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.