Alma 37

As Alma passes the sacred records to his son, Helaman, he testifies that the Lord -

"...will fulfil all his promises which he shall make unto you..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 37:17)

That has to be very assuring as individuals review their patriarchal blessings. Alma then explains why he knows that -

"...for he has fulfilled his promises which he has made unto our fathers."
(Book of Mormon | Alma 37:17)

But as always, His promises are conditionalas Alma referred to the Liahona -

"for as our fathers were slothful to give heed to this compass (now these things were temporal) they did not prosper; even so it is with things which are spiritual.
44 For behold, it is as easy to give heed to the word of Christ, which will point to you a straight course to eternal bliss, as it was for our fathers to give heed to this compass, which would point unto them a straight course to the promised land.
45 And now I say, is there not a type in this thing? For just as surely as this director did bring our fathers, by following its course, to the promised land, shall the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow into a far better land of promise.
46 O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever." (Book of Mormon | Alma 37:43 - 46)

Therefore -

"...never be weary of good works...be meek and lowly in heart..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 37:34)

"...learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God.
36 Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.
37 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day." (Book of Mormon | Alma 37:35 - 37)

In doing so, His promises will be fulfilled.

Alma 36

As Alma teaches his son, Helaman concerning the process of repentance and the power of the atonement, he testifies -

"...I swear unto you, that inasmuch as ye shall keep the commandments of God ye shall prosper in the land." (Book of Mormon | Alma 36:1)

Many would interpret "prosper" to mean blessed materialistically. But Alma continues to explain a better understanding of prosper telling his son -

"I would that ye should do as I have done, in remembering the captivity of our fathers; for they were in bondage, and none could deliver them except it was the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and he surely did deliver them in their afflictions." (Book of Mormon | Alma 36:2)

The emphasis here is of those that did keep His commandments, the Lord "did deliver them in their afflictions". He explains that to be delivered from afflictions means -

"...for I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day." (Book of Mormon | Alma 36:3)

Prosper would then suggest deliverance. The Lord's perspective of deliverance is that we are supported in trials, troubles, and afflictions. It does not mean the we will not have trials, troubles and afflictions. And Alma testified -

"...I would not that ye think that I know of myself—not of the temporal but of the spiritual..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 36:4)

Meaning that through the atonement, Alma learned this of himself, for -

"...because of the word which he has imparted unto me, behold, many have been born of God, and have tasted as I have tasted, and have seen eye to eye as I have seen; therefore they do know of these things of which I have spoken, as I do know; and the knowledge which I have is of God.
27 And I have been supported under trials and troubles of every kind, yea, and in all manner of afflictions; yea, God has delivered me from prison, and from bonds, and from death; yea, and I do put my trust in him, and he will still deliver me." (Book of Mormon | Alma 36:26 - 27)

Maybe this is what the Lord meant when He used the words "prosper in the land".

Alma 35

Isn't it interesting that apostates that reject the truth, can't leave it alone for -

:...after the more popular part of the Zoramites had consulted together concerning the words which had been preached unto them, they were angry because of the word, for it did destroy their craft..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 35:3)

That craft is defined by Nephi as priestcraft -

"...for, behold, 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)

We see this among the "popular" Zoramites or those they were receiving "gain" that -

"...they sent and gathered together throughout all the land all the people, and consulted with them concerning the words which had been spoken.
5 Now their rulers and their priests and their teachers did not let the people know concerning their desires; therefore they found out privily the minds of all the people.
6 And it came to pass that after they had found out the minds of all the people, those who were in favor of the words which had been spoken by Alma and his brethren were cast out of the land..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 35:4 - 6)

Again, it is interesting that after doing so, they couldn't deal with the fact the righteous saints in Jershon would take them in and support so they demanded that -

"...they [those of Jershon] should cast out of their land all those who came over from them into their land." (Book of Mormon | Alma 35:8)

The good people of Jershon did not fear them and would not do so. So the wicked leaders of Zoramites -

"...did stir up the Zoramites to anger against the people of Ammon, and they began to mix with the Lamanites and to stir them up also to anger against them.
11 And thus the Zoramites and the Lamanites began to make preparations for war against the people of Ammon, and also against the Nephites." (Book of Mormon | Alma 35:10 - 11)

It seems those that had once accepted the truth and then apostatized for wickedness purposes, can never leave it alone.

Alma 34

For those that believe that confessing a believe in Jesus Christ is sufficient for aalvation, Amulek teaches the Zoramites that there is more than just a confession as he reminds them -

"...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, and encircles them in the arms of safety, while he that exercises no faith unto repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice; therefore only unto him that has faith unto repentance is brought about the great and eternal plan of redemption.
17 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 34:15 - 17)

It becomes logically clear that repentance is a condition of salvation for as Amulek continue to plead -

"I would that, after ye have received so many witnesses, seeing that the holy scriptures testify of these things, ye come forth and bring fruit unto repentance." (Book of Mormon | Alma 34:30)

"...for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you." (Book of Mormon | Alma 34:31)

Repentance is not necessarily at one time, point in time when all things are satisfied for -

"...if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed." (Book of Mormon | Alma 34:33)

"Improve" would suggest a path of progression to Eternal Life. It suggests that speed is not the issue but more a consistent moving foward with a steadfastness in Christ. Damnation in itself would suggest a point when improvement ends.

One more political point. The scriptures teach much of those that receive more are to care for the poor and the needy. But to the poor, being envious can also lead to destruction where Amulek, speaking to those of poverty -

"...I would exhort you to have patience, and that ye bear with all manner of afflictions; that ye do not revile against those who do cast you out because of your exceeding poverty, lest ye become sinners like unto them..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 34:40)

There is great responsibilities for both the poor and rich...this would mean all mankind.

Alma 34

After Alma had seem to catch the attention and hearts of many Zoramites, Amulek stands and provides one of the clearest doctrine of the purpose of law of Moses and its relationship with the atonement of Jesus Christ. I can't help but note that Amulek seemed a little bit annoyed by what seemed as excuse of ignorance by the Zoramites saying -

"My brethren, 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 before your dissension from among us." (Book of Mormon | Alma 34:2)

But setting tha aside he states -

"...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)

I love then the strength of the tesimony of Amulek -

"And now, behold, 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.
9 For 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." (Book of Mormon | Alma 34:8 - 9)

Refering to the law of Moses, Amulek reasons that an infinite atonement can be -

"...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.
11 Now there is not any man that can sacrifice his own blood which will atone for the sins of another..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 34:10 - 11)

He then teaches the pure doctrine -

"Therefore, it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice, and then shall there be, or it is expedient there should be, a stop to the shedding of blood; then shall the law of Moses be fulfilled..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 34:13)

The sacrifice of blood in the law of Moses was no longer necessary as a schoolmaster. This sacrifice would be the last and great sacrifice -

"...yea, infinite and eternal."(Book of Mormon | Alma 34:14)

This would be the actual sacrifice of the Son of God. But only for -

"...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." (Book of Mormon | Alma 34:15)

We must specifically note that believing was not the only thing required, but sufficient "faith unto repentance".

Alma 32

As I blogged yesterday -

"...faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." (Book of Mormon | Alma 32:21)

Hope is a sincere desire to believe and to discover truth. Hope is not trying to challenge or disprove truth. Therefore faith requires a sincere heart and real intent. Alma uses a great analogy of planting a seed of faith and then comparing that to the growth of a tree that bears fruit. From a seed to a fruit bearing tree requires -

"...your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you." (Book of Mormon | Alma 32:43)

A fruit bearing tree does not happen over night. It begins with -

"...that ye can give place for a portion of my words.
28 Now, we will compare the word unto a seed." (Book of Mormon | Alma 32:27 - 28)

Hoping the "word" or scriptures are true, you experiment or plan them. Alma then comments -

"...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 32:28)

At this point you know it is a good seed for you have witnessed that it has began to grow. But are you receiving the fruits of the tree, obviouly not. And as most of us know that if we then -

"...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.
38 But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it hath no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out.
39 Now, this is not because the seed was not good, neither is it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it is because your ground is barren, and ye will not nourish the tree, therefore ye cannot have the fruit thereof." (Book of Mormon | Alma 32:37 - 39)

This is a long and patient process. Again, it does not happen over night. And the day will come because of faith -

"...if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.
42 And 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 32:41 - 42)

This is the plan the Lord has provided.

Alma 32

As Alma began teaching those of poverty concerning humility and faith, he tells them -

"...he that truly humbleth himself, and repenteth of his sins, and endureth to the end, the same shall be blessed—yea, much more blessed than they who are compelled to be humble because of their exceeding poverty.
16 Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words, blessed is he that believeth in the word of God, and is baptized without stubbornness of heart, yea, without being brought to know the word, or even compelled to know, before they will believe." (Book of Mormon | Alma 32:15 - 16)

For -

"...faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 32:21)

Hope in this statement would suggest that the investigators hopes that it is true and then investigates to proved its truth. In this attitude, the investigator then continues to find pursue truth to add thereto. But then Alms follows and teaches an important doctrine that seem to touch me this morning of those that begin to discover the truth -

"And now, 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 fact is that ss we come to find and know truth and then fail to continue in that truth or rebel against knowledge, the Lor holds us more rsponsible -

"...For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more." (New Testament | Luke 12:48)

Alma 31

In our society today there seems to be a great deal of disputation regarding the advantages and disadvantages of capitalism compared to socialism. Socialism has a tendency to make economic benefits more equals while capitalism invites incentive and innovation but seems to create a greater divide between the poor and the rich.

The Lord's way seems to be a system of incentive and innovation with a "personal" responsibility (agency or choice) to care for the poor and needy. As I read of the Zoramites, they seemed like the prideful and selfish wealthy with no interest in charity of those in need for once a week they -

"...did offer up, every man, the selfsame prayer unto God, thanking their God that they were chosen of him, and that he did not lead them away after the tradition of their brethren, and that their hearts were not stolen away to believe in things to come, which they knew nothing about.
23 Now, after the people had all offered up thanks after this manner, they returned to their homes, never speaking of their God again until they had assembled themselves together again to the holy stand, to offer up thanks after their manner." (Book of Mormon | Alma 31:22 - 23)

But what is interesting is that Alma observed that -

"...their hearts are swallowed up in their pride. Behold, O God, they cry unto thee with their mouths, while they are puffed up, even to greatness, with the vain things of the world.
28 Behold, O my God, their costly apparel, and their ringlets, and their bracelets, and their ornaments of gold, and all their precious things which they are ornamented with; and behold, their hearts are set upon them, and yet they cry unto thee and say—We thank thee, O God, for we are a chosen people unto thee, while others shall perish." (Book of Mormon | Alma 31:27 - 28)

And -

"...he saw that they were a wicked and a perverse people; yea, he saw that their hearts were set upon gold, and upon silver, and upon all manner of fine goods.
25 Yea, and he also saw that their hearts were lifted up unto great boasting, in their pride." (Book of Mormon | Alma 31:24 - 25)



Basically, they were were focused on pride and materialism. I believe this is the concern many may have of those on "wall street" even though that may not necessarily be completely true.

What is even more revealing is the attitude of Alma concerning this people. He did not pray that the Lord would change their hearts but in turn looked inward praying -

"O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me that I may have strength, that I may suffer with patience these afflictions which shall come upon me, because of the iniquity of this people." (Book of Mormon | Alma 31:31)

"Wilt thou grant unto them that they may have strength, that they may bear their afflictions which shall come upon them because of the iniquities of this people." (Book of Mormon | Alma 31:33)

What a great example of humility Alma was.

Alma 30

Having the witness of the Holy Ghost, Alma said to Korihor -

"...I know that thou believest, but thou art possessed with a lying spirit, and ye have put off the Spirit of God that it may have no place in you; but the devil has power over you, and he doth carry you about, working devices that he may destroy the children of God." (Book of Mormon | Alma 30:42)

I believe that this is the downfall of so many good men, especially in politics (possessed with a lying spirit)for political gain. Now days, that is almost expected. No one seem alarmed with outright lies and deception anymore. It can easily be brushed off as "I misspoke"..."its politics".

Later after being caught in his tracks, Korihor confesses -

"...I always knew that there was a God.
53 But behold, the devil hath deceived me; for he appeared unto me in the form of an angel, and said unto me: Go and reclaim this people, for they have all gone astray after an unknown God. And he said unto me: There is no God; yea, and he taught me that which I should say. And I have taught his words; and I taught them because they were pleasing unto the carnal mind; and I taught them, even until I had much success, insomuch that I verily believed that they were true..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 30:52 - 53)

A great truth is taught of those with a "lying spirit". The eventually begin to believe in themselves that they are true.

Alma 30

Korihor seemed to have the same coercive ability and pleasing language that seemed to feed on the "natural man"...anything that may justify their actions behavior, as many politicians of our day. It's that type of language that encourages less personal responsibility and self-reliance. That everything bad that is going on in their lives was caused by something else. One thing Korihor said that may ring in the ears of the natural man regarding religion and faith in Jesus Christ, was -

"...why do ye yoke yourselves with such foolish things?" (Book of Mormon | Alma 30:13)

And then he follows with -

"How do ye know of their surety? Behold, ye cannot know of things which ye do not see..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 30:15)

And then also -

"...ye keep them down, even as it were in bondage, that ye may glut yourselves with the labors of their hands..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 30:27)

This may be the questions of many of our day. I would like to respond. Why do I yoke myself? It is true as we make sacred covenants, as we accept consecrated callings, these things place on us, in a sense, a yoke of responsibility. I answer that I do this because of not only the blessings of the atonement that I have a testimony of, but the yoke of responsibility brings with it a great deal of joy and satisfaction. All I can say is this yoke is a wonderful thing.

And how do I know of a surety? I know because I have received many witnesses by the power of the Holy Ghost which the world knows nothing or is completely ignorant of for -

"Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you." (New Testament | John 14:17)

To me, this is the mysteries of God that are mysteries -

"...Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given." (New Testament | Matthew 13:11)

The last question is ridiculous. I receive no power nor do I receive any worldly compensation for my labors. But it is the language that the natural man falls for.

Alma 29

Alma sbares in his record -

"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 then he shares this understanding -

"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." (Book of Mormon | Alma 29:3)

He understands that this is not the way of the Lord for he later teaches his son -

"Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.
7 And 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." (Book of Mormon | Alma 37:6 - 7)

Alma understands that the Lord is very sensitive to allowing agency for -

"...he granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 29:4)

"...according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction." (Book of Mormon | Alma 29:4)

Therefore -

"...seeing that [we] know these things, why should [we] desire more than to perform the work to which [we] have been called?" (Book of Mormon | Alma 29:6)

Alma 26

As Ammon rejoiced in being an instrument in the of the Lord in the conversion of so many faithful Lamanites, he also returns and rejoices in the mercies of the Lord extended to him and his brethren in their earlies days saying -

"Who could have supposed that our God would have been so merciful as to have snatched us from our awful, sinful, and polluted state?
18 Behold, we went forth even in wrath, with mighty threatenings to destroy his church.
19 Oh then, why did he not consign us to an awful destruction, yea, why did he not let the sword of his justice fall upon us, and doom us to eternal despair?" (Book of Mormon | Alma 26:17 - 19)

Who cannot relate in some degree to this heartfelt confessions. Ammon continues -

"Oh, my soul, almost as it were, fleeth at the thought. Behold, he did not exercise his justice upon us, but in his great mercy hath brought us over that everlasting gulf of death and misery, even to the salvation of our souls." (Book of Mormon | Alma 26:20)

And not only retrieved them from such a horrible end but also grant to those -

"...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)

This is the portion the world will never come to understand for as Ammon asks -

"...what natural man is there that knoweth these things? I say unto you, there is none that knoweth these things, save it be the penitent." (Book of Mormon | Alma 26:21)

This is the difference between a natural man so prevelant in the world today and a priesthood man or man of God.

Alma 24

I had two thoughts this morning as I read about the converted Lamanites in the land of Nephi. As king over all the Lamanites was converted to the Lord -

"...for the king had been converted unto the Lord, and all his household; therefore he sent his proclamation throughout the land unto his people, that the word of God might have no obstruction, but that it might go forth throughout all the land, that his people might be convinced concerning the wicked traditions of their fathers, and that they might be convinced that they were all brethren, and that they ought not to murder, nor to plunder, nor to steal, nor to commit adultery, nor to commit any manner of wickedness." (Book of Mormon | Alma 23:3)

It becomes apparent that those that commit all manner of wickedness cannot handle government leadership that is righteous and that might limit their desires to commit inquity for -

"...the Amalekites and the Amulonites and the Lamanites who were in the land of Amulon, and also in the land of Helam, and who were in the land of Jerusalem, and in fine, in all the land round about, who had not been converted and had not taken upon them the name of Anti-Nephi-Lehi, were stirred up by the Amalekites and by the Amulonites to anger against their brethren.
2 And their hatred became exceedingly sore against them, even insomuch that they began to rebel against their king, insomuch that they would not that he should be their king; therefore, they took up arms against the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi." (Book of Mormon | Alma 24:1 - 2)

Why is this so? Mormon comments -

"...thus we can plainly discern, that after a people have been once enlightened by the Spirit of God, and have had great knowledge of things pertaining to righteousness, and then have fallen away into sin and transgression, they become more hardened, and thus their state becomes worse than though they had never known these things." (Book of Mormon | Alma 24:30)

In wonder if this will be the case if a honest, wise, and righteous leader such as king Mosiah and Benjamin ever becomes the President of this country. Will there be a major rebellion of the wicked.

The second thought is why would the converted Anti-Nephi-Lehies bury their weapons of war and not defend themselves when the Lord has always taught that the righteous have the right to defend themselves. I think is was more of a personal thing where we know that these lamanites had previously -

"...delighted in wars and bloodshed..." (Book of Mormon | Jacob 7:24)

I believe that these people feared that by defending themselves, in some of their actions, those feeling of delighting in bloodshed may return. I sense that for them, it was best to not even take a chance. Therefore they buried their swords.

In many ways, we to should bury that which we may have had unrighteous desires for to avoid the tempatation of those desires ever returning.

Alma 23

The Lord has said many times in scripture -

"...I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquities of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generations of them that hate me..." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 13:13)

As well as -

"...thou shalt be rewarded for thy righteousness; and also thy children and thy children's children unto the third and fourth generation." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 98:30)

It basically becomes clear that the impact of the faithful or wickedness of parents will have its impact on future generations. We learn as the word was preached to the Lamanites, that Mormon comments -

"...as many of the Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away.
7 For they became a righteous people..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 23:6 - 7)

As we continue reading the Book of Mormon, we learn that this righteousness continued through many generations. At the same time we find the Amalekites and Amulonites were Nephi apostates. As a result, we now find a generation or two later, unrighteous and wicked posterity. We know nothing of the Amalekites but we do know the Amulonites were descendants of Amulon, one of the wicked priests of Noah, that kidnapped Lamanite women to be their wives. Of this people, as the sons of Mosiah preached among them -

"...the Amalekites were not converted, save only one; neither were any of the Amulonites; but they did harden their hearts..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 23:14)

No wonder the Lord has said -

"...inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 68:25)

Alma 21

If missionaries become discouraged because of limited success, they should read the record of Aaron after he and Ammon had seperated. Though Ammon seemed to have immediately successful, we learn that Aaron had -

"...fallen into the hands of a more hardened and a more stiffnecked people; therefore they would not hearken unto their words..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 20:30)

But yet, Aaron was diligent in his efforts. For those discouraged missionaries, they should read the 21st chapter of Aaron where -

"...Aaron came to the city of Jerusalem, and first began to preach to the Amalekites. And he began to preach to them in their synagogues, for they had built synagogues after the order of the Nehors; for many of the Amalekites and the Amulonites were after the order of the Nehors." (Book of Mormon | Alma 21:4)

After some discussion and contention amongst the Amalekites -

"...Aaron began to open the scriptures unto them concerning the coming of Christ, and also concerning the resurrection of the dead, and that there could be no redemption for mankind save it were through the death and sufferings of Christ, and the atonement of his blood." (Book of Mormon | Alma 21:9)

It is obvious that Aaron taught and bore testimony of the truth, but even so -

"...they were angry with him, and began to mock him; and they would not hear the words which he spake." (Book of Mormon | Alma 21:10)

After much faithful effort, Ammon -

"...saw that they would not hear his words, he departed out of their synagogue..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 21:11)

He was then rejected by the people of Ani-Anti. After that he was rejected in the land of Middoni and was cast into prison. Who wouldn't become discouraged. But after being released from prison after much suffering, he did not give up for he -

"...went forth again to declare the word, and thus they were delivered for the first time out of prison; and thus they had suffered.
16 And they went forth whithersoever they were led by the Spirit of the Lord, preaching the word of God in every synagogue of the Amalekites, or in every assembly of the Lamanites where they could be admitted." (Book of Mormon | Alma 21:15 - 16)

It was after this faithfulness that he had great success even with the very king of all the Lamanites.

Alma 19

With the preaching of the sons of Mosiah and the conversion of some of the people of Lamoni, Mormon inserts some thoughts and principles. First, as the Lamoni, his wife, and his servants began to administer to the people -

"...they did all declare unto the people the selfsame thing—that their hearts had been changed; that they had no more desire to do evil." (Book of Mormon | Alma 19:33)

It seems that after one recieves a testimony by the Holy Spirit and then experiences the power of redemption, being cleansed by the Holy Ghost, conversion takes place where their heart or desires change for good. In my mind, conversion is when ones heart is changed and we desire not to sin anymore.

The second thought or principle taught is again that life is not fair and conditions of suffering and affliction are not necessarily related or based upon righteousness for Ammon seemed to experience great success, but we read of his brethren -

"...behold they were naked, and their skins were worn exceedingly because of being bound with strong cords. And they also had suffered hunger, thirst, and all kinds of afflictions; nevertheless they were patient in all their sufferings.
30 And, as it happened, it was their lot to have fallen into the hands of a more hardened and a more stiffnecked people; therefore they would not hearken unto their words, and they had cast them out, and had smitten them, and had driven them from house to house, and from place to place, even until they had arrived in the land of Middoni; and there they were taken and cast into prison, and bound with strong cords, and kept in prison for many days..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 20:29 - 30)

It seems the blessings of righteousness is more the blessing of being able to bear suffering and affliction knowing that the Savior -

"...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." (Book of Mormon | Alma 7:11)

Therefore -

"...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 7:12)

Alma 18

Yesterday, I blogged on how the sons of Mosiah obtained power and authority. After Ammon had demonstrated great power before the servants of the king at the waters of Sebus, king Lamoni asked -

"...tell me by what power ye slew and smote off the arms of my brethren that scattered my flocks—" (Book of Mormon | Alma 18:20)

Ammon responded -

"...Wilt thou hearken unto my words, if I tell thee by what power I do these things?..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 18:22)

After Lamoni agreed to believe all his words, Ammon answers -

"...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." (Book of Mormon | Alma 18:35)

In appears as we fast and pray, search and ponder the scriptures, we receive knowledge and power by the Holy Ghost according to our faith and desires which would be exemplified by good works.

Another thought that came to me this morning was...as Abinadi stood before the wicked priests of king Noah -

"...he spake with power and authority from God..." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 13:6)

He then tells them -

"...now I read unto you the remainder of the commandments of God..." (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 13:11)

In my mind, to read the commandments woud suggest he had the scriptures befor him. I've wondered...in what form where those scriptures?. As Ammon now preaches to Lamoni we read that Ammon -

"...rehearsed and laid before him the records and the holy scriptures of the people, which had been spoken by the prophets..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 18:36)

In my mind, that would also suggest that Ammon had the scriptures also with him. I can't imagine that in both these cases that they were metal records. I would assume that these brethren had taken sufficient time to write these scriptures for their own use.

Alma 17

As the sons of Mosiah prepared to serve their overwhelming mission to the Lamanites, Mormon teaches us how they prepared themselves for success in that -

"...they had 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." (Book of Mormon | Alma 17:2)

By searching the scriptures they became priesthood men of knowledge and understanding, which really is receiving the mysteries of God -

"But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 17:3)

Combine prayer and fasting with knowledge and understanding -

"...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 17:3)

And because of this power and authority they possessed, they -

"...had much success in bringing many to the knowledge of the truth; yea, by the power of their words..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 17:4)

This seemed to extend beyond their words only, but in leadership and example as the king's sheep were scattered, -

"...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." (Book of Mormon | Alma 17:29)

Preparation in searching the scriptures, prayer and fasting bring sufficient faith and power to bring success in our callings.

Alma 15

As I contemplated what the Lord would have me understand in my reading this morning the first impression I had was the impact of the word of God or "doctrine" has on an individual and their behavior -

"...as 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..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 31:5)

President Boyd K. Packer taught -

"True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior." (Do Not Fear, April Conference, 2004)

Zeezrom having been taught doctrine by Alma and Amulek, hearing, and then understanding -

"...lay sick at Sidom, with a burning fever, which was caused by the great tribulations of his mind on account of his wickedness, for he supposed that Alma and Amulek were no more; and he supposed that they had been slain because of his iniquity. And this great sin, and his many other sins, did harrow up his mind until it did become exceedingly sore, having no deliverance; therefore he began to be scorched with a burning heat."
(Book of Mormon | Alma 15:3)

This substantiates that repentance is not a painless process. It is obvious that Zeezrom is experiencing "Godly sorrow" as taught by Paul. But repentance is not all that is required. True repentance is conditional upon "faith in Jesus Christ". As Zeezrom hears that Alma and Amulek are in the land he send for them and they find Zeezrom -

"...they found him upon his bed, sick, being very low with a burning fever; and his mind also was exceedingly sore because of his iniquities; and when he saw them he stretched forth his hand, and besought them that they would heal him." (Book of Mormon | Alma 15:5)

Now this is the part that Zeezrom had not quite understood for -

"...Alma said unto him, taking him by the hand: Believest thou in the power of Christ unto salvation?" (Book of Mormon | Alma 15:6)

In other words, do you have faith in Jesus Christ and his power to redeem and to sanctify. In faith, Zeezrom answers -

"...I believe all the words that thou hast taught." (Book of Mormon | Alma 15:7)

Once Alma had previously asked the people -

"...what conditions are they saved?" (Book of Mormon | Alma 5:10)

Faith in Jesus Christ is one the conditions. Zeezrom again responds -

"...I believe according to thy words." (Book of Mormon | Alma 15:9)

The scriptures do not necessarily say so, but I believe that Alma by his priesthood authority pronounced -

"...O Lord our God, have mercy on this man, and heal him according to his faith which is in Christ." (Book of Mormon | Alma 15:10)

I note that Zeezrom was to be healed according to his faith in Jesus Christ. It is evident that Zeezrom had sufficient faith in the Savior in that -

"...when Alma had said these words, Zeezrom leaped upon his feet, and began to walk; and this was done to the great astonishment of all the people..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 15:11)

According to the Doctrine of Christ, faith in Jesus Christ and repentance in not all conditions that must be satified, therefore -

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

Though it does not say, I believe that Zeezrom was given the Gift of the Holy Ghost and was ordained to go forth to preach to the people.

Alma 14

Paul wrote to the Corinthains of -

"...approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,
5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults..." (New Testament | 2 Corinthians 6:4 - 5)

And James would also write -

"...Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience." (New Testament | James 5:10)'

Though there are many examples of ministers demonstrating patience in affliction, I believe the story of Alma and Amulek stand as one of the greatest. Amuluk had previously testified to the people of Ammonihah that Alma -

"...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)

And that these brethren -

"...had power given unto them, insomuch that they could not be confined in dungeons; neither was it possible that any man could slay them..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 8:31)

It is with that understanding that after having preached the word where there were some that believed, the majority of those who desired to continue in wicked did cause that -

"...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)

And then we witness the greatest demonstration of evil as -

"...they 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; and they also brought forth their records which contained the holy scriptures, and cast them into the fire also, that they might be burned and destroyed by fire." (Book of Mormon | Alma 14:8)

Though there is no evidence as such, there is no question in my mind that Amulek's women and children were either those that did believe or had been taught to believe. I personally believe Amulek's family was amongst those case into the fire. It was during this horrific event that -

"...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.
10 And 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?..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 14:9 - 10)

Amulek, know the power they possessed suggested -

"...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)

But as a minister demonstrating great patience in affliction, Alma answers -

"...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)

I cannot imagine a greater example of patience in afflictions. This will continue as Alma and Amulek are "smote" many, many times there and afterwards in prision suffering all manner of mockings and affliction. But there is a limit of testing and the time came when Alma exclaimed -

"...How long shall we suffer these great afflictions, O Lord? O Lord, give us strength according to our faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance. And they broke the cords with which they were bound..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 14:26)

And great destructon followed the people of Ammonihah.