Ether 13- Moroni 10

The book of Ether’s account of the tragic destruction of a once-great nation helps us see the inevitable consequences of rejecting the prophets and the devastating results of unrestrained sin. In contrast, we also read some profound instruction on faith in Jesus Christ. The combined teachings of the prophets Ether and Moroni demonstrate that faith leads to repentance, brings about miracles, and turns personal weakness into strength. Sadly, the Jaredites refused to heed Ether’s teachings and turned away from the truth that could have saved them. As you read Ether, chapters 11–15, ask yourself the question “What lessons are there in these chapters for me and the generation I live in?”

After Moroni ended his abridgment of the Jaredite history (see Ether 13:1; 15:34), he presumed that he would not survive to write any additional records (see Moroni 1). However, he lived an additional 36 years after the final battle between the Lamanites and the Nephites (see Mormon 6:5; Moroni 10:1).

During this time Moroni recorded additional sacred truths valuable to latter-day readers. These chapters are especially helpful for us because they contain guidelines concerning the proper administration of ordinances—especially the sacrament—and the place of the Holy Ghost in the daily administration of the Church. Moroni also highlighted the need for Church members to watch over and nourish new members who join the Church.

Here we read Mormon’s powerful sermon as recorded by his son Moroni. Previous to Moroni 7, Mormon’s scriptural work consisted primarily of abridging other prophets’ writings. Here we read Mormon’s powerful sermon that he gave to a

righteous group of Church members (see Moroni 7:2–3). Mormon taught Saints who lived in a spiritually deteriorating society how to draw closer to God. This discourse emphasizes the need for proper motivation or intent in our actions, how to discern between good and evil, and the important relationship between faith, hope, and charity.

In a day when many followers of Christ forsake righteousness to pursue the enticements of the world, what is expected of faithful Church members? President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) explained: “In the final letter recorded in the Book of Mormon from Mormon to his son Moroni, he gave counsel that applies to our day. Both father and son were seeing a whole Christian civilization fall because its people would not serve the God of the land, even Jesus Christ. Mormon wrote,

‘And now, my beloved son, notwithstanding their hardness, let us labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought under condemnation; for we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God’ (Moroni 9:6). You and I have a similar labor to perform now—to conquer the enemy and rest our souls in the kingdom” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1987, 104; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, 85).

As the Book of Mormon nears its close, it proclaims the power of the Atonement and demonstrates Mormon’s faithfulness to the cause of righteousness, even while Nephites were falling rapidly into profound wickedness. Mormon’s letters to his son Moroni reveal the inevitable results of sin and how becoming “past feeling” leads to indescribable wickedness.

Chapters 8–9 of Moroni offer valuable insight into the importance of living according to the first principles and ordinances of the gospel. Moroni concluded his writings by discussing three important principles with his readers. The first focuses
on the need to learn and have a witness of the truths found in this sacred record. The second is a charge to understand and acquire the spiritual gifts available to us. Finally, he pleads with each of us to come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.

As you conclude this study of the Book of Mormon, look for these principles. Come to know for yourself the truthfulness of the book by following Moroni’s promise (see Moroni 10:3–5 ). Learn of the gifts of the Spirit and seek to develop those the Lord has given you. Finally, seek to show by your actions that you are striving daily to come unto Christ.

Remember what the Prophet Joseph Smith (1805–44) declared: “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its recepts, than by any other book” (History of the Church, 4:461; Book of Mormon introduction).

Ether 1-12

The Book of Mormon is not arranged in chronological order. If it were, the book of Ether would be listed first.The Jaredite record begins approximately 2200 B.C. First Nephi begins in 600 B.C. The book of Ether covers over 1,700 years of history from 2200 B.C. down to the time of Coriantumr. We don’t know exactly when Coriantumr lived, but it was somewhere between 500 and 250 B.C. The rest of the Book of Mormon from the books of 1 Nephi to Moroni covers approximately 1,000 years of history.

 Following the Flood in Noah’s day, many descendants of those who had been spared became wicked. One group of people attempted to build a tower “whose top may reach unto heaven” (Genesis 11:4). The story of the Jaredite nation began with the building of the Tower of Babel. The Lord dealt with the widespread wickedness by confounding the common language and by scattering the people across the face of the earth (see Ether 1:33; Genesis 11:5–8). The brother of Jared pled with the Lord to preserve the language of his worthy friends and family. Demonstrating great faith and led by the hand of

God, the brother of Jared was able to lead this group to another land. The story of this migration is filled with important principles that we can apply to our lives today. These principles include the exercise of faith to receive divine assistance and the role of prayer in accomplishing difficult tasks. As you study the life of the brother of Jared, you will learn of the blessings that come when individuals exercise strong faith.

 Here is a review of the origins of the book of Ether:

• Jaredite prophets kept the history until the final Jaredite prophet named Ether (see Ether 1:6).
• Limhi’s search found part of the Jaredite record—in the form of the 24 gold plates (see Mosiah 8:7–11).
• King Mosiah translated the Jaredite record (see Mosiah 28:10–17).
• Moroni abridged or edited the Jaredite record and included it before his own writings (see Ether 1:1–6).

In Ether 6–10, Moroni told of the Jaredites’ journey across the ocean to the promised land. He then summarized the reigns of several generations of kings, contrasting periods of righteousness with periods of wickedness and conflict. Moroni observed many similarities between the Jaredites and his own people, the Nephites. He described the cycle of pride, prosperity, wickedness, and repentance that he had seen in the two nations. He outlined the grave danger we put ourselves in when we allow pride and secret combinations to get control in our society. Both the Nephite and the Jaredite civilizations illustrate the truth that what we sow, we shall reap. Following the Lord brings happiness, while straying from His commandments brings strife and misery.

4 Nephi - Mormon 9

Fourth Nephi covers the nearly 200 years of unity and harmony following Jesus Christ’s visit to the
Americas. The people “were all converted unto the Lord” (4 Nephi 1:2), resulting in a society that people
of all ages have dreamed of. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles observed that
following Christ’s visit, “His majestic teachings and ennobling spirit led to the happiest of all times, a time
in which ‘there were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with
another. And they had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond
and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift’ [4 Nephi 1:2–3]. That blessed
circumstance was, I suppose, achieved on only one other occasion of which we know—the city of Enoch,
where ‘they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among
them’ [Moses 7:18]” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1996, 40; or Ensign, May 1996, 30).

Tragically, the second half of 4 Nephi reveals how a righteous and happy people allowed pride and

apostasy to enter their lives, bringing the eventual destruction of their society. As you study this book of
scripture, seek to understand what led to the happiness of the Nephite society as well as what led to the misery
and destruction of their society.

Having summarized accounts of the Lord’s visit among the Nephites and the 200-year era of peace that

followed, Mormon reported that, starting in the 201st year, pride, disunity, and wickedness took over (see
4 Nephi 1:24–47). In the book of Mormon we read of events where he was an eyewitness. These events
include the demise of the Nephite civilization. In Mormon 1–6 we can empathize with Mormon’s sorrow
over the destruction of his people, a destruction which came upon them because of their rejection of the Lord
and His gospel. We can also resolve to avoid such calamity in our own lives.

By studying the final testimony of Mormon and the initial writings of Moroni, you will better understand

the role and purpose of the Book of Mormon. Moroni declared: “I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing” (Mormon 8:35). Moroni’s prophetic vantage point allowed him to complete the Nephite record with total awareness of both the escalating wickedness
and the great spiritual blessings of the dispensation of the fulness of times. In a day when some people
might be inclined to abandon faith in the face of great difficulties, Moroni’s words teach us to see
miracles and revelations as evidence that “God is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (see Mormon
9:9). Although the spiritual and social conditions in the world may be in a state of constant change
and decline, God’s covenant people can have full confidence that He is eternally the same.

3 Nephi 18-30

During His visit to the Nephites, the Savior instituted the sacrament and emphasized that the purpose of the

sacrament is to remember Him. He promised, “If ye do always remember me ye shall have my Spirit to be

with you” (3 Nephi 18:11). This same promise is part of the sacrament prayer. While you study 3 Nephi 18–19,
ponder what Jesus taught about the sacrament and about prayer and how these teachings can help you
deepen your discipleship of Christ so you can more fully enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

The hope of all righteous parents is that their descendants will come to know God for themselves
and be faithful to Him. God promised Abraham and his descendants that in the latter days their posterity
would have the blessings of the gospel and would be gathered to places of safety. The Father commanded
the Savior to teach these promises to the Nephites.

The principle of gathering involves more than assembling people together on certain lands. It

also includes a spiritual gathering that occurs when someone comes in contact with and joins the Church.
In their scattered condition, Israel lost the knowledge of their God, His gospel, the priesthood, the temple, and
the truths of salvation. The Father promised, however, that He would reach out to Israel in the last days and
offer them His gospel, His priesthood, the temple, and the path to eternal life. Heavenly Father wants to offer
the blessings of the gospel to all of His children and is helping to bring about this latter-day gathering.

During the second day of His three-day ministry, the Savior endorsed and expounded on the prophecies of

Isaiah and Malachi. He observed the extent of Isaiah’s prophecies as touching on “all things concerning my
people which are of the house of Israel” (3 Nephi 23:2).

Jesus Christ personally examined the scriptural record or accuracy and caused that the fulfillment of Samuel’s

prophesy of the Resurrection and the words of Malachi be included (see 3 Nephi 24:1; 26:1–2). Malachi’s words
declare the blessings associated with the law of tithing and the role the prophet Elijah would have during the
last days in preparation for the Second Coming.

The Lord commanded each of us to search the scriptures and the prophets (see 3 Nephi 23:5). The

Savior declared it is wisdom that “these scriptures . . .should be given unto future generations” (3 Nephi
26:2). Every Latter-day Saint has a duty to diligently search the scriptures. Consider what it means to
diligently search the scriptures and the prophets rather than merely reading them.

Near the end of His ministry to the Nephites, the Savior explained what constituted His gospel. This

block of scripture in 3 Nephi 27–30 also contains more information on translated beings (the three
Nephite disciples) than anywhere else in the scriptures.

Through studying chapter 28, you will better understand why the Lord chooses to translate some of

His mortal servants. Finally, 3 Nephi ends with Mormon describing the Book of Mormon’s role in the latter-day
gathering of Israel and the Lord (through Mormon) warning the Gentiles in the latter days to repent and
turn unto Him. This is a good opportunity to recommit to using the Book of Mormon in your life and in
inviting others to come unto the Savior.

3 Nephi 6-17

Ponder the spoken witness from Heavenly Father: “Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,

in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him” (3 Nephi 11:7). Envision how you would have responded if you had been there for this announcement and the appearance of Jesus Christ—the crowning event of the Book of Mormon. Imagine how you would have felt when you heard the Son declare, “Behold,  I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world” (3 Nephi 11:10). Consider the impact on the lives of those who received a spiritual and physical witness of the reality of Jesus Christ. The voice of God was heard several times by this people. As you read 3 Nephi 8–11 look for what He taught. Consider your ability to recognize God’s voice and follow His message for you.

In His mortal ministry Jesus delivered the Sermon on the Mount to encourage His disciples to strive toward perfection with full purpose of heart. Following His Resurrection, Jesus appeared to the Book of Mormon people in the Western Hemisphere and again delivered this sermon. 

The gospel standards contained in this sermon have been reaffirmed in our time through modern revelation. President James E. Faust (1920–2007) of the First Presidency observed: “The Savior’s transcendent message in the Sermon on the Mount is of burning-bush importance to all of us: ‘But seek ye first to build up the kingdom of God, and to establish his righteousness’ [ Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew 6:38; see also Matthew 6:33]. This message needs to penetrate into our hearts and souls. As we accept this message, we are taking our personal stand in this life” (in Conference Report, Apr. 2004, 68; or Ensign,May 2004, 67). Through your study of these sacred principles in the Book of Mormon, you will gain insights that will help you stay faithful and remain on the road to perfection.

In the time of Moses the children of Israel were stiffnecked and hard of heart. As a result, they lost the privilege of living the fulness of the higher law (see Mosiah 13:29–31). Instead, along with portions of the higher law that they were still allowed to live, the law of Moses (the lesser law) was added to help them come to Christ (see D&C 84:18–27). After His Resurrection, Jesus Christ taught the Nephites that the law of Moses was fulfilled in Him (see 3 Nephi 12:17–18). He taught that “old things had passed away” (3 Nephi 15:2–4) and that He is “the law, and the light” to follow (3 Nephi 15:9).

 As you read 3 Nephi 15–17, notice the difference between the unbelieving Jews and the teachable Nephites. Contrast truths the Savior withheld from those at Jerusalem with the remarkable revelation given in the Americas. Observe that comprehending His teachings requires faith, pondering, and prayer. You will realize the tremendous worth of paying that price as you read about the indescribable joy experienced by these more faithful disciples and the miraculous experiences of their believing children.

Helamen 12- 3 Nephi 5

The gospel of Jesus Christ offers all people the opportunity to change. Throughout much of the Book

of Mormon, the Lamanites’ “deeds [had] been evil”; however, “the preaching of the Nephites” (Helaman 15:4) led “the more part of them” to receive the gospel (Helaman 6:1) and experience a mighty change of heart. Here in the book of Helaman is an obvious reversal of roles—a people who had once been taught became the teachers. Many Nephites, on the other hand, had become prideful and ignored their own prophets, so the Lord sent a Lamanite prophet to warn them to repent and prepare for the coming of the Lord. Look for the Nephites’ collective and individual response to the Lord’s Lamanite messenger. Samuel’s words were important enough to the Savior that He endorsed them during His personal ministry in the Americas and testified they had all been fulfilled (see 3 Nephi 23:9–13).

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) observed that “the record of the Nephite history just prior to the Savior’s visit reveals many parallels to our own day as we anticipate the Savior’s second coming” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1987, 3; or Ensign, May1987, 4). Only those with firm testimonies and full conversions were able to remain steadfast prior to the Savior’s appearance in America. The same is true in our day. Only those with firm testimonies and full conversions will be able to remain steadfast prior to the Lord’s Second Coming. A careful study of 3 Nephi 1–7 will help you understand how your testimony of Jesus Christ and conversion to His gospel will give you the sustaining strength you need to stay true to the Savior during the challenging days in which you live.

Helaman 1-11

Helaman 1–4 presents a stark contrast between the fruits of good and evil. We see the results of evil upon society as well as the individual. The personal growth and blessings obtained by Saints who remain faithful in challenging circumstances can provide us with courage to remain true to righteous principles during difficult times. We can contrast the discord brought by wickedness with the great peace and joy obtained by righteousness. Noting these contrasts provides motivation to chart a course based upon principles that will bring happiness and avoid the misery that comes from disobedience.

At this crucial point in Nephite history, the wicked outnumbered the righteous. Their laws became so corrupted that they had little effect for good. Like his great-grandfather Alma, Nephi gave up his position as chief judge and devoted himself full-time to the Lord’s work (see Alma 4:15–20). During this period of spiritual darkness, the people were “ripening for destruction” (Helaman 5:2). Nephi and his brother Lehi worked diligently to stem the tide of iniquity and turned many back to the Lord.

Being completely trusted by God is a great honor. The Lectures on Faith teach that awareness of God’s approval is necessary for one’s faith: “An actual knowledge to any person, that the course of life which he pursues is according to the will of God, is essentially necessary to enable him to have that confidence in God without which no person can obtain eternal life” ([1985], 7). Trust and approval come by obedience to all of God’s commandments. Helaman chapters 10–12 highlight how important it is to heed the promptings of the Spirit. Only by doing so can we be sure we are living according to God’s will. These chapters also highlight how important it is to want what God wants. The Lord knew Nephi would “not ask that which is contrary to [God’s] will” (Helaman 10:5). As we prove faithful in the small things, the Lord will trust us with the greater things.

Alma 55-63

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) observed, “From the Book of Mormon we learn how disciples of Christ live in times of war” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 5; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 7). Mormon included several accounts of war in the Book of Mormon for a purpose. These accounts teach about the need to preserve freedom in order to maintain religious rights, the damage traitors inflict, the value of even a few righteous youth, the moral justification for war, and strategies to combat evil while relying upon God’s power to intervene.

Alma 44-54

Contention, dissension, and war placed the survival of the Nephite nation in jeopardy. The Lamanites, however, were not the only source of conflict. Dissenting Nephites eager for power led to many serious problems. The Nephites overcame their enemies by exercising faith in Jesus Christ and following His prophets as well as other righteous military leaders.

Contrast the motives and intentions of Captain Moroni with those of Amalickiah. The prophet Mormon  wrote of Captain Moroni, “If all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea,the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men” (Alma 48:17). Like Moroni, you too can remain “firm in the faith of Christ” (Alma 48:13) even in difficult and trying circumstances.

The Book of Mormon is a Reminder of Jesus Christ

Alma 35-43

Alma 36–39 contains Alma’s final counsel to his three sons: Helaman, Shiblon, and Corianton. The counsel given to faithful Helaman and Shiblon differed greatly from the counsel given to wayward Corianton. To a certain extent we determine what kind of counsel we might receive in our lives by how faithful we are to the counsel we have already been given (see Alma 12:9–11).

Alma’s conversion story provides one of the clearest examples of how we can know when we have been forgiven of our sins. Through Alma’s counsel to Shiblon, we learn the power and value of steadfastness in our lives. Finally, the poignant counsel given to Corianton teaches how serious and destructive sexual transgression is.

What happens to people after they die? Alma 40–42 focuses on Alma’s counsel to his wayward son  Corianton, who had a similar question. In his response, Alma taught about the spirit world, the Judgment, the Resurrection, the law of restoration, and the punishment of sinners. As Alma concluded his teachings to Corianton, he answered questions about what life would be like without repentance, sin, law, and punishment. Alma’s answers to his son also help us understand the plan of happiness and the justice and mercy of God and how they affect our eternal progression.

 

The Book of Mormon: Strengthening Our Faith in Jesus Christ

Taken from the article written by Elder Neil L Anderson (Quorum of the Twelve Apostles) that appeared in the Liahona (Oct 2011)

For the complete article click here.

A Prophet Testifies

“All the ingenuity of all the men under heaven could not compose and present to the world a book like the Book of Mormon. Its principles are divine—they are from God. They could never emanate from the mind of an imposter, or from the mind of a person writing a novel. Why? Because the promises and prophecies it contains are being fulfilled in the sight of all the earth.”

President Wilford Woodruff (1807–98), Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff (2004), 119.

All Because of the Book of Mormon

It was six months since I had been baptized, and I did not have a firm testimony of the Book of Mormon. One day when I had no desire to read the scriptures, I recalled my Gospel Principles teacher saying, “When you do not feel the desire to read, it is because Satan does not want you to read the scriptures.” Because of that warning, I opened the Book of Mormon. I read, “Who could have supposed that our God would have been so merciful as to have snatched us from our awful, sinful, and polluted state?” (Alma 26:17). Those words filled my soul with joy because I remembered my state before becoming a member of the true Church of Jesus Christ. The Spirit of the Lord testified in my heart of the truth of the Book of Mormon.

I had not wanted to be a full-time missionary, but after that day everything changed. I felt very strongly that the world needed to know the truth, and I began to prepare myself. I went to my leaders and told them of my desire to serve. I explained to my parents, who lived in another city and were not members of the Church. Then I sold everything I had and bought clothes for my mission. The end result was that I served a mission from 2003 to 2005.

Today, my family—including my wife and our daughter—is sealed eternally. This blessing is also due to my testimony of the Book of Mormon. I know the Book of Mormon is true, for it bears testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ, and I draw close to God when I read this sacred record.

                                                                                         ~Adilson Lucero dos Santos, Paraná, Brazil

Two Books, One Eternal Family

My husband was coming home when he found a bag in the street. To his surprise, inside was a copy of the Book of Mormon. He brought it home and showed it to me. He read it for a while, found it interesting, but eventually put it away.

A short time later, he died. I went to one church after another looking for comfort and wanting to know if life would go on after death. I was engulfed in doubt, with many unanswered questions.

Then on my way to work, I saw a book that I recognized on the sidewalk—the Book of Mormon. I took it with me because finding it brought back memories of my dear husband. I mentioned my discovery to someone who suggested that I read it.

The days went by, and one night I visited my sister, who was a Latter-day Saint. The full-time missionaries were there, and they sang the hymn “I Am a Child of God.” I knew right then that the missionaries could answer my questions.

After receiving the discussions and gaining a testimony, I was baptized. Today I can testify with total certainty that Joseph Smith saw the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.

I believe it was no coincidence that my husband and I both found the Book of Mormon. Even though my husband was not able to be baptized during his life, I am happy that, because of temple ordinances, he and I and our two precious children can be together as a family for all eternity. The Book of Mormon brought us together and brought peace to our souls.

                                                                                                                   ~María Mash, Guatemala

Ancient Events, Modern Applications

I can always find answers in the Book of Mormon. I’m learning many things from studying it, and I feel I’m changing in good ways.

Recently I was considering what to do now that my six children are raised. I wondered what Heavenly Father desired me to do.

In my regular scripture study, I came across one of the stories of war in the Book of Mormon. I was struck by Moroni’s call to action in defending, among other things, families (see Alma 46:12). The Nephites were determined to protect their families. As I read that story, I decided that no matter what, I wanted to have that same purpose in my life, to fight for family. It was a personal, tender experience.

I know that the Book of Mormon was written for our day. I am grateful that I can go to this book for direction in my life; it truly is an iron rod (see 1 Nephi 8).

                                                                                                                                 ~Eun Jung, Korea

Alma 26-34

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) said:

“The Book of Mormon brings men to Christ through two basic means. First, it tells in a plain manner of Christ and his gospel. . . .

“Second, the Book of Mormon exposes the enemies of Christ. It confounds false doctrines and lays down contention. (See 2 Ne. 3:12.) It fortifies the humble followers of Christ against the evil designs, strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day. The type of apostates in the Book of Mormon are similar to the type we have today. God, with his infinite foreknowledge, so molded the Book of Mormon that we might see the error and know how to combat false educational, political, religious, and philosophical concepts of our time” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1975, 94–95; or Ensign,May 1975, 64).

 By studying how Korihor sought to destroy the faith of the Nephites, you will better recognize those same destructive arguments in our day. By studying Alma’s response to Korihor, you will be better prepared to defend yourself and others from those who would destroy your faith.

Alma 16-25

Because of their demonstration of love and their understanding of the worth of a soul, Ammon and his companions are models for servants of the Lord everywhere. Through their experience you will see the importance of personal preparation, the power of setting a righteous example, and the need to build meaningful relationships with those you serve. Furthermore, Ammon and his brethren understood that those they served held strong beliefs. Look for ways they found to share gospel truths concerning the Spirit, love, and testimony. By emulating their example, you can be a powerful servant in the Lord’s hands to help

bring others to Christ.

The Book of Mormon teaches that Jesus is the Christ

Richard explains how the Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ.

Alma 6-15

Alma’s ministry to the city of Ammonihah illustrates how God supports His servants who faithfully obey Him, even in times of great difficulty or personal sacrifice (see 1 Nephi 1:20). After an initial attempt to preach in a wicked city, Alma was blessed with a visit from an angel, who assured him of his standing before God and instructed him to return to Ammonihah. There, a man named Amulek had received instruction from an angel who told him to receive Alma. Later,both men were inspired to know how to contend with skilled lawyers who were intent upon creating discord for personal profit. Alma’s and Amulek’s experiences serve as a model for us today. Although you still have challenges to face, Heavenly Father will bless you with reassurance, inspiration, and assistance as you seek to obey Him.

Alma 1-5

Alma the Younger faced severe challenges while serving simultaneously as the high Priest over the Church and the first elected chief judge over the Nephites (see Alma 4:18). Both the Church and the government were threatened by men seeking to use religion and politics for their own gain. Nehor undermined the Church by using Priestcraft to establish a religious movement and profession that attracted many (see Alma 1). Amlici, a man after the order of Nehor, made war against the newly elected
government of judges after failing to obtain his desire to be king (see Alma 2–3). Notice how Alma prayed, exercised faith in God, and then took action to overcome each of the problems he faced. Consider how you can follow Alma’s model as you deal with your own personal challenges.

Mosiah 26-29

During this period of Book of Mormon history, the prophet Alma faced significant challenges in the Church. Many of the rising generation were not converted to the gospel and would not believe the words of the prophets. Alma the Younger and the four sons of King Mosiah were among those who did not believe, and they went about seeking to destroy the Church of God. Through fervent prayer, Alma received direction from the Lord on how to proceed regarding those who dissented from the Church. Throughout this lesson, you can help students see the change that comes through repentance and conversion. Students will see that people who are converted give faithful service throughout their lives.

Women of the Book of Mormon

Thursday, 9/15 our Relief Society had a WONDERFUL enrichment activity where we "met" 7 Women of the Book of Mormon. They sat with us at table hile we ate our supper and later took the microphone and told us about their lives in Book of Mormon times. These synopses, written with such care by Wendi Egnew, gave us insights into the trials and times of these women, and related them to our current day. We met Sariah (Shari Ayers), Lamoni's Wife (Brianna Wheeler), Abish (Jennifer Standiford), Lamoni's Queen Mother (Jessica Williams), the Mother of one of the 2,000 stripling warriors (Jennifer Terkelson), Mormon's wife (Rose Hudson) and historical narrator, (Leslie Smith). Thanks to the RS Enrichment Committee for presenting us with such an inspiring evening. I can hardly wait to meet up with these women again as I continue reading the Book of Mormon as part of this project.

By deltha on I have a testimony of The Book of Mormon on 9/18/11



The Book of Mormon: A Book with a Promise

The Book of Mormon is a book with a promise. Although its history is compelling by itself, it is a book of scriptural significance that should be received and read under the influence of the Holy Ghost.

Mosiah 12-25

     During the reign of King Noah, the prohet Abinadi warned the people to repent. He also pophesied of pending destruction for turning from God. Abinadi's teachings also demonstrated the Savior's divinity, His unity with the Father, and the great sacrifice the Savior would make in the Atonement process. By studying the words of Abinadi, you can renew feelings of gratitude for the Savior's sacrifice and gain deeper appreciation of the Atonement.
    The people who followed Alma into the wilderness humbled themselves by believing the word of God, repenting and accepting the covenant of baptism. Even so they fell captive to the Lamanites for a length of time. In the same period of history, the people of Limhi continued to live under Lamanite domination. They eventually humbled themselves after failing to free themselves by their own strength and were delivered by God.   
    Abinadi's testimony led to the conversion of Alma, but cost him his life. Through his one known convert (Alma) came the next several generations of prophets who prepared the people for the coming of Jesus Christ.
   
(Taken from the Book of Mormon-Institute Student Manual)

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I have a testimony of The Book of Mormon

In this video, a modern-day Apostle describes the unwavering faith the Church's founders showed, even in the face of death, to remain true to their testimonies of The Book of Mormon. In this modern-day world we are faced with our own set of adversities as we try to remain true to our own testimonies. How has your own testimony grown during the first 6 weeks of The Book of Mormon Project? How can we remain true to those testimonies through all of life's trials?

Words of Mormon - Mosiah 11

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The Allegory of the Olive Tree (Jacob 5)

The Allegory of the Olive Tree (Jacob 5)
The use of the olive tree as a symbol for the house of Israel is an excellent Example of how God uses symbolism to teach his children gospel laws and principles.  An allegory or a parable should not be pushed too far in an attempt to correlate every item precisely with some outside reality.  However, certain major elements need to be defined if the allegory itself is to be understood.  The following items seem important to Zenos’s Allegory.   

Item
            
1. The Vineyard 
2. Master of the Vineyard
3. The Servant
4. Tame Olive Tree
5. Wild Olive Tree
6. Branches
7. The roots of the tame olive tree
8. Fruit of the Tree
9. Digging, Pruning, Fertilizing
10. Transplanting the branches
11. Grafting
12. Decaying branches
13. Casting the branches into the fire

Interpretation

1. The World
2. Jesus Christ
3. The Lord’s Prophets
4. The house of Israel, the Lord’s Covenant people
5. Gentiles, or non-Israel (later Apostate)
6. Groups of People
7. The Gospel Covenant and promises made by God that constantly give life and sustenance to the tree
8. The lives or works of men
9. The Lord’s work with his children, which seeks to persuade them to be obedient and produce good fruit
10. Scattering of Groups throughout the world or restoring them to their original position
11. The process of spiritual rebirth wherein one is joined to the covenant
12. Wickedness and Apostasy
13. The judgment of God

Sept. 5-11: Jacob 2-Omni

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Aug. 29th-Sept. 4 -- 2 Nephi 24- Jacob 1

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Understanding Isaiah’s Writings

The writings of Isaiah are difficult to understand because:

1.       They are written in poetic form. Poetry is difficult to translate to other languages while maintaining both the literary style and meaning.

2.       They deal with unfamiliar places, people, names and events

3.       They were intentionally made difficult to understand. The people did not want to hear the simple word of the Lord, so Isaiah carefully wrote with symbolism, poetry, and complex terminology.      

Five Keys to Understanding Isaiah Given in 2 Nephi 25

1.  Understand the “manner of prophesying among the Jews” 25:1

2.  Do not do “works of darkness” or “doings of abominations”25:2

3.  Be filled with the spirit of prophecy 25:4

4.  Be familiar with regions around Jerusalem 25:6

5.  Live during the days that the prophecies of Isaiah are fulfilled 25:7

Historical Circumstances of Isaiah’s Writings

Judah – The southern half of the divided tribes. The capital was Jerusalem. The king of Judah was Ahaz, the son of Jotham, of of Uzziah.

Israel – The northern half of the divided tribes. The capital was Samaria. The king of Israel was Pekah, son of Remaliah.

Syria – The neighboring country to the East of Israel. The capital was Damascus. The King of Syria was Rezin.

Assyria – The strong and fierce country to the East of Syria (modern day Iraq)

Approximately 800 BC, Assyria was conquering all neighboring countries. Israel and Syria formed an alliance against Assyria. Even though Israel and Syria were traditional enemies of Judah, they asked Judah to join their alliance out of a greater fear of Assyria. Judah feared both th alliance of Syria and Israel and Assyria. Isaiah told King Ahaz (King of Judah) not to fear the alliance of Israel an Syria, nor Assyria, but to trust in the Lord. King Ahaz rejected Isaiah’s counsel and made a treaty with Assyria, becoming a vassel state to Assyria. Later, in 722 BC, Assyria destroyed Israel (carrying off the “Lost” ten tribes) and Syria. In 701 BC, Assyria attacked and was on the verge of destroying Judah when the Lord destroyed the attacking Assyrian Army (2 Kings 19:35). The remnant of Judah was later conquered by Babylonia (after Lehi and his family fled in 600 BC).