(Questions are numbered, and followed by the number of the verse in Alma 5 in which they are found.)
Remembering God's Acts for His People
1. Have you sufficiently retained in remembrance the captivity of your fathers? 6
2. Have you sufficiently retained in remembrance God's mercy and long-suffering towards your fathers? 6
3. Have you sufficiently retained in remembrance that he has delivered their souls from hell? 6
4. Were your fathers destroyed? 8
5. Were the bands of death broken, and the chains of hell which encircled your fathers about, were they loosed? 9
Knowing the Essential Logic of the Gospel
6. On what conditions were your fathers saved? 10
7. On what grounds had they to hope for salvation? 10
8. What is the cause of your fathers' being loosed from the bands of death, yea, and also the chains of hell? 10
9. Did not my father Alma believe in the words which were delivered by the mouth of Abinadi? 11
10. Was Abinadi not a holy prophet? 11
11. Did Abinadi not speak the words of God? 11
12. Did my father Alma believe them? 11
Being Personally Converted
13. Have you spiritually been born of God? 14
14. Have you received his image in your countenance? 14
15. Have you experienced this mighty change in your heart? 14
16. Do you exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? 15
17. Do you look forward with an eye of faith? 15
Imagining the Judgment Day
18. Do you view this mortal body raised in immortality, and this corruption raised in incorruption, to stand before God to be judged according to the deeds which have been done in the mortal body? 15
19. Can you imagine to yourself that you hear the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: Come unto me you blessed, for behold your works have been works of righteousness upon the face of the earth? 16
20. Or do you imagine to yourself that you can lie unto the Lord in that day, and say - Lord, my works have been righteous works upon the face of the earth - and that he will save you? 17
21. Or otherwise, can you imagine yourself brought before the tribunal of God with your soul filled with guilt and remorse, having a remembrance of all your guilt, yea, a perfect remembrance of all your wickedness, yea, a remembrance that you have set at defiance the commandments of God? 18
22. Can you look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands? 19
23. Can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenance? 19
24. Can you think of being saved when you have yielded yourself to become subject to the devil? 20
25. How will you feel if you shall stand before the bar of God, having your garments stained with blood and all manner of filthiness? 22
26. What will these things testify against you? 22
27. Will they not testify that you are a murderer? 23
28. Will they not also testify that you are guilty of all manner of wickedness? 23
29. Do you suppose that such an one can have a place to sit down in the kingdom of God, with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob, and also all the holy prophets, whose garments are cleansed and are spotless, pure and white? 24
Assessing One's Spiritual Condition
30. If you have experienced a change of heart, and if you have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, can you feel so now? 26
31. Have you walked, keeping yourself blameless before God? 27
32. Could you say, if you were called to die at this time, within yourself, that you have been sufficiently humble? 27
33. Could you say that your garments have been cleansed and made white through the blood of Christ? 27
34. Are you stripped of pride? 28
35. Is there one among you who is not stripped of envy? 29
36. Is there one among you that doth make a mock of his brother, or that heapeth upon him persecutions? 30
Identifying with a "Fold"
37. If you are not the sheep of the good shepherd, of what fold are you? 39
38. The devil is your shepherd, and you are of his fold; and now who can deny this?
Obtaining Spiritual Knowledge
39. Do you not suppose that I know of these things of myself? 45
40. How do you suppose that I know of their surety? 46
Refusing to Repent
41. Can you withstand these sayings? 53
42. Can you lay aside these things and trample the Holy One under your feet? 53
43. Can you be puffed up in the pride of your heart? 53
44. Will you still persist in the wearing of costly apparel and setting your heart upon the vain things of the world, upon your riches? 53
45. Will you persist in supposing that you are better than another? 54
46. Will you persist in the persecution of your brethren, who humble themselves and do walk after the holy order of God, wherewith they have been brought into this church having been sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and they do bring forth works which are meet for repentance? 54
47. Will you persist in turning y our back upon the poor and needy, and in withholding your substance from them? 55
48. The names of the righteous shall be written in the book of life, and unto them will I grant an inheritance at my right hand. What have you to say against this? 58
49. What shepherd is there having many sheep doth not watch over them, that the wolves enter not an devour his flock? 59
50. If a wolf enter his flock doth the shepherd not drive him out? 59
BOOK OF MORMON STUDY GUIDES
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Quotes from Alma 5 Lesson
1. Ezra Taft Benson said: “Can human hearts be changed? Why of
course! It happens every day in the great missionary work of the Church. It is one of the most
widespread of Christ’s modern miracles. If it hasn’t happened to you - it should. The Lord works from
the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums.
Christ takes the slums out of the people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world
would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their
environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature.” (The
Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, pp. 77-78.)
2. An image is not just an outward
visual impression but also a vivid representation, a graphic display, or a total likeness of something. It is
a person or thing very much like another, a copy or counterpart. Likewise, countenance does not simply
mean a facial expression or visual appearance. The word comes from an old French term originally
denoting “behavior,” “demeanor,” or “conduct.” In earlier times the word countenance was used with
these meanings in mind. Therefore, to receive Christ’s image in one’s countenance means to acquire the
Savior’s likeness in behavior, to be a copy or reflection of the Master’s life. This is not possible without
a mighty change in one’s pattern of living. It requires, too, a change in feelings, attitudes, desires, and
spiritual commitment. This involves the heart. Andrew Skinner, Studies in Scriptures, 7:301.
3. Ted Gibbons – LDS Living, lesson 22:
The multitude of questions Alma asks are worth a careful, personal look. But it seems clear that there is
one question in the sermon, what we might call the critical question, that must be answered correctly.
That question is asked five different times toward the end of the sermon. The question is in verses 53-56
and it is this: if you are doing any of these things that are contrary to the teaching of the gospel, will ye
persist? If you have found something in this sermon that needs your attention, or that needs repentance,
will you repent? Or will you persist in rebelling against the commandments of God?
4. Elder David A. Bednar: Brothers and sisters, it is possible for us to have clean hands but not have a pure heart. Please notice that both clean hands and a pure heart are required to ascend into the hill of the Lord and to stand in His holy place.
Let me suggest that hands are made clean through the process of putting off the natural man and by overcoming sin and the evil influences in our lives through the Savior’s Atonement. Hearts are purified as we receive His strengthening power to do good and become better. All of our worthy desires and good works, as necessary as they are, can never produce clean hands and a pure heart. It is the Atonement of Jesus Christ that provides both a cleansing and redeeming power that helps us to overcome sin and a sanctifying and strengthening power that helps us to become better than we ever could by relying only upon our own strength. The infinite Atonement is for both the sinner and for the saint in each of us. Nov. 2007 Ensign
course! It happens every day in the great missionary work of the Church. It is one of the most
widespread of Christ’s modern miracles. If it hasn’t happened to you - it should. The Lord works from
the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums.
Christ takes the slums out of the people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world
would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their
environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature.” (The
Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, pp. 77-78.)
2. An image is not just an outward
visual impression but also a vivid representation, a graphic display, or a total likeness of something. It is
a person or thing very much like another, a copy or counterpart. Likewise, countenance does not simply
mean a facial expression or visual appearance. The word comes from an old French term originally
denoting “behavior,” “demeanor,” or “conduct.” In earlier times the word countenance was used with
these meanings in mind. Therefore, to receive Christ’s image in one’s countenance means to acquire the
Savior’s likeness in behavior, to be a copy or reflection of the Master’s life. This is not possible without
a mighty change in one’s pattern of living. It requires, too, a change in feelings, attitudes, desires, and
spiritual commitment. This involves the heart. Andrew Skinner, Studies in Scriptures, 7:301.
3. Ted Gibbons – LDS Living, lesson 22:
The multitude of questions Alma asks are worth a careful, personal look. But it seems clear that there is
one question in the sermon, what we might call the critical question, that must be answered correctly.
That question is asked five different times toward the end of the sermon. The question is in verses 53-56
and it is this: if you are doing any of these things that are contrary to the teaching of the gospel, will ye
persist? If you have found something in this sermon that needs your attention, or that needs repentance,
will you repent? Or will you persist in rebelling against the commandments of God?
4. Elder David A. Bednar: Brothers and sisters, it is possible for us to have clean hands but not have a pure heart. Please notice that both clean hands and a pure heart are required to ascend into the hill of the Lord and to stand in His holy place.
Let me suggest that hands are made clean through the process of putting off the natural man and by overcoming sin and the evil influences in our lives through the Savior’s Atonement. Hearts are purified as we receive His strengthening power to do good and become better. All of our worthy desires and good works, as necessary as they are, can never produce clean hands and a pure heart. It is the Atonement of Jesus Christ that provides both a cleansing and redeeming power that helps us to overcome sin and a sanctifying and strengthening power that helps us to become better than we ever could by relying only upon our own strength. The infinite Atonement is for both the sinner and for the saint in each of us. Nov. 2007 Ensign
Alma 6-8
Study Guide: Alma 6-7 – to be discussed January 10, 2008
Day 1: Read Alma 6:1-8; review Alma 4:19
[Note: Alma 6 is an “interlude” chapter, inserted by Mormon as he abridged Alma’s writings.]
1. List five things from the first six verses of Alma 6 which Alma did to set the church in Zarahemla in order.
2. Where did Alma go first after he had strengthened the church in Zarahemla?
3. Review Alma 4:19. What two tools did Alma plan to take with him on his mission, in order to “reclaim” the people of the church? From Alma 6:8, how did Mormon further describe these two tools, or witnesses?
Day 2: Read Alma 7:1-9; Matthew 3:1-3
4. What two attitudes did Alma say he hoped to find among the saints at Gideon? What do these mean and how would they prepare the people to receive Alma’s message?
5. According to Alma, what was the most important message he had to share? Why did Alma feel an urgency to give this message?
6. Compare Alma 7:9 with Matthew 3:1-3 (with footnote 2a). List similarities between John the Baptist and Alma. For extra credit, use also JS-H 1:72, D&C 93:6-17, or any other scriptures that apply.
Day 3: Read Alma 7:10-16; D&C 19:16-19; Mark 14:33; Articles of Faith 3 and 4
7. List the specific afflictions Christ took upon himself in his act of atonement.
8. Alma explained reasons Christ needed to suffer these mortal afflictions. Underline the word “that” each time it appears in Alma 7:11-13. Now list the reasons given in each case.
9. Compare Alma 7:14-16 with the third and fourth articles of faith. Which basic gospel principles do they have in common?
Day 4: Read Alma 7:17-27; 2 Peter 1:4-8
10. Were the people of Gideon perfect? What path were they in? How did Alma feel about them?
11. Read 2 Peter 1:4-8 with Alma 7:23-25, listing virtues in order. Do we strengthen these virtues by following the promptings of the Spirit, or does the Spirit increase in us when we discipline ourselves in these areas?
12. In what areas did Alma’s apostolic blessing invoke the peace of God in behalf of the people of Gideon? According to what two things? Cross-reference John 14:27, Romans 8:6, 1 Corinthians 14:33.
Day 5: Read Alma 8:1-8; Review Mosiah 4:27
13. Read Mosiah 4:27 with Alma 8:1. Why did Alma go home and rest? Now read Alma 1:26. What do you think Alma was resting from? What is the lesson for us?
14. What was the result of Alma’s teaching in Melek? Where did the Spirit lead Alma next? If he averaged 15-20 miles per day, how far did he travel to his next missionary assignment?
15. What was the custom among the Nephites in naming their lands, cities and villages?
Day 6: Read Alma 8:9-17
16. How was Alma’s experience in Ammonihah different from his experience in Melek? What made the difference?
17. Why do you think the Spirit led Alma to Ammonihah? How did he feel when he left?
18. Under what circumstances had Alma met this angel before? (see Mosiah 27:11) What was his message this time? Do you think Alma was glad to see him again?
Bonus: Read Alma 8:10 with Enos 1:2 and Genesis 32:24. What does it mean to “wrestle with God”?
Day 7: Read Alma 8:18-32
19. What did Alma do after the angel left? Compare Alma’s reaction to the angel’s directive In v. 18 with the reaction of the people of Ammonihah to Alma’s message.
20. How had the way been prepared for Alma’s return to Ammonihah? Look back at Alma 8:10 and 14. How did the Lord answer Alma’s prayers? Do you think it was the way he expected?
21. Why do you think Alma tarried with Amulek “many days” (v.27)? What gave his missionary partnership so much power? Cross-reference to Alma 10:2-4.
Day 1: Read Alma 6:1-8; review Alma 4:19
[Note: Alma 6 is an “interlude” chapter, inserted by Mormon as he abridged Alma’s writings.]
1. List five things from the first six verses of Alma 6 which Alma did to set the church in Zarahemla in order.
2. Where did Alma go first after he had strengthened the church in Zarahemla?
3. Review Alma 4:19. What two tools did Alma plan to take with him on his mission, in order to “reclaim” the people of the church? From Alma 6:8, how did Mormon further describe these two tools, or witnesses?
Day 2: Read Alma 7:1-9; Matthew 3:1-3
4. What two attitudes did Alma say he hoped to find among the saints at Gideon? What do these mean and how would they prepare the people to receive Alma’s message?
5. According to Alma, what was the most important message he had to share? Why did Alma feel an urgency to give this message?
6. Compare Alma 7:9 with Matthew 3:1-3 (with footnote 2a). List similarities between John the Baptist and Alma. For extra credit, use also JS-H 1:72, D&C 93:6-17, or any other scriptures that apply.
Day 3: Read Alma 7:10-16; D&C 19:16-19; Mark 14:33; Articles of Faith 3 and 4
7. List the specific afflictions Christ took upon himself in his act of atonement.
8. Alma explained reasons Christ needed to suffer these mortal afflictions. Underline the word “that” each time it appears in Alma 7:11-13. Now list the reasons given in each case.
9. Compare Alma 7:14-16 with the third and fourth articles of faith. Which basic gospel principles do they have in common?
Day 4: Read Alma 7:17-27; 2 Peter 1:4-8
10. Were the people of Gideon perfect? What path were they in? How did Alma feel about them?
11. Read 2 Peter 1:4-8 with Alma 7:23-25, listing virtues in order. Do we strengthen these virtues by following the promptings of the Spirit, or does the Spirit increase in us when we discipline ourselves in these areas?
12. In what areas did Alma’s apostolic blessing invoke the peace of God in behalf of the people of Gideon? According to what two things? Cross-reference John 14:27, Romans 8:6, 1 Corinthians 14:33.
Day 5: Read Alma 8:1-8; Review Mosiah 4:27
13. Read Mosiah 4:27 with Alma 8:1. Why did Alma go home and rest? Now read Alma 1:26. What do you think Alma was resting from? What is the lesson for us?
14. What was the result of Alma’s teaching in Melek? Where did the Spirit lead Alma next? If he averaged 15-20 miles per day, how far did he travel to his next missionary assignment?
15. What was the custom among the Nephites in naming their lands, cities and villages?
Day 6: Read Alma 8:9-17
16. How was Alma’s experience in Ammonihah different from his experience in Melek? What made the difference?
17. Why do you think the Spirit led Alma to Ammonihah? How did he feel when he left?
18. Under what circumstances had Alma met this angel before? (see Mosiah 27:11) What was his message this time? Do you think Alma was glad to see him again?
Bonus: Read Alma 8:10 with Enos 1:2 and Genesis 32:24. What does it mean to “wrestle with God”?
Day 7: Read Alma 8:18-32
19. What did Alma do after the angel left? Compare Alma’s reaction to the angel’s directive In v. 18 with the reaction of the people of Ammonihah to Alma’s message.
20. How had the way been prepared for Alma’s return to Ammonihah? Look back at Alma 8:10 and 14. How did the Lord answer Alma’s prayers? Do you think it was the way he expected?
21. Why do you think Alma tarried with Amulek “many days” (v.27)? What gave his missionary partnership so much power? Cross-reference to Alma 10:2-4.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Alma 4-5
Alma 4-5 Study Guide – to be discussed December 13
Day 1: Read Alma 4:1-10
1. What awakened the Nephites to a remembrance of their duty? What did they do because of this remembrance?
2. For how many years did the Nephites enjoy peace at this time? What attitudes and tendencies in the eighth year of the reign of the judges disrupted their peace?
3. How do you think wickedness in the church became a “great stumblingblock” to those outside the church?
Day 2: Read Alma 4:11-20
4. What kinds of divisions or “inequalities” became evident among the Nephites in the ninth year of the reign of the judges?
5. What did Alma give up in order to devote himself more fully to leadership in the church? Around what year did he do this? List Alma’s goals as high priest.
6. Why do you think Alma, as chief judge, didn’t just change laws in order to change behavior among his people?
Day 3: Read Alma 5:1-13, with head note; Ezekiel 11:17-20, 36:25-28
7. What historical events did Alma relate to begin his discourse? Approximately how many years prior had these events occurred?
8. What, specifically, did Alma ask his people to remember? What did Alma’s father’s people sing?
9. Much of Alma’s address is focused on the “mighty change of heart” necessary for salvation (see. vv. 7, 12-13, etc.). Read Ezekiel 11:17-20 and 36:25-28. List what the Lord expects from those who have had their hearts changed.
BONUS: What do you think it means to have one’s soul “illuminated by the light of the everlasting word”? (Alma 5:7)
Day 4: Read Alma 5:14-25; Moses 6:64-68; Psalm 24:3-5; Alma 36:12-15; Review Mosiah 27:23-28
10. What three questions are asked in Alma 5:14? How do you think these questions are related? What does Moses 6:64-68 add to your understanding of what it means to be “spiritually born of God”?
BONUS: Compare the three-fold question in Alma 5:14 with Alma 5:19. What do “clean hands” represent? What does a “pure heart” represent? Cross-reference to Psalm 24:3-5.
11. Alma gives us a series of questions in this chapter, which we can use as a kind of measuring stick or “spiritual cardiogram” for our eternal progress. What does it mean to “look forward with an eye of faith: (v.15)?
12. Read Alma 36:12-15 and review Mosiah 27:25-28. When Alma says “can you imagine…” he is speaking from experience, having an understanding of what it would be like to stand before the Lord with filthy garments. According to Alma, how can we be cleansed?
Day 5: Read Alma 5:26-37; Review 2 Nephi 31:20
13. Is a mighty change of heart a process or an event? What do you think it means to “sing the song of redeeming love”? to “walk… before God”?
14. Alma shifts focus from our relationship with God to our relationships with others in verses 28-37 of Alma 5. Of what two things does Alma say we must be “stripped” in our interpersonal relationships?
15. What invitation is extended to ALL men (and women)?
Day 6: Read Alma 5:38-52; John 10:14-15, 27-28; Psalm 23
16. Who is the Good Shepherd? In what ways are we sometimes dumber than sheep?
17. List phrases Alma uses in sealing his address with his own personal testimony and witness.
18. Underline each time Alma wrote, “the Spirit sayeth,” in verses 50-52. Summarize the two main messages Alma was impressed by the Spirit to deliver.
Day 7: Read Alma 5:53-62; D&C 88:66-68; Ezra 6:21
19. How do we “trample the Holy One” under our feet?
20. Use D&C 88:66-68 with Alma 5:54 to explain what it means to be “sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”
21. From Alma 5:57, what three things do we need to do to follow the voice of the Good Shepherd? Cross-ref. D&C 133:5.
BONUS: Review all of Alma, rewriting some of Alma’s questions to make a list of indicators as to where you are in the path to exaltation. (Eg: From v. 6, “Do I remember and appreciate past blessings?”)
Day 1: Read Alma 4:1-10
1. What awakened the Nephites to a remembrance of their duty? What did they do because of this remembrance?
2. For how many years did the Nephites enjoy peace at this time? What attitudes and tendencies in the eighth year of the reign of the judges disrupted their peace?
3. How do you think wickedness in the church became a “great stumblingblock” to those outside the church?
Day 2: Read Alma 4:11-20
4. What kinds of divisions or “inequalities” became evident among the Nephites in the ninth year of the reign of the judges?
5. What did Alma give up in order to devote himself more fully to leadership in the church? Around what year did he do this? List Alma’s goals as high priest.
6. Why do you think Alma, as chief judge, didn’t just change laws in order to change behavior among his people?
Day 3: Read Alma 5:1-13, with head note; Ezekiel 11:17-20, 36:25-28
7. What historical events did Alma relate to begin his discourse? Approximately how many years prior had these events occurred?
8. What, specifically, did Alma ask his people to remember? What did Alma’s father’s people sing?
9. Much of Alma’s address is focused on the “mighty change of heart” necessary for salvation (see. vv. 7, 12-13, etc.). Read Ezekiel 11:17-20 and 36:25-28. List what the Lord expects from those who have had their hearts changed.
BONUS: What do you think it means to have one’s soul “illuminated by the light of the everlasting word”? (Alma 5:7)
Day 4: Read Alma 5:14-25; Moses 6:64-68; Psalm 24:3-5; Alma 36:12-15; Review Mosiah 27:23-28
10. What three questions are asked in Alma 5:14? How do you think these questions are related? What does Moses 6:64-68 add to your understanding of what it means to be “spiritually born of God”?
BONUS: Compare the three-fold question in Alma 5:14 with Alma 5:19. What do “clean hands” represent? What does a “pure heart” represent? Cross-reference to Psalm 24:3-5.
11. Alma gives us a series of questions in this chapter, which we can use as a kind of measuring stick or “spiritual cardiogram” for our eternal progress. What does it mean to “look forward with an eye of faith: (v.15)?
12. Read Alma 36:12-15 and review Mosiah 27:25-28. When Alma says “can you imagine…” he is speaking from experience, having an understanding of what it would be like to stand before the Lord with filthy garments. According to Alma, how can we be cleansed?
Day 5: Read Alma 5:26-37; Review 2 Nephi 31:20
13. Is a mighty change of heart a process or an event? What do you think it means to “sing the song of redeeming love”? to “walk… before God”?
14. Alma shifts focus from our relationship with God to our relationships with others in verses 28-37 of Alma 5. Of what two things does Alma say we must be “stripped” in our interpersonal relationships?
15. What invitation is extended to ALL men (and women)?
Day 6: Read Alma 5:38-52; John 10:14-15, 27-28; Psalm 23
16. Who is the Good Shepherd? In what ways are we sometimes dumber than sheep?
17. List phrases Alma uses in sealing his address with his own personal testimony and witness.
18. Underline each time Alma wrote, “the Spirit sayeth,” in verses 50-52. Summarize the two main messages Alma was impressed by the Spirit to deliver.
Day 7: Read Alma 5:53-62; D&C 88:66-68; Ezra 6:21
19. How do we “trample the Holy One” under our feet?
20. Use D&C 88:66-68 with Alma 5:54 to explain what it means to be “sanctified by the Holy Spirit.”
21. From Alma 5:57, what three things do we need to do to follow the voice of the Good Shepherd? Cross-ref. D&C 133:5.
BONUS: Review all of Alma, rewriting some of Alma’s questions to make a list of indicators as to where you are in the path to exaltation. (Eg: From v. 6, “Do I remember and appreciate past blessings?”)