,' later on in the Book of Mormon converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ, They stayed righteous, continued to preach the word of God and didn't falter from the truth. The Lamanites became so righteous, that a Lamanite prophet (Samuel the Lamanite) was asked by the Lord to call the Nephite nation to repentance and to prophesy the birth & crucifiction of Jesus Christ.

The theme I gathered from my reading is to " stay firm, never faltering from the truth, repent and follow the Lord's prophets." How can we do this? Helaman 5-15, gives us great scriptural examples of how we can stay firm in the gospel of Jesus Christ:

1. We must build our foundation on Jesus Christ, the Son of God, which is a sure foundation that cannot fall.

2. Our 'names' invite us to pattern our lives after the good examples of our forebearers.

3. Being worthy to feel and hear the "still voice of perfect mildness" of the Holy Ghost.

4. Continue to be a member missionary and preach the word of God.

5. Don't sin against the truth that you know to be true.

6. Continue to grow in the knowledge of the gospel, keeping your covenants & commandments of the Lord, walking in truth & righteousness.

7. Have a desire & believing the word of God.

8. Look upon Christ with faith and contrite spirit.

9. Consistency of living the gospel.

10. Repent, turn to the Lord and follow His chosen prophets.

11. Don't allow yourselft to be overcome by Satan's temptations.

12. Thank the Lord in all things.

I've probably have mentioned this before, but we are so blessed to have the Book of Mormon! I'm grateful for these ancient prophets who wrote their histories and testimonies of Jesus Christ "by way of commandment, prophecy & revelation." I'm grateful for the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ through the prophet Joseph Smith and the translation of the Book of Mormon.

I think this is my last blog from our Book of Mormon readings--this has been a great experience reading all of your posts. I've enjoyed my participation with all the great sisters in the Parley's stake!

Staci Dearden -Parleys' 7th ward