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.
BOOK OF MORMON STUDY GUIDES
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Monday, April 7, 2008
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?
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?
Thursday, March 27, 2008
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?
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
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?
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?
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
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?
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?
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
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?
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?
Thursday, February 21, 2008
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?
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?
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?
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
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?
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?
Monday, February 4, 2008
Video Clips of Interest
FAIR (Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research) has posted some video clips on You Tube that touch on topics we have recently discussed. If you are interested in viewing these clips, please check them out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNt2aE_UM8g (Coins and The Book of Mormon) and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFZ0TOXNF9c&feature=related (The Book of Mormon and Temples). These are short clips giving the views of prominent Book of Mormon scholars - but are not produced by the Church. You can cut and paste these URLs into your browser, or click on the highlighted text here.
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