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
Blog Posts: June 30 – July 5
“All Power, All Wisdom, and All Understanding” – Alma 26:35
As Ammon reviewed with his brothers their fourteen-year mission among the Lamanites, he enumerated the blessings they had received from God. Fearing that Ammon was letting their success go to his head, his brother Aaron cautioned him not to boast (Alma 26:10). But Ammon replied that he was praising God, not himself. If rejoicing in…
Burying My Weapons
The Anti-Nephi-Lehies, who were converted to the gospel by the preaching of the sons of Mosiah, decided as a group to renounce violence. Encouraged by their king, they buried their weapons as a symbol of their commitment to live differently (Alma 24:6-19). The buried weapons had a very literal consequence for them shortly afterward. They…
“All That We Could Do” – Alma 24:11, 15
Repentance is hard. Alma was redeemed by God only “after wading through much tribulation, repenting nigh unto death” (Mosiah 27:28). His friends, the sons of King Mosiah, “suffered much anguish of soul because of their iniquities” (Mosiah 28:4). And the Lamanites who were converted by their preaching had to endure “sore repentance” (Alma 27:23). No…
“And Thus We See…”
Periodically, as Mormon relates the history of his people, he interrupts the narrative to share a lesson he hopes we’re learning. He often begins these editorial notes with the phrase, “and thus we see.” Many of these editorial notes appear during the Lamanite mission of the sons of Mosiah. Here are some of them: “And…
“Swallowed Up” – Alma 27:28
Isaiah prophesied that God would “swallow up death in victory” (Isaiah 25:8). Aaron borrowed this terminology when he taught the king of the Lamanites that Christ would “[break] the bands of death,,,and that the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory” (Alma 22:14). This was more than a theoretical concept.…
“He That Repenteth…” – Alma 26:22
As he reviews their missionary service, Ammon reminds his brothers that their success began with their individual conversion and that the blessings they have received are not unique to them: Yea, 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…
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