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... Continue Reading →
Alma 8-12: Jesus Christ Will Come to Redeem His People (June 8-14)
After preaching to responsive audiences in Zarahemla and Gideon, Alma traveled to Ammonihah, where he was rejected (Alma 8:6-13). But as he was leaving, an angel told him to return. This time, he had help from a resident of the city named Amulek. Here is a summary of the sermon they jointly taught: Alma and Amulek’s... Continue Reading →
“Will Ye Persist in Supposing That Ye Are Better One Than Another?” – Alma 5:54
Equality is a core principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Alma resigned as chief judge and dedicated himself to the ministry because of the inequality he saw among his people. Members of the church were becoming proud, wearing expensive clothing, being "scornful, one towards another," and persecuting those who believed differently from them (Alma... Continue Reading →
Alma 5-7: “Have Ye Experienced This Mighty Change in Your Hearts?” (June 1-7)
After Alma experienced the joy of being born of God, he worked hard to help other people experience that same joy (Alma 36:23-24). In his sermons to the cities of Zarahemla and Gideon, he emphasized the importance of turning to the Savior and being born again (Alma 5:49, Alma 7:14). Many of the people in... Continue Reading →
“Steadfast and Immovable” – Alma 1:25
About 90 years before the birth of Jesus Christ, a group of believers on the American continent endured substantial mistreatment by non-believers. They had been taught not to fight back, but to patiently endure their afflictions, and so they carried on, "steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God, and they bore with patience... Continue Reading →
Mosiah 29-Alma 4: “They Were Steadfast and Immovable” (May 25-31)
The first eight years of the reign of the judges were a difficult time for the people of Nephi and for their leader, Alma the Younger. He had been ordained a high priest by his father, Alma, who had established churches throughout the land. He also had the distinction of serving as the first chief... Continue Reading →
Filled with Joy, Filled with Sorrow – Mosiah 25:8-11
The apostle Paul gave the following admonition to followers of Jesus Christ: "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep" (Romans 12:15). Alma gave a similar admonition to his people at the waters of Mormon. He told them that their baptism included a promise to "mourn with those that mourn" (Mosiah... Continue Reading →
Mosiah 25-28: “They Were Called the People of God” (May 18-24)
After Limhi's people and Alma's people returned to Zarahemla, King Mosiah read their histories to his people. He then authorized Alma to establish churches across the land, just as Alma had organized a church at the waters of Mormon (Mosiah 25:19). The last four chapters of Mosiah describe several significant events which occured during the... Continue Reading →
“They Had Sworn in Their Hearts That They Would Return” – Mosiah 19:19
Sometimes the hardest part of repentance is facing the social consequences of what you have done. I was thinking yesterday about the men who obeyed King Noah's order to abandon their wives and children when the Lamanites attacked (Mosiah 19:11). The decision was instinctive, made under chaotic and confusing circumstances. It was a cowardly decision,... Continue Reading →
