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.