3 Nephi 15-17

Lamani complex Temple

Our Conference on 3 Nephi 15-17 started with Brother John Grant, our keynote speaker.  He gave us a wonderful 30 to 40 minutes of thought-provoking questions on the physical and religious context of the Saviours' visit. 

The first question was to consider the logistical requirements of the day. We started by looking at images of Mayan empire buildings or "temples" and contemplated how much physical space would be required for the sermon at Bountiful Temple - how large a space was required for 2,500 people?

The next question we contemplated was the order of events for the day - and how long it took? Starting with "when did the day start?".  Another question, for example is: how much time did it take for the multitude to personally touch the Saviour, to feel the tokens in His hands and side? How long did the healing of the sick take?  How long did the ministering to the children by the Saviour and the Angels take? The sermon part possibly didn't take more than an hour (certainly that block of scripture can be read aloud in less than an hour). What preparations had the Saviour made? Whatever we do know, we are aware that the first days' visit by the Saviour ended before nightfall so that people could "noise abroad" the news of His visit.

Our class members then shared a combination of topical speeches and testimonies.  Meg, Pam and Garry spoke about the concept of "the law being fulfilled in Christ".  Meg noted that the people had no trouble accepting this teaching in part because it had been taught to them throughout preceding generations.  Pam noted that the Saviour restored a fullness which was had before Moses, and Garry reminded us that the law was fulfilled in Christ but not destroyed.

Lost No More - Greg Olsen

Several class members spoke about the Saviours' teaching of "other sheep have I".  Gloria noted the teaching, with Garry adding that the Book of Mormon was a record of some of the other sheep.  Tony contributed the thought from Amos 3:7 that the lost sheep are gathered through hearing and responding to the Shepherds' voice.

Helen noted that in 3 Nephi 17:17, individuals served, out of compassion, in the Saviours' stead and that we, as Visiting and Home Teachers likewise served in the Saviours place.

Eujeanie spoke about the gentiles, who were blessed for being believing, and reminded us that when we do the right thing our enemies have no power over us and that the Saviour would find His sheep (among the gentiles).

Charlie and Christie  both bore testimony how the reading of the Book of Mormon changes lives, and leaves us filled with His light.

The session closed with a closing address by Mandy on the God the Father in 3 Nephi 15-17.

A wonderful spirit and conference was enjoyed, and we look forward to our next Institute mini-conference!

God the Father in 3 Nephi 15-17

Our mortal existence is, in reality, a journey to eternal life and this is essentially a quest to understand who God is and for us to return to live with Him (Golden, 2013). The Savior in praying to His Father said, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”
In the Book of Mormon, the doctrine of the Father and the Son stands in majestic testimony (Golden, 2013). During the Saviour’s three day ministry on the American continent, He is recorded as mentioning His Father 122 times (Golden, 2013).

While there is much to learn about the Father from these chapters, I will focus my time on the concept of our relationship with the Father. In the sermon at the Temple, the Saviour repeatedly emphasised that God is our Father and that we should approach him as a father. (Ludlow 2010)

The Lord admonished the people to pray to the Father. In 3 Nephi 17:3 He said “ask the Father in my name, that ye may understand”. This emphasises the Father’s position as the “literal Father of the spirits of all men” (Ludlow, 2010).
Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote “All men are the children of deity … He begat them in the pre-existence.” President David O McKay (1967) spoke about the Father-child relationship this way: “We accept God as indeed our Father. Christ taught us to address him as “our Father which art in heaven”. To us he is so real that we accept his appearance in this dispensation as an expression of love for his children.”

Although we are the literal spirit children of an exalted being, this does not automatically ensure that we will inherit exaltation with our Father in His kingdom. For that reason, our Father “ordained and established the plan of salvation. He is the one who was once as we are now. The life he lives is eternal life, and if we are to gain this greatest of all the gifts of God, it will be because we become like him (McConkie 1982).” This teaching is expounded by Alma in Mosiah 27:25-26: “Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God,changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters; And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God”.

When we are spiritually reborn and make and are faithful to our covenants with our Father, then we are his children indeed and will be worthy to inherit His kingdom (Ludlow, 2010). Elder Bruce R. McConkie, speaking about this aspect of our relationship with our Father said: “Our relationship with the Father is one of parent and child. He is the one who gave us our agency. It was his plan that provided for a fall and an atonement. And it is to him that we must be reconciled if we are to gain salvation.”

This in no way diminishes the significance of the Saviour. As Elder McConkie (1982) said: “It is the Father’s gospel, it became the gospel of the Son by adoption, and we call it after Christ’s name because his atoning sacrifice put all of its terms and conditions into operation.”

“Our relationship with the Father is supreme, paramount, and preeminent over all others. He is the God we worship. It is his gospel that saves and exalts. He ordained and established the plan of salvation.” (McConkie, 1982).

As latter-day saints, and as Christians, we believe in and have a strong and deep faith in God the Eternal Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. God the Father is the ultimate Creator, Ruler, and Preserver of all things. He is perfect, has all power, and knows all things (LDS, 2015). Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has said: “I bear personal witness this day of a personal, living God, who knows our names, hears and answers prayers, and cherishes us eternally as children of His spirit” (Holland, 2003).

Along with President Ezra Taft Benson I believe that, “Nothing is going to startle us more when we pass through the veil to the other side than to realize how well we know our Father [in Heaven] and how familiar his face is to us.” In the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.

Resources
Benson, Ezra T., “Jesus Christ—Gifts and Expectations,” in Speeches of the Year, 1974 (1975), 313; see also “Jesus Christ—Gifts and Expectations,”Ensign, Dec. 1988.

Golden, Christoffel Jr., “The Father and the Son” in Ensign, May 2013.
Holland, Jeffrey R., “The Grandeur of God”, in Ensign, November 2003.
LDS gospel topics., “God the Father”, 2015
Ludlow, Jared W., “The Father in the Sermon on the Mount” in The Sermon on the Mount in Latter-day Scripture, (proceedings of the 39th Annual Brigham Young University Sidney B. Sperry Syposium), 2010.
McKay, David O., “Making God the Center of Our Lives” in Conference Report, April 1967.
McConkie, Bruce R., “Our Relationship with the Lord”, BYU Speeches, 02 March 1982.

3 Nephi 12-14

Have you ever wondered what it is that makes some inspiratonal music more powerful and moving than other inspirational music?  The 1985 hymnbook preface states:

"Music has boundless powers for moving families toward greater spirituality and devotion to the gospel"

and also teaches:

"Hymns move us to repentance and good works, build testimony and faith, comfort the weary, console the mourning, and inspire us to endure to the end."

From an earlier dispensation, we are taught “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16)

Music is indeed a powerful medium, and perhaps even more powerful when the lyrics are taken directly from the scriptures ... With that in mind, our evening was spent in a powerful way, listening to music that had lyrics based on the reading for the week ...

First up was a favourite, based one 3 Ne 13: 25-34

25 And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words he looked upon the twelve whom he had chosen, and said unto them: Remember the words which I have spoken. For behold, ye are they whom I have chosen to minister unto this people. Therefore I say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?
26 Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not, neither do they reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
28 And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin;
29 And yet I say unto you, that even Solomon, in all his glory, was not arrayed like one of these.
30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, even so will he clothe you, if ye are not of little faith.
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 For your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.
34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.Sufficient is the day unto the evil thereof.

The song "Consider the Lillies" by by Roger Hoffman. Arranged by A. Laurence Lyon
(or alternate version here ...) is a wonderful song based on these verses.

Some hymns have texts drawn from the Sermon on the Mount/Temple Sermon, for example, hymn 144 (and many hymns on prayer) ... or here for an instrumental version of the hymn "Secret Prayer".

The Lords' Prayer is a favourite with many composers, and many settings exist ...
from the older version such as the 1935 setting of The Lord's Prayer originally composed in 1935 by Albert Malotte and sung by many singers (by Charlotte Church here, or Andrea Bocelli and the Tabernacle Choir here ... or by ? sounds like a BYU mens' chorus?

Each of these songs has the power to lift, to inspire, to restore - our challenge for this lesson is to find hymns or other inspirational settings of the text of 3 Nephi 12 - 14 and use them to "lift our spirits, give us courage and move us to righteous action" as we become more like the Saviour. 

Resources

Roger Hoffman : Writing Consider the Lillies

Ensign : Guidelines for writing latter-day Hymns

Boyd K Packer : Reverence Invites Revelation

Boyd K Packer : The Arts and the Spirit of the Lord

3 Nephi 8-11

Moving into timeline mode for this content ... starting at 3 Nephi chapter 8:2, 5

"And now it came to pass, if there was no mistake made by this man in the reckoning of our time, the thirty and third year had passed away;

And it came to pass in the thirty and fourth year, in the first month, on the fourth day of the month, there arose a great storm, such an one as never had been known in all the land."

After some details of what transpired during the storm, 3 Nephi 8:19 continues:

"And it came to pass that when the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the storm, and the tempest, and the quakings of the earth did cease—for behold, they did last for about the space of three hours; and it was said by some that the time was greater; nevertheless, all these great and terrible things were done in about the space of three hours—and then behold, there was darkness upon the face of the land."

In the darkness, the voice of Christ is heard and he speaks to the people - see 3 Nephi chapter 9.  This revelation is followed by silence ... astonished silence ... and then the voice of Christ is heard again, see 3 Nephi chapter 10:4-7. 

Resuming at 3 Nephi 10:18-19 

"And it came to pass that in the ending of the thirty and fourth year, behold, I will show unto you that the people of Nephi who were spared, and also those who had been called Lamanites, who had been spared, did have great favors shown unto them, and great blessings poured out upon their heads, insomuch that soon after the ascension of Christ into heaven he did truly manifest himself unto them—  Showing his body unto them, and ministering unto them;"

Speaking about the Saviour's appearance to the people, Elder Holland has written: 

“The Son spoke, with a voice that penetrated to the marrow, saying simply, ‘I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.’ [3 Nephi 11:10.] “That appearance and that declaration constituted the focal point, the supreme moment, in the entire history of the Book of Mormon. . . . “Everyone had talked of him, sung of him, dreamed of him, and prayed for his appearance—but here he actually was. The day of days!” (Christ and the New Covenant: The Messianic Message of the Book of Mormon [1997], 250–51).

Take some time to read 3 Nephi 11:1-17 and to listen to a hymn or song such as "This is the Christ", "I Know that my Redeemer Lives" or "I Believe in Christ"  and ponder and reflect on the following questions in your study journal:

•  How did the people react to the Savior’s appearance?
• What were your thoughts and feelings as you read this account?
• How do you think you would have felt if you had been there?

Even though we have not yet had the experience of physically touching the Savior’s hands
and feet, we can feel of His reality and bear personal testimony of Him. Think of an appropriate way to share your testimony of Jesus Christ in the coming weeks.

3 Nephi 1-7

This block of scripture is, once again, fascinating ... and for this weeks lesson we contemplated the challenges of living in a society which is unbelieving of the message of a coming Redeemer, our experiences being parallelled by those of the righteous Nephites who lived before the birth of the Saviour.

A quick review of the chapter headings is both revealing and familiar:

• Lyings and deceivings increase
• Wickedness and abominations increase among the people
• Pride, wealth and class distinctions arise
• Church experiences dissensions
• Prophets cry repentance
• People become divided
• Political leadership and national boundaries change
• Prophets preach repentance and faith in Christ
• Many people repent and are baptised

Commenting on the rise of iniquity,  in 3 Nephi 6:15-16 Mormon says:

"Now the cause of this iniquity of the people was this—Satan had great power, unto the stirring up of the people to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and the vain things of the world.

And thus Satan did lead away the hearts of the people to do all manner of iniquity; therefore they had enjoyed peace but a few years."

In a recent General Conference address, Elder Neil L Anderson of the Quorum of the Twelve said: 

"My young friends, the world will not glide calmly toward the Second Coming of the Savior. The scriptures declare that “all things shall be in commotion.”  Brigham Young said, “It was revealed to me in the commencement of this Church, that the Church would spread, prosper, grow and extend, and that in proportion to the spread of the Gospel among the nations of the earth, so would the power of Satan rise.”

It all sounds rather familiar ...

 In the April 2015 General Conference, Elder David A. Bednar stated:

"In our daily lives, endless reports of criminal violence, famine, wars, corruption, terrorism, declining values, disease, and the destructive forces of nature can engender fear and apprehension. Surely we live in the season foretold by the Lord: “And in that day … the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them” (D&C 45:26)."

In the midst of this, what is there that we can do to protect ourselves, to not fall prey to those elements in society that would destroy our faith? Elder Bednar counsels us:

"But can we hush the fears that so easily and frequently beset us in our contemporary world? The answer to this question is an unequivocal yes. Three basic principles are central to receiving this blessing in our lives: (1) look to Christ, (2) build upon the foundation of Christ, and (3) press forward with faith in Christ."

In your study Journal, ponder the following questions:
What diverts me from looking to Christ?
How can I conquer my fears and strengthen my faith in Christ?
How can I establish my desires and upon the foundation of Christ?
What strength has come to me as I have learned and lived gospel principles?
How have I been able to press forward with faith in Christ?

May we enjoy Elder Bednars' promise:

"I promise the bright light of godly fear will chase away the dark shadows of mortal fears (see D&C 50:25) as we look to the Savior, build upon Him as our foundation, and press forward on His covenant path with consecrated commitment."

Resources:

David A. Bednar : Therefore They Hushed Their Fears

Dallin H. Oaks : Preparation for the Second Coming

Elder Neil L. Andersen : Spiritual Whirlwinds

Jeffrey R. Holland : Terror, Triumph, and a Wedding Feast
Richard Neitzel Holzapfel : The Glass Is Half Full: The Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ

S. Kent Brown : Jesus’ Sermon on the Last Days: Matthew 24

Helaman 13-16

This section comprises of the account and prophecies of Samuel the Lamanite. In order to contemplate this account differently, we considered it as an underlying story to an opera ... 

Why an Opera?  Well, perhaps apart from having a little fun, an opera seems to capture the drama and the tide of events in this account ...

Lets have a brief exploration of how opera is structured ... and see how this fits Samuel's story

Mainly, it has a dramatic storyline - big check mark for our story.  Samuel goes to preach to the Lamanites, is cast out of the city (which was, in ancient times often a precursor to being stoned), leaves, sees a vision and is commanded by the Lord to go back to the Zarahemla to preach to the people. He returns and delivers a lengthy and detailed prophesy of the coming of Christ.

An opera is structured like a play, with acts and scenes.  In the account of Samuel the Lamanite, we have at least three acts ...
Act I - Helaman 13:1-3 Samuel goes to preach, is cast out and sees a vision and is instructed to return to Zarahemla
Act II - Helaman 13:4 to Helaman 15: 17
      Scene 1 - Samuel returns, climbs up on the walls of the city and pronounces woes upon several cities and their inhabitants (Helaman 13:4-39)
      Scene 2 - Samuel prophesies about Christ - giving the signs of his birth and death (Helaman 14)
      Scene 3 - Samuel revisits the pronounces of woe if people do not change their ways (Helaman 15)
Act III Helaman 18:1-8
     Scene 1 The people seek out Nephi and are many are baptised (Helaman 18:1-5)
     Scene 2 The remainder attempt to seize Samuel, he jumps from the city wall, escapes and is not  heard from again among the Nephites (Helaman 18: 6-8)

Musically, an opera has place for Aria's (solos), Ensembles (2 or more singers) and Choruses (large groups of singers).  Examination of the relevant scriptures reveal wonderful musical opportunities ... which await a talented librettist or class poet and which afforded us some delight as we pondered some poetic phrases in these sections. 

Perhaps a different treatment of this block of scripture, but one which certainly held our imaginations as we contemplated, in a different way, Samuel and his messages ...

Helaman 10 - 12

The focus for this lesson was on Helaman 10:2-3 the principle of pondering.  The topical guide (guide to the scriptures) defines pondering as :

"To meditate and think deeply, often upon the scriptures or other things of God." 

Elder Wirthlin, commenting on President Joseph F. Smith's revelation in D&C 138 defined pondering and its effects :

"Pondering, which means to weigh mentally, to deliberate, to meditate, can achieve the opening of the spiritual eyes of one’s understanding. Also, the Spirit of the Lord may rest upon the ponderer as described by President Smith."

"We are constantly reminded through the scriptures that we should give the things of God much more than usual superficial consideration. We must ponder them and reach into the very essence of what we are and what we may become."

In a delightful New Era article, Susan Hill wrote about her journey to understand pondering:

“During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection.” (JS—H 1:8. Italics added.) These are the words of Joseph Smith in his boyhood at the time of religious confusion before the Restoration. As I first read these words, I marveled at his youthful capacity to think and reason deeply.

Nephi as a young man also had this gift. “As I sat pondering in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord.” (1 Ne. 11:1.)

What wisdom in youth! Can we gain that wisdom or is it a special gift to a few?

As I rushed through high school days, pushed by a seemingly full schedule, I felt it would be wonderful to be caught up in the Spirit as Nephi was or to know the Lord as Joseph Smith did, yet I failed to realize, as many do, the necessity of stopping and pondering. They stopped—I didn’t.

Sis Hill continues :

What is pondering? I didn’t know because I hadn’t done any. I thought I was too busy, and you can’t ponder in a hurry.

As I used to read the scriptures (when I managed to take the time), I tried to read them as I read other things—quickly, scanning, in a hurry for story content and maybe a wee bit of wisdom. I didn’t understand that to digest the scriptures, one must go slowly and learn from scratch the forgotten art of pondering. There was too much “living” to do to spend time in quiet meditation, I mistakenly thought.

In the final year of my crowded college days, I was called to teach a Sunday School class. This was the Lord’s gift to me in the form of a challenge so that I could learn to think and to ponder the things of his kingdom. I had to read and reread the scriptures and slowly ferret out the meat of the gospel verse by verse so that I could present these truths to my students. I balked sometimes at the great amount of time I had to give, and yet this gift was precious. It was water for the tiny embryo seed of my soul that had thirsted so long. I learned to a small degree how all the holy men of God learn to know God and the gospel. It is not a gift to a select few, rather a blessing predicated on the law of obedience, long hours, and study.

Elder Hales, elaborated on the conclusion that Sis Hill reached above when he said: 

"How do we know the Father and the Son for ourselves? By personal revelation. Personal revelation is the way Heavenly Father helps us know Him and His Son, learn and live the gospel, endure to the end in righteousness, and qualify for eternal life—to return back into Their presence."

 Elder Neal A Maxwell taught : 

“Pondering, for most of us, is not something we do easily. It is much more than drifting or daydreaming, for it focuses and stirs us, not lulls us. We must set aside time, circumstances, and attitude in order to achieve it. In Alma’s words, we must ‘give place’ (Alma 32:27). The length of time involved in pondering is not as important as the intensity given to it. Reflection cannot be achieved in the midst of distraction” (That Ye May Believe [1992], 183).

Find a quiet setting, and take time to ponder some question that has been on your mind of late.  As you ponder, open your mind to Heavenly Fathers' will and write the impressions that come to your mind. Then follow through with the actions and report - perhaps on our Facebook page, the impact of these actions.

Resources
Richard G. Scott : To Acquire Spiritual Guidance
Joseph B Wirthlin : Pondering Strengthens the Spiritual Life

Susan Hill : Pondering isn't Preposterous
Robert D. Hales : Personal Revelation : The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets

Helaman 5 - 9

The Foundation of Christ ... we started our lesson by looking at a fascinating, breath-stopping photograph:-

And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall. (Helaman 5:12)

For this week's lesson, we'll reflect on this specific scripture and the image ...

To start off, a look at the image ... what physical impression does this image create?  What feelings come to mind to describe the impact of this image?  Does this image bring to mind the "mighty winds" or "shafts in the whirlwind" or 'hail" or "mighty storm" which "beat upon you"? If not this, can you find an image that captures that for you?

Next, consider the light house and its foundation.  How solid does this lighthouse seem able to withstand this storm?

Using your journal, reflect on these questions:-

• In what ways are the temptations of Satan like a storm?
• How might we compare the rock to Jesus Christ?
• What do you think it means to build a foundation on the rock of Jesus Christ? 
• What promise did Helaman give his sons if they would build on this rock?
• How does building our lives upon Christ’s teachings help us weather Satan’s storms and life’s trials?

Elder Russell M Nelson, speaking in the April 2002 general conference has said : 

“Even firm foundations cannot prevent life’s problems. Wayward children cause parents to grieve. Some broken families don’t get fixed. Gender disorientation is poorly understood. Married couples, for whatever reason, may not be blessed with children. Even in our day, ‘the guilty and the wicked go unpunished because of their money.’ [Helaman 7:5.] Some things just don’t seem fair.

“With strong underpinnings, however, we are better able to reach upward for help, even when faced with questions without easy answers. . . .

“Though we don’t know all things, we know that God lives and that He loves us. [See 1 Nephi 11:16–17.] Standing on that firm foundation, we can reach up and find strength to endure the heavy burdens of life” 

As you contemplate these your foundation, record your thoughts on the following questions in your journal:

• What are you doing daily to build your life on the foundation of Jesus Christ? 
• What could you do better to ensure that you build your life on His sure foundation

Resources
Photographic Image: Jean Guichard https://iconicphotos.wordpress.com/2013/12/17/a-storm-at-la-jument/
Russell M. Nelson : How Firm our Foundation
Dean M. Davies : A Sure Foundation
Steven C. Wheelwright : Building on a Sure Foundation
David A. Bednar : Steadfast and Immovable

Helaman 1 - 4

This week we used our readings as a springboard to discuss the geographical transitions in Nephite society/civilization.

Starting with 1st Nephi, we looked at the original landing by Lehi and his family.  The land of Nephi, or the "land of first inheritance" was home to Nephite civilization until the migration of Mosiah1 to the land of Zarahemla, which took place around 200 B.C. From this time on, Lamanite civilization controlled this area.  The principal city was the city of Lehi-Nephi, which was settled by Nephi1 after he fled from his bethren (2Ne 2:5-8).  Significantly, there was a temple located in this land, as we see from 2 Ne 5:16:

Whilst there are many artists' impressions of Herod's Temple,
there are fewer of what King Solomon's Temple could
have looked like ...

"And I, Nephi, did build a temple; and I did construct it after the manner of the temple of Solomon save it were not built of so many precious things; for they were not to be found upon the land, wherefore, it could not be built like unto Solomon’s temple. But the manner of the construction was like unto the temple of Solomon; and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine."

Around 200 B.C. Mosiah1 moved the centre of Nephite civilization (Omni 1:12-13)

Behold, I am Amaleki, the son of Abinadom. Behold, I will speak unto you somewhat concerning Mosiah, who was made king over the land of Zarahemla; for behold, he being warned of the Lord that he should flee out of the land of Nephi, and as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord should also depart out of the land with him, into the wilderness—

And it came to pass that he did according as the Lord had commanded him. And they departed out of the land into the wilderness, as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord; and they were led by many preachings and prophesyings. And they were admonished continually by the word of God; and they were led by the power of his arm, through the wilderness until they came down into the land which is called the land of Zarahemla.

This era lasted until the early A.D. years, and was characterised by "innovation, growth, expansion and inspiration" ... and missionary work, as we remember from the ministry of Alma the younger and the sons of Helaman!

As with the Land of Nephi, there was a temple in Zarahemla, as we see in Mosiah 1:18:

"And now, it came to pass that Mosiah went and did as his father had commanded him, and proclaimed unto all the people who were in the land of Zarahemla that thereby they might gather themselves together, to go up to the temple to hear the words which his father should speak unto them."

In Helaman, we come to the third "geographical" era of Nephite civilization.

The period we cover in Helaman 1 - 4 is a transition period, where the city of Zarahemla is taken by Lamanite forces, then re-taken by the Nephites. Subsequent to this upheaval, Nephites begin to migrate to the "land Northwards" (Helaman 3). The centre of Nephite civilization gravitates ends up in Bountiful, a new Temple City.  It is here, at the Temple site that the Saviour will appear and four generations of righteousness ensue.  (The fourth era starts around 200 A.D. - but more on that later!).

Our class notes from the lesson outline our discussion:

References:
Dennis L. Largey, (Ed), Book of Mormon Reference Companion,