CFM: June 24–30
Videos, Podcasts, & Weekly Lesson Material
Media | Lesson Extension |
|---|---|
Scripture Central | |
Follow Him | |
Line Upon Line | |
Teaching with Power | |
Don't Miss This | |
Book of Mormon Matters with John W Welch and Lynne Hilton Wilson | |
Unshaken | Alma 13-16 |
The Interpreter Foundation | |
Teaching Helps with John Hilton | |
Scripture Gems | Alma 13-16 - not yet posted |
Come Follow Up | |
The Scriptures Are Real | Alma 13-16 |
Latter Day Kids | Alma 13-16 |
Scripture Explorers | Alma 13-16 |
Alma 13-16 | |
Talking Scripture | |
Saving Talents: Devotionals & FHE for Children | |
Grounded with Barbara Morgan | |
Our Mothers Knew It | |
Resources and Insights for this Week's Lesson
The Book of Mormon: A Cultural and Religious Dialogue
Last week, I was not able to offer any commentary about the material due to time constraints. So there are just a few things that I would like to highlight from last week that shed some light on the material we are studying this week.
Parallels Between Alma and Amulek's Story in Alma 8-16 and Lot's Story
The narrative of Alma and Amulek in Alma 8-16 shares several thematic and symbolic parallels with the biblical story of Lot and his family. By examining these connections, one can better understand the significance of some of the underlying messages.
Ammonihah: Significance of the Name
In Hebrew, the name "Ammon" means "the village/tribe of the people," and as we have seen many times throughout our studies, in Hebrew, many times there are inherent lesson embedded into names, and when the writer specifically highlights it, one should pay attention. Although we do not know who the Nephite Ammonihah was that Moroni was referring to, there are some connections to Biblical history that might offer some valuable perspective.
In the Bible, the Ammonites were known as bitter rivals with the Israelites, The Ammonites were said to be descendants of Lot, the child of the Lot's daughter, who was accused of getting her father drunk to conceive a child (Genesis 19:38). Scholars suggest that this story may have been propaganda to demonize the Canaanite Ammonites and Moabites, in an effort to separate the communities and keep them from interacting. Although these communities shared a similar language and Abrahamic ancestral lineage with the Hebraic family, the Ammonites did not get along with the Israelites. They were known for their violent nature and idolatrous worship. Given that the Nephites possessed the Brass Plates, it is highly likely they were familiar with the history and characteristics of the Ammonites. This awareness may be reflected in Moroni's intentional use of the word "village" in his descriptions, particularly in the name Ammonihah, which carries connotations of hostility, corruption, and idolatry. By highlighting the name Ammonihah, Moroni may have been setting the stage to draw significant parallels to the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, foreshadowing the events that would soon unfold.
Parallels of Significance
Angels and Messengers
In both narratives, divine messengers play crucial roles:
Lot's Story: Angels are sent to Lot in Sodom to warn him of the impending destruction due to the city's wickedness.
Alma and Amulek's Story: Alma receives divine instruction to return to Ammonihah, where he is joined by Amulek, who has also been prepared by God to assist in the missionary work.
Recognition and Hospitality
Both Lot and Amulek recognize and show hospitality to these divine messengers:
Lot: Recognizes the angels, takes them into his home, feeds them, and protects them from the hostile crowd.
Amulek: Recognizes Alma as a prophet and invites him into his home, offering him food and shelter.
Protection and Defense
In both stories, the righteous individuals stand up for the messengers:
Lot: Defends the angels against the mob that seeks to harm them.
Amulek: Defends Alma before the corrupt leaders and people of Ammonihah, facing persecution and suffering as a result.
Imminent Destruction
Both communities face imminent destruction due to their wickedness:
Sodom and Gomorrah: Destroyed by divine judgment because of their great sin.
Ammonihah: Destroyed by the Lamanites as prophesied by Alma, fulfilling the divine warning given to the people if they did not repent.
Divine Deliverance
Some righteous individuals experience divine deliverance, others receive eternal rewards:
Lot: Guided out of the city by the angels, spared from the destruction.
Alma and Amulek: Miraculously delivered from prison through divine intervention, symbolizing God’s protection over His righteous servants, although many innocent and righteous individuals are killed as martyrs.
Witness of Divine Justice
The destruction in both stories serves as a witness of divine justice:
Sodom and Gomorrah: The total destruction of the cities serves as a powerful testament to God's judgment against sin.
Ammonihah: The city’s destruction stands as a testament to the fulfillment of prophecy and the consequences of rejecting divine warnings.
Repentance and Missionary Efforts
Both accounts highlight the importance of repentance and the efforts of the righteous to call people to repentance:
Lot: Though his pleas are ultimately unheeded by the people of Sodom, his actions underscore the necessity of righteousness amidst a corrupt society.
Alma and Amulek: Despite facing severe opposition, they continue to preach repentance, leading to the conversion and salvation of some individuals.
The Mission:
Alma's mission to Ammonihah included the following purposes:
To protect the Nephites from those in Ammonihah who were actively studying ways to destroy the liberty of the people. (Alma 8:17)
To rescue and recruit Amulek
To teach about the Holy Order as it pertained to the Plan of Salvation and the imminent coming of Jesus Christ.
Let's examine some of the ways in which we see this mission unfold:
Names & Mission:
Alma:
In a previous lesson, we discussed the meaning of Alma's name, and how in later cultural adaptations, the name Alma reflected the concept of a teacher, or one who illuminates light, getting to the heart and soul of whatever he teaches. And we see this exemplified in the chapters we are studying in these lessons.
Arabic interpretation: عَلِمَ means "to know, have knowledge, be cognizant and aware. It can also mean "to teach, instruct, educate, and train."
Latin translation: Alma is translated as anima- or animus, which is where we get the word animate, and this denotes the concept of being able to relate and express the innermost part of something, and can also be interpreted as the "soul, conscience, intellect, "breath of life," spirit, motive, reason, etc."
Amulek:
In last week's lesson, we were introduced to Amulek. This name is quite interesting when we examine it in Hebrew, the name Ha Malach means "the angel," and this name is used in reference to the angel that was sent to protect Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace (an interesting association in context with this week's material). We also see this term used to describe the angel sent to save Daniel from the lions den. This word also means messenger, and it describes the two messengers that were sent to warn Lot and his family prior to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
The root of the name Amulek is מלך (mem-lamed-kaph), which denotes a king or the concept of kingship. We can see this root reflected in the malakim, the messengers or angels who were sent to Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and even Alma. These angels were all sent or dispatched by Melek Tzaddik, or the The "King of Righteousness," as this name would be translated into English, who is Jesus Christ. We will come back to this topic in more detail shortly.
In Chapter 10 Amulek provides some details regarding his genealogy and personal background. He describes interesting tidbits in his descriptions of his descendants that trace back to Nephi. These ancestors have colorful stories of their own, which are sadly,only briefly mentioned, such as Aminadi, who was widely known for interpreting writings that were written by the finger of God on the walls of the temple. Mark Herre gives some fantastic insights on the story of Amindai in post that he shared on the Come Follow Me Principle Challenge Facebook Page. It is titled, "What is meant by the phrase, The writing on the Wall?"
Amulek's background, actions, and example demonstrate many aspects of kingship. His is a man of affluence, and has a noble lineage of prestige. Amulek openly acknowledges his wealth and high status in Alma 10:4, where he describes himself as a man of no small reputation who has acquired many riches through his business endeavors. This affluence establishes him as a prominent and influential figure in Ammonihah.
However, while the attributes of wealth and political position, do place Amulek in a stately position, it is his character and wisdom that sets Amulek apart as a man of distinction. Despite his initial reluctance, Amulek exhibits wisdom in recognizing Alma’s prophetic mission and aligning himself with it. His decision to support Alma, even at great personal risk, demonstrates his discernment and commitment to righteousness.
Amulek shows immense courage by standing up against the corrupt leaders of Ammonihah. He boldly defends Alma and openly testifies of his own conversion and divine calling, displaying leadership qualities reminiscent of a king who champions truth and justice. Amulek suffered tremendous and tragic personal losses while standing for truth and righteousness. Alma 14:8 reveals the haunting and harsh realities faced by many witnesses of the faith. In fact, the term witness, is a translation of the the Greek word martyria, which is where we get the English word for martyr. Alma and Amulek watched in horror as their own families and loved ones were tortured and consumed by flames. They saw angry mobs throw their sacred records and scriptures into the fire, likely including their genealogies and possibly the records translated by Amulek's grandfather, Aminadi, which may be why we don't have that story recorded int he Book of Mormon. How many stories and testimonies of God's truths have been lost and destroyed in similar ways? This calls to mind the countless examples of book burnings and artifact destructions that have occurred throughout history, and are sadly even occurring to this day, all driven by the same motive: to silence truth in the pursuit of power and control.
Amulek’s willingness to sacrifice his wealth, status, family, life, and safety for the sake of the gospel testifies of the strength of his commitment and faith in Christ and it mirrors the selflessness expected of a righteous leader and king who has the wisdom to recognize and trust in God's eternal plan, even when faced with such terrible opposition. Amulek endured tremendous loss, persecution, and imprisonment for his faith, alongside Alma, thereby proving his dedication to a higher cause and the eternal well-being of God's people.
Melchizedek:
In Chapter 13, Alma teaches about Melchizedek, and about the holy order (the seder qadash) of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Recall our earlier lesson, from Alma 5, where we examined how this chapter was likely an example of a Nephite Seder that runs parallel with the 15 steps of the Haggadah in the Jewish Seder that is still observed by our Jewish brothers and sisters today.
The number 15 is significant because, while the number 12 is typically associated with the order of the Priesthood—such as the 12 Tribes of Israel and the 12 Apostles—adding the 3 members of the First Presidency brings us to 15. This aligns with the current structure of our Melchizedek Priesthood leadership.
In our previous lesson, we explored how the specific words associated with the steps of the seder reflect symbolic principles and ordinances. Here is a very brief overview:
Kadesh: Sanctification through being consecrated and set apart
Urchatz: Baptism (of water)
Karpas: Being clothed in the robes of the Holy Priesthood
Yachatz: Experiencing a broken heart and contrite spirit, thereby bringing about a might change of heart through sincere repentance, and diligent study on ones path to redemption.
Maggid: Declaration of one's testimony, expressing our gratitude to the Lord as we remember and recognize His hand in our deliverance.
Rechatza: Second washing, Baptism of Fire, and being born again
Motzi: Bringing forth one's offering to the Lord as an expression of gratitude, offering our fruit.
Matza: Unleavened bread, searching for redemption, i.e. Finding Christ.
Maror: Bitter Herbs, Experiencing Growth through adversity
Korech: The Atonement and Crucifixion of Christ as the Lamb of God
Shulchan Orech: Participation in the Lord's Feast
Tzafun: Finding the Hidden and Lost Tribes of Israel
Barech: Blessing of gratitude or recollection of guilt
Hallel: Rejoicing with Songs of Praise or mourning because of the foolishment of pride, Second Coming of Christ
Nirtzah: Accepted or Rejected: Day of Judgement
For members of the church, these ancient Jewish traditions of the Seder align in many ways with what we learn in the Temple. This outlines the path of redemption and our collective and individual journeys through mortality. To those who are not familiar with the Jewish traditions associated with the Seder, it is helpful to recognize that this sacred observance was designed to help the Jews remember the ancient temple and the covenant blessings of the Priesthood. When we understand this, we can better appreciate how the words and ordinances associated with the Holy Seder were designed to point us to Jesus Christ by outlining a broad framework that helps one see the history of the world according to the Plan of Salvation. We can also better understand and appreciate the context in which Alma was delivering his message and how this beautiful sermon links us to our ancestral and traditional roots as Israelites.
Alma clarifies that the Holy Seder was patterned after the order of God's Son, Jesus Christ, and it's structure was intended to help people recognize Him as the Redeemer of Israel. He explains that this sacred order of the priesthood was prepared from the foundation of the world, in the pre-existence when God ordained faithful priests to fulfill specific callings on earth. Alma and Amulek were undoubtedly among these foreordained priests.
In Alma's description, he reminds us of Melchizedek, the earthly priest who ruled over Salem (Genesis 14:18). The Hebrew root שׁלם denotes "peace," and is found in the compound name of "Jerusalem," meaning "He Teaches of Peace." Melchizedek exemplified his calling as a teacher of peace, and was known in scripture as a "prince of peace." Doctrine and Covenants 14:25-40 adds that as a child, Melchizedek stopped the mouths of lions and quenched the violence of fire, demonstrating the power and authority of the priesthood through mighty miracles.
Doctrine and Covenants 107 explains that the term Melchizedek Priesthood is used out of respect to avoid overusing "the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God." This priesthood grants keys and authority to preside over the Church's spiritual and temporal welfare, including receiving the mysteries of the kingdom, having the heavens opened, communing with the general assembly, and enjoying the presence of God the Father and Jesus Christ. These privileges are granted in addition to the keys of the Aaronic Priesthood, which include ministering of angels, administering outward ordinances, the baptism of repentance, and the agreements associated with the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood, which include the commandments.
The earthy king Melchizedek demonstrated the characteristics of The King of Righteousness and Eternal Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ, whom Alma testified would soon come to dwell upon the Earth in a mortal body. Alma's teachings are further substantiated by Paul who also explained that Melchizedek served a s a type and representative of Jesus Christ, and that Jesus Christ is the Melech Tzaddik that God's sacred order is structured upon (Hebrews 7:2).
There is so much more to explore in this week's materials, but time does not permit the desires of the heart, so for now this must suffice. Happy Studies!
Overview
Alma 13
Alma 13 provides profound teachings on the priesthood, foreordination, and the calling of priests to preach repentance and redemption. Alma emphasizes that priests are called because of their faith and good works, chosen by God to serve before they were born. He also underscores the importance of repentance, the plan of redemption through Jesus Christ, and the need to prepare for the coming of the Lord. This chapter highlights themes of divine calling, foreordination, repentance, and the centrality of Jesus Christ in the plan of salvation.
References and Cultural Contexts for Investigation, Contemplation, and Discussion:
Melchizedek: Explore the role and history of the name and the significance to us today.
Power and Authority of the Priesthood: Highlights the divine authority of the priesthood and its role in teaching, leading, and bringing about redemption.
Urgency of Repentance: Emphasizes the urgent need for repentance and preparation for the coming of the Lord.
Example of Righteous Leadership: Uses Melchizedek as an example of the power of righteous leadership in guiding people to salvation.
Recognizing Divine Callings: Encourages readers to recognize and respect the divine callings and authority of those who hold the priesthood.
Following Righteous Examples: Urges readers to follow the examples of faith and righteousness set by leaders like Melchizedek.
Embracing Repentance and Preparation: Stresses the importance of continual repentance and preparation for the coming of the Lord.
Living by Faith, Hope, and Good Works: Highlights the essential virtues of faith, hope, and good works in the process of repentance and preparation.
Foreordination and Predestination: Explore the concepts of foreordination and predestination in various religious traditions and their implications for individual callings.
The Role of Angels:
Role and Authority of the Priesthood: Discuss the role and authority of the priesthood in different faith traditions and its impact on religious communities.
Historical and Scriptural Examples of Righteous Leadership: Reflect on other historical and scriptural examples of righteous leadership and their influence on their communities.
Cultural and Linguistic Insights:
Major Topics/ Themes | Cross-References, Videos & Resources |
|---|---|
Alma 13 | |
Verses 1-9: The Calling and Ordination of Priests | |
1-4: Alma begins by explaining that priests were ordained from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, chosen based on their faith and good works. Foreordination and Divine Calling | |
5-9: Alma continues to explain that these priests were ordained to teach the commandments of God and to help people enter into His rest. He elaborates on the holy order of the priesthood and the eternal nature of this calling. Purpose and Nature of the Priesthood
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Verses 10-19: Melchizedek and the Order of the Priesthood | |
10-12: Alma references Melchizedek, a high priest who exercised great faith and righteousness, and whose people were saved from destruction through his teachings. Example of Melchizedek
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13-19: Alma encourages the people to look to Melchizedek as an example and to follow the teachings of those who hold the priesthood, emphasizing the power and authority of the priesthood to bring about redemption. Power and Authority of the Priesthood
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Verses 20-29: Call to Repentance and Preparation for the Coming of the Lord | |
20-25: Alma calls the people to repentance, reminding them of the message of the prophets and the coming of the Lord. He warns of the consequences of hard-heartedness and disbelief. Urgent Call to Repentance
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26-29: Alma encourages the people to humble themselves, repent, and prepare for the coming of the Lord. He stresses the importance of faith, hope, and good works in the process of repentance and preparation. Preparation for the Lord’s Coming
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Verses 30-31: Alma’s Final Exhortation | |
30-31: Alma concludes with a final exhortation, urging the people to listen to his words, repent, and bring forth good works. He promises blessings for those who do so and warns of destruction for the unrepentant. Final Exhortation and Promise
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Overview
Alma 14
Alma 14 recounts the dramatic and harrowing events following Alma and Amulek’s preaching in Ammonihah. After their powerful testimonies, the people of Ammonihah, led by corrupt leaders, react with extreme hostility. Alma and Amulek are imprisoned and subjected to severe abuse. The chapter highlights themes of persecution, faith under trial, divine deliverance, and the consequences of wickedness.
References and Cultural Contexts for Investigation, Contemplation, and Discussion:
Persecution and Martyrdom: The chapter graphically depicts the severe persecution and martyrdom faced by the believers.
Faith under Trial: Alma and Amulek’s endurance highlights the strength and resilience of faith under extreme trials.
Divine Justice and Deliverance: The miraculous deliverance of Alma and Amulek underscores the theme of divine justice and intervention.
Consequences of Wickedness: The destruction of the prison and the death of the persecutors illustrate the ultimate consequences of extreme wickedness.
Enduring Persecution: Encourages readers to remain steadfast in their faith even in the face of severe trials and persecution.
Trusting in Divine Timing: Stresses the importance of trusting in God’s timing and purposes, even when deliverance seems delayed.
Recognizing Divine Justice: Reminds readers of the certainty of divine justice and the eventual consequences of wicked actions.
Historical Examples of Martyrdom: Explore historical examples of religious persecution and martyrdom and their impact on faith communities.
Role of Faith in Suffering: Discuss the role of faith in enduring suffering and trials, drawing parallels with other religious traditions.
Divine Intervention in Scripture: Reflect on instances of divine intervention and deliverance in various scriptural accounts and their significance.
Linguistic and Literary Insights:
Major Topics/ Themes | Cross-References, Videos & Resources |
|---|---|
Alma 14 | |
Verses 1-7: Persecution of Believers | |
1-5: Many people believe Alma and Amulek’s words and repent, but the majority, led by the corrupt lawyers and judges, react violently. The believers are cast out or thrown into prison. Division Among the People
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6-7: The corrupt leaders bring Alma and Amulek before the chief judge, accusing them of reviling against the law and the judges. Zeezrom, initially a key antagonist, begins to feel the weight of his guilt and tries to defend them, but he is silenced and cast out. False Accusations and Injustice
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Verses 8-13: Martyrdom of Believers | |
8-10: In a horrific act of cruelty, the believers, including women and children, are cast into a fire and burned to death. Alma and Amulek are forced to witness this atrocity. Extreme Persecution
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11-13: Amulek, overcome with sorrow, suggests using their divine power to save the victims, but Alma restrains him, saying the Spirit constrains them to endure this trial and that their faith will be a witness against their persecutors. Restraint and Faith
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Verses 14-28: Imprisonment and Deliverance of Alma and Amulek | |
14-18: Alma and Amulek are imprisoned, where they are subjected to further abuse and mocking by the chief judge and others. They are deprived of food and water, and their faith is severely tested. Imprisonment and Abuse
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19-22: After many days of suffering, Alma prays to the Lord for strength, and he and Amulek are miraculously delivered as the prison walls crumble, killing their captors. Divine Deliverance
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23-29: Alma and Amulek emerge from the prison unscathed. The people, seeing the destruction and the survival of Alma and Amulek, flee in fear. Alma and Amulek then depart from Ammonihah to the city of Sidom. Aftermath and Fear
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Overview
Alma 15
Alma 15 details the aftermath of Alma and Amulek's deliverance from prison. The chapter recounts their journey to the city of Sidom, the healing and conversion of Zeezrom, the establishment of the church in Sidom, and the eventual return of Alma and Amulek to Zarahemla. This chapter highlights themes of healing, conversion, the power of faith, and the importance of church organization.
References and Cultural Contexts for Investigation, Contemplation, and Discussion:
Healing and Conversion: The chapter emphasizes the power of faith in healing both physical and spiritual ailments and the profound impact of genuine conversion.
Sacrifice and Support: Highlights the sacrifices made by those who preach the gospel and the importance of supporting and caring for fellow believers.
Church Growth and Organization: The establishment and organization of the church in Sidom demonstrate the importance of structured growth and community support in the church.
Importance of Church Community: Highlights the value of establishing and maintaining strong church communities for spiritual growth and support.
Major Topics/ Themes | Cross-References, Videos & Resources |
|---|---|
Alma 15 | |
Verses 1-8: Healing and Conversion of Zeezrom | Zeezrom Lay Sick - Packer |
1-3: After their escape from Ammonihah, Alma and Amulek travel to Sidom, where they find Zeezrom, who is sick with a fever caused by the guilt of his sins. Zeezrom pleads for Alma and Amulek to heal him. Zeezrom’s Illness and Guilt
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4-8: Alma takes Zeezrom by the hand and, after Zeezrom expresses his faith in Christ, heals him through the power of God. Zeezrom immediately stands, is baptized, and begins preaching the gospel. Miraculous Healing and Conversion
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Verses 9-14: Establishment of the Church in Sidom | |
9-12: Alma and Amulek preach the gospel in Sidom, and many people believe and are baptized, leading to the establishment of a strong church community. Growth of the Church
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13-14: Alma and Amulek provide support and encouragement to the newly converted members of the church, strengthening their faith and organizing the church leadership. Strengthening the Faithful
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Verses 15-19: Return to Zarahemla | |
15-16: Alma takes Amulek, who has suffered greatly from the persecution and loss of his family and possessions, back to Zarahemla. Amulek had sacrificed much to preach the gospel. Amulek’s Sacrifice
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17-19: In Zarahemla, Alma takes care of Amulek and strengthens him. Alma also continues his ministry, preaching and teaching with great zeal. Continued Ministry
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Overview
Alma 16
Alma 16 recounts the destruction of the city of Ammonihah and the subsequent missionary efforts to reclaim the Nephite territory from Lamanite aggression. The chapter underscores the themes of divine justice, the consequences of wickedness, and the power of prophecy and missionary work. The fulfillment of Alma's prophecies serves as a powerful testament to the divine warnings given earlier.
References and Cultural Contexts for Investigation, Contemplation, and Discussion:
Divine Justice and Prophecy: The destruction of Ammonihah serves as a powerful example of divine justice and the fulfillment of prophecy.
Repentance and Humility: The Nephites' humility and repentance bring about spiritual and temporal blessings.
Power of Missionary Work: The success of Alma and Amulek's missionary efforts highlights the transformative power of the gospel.
Heeding Prophetic Warnings: Encourages readers to listen to and act upon prophetic warnings to avoid negative consequences.
Value of Repentance: Stresses the importance of humility and repentance in receiving divine blessings.
Support for Missionary Work: Highlights the significance of supporting and participating in missionary efforts to spread the gospel.
Historical Fulfillment of Prophecy: Explore other instances in religious texts where prophecies have been fulfilled and their impact on believers.
Relationship Between Righteousness and Prosperity: Discuss the correlation between spiritual righteousness and temporal prosperity in various religious traditions.
Role of Missionaries in Religious Growth: Reflect on the role of missionaries in the growth and development of religious communities throughout history.
Cultural and Linguistic Insights:
Major Topics/ Themes | Cross-References, Videos & Resources |
|---|---|
Alma 16 | |
Verses 1-8: Destruction of Ammonihah | |
1-3: The Lamanites attack and destroy the city of Ammonihah, killing many of its inhabitants. The Nephites attempt to retaliate but are unsuccessful in rescuing the captives taken by the Lamanites. Fulfillment of Prophecy
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4-5: The Nephite army, under the command of Zoram, pursues the Lamanites and rescues the captives in the wilderness, recovering them with minimal losses. Rescue and Recovery
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6-8: Alma and Amulek's prophecy about Ammonihah's destruction is confirmed. The city is left desolate, and the fulfillment of prophecy reinforces the truth of their message. Confirmation of Prophecy
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Verses 9-11: Prosperity and Peace Among the Nephites | |
9-10: Following the destruction of Ammonihah, the Nephites enjoy a period of peace and prosperity. The people begin to humble themselves and turn to the Lord, leading to spiritual and temporal blessings. Humility and Prosperity
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11: Alma and Amulek continue their missionary work, traveling throughout the land to preach and strengthen the church. Continued Ministry
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Verses 12-21: The Ministry of Alma and Amulek | |
12-13: Alma and Amulek, along with other missionaries, preach the gospel with great success. Many are baptized, and the church grows in strength and number. Successful Missionary Efforts
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14-16: Alma receives the word of the Lord, instructing him to establish the church more firmly throughout the land. He is commanded to preach repentance and faith in the Savior, emphasizing the necessity of baptism and the Holy Ghost. Divine Instruction
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17-21: The Nephites continue to experience peace and prosperity as they follow the teachings of Alma and the other missionaries. The influence of the church grows, and the people remain steadfast in their faith. Sustained Peace and Prosperity
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Church Videos & Resources
Scripture Central
Video Commentary
Listed above in podcast section
Know Whys
Evidences
Written Commentary
Reading Plan
Maps & Charts
Images
Bibliography & Additional Resource
BYU’s RSC
Books
The Book of Mormon Made Easier Set, With Included Chronological Map (Gospel Study)
Beholding the Tree of Life: A Rabbinic Approach to the Book of Mormon
Gathered in One: How the Book of Mormon Counters Anti-Semitism in the New Testament
Days of Awe: Jewish Holy Days, Symbols and Prophecies for Latter-day Saints