Alma 23-29: They “Never Did Fall Away” (June 29-July 5)

When Ammon and his brothers traveled to the land of Nephi to preach the gospel to the Lamanites, they hoped that some people would hear their message and accept the gospel. Little did they know that, during their 14 years of missionary service, thousands of people would embrace their message and would demonstrate extraordinary faith and consecration. Last week, we saw missionary work on a personal level, as Ammon taught King Lamoni and as Aaron taught Lamoni’s father. This week, we get to see the effect of their conversion on a large number of people.

Overview

Four of the chapters from this week’s reading are historical:

• Chapter 23 – Who was (and who wasn’t) converted to the gospel. The converts call themselves Anti-Nephi-Lehies instead of Lamanites.
• Chapter 24 – The converted Lamanites bury their weapons and choose to die rather than fight.
• Chapter 25 – Lamanite armies attack multiple Nephite cities (Alma 16 tells this same story from the Nephites’ perspective).
• Chapter 27 –  Ammon convinces the king to lead his people to safety in the land of Zarahemla.
• Chapter 28 – Final battle; Mormon’s conclusions about the Lamanite mission

The other two chapters are heartfelt testimonies by Ammon and Alma.

• Chapter 26 – Ammon joyfully reviews with his brothers the blessings they have received during their mission. Here’s a summary of Ammon’s testimony: Ammon Teaches His Brothers – Alma 26.
• Chapter 29 – Alma shares his feelings about the work he has been called to do. Here’s a summary of Alma’s testimony: Alma Desires to Speak with the Voice of an Angel – Alma 29

Blog posts about the Anti-Nephi-Lehies

• Why was the Lamanites’ conversion so durable? Aaron and His Brethren Went Forth – Alma 23:4-5
• Pacifism and the gospel: When Is Violence Justified?
• Responding to violence: How Should We Respond When Others Threaten or Attack Us?
• Caring for the most vulnerable among us: What Does the Book of Mormon Teach About Refugees?
• Paying attention to the needs of other people: They Were Moved with Compassion – Alma 27:4-5
• The tragedy of obstinance: They Become More Hardened – Alma 24:30
• Heavenly arithmetic: The People of God Were Joined…by More Than the Number Who Had Been Slain – Alma 24:26-27
• The three promises made by the Anti-Nephi-Lehies: Rather Than Spend Their Days in Idleness – Alma 24:18
• A knowledge of the resurrection brings peace: “Swallowed Up in Christ” – Mosiah 16:8
• Opening our hearts to a full range of emotions: What Can I Do to Feel More Joy?
• The role of sadness in our lives: The Great Reason of Sorrow, and Also of Rejoicing – Alma 28:14
• Keeping in touch with the people we love: Why Are Reunions Important?
• Faith and wisdom in leadership: Alma 27:4-13 Inquire of the Lord, and If He Saith Unto Us Go, We Will Go

Blog posts about Ammon’s testimony

• Remember that people can change: They Laughed Us to Scorn – Alma 26:23-26
• Missionary work is God’s work, not ours: Instruments in His Hands – Alma 26:3, 15
• Overcoming obstacles: Bear With Patience Thine Afflictions – Alma 26:27
• God wants us to be happy: Have We Not Reason to Rejoice? – Alma 26:35

Blog posts about Alma’s testimony

• Tempering enthusiasm with willing submission: Was It a Sin for Alma to Wish He Were an Angel?
• Managing our emotions: I Ought to Be Content – Alma 29:3
• Overcoming discouragement: What Should I Do When I Feel Inadequate?
• Overcoming competitiveness: The Success of My Brethren – Alma 29:14-16