Alma 15-17 Study Guide – to be discussed February 7
Day 1: Read Alma 15:1-2
1. What was the cause of Zeezrom’s illness? In what way(s) did it manifest itself?
2. List three things which were required in order for Zeezrom to be healed.
3. What was the reaction of the people at Sidom to Zeezrom’s miraculous recovery?
Day 2: Read Alma 15:13-19
4. Why did the people of Ammonihah remain hard-hearted?
5. What did Amulek sacrifice for the word of God?
6. What was the result of Alma’s work at Sidom?
Day 3: Read Alma 16:1-11; Review Alma 3:25-27; Alma 25:1-3
7. After reviewing Alma 3:25-27, calculate approximately how long the Nephites had enjoyed relative peace.
8. Read Alma 9:18-19. What specific prophecies made by Alma in Ammonihah were fulfilled in the 11th year of the reign of the judges? Using the dates at the bottoms of pages 230 and 248, about how long did it take before his words were fulfilled? How long did it take to destroy Ammonihah?
BONUS: Read Alma 25:1-3. Why did the Lamanites attack Ammonihah?
9. How did Zoram and his sons achieve victory over the Lamanites? How can we use this same strategy in overcoming the forces of Satan?
Day 4: Read Alma 16:12-21; Moses 7:18
10. How did Alma and Amulek use the three years of peace to strengthen the Nephites?
BONUS: In Alma 16:13, we read that Alma and Amulek preached to the people in their temples, sanctuaries and synagogues. After reading 2 Nephi 5:16, Alma 15:17 and 21:6, and Alma 21:4, explain what seem to be the differences between temples, sanctuaries and synagogues.
11. Read Moses 7:18. In what way(s) did the Nephites become a Zion people?
12. From Alma 16:20, what new detail was given to the Nephites regarding Christ’s appearance among them?
Day 5: Read Alma 17:1-12, with headnote to Alma 17
13. From the headnote to Alma 17, what is recorded in Alma, chapters 17-26? According to the dates at the bottom of page 250, which years does this history cover?
14. What added to Alma’s joy in his reunion with the sons of Mosiah?
15. From Alma 17:1-12, list ways in which we can prepare for missionary service.
Day 6: Read Alma 17:13-25
16. Why had the curses of God fallen on the Lamanites? What was the goal of the sons of Mosiah in preaching to the Lamanites?
17. What did Ammon do for his brothers before they parted company?
18. As king, what might Lamoni have done to Ammon? Why do you think he treated Ammon as he did?
Day 7: Read Alma 17:26-39; Review Mosiah 28:6-7
19. Review the promise Mosiah received before his sons departed on their missions (Mosiah 28:6-7). How did this promise help Ammon avoid succumbing to the fear which overcame his fellow-servants?
20. From Alma 17:29, who did Alma hope to convert?
21. List qualities Ammon possessed that helped him in missionary work.
BOOK OF MORMON STUDY GUIDES
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Alma 12-14
Alma 12-14 Study Guide – to be discussed January 31
Day 1: Read Alma 12:1-11; D&C 10:22-27; 1 Corinthians 13:2; BD entry, “Mystery”; D&C 84:44-47, D&C 93:20, 27-28
1. Read D&C 10:22-27 with Alma 12:4-6. What do we know about Satan’s plan? What is his motivation? How can we guard against it?
2. What changed Zeezrom’s heart? What did Alma teach about the relationship between soft hearts and knowing the “mysteries of God” (See also 1 Cor. 13:2.)
3. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Mystery” (p.736 in the Bible Appendix). What did Alma mean by “the mysteries of God”? (See also D&C 84:44-47; D&C 93:20, 27-28.)
Day 2: Read Alma 12:12-24; D&C 88:15; Alma 40:26; Alma 42:4-5
4. In answer to Zeezrom’s newly-sincere question (v.8), Alma taught concerning the state of the hard-hearted at the time of final judgment and resurrection. What will we all acknowledge when we stand before God? Why?
5. Was Antionah familiar with the teachings on the brass plates of Laban? How do we know this? Read D&C 88:15 for the meaning of “soul” as used in this chapter.
BONUS: What is the Second Death? (See also Alma 40:26)
6. What principle of the gospel did Alma use to explain why Adam and Eve were barred from the tree of life? According to Alma’s explanation, what is the purpose of this life? (See also Alma 42:4-5.)
Day 3: Read Alma 12:25-37; D&C 84:19-25; Hebrews 3:7-13, 4:1-3
7. List promises to those who “hardeneth not” their hearts.
8. How and why does God converse with men? From Alma 12:32, which came first, knowledge of the plan of salvation or the first commandments?
9. Read D&C 84:19-25; Hebrews 3:7-13 and 4:1-3. Underline each place in Alma12 where you find mention of “the rest of the Lord.” What does it mean to “enter into the rest of the Lord”?
Day 4: Read Alma 13:1-13; Romans 8:1-5; Moses 6:59-62; Hebrews 13:12
10. From Alma 13:1-2, give two reasons the Lord ordains high priests among His people.
11. Is the priesthood an exclusive club? Why or why not? List the criteria for ordinations outlined by Alma.
12. Read Romans 8:1-5, Moses 6:59-62; Hebrews 13:12. What does it mean to be sanctified? By what means are we sanctified?
Day 5: Read Alma 13:14-31; JST Genesis 14:25-40; D&C 84:14, D&C 107:1-4
13. Who was Melchizedek? (See also Bible Dictionary entry “Melchizedek,” p. 730 in the Bible Appendix.) Over what land was he king? What happened when he exercised his mighty faith?
14. Why did Alma command the people to repent speedily?
15. From Alma 13:27-29, list things we can do to access the power of the atonement and be exalted.
Day 6: Read Alma 14:1-17
16. Alma’s speech divided his listeners into two distinct camps. What was each group moved to do?
17. What do you think caused Zeezrom’s “mighty change of heart”? How was his honesty rewarded?
18. Why did the Lord constrain Alma from exercising his priesthood in order to save the righteous women and children from death by fire?
Day 7: Read Alma 14:18-29; Matthew 27:11-14; Review Alma 1:12-16
19. Why do you think Alma and Amulek said nothing to the chief judge and all the lawyers, judges, priests and teachers of Nehor? List abuses against Alma and Amulek.
20. What was the final result of the hard-heartedness in Ammonihah?
21. Why do you think the people fled from Alma and Amulek instead of following them?
Day 1: Read Alma 12:1-11; D&C 10:22-27; 1 Corinthians 13:2; BD entry, “Mystery”; D&C 84:44-47, D&C 93:20, 27-28
1. Read D&C 10:22-27 with Alma 12:4-6. What do we know about Satan’s plan? What is his motivation? How can we guard against it?
2. What changed Zeezrom’s heart? What did Alma teach about the relationship between soft hearts and knowing the “mysteries of God” (See also 1 Cor. 13:2.)
3. Read the Bible Dictionary entry, “Mystery” (p.736 in the Bible Appendix). What did Alma mean by “the mysteries of God”? (See also D&C 84:44-47; D&C 93:20, 27-28.)
Day 2: Read Alma 12:12-24; D&C 88:15; Alma 40:26; Alma 42:4-5
4. In answer to Zeezrom’s newly-sincere question (v.8), Alma taught concerning the state of the hard-hearted at the time of final judgment and resurrection. What will we all acknowledge when we stand before God? Why?
5. Was Antionah familiar with the teachings on the brass plates of Laban? How do we know this? Read D&C 88:15 for the meaning of “soul” as used in this chapter.
BONUS: What is the Second Death? (See also Alma 40:26)
6. What principle of the gospel did Alma use to explain why Adam and Eve were barred from the tree of life? According to Alma’s explanation, what is the purpose of this life? (See also Alma 42:4-5.)
Day 3: Read Alma 12:25-37; D&C 84:19-25; Hebrews 3:7-13, 4:1-3
7. List promises to those who “hardeneth not” their hearts.
8. How and why does God converse with men? From Alma 12:32, which came first, knowledge of the plan of salvation or the first commandments?
9. Read D&C 84:19-25; Hebrews 3:7-13 and 4:1-3. Underline each place in Alma12 where you find mention of “the rest of the Lord.” What does it mean to “enter into the rest of the Lord”?
Day 4: Read Alma 13:1-13; Romans 8:1-5; Moses 6:59-62; Hebrews 13:12
10. From Alma 13:1-2, give two reasons the Lord ordains high priests among His people.
11. Is the priesthood an exclusive club? Why or why not? List the criteria for ordinations outlined by Alma.
12. Read Romans 8:1-5, Moses 6:59-62; Hebrews 13:12. What does it mean to be sanctified? By what means are we sanctified?
Day 5: Read Alma 13:14-31; JST Genesis 14:25-40; D&C 84:14, D&C 107:1-4
13. Who was Melchizedek? (See also Bible Dictionary entry “Melchizedek,” p. 730 in the Bible Appendix.) Over what land was he king? What happened when he exercised his mighty faith?
14. Why did Alma command the people to repent speedily?
15. From Alma 13:27-29, list things we can do to access the power of the atonement and be exalted.
Day 6: Read Alma 14:1-17
16. Alma’s speech divided his listeners into two distinct camps. What was each group moved to do?
17. What do you think caused Zeezrom’s “mighty change of heart”? How was his honesty rewarded?
18. Why did the Lord constrain Alma from exercising his priesthood in order to save the righteous women and children from death by fire?
Day 7: Read Alma 14:18-29; Matthew 27:11-14; Review Alma 1:12-16
19. Why do you think Alma and Amulek said nothing to the chief judge and all the lawyers, judges, priests and teachers of Nehor? List abuses against Alma and Amulek.
20. What was the final result of the hard-heartedness in Ammonihah?
21. Why do you think the people fled from Alma and Amulek instead of following them?
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Alma 9-11
Alma 9-11 Study Guide – to be discussed January 17
Day 1: Read Alma 9:1-18; Alma 16:9-10; Deuteronomy 17:6 [Note: Read the head note that introduces chapters 9-14. Whose words are recorded here?]
1. Read Deuteronomy 17:6. What law did the people of Ammonihah invoke against Alma? What did they lack an understanding or knowledge of? What had they forgotten?
BONUS: Read Alma 16:9-10. How wrong were the people of Ammonihah?
2. What commandment of God did Alma deliver? What was the warning associated with the command?
3. Give three prophecies Alma expounded regarding the Lamanites.
Day 2: Read Alma 9:19-34; D&C 82:3; James 4:17
4. List in two columns the blessings from God Alma asked the Ammonihahites to remember: temporal and spiritual.
5. Why were the Nephites more accountable than the Lamanites? (see also D&C 82:3; James 4:17)
6. According to Alma, how can we prepare the way of the Lord? How did the people of Ammonihah react to Alma’s address? Why?
BONUS: From Alma 9:21, list gifts of the Spirit.
Day 3: Read Alma 10:1-15
7. Who were the prophets in Amulek’s genealogy.
8. How was Amulek able to recognize the truth when he heard it? What was the reaction of the people to his witness?
9. What was the apparent motivation behind the lawyers’ questions?
Day 4: Read Alma 10:16-32
10. How did Amulek know what the lawyers were up to? How are the ways of the righteous perverted today?
11. What had saved the people of Ammonihah up to this point? Is this principle true today?
12. What was the real motivation behind the attacks against Alma and Amulek?
Day 5: Read Alma 11:1-19
13. How much did judges earn per day? What was this worth in barley or grain?
14. What was the Nephites’ largest unit of currency? What was it worth?
15. Why do you think Alma and Mormon included a listing of the currency used among the Nephites? What does it tell you about their civilization? about our own?
Day 6: Read Alma 11:20-35; review Alma 10:4
16. Who was Zeezrom and what was his agenda?
BONUS: How many days’ wages did Zeezrom offer Amulek to deny his testimony?
17. Review Alma 10:4. Was Amulek a man of means? Was it his comfortable situation that kept him from accepting the bribe Zeezrom offered?
18. What was Zeezrom’s second approach in attempting to discredit Amulek?
Day 7: Read Alma 11:36-46
19. In answer to Zeezrom’s question in Alma 11:38, Amulek gave two examples of how Jesus can be called the Eternal Father of heaven and earth. What were they?
20. What do we learn about the resurrection through Amulek’s extended answer?
21. How did Zeezrom and the people react to Amulek’s powerful teachings?
BONUS: Why do people want to be saved IN their sins instead of FROM their sins?
Day 1: Read Alma 9:1-18; Alma 16:9-10; Deuteronomy 17:6 [Note: Read the head note that introduces chapters 9-14. Whose words are recorded here?]
1. Read Deuteronomy 17:6. What law did the people of Ammonihah invoke against Alma? What did they lack an understanding or knowledge of? What had they forgotten?
BONUS: Read Alma 16:9-10. How wrong were the people of Ammonihah?
2. What commandment of God did Alma deliver? What was the warning associated with the command?
3. Give three prophecies Alma expounded regarding the Lamanites.
Day 2: Read Alma 9:19-34; D&C 82:3; James 4:17
4. List in two columns the blessings from God Alma asked the Ammonihahites to remember: temporal and spiritual.
5. Why were the Nephites more accountable than the Lamanites? (see also D&C 82:3; James 4:17)
6. According to Alma, how can we prepare the way of the Lord? How did the people of Ammonihah react to Alma’s address? Why?
BONUS: From Alma 9:21, list gifts of the Spirit.
Day 3: Read Alma 10:1-15
7. Who were the prophets in Amulek’s genealogy.
8. How was Amulek able to recognize the truth when he heard it? What was the reaction of the people to his witness?
9. What was the apparent motivation behind the lawyers’ questions?
Day 4: Read Alma 10:16-32
10. How did Amulek know what the lawyers were up to? How are the ways of the righteous perverted today?
11. What had saved the people of Ammonihah up to this point? Is this principle true today?
12. What was the real motivation behind the attacks against Alma and Amulek?
Day 5: Read Alma 11:1-19
13. How much did judges earn per day? What was this worth in barley or grain?
14. What was the Nephites’ largest unit of currency? What was it worth?
15. Why do you think Alma and Mormon included a listing of the currency used among the Nephites? What does it tell you about their civilization? about our own?
Day 6: Read Alma 11:20-35; review Alma 10:4
16. Who was Zeezrom and what was his agenda?
BONUS: How many days’ wages did Zeezrom offer Amulek to deny his testimony?
17. Review Alma 10:4. Was Amulek a man of means? Was it his comfortable situation that kept him from accepting the bribe Zeezrom offered?
18. What was Zeezrom’s second approach in attempting to discredit Amulek?
Day 7: Read Alma 11:36-46
19. In answer to Zeezrom’s question in Alma 11:38, Amulek gave two examples of how Jesus can be called the Eternal Father of heaven and earth. What were they?
20. What do we learn about the resurrection through Amulek’s extended answer?
21. How did Zeezrom and the people react to Amulek’s powerful teachings?
BONUS: Why do people want to be saved IN their sins instead of FROM their sins?