Ether 4 - Moroni 10

What is the difference between hope and wish?

"Wish" is to desire or want something but reflects no effort. "Hope" is the same as wish with added expectation, trust, and confidence that it will be obtained. It seems to reflect much effort or doing something about it. Moroni taught -

"..faith is things which are hoped for and not seen..." (Book of Mormon Ether 12:6)

And this -

"...hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God." (Book of Mormon Ether 12:4)

We see that Ether -

"...did cry from the morning, even until the going down of the sun, exhorting the people to believe in God unto repentance...[and] did prophesy great and marvelous things unto the people, which they did not believe, because they saw them not." (Book of Mormon Ether 12:3 - 5)

The Lord has established a is a specific order to things -

"...dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." (Book of Mormon Ether 12:6)

And in the eternal perspective of things it is -

"...by faith all things are fulfilled—" (Book of Mormon Ether 12:3)

Moroni suggests that the Lord did not automatically come to the people in the Americas -

"...For it was by faith that Christ showed himself unto our fathers, after he had risen from the dead; and he showed not himself unto them until after they had faith in him; wherefore, it must needs be that some had faith in him, for he showed himself not unto the world." (Book of Mormon Ether 12:7)

This was after the trial of their faith. Moroni continues -

"...Behold it was by faith that they of old were called after the holy order of God." (Book of Mormon Ether 12:10)

"...by faith was the law of Moses given." (Book of Mormon Ether 12:11)

"...it was the faith of Alma and Amulek that caused the prison to tumble to the earth." (Book of Mormon Ether 12:13)

"...it was the faith of Nephi and Lehi that wrought the change upon the Lamanites, that they were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost." (Book of Mormon Ether 12:14)

"...it was the faith of Ammon and his brethren which wrought so great a miracle among the Lamanites." (Book of Mormon Ether 12:15)

"...it was by faith that the three disciples obtained a promise that they should not taste of death; and they obtained not the promise until after their faith." (Book of Mormon Ether 12:17)

Even because of faith -

"...the brother of Jared said unto the mountain Zerin, Remove—and it was removed." (Book of Mormon Ether 12:30)

"...even all they who wrought miracles wrought them by faith, even those who were before Christ and also those who were after." (Book of Mormon Ether 12:16)

For -

"...there were many whose faith was so exceedingly strong, even before Christ came, who could not be kept from within the veil, but truly saw with their eyes the things which they had beheld with an eye of faith, and they were glad.
20 And behold, we have seen in this record that one of these was the brother of Jared; for so great was his faith in God, that when God put forth his finger he could not hide it from the sight of the brother of Jared, because of his word which he had spoken unto him, which word he had obtained by faith.
21 And after the brother of Jared had beheld the finger of the Lord, because of the promise which the brother of Jared had obtained by faith, the Lord could not withhold anything from his sight; wherefore he showed him all things, for he could no longer be kept without the veil." (Book of Mormon Ether 12:19 - 21)

As Moroni tried to explain faith, he was concerned that -

"...the Gentiles will mock at these things, because of our weakness in writing..." (Book of Mormon Ether 12:23 - 26)

To which the Lord reponds -

"...Fools mock, but they shall mourn; and my grace is sufficient for the meek, that they shall take no advantage of your weakness..." (Book of Mormon Ether 12:26)

And -

"...if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." (Book of Mormon Ether 12:27)

"And I, Moroni, having heard these words, was comforted, and said: O Lord, thy righteous will be done, for I know that thou workest unto the children of men according to their faith..." (Book of Mormon Ether 12:29)

And as Moroni is about to closeout his writings and seal up the records, he writes -

"...Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things....that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost." (Book of Mormon Moroni 10:3 - 4)

I testify to whomever may read this blog, that this statement is true. With a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, the truth has been manifested to my soul by the power of the Holy Ghost. The Book of Mormon it true, Jesus is the Christ, Joseph Smith is the Prophet of the Restoration, and the true Church has been restored today is my testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Mormon 3 - Ether 3

In 2006 the theme for mutual is -

"...Arise and shine forth, that thy light may be a standard for the nations..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 115:5)

What is this light that is to shine forth? First we are taught that -

"...the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:45)

Joseph Fielding Smith explained that -

"...the Spirit of Jesus Christ, [is] also called the Light of Truth, Light of Christ, Spirit of God, and Spirit of the Lord..." (Doctrines of Salvation - Volume 1)

A reader of the scriptures must consider these titles in context as in some cases the same titles are used in reference to the Holy Ghost. The light of Truth or Light of Christ -

"Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:12)

It is -

"...the life and the light, the Spirit and the power, sent forth by the will of the Father through Jesus Christ, his Son." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:27)

It is -

"...The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:13)

It is -

"...the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:11)

And this light is given -

"... to every man that cometh into the world..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:46)

But even though it is given to every man, we must understand -

"...the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:46)

Besides giving life to all things and laws by which all things are governed -

...the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil...the light by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ..." (Book of Mormon Moroni 7:15 - 18)

It is also a medium or agency through which the Holy Ghost communicates. President Joseph Fielding Smith also wrote -

"...The person of the Holy Ghost can work through the Spirit of Christ that permeates everything..." (Doctrines of Salvation - Volume 1)

So how do let our light shine forth? Let me answer with a few scriptures -

The Savior said to his twelve disciples -

"...Behold I am the light; I have set an example for you." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 18:16)

"...The light of the body is the eye; if, therefore, thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light...." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 13:22)

"For God... hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." (New Testament 2 Corinthians 4:6)

"...Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:7)

"...Behold, he is the life and the light of the world. Behold, he is the word of truth and righteousness... (Book of Mormon Alma 38:9)

It seems as become more Christlike, our light begins to shine as our eye is single in faith and obedience, as we set an example, increase in righteousness, andn\ increase in testimony, knowledge and truth. And -

"...if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin...." (New Testament 1 John 1:7)

For

"...there is no other way or means whereby man can be saved, only in and through Christ. Behold, he is the life and the light of the world..." (Book of Mormon Alma 38:9)

My thoughts today were all stimulated by the words of Savior -

"...he that believeth these things which I have spoken, him will I visit with the manifestations of my Spirit, and he shall know and bear record. For because of my Spirit he shall know that these things are true; for it persuadeth men to do good.
12 And whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good is of me; for good cometh of none save it be of me. I am the same that leadeth men to all good; he that will not believe my words will not believe me—that I am; and he that will not believe me will not believe the Father who sent me. For behold, I am the Father, I am the light, and the life, and the truth of the world." (Book of Mormon Ether 4:11 - 12)

3 Nephi 26 - Mormon 2

After the Savior had rehearsed much of that which he had taught among the Jews and also the words of Isaiah and Malachi-

"...he did expound all things unto them, both great and small." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 26:1)

In that -

"...he did expound all things, even from the beginning until the time that he should come in his glory—yea, even all things which should come upon the face of the earth, even until the elements should melt with fervent heat, and the earth should be wrapt together as a scroll, and the heavens and the earth should pass away;
4 And even unto the great and last day, when all people, and all kindreds, and all nations and tongues shall stand before God, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil—" (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 26:3 - 4)

And of these things, Mormon reminds us -

"...now there cannot be written in this book even a hundredth part of the things which Jesus did truly teach unto the people..." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 26:6)

But nonetheless, that which Jesus taught was recorded and -

"...the plates of Nephi do contain the more part of the things which he taught the people." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 26:7)

Mormon explains which things the Savior taught that he included in his record and why -

"...these things have I written, which are a lesser part of the things which he taught the people; and I have written them to the intent that they may be brought again unto this people, from the Gentiles, according to the words which Jesus hath spoken." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 26:8)

"...which is expedient that they should have first, to try their faith..." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 26:9)

I think Mormon would have really liked to write all that was recorded on the plates of Nephi but he tells us-

"Behold, I was about to write them, all which were engraven upon the plates of Nephi, but the Lord forbade it, saying: I will try the faith of my people.
12 Therefore I, Mormon, do write the things which have been commanded me of the Lord." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 26:11 - 12)

But we are promised -

"...and if it shall so be that they shall believe these things then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 26:9)

Even to the point that we will receive all that the Savior taught. And of those things we have received -

"...if it so be that they will not believe these things, then shall the greater things be withheld from them, unto their condemnation." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 26:10)

Even the plates of Nephi do not include all the was said and spoken for we know as the Savior -

"...himself also knelt upon the earth; and behold he prayed unto the Father, and the things which he prayed cannot be written, and the multitude did bear record who heard him." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 17:15)

And again as -

"...he went again a little way off and prayed unto the Father;
32 And tongue cannot speak the words which he prayed, neither can be written by man the words which he prayed." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 19:31 - 32)

And as the people were baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost -

"...many of them saw and heard unspeakable things, which are not lawful to be written." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 26:18)

And even -

"...they both saw and heard these children; yea, even babes did open their mouths and utter marvelous things; and the things which they did utter were forbidden that there should not any man write them." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 26:16)

What a marvelous and wonderful experience it must of been for these people as they became clean and sanctified by the Holy Ghost for -

"...no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end.
20 Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 27:19 - 20)

3 Nephi 17 - 25

In his visit to the Americas, the Savior shares the words spoken by Isaiah and Malachi. The uniqueness of the Book of Mormon in these chapters is that the Savior speaks his own words that he revealed to Malachi and Isaiah, where in the Bible, the prophets write the words revealed to them.

As I read the Savior's words, my thoughts turned to -

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 31:20)

Enduring to the end is an essential condition of eternal life, for -

"...unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 31:16)

In my mind, enduring to the end means doing the will of the Lord to the end much like many of the prophets in the Book of Mormon. The Savior revealed to Malachi -

"Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord..." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 24:13)

This may surprise many of the saints that have served diligently for many years in the Church. Surprised enought to respond -

"...What have we spoken against thee?" (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 24:13)

To those that have served so faithfully but fail to serve missions and accept calls in their later years, the Savior says -

"Ye have said: It is vain to serve God, and what doth it profit that we have kept his ordinances and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of Hosts?
15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 24:14 - 15)

For those who endure to the end and continued to serve are -

"...they that feared the Lord spake often one to another, and the Lord hearkened and heard; and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
17 And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 24:16 - 17)

For he has so stated that he shall -

"...return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 24:18)

To those who endure and serve to the end he promises -

"...my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.
11 O thou afflicted, tossed with tempest, and not comforted! Behold, I will lay thy stones with fair colors, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.
12 And I will make thy windows of agates, and thy gates of carbuncles, and all thy borders of pleasant stones." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 22:10 - 12)

And the promise continues for those with posterity -

"...all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.
14 In righteousness shalt thou be established; thou shalt be far from oppression for thou shalt not fear, and from terror for it shall not come near thee." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 22:13 - 14)

And to those who serve to the end he explains -

"Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work; and I have created the waster to destroy.
17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall revile against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 22:16 - 17)

"...Search the prophets, for many there be that testify of these things." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 23:5)

3 Nephi 7 - 16

As the people of Nephi were gathered round about the temple conversing about the Savior -

"...they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 11:3)

"...and they understood it not..." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 11:4)

And the third time -

"...they did hear the voice, and did open their ears to hear it; and their eyes were towards the sound thereof; and they did look steadfastly towards heaven, from whence the sound came.
6 And behold, the third time they did understand the voice which they heard..." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 11:5 - 6)

And the voice said to them -

"...Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased..." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 11:7)

What a marvelous thing it would be to have the Father say "in whom I am well pleased". We come to understand why the Father is well please with the Savior's words -

"Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.
11 And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 11:10 - 11)

If I could sum up the commandments and all that we should do is that we also should suffer the will of the Father in all things. It is the Father's will that the Savior teaches to the Nephites including the prayer -

"...Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven...For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 13:10 - 13)

The Savior continues -

"...The light of the body is the eye; if, therefore, thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
23 But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If, therefore, the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
24 No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and Mammon." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 13:22 - 24)

He also states that -

"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day: Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them: I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 14:21 - 23)

The will of the Father then has to be more than just doing wonderful works - more than just doing good. It must be more. Obedience to all his commandments. It must be a continual process of learning his will and doing it. We learn his will from scripture study, from the words of modern-day prophets, and from the still small voice of the Spirit. For -

"...he that asketh in Spirit shall receive in Spirit....He that asketh in the Spirit asketh according to the will of God; wherefore it is done even as he asketh." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:28 - 30)

And -

".. all things must be done in the name of Christ, whatsoever you do in the Spirit..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:31)

Our Father in Heaven's will becomes very clear with the Savior's words -

"Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 12:48)

Helaman 5 - 3 Nephi 6

As Mormon records that -

"..there was not a living soul among all the people of the Nephites who did doubt in the least the words of all the holy prophets who had spoken; for they knew that it must needs be that they must be fulfilled.
2 And they knew that it must be expedient that Christ had come, because of the many signs which had been given, according to the words of the prophets; and because of the things which had come to pass already they knew that it must needs be that all things should come to pass according to that which had been spoken.
3 Therefore they did forsake all their sins, and their abominations, and their whoredoms, and did serve God with all diligence day and night..." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 5:1 - 3)

He interjects in his writings -

"...behold, I am called Mormon..." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 5:12)

"...I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life..." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 5:13)

Being that he was ordained -

"...after his holy order, which was after the order of his Son, to teach these things unto the people." (Book of Mormon Alma 13:1)

In that he understood he was -

"...ordained after the order of his Son, in a manner that thereby the people might know in what manner to look forward to his Son for redemption." (Book of Mormon Alma 13:2)

"...And thus being called by this holy calling, and ordained unto the high priesthood of the holy order of God, to teach his commandments unto the children of men, that they also might enter into his rest—" (Book of Mormon Alma 13:6)

Much like Enos -

"...having been wrought upon by the power of God that I must preach and prophesy unto this people, and declare the word according to the truth which is in Christ." (Book of Mormon Enos 1:26)

To teach the word, we must read the words of Christ -

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ...feasting upon the word of Christ..." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 31:20)

For -

"...the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

And -

"...if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock..." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 32:3 - 4)

Nephi asked his brothers -

"...Have ye inquired of the Lord?..." (Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 15:8)

After being taught the words of Christ from Christ himself, the Savior said -

"...I perceive that ye are weak, that ye cannot understand all my words...Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again..." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 17:2 - 3)

In addition to 1) feasting upon the words and Christ, 2) pondering them in your heart, and 3) inquiring of the Lord, I believe there is something else that will greatly unfold the scripture to the reader and that is writing the words of Christ. Nephi said -

"...For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 4:15)

As Mormon reads the writings of Nephi, the son of Nephi he writes -

"...there had many things transpired which, in the eyes of some, would be great and marvelous; nevertheless, they cannot all be written in this book; yea, this book cannot contain even a hundredth part of what was done among so many people in the space of twenty and five years;
9 But behold there are records which do contain all the proceedings of this people; and a shorter but true account was given by Nephi..." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 5:8 - 9)

And from these scriptures, Mormon writes -

"...I have made my record of these things according to the record of Nephi..."(Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 5:10 - 11)

And also -

"...I do make my record from the accounts which have been given by those who were before me..." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 5:16)

"...on plates which I have made with mine own hands." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 5:11)

And as he writes these things, he also tells us -

"...I do make a record of the things which I have seen with mine own eyes..." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 5:17)

As we follow these four steps the truths found in the scriptures will begin to unfold before us. As we write, we will be able to write as Nephi of old -

"...hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good.
11 And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye—for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 33:10 - 11)

Helaman 1 - 4

During the period that Helaman, son of Helaman, sat on the judgement-seat -

"...there were an exceedingly great many who departed out of the land of Zarahemla, and went forth unto the land northward to inherit the land.
4 And they did travel to an exceedingly great distance, insomuch that they came to large bodies of water and many rivers..." (Book of Mormon Helaman 3:3 - 4)

"And there being but little timber upon the face of the land, nevertheless the people who went forth became exceedingly expert in the working of cement; therefore they did build houses of cement, in the which they did dwell." (Book of Mormon Helaman 3:7)

And -

"...as timber was exceedingly scarce in the land northward, they did send forth much by the way of shipping.
11 And thus they did enable the people in the land northward that they might build many cities, both of wood and of cement." (Book of Mormon Helaman 3:10 - 11)

Mormon also tells us -

"...now there are many records kept of the proceedings of this people, by many of this people, which are particular and very large, concerning them.
14 But behold, a hundredth part of the proceedings of this people, yea, the account of the Lamanites and of the Nephites, and their wars, and contentions, and dissensions, and their preaching, and their prophecies, and their shipping and their building of ships, and their building of temples, and of synagogues and their sanctuaries, and their righteousness, and their wickedness, and their murders, and their robbings, and their plundering, and all manner of abominations and whoredoms, cannot be contained in this work.
15 But behold, there are many books and many records of every kind, and they have been kept chiefly by the Nephites." (Book of Mormon Helaman 3:13 - 15)

And also during this period -

"...there was exceedingly great prosperity in the church, insomuch that there were thousands who did join themselves unto the church and were baptized unto repentance.
25 And so great was the prosperity of the church, and so many the blessings which were poured out upon the people, that even the high priests and the teachers were themselves astonished beyond measure.
26 And it came to pass that the work of the Lord did prosper unto the baptizing and uniting to the church of God, many souls, yea, even tens of thousands.
27 Thus we may see that the Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name." (Book of Mormon Helaman 3:24 - 27)

And this great prosperity and happines in the church was because of the words of Christ that was made available and preached to the people for -

"..we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked—
30 And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out." (Book of Mormon Helaman 3:29 - 30)

Alma 57 - 63

Elder Gene R. Cook suggested several principles of prayer, two being-

"...pray as if everything depends on God. By trusting in him, by relying on his strength and power, we receive strength and power unto ourselves to see us through to the end...work as if everything depends on us..." (Receiving Answers to Our Prayers-Gene R. Cook)

We see these same principles taught by Mormon in his epistle to Pahoran -

"Behold, could ye suppose that ye could sit upon your thrones, and because of the exceeding goodness of God ye could do nothing and he would deliver you? Behold, if ye have supposed this ye have supposed in vain." (Book of Mormon Alma 60:11)

And -

"...do ye suppose that the Lord will still deliver us, while we sit upon our thrones and do not make use of the means which the Lord has provided for us?" (Book of Mormon Alma 60:21)

The Lord expects us to work and use everything in our means. Helaman tells us of his 2060 young warriors -

"...they did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness; yea, and even according to their faith it was done unto them; and I did remember the words which they said unto me that their mothers had taught them." (Book of Mormon Alma 57:20 - 21)

And because of that Helaman relates of those young warriors that they

"...had fainted because of the loss of blood; nevertheless, according to the goodness of God, and to our great astonishment, and also the joy of our whole army, there was not one soul of them who did perish; yea, and neither was there one soul among them who had not received many wounds.
26 And now, their preservation was astonishing to our whole army, yea, that they should be spared while there was a thousand of our brethren who were slain. And we do justly ascribe it to the miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith in that which they had been taught to believe—that there was a just God, and whosoever did not doubt, that they should be preserved by his marvelous power." (Book of Mormon Alma 57:25 - 26)

But notwithstanding this great miracle there were still many righteous Nephites that fell. Moroni teaches Pahoran -

"...Do ye suppose that, because so many of your brethren have been killed it is because of their wickedness? I say unto you, if ye have supposed this ye have supposed in vain; for I say unto you, there are many who have fallen by the sword; and behold it is to your condemnation.." (Book of Mormon Alma 60:12)

"For the Lord suffereth the righteous to be slain that his justice and judgment may come upon the wicked; therefore ye need not suppose that the righteous are lost because they are slain; but behold, they do enter into the rest of the Lord their God." (Book of Mormon Alma 60:13)

I close with these words of Moroni, and even though these words are specific to war, I think they have great application to many things -

"...will ye sit in idleness while ye are surrounded with thousands of those, yea, and tens of thousands, who do also sit in idleness, while there are thousands round about in the borders of the land who are falling by the sword, yea, wounded and bleeding?
23 Do ye suppose that God will look upon you as guiltless while ye sit still and behold these things? Behold I say unto you, Nay. Now I would that ye should remember that God has said that the inward vessel shall be cleansed first, and then shall the outer vessel be cleansed also." Book of Mormon Alma 60:22 - 23)

Alma 54 - 56

Moroni had already come to know a great deal about Ammoron and Amalikiah in that they had headed the insurrection against the government for -

"...Amalickiah was desirous to be a king; and those people who were wroth were also desirous that he should be their king; and they were the greater part of them the lower judges of the land, and they were seeking for power." (Book of Mormon Alma 46:4)

As Moroni raised the Title of Liberty and and came forward to defend their rights and privileges -

"...Amalickiah fled with a small number of his men, and the remainder were delivered up into the hands of Moroni and were taken back into the land of Zarahemla.
34 Now, Moroni being a man who was appointed by the chief judges and the voice of the people, therefore he had power according to his will with the armies of the Nephites, to establish and to exercise authority over them.
35 And it came to pass that whomsoever of the Amalickiahites that would not enter into a covenant to support the cause of freedom, that they might maintain a free government, he caused to be put to death; and there were but few who denied the covenant of freedom." (Book of Mormon Alma 46:33 - 35)

Several years later, as Ammoron leads the armies of the Lamanites against the Nephites, he writes to Moroni -

"...I am Ammoron, the king of the Lamanites; I am the brother of Amalickiah...behold, your fathers did wrong their brethren, insomuch that they did rob them of their right to the government when it rightly belonged unto them." (Book of Mormon Alma 54:16 - 17)

This was the false story that had been passed from generation to generation amongst the Lamanites. Once being a Nephite, Ammoron knew that wasn't true. And again he lies -

"...And as concerning that God whom ye say we have rejected, behold, we know not such a being; neither do ye; but if it so be that there is such a being, we know not but that he hath made us as well as you.
22 And if it so be that there is a devil and a hell, behold will he not send you there to dwell with my brother whom ye have murdered, whom ye have hinted that he hath gone to such a place?..."(Book of Mormon Alma 54:21 - 22)

And then the truth comes out -

I am Ammoron...I am a bold Lamanite; behold, this war hath been waged to avenge their wrongs, and to maintain and to obtain their rights to the government..." (Book of Mormon Alma 54:23 - 24)

It is much like priestcraft in that people will exercise all forms of deception for gain or pride. Moroni though -

"...knew that Ammoron had a perfect knowledge of his fraud..."

I believe that is the case why so many people believe those of deception and priestcraft -

"...because they [are] pleasing unto the carnal mind..." (Book of Mormon Alma 30:53)
(Book of Mormon Alma 55:1)

"...For behold, how much iniquity doth one wicked king [or leader] cause to be committed, yea, and what great destruction...because of their iniquities..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 29:17 - 18)

Let us be warned -

"...if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 29:27)

Alma 51 - 53

In the days of Captain Moroni, as the Nephites struggled to preserve their freedom, rights, and liberties in their conflicts with the Lamanites, Mormon writes -

"...I have somewhat to say concerning the people of Ammon, who, in the beginning, were Lamanites; but by Ammon and his brethren, or rather by the power and word of God, they had been converted unto the Lord; and they had been brought down into the land of Zarahemla, and had ever since been protected by the Nephites." (Book of Mormon Alma 53:10)

But -

"...because of their oath they had been kept from taking up arms against their brethren; for they had taken an oath that they never would shed blood more; and according to their oath they would have perished; yea, they would have suffered themselves to have fallen into the hands of their brethren, had it not been for the pity and the exceeding love which Ammon and his brethren had had for them.
12 And for this cause they were brought down into the land of Zarahemla; and they ever had been protected by the Nephites." (Book of Mormon Alma 53:11 - 12)

It seems to be much easier to accept and bear your own trials and tribulations than when they affect others. This seems to be the case with the people of Ammon for -

"...when they saw the danger, and the many afflictions and tribulations which the Nephites bore for them, they were moved with compassion and were desirous to take up arms in the defence of their country." (Book of Mormon Alma 53:13)

Fortunately -

"...as they were about to take their weapons of war, they were overpowered by the persuasions of Helaman and his brethren, for they were about to break the oath which they had made.
15 And Helaman feared lest by so doing they should lose their souls; therefore all those who had entered into this covenant were compelled to behold their brethren wade through their afflictions, in their dangerous circumstances at this time." (Book of Mormon Alma 53:14 - 15)

Yesterday, I was able to see the new movie of Joseph Smith - The Prophet of the Restoration. Not withstanding all the persecution and suffering the Prophet had to go through, I sensed the greatest pain for the Prophet was that which Emma had to suffer with him as he strived to do the Lord's will.

There are many times I feel the same way in as the burden of my callings effect my wife. Sometimes that is the greatest burden to bear.

Alma 44 - 50

The Lord has said -

"...Ye shall defend your families even unto bloodshed. Therefore for this cause were the Nephites contending with the Lamanites, to defend themselves, and their families, and their lands, their country, and their rights, and their religion." (Book of Mormon Alma 43:47)

We not only have the right but a God given obligation to defend our families. Not only when it comes bloodshed but in all things "even unto bloodshed". This obligation is in all matters, both temporal and spiritual. We are taught that the best way to do this is in great preparation, not as the matters arise.

Much of Moroni's focus was to protect his people in temporal things for as those who wished the their destruction and captivity - -

"...were astonished exceedingly, because of the wisdom of the Nephites in preparing their places of security." (Book of Mormon Alma 49:5)

Even though the wicked had come with greater armor and warfare -

"...being thus prepared they supposed that they should easily overpower and subject their brethren to the yoke of bondage, or slay and massacre them according to their pleasure.
8 But behold, to their uttermost astonishment, they were prepared for them, in a manner which never had been known..." (Book of Mormon Alma 49:7 - 8)

Thus the wicked -

"...were exceedingly astonished at their manner of preparation for war." (Book of Mormon Alma 49:9)

For that -

"...which had hitherto been a weak place, had now, by the means of Moroni, become strong..." (Book of Mormon Alma 49:14)

"...this was wisdom in Moroni..." (Book of Mormon Alma 49:15)

Even after having great success in the defense of families, rights and religion -

"...Moroni did not stop making preparations...to defend his people..." (Book of Mormon Alma 50:1)

While these temporal preparations were taking place, preparation is spiritual matters did not cease for the preaching of the word did not cease for -

"...there was continual peace among them, and exceedingly great prosperity in the church because of their heed and diligence which they gave unto the word of God, which was declared unto them by Helaman, and Shiblon, and Corianton, and Ammon and his brethren, yea, and by all those who had been ordained by the holy order of God, being baptized unto repentance, and sent forth to preach among the people." (Book of Mormon Alma 49:30)

Though the conditions of our day may be somewhat different, the same principles apply as we defend our families form Satan and the wicked who wish our destruction.

Alma 40 - 43

Many in this world share in the same philosophy as that which Corianton was struggling with when his father, Alma said -

"...I perceive there is somewhat more which doth worry your mind, which ye cannot understand—which is concerning the justice of God in the punishment of the sinner; for ye do try to suppose that it is injustice that the sinner should be consigned to a state of misery." (Book of Mormon Alma 42:1)

There are many people that feel that God loves all his children and since God is a merciful God, he will extend mercy to all for there are -

"...many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God.
9 Yea, and there shall be many which shall teach after this manner, false and vain and foolish doctrines..." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 28:8 - 9)

As we study the scriptures we learn that God is a God of justice. We see as Adam and Eve were sent from the Garden of Eden, God -

"...placed at the east end of the garden of Eden, cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the tree of life—" (Book of Mormon Alma 42:2)

Why? Because of justice. This becomes apparent for -

"...if Adam had put forth his hand immediately, and partaken of the tree of life, he would have lived forever, according to the word of God, having no space for repentance; yea, and also the word of God would have been void, and the great plan of salvation would have been frustrated." (Book of Mormon Alma 42:5)

If God could have easily extended mercy he would have. But mercy conditional upon the principle of repentance and -

"...thus we see, that there was a time granted unto man to repent, yea, a probationary time, a time to repent and serve God..." (Book of Mormon Alma 42:4)

For Adam had transgressed the law and was in a fallen state and without a plan of salvation -

"...there was no means to reclaim men from this fallen state, which man had brought upon himself because of his own disobedience;
13 Therefore, according to justice, the plan of redemption could not be brought about, only on conditions of repentance of men in this probationary state, yea, this preparatory state; for except it were for these conditions, mercy could not take effect except it should destroy the work of justice. Now the work of justice could not be destroyed; if so, God would cease to be God." (Book of Mormon Alma 42:12 - 13)

Because the law of justice is as eternal as God himself -

"...they were in the grasp of justice; yea, the justice of God, which consigned them forever to be cut off from his presence." (Book of Mormon Alma 42:14)

But there is also an eternal law of mercy that is based upon conditions that satisfies the demands of justice and this-

"...plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also.
16 Now, repentance could not come unto men except there were a punishment, which also was eternal as the life of the soul should be, affixed opposite to the plan of happiness, which was as eternal also as the life of the soul." (Book of Mormon Alma 42:15 - 16)

TFor there must be a law of justice and a required consequence for -

"...how could a man repent except he should sin? How could he sin if there was no law? How could there be a law save there was a punishment?" (Book of Mormon Alma 42:17)


"Now, there was a punishment affixed, and a just law given, which brought remorse of conscience unto man.
19 Now, if there was no law given—if a man murdered he should die—would he be afraid he would die if he should murder?
20 And also, if there was no law given against sin men would not be afraid to sin.
21 And if there was no law given, if men sinned what could justice do, or mercy either, for they would have no claim upon the creature?
22 But there is a law given, and a punishment affixed, and a repentance granted; which repentance, mercy claimeth; otherwise, justice claimeth the creature and executeth the law, and the law inflicteth the punishment; if not so, the works of justice would be destroyed, and God would cease to be God." (Book of Mormon Alma 42:18 - 22)

For -

"...do ye suppose that mercy can rob justice?" (Book of Mormon Alma 42:25)

No! Therefore

"...God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God; and thus they are restored into his presence, to be judged according to their works, according to the law and justice.
24 For behold, justice exerciseth all his demands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly penitent are saved." (Book of Mormon Alma 42:23 - 24)

Alma 37 - 39

The Lord commanded -

"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me." (New Testament John 5:39)

We see the evidence of this on the road to Emmaus, as the two travelers -

"...said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?"... (New Testament Luke 24:32)

Alma found that -

"...the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them..."(Book of Mormon Alma 31:5)

For it is -

"...the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness..." (New Testament 2 Timothy 3:15 - 16)

As the sons of Mosiah began their mission amongst the Lamanites they-

"...waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.
3 But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God." (Book of Mormon Alma 17:2 - 3)

Because they had followed the counsel of the Lord later given to the Nephites during his visit on the American continent wherein the Lord said -

"...I perceive that ye are weak, that ye cannot understand all my words which I am commanded of the Father to speak unto you at this time.
3 Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow..." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 17:2 - 3)

They were much like those described by Paul -

"...These were more noble...in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily..." (New Testament Acts 17:11)

We are not only to search and ponder the scriptures but do as Nephi when he said -

"...For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children..." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 4:15)

Because Ammon had searched and studied the scriptures he was prepared when Lamoni said he would believe his words. Ammon tells the king -

"...a portion of that Spirit dwelleth in me, which giveth me knowledge, and also power according to my faith and desires which are in God... and rehearsed and laid before him the records and the holy scriptures of the people..."Book of Mormon Alma 18:35 - 36)

Aaron did the same with King Laman as he -

"...did expound unto him the scriptures..." (Book of Mormon Alma 22:13)

The importance of searching, reading, pondering, and writing of the scriptures becomes apparent as Alma teaches Helaman about the records and that -

"...the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls.
...they have enlarged the memory of this people, yea, and convinced many of the error of their ways, and brought them to the knowledge of their God unto the salvation of their souls." (Book of Mormon Alma 37:7 - 8)

For he tells Helaman -

"...were it not for these things that these records do contain, which are on these plates, Ammon and his brethren could not have convinced so many thousands of the Lamanites of the incorrect tradition of their fathers; yea, these records and their words brought them unto repentance; that is, they brought them to the knowledge of the Lord their God, and to rejoice in Jesus Christ their Redeemer." (Book of Mormon Alma 37:9)

Speaking of the scriptures, the Savior said -

I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it.
34 These words are not of men nor of man, but of me; wherefore, you shall testify they are of me and not of man;
35 For it is my voice which speaketh them unto you; for they are given by my Spirit unto you, and by my power you can read them one to another; and save it were by my power you could not have them;
36 Wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 18:33 - 36)

As we then teach by the scriptures, I finish with the instructions of Alma to his son, Shiblon -

"...as ye have begun to teach the word even so I would that ye should continue to teach; and I would that ye would be diligent and temperate in all things.
11 See that ye are not lifted up unto pride; yea, see that ye do not boast in your own wisdom, nor of your much strength.
12 Use boldness, but not overbearance; and also see that ye bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love; see that ye refrain from idleness.
13 Do not pray ...to be heard of men, and to be praised for their wisdom....say: O Lord, forgive my unworthiness, and remember my brethren in mercy—yea, acknowledge your unworthiness before God at all times." (Book of Mormon Alma 38:10 - 14)

Alma 33 - 36

After Alma had spoken, Amulek stands up and without pulling any punches says -

"...I think that it is impossible that ye should be ignorant of the things which have been spoken concerning the coming of Christ, who is taught by us to be the Son of God; yea, I know that these things were taught unto you bountifully..." (Book of Mormon Alma 34:2)

He then tells the Zoramites -

"...we have beheld that the great question which is in your minds is whether the word be in the Son of God, or whether there shall be no Christ." (Book of Mormon Alma 34:5)

He follows that not only the scriptures testify of Christ, but -

"...I will testify unto you of myself that these things are true. Behold, I say unto you, that I do know that Christ shall come among the children of men, to take upon him the transgressions of his people, and that he shall atone for the sins of the world; for the Lord God hath spoken it." (Book of Mormon Alma 34:8)

All men must understand that -

"...it is expedient that an atonement should be made; for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement which it is expedient should be made." (Book of Mormon Alma 34:9)

Amulek uses the example -

"Now there is not any man that can sacrifice his own blood which will atone for the sins of another. Now, if a man murdereth, behold will our law, which is just, take the life of his brother? I say unto you, Nay.
12 But the law requireth the life of him who hath murdered..." (Book of Mormon Alma 34:11 - 12)

The demands of justice must be satisfied. And Amulek teaches the means and conditions by which mercy may satisfy justice -

"...For it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice; yea, not a sacrifice of man, neither of beast, neither of any manner of fowl; for it shall not be a human sacrifice; but it must be an infinite and eternal sacrifice." (Book of Mormon Alma 34:10)

That is -

"...the whole meaning of the law, every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice; and that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal." (Book of Mormon Alma 34:14)

Jesus is the Christ!

"...thus he shall bring salvation to all those who shall believe on his name; this being the intent of this last sacrifice, to bring about the bowels of mercy, which overpowereth justice, and bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance.
16 And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice..." (Book of Mormon Alma 34:15 - 16)

And to those who do not satisfy the conditions for mercy, that is -

"...he that exercises no faith unto repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice..." (Book of Mormon Alma 34:16)

"...Therefore may God grant unto you, my brethren, that ye may begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you..." (Book of Mormon Alma 34:17)

Alma 30 - 32

Alma said to the Zoramites -

"...there are many who do say: If thou wilt show unto us a sign from heaven, then we shall know of a surety; then we shall believe." (Book of Mormon Alma 32:17)

For many, that statement may sound reasonable - but is it really? First of all there are great risks associated with being given a sign and knowing of a surety. Alma said -

"...if a man knoweth a thing he hath no cause to believe, for he knoweth it." (Book of Mormon Alma 32:18)

And the consequence then is a man knoweth -

"...how much more cursed is he that knoweth the will of God and doeth it not, than he that only believeth, or only hath cause to believe, and falleth into transgression?" (Book of Mormon Alma 32:19)

The risk is that if the Lord gave us sure knowledge then we become accountable for that sure knowledge -

"For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 82:3)

The statement -

"...show unto us a sign from heaven...then we shall believe" (Book of Mormon Alma 32:17)

Is in great contrast to how things are done in everyday life. Something like an attitude of an employee that thinks "pay me more then I'll work harder". The employer has the attitude "work harder then I'll consider paying you more".

It is not much different than praying "if you bless me Lord then I'll keep your commandments". It just doesn't work that way. And what is the greatest blessing is instead of giving us knowledge for which we are accountable, he allows us to work by faith. As we work by faith, and as we repent, we are granted small increments of knowledge and blessings for -

"...God is merciful unto all who believe on his name; therefore he desireth...that ye should believe, yea, even on his word." (Book of Mormon Alma 32:22)

"...For he will give unto the faithful line upon line, precept upon precept; and I will try you and prove you herewith." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 98:12)

"...I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more..." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 28:30)

Alma compares this process to planting a seed -

"...behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words...Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me." (Book of Mormon Alma 32:27 - 28)

But as with all seeds that beginneth to grow, we must-

"...nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit." (Book of Mormon Alma 32:37)

And this is -

"...because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst." (Book of Mormon Alma 32:42)

Alma 26 - 29

In revelation to Isaiah, the Lord talks about the bringing of his gospel to the people of the earth where he says -

"...behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid." (Old Testament Isaiah 29:14)

I find it interesting that he says that this marvelous work will take place among the people. The wisdom of the wise would be that if God is God he would make his his work and will made known to all men with a loud voice or some great unmistaken sign so that all men would know of his true church and gospel. Alma said -

"...there are many who do say: If thou wilt show unto us a sign from heaven, then we shall know of a surety; then we shall believe." (Book of Mormon Alma 32:17)

So why would an omnipotent God rely upon a few to to testify and teach the truth rather than using his power to broadcast to all?

"...For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts..." (Old Testament Isaiah 55:8 - 9)

We see how the Lord used Alma and Amulek as his instruments in preaching the gospel to the people of Ammonihah. An omnipotent God could have easily declared repentance by himself to the people but instead used man as his tools and instruments. Even Alma somewhat dreamed -

"...O THAT I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people!
2 Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth..." (Book of Mormon Alma 29:1 - 2)

But understand the ways and will of the Lord, he confesses -

"...But behold, I am a man, and do sin in my wish; for I ought to be content with the things which the Lord hath allotted unto me.
4 I ought not to harrow up in my desires, the firm decree of a just God..." (Book of Mormon Alma 29:3 - 4)

And then Alma thoughts turn to pondering the great plan of salvation and the agency of man -

"...for I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction.
5 Yea, and I know that good and evil have come before all men; he that knoweth not good from evil is blameless; but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience." (Book of Mormon Alma 29:4 - 5)

This being the case, the great gift Lord has blessed his people with is the great opportunity to be a participant and an instrument in the Lord's hand in the marvelous work and a wonder. Alma continues -

"...seeing that I know these things, why should I desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called?
7 Why should I desire that I were an angel, that I could speak unto all the ends of the earth?" (Book of Mormon Alma 29:6 - 7)

"...I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy." (Book of Mormon Alma 29:9)

Ammon expressed the same feelings with the success of he and his brethren amongst the Lamanites -

"...yea, and we have been instruments in his hands of doing this great and marvelous work.
16 Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will glory in the Lord; yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever. Behold, who can glory too much in the Lord? Yea, who can say too much of his great power, and of his mercy, and of his long-suffering towards the children of men? Behold, I say unto you, I cannot say the smallest part which I feel." (Book of Mormon Alma 26:15 - 16)

And in doing acknowledges -

I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God.
12 Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things..." (Book of Mormon Alma 26:11 - 12)

Ammon closes with -

"...Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever." Book of Mormon Alma 26:37)

Alma testifies of the same -

"...I do not joy in my own success alone, but my joy is more full because of the success of my brethren, who have been up to the land of Nephi.
15 Behold, they have labored exceedingly, and have brought forth much fruit; and how great shall be their reward!
16 Now, when I think of the success of these my brethren my soul is carried away, even to the separation of it from the body, as it were, so great is my joy." (Book of Mormon Alma 29:14 - 16)

This is the marvelous work and a wonder, and -

"...he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing—unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things which never have been revealed..." (Book of Mormon Alma 26:22)

Alma 20 - 25

As the sons of Mosiah preached the gospel, we can learn and recognize the true signs of conversion. I think King Laman gives us great insight on what is required to be truly converted. Upon hearing “the discussions” in modern terms or in other words, the words of Christ for Aaron taught from the creation of man –

“…laying the fall of man before him, and their carnal state and also the plan of redemption, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, through Christ, for all whosoever would believe on his name.” (Book of Mormon Alma 22:13)

And specifically establishing that –

“…since man had fallen he could not merit anything of himself; but the sufferings and death of Christ atone for their sins, through faith and repentance..,” (Book of Mormon Alma 22:14)

Again, as the king heard these words he asked Aaron -

“…What shall I do that I may have this eternal life of which thou hast spoken? Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God, having this wicked spirit rooted out of my breast, and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy, that I may not be cast off at the last day?...” (Book of Mormon Alma 22:15)

If there was any questions regarding his sincerity, he tells Aaron –

“…I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy…” (Book of Mormon Alma 22:15)

Think of that commitment! The king is willing to sacrifice wealth, position, power, and social status to feel the joy spoken of by Aaron. But the Lord has stated he requires more for –

“…he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit…” (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 2:7)

Aaron promises the king -

If thou desirest this thing, if thou wilt bow down before God, yea, if thou wilt repent of all thy sins, and will bow down before God, and call on his name in faith, believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest.” (Book of Mormon Alma 22:16)

The king then enters into the covenant that the Lord desires as he –

“…did bow down before the Lord, upon his knees; yea, even he did prostrate himself upon the earth, and cried mightily, saying:
18 O God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee…” (Book of Mormon Alma 22:17 - 18)

Conversion takes place as we covenant to give away all our sins. We witness this with conversion for –

“…when these Lamanites were brought to believe and to know the truth, they were firm, and would suffer even unto death rather than commit sin…” (Book of Mormon Alma 24:19)

“…and they began to be a righteous people; and they did walk in the ways of the Lord, and did observe to keep his commandments and his statutes…” (Book of Mormon Alma 25:14)

Alma 18 - 19

I home teach a family that are really good people but do not want to have any involvement with the Church. The family is not only one of my assigned but are also close neighbors. I struggle at times wondering how I can be both a good neighbor and at the same time, a good home teacher in that a feel a great deal of responsibility for their spiritual growth and opportunities. I was impressed with the approach of Ammon with King Lamoni. He didn’t begin preaching and crying repentance right off the bat but first worked to build trust with the King. When King Lamoni asked Ammon –

“…if it were his desire to dwell in the land among the Lamanites, or among his people…” (Book of Mormon Alma 17:22)

Ammon sincerely answered –

“…Yea, I desire to dwell among this people for a time; yea, and perhaps until the day I die…” (Book of Mormon Alma 17:23)

There is no question that Ammon said the right things for King Lamoni –

“…would that Ammon should take one of his daughters to wife…” (Book of Mormon Alma 17:24)

Probably because he had been taught –

“…whosoever did mingle his seed with that of the Lamanites did bring the same curse upon his seed.” (Book of Mormon Alma 3:9)

That Ammon tactfully said to King Lamoni –

“…Nay, but I will be thy servant…” (Book of Mormon Alma 17:25)

And that is what he did looking for every opportunity to continue in building trust and confidence with the king. One of them being at the water of Sebus as a certain number of Lamanites scattered the king’s flocks. Ammon seized the opportunity for -

“…when Ammon saw this his heart was swollen within him with joy; for, said he, I will show forth my power unto these my fellow–servants, or the power which is in me, in restoring these flocks unto the king, that I may win the hearts of these my fellow–servants, that I may lead them to believe in my words.
30 And now, these were the thoughts of Ammon, when he saw the afflictions of those whom he termed to be his brethren.” (Book of Mormon Alma 17:29 - 30)

Ammon understood that nothing would happen unless he himself did nothing for he thinks to himself –

“…I will show forth my power…” (Book of Mormon Alma 17:29)

But also recognizing the additional God given power or the power of the priesthood he possessed also considers –

“…or the power which is in me…” (Book of Mormon Alma 17:29)

As the opportunity arises, Ammon performs a great service in miraculously defending the king’s flocks. Even as his fellow servants testify to the king of this miraculous deliverance –

“…king Lamoni inquired of his servants, saying: Where is this man that has such great power?” (Book of Mormon Alma 18:8)

To which they respond –

“…Behold, he is feeding thy horses...” (Book of Mormon Alma 18:9)

Again, Ammon is doing everything he can to build the trust and confidence of king Lamoni for –

“…the king had commanded his servants, previous to the time of the watering of their flocks, that they should prepare his horses and chariots…now when king Lamoni heard that Ammon was preparing his horses and his chariots he was more astonished, because of the faithfulness of Ammon, saying: Surely there has not been any servant among all my servants that has been so faithful as this man; for even he doth remember all my commandments to execute them.” (Book of Mormon Alma 18:9 - 10)

I believe the example of Ammon helps me better understand how I should try to reach my home teaching families for as Lamoni developed trust in Ammon and sensed his sincerity, he tells Ammon -

“…Yea, I will believe all thy words…” (Book of Mormon Alma 18:23)

And as a result, Ammon -

“…expounded unto them the plan of redemption, which was prepared from the foundation of the world; and he also made known unto them concerning the coming of Christ, and all the works of the Lord did he make known unto them.
40 And it came to pass that after he had said all these things, and expounded them to the king, that the king believed all his words.” (Book of Mormon Alma 18:39 - 40)

Alma 12 - 17

As I ponder these few chapters, my heart goes out to Amulek, Zeezrom, and other believers of Ammonihah –

Alma had preached in the city of Ammonihah with no success. He must have felt some strong feelings about these people for he –

“…labored much in the spirit, wrestling with God in mighty prayer, that he would pour out his Spirit upon the people who were in the city…” (Book of Mormon Alma 8:10)

“Nevertheless, they hardened their hearts….and withstood all his words, and reviled him, and spit upon him, and caused that he should be cast out of their city,” (Book of Mormon Alma 8:11 - 13)

But the Lord knew there were still some elect individuals that remained in the city for -

“…an angel of the Lord appeared unto him, saying… I am sent to command thee that thou return to the city of Ammonihah, and preach again unto the people of the city; yea, preach unto them. Yea, say unto them, except they repent the Lord God will destroy them.” (Book of Mormon Alma 8:14 - 16)

In obedience –

“…after Alma had received his message from the angel of the Lord he returned speedily to the land of Ammonihah. And he entered the city by another way…” (Book of Mormon Alma 8:18)

It is then that he meets Amulek who later shares a little about himself that sounds very like many individuals today –

“…I never have known much of the ways of the Lord, and his mysteries and marvelous power. I said I never had known much of these things; but behold, I mistake, for I have seen much of his mysteries and his marvelous power; yea, even in the preservation of the lives of this people.
6 Nevertheless, I did harden my heart, for I was called many times and I would not hear; therefore I knew concerning these things, yet I would not know; therefore I went on rebelling against God, in the wickedness of my heart…” (Book of Mormon Alma 10:5 - 6)

But in a vision, Amulek is told by an angel of a prophet –

“…Thou shalt receive” (Book of Mormon Alma 8:20)

To which Amulek tells Alma –

“I know that thou wilt be a blessing unto me and my house.” (Book of Mormon Alma 8:20)

After many days of instruction from Alma, Alma is commanded of God that he –

“…should take Amulek and go forth and preach again unto this people…” (Book of Mormon Alma 9:1)

Amulek is obedient and as he does we learn a little more about Amulek and his family as he describes his experience having Alma in his house –

“…he hath blessed mine house, he hath blessed me, and my women, and my children, and my father and my kinsfolk; yea, even all my kindred hath he blessed, and the blessing of the Lord hath rested upon us according to the words which he spake… (Book of Mormon Alma 10:11)

I can’t help but speculate with his term “my women” that this may mean a wife, maybe daughters, definitely his children or even possibly grandchildren. He seems to differentiate them from his father and his kinsfolk. His statement that his family had been blessed suggests to me that his family had believed “the words that [Alma] spake”.

Zeezrom also began to believe for –

“…Zeezrom was astonished at the words which had been spoken; and he also knew concerning the blindness of the minds, which he had caused among the people by his lying words; and his soul began to be harrowed up under a consciousness of his own guilt; yea, he began to be encircled about by the pains of hell…” (Book of Mormon Alma 14:6)

One would have to expect that Zeezrom must have shared this with his family if he had one for after Alma and Amulek had been bound and held as the people testified against them, he –

“…began to cry unto the people, saying: Behold, I am guilty, and these men are spotless before God. And he began to plead for them from that time forth…” (Book of Mormon Alma 14:7

And as he continued to do so -

“…they spit upon him, and cast him out from among them, and also all those who believed in the words which had been spoken by Alma and Amulek; and they cast them out, and sent men to cast stones at them…” (Book of Mormon Alma 14:7)

I have to assume, because of their customs at the time, that all those cast out were men for after they were cast out and others were sent to cast stones at them, the leaders in Ammonihah –

“…brought their wives and children together, and whosoever believed or had been taught to believe in the word of God they caused that they should be cast into the fire…” (Book of Mormon Alma 14:8)

I would assume that if Zeezrom had a family, they would have believed or had been taught to believe. You would have to assume this was true of Amulek’s women and children. If this was the case, it would be beyond comprehension what emotions Amulek must have experience as –

“…they took Alma and Amulek, and carried them forth to the place of martyrdom, that they might witness the destruction of those who were consumed by fire…” (Book of Mormon Alma 14:9)

And all that is written is –

“…when Amulek saw the pains of the women and children who were consuming in the fire, he also was pained; and he said unto Alma: How can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames.” (Book of Mormon Alma 14:10)

To which Alma had to respond –

“…The Spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily against them at the last day.” (Book of Mormon Alma 14:11)

The character of Amulek is even more demonstrated when most would desire great retaliation and revenge for when they were mocked and beaten, Alma and Amulek –

“…answered them nothing.” (Book of Mormon Alma 14:18)

Later Zeezrom is healed and –

“Alma baptized Zeezrom unto the Lord; and he began from that time forth to preach unto the people.” (Book of Mormon Alma 15:12)

The scriptures say nothing of a family of Zeezrom if he had one previously. But of Amulek we learn that he was –

“…rejected by those who were once his friends and also by his father and his kindred…” (Book of Mormon Alma 15:16)

Nothing is mentioned of his women or children. After healing Zeezrom and establishing the Church in Sidom, Alma tells us -

“…he took Amulek and came over to the land of Zarahemla, and took him to his own house, and did administer unto him in his tribulations, and strengthened him in the Lord.” (Book of Mormon Alma 15:18)

With that, I have to assume his tribulation is that he is alone without his women and children which may have been part of the believers that he witnessed in the fire. If this is all true, what great sacrifice was Amulek called to give.

Alma 8 - 11

Isaiah asked a profound question –

“…who shall declare his generation?” (Book of Mormon Mosiah 14:8)

Abinadi taught –

“…whosoever has heard the words of the prophets, yea, all the holy prophets who have prophesied concerning the coming of the Lord—I say unto you, that all those who have hearkened unto their words, and believed that the Lord would redeem his people, and have looked forward to that day for a remission of their sins, I say unto you, that these are his seed, or they are the heirs of the kingdom of God.
12 For these are they whose sins he has borne; these are they for whom he has died, to redeem them from their transgressions. And now, are they not his seed?” (Book of Mormon Mosiah 15:11 - 12)

King Benjamin taught -

“…because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.” (Book of Mormon Mosiah 5:7)

It is “his seed” and his “sons and daughters” that become “his people”. We see the scriptures differentiate “his people” from all men where Nephi tells us the
Savior -

“…hath commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance…” (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:27)

And the same differentiation when Limhi declared -

“…O how marvelous are the works of the Lord, and how long doth he suffer with his people; yea, and how blind and impenetrable are the understandings of the children of men; for they will not seek wisdom, neither do they desire that she should rule over them!” (Book of Mormon Mosiah 8:20)

Alma teaches those at Gideon the atonement of Christ and to whom it applies –

“And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people…and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities…the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance…” (Book of Mormon Alma 7:11 - 13)

And -

“were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people,..” (Book of Mormon Mosiah 13:28)

'...they would have been endlessly lost were it not that God redeemed his people from their lost and fallen state.” (Book of Mormon Mosiah 16:4)

And Alma clarifies the requirements and conditions of being his people –

“…Now I say unto you that ye must repent, and be born again; for the Spirit saith if ye are not born again ye cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from your sins, that ye may have faith on the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, who is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness.
15 Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism.
16 And whosoever doeth this, and keepeth the commandments of God from thenceforth…he shall have eternal life” (Book of Mormon Alma 7:14 - 16)

“…for there can no man be saved except his garments are washed white; yea, his garments must be purified until they are cleansed from all stain, through the blood of him of whom it has been spoken by our fathers, who should come to redeem his people from their sins.” (Book of Mormon Alma 5:21)

For as Amulek said to Zeezrom -

…”he shall not save his people “in” their sins…for I cannot deny his word, and he hath said that no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore, how can ye be saved, except ye inherit the kingdom of heaven? Therefore, ye cannot be saved in your sins.”
(Book of Mormon Alma 11:34 - 37)

I conclude with the works of Amulek where there can be no misunderstanding –

“…he shall come into the world to redeem his people; and he shall take upon him the transgressions of those who believe on his name; and these are they that shall have eternal life, and salvation cometh to none else.” (Book of Mormon Alma 11:40)

Alma 5 - 7

Referring the his father and his people, Alma asks –

“…I ask of you on what conditions are they saved? “ (Book of Mormon Alma 5:10)

And then –

“…what grounds had they to hope for salvation? “ (Book of Mormon Alma 5:10)

…One question regarding that of “faith & works” - the other regarding “grace”. Both are essential components of salvation. Alma asks -

“did not my father Alma believe in the words which were delivered by the mouth of Abinadi? And was he not a holy prophet? Did he not speak the words of God, and my father Alma believe them?
12 And according to his faith there was a mighty change wrought in his heart.
(Book of Mormon Alma 5:11 - 12)

And as

“…he preached the word unto your fathers, and a mighty change was also wrought in their hearts, and they humbled themselves and put their trust in the true and living God. And behold, they were faithful until the end…” (Book of Mormon Alma 5:13)

And as they satisfied the conditions of salvation, states -

“…therefore they were saved…” (Book of Mormon Alma 5:13)

So Alma asks the people of Zarahemla –

“…I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?
15 Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? Do you look forward with an eye of faith…” (Book of Mormon Alma 5:14 - 15)

For we must -

“…become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.” (Book of Mormon Mosiah 27:26)

Which means we –

“…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;

(Book of Mormon Mosiah 27:25)

“…with a pure heart and clean hands…having the image of God engraven upon your countenances…” (Book of Mormon Alma 5:19)

But withstanding all our faith and works -

“…there is one thing which is of more importance than they all—for behold, the time is not far distant that the Redeemer liveth and cometh among his people.” (Book of Mormon Alma 7:7)

“And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people...and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.” (Book of Mormon Alma 7:11 - 12)

“…the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance…” (Book of Mormon Alma 7:13)

Thus requiring faith, works, and of greatest importance, grace.

“…and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.” (Book of Mormon Alma 7:13)

Alma 2 - 4

In the seventh year of the reign of judges, there was continual peace amongst the Nephites. But -

"...in the eighth year of the reign of the judges, that the people of the church began to wax proud, because of their exceeding riches, and their fine silks, and their fine-twined linen, and because of their many flocks and herds, and their gold and their silver, and all manner of precious things, which they had obtained by their industry; and in all these things were they lifted up in the pride of their eyes, for they began to wear very costly apparel." (Book of Mormon Alma 4:6)

It never seems to fail! As soon as men prosper they tend to forget him that blessed them so -

"...O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 9:28)

And no sooner than they begin -

"...to set their hearts upon riches and upon the vain things of the world, that they [begin] to be scornful, one towards another, and they [begin] to persecute those that [do] not believe according to their own will and pleasure." (Book of Mormon Alma 4:8)

Even to -

"...some lifting themselves up with their pride, despising others, turning their backs upon the needy and the naked and those who were hungry, and those who were athirst, and those who were sick and afflicted." (Book of Mormon Alma 4:12)

And as a result in the -

"...eighth year of the reign of the judges, there began to be great contentions among the people of the church; yea, there were envyings, and strife, and malice, and persecutions, and pride, even to exceed the pride of those who did not belong to the church of God...and the wickedness of the church was a great stumbling–block to those who did not belong to the church; and thus the church began to fail in its progress." (Book of Mormon Alma 4:9 - 10)

Alma's occupation at this time was that of the chief judge. His church calling was presiding high priest. Though we do not know all the details of Alma's temporal situation, I think his actions give us great insight of one who serves God with all his heart, might, mind and strength. Alma, recognizing the challenges before him -

"...he selected a wise man who was among the elders of the church, and gave him power according to the voice of the people, that he might have power to enact laws according to the laws which had been given, and to put them in force according to the wickedness and the crimes of the people.
17 Now this man's name was Nephihah, and he was appointed chief judge; and he sat in the judgment–seat to judge and to govern the people..." (Book of Mormon Alma 4:16 - 17)

And -

"...Alma did not grant unto him the office of being high priest over the church, but he retained the office of high priest unto himself..." (Book of Mormon Alma 4:18)

And he did this that -

"...he himself might go forth among his people, or among the people of Nephi, that he might preach the word of God unto them, to stir them up in remembrance of their duty, and that he might pull down, by the word of God, all the pride and craftiness and all the contentions which were among his people, seeing no way that he might reclaim them save it were in bearing down in pure testimony against them." (Book of Mormon Alma 4:19)

And again - how did he do this? How are priesthood leaders to do this?

"...by the word of God..." (Book of Mormon Alma 4:19)

Mosiah 29 - Alma 1

We learn that -

"...in the first year of the reign of Alma in the judgment–seat, there was a man brought before him to be judged, a man who was large, and was noted for his much strength.
3 And he had gone about among the people, preaching to them that which he termed to be the word of God, bearing down against the church; declaring unto the people that every priest and teacher ought to become popular; and they ought not to labor with their hands, but that they ought to be supported by the people." (Book of Mormon Alma 1:2 - 3)

His name was Nehor and -

"...he also testified unto the people that all mankind should be saved at the last day, and that they need not fear nor tremble, but that they might lift up their heads and rejoice; for the Lord had created all men, and had also redeemed all men; and, in the end, all men should have eternal life." (Book of Mormon Alma 1:4)

Isn't it interesting that as soon as people hear what they want to hear, words that tend to justify them in their desires and their actions, they in turn tend to believe and support the source of the words for Nehor -

"...did teach these things so much that many did believe on his words, even so many that they began to support him and give him money..."

And as always seems to be a sign of those who do this for gain, Nehor -

"...began to be lifted up in the pride of his heart, and to wear very costly apparel, yea, and even began to establish a church after the manner of his preaching." (Book of Mormon Alma 1:6)
(Book of Mormon Alma 1:5)

Nephi defined priestcraft as -

"...priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:29)

The serious nature of priestcrafts is specifically told to Nehor where Alma said -

"...this is the first time that priestcraft has been introduced among this people... and were priestcraft to be enforced among this people it would prove their entire destruction."
(Book of Mormon Alma 1:12)

For that reason, the Lord specifically -

"...commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts...Behold, the Lord hath forbidden this thing..." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:29 - 30)

Alma records how the "priesthood" of God should really teach his children -

"...when the priests left their labor to impart the word of God unto the people, the people also left their labors to hear the word of God. And when the priest had imparted unto them the word of God they all returned again diligently unto their labors; and the priest, not esteeming himself above his hearers, for the preacher was no better than the hearer, neither was the teacher any better than the learner; and thus they were all equal, and they did all labor, every man according to his strength..." (Book of Mormon Alma 1:26)

And not only that, the consecrated "priesthood" leaders in Alma's day -

"...did impart of their substance, every man according to that which he had, to the poor, and the needy, and the sick, and the afflicted; and they did not wear costly apparel, yet they were neat and comely." (Book of Mormon Alma 1:27)

It then should be easy for man to diffentiate between those that practice priesthood and those that practice priestcraft.