Zach's Scripture Study - LDS: November 2011

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Day 29; Alma 19-22

I am tackling the Book of Mormon in 60 days. My plan is to have the Book of Mormon studied by the end of 2011. During my challenge, I will post a daily blog of my reading, in this blog I will share with you... my thoughts, feelings, opinions and knowledge about the Book of Mormon. Do you have questions? Comments? Please... lets start a discussion. I would be more than happy to answer your questions, comments or concerns!

Request a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon: http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/

How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Chapter 19: King Lamoni goes into a sort of comma for a few days, because he was overwhelmed by the spirit of God. He sees the Redeemer and other angels. The wife of King Lamoni begins to worry about her husband (because people begin to say that he is dead and needs to be buried), she however believes that he is not dead. Ammon comes into see him and tells her that he will awake in the morning. King Lamoni does awake like Ammon had promised. Ammon establishes the church there, and begins to baptize the lamanites.

Chapter 20: The Lord speaks with Ammon and tells him that he must journey to the land of Middoni to deliver his imprisoned brethren. He travels with Lamoni, who on the journey run into Lamoni's father who is king over all the land. King Lamoni's father tells him that he should get away from the nephite (ammon), because he is a liar. Ammon however shows the old king his power from God, and in fear of his life, the old king grants Lamoni his freedom in his land and releases his brethren.

We learn that Ammon's brethren were hungered, thirsted and weak. But that they suffered in patience (Alma 20:29) - something that we should all remember.

Chapter 21: Aaron teaches the Amalekites about Christ and his atonement. Because of their teaching Aaron and his brethren are cast into prison. Later they are released from prison and teach in the land throughout the synagogues, converting many. King Lamoni grants religious freedom to all the people in the land of Ishmael.

Chapter 22: Today, I have dragged my feet a little with Chapters 19, 20 and 21. The interesting part of today's reading is chapter 22.

Aaron goes up to the land of Middoni to see the father of King Lamoni. The father of King Lamoni asks Aaron, why Ammon did not stay? And why he departed so quickly. Aaron responds by telling him that the Lord had sent Ammon a different way to the land of Ishmael to teach the people there.

Lamoni's father then asks Aaron "...What is this that ye have said concerning the Spirit of the Lord? ... Also, what is this that Ammon said - If ye will repent y shall be saved and shall not be cast off at the last day?" (Alma 22:5-6)

Aaron responds by asking him a question: "...Believest thou that there is a God?" (Alma 22:7)

Lamoni's father goes onto explain that he knows that the Amalekites believe in some sort of deity that they call "God", and how he gave them religious freedom.

Now, after Aaron had learned that Lamoni's father believed in his words and believed that there was in fact a God, he began teaching him about the creation of the world and the fall of Adam. He taught him that because of the fall of Adam, all mankind was doomed without a redeemer to save them. He expounded on all these things. Aaron then invites Lamoni's Father to ask God if these things are true and to ask God for forgiveness of his sins, that he might be delivered from the evil one. Lamoni's father is so overjoyed with the spirit that he falls into a trance. His wife commands that the guards slay Aaron because of what he did to the king. But the guards feared Aaron and seeing that contentions would rise, Aaron extends his arm and helps the king to stand. The king and all his household are converted.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Day 28; Alma 15-18

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How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Chapter 15: Alma and Amulek go to the land of Sidom to teach and establish the church there. Zeezrom being sick on his bed, is worried that Alma and Amulek might have been killed, hears about them in the land of Sidom and sends for them to come unto him. Alma and Amulek travel to visit Zeezrom, and he asks them to heal him. This shows that someone can go from persecuting to believing through the power of the Holy Ghost, he knew know of the power that God had and what power God had bestowed on his servants. He asks them to heal him from his sickness, they do so with his faith in Jesus Christ. The church in the land of Sidom prospers.

Chapter 16: The lamanites come upon the land of Ammonihah and destroy basically every living thing in the land, so much in fact that they later name the land, "the land of desolation". The Lord however told Alam that the lamanites would be crossing over the river of Sidon, and with this intel, Zoram leads an army to ambush the lamanites and cause them to scatter and take back their captive brothers.

We learn something important about missionary work... "...the Lord did pour out his Spirit on all the face of them land to prepare the minds of the children of men, or to prepare their hearts to receive the word..." (Alma 16:16) We see that God is constantly preparing people to hear his message... it is up to us (as members of the church) to share with others the messages of the church. To share with the world what we know to be true. We should remember to never be pushy, we just need to share. If the Lord has prepared someone to listen to us, we will know, because they will respond to our message.

Alma and Amulek aslso preach that Jesus Christ will appear to the Nephites after his resurrection. Keep in mind that they are preaching this only about 70-80 years before Christ will be born.

Chapter 17: We learn that the sons of Mosiah have/ and are led by the Spirit of prophecy and of revelation. They depart their own ways to teach different people in different lands. Ammon goes to the land of Ishmael and finds the king of the land, King Lamoni. He wins over the king by saving his flock that were lost at the waters of Sebus. When Ammon finds the kings flock, he discovers that there are men who are scattering the flocks. Essentially he tells them to stop scattering the flocks and they try to hurt him, but he kills several of them with stones. Then they are angered and raise up their arms to "smite" him. But every arm that is raised to "smite" him, he cuts off. They run off and the flock is safe from the people that scattered them. Ammon returns to the king with the mission complete and the arms of the men who tried to attack him. The king is astonished by his power and Ammon becomes his servant.

Chapter 18: King Lamoni hears about what happened at the waters of Sebus and starts to believe that Ammon might be "the great spirit". He has Ammon come to him, that he might ask him if he is the Great Spirit. Here is the conversation between the two (can be found in Alma 18:24-40):

And Ammon began to speak unto him with a boldness, and said unto him: Believest thou that there is a God?

And he answered, and said unto him: I do not know what that meaneth.

And then Ammon said: Believest thou that there is a a Great Spirit?

And he said, Yea.

And Ammon said: This is God. And Ammon said unto him again: Believest thou that this Great Spirit, who is God, created all things which are in heaven and in the earth?

And he said: Yea, I believe that he created all things which are in the earth; but I do not know the heavens.

And Ammon said unto him: The heavens is a place where God dwells and all his holy angels.

And king Lamoni said: Is it above the earth?

And Ammon said: Yea, and he looketh down upon all the children of men; and he a knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart; for by his hand were they all created from the beginning.\

And king Lamoni said: I believe all these things which thou hast spoken. Art thou sent from God?

Ammon said unto him: I am a man; and man in the beginning was created after the image of God, and I am called by his Holy Spirit to teach these things unto this people, that they may be brought to a knowledge of that which is just and true; And a portion of that a Spirit dwelleth in me, which giveth me knowledge, and also power according to my faith and desires which are in God.

Now when Ammon had said these words, he began at the creation of the world, and also the creation of Adam, and told him all the things concerning the fall of man, and rehearsed and laid before him the records and the holy scriptures of the people, which had been spoken by the prophets, even down to the time that their father, Lehi, left Jerusalem. And he also rehearsed unto them (for it was unto the king and to his servants) all the journeyings of their fathers in the wilderness, and all their sufferings with hunger and thirst, and their travail, and so forth. And he also rehearsed unto them concerning the rebellions of Laman and Lemuel, and the sons of Ishmael, yea, all their rebellions did he relate unto them; and he expounded unto them all the records and scriptures from the time that Lehi left Jerusalem down to the present time. But this is not all; for he expounded unto them the plan of redemption, which was prepared from the foundation of the world; and he also made known unto them concerning the coming of Christ, and all the works of the Lord did he make known unto them.

And it came to pass that after he had said all these things, and expounded them to the king, that the king believed all his words.

We learn that Ammon had to take what the king Lamoni had already know and start teaching him from there. Often times, full time missionaries or members of the church try to start teaching something that the person being taught has no knowledge of. Because of this when we teach, we need to always adapt our teaching methods to the situation and the person.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Day 27; Alma 11-14

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How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Chapter 11: The Nephite coin system is laid out. We learn that the Nephites used a system of weights that used 1,2,4,7. Which is very interesting because the village of Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala uses the same units of measurement, which is approximately in the same location as the area in which the Book of Mormon is referring to.

Zeezrom who is a nephite judge, tries to tempt Amulek into saying that there is no God, by offering him six onties of silver, which is the most expensive "coin" in all of the nephite land.

We learn that Christ will not save people in their sins, only those who practice good works will be saved. Those who do bad works will only have the bands of death lifted from them to be judged in the flesh. (Alma 11:40-45).

Chapter 12:

We learn a lot of doctrine in Chapter 12. Alma contends with Zeezrom and we learn many things like: Men are judge by their own works, thoughts, beliefs and words. The wicked in the last day shall suffer a spiritual death. While we are in this life, we live a time of probation to prove ourselves, we must not procrastinate the day of our repentance. Those who repent will have claims to the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Alma 12:3 - God knows our thoughts

Alma 12: 9-11 - Those who do not harden their hearts receive more of his word and understand more of the mysteries of God. Those who do harden their hearts less word is received and the mysteries of God become more and more unclear until they do not make any sense and they subject themselves to the devil.

Alma 12:14 - Our words and works will save us or condemn us in the last day.

Alma 12:22-26 - We learn why Adam and Eve could not partake of the fruit of the tree of life and why

Cherubims where placed to guard the tree. SEE: Genesis 3:24.

Chapter 13:

We learn that men are called to be high priests because of their great faith and good works, these High Priests are to teach the commandments. Angels will reveal (to the just and faithful) the actual coming of Christ.

A few things that stood out to me:

"... Behold, the scriptures are before you; if ye will wrestle them is shall be to your own destruction." (Alma 13:20), those who spend ridiculous amounts of time to prove something in the scriptures to be true or false will eventually lose sight of what is really important. We also know that the scriptures are written "...in plain terms, that we may understand, that we cannot err..." (Alma 13:23). We should never question scripture. We also must always pray that we "...may not be tempted above that which (we) can bear..." (Alma 13:28)

Chapter 14: Alma and Amulek are imprisoned, while in prison they are beaten and spit upon. Those who believed on the words of Alma and Amulek are put into a fire to burn, along with all their holy books.

When Amulek saw the pains of the women and children that were burning in the fire he asked Alma: "...How can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them from the flames." (Alma 14:10)

This is a question that all of us might ask at one time or another... why does God cause that wickedness prevail? Why does God cause pain and suffering? OR better yet; Why does God not use his power to relieve people of their pain and suffering? Especially when they are innocent?

Alma responds to Amulek and while answering him, also answers our questions... Alma said: "...The spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily against them in the last day." (Alma 14:11)

So we learn that God has his purposes and although we might not always understand why bad things happen to good people. We do understand that God will recompense those that are innocent and those that are guilty will be judged.

The chief judge in the land tempts Alma and Amulek by asking them why they could not save those people... and because they couldn't save those people from the fire that meant that they did not have power from God. Alma and Amulek are confined to prison, they continue to tempt them to break the bands and be redeemed by God. They break the bands and the walls of the prison fell to the earth, killing or seriously injuring all inside, except Alma and Amulek who walk away without and harm. People were so afraid of what had just happened, that they flee from the presence of Alma and Amulek.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Day 26; Alma 7-10

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How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Chapter 7: Alma delivers his words to the people of Gideon. He tells them about Christ, and how he will be born of Mary in Jerusalem. He tells them, that through Christ the bands of death are lifted and through repentance, faith in Jesus Christ and his Atonement one can be saved.

Alma (the younger) speaks of Christ; "And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of this people. And he will take upon him death which bind his people; and he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities" (Alma 7:11-12) Christ suffered all, and by doing this he knows what we suffer and has the ability and wisdom to know how to comfort us in our times of trial, heartache, pain, sickness...etc.

No unclean thing can dwell in the presence of God (Alma 7:21)

"...asking for whatsoever thing ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal..." (Alma 7:23) If we are humble and keep the commandments of God, then we have the right to ask for things we need, spiritual or temporal (material - food, shelter, money...etc.)

Chapter 8: Alma finishes up baptizing and preaching in the land of Melek. He travels to the land of Ammonihah to teach the word to those people in that land. But the people reject Alma the younger and he leaves the land. Alma was very upset that these people would not listen to him. But an angel of the Lord comes and commands him that he go back into the land. When he comes back into the land of Ammonihah he is weak and hungry, but the Lord had someone placed in his path (Amulek) to take him in and feed him, that he could receive blessings on his house. Amulek and Alma the younger start to spread the word in the land of Ammonihah.

Something we learn here is that sometimes we fail, and when we fail we need to continue. The Lord knew that like all of us, Alma would be sad and feeling like he was inadequate. But he told him to go again and the Lord helped him through the process.

We also learn of the blessing that can come upon our house when we take in the Lord's missionaries and feed them (Alma 8:20)

Chapter 9: "...except ye repent, ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God..." (Alma 9:12). Alma and Amulek preach unto the people in the land of Ammonihah and they tell them that they need to repent, and if they do so, the Lord will be merciful unto them. The Lord cometh soon (82 b.c.), and those who repent and do good works will enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Chapter 10: "...if it were not for the prayers of the righteous....ye would even now be visited with utter destruction..." (Alma 10:22) - The people that are righteous keep God happy, and cause that he does not destroy those who are wicked.

We learn that Lehi (from the beginning of the Book of Mormon, the father of Nephi) was a descendent of Manasseh who was a descendent of Joseph (who was sold into Egypt, by his brothers). There is a nice tie back to the stories of the Bible.

Unrighteous lawyers and judges open the door to the destruction of their own people. I find this one a little humorous, and since I am a strong believer that God has the biggest sense of humor of us all... decided to have Alma write these words:

"...those men who sought to destroy them, who were layers..." (Alma 10:14)

"Now these layers were learned in all the arts and cunning of the people..." (Alma 10:15)

"Now the object of these lawyers was to get gain..." (Alma 10:32)

It seems like even God dislikes lawyers! Anyways, beside the point... we learn that unrighteous people in positions of power is not good, and it is definitely not what God wants.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Day 25; Alma 3-6

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How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

If you need to catch up; here are some movies to get you caught up, the following comprises of the readings of Day 18 (Mosiah 4-7) and Today, Day 25 (Alma 3-6):

Zeniff: http://youtu.be/ANewFKayYrM

Abinadi and King Noah: http://youtu.be/acpN2ldr6uM

Alma Teaches and Baptizes http://youtu.be/OGvjiheZiks

King Limhi and His People Escape: http://youtu.be/vTf_IwCIKl0

Alma and His People Escape: http://youtu.be/S27A6ISA6C8

Alma the Younger Repents: http://youtu.be/A-TxEgzppP8

The Sons of Mosiah Become Missionaries: http://youtu.be/Xd8riU7wiS0

Alma and Nehor: http://youtu.be/Kjep0DXQwBw

The Amlicites: http://youtu.be/OBeWJ98lSrI

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Chapter 3: After the war, the Nephites bury their dead and return home. The Amlicites mark their foreheads with red, they become like the Lamanites. The Lamanites and the Amlicites try to go to war against the Nephites again, and are defeated.

Chapter 4: After the war is over, peace pursues in the land. But many people are still afflicted, because of aftermath. People begin to humble themselves and the church grows by the thousands. Just like we always see, people once they receive what they need start to lift up their hearts in pride and society starts to crumble and the church starts to decline. Alma steps down as chief judge and gives the power to a man named Nephihah. Alma without his civic duty can focus on his church responsibilities.

Chapter 5: After Alma preached in the land of Zarahemla, he heads out to surrounding cities to preach there.

This is what he preaches:

Salvation: On what grounds is a person saved?

Faith leads to a mighty change of heart, causing you to humble yourself before your maker, and trust in the only true and living God. (Alma 5:10-14)

He then asks the people he preaches to, very thought provoking questions... that we should ALL ask ourselves:

· Can you look up to God, in the last days, with a pure heart and clean hands? (Alma 5:19-20)

· If you have experienced a change of heart, can you feel that now? (Alma 5: 26)

· Have you walked uprightly and blameless before God? (Alma 5: 27)

· Are you stripped of pride? (Alma 5: 28)

· Will you persist in supposing that you are better than one another? (Alma 5: 54)

· Will you persist on turning your backs to the needy and poor? (Alma 5:55)

We also learn that everything Good comes from God and everything bad comes from the devil (Alma 5:40)

Then Alma asks the people: "...Do ye not suppose that I know these things myself? Behold, I testify unto you that I do know that these things whereof I have spoken are true. And how do ye suppose that I know of their surety? Behold, I say unto you they are made know unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of revelation which is in me." (Alma 5:45-46). Here we learn an important doctrine, about personal revelation. We all have the right to receive personal revelation, but like Alma, we must be persistent in receiving that revelation... even if we must fast and pray for days.

Chapter 6: The people respond to the message that Alma gave to them. The church grows greatly, Alma then moves to another city, the city of Gideon, and he begins to preach there.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Day 24; Mosiah 28-29; Alma 1-2

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How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Mosiah Chapter 28: The sons of Mosiah continue to preach to the Lamanites. Mosiah translate the Jaredite plates using two seer stones. These are the same plates that we read about in Mosiah 8.

Mosiah Chapter 29: Mosiah proposes that judges be elected instead of having kings; "...that because all men are not just it is not expedient that ye should have a King of kings to rule over you." (Mosiah 29:16) This is very interesting, because we are seeing a lot of problems throughout the world that are happening because of wicked leaders. Mosiah warns about leaders who are evil and wicked, being selfish in their own ways. "...I say unto you, ye cannot dethrone an iniquitous king save it be through much contention, and the shedding of much blood. For behold, he has his friends in iniquity, and he keepeth his guards about him; and he teareth up the laws of those who have reigned in righteousness before him... and he enacteth laws, and sendeth them forth among his people... laws after his own wickedness... and whosoever doth rebel against him he will send his armies against them to war..." (Mosiah 29:21-23). I think we can learn a lot from this warning, we must elect people to the government that we feel have the best interest in mind for the country as a whole. I think that the U.S.A is in such a mess today, because people have lost their values and are ignorant to everything! If people were to be careful in choosing our leaders, and thinking twice before buying something, we would be in a much better spot. Alma the younger is chosen as the chief judge, he is also the high priest over the church. Mosiah and Alma the elder both die.

Alma Chapter 1: A man comes through the land, and starts preaching false doctrines. Alma the younger is the judge and brings him in to be judged after he slays Gideon. He is executed for his crimes. This chapter teaches about the importance of everyone working for their own living. Everyone must labor in order to eat. A priest of a church must labor as well, he cannot just receive his living from the people who labor under the sun. Read verses: 3; and 26.

Alma Chapter 2: A man named Amlici, decides he wants to become king, but is rejected by the people. So his followers make him king and they go to war against the Nephites, they are defeated but join forces with the Lamanites and go up to fight the Nephites again, and are once again defeated. Alma kills Amlici.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Day 23; Mosiah 24-27

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Request a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon: http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/

How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Chapter 24: Amulon, the leader of the Lamanites persecutes Alma and his people. The Lamanites put heavy burdens on Alma and his people and threaten to kill them if they pray to God. God makes their burdens light and causes a deep sleep to come upon the Lamanites, so that they can leave in the middle of the night and go to the land of Zarahemla, where they will be free from bondage.

Chapter 25: The people of the land of Zarahemla (the mulekites) become nehpites and are converted and baptized because of the word that Alma brought to them. King Mosiah allows that churches of God be established throughout the land.

Chapter 26: Just like today, many of the members of the churches that Alma had established, begin to fall away, they start to sin and disbelieve the words that had been spoken. In order to be forgiven of your sins, you must confess your sins to a church authority and ask God for repentance.

If you want to repent and be free from sin, you must also forgive other people of their trespasses. (Mosiah 26:31)

Chapter 27: King Mosiah decides that there is too much persecution between the believers and nonbelievers and commands that there be peace in the land. Alma the younger (not Alma), persecutes the church and is visited by an angel who commands him to stop persecuting the church. Alma is struck dumb and prays for several days before receiving strength in his limbs. Alma the younger repents of his sins and Alma the younger and the four sons of King Mosiah go throughout the land preaching the word of God.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Day 22; Mosiah 20-23

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

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How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Chapter 20: King Noah and his people come out from the wilderness and abduct Lamanite daughters. The lamanites retaliate by attacking the people of Limhi, which after some discussion on what had really happed, they decided to drop their weapons.

Chapter 21: The people of Limhi stir up in anger and try to fight to be freed of the bondage between them and the Lamanites, but they are shot down every time, losing many men in battle. This chapter continues on from Mosiah 7; where Ammon finds the land of Lehi-Nephi where Limhi is king.

After meeting Ammon, they decide that they want to humble themselves and become baptized, but it mentions something important: "...and many of his people (King Limhi) were desirous to be baptized; but there was none in the land that had authority from God..." (Mosiah 21:33) OR in other words only a baptism with the proper authority is valid.

Chapter 22: Ammon and Limhi start to discuss how they might get out of bondage from the Lamanites, and they decide from counsel of Gideon, that they send wine to the guards... so they will be drunk. Then all of the people of Limhi travel from the city of Lehi-Nephi and follow Ammon to the land of Zarahemla where they become under the rule of King Mosiah.

Chapter 23: In chapter 23 we see the continuance of Mosiah 18, where Alma leads people into the wilderness to teach them the words that Abinadi had spoken. The people desired that Alma be their king, but Alma refuses, saying: "...I desire that ye should stand fast in the liberty wherewith ye have been made free, and that ye trust no man to be a king over you. And also trust no one to be your teacher nor your minister, except he be a man of God, walking in the ways and keeping his commandments." (Mosiah 23:13-14) This is really important doctrine that we can apply to leaders in today's world. For example the U.S.A. The government and the president should not have much power, just enough to keep order, and leave the rest to the free world (liberty), and that you should never vote in any leader that does not worship God, fear him and follow his commandments.

The lamanites find the land of Helam and rule over the people there. Amulon, leader of King Noah's wicked priest becomes the Lamanite Monarch.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Day 21; Mosiah 16-19

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How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Chapter 16: Abinadi continues preaching to the people of King Noah, commanding them that they believe in God and rebel no more against him. Death is the beginning of endless life or endless torment. Redemption comes only through Christ the Lord.

Chapter 17: King Noah commands that Abinadi be put to death. Abinadi warns him that if he dies by fire, vengeance will come down from God on him and his people. King Noah sentences him to death by fire, and as Abinadi is being burned he screams out, saying: "Behold, even as ye have done unto me, so shall it come to pass that thy seed shall cause that many shall suffer the pains that I do suffer, even the pains of death by fire..." (Mosiah 17:15; see also Mosiah 19:20 where King Noah dies by fire... exactly as Abinadi had said in this verse and in Mosiah 13:10), then Abinadi dies and seals his testimony with his own death.

Chapter 18: With Abinadi dead, someone who heard his words, Alma decides to continue his preachings and organizes a church in the wilderness for those who believed on Abinadi's words. He asks his followers.. "... are you willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in even unto death, that ye may be redeemed of God... Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?" (Mosiah 18:9-10). If you are willing do these things, then why not get baptized? And for those of us who are already members of the church need to remember to do these things, as a part of the covenant that we made, when we were baptized.

Alma also taught his people that they "...should teach nothing save it were the things which he had taught, and which he had spoken by the mouth of the holy prophets...he commanded them that they should preach nothing save it were repentance and faith on the Lord..." (Mosiah 18:19-20). This is something that members or full time missionaries should always remember... we must only teach what is important to someone's salvation. We do not need to worry about specific details and other aspects of the gospel until we fully understand the very basic principles. It is like trying to feed a baby a piece of steak. We must start out with liquid and slowly move our way up to solid foods, like meat. The same is with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Chapter 19: The lamanites come in and kill the people of Noah, but spares many. King Limhi is put into power over the people under the control of the lamanites (in bondage). King Noah dies by fire.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Day 20; Mosiah 12-15

Request a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon: http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/

How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Chapter 12: Abinadi is still bound, but brought before the priests of King Noah, who begin to question him in his understanding of the gospel. They try to find something that they can attack (just like with Jesus when he was on the earth), but every time they try to confound Abinadi he confounds them. The priests try to accuse Abinadi, but they cannot.

This reminds me a lot of my mission, where I would talk with different leaders of other churches that would try to accuse the LDS church of being evil or try to "test" our knowledge of the scriptures and every time I was able to confound them.

Abinadi continues to ask the priests what they teach, and they respond with "the law of Moses", then Abinadi asks them why they don't practice what they preach, then Abinadi starts to list off the 10 commandments.

1. Thou shalt have no other God before me.

2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing in heaven above, or things which are in the earth beneath (Mosiah 12:35-36)

Chapter 13: Abinadi continues teaching about the 10 commandments, when the king commands that he be slayed, but Abinadi yells out "Touch me not, for God shall smite you if ye lay your hands upon me, fo I have not delivered the message which the Lord has sent me to deliver... therefore, God will not suffer that I shall be destroyed at this time..." (Mosiah 13:3)

The guards decide not to touch him because they fear of the Lord, Abinadi goes on to deliver the message, which the Lord commanded him to deliver. But he sends a warning... "...what you do with me, after this, shall be as a type and a shadow of things which are to come." (Mosiah 13:10)

2. No graven images and no bowing down to them or serving them.

3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord in vain.

4. Remember the sabbath day to keep it holy.

5. Honor thy father and thy mother.

6. Thou shalt not kill

7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.

8. Thou shalt not steal

9. Thou shalt not bear false witness (lie)

10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his house..etc. (don't be jealous)

Abinadi then asks the priests if they have taught all of those rules, and they did not. Abinadi teaches that salvation does not come just from law. The law was given to the children of Israel that they may remember the Lord on a daily basis through ordinances, and commandments. This is important doctrine, because many people believe that we are saved by just confessing the name of Jesus and having faith on him. But we must complete the law as well, so that we will always remember him and not sin.

Chapter 14: Can be compared to Isaiah 53. Isaiah speaks about the Lord and how he will make an intercession (atonement ) for mankind.

Chapter 15: This chapter talks about how Christ is both the Father and the Son. Jesus Christ laid down his life that we may have eternal life, through him we can be resurrected.

Now we get to some deeper doctrine, which I will admit that I am not perfect on. My knowledge is lacking, but I refer to an article by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the 12 Apostles. (the full article can be found here: http://lds.org/ensign/2002/04/the-father-and-the-son?lang=eng&query=father+son)

The Father and the Son:

God the Father is THE Creator, and we learn that the Creator is also an organizer. Father is often times used to denote Jesus Christ. Although we must be careful to fully understand the meaning behind the word "Father", and understand what they mean, when they are being used.

1. "Father" as Literal Parent: God is our father, we also designate him by the exalted name of "Elohim". He is the literal parent of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God the Father is also the father of our spirits. Jesus however is NOT our Father in this sense, for he taught us to pray "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name" (Matthew 6:9)

2. "Father" as Creator: Because God was the Creator, Maker and Organizer of Heaven and Earth. God (Elohim) recieves this title. But Jesus Christ (which we also know as Jehovah, in the Old Testament) was the executive of the Father, Jesus Christ or "Jehovah" aided God in the creation of both the Heavens and the Earth and therefore receives the same title for his work.

3. Jesus Christ the "Father" of Those Who Abide in His Gospel: Those who follow Jesus and his gospel become like his adoptive sons and daughters in his kingdom. To become true sons and daughters of God the Father (Elohim)

4. Jesus Christ the "Father" by Divine Investiture of Authority: Jesus Christ said to the jews once: "I and my father are one" (John 10:10), many might proclaim that God is Jesus Christ and the Godhead is only one, but we read also that Jesus declared "My Father is greater than I" (John 14:28). Jesus Christ is basically a spokesman for God, therefore he is invested with God's powers to deliver the message to God's Children and create a way for them to return to him, through Christ's Atonement and sacrifice.

If you want to know more about this read the full article, using the link above.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Day 19; Mosiah 8-11

Request a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon: http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/

How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Chapter 8: Ammon speaks with King Limhi, who tells him that a group of his people went searching for the Land of Zarahemla for help, so that they might be delivered from their bondage. But during one of these searches, this group came across a great land, that was completely desolate. In this land (which was as great as that of Israel) they found 24 plates that were made of pure gold. King Limhi brings forth the records and asks Ammon if he can read them. Ammon explains that only a Seer is able to read these records, "...for he has wherewith what he can look, and translate all records that are of ancient date; and it is a gift from God. And all things are called interpreters, and no man can look in them except he be commanded, lest he should look for that he ought not and he should perish. And whosoever is commanded to look in them, the same is called a seer... and the king said that a seer is greater than a prophet. And Ammon said that a seer is a revelator and a prophet also; and a gift which is greater can no man have, except he should possess the power of God, which no man can; yet a man may have great power from God. But a seer can know of things which are past, and also things which are to come, and by them shall all things be revealed, or, rather, shall secret things be made manifest, and hidden things shall come to light..." (Mosia 8:13-17)

A seer, when commanded of God can see things of the past and future and can translate any ancient records. Through a seer, and a prophet are all things revealed unto men. We have the Bible because of seers and revelators, just like we have the Book of Mormon and all other scripture.

"O how marvelous are the work of the Lord... and how blind and impenetrable are the understandings f the children of men; for they will not seek wisdom, neither do they desire that she should rule over them!" (Mosiah 8:20)

The works of the Lord are truly marvelous, but we must learn to understand them. We do not understand the works of the Lord, because we don't try... we choose to be blind and stubborn.

Chapter 9: This chapter goes back in time before chapter 7, and talks about the bondage of the people that dwelled in the land of Lehi-Nephi. King Zeniff leads his peolpe to the land of Lehi-Nephi where King Laman of the Lamanites permits them to stay, after Zeniff decides the Lamanites can be trusted. After 12 years the people of Zeniff start to dwell in the land, and King Laman desired that they should be their masters, that they may no longer have to work, but rather enjoy the labor of others. Zeniff leads his people to overpower the lamanites, in one day they slay 3,043 and only lose 279.

Chapter 10: After Zeniff and his people drive the Lamanites out of their newly acquired land, they begin to thrive again, and live for more than 20 years in peace, until the lamanites return and attack them. Zeniff and his people slaughter the Lamanites, so much that they do not count the dead. The reason for the Lamanites hated these people, because of the traditions of their fathers, which is: "...Believing that they were driven out of the land of Jerusalem because of the iniquities of their fathers, and that they were wronged in the wilderness, and they were wronged while crossing the sea..." (Mosiah 10:12). This however, was because Nephi was faithful to the commandments of the Lord, and Laman and Lemuel were not obedient. Because of this, and not understanding the dealings of the Lord... they taught their children to hate the offspring of Nephi and his people.

Chapter 11: Zeniff finishes his record in Chapter ten and passes on his kingdom to his son Noah, who becomes the next ruler. King Noah does not rule in righteousness, but instead sins and causes his people to sin as well. , but a teacher comes forth preaching of God and telling them that they have turned away from him and that they do commit sin. This person goes forth among this people by the name of Abinadi. King Noah becomes frustrated with Abinadi and has him brought before him, that they might slay him.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Day 18; Mosiah 4-7

Request a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon: http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/

How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Watch the Cartoon version of King Benjamin's Address: http://youtu.be/Z36FGuwxSa8

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Chapter 4: King Benjamin continues his address to his people, in chapter 4 he mentions some interesting things, that if we were to practice in our own lives we would live a lot happier life. He tells his people that they should always believe, he said:

"Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord doth comprehend." (Mosiah 4:9) How interesting! So many of us are quick to judge God, especially when times are rough. We think; the "why?" and not the "how" we question God, but don't always, nor can we comprehend the way God thinks. We don't understand the how, which is his power. We learned in a previous chapter that God does nothing, save it be for the benefit of the world, because he loveth the world. Therefore in those situations where we don't understand the how, how God works. Then we need to step back and rethink the situation, reflect on it. "... for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent..." (Mosiah 4:27)

King Benjamin exhorts them to extend their hand to all those in need, reminding them that they are all beggars, because we depend on God for everything. We need to help those in need and give of ourselves what we can. Meaning everything poor or rich need to give of their substance.

The chapter ends with a warning: "...if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds and observe to keep the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of our lives, ye must perish...." (Mosiah 4:30)

Chapter 5: King Benjamin tells his people that if they are willing to enter into a covenant and take upon themselves, the name of Christ, then they can become his people. But he warns them, saying that they need to really worship him. For if they worship him, without truly knowing him, then like in the Bible; Jesus said: "...I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7:23)

Chapter 6: King Benjamin finishes his address to his people, and had the names of everyone that made a covenant that day to be written down, so that there would be a record of their covenant with God. King Benjamin hands of the power of the kingdom to his son Mosiah, who leads the people righteously.

King Mosiah was a great leader, and we learn a very important leadership principle here: "...king Mosiah did cause his people to till the earth. And he also, himself, did till the earth..." (Mosiah 6:7). That is a true sign of a leader, not only someone who commands, but truly leads by example!

Chapter 7: This chapter is not very long, but does talk about how Ammon (someone living in the land of Zarahemla) went down to look for the land of Lehi-Nephi. He finds King Limhi who is the king of the land, where they are in bondage to the Lamanites. King Limhi tries to help his people understand that they are in bondage because they did not turn to the Lord with a full purpose of heart.

Friday, November 18, 2011

Day 17; Words of Mormon 1; The Book of Mosiah 1-3

Request a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon: http://mormon.org/free-book-of-mormon/

How the Book of Mormon came about: http://youtu.be/FMQEb9A9L2g

Scripture Thought (What I Learned):

Summary of The Words of Mormon 1; The Book of Mosiah 1-3: J

The Words of Mormon Chapter 1:

This chapter outlines the importance of the Book of Mormon today...

"And now, I speak somewhat concerning that which I have written; for after I had made an ^aabridgment from the ^bplates of Nephi, down to the reign of this king Benjamin, of whom Amaleki spake, I searched among the ^crecords which had been delivered into my hands, and I found these plates, which contained this small account of the prophets, from Jacob down to the reign of this king^dBenjamin, and also many of the words of Nephi. And the things which are upon these plates ^apleasing me, because of the prophecies of the coming of Christ; and my fathers knowing that many of them have been fulfilled; yea, and I also know that as many things as have been ^bprophesied concerning us down to this day have been fulfilled, and as many as go beyond this day must surely come to pass—Wherefore, I chose ^athese things, to finish my ^brecord upon them, which remainder of my record I shall take from the ^cplates of Nephi; and I cannot write the ^dhundredth part of the things of my people. But behold, I shall take these plates, which contain these prophesyings and revelations, and put them with the remainder of my record, for they are choice unto me; and I know they will be choice unto my brethren. And I do this for a ^awise ^bpurpose; for thus it whispereth me, according to the workings of the Spirit of the Lord which is in me. And now, I do not know all things; but the Lord ^cknoweth all things which are to come; wherefore, he ^dworketh in me to do according to his ^ewill. And my ^aprayer to God is concerning my brethren, that they may once again come to the knowledge of God, yea, the redemption of Christ; that they may once again be a ^bdelightsome people." (Words of Mormon 1:3-8)

Mormon is given the plates that we have already read so far, the stories of Lehi and Nephi, Jacob and his family and King Benjamin. Mormon desires that these plates be secured and combines them with a history of his people (which we shall later read), he hands the plates to his son Moroni, who will continue to pile the Book of Mormon together.

The Book of Mosiah Chapter 1:

The Book of Mosiah; this Book is very interesting, because of King Mosiah. In Hebrew "Moshia" represents a champion of justice against oppression, appointed by God, whose mission is to liberate a chosen people from oppression, especially by non-violent ways. Remember that as we read through the book of Mosiah.

King Benjamin confers the Kingdom upon Mosiah. Mosiah is chosen as a king over his people and is put in charge of all the records. The chapter ends with King Benjamin asking that his people be gathered together, that they might listen to him, before he dies.

The Book of Mosiah Chapter 2: King Benjamin has his people gather around a large tower, so that everyone would be able to see him and all would be able to hear him. He addresses his people from this tower... and tells them that he was a fair and spiritual leader, but he counsels them to serve only their Heavenly King, he counsels that those who rebel of God will be punished.

He starts his address off with power:

"My brethren, all ye that have assembled yourselves together, you that can hear my words which I shall speak unto you this day; for I have not commanded you to come up hither to ^btrifle with the words which I shall speak, but that you should ^chearken unto me, and open your ears that ye may hear, and your ^dhearts that ye may understand, and your ^eminds that the ^fmysteries of God may be unfolded to your view." (Mosiah 2:9) Sometimes all we have to do is not trifle over the words of God, but just listen, with open eyes and ears... and let God tell us what is true and what is not true through the Holy Ghost.

King Benjamin leaves behind much counsel, knowledge and Wisdom, which we will see. I took out what I thought was the most important:

"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn ^awisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the ^bservice of your ^cfellowbeings ye are only in the service of your God." (Mosiah 2:17) If we truly want to serve God, we must serve our fellow beings... Love thy neighbor.

" And behold, all that he ^arequires of you is to ^bkeep his commandments; and he has ^cpromised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth ^dvary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do ^ekeep his ^fcommandments he doth bless you and prosper you. And now, in the first place, he hath created you, and granted unto you your lives, for which ye are indebted unto him. And secondly, he doth ^arequire that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately ^bbless you; and therefore he hath paid you. And ye are still indebted unto him, and are, and will be, forever and ever; therefore, of what have ye to boast?" (Mosiah 2:22-24) King Benjamin reminds us that all God wants from us is to obey his commandments, and if we do he will bless us! How simple is that? Very. He said that we really have no reason to boast, because we are nothing without God.

" And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and ^ahappy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are ^bblessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out ^cfaithful to the end they are received into ^dheaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it." (Mosiah 2:41) If we just do what God wants, we will have never-ending happiness, all we have to do is obey.

The Book of Mosiah Chapter 3: King Benjamin delivers a treasure trove of knowledge to his people, that we can also benefit from today. King Benjamin continues his address by speaking of Jesus Christ, the Son of God that will soon come... (this was written 124 years before Christ's birth), that he would come down and perform many miracles... again here are the most important parts that I pulled out:

" For behold, and also his ^ablood ^batoneth for the sins of those who have ^cfallen by the transgression of Adam, who have died not knowing the ^dwill of God concerning them, or who have ^eignorantlysinned. But wo, wo unto him who knoweth that he ^arebelleth against God! For salvation cometh to none such except it be through repentance and faith on the ^bLord Jesus Christ" (Mosiah 2:11-12) We learn very important doctrine here, that if someone dies before they receive the knowledge of Jesus Christ, they will be atoned for by the Atonement of Christ. But for those who have sinned with the knowledge of Jesus Christ will be judged in the end.

Salvation can only come through Jesus Christ! "And moreover, I say unto you, that there shall be ^ano other name given nor any other way nor means whereby ^bsalvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the ^cLord Omnipotent." (Mosiah 3:17)

The Natural Man is an enemy to God: "For the ^anatural ^bman is an ^cenemy to God, and has been from the ^dfall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he ^eyields to the enticings of the Holy ^fSpirit, and ^gputteth off the ^hnatural man and becometh a ⁱsaint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a ^jchild, ^ksubmissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father." (Mosiah 3:19)

If we want to overcome the natural man, we must become like little children. Submissive, meek, humble, patient and full of love.

"And thus saith the Lord: They shall stand as a bright testimony against this people, at the judgment day; whereof they shall be judged, every man according to his ^aworks, whether they be good, or whether they be evil. And if they be evil they are consigned to an awful ^aview of their own guilt and abominations, which doth cause them to shrink from the presence of the Lord into a state of ^bmisery and ^cendless torment, from whence they can no more return; therefore they have drunk damnation to their own souls." (Mosiah 3:24-25)

In the end, all men will be judged by their works, whether they be good or bad.

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