Alma 61-63

Alma 61-63 Study Guide – to be discussed June 5
Day 1: Read Alma 61:1-9; D&C 101:1-5
1. What had Nephite dissenters accomplished while their armies were fighting Lamanites on two fronts? Look up the word “daunt” in a dictionary. What does it mean?




2. From what city was Pahoran writing to Moroni? What was he doing there?



3. Read Alma 61:9 with D&C 101:1-5. Why wasn’t Pahoran angry with Moroni? What does this tell you about Pahoran?



Day 2: Read Alma 61:10-21
4. According to Pahoran, what enemy was he really fighting? What part of his epistle indicates he was in tune with God’s will?



5. How did Pahoran describe the Spirit of God in Alma 61:15?



6. How did Moroni’s angry letter actually comfort and strengthen Pahoran?



Day 3: Read Alma 62:1-11
7. In what did Moroni take courage and joy? For what did he mourn?



8. What did Moroni do on his way to Gideon?



9. Who was Pachus? Was capital punishment necessary in this case? Why or why not?



Day 4: Read Alma 62:12-26
10. How many men were sent to assist Helaman in the west? How many were sent to Lehi and Teancum in the east? Where did Moroni and Pahoran go to fight? How many “converts” did they make on their way?



11. Why wouldn’t the Lamanites come out to fight on the plains of Nephihah? How does the adversary avoid a direct confrontation today?


12. How did Moroni get the advantage over his enemies? Where were the Lamanite guards? Were the Lamanites sound sleepers?



Day 5: Read Alma 62:27-38; Isaiah 2:1-4
13. Why do you think the Lamanite prisoners were desirous to stop fighting and start farming? According to Isaiah 2:1-4, how is this a “type” of what will happen in the last days? By what event(s) will it be preceded?



14. In what direction did Moroni’s army march? Where did the Lamanite armies gather?



15. Why was Teancum so angry with Ammoron? What do you think about his final battle - wise or unwise?




Day 6: Read Alma 62:39-52
16. What reason is given for the success of the Nephite armies and the safety of the nation?



17. During times of peace, to what did each of the key players return?



18. How did the Nephites continue in righteousness?



Day 7: Read Alma 63, Review Alma 38:1-3
19. Who succeeded Helaman as prophet? Review Alma 38:1-3 and list leadership qualities of this great spiritual man.



20. Why do you think so many Nephites wanted to explore unknown lands?




BONUS: What did Helaman II cause to be written and dispersed among the people? What was left out?



21. Who received the plates on Shiblon’s death? How long did it take after Moroni’s death for dissenters to arise again?

Alma 57-60

Alma 57-60 Study Guide – to be discussed May 29
Day 1: Read Alma 57:1-18; Ephesians 6:17; review Alma 51:1-2, 52:1, 54:1, 56:1,9
1. Why did Ammoron’s people evacuate the city of Antiparah?


BONUS: Make a simple time line showing the years 70-60BC. Review Alma 51:1-2, 52:1, 54:1, 56:1,9. List on your timeline the rise of the king-men, the death of Amalickiah, Ammoron’s letter to Helaman requesting an exchange of prisoners, Helaman’s letter to Moroni, the first march of the 2,000 stripling warriors to Judea, the evacuation of Antiparah, and the arrival of supplies and reinforcements from Zarahemla (Alma 57:6).

2. Why did Helaman’s army sleep upon their swords? How can we “sleep upon our swords” metaphorically today? (See also Ephesians 6:17.)



3. What problems were associated with taking too many prisoners of war?



Day 2: Read Alma 57:19-36; D&C 59:21; D&C 84:24
4. List qualities of Helaman’s 2,000 warriors you would like to emulate. To what did Helaman ascribe his army’s astonishing preservation?



5. What happened to the Lamanite POW’s? What caused their rebellion?



6. Read Alma 57:35-36 with D&C 59:21. What is one of the great lessons of the war chapters, as exemplified here?



BONUS: According to D&C 84:24, what is the “rest” of the Lord? Do righteous men die in war?


Day 3: Read Alma 58:1-22; 2 Nephi 31:20
7. Why couldn’t Helaman’s forces take Manti? What did they decide to do? How can we apply their strategy from Alma 58:3-10?



8. How did Helaman’s army gain hope and courage in a seemingly impossible situation? (See also 2 Nephi 31:20.)



9. On what did the Lamanites base their decision to go against Helaman’s forces in battle?



10. What can we learn from the foolish over-confidence of the Lamanite army? What can we learn from Helaman about relying on the Spirit and using available resources?
Day 4: Read Alma 58:23-41
11. How does fear sometimes cause us to “flee into the wilderness”? (Alma 58:29)



12. What were Helaman’s concerns after he had retaken all the Nephite cities in the west? Why didn’t he murmur?



13. List further qualities of Helaman’s “sons.”



Day 5: Read Alma 59
14. How did Moroni respond to Helaman’s letter? What was the good news? What was the bad news?



15. Where did the armies fleeing Manti go? Who was their leader?



16.Why did Moroni doubt the righteousness of the Nephite people? What caused his anger?



Day 6: Read Alma 60:1-17
17. What was Moroni’s perception of government support of troops?



18. Do you think Moroni was too severe in his reproach of Pahoran? What does this tell you about the side effects of war?



19. Ultimately, whom did Moroni blame for the Nephites’ losses?



Day 7: Read Alma 60:18-36
20. In Alma 60:20, what word did Moroni use three times? What is the message he wanted to emphasize to his government – and which is equally pertinent today?


BONUS: What word is used four times in verses 21-23?

21. What “inner vessel” did Moroni suggest needed cleansing? How can we cleanse our own inner vessels? Why should we?



22. List what Moroni threatened to do unless Pahoran sent supplies and reinforcements. Was this a selfish request?

Alma 54-56

Alma 54-56 Study Guide – to be discussed May 22
Day 1: Read Alma 54:1-14; 2 Nephi 5:1-7; Omni 1:12-13
1. Why do you think the Lamanites took women and children prisoner?



2. Moroni wrote about God’s justice, the “sword of his almighty wrath,” and the perils of hell in his letter to Ammoron – even though he seems to have assumed Ammoron would not be moved to repentance. Why do you think his epistle lacked diplomacy and political correctness?



3. List Moroni’s terms for exchanging prisoners.



BONUS: Why did Moroni refer to Lamanite lands (the land of Nephi) as “the land of our first inheritance”?


Day 2: Read Alma 54:15-24; 1 Nephi 4:35-37; 2 Nephi 1:30-32
4. Around what year did Ammoron write to Moroni? For about how many years had the Lamanites held a grudge against the Nephites? Was Ammoron a Lamanite?



5. Rephrase Ammoron’s religious philosophy.



6. From whom was Ammoron descended? After reading 1 Nephi 4:35-37 and 2 Nephi 1:30-32, list blessings promised to Ammoron’s family according to their faithfulness.



Day 3: Read Alma 55:1-18
7. Why was Moroni angry after he had received Ammoron’s letter? Why didn’t he just exchange prisoners?



8. Who was Laman and how did he end up in Moroni’s army? What does the search for a descendant of Laman tell you about the ethnicity of Moroni’s army?



9. Did Moroni’s army disable the Lamanites at Gid, or did they disable themselves? How do we disable ourselves?



Day 4: Read Alma 55:19-35
10. Why didn’t Moroni’s army kill all the drunken Lamanites when they had the chance?


11. In freeing the prisoners of war, how was Moroni a “type” of Christ?



12. The Lamanites tried to turn tables on the Nephites by laying “snares” for them. What kept the Nephite army safe? What kinds of “snares” does Satan set for us today?



Day 5: Read Alma 56:1-19
13. What was Helaman’s leadership role among the Nephites? Who is his counterpart today?



14. Why did Helaman refer to his 2000 warriors as his “sons” (see verses 10, 17)?



15. Name the cities taken by Lamanite forces, as listed by Helaman in this chapter. Using your small map of possible Book of Mormon sites, describe the locations of these cities.



Day 6: Read Alma 56:20-40
16. Why didn’t Helaman and Antipus attack the Lamanites directly? What was their first plan? How was it frustrated?



17. How many troops did the Nephites have at Judea, including Helaman’s army and the reinforcements from Zarahemla?



18. Why wouldn’t either army turn to the right or to the left? How could this be a metaphor for staying on the “strait and narrow path”?


BONUS: Make a diagram of the conflict described in these verses, including the city of Judea, the Lamanite army, Antipus’ army, Helaman’s army, Zarahemla, reinforcements from Zarahemla, the city of Antiparah, and the wilderness.


Day 7: Read Alma 56:41-57
19. On what was the courage of the stripling warriors based? In whom did they trust?



20. What caused confusion among Antipus’ army? How did they regain their focus?



21. List keys to the success of Helaman’s army. Was their survival a miracle? How can we use their example in fighting the forces of the adversary today?

Alma 50-53

Alma 50-53 Study Guide – to be discussed May 15
Day 1: Read Alma 50:1-23
1. Why do you think Moroni continued to build “places of security” (v.4) in a time of peace? How can we do this personally?



2. Why did Moroni’s armies increase daily?


3. What does Mormon list as causes of war and destruction? Why were the Nephites so happy in the 21st year of the reign of the judges? (See also Alma 49:30.)



Day 2: Read Alma 50:24-40
4. What was the cause of the “warm contention” between the people of Morianton and the people of Lehi?



5. What kind of a man was Morianton? Why was it so important for Moroni to keep Morianton from establishing his people in the land northward?



6. List the elements of the oath Pahoran took as new chief judge and governor over the Nephites.



Day 3: Read Alma 51:1-16; Alma 1:1
7. According to Alma 1:1, who established the laws governing the Nephites from the first year of the reign of the judges? How was the dispute between freemen and king-men resolved?



8. According to Alma 51:8, what class of people wanted a king and why?



9. What oath had Amalickiah sworn? Why were the king-men happy to hear about Amalickiah and his Lamanite army? What was Moroni’s reaction to the dissenters?



Day 4: Read Alma 51:17-37
10. How did the issues with King-men weaken the Nephites and leave them vulnerable? Can you think of ways internal dissention today might weaken a family? A ward? The Church? The country?



11. List the cities taken by the Lamanites. Where were they? Where did Teancum’s army pitch their tents?

12. Review highlights (lowlights?) of Amalickiah’s life in Alma 46:3-7, 16-19, 21-26, 31-35, Alma 48:1-2, Alma 49:10-11, Alma 51:9. Do you think he met a fitting end?



Day 5: Read Alma 52:1-18; D&C 38:11-12; D&C 109:24-28
13. Why do you think the blood-thirsty, ferocious Lamanite army was “affrighted” (terrified) on finding Amalickiah dead in his tent on New Year’s Day?



14. How did Teancum prepare for war? What additional help and counsel did Moroni send?



15. Where was Moroni’s army? Where was Teancum’s army? Do we ever face enemies on more than one “front” in our own lives? What wisdom can we take from these military leaders in dealing with problems that seem to come from all sides? (See also D&C 38:11-12 and D&C 109:24-28.)



Day 6: Read Alma 52:19-40
16. List ways in which we might follow the example to hold councils of war in our own lives.



BONUS: Draw a diagram of the Battle of Mulek, showing positions and/or movements of the city of Mulek, the army of Teancum, Moroni’s army, Jacob’s army, Lehi’s army, the east seashore, the wilderness on the west, and Bountiful.

17. How did Moroni regain Mulek and defeat the larger Lamanite army? What can we learn from his victory?



18. What happened to the Lamanite army when they were surrounded and lost their leader? What happens to a family when one of the parents loses faith, becomes inactive, or ceases to function in righteousness?



Day 7: Read Alma 53: Review Alma 24:11-16
19. Why did Moroni compel the Lamanite prisoners to bury the dead and build fortifications?



20. What happened because of “intrigue” and “dissentions” among the Nephites?



21. What kind of covenant had Ammon’s people taken at conversion? Why? What covenant did their sons make? Why? What do the Ammonites teach us about the importance of keeping our covenants?

Alma 46-49

Alma 46-49 Study Guide – to be discussed May 8
John Bytheway quote:
The scriptures contain many types and shadows of Christ, and my conviction is
that the story of Amalickiah provides us with the opposite – a type and shadow of Satan. Think of the
parallels! Amalickiah wanted to be king, he was cast out, and he took his followers with him.
Similarly, Satan wanted to “exalt [his] throne above the stars of God (2 Nephi 24:13), was cast out, and
took his followers with him. Amalickiah is described as cunning, flattering, and a murderer. Satan is
also described as cunning, flattering, and a murderer. Amalickiah poisoned Lehonti “by degrees.”
Satan leads us “carefully” or “by degrees” down to hell (2 Nephi 28:21). Amalickiah did “not care for
the blood of his people” (Alma 49:10). Satan will “not support his children at the last day (Alma 30:60).
Amalickiah succeeded in persuading the king of the Lamanites to attack the Nephites, but a large part of
the Lamanite army refused to fight the Nephites. They found refuge on top of the mount Antipas and
appointed Lehonti to be their leader. Three different times, Amalickiah invited Lehonti to come down
from the mountain. Lehonti refused each time. Eventually, Amalickiah went up, nearly to the camp of
Lehonti, and persuaded Lehonti to come down “just a little.” Amalickiah convinced Lehonti that he was
not really an enemy, but a friend who only wanted to be second in command. Eventually, Lehonti
agreed to Amalickiah’s scheme, and was unknowingly poisoned “by degrees” until he died. As Latter-
day Saints, we have gone up to the “mountain of the Lord” and made covenants. Satan continually
invites us to come down. We refuse. So he invites us to come down just a little. If we do, we subject
ourselves to his power where we will eventually be poisoned by degrees. If we are wounded by a
gunshot, or a sword, we know about it! But if we are slowly poisoned, we might not even realize it’s
happening. Poison is a perfect metaphor for Satan’s tactics, because a victim of poison may not even
realize what’s happening, and may still believe he’s in control up until the moment he dies. The spiritual
message is powerful and chilling – Don’t come down from your mountain! Keep your covenants!
Satan wants us to come down so he can poison us by degrees. (It’s interesting to note that Jesus was
invited to come down three times from the pinnacle of the temple, but he never did. See Matthew 4:1-
11).

Day 1: Alma 46:1-18; review Alma 43:45-57
1. What was Amalickiah’s goal? Why did the lower judges support him? How were others in the church swayed?



2. Identify six reasons the Nephites felt that going to war was justified (see also Alma 43:45-47).



3. What did Moroni do prior to presenting his Title of Liberty to the people?



BONUS: Write your own “Title of Liberty,” listing what you are willing to fight for.



Day 2: Read Alma 46:19-41; Genesis 37:3-4, 23-24,29-34; Genesis 45:3-7
4. What were the terms of the covenant made by those who were stirred to action by Moroni’s ensign? List the tokens of their covenant.



5. In what way(s) were the Nephites a “remnant” of the seed of Joseph? Why was Moroni’s torn coat such a powerful symbol? [Hugh Nibley in An Approach to the Book of Mormon wrote, “The rent garment of Joseph is the symbol both of his suffering and his divine deliverance, misfortune and preservation.”]



6. Where did Amalickiah go when he saw he was outnumbered? Why did Moroni try to intercept him?



Day 3: Read Alma 47:1-16; Matthew 4:1-11
7. Why do you think the king of the Lamanites did not imprison Amalickiah and his followers?


8. What made Amalickiah a good military leader? What made him a bad military leader?



9. Why did Lehonti, leader of the conscientious objectors, refuse to go down to meet with Amalickiah? What changed his mind?



BONUS: From Matthew 4:1-11, how many times did Satan invite Jesus to “come down”? How does Satan invite us to “come down” today?


Day 4: Read Alma 47:17-36
10. Compare Captain Moroni and Amalickiah by listing characteristics and goals of each leader (see also Alma 48:11-13, 16-18).


11. How did Amalickiah gain the hearts of the people and the hand of the queen?


12. Why do you think the Nephite dissenters became more hardened and impenitent, and more wild, wicked and ferocious than the Lamanites?


BONUS: How was Amalickiah’s poisoning “by degrees” similar to how Satan poisons people today?


Day 5: Read Alma 48
13. How did Amalickiah stir up hatred toward the Nephites? What was his ultimate goal, now that he had obtained kingship over the Lamanites?


14. Who did Amalickiah appoint as chief captains? Why? How did Moroni prepare his people?



15. If Amalickiah and his armies are types of Satan and his hosts, what can we learn from Captain Moroni about strengthening ourselves and our families against the powers of the adversary?



Day 6: Read Alma 49:1-15; Ether 12:25-28
16. In what month and year did the Lamanites march on the rebuilt city of Ammonihah? In what month and year would Satan most like to conquer young priesthood holders?


17. Why do you think Amalickiah did not lead his troops?


18. How can we make weak things become strong? (see also Ether 12:25-28)



Day 7: Read Alma 49:16-30
19. Why did the Lamanites attack Noah, in spite of their fears?



20. How many Lamanites were killed in their attempt to take the city of Noah? How many Nephites were killed? Why?


21. Who did Amalickiah blame for his losses? Who did the Nephites thank? Why did they enjoy peace and prosperity?

Alma 43-45

Alma 43-45 Study Guide – to be discussed May 1

Day 1: Read Alma 43:1-15; Alma 31:3

1. Why did Zarahemna appoint Amalekites and Zoramites as chief captains? What was his ultimate goal? How is Zarahemna a “type” of Satan?









2. Review Alma 31:3, 27:21-25, 35:8-13. In what city were the people of Ammon located in the 18th year of the reign of the judges? Where had the Lamanites gathered to prepare for war? Where were the Nephite armies gathered?







3. What do you think the phrase in verse 14, "obliged to contend" means?







Day 2: Read Alma 43:16-36; Ephesians 6:13-17

4. How old was Moroni when he was given command of all the Nephite armies? From Alma 43:19, what was the first strategy Moroni employed? Can you give an example of a modern application in our battles with Satan? (See also Ephesians 6:13-17.)







5. List further strategies employed by Moroni from Alma 43:23-26. Give modern applications.







6. On the back of this paper, or on a separate sheet, draw a simple diagram of the battle described in Alma 43:27-36. Include the river Sidon, the hill Riplah, and the locations and movements of all armies.





Day 3: Read Alma 43:37-54

7. What motivated the Lamanites to “fight like dragons”?







8. How did Moroni inspire his armies? What was the result of their united prayer?







9. Why did Moroni command his men to stop shedding blood?







Day 4: Read Alma 44:1-11

10. What evidence did Moroni cite regarding “the true faith of God”? What evidence do we have today?







11. What were the terms of Moroni’s proposed peace treaty?





12. Why did Zarahemna refuse to swear an oath of peace?





Day 5: Read Alma 44:12-24

13. What emotion moved Zarahemna to attack Moroni? Did his subsequent de-scalping and loss of forces change or intensify that emotion?







14. What eventually motivated Zarahemna and his followers to enter into a covenant of peace?







15. How did Moroni sow both justice and mercy in dealing with the Lamanites and dissenters?







Day 6: Read Alma 45:1-14

16. List the questions Alma asked Helaman in his personal priesthood interview.







17. What prophecies regarding the future of the Nephite kingdom did Alma command Helaman to record, but not make public? Why do you think these prophecies were not to be made known at that time?







18. From Alma 45:12, what was to be the cause of the Nephites’ eventual downfall?







Day 7: Read Alma 45:15-24

19. What did Alma do before he left Zarahemla? Do you think he knew he wasn’t coming back?







20. Why was it necessary for Helaman and his brethren to travel throughout the land, reestablishing the church and preaching the gospel?







21. In spite of their efforts, what symptoms of the “Nephite Disease” were evident as described at the end of Alma 45?









BONUS: Choose one verse from Alma’s writings (Alma 1-44) that especially touched you in this reading.

Alma 39-42

Alma 39-42 Study Guide – to be discussed April 17 (No class April 10 due to Poway Unified spring break.)
Day 1: Read Alma 39:1-9 with headnote; 3 Nephi 12:28-30
OVERVIEW QUESTION: Find Corianton’s four questions (as his father said he perceived them) in Alma 39:16-17, 40:1, 41:1 and 42:1. Rewrite these four questions in your own words.




1. In Alma’s counsel to his son Corianton, he reviewed the steps leading up to Corianton’s act of immorality. List at least four of those steps and relate them to how we might put ourselves in danger today.



2. From Alma 39:5, what did Alma tell Corianton he must know in order to begin the repentance process?


3. Read 3 Nephi 12:28-30 and JST Matthew 16:26 with Alma 39:9. What do you think it means to “cross yourself”? (Hint: see the footnote for Alma 39:9b.)



Day 2: Read Alma 39:10-19; Jacob 4:4-6
4. How did Corianton’s choices affect more than just himself?



5. List further steps in the repentance process as outlined by Alma in these verses.



6. According to the note at the bottom of page 307 in your Book of Mormon, about what year was it when Alma gave this counsel? Why was it important to teach the coming of Christ so many years before it happened?



Day 3: Read Alma 40:1-14; D&C 138:11-23
7. Why do you think Corianton was worried about the resurrection?



8. What did Alma know concerning the resurrection? What did he NOT know?



9. After reading D&C 138:11-23, why do you think the righteous will be happy in the spirit world? Why will the wicked be miserable?



Day 4: Read Alma 40:15-26; D&C 76:50-70; Psalm 75:7-8
10. What is the meaning of the term “the first resurrection”? (see also D&C 76:50-70)
11. To what state will all things be restored in the resurrection?



12. Having explained the universal resurrection of mankind, Alma ended chapter 40 with a description of the “awful death” of the wicked. In what ways will the wicked be dead? What are the “dregs of a bitter cup”?



Day 5: Read Alma 41:1-15
13. By what two things will we be judged? What do you think Alma meant when he said we are our own judges? (v.7)



14. What is the nature of the happiness described by Alma in verses 5, 10 and 11? If “wickedness never was happiness” (v.10), why are some very wicked people quite happy with their lives?



15. How did Alma define the word “restoration”? List what Alma expected Corianton to DO now that he understood the law of restoration.



Extra credit readings on the resurrection: D&C 133:54-55, D&C 88:97-102, D&C 101:31.
Day 6: Read Alma 42:1-15
16. In Alma 42:4, Alma again referred to this life as a probationary time. What two things did he say we are to do here?



17. In reference to this passage of scripture, President Harold B. Lee asked, “Can you think of a more tragic experience than to have an earth with no mortal death…?” (See The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ch. 2.) What do you think he meant by this? What two kinds of death were brought about by the Fall?



18. What evidence do we have that God is perfectly just and merciful?



Day 7: Read Alma 42:16-31
19. What gift could not be extended to us if there were no law and no punishment? Why?


20. How is remorse of conscience a blessing?



21. Review Alma 42, looking at the phrase “God would cease to be God” in verses 13, 22 and 25. Although Alma is using hyperbole, what is the condition, in each case, under which, if possible, God’s very power and authority would be in question? How does this speak to Corianton’s question, as perceived by Alma at the beginning of this chapter?

Alma 36-38 Study Guide

Alma 36-38 Study Guide – to be discussed April 3
Day 1: Read Alma 36:1-16, with headnote; Proverbs 1:7; 2 Corinthians 7:8-11
1. List Alma’s instructions to his son Helaman from Alma 36:1-3. What reason(s) did Alma give for his counsel?



2. According to Proverbs 1:7, what is the fear of the Lord? How did fear open the door to spiritual knowledge for Alma? Is faith necessary for this kind of fear?



3. What was the source of Alma’s exquisite pain and inexpressible horror? How long was he racked with these pains? Were they physical? Spiritual? Emotional?


BONUS: Read 2 Corinthians 7:8-11. What indications do we have that Alma’s sorrow was “Godly” sorrow?


Day 2: Read Alma 36:17-30
4. Whose words became Alma’s seed of faith when he was in that awful state? What did he DO to exercise or nourish that seed?


5. List the results of Alma’s experiment upon the word.




6. By what power was Alma delivered from spiritual captivity, or from the bondage of sin?


BONUS: Alma recorded in verse 19 that he could no longer remember his pains, and yet he recalled them in his counsel to his son Helaman. What do you think he meant when he said he could remember them no more?


EXTRA CREDIT: Compare the last three verses of Alma 36 with the first two verses. Underline or note words, phrases or thoughts that are repeated. Now work your way to the middle of the chapter, from both ends, finding words or thoughts that mirror each other. What is Alma’s central or pivotal point, framed toward the middle of this chapter?


Day 3: Read Alma 37:1-12; D&C 64:33; D&C 123:16-17
7. As Alma continued his counsel to Helaman, he entrusted five sacred relics into Helaman’s care. Name the first two of these relics as listed in the first few verses of this chapter. Why was the proper care and keeping of these relics so important to Alma? To us?


8. Read Alma 37:6-7 with D&C 64:33 and D&C 123:16-17. What do you think Alma meant when he talked about “small and simple things”?


9. List the proofs given by Alma as evidence of the power of keeping sacred records.
Day 4: Read Alma 37:13-20; D&C 82:3; D&C 1:38
10. What did Alma want Helaman to remember?


11. What was the strict warning if Helaman failed in his stewardship? Read also D&C 82:3. Are we under the same obligation?


12. Read D&C 1:38. What promises are associated with faithful keeping of sacred records?


Day 5: Read Alma 37:21-32
13. From Alma 37:21, what were the third and fourth sacred relics consigned to Helaman? What did Alma say regarding his reasons for including them?



14. What happened, ultimately, to the Jaredites (see chapter heading for Ether 15)? Why do you think Alma entreated Helaman to keep the fate of the Jaredite nation in the memories of his people?



15. Unto whom is this land cursed?


Day 6: Read Alma 37:33-47; Hebrews 11:16
16. From Alma 37:32-37, list first what Helaman was instructed to TEACH, then list what Alma told him to DO.



17. Name the fifth sacred relic entrusted to Helaman. What do the five sacred items have in common?


18. Read Hebrews 11:16 with Alma 37:45. What is the “far better land of promise” for which this and all promised lands are a type? How do we get there?


Day 7: Read Alma 38 with headnote
19. From Alma 38:1-3, list qualities Alma saw in his son Shiblon.



20. What did Alma want Shiblon to remember?



21. In what was Alma’s testimony rooted? List elements of the powerful testimony he bore.



BONUS: What counsel did Alma give to both Helaman and Shiblon?

Alma 33-35

Alma 33-35 Study Guide – to be discussed March 27 (Note: No class March 20 due to SD Schools spring break)
Day 1: Read Alma 33:1-11; Psalm 29:1-2; 2 Nephi 25:29
1. What questions did the more humble Zoramites pose after hearkening to Alma’s discourse on experimenting upon the word?


2. From Alma 33:2, what is the first thing Alma suggested we do in order to exercise faith, or plant the seed?


EXTRA CREDIT: According to verse 3, what is a major part of worship? After reading Ps. 29:1-2 and 2 Nephi 25:29, what else does worship include?


3. List the mercies of God as expressed in Zenos’ heartfelt prayer. From verse 11, why is God so merciful?



BONUS: Update or rewrite the mercies you just listed so that they reflect modern situations.



Day 2: Read Alma 33:12-23; 1 Nephi 17:40-42; Numbers 21:5-9
4. Which of the ancient prophets did Alma quote as witnesses of Christ? What do we know about the first two?



5. Read 1 Nephi 17:40-42 and Numbers 21:5-9 with Alma 33:19-20. What was the “type” of Christ spoken of in Alma 33:19? Why were some Israelites not healed? How did this story motivate the Zoramites to begin the experiment on the word?



6. In what did Alma suggest the Zoramites should “begin to believe” in answer to one of their questions? How did this also answer their question about the nature of God? (Note: where you see the term, “begin to…” insert the phrase “plant the seed of….”)



BONUS: According to Alma 33:23, what is the ultimate reward of nourishing the tree?


Day 3: Read Alma 34:1-8
7. Whose words are recorded in Alma 34? What are the “great” questions he addressed in this chapter?


8. Why should the Zoramites have understood the doctrine of Christ prior to Alma’s discourse? Why didn’t they?



9. As a second witness to Alma’s teachings, how did Amulek verify? How did he testify?


Day 4: Read Alma 34:9-16; 2 Nephi 9:6-8
10. What does “expedient” mean? Why was it expedient that a great and last sacrifice be made?



11. Are the sins of this world infinite? Why did Christ’s atonement need to be infinite and eternal?



12. List the “intents” of the atoning sacrifice.



Day 5: Read Alma 34:17-27; Hebrews 7:22-28
13. What is one way to “begin to exercise your faith unto repentance”?


14. Why do you think these prayerful injunctions were translated as “cry” instead of “pray”? What are we told to cry to the Father AGAINST in verse 22 (see also v.23)?


15. What does Alma 34:26 imply regarding the intensity of our personal prayers?



BONUS: Read Hebrews 7:22-28 and D&C 45:3-5 with Alma 34:17-18. What qualifies Jesus to be our intercessor with the Father?


Day 6: Read Alma 34:28-41; D&C 130:23
16. What is the relationship between charitable service and prayer?



17. What is one of the purposes of this life? List warnings and promises associated with this counsel.



18. List further examples of planting the word in verses 38-41. What is the promise if we do these things?



Day 7: Read Alma 35
19. Why were the “popular” Zoramites angry about the preaching they had heard? What did they do to the “believers”?


20. How did the people of Ammon receive the poor Zoramites?



21. What caused Alma to be sorrowful?

Alma 31-32

Alma 31-32 Study Guide – to be discussed March 13
Day 1: Read Alma 31:1-11 (Note: In the 1830 edition of the Book of Mormon, our chapters 30 and 31 were one chapter.)
1. Who were the Zoramites and where did they live? Why did Alma want to preach to them?



2. Who did Alma take with him on his missionary journey to the Zoramites?



3. What “errors” had the Zoramites fallen into?



Day 2: Read Alma 31:12-23; Luke 18:9-14; 2 Corinthians 10:17-18
4. List the false doctrines included in the Zoramites’ weekly prayer.




5. Underline each “we,” “our” and “us” in the Zoramite prayer. Who was really being “worshipped” in the Zoramite’s synagogues?


6. Read the parable in Luke 18:9-14. How were the Zoramites like the Pharisees in Christ’s day? How can we avoid the “Zoramite Disease” today?



Day 3: Read Alma 31:24-38
7. List the things Alma tells us the Zoramites’ hearts were set upon, or swallowed up in.




8. For what, specifically, did Alma ask in his emotional prayer?



9. How was Alma’s prayer answered?



BONUS: Read Alma 31:35 with D&C 18:10-13. Why is the worth of souls great in God’s sight?



Day 4: Read Alma 32:1-12; Matthew 5:3; Matthew 13:3-8; D&C 101:8
10. Where did Alma and his brethren teach the Zoramites? Among whom did they have the most success?


11. Read Matthew 5:3 with footnote b. In what ways were the “poor” Zoramites poor? In what ways were they rich?



12. What question did the humble Zoramites bring to Alma? Why did this fill him with great joy?



BONUS: Read the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:3-8, with D&C 101:8. What kind of preparation had yielded good soil among the Zoramites?


Day 5: Read Alma 32:13-26; Hebrews 11:1; Ether 12:6
13. According to Alma 32:13, to what does humility lead? What is better than compulsive humility?



14. Alma, having found good ground, began to plant seeds of faith among the humble Zoramites. What did he say about the relationship between knowledge and faith? Between faith and hope?



15. Read Hebrews 11:1 (with footnote b), and Ether 12:6 with Alma 32:21. If faith is the first principle of the gospel, what is the first principle of faith?



Day 6: Read Alma 32:27-33; Joshua 1:8; 2 Nephi 32:3; John 5:39
16.What seed did Alma suggest we plant in our hearts in order to strengthen our faith? What does it mean to “give place” for this seed?



17. List the signs of a good seed.



18. How can we put Alma’s “experiment” to the test in our own lives?



Day 7: read Alma 32:34-43
19. In horticulture, what is the role of light in seed development? What does Alma say about light?



20. Count the number of times Alma said we must “nourish” the tree in order for it to take root. How can we nourish the word?


21. Review 1 Nephi 11:20-25. What does the tree represent? The fruit?

Alma 27-30

Alma 27-30 Study Guide – to be discussed March 6
Day 1: Read Alma 27:1-15; Review Alma 24:20, 28, Alma 25:1-3
1. Review Alma 24:20, 28 and Alma 25:1-3. Who did the Amalekites want to destroy first? Next? And again in Alma 27:1-2? Why do you think they were so angry? (See also Alma 27:12.)



2. Why was the king of the Lamanites willing to die and allow his people to perish rather than impose upon the mercy of the Nephites?



3. What was the Lord’s instruction to Ammon regarding the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi? What was his promise?




Day 2: Read Alma 27:16-30; Alma 17:1
4. Review Alma 17:1. When Ammon and his brethren met Alma on the road to Zarahemla, Ammon was overcome with joy. Were his troubles over after spending 14 years as a missionary? Why were the old friends so filled with joy?



5. What was the decision of the Nephite people regarding the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi?



6. Where was the land of Jershon? Why do you think this land was chosen for the people of Ammon?



Day 3: Read Alma 28
7. How is the battle that took place in the 15th year of the reign of the judges described? Do you think the Nephites could have avoided war by refusing to defend the people of Ammon?



8. According to Alma 28:6, what did the Nephites’ mourning lead to?


BONUS: Read D&C 42:45. How does this perspective explain Alma 28:11-12?


9. Alma 28 ends with two verses that begin, “And thus we see….” What are the lessons we are to gain from this story?



Day 4: Read Alma 29
10. Why did Alma say he sinned in his wish to cry repentance to every people? How has his wish been granted in the latter days?

11. In what did Alma glory?


12. What did Alma remember? (See also Mosiah 27:16 for one reason WHY he remembered this.)



BONUS: Do you think Alma’s wish to be an angel was influenced by his previous encounters with an angel?


Day 5: Read Alma 30:1-20; Deuteronomy 13:6-8
13. What patterns of behavior among the Nephites brought peace for nearly two years?



14. List the doctrines Korihor preached. What kind of success did Korihor have in Zarahemla? In Jershon? (See also Deut. 13:6-8.)



15. Compare Alma 30:13 with Alma 30:28; Alma 30:15 with Alma 30:40; Alma 30:18 with Alma 30:53. Give an example from each comparison that illustrates the principle that wickedness does not promote rational thought.



Day 6: Read Alma 30:21-42
16. Korihor claimed the people of the Lord were in bondage to what? What was the flaw in his logic? The irony?


17. How did Giddonah and the chief judge in Gideon deal with Korihor’s blasphemy?


18. What weapons did Alma use in fighting Korihor’s lies?




Day 7: Read Alma 30: 43-60; D&C 88:42-47
19. List the “signs” Alma offered as witnesses to support the existence of God.




20. How was the sign the Lord gave Korihor fitting to his request and his personality? From Korihor’s amazing confession in vv. 52-53, list the steps in Korihor’s apostasy.




21. Why wouldn’t Alma reverse the curse? (See also D&C 121:18-20.) We have two more “And thus we see…” phrases in v. 60. What does the story of Korihor illustrate?

Alma 24-26

Alma 24-26 Study Guide – to be discussed February 28
Day 1: Read Alma 24:1-16
1. What was at the root of the contentions leading to war among Lamanite factions? Why did the king command the new converts not to prepare for war?



2. List the things for which the king said he was thankful.



3. What did the bright swords of the Lamanites represent? Why did they need to be buried DEEP?



Day 2: Read Alma 24:17-30
4. Were the people of Anti-Nephi-Lehi more concerned with their souls or their lives? From Alma 24:18, list three parts of their covenant with the Lord.



5. What were the two goals of the Lamanite army? What caused some of them to repent?



6. What is one of the lessons of chapter 24, as summarized by Mormon in verse 30?



Day 3: Read Alma 25:1-12; Mormon 4:5
7. What inflamed the anger of the Lamanites toward the Nephites? How was this manifested?



8. Read Mormon 4:5, Alma 15:15. What kind of people lived in Ammonihah? What kind of people destroyed them?


9. What was the final disposition of the descendants of Amulon and the wicked priests of Noah?



Day 4: Read Alma 25:13-17; Moses 5:4-9; Exodus 12:1-14; Galatians 3:24
10. As more Lamanites buried their weapons, this literal and symbolic action became a token of what covenant?



11. Why did the converted Lamanites keep the Law of Moses?


12. Read Moses 5:4-9; Exodus 12:1-14 and Galatians 3:24. How was the Law of Moses designed to increase faith in Christ?
Day 5: Read Alma 26:1-15
13. What two blessings did Ammon rejoice over in Alma 26:3? How were these blessings related?



14. Using the extended metaphor in Alma 26:5-7, what does the sickle represent? The sheaves? The garners? The storms? How did Ammon feel about his brethren the Lamanites?


15. Did Ammon sound boastful to you? Why or why not?



Day 6: Read Alma 26:16-26; Jeremiah 9:23-24
16. Read Jeremiah 9:23-24 with Alma 26:16. What do you think it means to “glory in the Lord”? How is joy a byproduct of praise?



17. What evidence did Ammon give of the profound power of God’s mercy?



18. In accepting a call to preach repentance to the Lamanites, how did the sons of Mosiah help bring physical as well as spiritual salvation to the Lamanites? What did they do for their own people?



BONUS: According to Alma 26:22, what is the pattern for the penitent who wish to understand God’s mysteries and bring souls to repentance?



Day 7: Read Alma 26:27-37
19. List the afflictions suffered by the sons of Mosiah and their brethren in preaching among the Lamanites.



20. What quality among the converted Lamanites served as a witness of the sincerity of their changed hearts?




21. From Alma 26:35-37, list the characteristics and attributes of God, which caused Ammon to rejoice.




BONUS: Go back over Alma 26, underlining each time you find the word “rejoice” or “joy” What brought Ammon joy?

Alma 21-23

Alma 21-23 Study Guide – to be discussed February 21

Day 1: Read Alma 21:1-11 (with headnote to chapter 21); Mosiah 23:30-34, 24:1
1. What three groups occupied the land of Jerusalem? Review Mosiah 23:30-34, 24:1. Who were the people of Amulon? Approximately how long had thy lived with the Lamanites prior to Aaron’s arrival?



2. What did the Amalekites believe? What did they NOT believe?



3. How did the people in Jerusalem react to Aaron’s preaching?



BONUS: Read 3 Nephi 9:7. What eventually happened to the Lamanite city of Jerusalem? What similarities can you think of between the Old World Jerusalem and the New World Jerusalem?



Day 2: Read Alma 21:12-23; D&C 134:4
4. What happened to Aaron and his brethren in Middoni? Were they discouraged?



5. How did Lamoni put his faith into action on returning to Ishmael?



6. Read D&C 134:4. Why is it critical that people have freedom to worship according to the dictates of their own consciences?



Day 3: Read Alma 22:1-11
7. Why was Lamoni’s father interested in what Aaron and his brethren had to say? What was troubling him?



8. What kind of foundation for faith had the Amalekites unwittingly laid?



9. What did the king already believe about the nature of God and His dealings with the Lamanites’ ancestors?



Day 4: Read Alma 22:12-20
10. What did Aaron teach Lamoni’s father? Do you think his teaching that “the sting of death should be swallowed up in the hopes of glory” might have been especially sweet to the king? Why or why not?
11. What did the king offer to give up in verse 15 order to know joy and hope? By verse 18 what was he willing to give up?



PERSONAL: What are you willing to place on the altar in order to have redemption and a fullness of joy?


12. Why do you think the queen was determined to have Aaron killed?



Day 5: Read Alma 22:21-35
13. Whose words allayed the fears of the queen, the royal servants and the people assembled?


14. What physically separated the Lamanites and the Nephites? How might this be a “type”?



15. What precaution had the Nephites taken to assure their deliverance from the Lamanites in times of war?



Day 6: Read Alma 23:1-7
16. What was stipulated in the king’s proclamation regarding the sons of Mosiah?



17. What was the result of this one proclamation?



18. How many less-active members were there among the converted Lamanites?


Day 7: Read Alma 23:8-18
19. Why was there only one convert among the Amalekites and none among the Amulonites?



20. Why did the converted Lamanites want a new name? (See also Mosiah 1:11.)



21. Review 2 Nephi 30:5-6. Why was the curse of separation from God lifted from the converted Lamanites?
Is this also a “type”?



BONUS: What were the positive results of large-scale conversion?

Alma 18-20

Alma 18-20 Study Guide – to be discussed February 14
Day 1: Read Alma 18:1-14
1. List the things Lamoni’s servants KNEW about Ammon.



2. What were the “traditions” of Lamoni’s fathers?


3. Why was Lamoni so impressed with Ammon? How did Ammon’s example open the door for serious dialogue?



Day 2: Read Alma 18:15-32; D&C 100:5-8
BONUS: Read D&C 100:5-8 with Alma 18:16. What is the promise to all who teach in meekness? What is meekness?

4. How did Ammon describe himself in Alma 18:17? What commitment did he make to Lamoni? In spite of Ammon’s humble declarations, what were Lamoni’s first questions in verse 18?



5. What was Lamoni’s promise to Ammon in Alma 18:21? What was the desire of Ammon’s heart? How is he described in Alma 18:22?



6. With what did Ammon begin in teaching Lamoni the truths of the gospel?


Day 3: Read Alma 18:33-43
7. How did Ammon explain his extraordinary abilities?


8. In order for Ammon to be able to expound the plan of salvation and relate scriptures and records, what kind of preparation must he have had?


9. What was King Lamoni’s reaction to Ammon’s teaching? Why?



BONUS: Review Alma 18 and list or underline each example of Ammon offering service.


Day 4: Read Alma 19:1-18; D&C 46:13-14
10. What might Ammon have been doing during the two days and two nights when Lamoni was mourned and lay in state? How did Ammon again demonstrate he was “wise yet harmless”?



11. What was the nature of the queen’s faith? In other words, on what was her faith based? See also D&C 46:13-14.

12. What evidence do we have that there were isolated individuals among the Lamanites who looked forward to Christ? How had the Lord made himself known to these Lamanites?



Day 5: Read Alma 19:19-36; 3 Nephi 11:29
13. What explanations were offered by the people as to why Lamoni and his court lay unconscioius? Were any of their theories correct? Who is usually behind contention? (see 3 Nephi 11:29)



14. How did Abish take the situation in hand?


15. Who was the first one to preach openly among the people? What was the result of this preaching?


BONUS: What lesson from this event did Mormon point out in Alma 19:36?


Day 6: Read Alma 20:1-13; Review Alma 17:19
16. Review Alma 17:19. Over what land was Lamoni king? Over what land did Lamoni’s father rule? Why did the Lord tell Ammon to go to Middoni?



17. Why did Lamoni go with Ammon to Middoni?


18. What false traditions did Lamoni’s father believe? Does this sound like racial profiling to you?



Day 7: Read Alma 20:14-30
19. Was it possible for Lamoni’s father to feel the Spirit when he was angry? Why was it better for Lamoni to die than his father?



20. What did the king offer if Ammon would spare his life? Had Ammon turned down a similar offer before? What did Ammon request? What additional blessing did his father bestow on Lamoni?



21. Why do you think Aaron, Muloki and Ammah were not miraculously released from their bonds in the same manner as Alma and Amulek (Alma 14:26-28)?


BONUS: Which of Ammon’s qualities seems to have changed Lamoni’s father’s attitude and opened the door to conversion?

Alma 15-17

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.

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?

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?

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.

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?”)

Alma 1-3: to be discussed December 6

Alma 1-3 Study Guide – to be discussed December 6
Day 1: Read Alma 1:1-14; Review Mosiah 19:4-8, 22:3-9; 2 Nephi 26:29; Topical Guide “Priestcraft”; Bible Dictionary “Antichrist”
1. What false doctrine had the man brought before Alma (Nehor) been teaching? Why do you think people were willing to pay him for his preaching?



2. What do we know about Gideon? (Review Mosiah 19:4-8, 22:3-9.) What weapon did Gideon wield? Do you think, even in his advanced years, he went down quietly?



3. Look up “Priestcraft” in the Topical Guide. What other entries are referenced and how do they define this destructive practice? (See also 2 Nephi 26:29.) Why do you think Alma said that if priestcraft was enforced it would bring destruction?
For EXTRA CREDIT, look up “Antichrist” in the Bible Dictionary. Who is the great antichrist?



BONUS: Which of Nehor’s teachings are taught in the world today?


Day 2: Read Alma 1:15-33
4. Why didn’t the death of Nehor and his last-minute confession put an end to the spreading of priestcraft? What kind of persecution did Nehor’s followers exact? Did church members fight back?



5. How did the members of the true church in Alma’s day take care of one another? What was the result?



6. List the iniquities of the dissenters. Which of these sins were punishable by law? Which one attitude seems to have been the source of all the other sins?



Day 3: Read Alma 2:1-15
7. What made Amlici dangerous? Why do you think his followers wanted to make him their king?



8. How did the Amlicites react when their candidate lost the election? Use footnote 9a to explain by what authority the Amlicites consecrated their king.



9. Where did the Amlicites gather their forces for attack?



Day 4: Read Alma 2:16-28; D&C 38:11-12; D&C 109:24-26
10. Who led the Nephites in battle? List casualties for both sides.



11. What was Alma’s strategy for preserving his people? Can you liken this strategy to ways we can protect ourselves against the hosts of Satan today? For EXTRA CREDIT use D&C 38:11-12, 109:24-26.



12. Why were the Nephites able to overcome the more numerous combined forces of the enemy? Are we ever really outnumbered? (See again D&C 38:11-12, 109:24-26.)



Day 5: Read Alma 2:29-38
13. What motivated Alma when he was in the throes of battle with the enemy?


14. What kind of leadership skills did the Lamanite king exhibit?


15. Draw a map showing Zarahemla, the river Sidon, the hill Amnihu (v.15), the land Minon (v.24), the valley of Gideon (v.26), and the wilderness of Hermounts. Mark where the two battles took place (Alma 2:17-19 and 2:27-34).


BONUS: Go back over Alma 2 and mark every place where the word “strength” or “strengthen(ed)” is used. What is the message of this chapter?

Day 6: Read Alma 3:1-12; Revelation 13:16, 14:1; 1Nephi 2:23, 2Nephi 5:21-25
16. List what was destroyed in the war with the Amlicites and Lamanites.



17. How and why did the Amlicites mark themselves? See also Revelation 13:16, 14:1.



18. Why had the Lord set a mark upon the Lamanites? See also 1Nephi 2:23, 2Nephi 5:21-25.



Day 7: Read Alma 3:13-27; D&C 10:26; Alma 30:60; John 8:34; Romans 6:23
19. How was the mark the Amlicites gave themselves a fulfillment of prophecy? How do people give themselves “marks” today?


20. How many wars had the Nephites fought during the first five years of the reign of the judges?

21. How do we receive “wages,” either from God or from the adversary? What are the wages of sin? See also D&C 10:26; Alma 30:60; John 8:34; Romans 6:23.