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

Thanks to all those who have been participating and leaving wonderful comments and thoughts.  Keep it up!  Please add comments relating to this weeks readings here. Thanks and enjoy!!