Lifespan

Approximately 100-57 B.C.

Ministry

Helaman was a son of Alma, the son of Alma, and served the Nephites as a prophet and military commander. His military career is best known for his service at the head of 2060 sons of Ammonite converts to the Church, known as the sons of Helaman or Helaman’s stripling soldiers. He also served as the chief priest of the Church.

Preparation and Calling

When Helaman was a young man, he stayed behind while his father and brothers served a mission to the Zoramites. During this time, he managed many of his father’s domestic and ecclesiastical affairs, including keeping the sacred records.

Interaction with God

We have no record of visions or personal conversations with Deity or even angelic visitations. However, Helaman was a man of great faith and devotion to a God whom he committed his entire life to.

Social Situation

Helaman strove to maintain the Church at a time when the Nephites were being engaged in a lengthy war by the Lamanites. He administered the affairs of the Church, and when it became more important to defend his people militarily, he went to war at the head of a band of 2060 untried young men. Following the war, he returned home and lived out the rest of his life convincing the wicked of the need to repent and otherwise leading the Church once again.

Key Teachings

“Helaman . . . went forth, and did declare the word of God with much power unto the convincing of many people of their wickedness, which did cause them to repent of their sins and to be baptized unto the Lord their God” (Alma 62:45).

Living with the Prophet

When Helaman was a young man, a group of Lamanites named the Ammonites repented of their wicked ways and joined the Church. They made an oath to never take a human life again for any reason. Later, however, when war with the Lamanites broke out, they were tempted to break their oath rather than allow the Nephites to lay down their lives in their defense. Helaman and some others convinced them to keep their oath. Instead, Helaman led a number of their young men who had not made that covenant into war. Miraculously, not one of them was killed despite their many battles, which they contributed to their mothers having trained them in faith. Helaman exemplified showing faith in times of extreme difficulty. Consider how you might display your faith in God by taking on a challenging task. Discuss your thoughts with a spiritual leader or family member, and share with them your commitment. Then do it.

Sources

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, vol. 1, s.v. “Helaman.”

Book of Mormon, Reader’s Edition, ed. Grant Hardy.

Lifespan

Approximately 150 B.C.

Ministry

Abinadi was a Nephite prophet. Abinadi had joined a small group of Nephites who attempted to regain control of the city of Nephi from the Lamanites. After he publicly called the king and his priests (all apostate Nephites) to repentance, he was banished, went into exile, and returned two years later to again preach against the wicked King Noah and his priests. After a memorable trial in the king’s court, the king was afraid of Abinadi’s righteous power and was willing to release him. His priests, however, would not allow it, and they succeeded in having Abinadi burned alive.

Preparation and Calling

Nothing is known about Abinadi’s calling as a prophet or his preparation for such.

Interaction with God

Abinadi was a powerful witness of Jesus Christ, whose birth was yet a century and a half in the future. He knew the sacred writings well, including those of Isaiah, and was obviously a recipient of the gift of prophecy. During the trial for his life, at one point “his face shown with exceeding luster, evan as Moses’ did while in the mount of Sinai.” While he was clearly familiar with the workings of the Spirit, we have little information about his direct interaction with God the Father.

Social Situation

Abinadi was in a tough spot. The Lord commanded him to cry repentance and witness against the evil doings of the king and his powerful but utterly corrupt priests. At one point, he had to sneak back into the city in disguise to fulfill his calling from the Lord. One wonders whether his purpose was not so much a mission of potential conversion but rather of providing a witness against King Noah and his priests so they could be held fully accountable at the day of judgment.

Key Teachings

Abinadi is remembered for prophecies in two particular areas: (1) his powerful witness of the coming Christ and His death and resurrection, and (2) the destruction that would come to the people because of their wickedness.

Living with the Prophet

Abinadi was faithful to his calling from God even though he knew that his life was in jeopardy. But his love for God was stronger than any fear that might have been aroused by these wicked government leaders. Have you ever been in a position where you were ridiculed or challenged because of your beliefs by someone in a position of authority?

Sources:

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, vol. 1, s.v. “Abinadi.”

Book of Mormon, the book of Mosiah.

Book of Mormon, Reader’s Edition, ed. Grant Hardy.

Lifespan

Approximately 4 B.C. to A.D. 30.

Ministry

Viewed accurately, Jesus’ ministry had its beginnings at the very foundations of this world and will extend beyond the final judgment and conclusion of this world’s purpose. His mortal ministry took place in the Holy Land for a period of about three years, ending of course with His Crucifixion and subsequent Resurrection. Keep reading →