In Helaman chapter 6, we see the results of the conversion of the Lamanites through the preaching of Nephi and Lehi. Throughout the chapter, Mormon contrasts the Lamanites' faithfulness with the Nephites' depravity: LamanitesNephitesTheir righteousness did exceed that of the Nephites, because of their firmness and their steadiness in the faith (Helaman 6:1).There were many of the... Continue Reading →
“He Changed Their Hearts” – Alma 5:7
This past Sunday, Elder David A. Bednar taught us about the central role of our hearts in the gospel of Jesus Christ: The word heart is used over 1,000 times in the standard works. This simple but significant word often denotes the inner feelings of an individual. Our hearts—the sum total of our desires, affections,... Continue Reading →
Alma’s Sermon in Zarahemla – Alma 5
Setting After serving as chief judge and high priest for eight years, Alma decided that he needed to dedicate himself full-time to leading the church. He resigned from his political position, giving the office of chief judge to Nephihah, and he began a tour of the cities in the Nephite lands, beginning with the capital... Continue Reading →
Have Ye Spiritually Been Born of God? – Alma 5:14
14 And now behold, 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? (Alma 5:14) In Alma's sermon to the city of Zarahemla, he asks a large number of questions. I've... Continue Reading →
Be Converted and Be Healed – 2 Nephi 16:9-10
9 And he said: Go and tell this people—Hear ye indeed, but they understood not; and see ye indeed, but they perceived not. 10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes—lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart,... Continue Reading →
Lessons from Missionary Experiences in the Book of Mormon
During January, I studied missionary experiences in the Book of Mormon, including the following stories: The mission of the sons of Mosiah to the Lamanites (Mosiah 28, Alma 17-22, Alma 26). Abinadi's discussion with King Noah and his priests (Mosiah 12-13), and Alma's subsequent preaching to the people at the waters of Mormon (Mosiah 18).... Continue Reading →
Thus Did the Spirit of the Lord Work upon Them – Mosiah 28:3-5
3 Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble. 4 And thus did the Spirit of the Lord work upon them,... Continue Reading →
“Partakers of the Heavenly Gift” – 4 Nephi 1:2-3
2 And it came to pass in the thirty and sixth year, the people were all converted unto the Lord, upon all the face of the land, both Nephites and Lamanites, and there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another.3 And they had all things common... Continue Reading →
As Many As Were Converted – 3 Nephi 7:21
21 And it came to pass that the thirty and first year did pass away, and there were but few who were converted unto the Lord; but as many as were converted did truly signify unto the people that they had been visited by the power and Spirit of God, which was in Jesus Christ,... Continue Reading →
As Many As Believed…Never Did Fall Away – Alma 23:6
6 And as sure as the Lord liveth, so sure as many as believed, or as many as were brought to the knowledge of the truth, through the preaching of Ammon and his brethren, according to the spirit of revelation and of prophecy, and the power of God working miracles in them--yea, I say unto... Continue Reading →