Insights from my daily study of the scriptures
Alma loved his son Corianton. It is true that Corianton had disappointed and embarrassed him. But there is no hint of bitterness, frustration, or anger in Alma's words to his son. Instead, Alma briefly (and somewhat reluctantly) provides needed correction (Alma 39:1-14), and then proceeds to answer some of Corianton's questions. Alma makes it clear... Continue Reading →
After leading the mission to the Zoramites, Alma returned to his home in Zarahemla. He was troubled about the spiritual health of his people, and he wanted his three sons to continue the work of the ministry. So, he met with each of them individually to give them a personal "charge" (Alma 35:15-16). These individual... Continue Reading →
How do you grow spiritually when you can't worship the way you'd like? What do you do when you can't gather with other believers or enter houses of worship? That is the question the poor Zoramites asked Alma: "We have no place to worship our God; and behold, what shall we do?" they asked (Alma... Continue Reading →
How do you respond when people challenge your faith? Korihor attracted a large number of followers by criticizing the church. He claimed that the members were naive and the leaders were exploitative. Alma tried to help Korihor recognize the truth, but it was only when he was overcome by the power of God that Korihor... Continue Reading →
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... Continue Reading →
Foolishness. That's what many of the Nephites thought when they learned that the four sons of their king wanted to preach the gospel among their enemies (Alma 26:23-25). But Ammon and his brothers were determined, and God revealed to their father that they would be safe (Mosiah 28:7). God promised them that, if they would... Continue Reading →
Alma ended his sermon to the people of Ammonihah with an impressive elaboration on Psalm 95:7-11. Incorporating the topics of premortal life and priesthood authority, he explained how to enter into "the rest of the Lord" (Alma 13). Tragically, the sermon was followed by an atrocity. The citizens of the community who did not believe Alma's... Continue Reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →