Britannia Relief Society Book of Mormon 85 Day Challenge

Transcription

1 Britannia Relief Society Book of Mormon 85 Day Challenge Think of the book s last keeper and author, Moroni, son of Mormon. Moroni addresses us specifically, telling us that he is all alone. Think of the horrors that he has seen. Most of his life has been lived amidst a brutal battle between the Nephites and the Lamanites. He s watched his people fall into wickedness, and he s run from the slaughter himself. Men, women and childrenthe hope for the future- are all annihilated. Before his own murder, his father Mormon looked on the same scene and cried, O ye fair ones, how could ye have departed from the ways of the Lord! O ye fair ones, how could ye have rejected that Jesus, who stood with open arms to receive you! Though the war concludes most desolately, this is not enough for the bloodthirsty, hatred-filled Lamanites. They carry out their days hunting the land for remaining Nephites who they could wipe off the face of the land. Can you imagine the desperate fear that Moroni would have felt as he hid, alone, for years, desperately racing to finish the work of his forefathers? And with not a soul in sight, no audience to actually prophesy to- how hopeless and lost must he have felt in his role as a prophet, seer and revelator? When I think of this, I consider him to be a most special servant of the Lord. His duties spanned centuries: first he, like his father Mormon, accounted for those centuries before him. He sealed the book that would later be called The Book of Mormon, and laid it in the ground. And like his father who taught him the gospel of Christ and raised him to fulfil his ordained role as prophet, so Moroni returned to offer the same service to the boy Joseph Smith in the latter-lays. He visited him yearly until Joseph was ready to take stewardship of the book. He was Joseph s priesthood leader. It seems like Moroni is a prophet who defies the laws of time. So, in this unique and most solitary time before he buries the sacred plates, Moroni prophesies to us. Moroni has seen horror and darkness in his time. But what he writes to us about, haunts him even more. Behold I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing. Bonnie Oscarson, at our last Women s Conference, said Moroni says he has seen our day, and it includes wars and rumours of wars, great pollutions, murders, robbing, and people who tell us that there is no right or wrong in God s eyes. He describes people who are filled with pride, caught up in the wearing of expensive clothing, and who make fun of religion. He is shown people who are so obsessed with worldly things that they allow the needy, and the naked, and the sick and the afflicted to pass by without being noticed. Have you seen what Moroni has seen? Is he right so far? Does this describe our day?

2 Moroni asks a soul-searching question of us Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ? This indictment accurately describes the increasingly secular condition of our world. Think of Moroni, and consider his question to you. How do you find it difficult- and it is difficult- to take upon you the name of Christ? Here are some of your responses from the past few months that our presidency has heard or felt from you, or felt ourselves I m just not good enough I just don t have enough time in the day to serve God I don t know as much as she knows I m not patient enough I m too sinful and feel unworthy I don t really have anyone who loves me I m just lost I don t fit in here I don t really know what to believe anymore I can t understand why bad things happen when I m trying my hardest to be good My beliefs are just so strange compared to my friends beliefs I m worried my beliefs will offend the people I love I just don t see the proof of God s love right now What if my best isn t good enough? I don t know how to feel the spirit every day I don t know how to get personal revelation I don t know how the atonement can apply to me right now I m a disappointment to God He doesn t want to hear from me I want to be better but I just keep making mistakes Sisters, those stumbling blocks, those secret things that we clutch at- that we obsess over and worry about- they are almost sacred to us. I testify that those questions you ask and those things you worry about can be the making of your testimonies. I also testify that they are, somehow, the reasons that our Heavenly parents are mindful of you, and love you. We sat together recently as a presidency and we considered that while we don t have everything in this life as we maybe want, a good place to start would be Moroni s question why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ. Our hearts were filled with humility and gratitude when we thought of you, because girlswhatever your struggles and your heartbreaks, whatever burden you carry you re here. You stay. Reflecting on Moroni s visions of our day, Sister Oscarson went on to say, In the last days even the very elect according to the covenant will be deceived. Even we are at risk of being deceived by false teachings Attacks against the church, its doctrine, and our way of life are going to increase President Russell M. Nelson [said] we need women who have a bedrock understanding of the doctrine of Christ who can detect deception in all its forms. We need women who know how to access the power that God makes available to covenant keepers who express their beliefs with confidence and charity [Sister Oscarson continued,] We need to be prepared for the storms that lie ahead. It would be easy to throw our hands up in despair, but as covenant people we need never despair. As Elder Gary E. Stevenson has said, Heavenly Father s generous compensation for living in perilous times is that we also live in the fullness of times. Two things were reserved for The Fullness of Times : The Book of Mormon and YOU! Two things were reserved for the fullness of times. One was you. Prophet Ezra Taft Benson has said, The truth of the matter is, you do live in a most exceptional time in the history of mankind. You young people will see events transpire which were prophesied from the beginning of the world. Prophets of old have seen your days and rejoiced in them. And yet, you will face challenges and circumstances, the severity of which has been unparalleled in generations past. For this you must be prepared You were valiant spirits reserved for this exceptional time. Make the choice. Rise to the task of this momentous hour! Why do you think the second reserved piece of the puzzle was The Book of Mormon? 2 Nephi 4:15 [I have written] the things of my soul for the learning and profit of my children, 2 Nephi 25:21 The Lord God promised unto me that these things which I write shall be kept and preserved, and handed down unto my seed, from generation to generation. 2 Nephi 25:26 We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

3 Mormon 8:34-35: Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing. Ezra Taft Benson: I read, Now these are the words, and ye may liken them unto you and unto all men (2 Ne. 11:8). I took that to mean that the scriptures are likened to me personally, and that is true of everyone else. If they saw our day and chose those things which would be of greatest worth to us, is not that how we should study the Book of Mormon? We should constantly ask ourselves, Why did the Lord inspire Mormon (or Moroni or Alma) to include that in his record? What lesson can I learn from that to help me live in this day and age? Moroni explained why this book was prepared and reserved to come forth in these, the most wicked of times: Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him that ye may learn to be more wise than we have been. Right now, in these latter-days, it seems that there are a million reasons to walk away from this peculiar Church; sometimes, the power of God is so real, that one reason is all we need to keep going. But we can commit to be prepared and to live up to that great, premortally-introduced responsibility we have to champion the latterdays. Some of you are doing it gracefully. Most of us have our stumbling blocks. And some of us are standing on that tightrope, looking for that one good reason to stay. We ve felt strongly the impression from the Lord to invite you to read the Book of Mormon. I ve felt it personally, and I ve felt an admonition from the spirit to remind you of it. Strangely also, as our presidency fasted together this week, I also felt the impression to prompt you to look for mention of the Book of Mormon in your patriarchal blessings. The Book of Mormon teaches us truth [and] bears testimony of Christ. But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. And here s Marion G. Romney s apostalistic promise to you if you will do so: You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called the words of life, and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. Every Latter-day Saint should make the study of this book a lifetime pursuit. The Book of Mormon continues to change the lives of all who read it. And why? It s because the people whose lives are recorded in it are not that different to our lives. Their experiences, you will find, are relatable to the ones you endure dayto-day, and the miracles that we see in this book can be just as real in our lives too. We know your lives are hectic. Aside from busy work, school and social lives, you may have institute assignments and busy callings to serve in. You may already be reading the Book of Mormon daily. But if not, or if you want to join us as a presidency (and we hope you will!), we want to challenge you to read the Book of Mormon with us in 85 days; the same amount of time it took Joseph Smith to translate this record that Moroni preserved and guarded through centuries for you and me to read today. We want to make it easy for you: every morning we ll post a reading assignment and a question for you to ponder throughout the day. And every evening, for those of us that have had very little time to dedicate to reading, we ll post an extremely short summary of the reading and one single verse. Even if all you read for these 85 days is one verse daily, I testify that your life will change. While we fasted this week, I also felt the permission to promise you that if you will read sincerely, there will be a moment that you will find yourself in the pages of this book. Maybe it will be the worst version of yourself; maybe it will be the best. Your relationship to the Book of Mormon will be a personal one, and I pray that gradually you and I will find a million reasons to stay! Love, Britannia Relief Society Presidency, 2016

4 Day Reading Study Question Summary Scripture 1 1 Nephi 1-3 What do you admire most about Nephi? 2 1 Nephi 4-6 How did Lehi and Nephi show that they valued the scriptures? 3 1 Nephi 7-10 Do you have an experience where you have followed a similar process as Nephi to find out if what the prophets say are true? 4 1 Nephi What can we learn about personal revelation and prophetic revelation from Nephi s example of seeking confirmation of the truth of his father s vision and then looking and beholding according to the direction of the Spirit? 5 1 Nephi When have you encountered a principle or scripture that was difficult to comprehend and asked the Lord for help to understand it? 6 1 Nephi 16 What do you do to get yourself out of a rut, when nothing seems to be going your way? 7 1 Nephi Can you share a time when you have done something you thought was the most impossible but only succeeded through faith in Jesus Christ? 8 1 Nephi Why does the Lord still refine us sometimes through afflictions even Lehi prophesies the destruction of Jerusalem and the future of the Book of Mormon. The Lord instructs Lehi to leave Jerusalem with his family; the Lord will deliver them to a Promised Land. In the wilderness, the Lord instructs Lehi that his sons must return to Jerusalem to obtain a record of their forefathers, kept by wicked Laban. Laban refuses the brothers, steals their possessions and seeks to kill them. An angel rebukes Laman and Lemuel for beating Nephi and Sam. Laman and Lemuel complain. Nephi was determined to do what God wanted him to do even with logic to the contrary. He went forth not knowing beforehand what he should do but knowing he should obey God and get the plates. Later he was commanded to kill Laban. Sarah complains against Lehi. The Lord provides a way for us to keep his commandments. Nephi's motive for writing was to bring people to Jesus Christ so they could be saved. Nephi and brothers go back for wives. Brothers get angry at Nephi. They bind him, though Nephi prays for strength to break the bands. They repent. Lehi sees tree of life, iron rod leading to the tree and multitudes pressing forward or getting lost. Nephi wants to know for himself. Nephi asks to see the vision his father saw. He sees the tree of life, Christ's mortal ministry in the Holy Land, and the destruction of his people. He also sees the promulgation of The Bible and the coming forth of The Book of Mormon in the latter days. Nephi has a vision and sees the world divided into those of the Church of God and those of the Church of the Devil. Laman and Lemuel say they do not understand their father's prophecies. Nephi asks if they have inquired of the Lord, then explains to them the meaning of the olive tree and the tree of life. The wicked take the truth to be hard. Lehi s sons marry the daughters of Ishmael. The Liahona guides them in the wilderness. Messages from the Lord are written on the Liahona. Ishmael dies, and his family murmurs because of afflictions. Nephi needs to build ship. Angry brothers mock, but Nephi keeps faithful and shocks them with spirit power. They finish the ship. On voyage, the brothers party, forgetting God. Nephi cries repentance and they bind him. Storm threatens destruction so they release Nephi, who prays and restores calm. They finally arrive. Chapter 19 is a prelude for what is the Lord going to tell His people in chapters 20 and 21. In 19 Nephi describes the Atonement of the Saviour by 1 Nephi 1:20 1 Nephi 4:6 1 Nephi 10:17 1 Nephi 13:37 1 Nephi 15:11 1 Nephi 16:5 1 Nephi 17:51 1 Nephi 20:10

5 9 1 Nephi 22-2 Nephi 2 though the Saviour already atoned for our sins? Why is it important that we have the freedom to choose good and evil? 10 2 Nephi 3-5 By studying Nephi's example, what could we do in overcoming personal weakness and what did he mean by "separate ourselves from wickedness"? 11 2 Nephi 6-8 What are some of the ways we can show that we take our covenants with the Lord seriously? 12 2 Nephi 9 What are some of the ways we can show that we take our covenants with the Lord seriously? 13 2 Nephi Why would Jacob use precious space on the plates quoting Isaiah? 14 2 Nephi How was Jesus a "stone of stumbling" and a "rock of offense" to the Jewish people? emphasising the fact that he endures all the persecution because of His kindness towards us. The following two chapters are filled with message of hope where the Messiah offers freedom and gathers Israel in the last days. Israel will be scattered upon all the earth, but will be gathered in and saved in the last days, and the wicked will "burn as stubble" and Satan will be bound. Lehi prophesies of "a land of liberty" and pleads for his sons to put on the armor of God. We have the freedom to choose either the evil or the good and gain eternal life. Lehi testified, Joseph of Egypt (son of Jacob) foresee our day when God would raise up the great Prophet/Revelator Joseph Smith to carry the gospel to the world. Before he die, Lehi also blessed his children with the Lord's promise that if they keep the commandments they would prosper, but if they were disobedient they would be cut off from the Lord's presence. Nephi's people departed from the rebellious followers of Laman and Lemuel, to go into the wilderness. In these chapters, we read of a sermon being taught by Nephi s younger brother, Jacob. The sermon involves prophecies about the reassuring fate of those who will follow the Lord, and the fearful fate of those who will not; during the times of Jesus mortal ministry as well as the latter-day dispensation, especially. It is important to note that we are warned about the consequences of not following the Lord, to allow us to avoid choosing the wrong path, but also to give us a chance to change our ways and come unto the Lord, if need be. He is loving and merciful to those who come unto Him and take our covenants with him seriously. In these chapters, we read of a sermon being taught by Nephi s younger brother, Jacob. The sermon involves prophecies about the reassuring fate of those who will follow the Lord, and the fearful fate of those who will not; during the times of Jesus mortal ministry as well as the latter-day dispensation, especially. It is important to note tha...t we are warned about the consequences of not following the Lord, to allow us to avoid choosing the wrong path, but also to give us a chance to change our ways and come unto the Lord, if need be. He is loving and merciful to those who come unto Him and take our covenants with him seriously. Jacob discusses prophecies regarding the Jews crucifying their God and being scattered until they believe in Him, the establishment of America as a kingless land of liberty, and invites us to reconcile ourselves to God. He then quotes Isaiah regarding remarkable prophecies pertaining to the latter days and the millennium. In these chapters Nephi quotes Isaiah chapters 5-9. The chapters are filled with symbolism and historical references. Chapter 15 has the imagery of a vineyard that is cared for by a gardener who does everything for the vineyard but the vines become wild. This is symbolic of the House of Israel 2 Nephi 2:27 2 Nephi 4: 34 2 Nephi 8:11 2 Nephi 9:52 2 Nephi 10: Nephi 19:6

6 15 2 Nephi Why do many prophets take the time to talk about the destruction of the wicked instead of only talking about hopeful and righteous things? 16 2 Nephi What can belief in Christ do need as you plan for your own future? 17 2 Nephi Why can the learned not read the book and what do you think this means? 18 2 Nephi What can we do to limit Satan s power in our personal lives (See 2 Nephi 30:18)? 19 2 Nephi In Nephi's last written words to us, he reflects on a lifetime of hardship and faith, and notes: "I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul." How can you likewise simplify your lives and "glory in plainness and truth?" 20 Jacob 1 Why do you think it is important that we "magnify our office in order to help in others salvation? (Reflect on verse 19) forsaking their God. Chapter 16 is Isaiah call to be a prophet. 17 has the prophecy of Christ being born of a virgin and 18 and 19 further prophecy about the Messiah and His role as the Prince of Peace. The destruction of Assyria is a type of the destruction of the wicked at the Second Coming. Few people will be left after the Lord comes again. The remnant of Jacob will return in that day. The stem of Jesse (Christ) will judge in righteousness. The knowledge of God will cover the earth in the Millennium. In the millennial day all men will praise the Lord and He will dwell among them. The destruction of Babylon is a type of the destruction at the Second Coming. Israel will be gathered and will enjoy millennial rest. Lucifer was cast out of heaven for rebellion. Israel will triumph over Babylon. Compare Isaiah Nephi prophesies about Christ's life on earth, and also the future of the Nephites. He teaches doctrine about the Savior and invites his people to come to Christ. He bears his testimony and teaches about the purpose of believing in Christ. The last days will be dark and full of apostasy, false churches will rise up teaching false doctrine. The devil will have hold of the hearts of men. The Book of Mormon will be given to us. The Lord will do a marvelous work and wonders amongst his people The Book of Mormon will be rejected, but it will provide a testimony of Christ that is harmonious with the Bible. The gospel of Jesus Christ will be declared among the Jews and Gentiles, and Satan will cease to have power over the children of men. Christ is the only name under Heaven whereby people can be saved. Nephi is grieved because of the rebelliousness of the natural man. He urges us to stay close to the Holy Ghost, who will never lead us astray. He pleads with us to turn to our Heavenly parents in prayer- and states that the dissuasion of prayer comes from the devil. He equates the truthfulness of the record of the Book of Mormon with the reality of the saviour Jesus Christ. Since it s an entirely new book, we know that someone has passed on the responsibilities of keeping and writing the small plates, as well as theses plates that became the BoM. Nephi passes away and asks his younger brother, Jacob to write upon the plates. Having received many revelations, they are trying to persuade all men to follow Christ and repent. In this period of time they have decided to call all people that followed Nephi and the Lord; Nephites (instead of Jacobites, Josephites, etc), and the wicked Lamanites. Interestingly, once the prophet dies, more people become wicked or start to lose their faith in the gospel. Therefore, Jacob and his brother, Joseph urgently teach the members to remain faithful in the 2 Nephi 22:2 2 Nephi 26:24 2 Nephi 28:30 2 Nephi 31:3 2 Nephi 33:4 Jacob 1:15:

7 21 Jacob 2-4 Why do you think knowledge about the Atonement is essential? 22 Jacob 5-7 Did you learn anything new from the Allegory of the Olive Trees when you read it this time? 23 Enos, Jarom, Omni 24 Words of Mormon What have your ancestors done for you to bring you closer to the Saviour, whether or not they were religious? What legacies and examples have they set for YOU? Often God arranges circumstances that may not make sense (or even be enjoyable) at the time, but later we realize how they benefited us. When have you seen an example of this in your own life? 25 Mosiah 1-2 In what ways have you, or those around you, served God by serving their fellow-beings? 26 Mosiah 3-4 How do we balance feeling "even less than the dust of the earth" and feeling close to and loved by God? 27 Mosiah 5-7 When have you experienced a change in heart because of your faith and the atonement? covenants ( [ ] gave unto them these words as I taught them in the temple. ). Jacob warned the Nephites concerning great wickedness prevalent among them: pride, the improper use of wealth, and violations of the law of chastity. After warning of these sins, Jacob pled with his people to "be reconciled unto [the Father] through the atonement of Christ, his Only Begotten Son. Jacob quotes Zenos relative to the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees. They are a likeness of Israel and the Gentiles. Allusions are made to the Nephites and Lamanites and all the house of Israel. The Gentiles will be grafted into Israel. Eventually the vineyard will be burned. Men must follow Christ to avoid the lake of fire and brimstone. Sherem denies Christ, contends with Jacob, demands a sign, and is smitten of God. Enos prays fervently to the Lord for his repentance. He then prays for his people, and then his enemies. His people are struggling and are wicked. Jarom rejoices in the simplicity of the gospel and Gods plan for us. Many prophets and teachers teach the people with the spirit. In Omni we see how the leadership of the church is passed down, and finally King Benjamin reigns. He encourages his people and us to offer our souls to the Lord and serve others. Mormon takes some editorial license and explains how he s been putting together the Book of Mormon. Even though he had already abridged the history of Nephi down to King Benjamin, he found the small plates of Nephi which comprises the first six books that we just finished reading and inserted them into his writings even though they covered history he had already written down. (These records duplicated the information from the first 116 pages of the Book of Mormon that Martin Harris and Joseph Smith lost in 1828.) Mormon then explains how King Benjamin restored the Nephites to righteousness and peace. King Benjamin teaches his sons about the scriptures, which allow them to know the mysteries of God so that they do not suffer in ignorance. He also addresses his people, teaching them that when they serve others they are serving God, and if they keep the commandments they will have neverending happiness. King Benjamin foretells the coming of Christ, the miracles Christ will perform, and the Atonement. The Atonement covers all sins and saves children and those who sinned in ignorance. Repent and do not judge each other. Remember your commitment to the Lord. King Benjamin's people believe in his words and experience a change of heart due to their faith in Christ. Mosiah becomes the king and King Benjamin dies, the people are righteous. Ammon finds King Limhi and his people who are ruled by the lamanites. Limhi tells of their struggles. Unrighteousness leads to more struggle, faith in God will lighten burdens. Jacob 4:10 Jacob 6:5 Enos 1:4 Words of Mormon 1:7 Mosiah 2:41 Mosiah 4:9 Mosiah 5:2

8 28 Mosiah 8-10 How does our attitude towards the Lord affect our lives/perspective? 29 Mosiah What can we learn from the contrast of Abinadi and King Noah? 30 Mosiah How can we access the healing and redeeming power of the atonement in our own lives? 31 Mosiah What can we do to become better at accepting the easing of our burdens for a time before we are delivered from them? 32 Mosiah How can we overcome trials and tribulations? 33 Mosiah Have others prayed concerning you? Or have you prayed concerning others? Did God answer those prayers? 34 Mosiah 28 Alma 1 What can we do to protect ourselves from being led astray by false doctrines? These chapters focus on 2 things: Chapter 8 focuses on the records King Limhi s men found. It is the record of the people of Ether and Limhi is told about Alma the prophet and seer by Ammon. Chapter 9 and 10 is the record of Zeniff and an account of his dealings (wars) with the nephites. King Noah rules in wickedness. Abinadi prophesies that the people will be taken into bondage. He is imprisoned. The false priests quote the scriptures and pretend to keep the law of Moses. Abinadi is protected by divine power. He teaches the Ten Commandments. Salvation does not come by the law of Moses alone. God himself will make an atonement and redeem His people. Abinadi preaches to King Noah. Christ suffered for our pains, sorrows, and iniquities. Those who look to Him for a remission of their sins will be heirs of the Kingdom of God. If we persist in our carnal nature, it is as if no redemption were made. One of the priests Alma believes Abinadi s words. Abinadi is put to death by fire. Alma secretly preaches and baptizes, and eventually flees the evil King Noah. King Noah saves his own life because the Lamanites are at their door, and flees with his priests. When some priests wanted to return and were forbidden, they killed King Noah. His son Limhi becomes king. The Nephites become subject to the Lamanites. Eventually the Nephites get tired of it, and fight for their freedom only to lose thrice. After they humbled themselves, the Lord did ease their burdens until he saw fit to deliver them from bondage. And then Ammon came back from Zarahemla and brought a record of a destroyed people. Ammon, Gideon, and King Limhi counsel together and decide to leave their land in the nighttime after making the Lamanite guards drunk. Meanwhile, Alma and his people establish a city and are soon overtaken by the Lamanites and the priests of Noah. Through patience, long-suffering, hope, and continual supplication to God, they are finally delivered as the Lord puts the Lamanites in a deep sleep and they escape into the nighttime. All delivered peoples meet in Zarahemla and are received with joy. Many of the rising generation couldn t understand the word of God due to unbelief. They caused members to sin. Jesus instructed Alma (father) that all who would repent would be forgiven and remain in church. Alma (son) and Mosiah s sons sought to destroy the church. But they repented and taught the gospel after an angel appeared to them that the prayers of the righteous were answered. The sons of Mosiah travel to the land of Nephi to preach the gospel unto their brethren the Lamanites. King Mosiah translates the Jaredite records. He emphasizes the importance of the keeping of records. King Mosiah institutes a system of judges to protect the people from unrighteous rulers. Alma the younger is chosen as chief judge. Nehor establishes a false church and Mosiah 9:19 Mosiah 13:29 Mosiah 16:9 Mosiah 18:30 Mosiah 24:13 Mosiah 27:37 Mosiah 28:3

9 35 Alma 2-4 When has the Lord strengthened you after mighty prayer to do things that otherwise would have seemed impossible? 36 Alma 5-6 What are some of the everyday things you can do to stay on the path of the righteous? 37 Alma 7-9 How has keeping the commandments and living righteously allowed our own light and power from God within us deliver us from our difficulties? 38 Alma Amulek says that he knew about the things of God, "yet [he] would not know." How can we approach our gospel learning so that the gospel becomes a part of who we are, rather than bits of information? 39 Alma Consider today's study question: What can we learn about Melichizedek in Chapter 13? 40 Alma Consider today's study question: What can we learn about Melichizedek in Chapter 13? 41 Alma What are some of the daily tasks and challenges which we face that are actually opertunities to share the gospel with others? Do you think of daily life exsperences in this manner? priestcrafts and persecutions spread through the land and take root in the hearts of many of the people. Amlici seeks to be king. Democracy wins but his followers make him king and the Amlicites want to take over. The Nephites, led by Alma, defend themselves and win by the strength of the Lord. The Amlicites join the Lamanites and both attack together. Again, strengthened by the Lord, Nephites triumph. The church grows but then becomes prideful and wicked. The poor suffer. Alma leaves the judgement seat and goes to preach the word. The words which Alma, the High Priest according to the holy order of God, delivered to the people in their cities and villages throughout the land. The Church in Zarahemla is cleansed and set in order. Alma goes to Gideon to preach. Alma preaches repentance and baptises in the land of Gideon and in the land of Melek. Faced with hardened hearts in Ammonihah, his words were rejected and he was casted out of the land. An angel commands him to return. Together with a righteous servant of the Lord; Amulek, they received power and the spirit to preach God's words to the people. They were cast into prison but delivered by the power of God within them. Amulek tells of his experience in turning his heart to God. He is rejected by some of the congregation. He testifies that it is by the prayers of the righteous that they are spared. Zeezrom tries to bribe Amulek to deny the existence of a Supreme Being. Amulek testifies that Christ will come to redeem the world from death and sin. Zeezrom, caught in a lie, listens to Alma. Sin is punished by a lack of the companionship of the spirit. Because of the atonement all mankind will be resurrected. The righteous may have eternal life. We are to be judged according to our words, works and thoughts. High priests (and what we'd identify today as the Melchizedek priesthood) duties are given to faithful, service oriented people. It is prophesied that angels will declare the birth of the saviour. Understanding why God allows the righteous to suffer can be a difficult principle for us to understand but in these chapters we understand from Alma and Amulek's experiences it is for the purpose of judgement to be just. Ammon and the sons of Mosiah go out and preach unto the Lamanites in hopes to bring the gospel into their lives. Alma goes and offers to be a servent to King Lamoni. During his daily tasks he desires to share the gospel with his fellow servents. One day while they were watering the Kings sheep eniemes to the king come and scatter the sheep. The other servents are scared of what the king will do to them, but Alma leads them to gather the sheep then he stands up to the eniemes. In doing so he protects the sheep Alma 2:28 Alma 5:16 Alma 9:28 Alma 10:44 Alma 13:27 Alma 14:11 Alma 18:32

10 42 Alma How does love influence others in these chapters? 43 Alma What characteristics or behaviors distinguish people who are truly converted? 44 Alma When have you experienced exceeding joy because of the gospel? 45 Alma Have you heard any destructive arguments of modern-day Korihors or anti-christs our day? How do you prepare to defend yourself and others from those who would destroy your faith? 46 Alma How are you nourishing your faith in Jesus Christ? and the servents, by cutting off the arms of the eniemes. When the king hears of this he brings Alma to his thrown room and asks him to explain his power. Alma goes on to share the word of God with the king, who's understanding is opened, believes the words of Alma. This action is the start of a serious of actions that lead to the conversion of the Kings house hold and many people in the Kingdom. Ammon and Lamoni are on their way to free Ammon s brothers Aaron and Muloki from prison when they meet Lamoni s father, King over all the land. Ammon wins over the King through showing love for his son and by the power of the spirit. Lamoni free s Aaron and Muloki after they are imprisoned by the Amalekites in Middoni. When they are free they continue to preach the gospel in synagogues. Lamoni grants religious freedom. Aaron and Muloki go to visit the King and are asked by him to teach them the gospel after being inspired by Ammon s words. Religious freedom is proclaimed. The Lamanites in seven lands and cities are converted. They call themselves Anti-Nephi-Lehies and are freed from the curse. The Amalekites and the Amulonites reject the truth. The Lamanites come against the people of God. The Anti-Nephi-Lehies rejoice in Christ and are visited by angels. They choose to suffer death rather than to defend. Many Lamanites are converted and join the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi. They believe in Christ and keep the law of Moses. Ammon rejoices that so many people have turned their hearts to God, who is merciful and mindful of all. The people of Zarahemla give Jershon to the anti-nephi-lehis so they don't have to break their promise. The Nephites battle against the Lamanites and many are killed. Ammon reflects on the joys of missionary work. Korihor, the anti-christ, denies Christ, the Atonement, and the spirit of prophecy. He teaches that there is no God, no fall of man, no penalty for sin, and no Christ. Alma testifies that Christ will come and that all things denote there is a God. Korihor demands a sign yet is struck dumb. It was the devil appeared to him as an angel and taught him what to say. Korihor is trodden down and dies. Similarly, the Zoramites also deny Christ, believe in a false concept of election, and worship with set prayers. Alma and other missionaries are filled with the Spirit, their allocations are swallowed up in the joy of Christ. Alma & Amulek are teaching companions. They are trying to share the gospel and focus there attention on a group of people who are poor, and rejected by society. Alma is excited to teach them because they are struggling and humbled, and ready to turn to God for answers and help. Alma teaches them and compares growing faith and knowledge to how a tree grows. Alma teaches them about putting their faith in the saviour, and the importance of prayer. Alma 22:3 Alma 23:7 Alma 29:6 Alma 30:44 Alma 32: 28

11 47 Alma What would be your final testimony to your loved ones? 48 Alma What does the Liahona represent in your life? What can you do to follow its directions to keep moving forward? 49 Alma What can we learn from the fact that Alma testified of the doctrine of resurrection even though he did not know all the details about it? 50 Alma In what ways do we defend ourselves, our families, our lands, our liberties, and our religion today? 51 Alma Looking at what happened to Lehonti compared to the true Christians, why is it important to never compromise our covenants or standards? 52 Alma What/who are our personal enemies and how can we build fortifications against them? 53 Alma What practical and spiritual messages can we glean from these chapters than apply to our lives today? Amulek testifies that Christ shall come as the great and last sacrifice. We can appeal to the Lord through prayer for help in all things and he will answer according to our works and faith. Alma gathers sons to give them personal gospel instruction. He recounts to Helaman his experience with the angel. Chapter 37, Alma s commandments to his son Helaman. Alma counsels him to keep the scriptures bright, be diligent in keeping the commandments of the Lord, beware of works of darkness, doctrines to teach others, importance of prayer and counselling with the Lord, how the Liahona works, and the path is prepared. Chapter 38, Alma s commandments to his son Shiblon. Alma counsels him to continue to put his trust in the Lord and to be aware of pride. Chapter 39, Alma s commandments to his son Corianton. Alma counsels him to turn away from iniquity and repent and to prepare for the coming of Christ. Alma understood the purpose of the fall, need for an atonement and that all people would be resurrected. He did not know when and how this would happen but what he knew was enough. Moroni leads the Nephites to battle against the Lamanites in defense of themselves, their families, their lands, their liberties, and their religion. The Nephites slay many of the Lamanites and Moroni says they will stop if the Lamanites make a covenant of peace, the Lamanites resist but eventually agree. Alma prophesies that 400 years after the coming of Christ the Nephites will dwindle in unbelief Amalickiah seeks to be king and destroy the church. When Captain Moroni hears of this, he creates the title of liberty. He prays for freedom and marches through the city with covenant to keep commandments and preserve liberty. Amalickiahites flee but most are cut off. Amalickiah escapes and gains favour with Lamanite king. He stirs up the king to go to war. Through political deception, he tempts Lehonti off the mount, betrays the King, then assassinates them both. He marries the queen and becomes king of the Lamanites. While Amalickiah obtains power through fraud and deceit, Moroni teaches his people to be faithful to the Lord. The Lord promises the Nephites that if they keep the commandments they will prosper in the land. The Lamanites make several attempts to attack the Nephites but are unable to break through their fortifications. Amalickiah swears against God and Moroni. New Nephite cities are built. There are some contentions among the Nephites which are settled by Moroni. Pahoran takes the judgement seat. The Nephites are divided between King-men who want a new government and freemen, who want to maintain the reign of the judges. A vote is taken and the majority choose to maintain judges. Lamanites come to battle against the Nephites again and take many cities. Teancum kills Amalickiah Alma 36:3 Alma 37: 41 Alma 41:2 Alma 43:35 Alma 46:15 Alma 48:17 Alma 51:24

12 54 Alma What covenants have we made and what are we doing (or choosing not to do) in order to keep them? 55 Alma What made Helaman tactics and belief made him win the war against the enemy? 56 Alma What stands out to you about the relationship between Moroni and Pahoran? 57 Alma What can you do to help your heart be softened by your trials and challenges instead of hardened? 58 Helaman 1-3 How does contention weaken nations and communities? Wards and stakes? Families and individuals? What can we do to avoid or overcome contention? 59 Helaman 4-5 When have you felt the Lord's preserving hand in your life? in his sleep. The Nephites reclaim some of their cities. Some Lamanites surrender. The rest are taken prisoner. The Anti-Nephi-Lehis feel guilty that Nephites are dying in their defense and want to take up arms, but Helaman urges them to keep their covenant and their sons take up arms instead. Ammaron and Moroni negotiate the exchange of prisoners. A Lamanite helps the Nephites to inebriate the Lamanite guards and arm Nephite prisoners so they can escape. My summary of these 3 chapters was very enlightening and very eye open it made me realize that we got have faith in God at all times because he always deliver us from our enemies and evil even if we have to wait months for his help he is there soothing our spirits and strengthen us at all times. Moroni sends a letter to Pahoran to ask for reinforcements and is angry when he does not receive a response. Nephihah is lost and Moroni fears that they will fall under Lamanite control because of Nephite wickedness. Moroni sends a scathing epistle to Pahoran, telling him that if he does not send food and reinforcements, Moroni will sends armies to attack Zarahemla. Pahoran responds by telling Moroni that the people in Zarahemla are likewise suffering and asks him to come with an army to help reclaim the judgement seat. Moroni marches his army to Zarahemla and defeats the king-men. Those who won t defend their country are executed. The war against the Lamanites continues; Teancum is slain while assassinating the Lamanite king. The Lamanites are defeated and the Nephites enjoy peace once again and expand their territory. The plates are passed to Helaman s son Helaman. Pahoran the second becomes chief judge and is murdered by Kishkumen. Pacumeni fills the judgment seat. Coriantumr leads the Lamanite armies, takes Zarahemla, and slays Pacumeni. Moronihah defeats the Lamanites and retakes Zarahemla, and Coriantumr is slain. Helaman, the son of Helaman, becomes chief judge. Gadianton leads the band of Kishkumen. Helaman s servant slays Kishkumen, and the Gadianton band flees into the wilderness. Many Nephites migrate to the land northward. They build houses of cement and keep many records. Tens of thousands are converted and baptized. The word of God leads men to salvation. Nephi the son of Helaman fills the judgment seat. The iniquity of the Nephites negatively affects themselves and the church. Nephi gives up the judgement seat and preaches the Gospel instead. His father Helaman's counsel and King Benjamin's testimony is recorded. This leads to the conversion of thousands of Lamanites. Nephi and Lehi are imprisoned and are miraculously preserved from death by a fire which does not consume them. The Lord's voice is heard calling the people to repentance. Alma 53:17 Alma 56:47 Alma 61:14 Alma 62:41 Helaman 3:27 Helaman 5:12

13 60 Helaman 6-7 What is the relationship between repentance, faith, and trust in God? Many Lamanites repent and become more righteous than the Nephites. Gadianton and Kishkumen organize secret groups of robbers and murderers. Nephites hear Nephi praying on their behalf and ask him about it. He preaches repentance to them. 61 Helaman 8-10 Is faith enough to trust the Lord? Chapters 8-10 explore Nephi, and his willingness to bring forth the fruits of the Lord, in circumstances that could put his life at risk and much unease. His unshakable faith demonstrates that those that speak good of Christ and his teachings may suffer some form of persecution from those around them. However, those that stay loyal and aid towards bringing forth Heavenly Fathers plan shall be blessed eternally. Amos 3:7 comes into mind for chapters eight and nine because it is clear that men soon realise that m knowledge attained by Nephi, must derive from some Godly power, because all that he had prophesied came to pass. It also puts into question on the matter of how much do we trust God, because these men were not led by blind faith. Chapter ten in short explains that the only way to Christ is through repentance, and if man does not repent he shall become the victim of his own sufferings, God also blesses Nephi, by empowering him spiritually and gifting him the ability to bind and loose the heaven and earth. This demonstrates that God keeps to his word when we follow the commandments. 62 Helaman Samuel did not take it upon himself to decide what to preach to the Nephites, he taught whatever things should come into his heart. How does this revelatory process help us when we also need to know what to teach others? 63 Helaman Consider the parallels between the signs of Christ's death and of His birth with our own personal relationships with the Savior. When Jesus Christ came into the world, light increased. When He died, darkness increased. The same happens in our lives when we either allow Him to enter our hearts or prevent Him from entering. Samuel s teachings Helaman chapters 11 and 12 covers 14 years of Nephite history and shows the people going through a cycle of righteousness and wickedness. Because of their pride, the people refused to repent of their wickedness. Nephi sealed the heavens, causing a drought and famine. The drought and famine humbled the people, and they repented and turned to the Lord. Because they did not choose to be humble, the people began to easily forget the Lord their God until they were brought to a realization of how much they needed His help. In His mercy, God chastens His people to bring them unto repentance and salvation. Helaman 13 the Lord sends Samuel the Lamanite to warn the people to repent and prepare for the coming of the of the Lord. Samuels words were important enough to the Saviour that He endorsed them during His personal ministry in the Americas and testified they had all been fulfilled! Chapter 14: Samuel prophesies of the signs of the Savior's birth and death. Samuel teaches and testifies of the power of the atonement; that through Christ, men are redeemed from physical and spiritual death. Chapter 15: Samuel warns the Nephites and explains why the Lamanites have become a people of promise. Helaman 7:24 Helaman 9:41 Helaman 13:3 Helaman 14:17

14 64 Helaman 16-3 Nephi 2 help us understand the importance of staying true to the knowledge and faith that we have obtained. What application does this principle have in your life? What do you need to do to strengthen your faith in the Savior, repent, and be firm and steadfast in gospel truths? What can we do to remain steadfast when our faith is challenged? 65 3 Nephi 3-5 How have we been blessed by the choices of our ancestors and how can we bless both our ancestors and our descendants through our choices? 66 3 Nephi 6-7 How do you think the lamanites were able to keep firm, steadfast and immovable when everyone else had fallen away? How can we apply this to our lives? 67 3 Nephi 8-10 Ponder the spoken witness from Heavenly Father:"Behold my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name - hear ye him" (3 Nephi 11:7). How you would have responded if you had been there for this announcement and the appearance of Jesus Christ - the crowning event of the Book of Mormon? 68 3 Nephi How does reading this account make you think about Christ's second coming? The Nephites who believe Samuel are baptized by Nephi. Samuel cannot be slain with the arrows and stones of the unrepentant Nephites. Some harden their hearts, and others see angels. The unbelievers say it is not reasonable to believe in Christ. Nephi, the son of Helaman, departs out of the land, and his son Nephi keeps the records. Though signs and wonders abound, the wicked plan to slay the righteous. The night of Christ s birth arrives. The sign is given, and a new star arises. Lyings and deceivings increase, and the Gadianton robbers slaughter many. Giddianhi tries to persuade the Nephites to surrender, but instead they prepare for battle. Because of the Nephites' preparation, righteousness, and trust in the Lord, they defeat the Gadianton Robbers. Prisoners are taught the gospel and those who enter into a covenant are set free and those who do not are punished according to the law. There is peace for a few years and people prosper until they are lifted in pride and boasting again and persecution is strife. There is much inequality and the church is broken up except for a few faithful lamanites. The rest wilfully rebel against God. Prophets are sent, cry repentance and are stoned. Secret combinations begin again led by Jacob as their king. Nephi preaches repentance with power and performs mighty miracles. Many are coverted and baptised unto repentance. These three chapters described the crowning event of the Book of Mormon! Chapter 8 describes those physical upheavals attest the crucifixion of Christ. Many unrighteous cities and people therein were destroyed, even there was darkness covers the land for three days. In Chapter 9, Christ's voice proclaimed the destruction of many people and cities for their wickedness as well as His divinity, announces that the law of Moses had fulfilled, and invited men to come unto Him and be saved. From Chapter 10 we learned that all the prophecies God communicates through His prophets had been fulfilled. The Lord will receive all those who come unto Him with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. God's voice introduces the Saviour. Christ descends and invites the people to feel the nail prints in his resurrected body. He teaches His gospel, because the law of Moses has been fulfilled. He calls many to serve, including 12 Helaman 1:8 3 Nephi 5:20 3 Nephi 6:14 3 Nephi 9:22 3 Nephi 11:14