Alma Ch18

In this chapter we hear some of the teachings of Ammon to Lamoni. Topics that are covered include the creation, God's dealings with men, and the redemption. You'll see what happens to Lamoni when he learns of all that awesome.

King Lamoni found out about the deeds of Ammon from his servants, and they really talked him up, so much that it got Lamoni thinking Ammon was invincible (v1-4). That was the kinda thing he was raised on so he feared Ammon because of the whole him being a Great Spirit and his power to slay a bunch of enemies (v5-6). It was common knowledge that bandits would sit around scattering flocks and stealing sheep, so Ammon getting rid of them was a blessing (v7).

Lamoni asks the servants where Ammon was while they were telling him the story and they say he's doing his duties and getting the horses ready for the king's journey (v8-9). This act of faithful servitude really impressed Lamoni and he wants to ask Ammon if he actually is the Great Spirit, but he's scared (v10-11). So when Ammon came and noticed how Lamoni was all scared, he was going to leave but someone bids him, respectfully, to stay at the kings desire (v12-13).

Ammon asks what he can do next for Lamoni, then waits there for an hour just twiddling his thumbs in silence before asking again (v14-15). Since obviously Lamoni is too scared to say anything, Ammon hears from the Spirit of God the thought of the king and inquires very exactly to what he was thinking (v16-18). Finally, Lamoni asks his burning question, and Ammon answers that he is not the Great Spirit (v19). I don't think Lamoni believes him so he asks how he can do so many marvelous acts (v20-21).

Wise missionary that Ammon is, he asks Lamoni if he is ready to believe the words he's gonna teach, and Lamoni is ready (v20-23). From then on begins Lamoni's investigation of the church and being taught the first lesson in v24-32 about Lamoni's knowledge of God and as the Great Spirit. Some of the truths about God and heaven are taught to Lamoni who believes in holy angels and Ammon having been sent from God (v33). 

Another truth taught is man being created in God's image and the blessing of the Holy Ghost giving knowledge and power according to faith (v34-35). More teachings include the creation with examples from the scriptures, and a truthful account of the rebellion of Laman and Lemuel (v36-38). Then the plan of salvation was taugh that leads straight into the coming of Christ to the earth to atone for the sins of all mankind (v39).

After all this knowledge is just heaped upon King Lamoni was overwhelmed with sorrow for his previous sinning and asks for forgiveness and mercy (v40-41). He then fell unconscious and could not be roused but was laid in his bed as if he was dead (42-43). Some people even thought he was dead, mainly mentioned are his family.

Alma Ch17

These next chapters are really cool because they are the mission stories of the sons of Mosiah who went to the Lamanites to preach. Alma meets back up with them when going home and gets to hear about all the suffering, deliverance, daring escapes, and awesome conversions. The first story we hear about is from Ammon and his work in the land of Ishmael. He starts as a servant to the king and saves the king's flocks because he is a smart and brave kind of guy.
So after Alma finished preaching in Gideon and was going to Zarahemla, he chances across the sons of Mosiah, and if you remember they were converted to the gospel at the same time as Alma with that angel experience (v1-2). Alma was ecstatic to see that they were still strong in the gospel and have learned through prayer and fasting the spirit of prophecy while teaching the Lamanites and bringing them the truths of God (v3). Their mission had been a successful 4 years laboring in the spirit and suffering trials all starting when they refused the kingdom from their father and left Zarahemla (v4-6).
Here we go! They packed up like any missionary would nowadays except for the weapons....but only to provide food for themselves in their group (v7-8). Now it's my understanding that their group consisted of Ammon, Aaron, Omner, Himni (who have been previously mentioned as the sons of Mosiah in the conversion story in Mosiah 27:34), and then in Alma ch20:2 we also know that Muloki and Ammah was in their group. So at least 6, and they traveled far to get to the Lamanites and as they traveled they prepared to teach them by fasting and praying to the Lord to grant them His spirit (v9).
They mostly desired to give them the truth to correct the traditions of their fathers and give them the opportunity to accept the knowledge. The Lord blesses them and tells them that they should be examples of good first and bare the sufferings that will happen because He will use them as instruments to bring many to salvation (v10-11). This promise should and mostly likely is extended to all who serve a mission in Christ's name, and knowing this, your heart should be comforted just like the mission group in this chapter (v12). Being comforted, they were able to separate and cover more ground across the Lamanite lands because their work was that of God's, which is great (v13-14).
The Lamanites at this time were just awful because they started off pretty bad with Laman and Lemuel then just kept getting worse becoming lazy, murdmurous, greedy, and theives (v15). Ammon was the leader of the group because of he was the oldest and blessed his companions before they separated to preach the plan of redemption to this wicked people who had never learned of it (v16-18). We first hear about Ammon's mission in Ishmael where he was immediately captured, bound, and brought before the king of that land, King Lamoni (v19-20). This was routine for all Nephites who came into Lamnanite territory so the king starts asking him why he had come (v21-22).
Ammon answers by saying what most Nephites who were wicked and deserted their home said, 'I want to try living here instead' (v23). I don't know exactly what he said but Lamoni seemed to like him so he offers one of his daughters as a wife without knowing him for a day (v24)! Ammon, being a missionary, refuses and asks to be Lamoni's servant and begins to work as a royal servant taking care of the animals, and we hear mostly about the sheep (v25-26). The first job he does is taking the sheep to water to drink, and there are some bandits that come and scatter the sheep and try to steal them (v27). Most the servants immediately think they will be punished with death for this and Ammon (as the natural leader I see him as) takes charge and wins over the hearts of his fellow servants by devising a plan to not die (v28-30).
His plan was pretty simply, 'go get the sheep we can find and continue to do our job,' which they did and when the bandits came back, Ammon stood before them to fight (v31-34) Ammon is probably one of my favorite people to imagine fake details about his life because he is a prince and was probably trained to fight, and he was also converted to the gospel awesomely so he is a good example so yeah...good stuff. So anyway, back to the story, Ammon stood to fight against this group of bandits that were definitely not scared of him knowing that they out numbered him, but we know that he is going to be protected because Mosiah was promised that (v34-35).
He starts by throwing stones in a deadly manner slaying 7 of the guards (ch18v16), but the rest of them just got angry and charged him with clubs which were no help either because Ammon had a sword to defend himself with (v36-37). Ammon cut off the arms of any who came at him and killed the leader of the criminals and protected the flocks so they could be returned to the king safely (v38-39). Then the other servants kept the arms of the Lamanite bandits as proof of what had happened (honestly I might have too because I doubt anyone would believe that) and carried them to the king.

Alma Ch16

Here we are going to see what happens to people who don't accept the teachings of Christ. The Nephites have a battle with the Lamanites and win, then there are teachings of some of the leaders of the church. 

On February 5th, year 11 (again another not accurate conversion), was a cry of war throughout the land because the Lamanites were coming after a long stretch of peace (v1-2). They attacked at Ammoniah first and destroyed the city and taken some captive from around Noah before the Nephites got their army together (v3). The appointed captain was Zoram who had two sons, Lehi and Aha, who all went to Alma as the prophet to know how The Lord would direct them to rescue the captives (v4-5).

When Alma asked The Lord, he was given specific instructions where the Lamanites were going to be and the armies were placed in the best position to attack and get their people back (v6-8). That was all that was recorded happening that year, it was awfully important though because it fulfilled the prophecy that Ammoniah would be destroyed (v9).

It was actually so bad that there were carcasses all over the ground decaying and making it stink, so it became known as the Desolation of Nehors (v10-11). If you'll remember, Nehor was a follower of the devil who led many into secret combinations and wickedness. After this war, there were three years of peace that many leaders if the church used to spread the words of God (v12-13). There were many people who were converted and started preaching as missionaries to all the regions around (v14-15).

The Lord was preparing them to receive his words and by warning them about the attitudes that turn men's hearts hard (v16-18). The people received knowledge and inquired for more about Christ and His coming, being filled with joy at the teachings (v19-20). The church flourished during those three years and The Lord blessed them for it (v21).

Alma Ch15

After the fiasco in Ammoniah, the companionship heads to Sidom to establish a church which prospers in the land. Zeezrom shows up again and joins the church and is healed by Alma before he leaves to return to Zarahemla with Amulek.
The Lord guided Amla and Amulek to where the people who had been cast out of Ammoniah by the wicked which was called Sidom, and they told the people who had fled about what had happened to those who had stayed (v1-2). Interestingly enough, Zeezrom, after being cast out made his way there but he became sick because he blamed himself for all the wickedness that had happened and assumed he had caused the death of the missionaries (v3). As soon as he knew they survived, he asked them to visit him and was visited while he was sick wanting to be healed (v4-5).
Surprisingly enough it isn't easy to be healed when you don't have faith. Luckily for Zeezrom he believed the teachings he had once denounced and was healed by Alma through his faith which became a story told throughout Sidom (v6-11). Then Alma started to preach, baptize, and organize a church in the land with teachers and priests (v12-14). We know that the people in Ammoniah were still hard-hearted despite seeing the prison tumble to the ground and witness Alma and Amulek safely walk out (v15).
Amulek had forsaken everything he owned in Ammoniah when he left with Alma, so after they established a church in Sidom and made sure the people were humbling themselves sufficiently before the Lord, he joined Alma as he traveled back to Zarahemla (v16-18). This time it was Alma's turn to take care of Amulek and even teach him and strengthen him in the Lord to overcome the tribulations of loosing everything and witnessing some pretty bad stuff. As this chapter ends, we have the close of year 10 since judges were established as the government and quite a lot has happened. Can't wait to see what happens in the chapters to come!

Alma Ch14

Alma and Amulek are put in prison and are forced to watch as believers of their words are burned with the scriptures. Alma comforts Amulek with the knowledge that they will be received by the Lord and then displays the power of God by breaking out of prison. Those who had persecuted them were slain and on their way to meet God too.
The sermon and testimony he bore in the last chapter converted many and they repented, but more of the people were desirous to kill the them because of their plainness in telling them their wickedness (v1-3). The people bound them and sent them to court to be tried against their laws which just happened to have Zeezrom there to testify in favor of Alma and Amulek (v4-6)! He had had a change of heart and realized he was guilty of leading the people away, so he pleaded with the people but they rejected his change and cast him out with the rest that had been converted; and by 'cast out' I mean burned (v7-8).
To make matters worse, the made Alma and Amulek witness this tragedy with women, children, and all the holy scriptures being burned (v9). Amulek wanted to use the power of God to stop this but Alma was stopped by the Spirit because the Lord has allowed this to happen in His infinite wisdom (v10-11). This action that is allowed is a way to receive those innocent unto Him, in glory, and pass judgement on those who have rejected the words. Then Amulek in his despair says, "perhaps they will burn us also," to which Alma replies, 'if it is God's will, but we're not done yet' (v12-13).
After all the burning is over, the chief judge makes a display of mockery towards the prophet by exclaiming they had no power to help their followers because their God could not save them (v14-16). Alma and Amulek bore all this and said nothing, but were cast into prison for 3 days with many visitors to question them about all their preaching and still said nothing (v17-19). They were beaten, questioned, spit upon, straved, mocked, bound, and given many harsh treatments to get them to answer them over the days they were in prison (v20-22).
It was 10-12-10 (not an exact conversion...not even close actually! it just means the 12th day of 10th month in year 10) when a bunch of the wicked questioners came to see them, and the chief judge says, 'if you can deliver yourself, we will believe everything you've said,' to which every person declares after (v23-25). After so long without a reaction, I'm sure it surprised everyone when they finally rose and Alma declared with passion how the Lord is giving them strength, according to their faith, after such a long time of affliction, and as their restraints break, the people scatter in fear (v26). None escaped the prison as it was destroyed in an earthquake except Alma and Amulek, who emerged to find a group of people who had heard the noise and come to see the cause but then fled in great fear just as the others had (v27-29).

Alma Ch13

Alma describes how men are called to be priests because of their faith they can bless others with and they teach righteously the commandments of God. Melchizedek was one of the priests called of old and received the priesthood that many men now a days are worthy of holding. The news of the coming of Christ should be told to everyone with glad tidings as the angels have done.
So I must be honest and say that at first this chapter got me completely lost. You know how sometimes Mormon butts in and starts talking about something or explaining something? Well this is what I thought and sort of still think is happening in this chapter. In v1, it says to 'cite your minds forward' when the Lord gave commandments and 'remember' the ordained priests that he called to teach the people. I know there have been prophecies of the Lord but as far as I know, the people Alma is speaking to don't believe those prophecies so why would he bring this up to teach about the priesthood? It's great for us and helpful when understanding the way the Lord has organized His church but the people Alma is teaching would probably be lost. Of course, after Alma explains all this stuff in this chapter, the people want to imprison him and Amulek so I have come to the conclusion that this is most likely Alma still preaching.
So with that in mind, moving on. The Lord ordains priests to help the people learn of Him and they were prepared before they even came to earth with great faith to choose good (v2-3). They exercised faith where others rejected and therefore, are set in a holy standing that gives them privileges that the wicked would have gotten if they did not reject the Spirit of God (v4-5). The priests will rest with God after their diligent service to the work of God and have the priesthood for eternity to teach and perform ordinances (v6-9).
We should all use the priests to took upon this holy order and shunned sin as examples of how we should humble ourselves to repentance so we too, can rest with God (v10-13). Melchizedek is an example of a high priest that our father Abraham was under, and he taught to look forward to the remission of your sins (v14-16). He had been a righteous king over Salem and watched his people stray to wickedness, but through his guidance and teachings, the people repented and peace was established (v17-18). What's really cool about Melchizedek is that his nickname was prince of peace because he was under his father when he established this peace and even though there are many mighty priests before and after him, he is particularly mentioned because he was the greatest (v19).
Now the people had scripture to tell them more about Melchizedek so basically have fun researching, but as for right now, repent as the angels of the Lord hath declared to every nation (v20-22). The directions to follow are plain so there is not chance of misunderstanding and so many people are declaring the good word to people all over the land to prepare for His coming (v23-24). We don't know exactly when, but it will be soon (we know because we are in the future!) but we should all be able to rejoice in that day (v25-26). For our day, we should be able to rejoice at the second coming of our Savior! That's why it is so important to not procrastinate repentance and always watch, pray, be humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and long-suffereing, have faith and hope, and endure to the end (v27-29). The Lord will grant us eternal life if we repent and He wants so much to prevent the wrath of justice to be brought down upon you (v30).
Now Alma spake more but its not written...(v31).

Alma Ch12

It is now Alma's turn to argue with Zeezrom and tell him what's what about the mysteries of God. He gets to witness the power of God through His chosen vessel, who is telling him how it's going to go down when being judged and what happens to the wicked. Alma also teaches of the plan of redemption and how this mortal life is meant to be used to repent and be tested.

Now that Amulek had shut Zeezrom up for a bit, Alma uses this time to expound on the teachings and tell the people scripture beyond what's been said (v1-2). Accusing Zeezrom of lying to men and God, Alma reveals the plan of the adversary to everyone and how Zeezrom played a key part in bringing people into bondage for satan (v3-6). Zeezrom os becoming more convinced of the truth and actually starts to ask sincerely about the kingdom of god and how he will be judged (v7-8).

Knowing that he had a small change of heart, Alma begins to explain that only the people who are willing to learn will be given the knowledge of the mysteries of God (v9-10). Simply put, the people who don't accept it will be captive by the devil when everyone has been judged for their works (v11-13). We will be judged by out works, words, and thoughts, but we will want to hid because we will know all that we have done wrong (v14). Everyone will be judged, and those who have followed Christ will know of His mercy, but those who haven't will experience a second, spiritual death (v15-16). That death will be an everlasting torment with no redemption (v17-18).

These teachings of Alma astonished the people and then another judge, Antionah, asked about the resurrection and tree of life in the scriptures (v19-21). Alma begins his lesson by explaining the fall that happened with Adam and Eve which created the possibility for us to come to earth to be tested and prepare to meet God (v22-24). The plan of redemption was put in place before the earth was created and man sinned, so there would be a way for us to meet God and be clean (v25). Having the Fall was part of the plan of salvation, in order to prepare, die, then be resurrected, and judged (v26-27). 

We have all this knowledge because The Lord sent angels to inform people of the plan and the necessity of partaking of the fruit to gain knowledge (v28-31). When we learned of the plan, we were given guidelines (commandments) that would lead us straight to the winning spot of this crazy game (bad analogy). Truthfully, we were told never to sin at all of justice would cause us to experience that second spiritual death no matter what (v32).

We also found out that the Begotten Son makes if possible to have mercy on the sins we commit if we repent, follow Him and take advantage of His merciful gift (v33-34). There are those who won't, and they will have everlasting destruction to their souls (v35-36). After you know all this, take it to heart and repent. Prepare to meet God by following Christ and accepting His mercy (v37). This is the plea that Alma give the crowd listening. 

Alma Ch11

We are about to see what the payment/ money system of the Nephites looked like because all the people cared about was gaining money. Amulek continues to contend with Zeezrom and teaches about Christ. His main points include how all men will be immortal but only the righteous will be in heaven. I will try to make the system as easy as possible by what I've learned.

The judges and lawyers received pay for each day they worked that is a senine of gold or a senum of silver (v1-3). We find out that those equal a measure of barley or any grain (I don't know how much specifically), and their whole system was set up when Mosiah was king and established judges (v4, 7). In the 'table' below I set up the simplest way I could think of for v5-19 by starting from the cheapest and finding out how much the biggest is worth.

1       leah

2       shiblum

4       shiblon

8       senine(gold)/senum(silver)

12     antion(gold)

16     seon(gold)/amnor(silver)

32     shum(gold)/ezrom(silver)

56     limnah(gold)/onti(silver)

So according to my makeshift reckoning, the lawyers got paid 8 which is how much a certain unknown amount of grain. Not very specific but we do know that the Nephites had a system for their trading, business, and jobs. Now the lawyers got paid on the days they worked, they wanted to work constantly, so they tried to cause the people to have problems for them to solve so they could get paid more (v20).

So now we are going to see some questions Zeezrom asks Amulek trying to disrupt the good (v21-22). He starts by trying to bribe Amulek to reject the Supreme Being he has testified about. His bribe is 6 onti of silver, according to our chart, that is 42 days of pay of the judges (v23). I don't know how much other people made, or Amulek, but that seems like a good amount to bribe with, and Amulek refuses and discredits the morality of Zeezrom and display his corrupt ways (v24-25). Amulek says that the righteous cannot be bribed because they know what evil is rewarded with in the end.

Zeezrom asks a series of questions about God and Christ in v26-33, and Amulek answers simply with truth. Then comes the tricks, Zeezorm asks if Christ will save his people in their sins, and Amulek answers it's not possible (v34). Then Zeezrom tries to twist his words to say Amulek is commanding God when really Amulek is stating the fact that Christ cannot save anyone in their sins because unclean things are not welcome in heaven (v35-37). 

Now we get to the powerful testimony that Amulek bares when asked about his belief of the Son of God being the Eternal Father (v38-39). Christ will come (has come) to the earth to redeem His people from temporal death by taking upon himself the transgressions to be able to judge us (v40-42). We all will be rejoined spirit and body in the resurrection, never to be separated, and we will stand before God in perfect knowledge of our guilt to be judged according to our works (v43-45). After this strong testimony, Zeezrom trembled because he was caught in his lyings and the people were astonished (v46). 

Alma Ch10

This chapter is Amulek preaching to his own people about what he has learned about his lineage and also the cool experience he had with getting to know Alma. Unfortunately, he's rejected too. Mainly because the lawyers and judges are trying to discredit him so they will keep their easy selfish lifestyles.

Amulek is a descendant of generations of righteous men including Nephi and Lehi himself in the line of Manasseh (v1-3). Amulek is pretty known among the people of Ammoniah but was actually not raised to know the ways of The Lord and only recognizes them now that he is aware of them (v4-5). He used to be very stubborn and not acknowledge the mysteries of God but was awakened by a visit from an angel who told him that Alma was coming to bless him if he let him in (v6-7).

Amulek took a chance and invited Alma in and was then taught all the amazing things of God (v8-9). Amulek then bares his testimony of the truth of what happened and the truth of Alma's words because of what happened (v10-11). This kind of shocked the people because they knew Amulek and the fact that he bore witness about Alma allowed them to  open their minds (v12).

There were still some who wanted to trip them up (PS they were the lawyers) and they were cunning with their words when questioning Amulek (v13-16). Unfortunately for the lawyers, Amulek already knew they were trying to trip him up, so as they asked, he answered by scolding them for perverting the ways of righteousness (v17-18). Quoting Mosiah when he said that the people would be ripe for their destruction if they choose iniquity, Amulek calls for the people to repent befor they come to that point (v19-20). 

The Lord will come with justice, and if weren't for those few righteous people among the people, the Nephites would already be needing to be humbled (v21-22). When the people start to cast out those righteous who are saving them, then The Lord will definitely send some fire and/or famine to the people (v23). Of course, saying all this made the people even angrier with Alma and Amulek so they tried to accuse them of breaking laws (v24).

Amulek replies and pleads with the people to realize how satan has a hold of their hearts and twisted their minds to reject the righteous by wicked authority (v25-27). The lawyers still speak against Amulek and the people say he has spoken against the laws (v28-30). The main contender's name was Zeezrom, and he accused them because he didn't want to give up his easy living among the people (v31-32). With all this, we see again how easy to be led astray when there are wicked people leading.

Alma Ch9

During the next few days of reading, we will read the words of Alma and Amulek that were declared to the people in Ammoniah and what happens to them in other situations. This first chapter is all about the words that Alma starts with when the people are doubtful of him and his purpose. They are powerful words of warning for all those who die in sin.
When Alma started to preach, the people questioned him and contend with him about his credentials and the truth of his words so much that they doubted God and rejected his marvelous works (v1-6). They became wroth with Alma, wanting to imprison him but Alma preaches about the lack of remembrance among the people of their heritage (v7-10). There was a time when the people were delivered out of the hands of the Lamanites through the matchless power and mercy of God (v12). So now that He is commanding the people to repent, they don't remember his power to prosper them or keep them safe from the Lamanites who are cut off because of their transgression (v13-14).
They have been cut off for a very long time because of the decision of Laman and Lemuel so the people who are currently unaware of the power and love of God will be better off than the people who knew God's awesomeness and rejected the truth (v15-16). There will be a time when the Lamanites will have an opportunity to receive the truth and the Lord will be merciful to those who repent (v17). The Lord will not let his people stay upon the land of promise if they are wicked and the Nephites who are sinful will be destroyed and die in their transgression (v18-19).
When they die in sin, having a full knowledge of the spirit and things of God because they were once highly favored of God, they will have judgement to face which is worse than for those who died in ignorance (v20-23). The Lord made promises to Lehi that will be extended to his righteous offspring so the Lamanites have more chance to gain those blessings than those who are knowingly wicked (v24). But our Lord is amazing in that He gives men many chances to repent and sends prophets, such as Alma, to preach to the people to make them aware of their awful situation (v25).
At the time these words are given, it is 82 years until Jesus Christ will come to the earth (you can look at the bottom of the page in a hard copy), and comparatively, it is not long until he comes to pay for the sins of the world (v26-27). Despite when the Lord will come in their case (or for us, has come), we all should prepare ourselves for judgement and to reap a reward for our works (v28). Here's how it works; we repent of our sins with faith, be baptized with authority in the name of Christ, trust in Him eternally, and then we shall have eternal life.
Angels and prophets have all prophesied of these things and encouraged all to repent or be lost, and like in this situation, many times people who hear the message are angry and refuse to see their faults (v29-31). People in general who are used to being wicked are not open to being told they are wrong or lost, so the people of Ammoniah who were mad wanted Alma thrown in prison (v32). The Lord did not let this happen because the message was still needing to be spread, and Amulek tries with the people in the next chapter (v33-34).

Alma Ch8

Alma now moves on to the Land of Melek where he preaches and baptized. Then when he visits Ammonihah, he is rejected and is commanded to return to try again when he leaves. The Lord has prepared Amulek, who is known by the people to receive him and they preach together.
There were many more things that Alma taught the people of Gideon, but they weren't written (v1). Alma went back home for a while to rest from his long trip, then in year 10 he goes to Melek to preach again (v2-4). They received him with joy and many were baptized throughout the land, and that's all we hear about what happened there before Alma went to Ammoniah (v5-6). Most places are named after the founder, and in this city, Satan had got control over the hearts of the people so they wouldn't listen to him (v7-9). Regardless of the rejections, Alma labored and prayed to touch their hearts, but the people already knew that he was the high priest over the church that they didn't want to be apart of and Alma doesn't have power over them because he resigned as chief judge (v10-12).
The people cast him out and Alma headed towards Aaron filled with great sadness because of the people of Ammoniah (v13-14). An angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, 'Cheer up because you are doing what you are supposed to be doing, I'm the same guy that converted you when you were a punk kid, and I'm here again to say you need to go back and try again with the people of Ammoniah because they are in the mind set that you used to be in' (v15-17). Alma was quick to return and when he got there he was hungry, so he asked a random guy for food and was surprised to find a friend who the Lord had prepared to help Alma (v18-20). In a vision, the random guy, whose name is Amulek, was told all about Alma, and he was willing to give bread and housing to Alma for his time in the city (v21-22).
Alma blessed Amulek for his service and tells of his command to preach the word of God to the people, but that they had rejected him and he was told to return (v23-25). Amulek housed him for a while before they both went out to preach repentance to the people who had grown more iniquitous (v26-30). They were blessed with the Holy Ghost to help them exercise power to withstand bands of prison and testify of the spirit and power of the Lord by being an example (v31-32).

Alma Ch7

This chapter is the words that Alma spoke to the people in Gideon which mention Christ's birth to Mary and His loosing the bands of death for those who repent, are baptized, and keep the commandments. Only those who have humility, faith, hope, and charity can enter the kingdom of God.
Alma is giving apologizing for not being able to come to the city of Gideon sooner to talk to the people because his job in the judgement seat had prevented him from doing so (v1). But he announces that this is not so anymore, he has resigned and come in hopes of finding the people doing better than those who are in Zarahemla, even though they are alright now (v2-4). Alma is joyful for Zarahemla because they suffered through that affliction and many are repented and better now, and he hopes that the people of Gideon do not need to be as chastised as Zarahemla (v5-6).
If Gideon is doing alright, then Alma can focus his teachings on new and more important information about the Savior coming to earth (v7-8). First, Alma must preach repentance to everyone to prepare them to hear the good news of the Redeemer coming to earth and being born of Mary, a chosen vessel, in Jerusalem (v9-10). He will end up suffering pains and afflictions, temptations, pains and sicknesses, and death in order to show mercy to all mankind and run to our aid when we are infirm (v11-12). I love those verses because of the reality of His great atoning sacrifice that blesses me. I know that He has experiences all those afflictions and understands exactly what I am going through in my trials, and all I have to do to be comforted is turn to Him for comfort.
The Savior has actually taken the sins of every person and has paid for them with His blood and suffering (v13). That's a fact and has already happened. Our sins are paid for and we are indebted to our Savior because He was the only one that was able to pay for them. The only thing He wants us to pay Him back with though is follow Him; repent, be baptized, have faith, lay aside your sins, keep the commandments of God, and that's it. That's all it takes to be grated eternal life (v14-16). Alma tells us that if we believe and follow these things, we are in the path of righteousness which leads to the kingdom of God (v17-20).
Those who are unclean will not get that opportunity because the holy temples of God can not house any unclean thing, so repent because you know the truth and be blameless before Him (v21-22). The qualities you should have include: humble, submissive, gentle, easily entreated, patient, long-suffering, temperate, diligent in keeping the commandments, asking in faith for things you need, and thanking God for all things received with faith, hope, and charity (v23-24). As Alma says, "may the Lord bless you, and keep your garments spotless" (v25) so you can live in the kingdom of God. It brings Alma joy to see the people of Gideon following the commandments and he freely wishes good tidings unto them forever (v26-27).

Alma Ch6

We are going to see the result of Alma's preaching in this chapter which is the cleansing and setting up the new and improved church in Zarahelma before Alma moves on to Gideon.
After preaching, Alma calls and ordains priests and elders to watch over the church in Zarahelma while he is away, especially the new members who repented of their sins and were baptized (v1-2). All those who heard the teachings of Alma that were members and did not repent, were rejected and excommunicated from the church (v3). These steps brought about order in the church so the word of God could be preached to all without deprivation (v4-5)
Everyone was given the commandment to meet together oft to learn of the word of God and pray for the welfare of the souls who did not know God (v6). Once these regulations in the church were made, Alma was free and felt comfortable enough to leave Zarahemla and travel to the city of Gideon, named after that awesome commander who was slain by Nehor (v7). Now he does the same thing he started in Zarahelma, visiting the church and testifying of Jesus Christ who will redeem the people (v8). We get to read the actual words in the next chapter so hold your horses because its coming!

Alma Ch5

The beginning of Alma's preaching to the church members is delivering the words of God which include how to gain salvation through repentance, baptism, humbling, and doing good. Anyone who does evil is of the devil and will not be counted with the righteous when they are numbered in the book of life. I think many people know this chapter because of the many questions Alma asks the people. It is fair to ask yourself these questions as a check to see if you are following the teachings of the church.
Starting in Zarahemla, being the capital and probably where he lived as the chief judge, he gives a sermon through the authority given to him by God as the head of the church on earth (v1-3). He starts with the early beginnings of the church started by his father Alma Sr. when Noah was around and the people were in bondage but were delivered by the Lord (v4-5). First in the series of questions in this chapter is a simple, do you remember all the blessings that your ancestors have had as they were converted and brought out of the grasp of the devil (v6-9)? The people were saved, but how, and how can you do so (v10-11)? The best answer there is for that, is by listening to the prophets and believing the words that lead men to follow the true and living God to have salvation (v12-13).
Now those were just warm up questions, the real ones you should ask yourself begin now. I set it up so the good questions are main, and the indented questions are sort of 'make you feel guilty if you know your not clean' questions. The double indented ones are sort of answers Alma gives.

1. Have ye spiritually been born of God and received him with full change of heart by exercising faith in the redemption  and ability to be raised in immortality (v14-15)? 
2. Can you imagine Christ saying "Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth" (v16)?
1. The anti-questions that follow that train of thought involve imagining yourself wanting to lie to the Lord after knowing your wickedness perfectly (v17-18)?
3. When you stand before God knowing all that you have done, if it were tomorrow, do you think you would feel clean (v19)?
1. On the other hand, what most of you have been doing...how can you possibly think you would not become subjects of the devil because of your unclean acts (v20-21)?
2. How do you think it will feel standing before God in filthiness and all the sins you've committed known and testifying of your guilt (v22-23)?
3. Do you really think you would be worthy to sit with the clean prophets of old or your Heavenly Father who is perfect (v24)? 
1. No, no you cant, in case you were wondering (v25).
4. If you've ever had a spiritual awakening/change of heart and were truly converted unto Christ, do you feel the same now? Or when you think about it can you still feel that desire you once possessed (v26)?
5. If it were your time to die, would you be ready and fully repented (v27)?
6. Have you gutted out the pride in your hearts (v28)?
1. If your haven't done so, do so. QUICKLY!
7. What about envy? Have you gotten rid of that in your life (v29)?
1. Again I urge to do so quickly if not already done.
8. Do you sometimes make fun of other people or persecute them because of their differences (v30)?

If you answered no to any of the main 8 questions, or your feeling guilty because thinking about these questions brought up some bad mojo, you may need you repent because times a ticking (v31-32). It is important to remember that it is all okay. We have repentance because no body is perfect here on earth, and Christ will always receive you if you come to him and repent (v33). He wants us to partake of the tree of life with Him and if we let Him, He will protect us from the fire to live with Him in righteousness (v34-36). 

All those vain people who have rejects the teachings of Christ should know that the Lord hasn't given up on them yet, He constantly calls for all to follow Him and join His fold to be protected (v37-38). If you are not of Christ's fold, you are of the devils because good comes from God and evil comes from the Devil; there is no middle ground, you cannot be Switzerland in this war (v39-41). So if you do good, you will be rewarded with blessings and receive 'payment' from the Lord, just as if you do bad you will get 'payment' for that which is death (v42).
Alma has taught all these things in plainness so he is fully understood just like Nephi often did with enthusiasm and simpleness being commanded by God (v43-44). Baring his testimony of the truth of what he has taught, Alma tells the people that through fasting and praying he received the knowledge by the Holy Spirit of God (v45-46). He continues by stating that he knows the prophets have spoken truth when preaching, that Jesus Christ will come to this earth, and that he was called as the prophet to do the same (v47-49). Alma's calling is to preach repentance, tell of the blessings of the kingdom of heaven that will be for all who repent, and warn those who do not repent of the consequences of dying in sin (v50-52).
Here's another question from v53-56: Can you still persist in your pride after knowing the truth of the transgression you are committing? All of the persecution, being vain, treasuring your riches and not helping those in need of help will only bring you misery when you are cast into the fire after death.
To those who will repent and forsake their sins, come join the righteous and be numbered among the Christians who will inherit all that God offers (v 57-58). Christ is our shepherd because like a shepherd, he cares about each and every one of his sheep and protects them from any wolf that might enter the flock (v59-60). All these words of Alma have been of the same words the Lord has told Alma, he is fulfilling a commandment that the Lord has given, and extends the Lord's invitation to "come and be baptized unto repentance" (v61-62).

Alma Ch4

There are thousands of new converts in the chapter but also iniquity that hinders the progression of the church. With that, Alma quits his job as chief judge and devotes himself to preach to the church members full time.

The wars had stopped in year 6 but there was the effects of the wars of the previous year upon the people because of their losses (v1-2). They were humbled thinking that this was a punishment for their wickedness and many were more devoted to the church and others joined the church through baptism (v3-4). With in a year, there was now 3,500 church members and the whole of year 7 passed in peace but year 8 brought pride within the church because of their prosperity (v5-6). Alma was very sad to see the church members struggle with this pride through year 8 and start to contend with each other, and most grievously persecute others which caused the progress of the church to fail (v7-10).

Alma witnessed the example of church members leading nonbelievers to iniquity in year 9, he knew that the people who were transgressing were in danger for their unwillingness to help the needy (v11-13). The humble followers of Christ were persecuted, but the Spirit of the Lord was with them and their leader, Alma, who quit his job and let Nephihah, a wise man, to be elected as the new chief judge over the people of Nephi (v14-18). Alma devoted himself to saving the members of the church by bringing them to a remembrance of the word of God and bearing a pure testimony against the sins they were committing (v19-20). In the chapters to come, we will see the different sermons he gives in different cities and the reaction of the people in those cities.

Alma Ch3

After breaking away from the Nephites, the Amlicies want to be identified as not a part of them anymore, so they mark themselves which is actually fulfilling a prophecy. The Lamanites are cursed because they have rebelled against God and all men who rebel will have the curse upon them. The Nephites are blessed and are able to defeat another Lamanite army that came against them.

There was a great number of Nephites slain, even women and children, from both battles in the previous chapter but those who were still alive returned home to pick up the pieces (v1-2). The Lamanites and Amlicites who had died were even greater, but those who lived were distinguished by red on their foreheads (v3-4). The Lamanites had shaved heads and were basically naked because they didn't wear much, and their skin was darker than the Nephites because of the curse their fathers brought upon them when they rebelled against The Lord (v5-7). The two nations did not mix or have communication because of their differences, but those Nephites who did turn away and join the Lamanites would bring the same curse upon their seed (v8-10).

The Nephites kept all the records of everything that has happened since Nephi which is why they remember the prophecy of the marking of people who will separate from the righteous (v11-14). The Lord had said he would mark the Lamanites and all those who mingle with them and fight against the people of the Lord because they will no longer be blessed with the same blessings as the seed of Nephi (v15-18). The Amlicites didn't know they were fulfilling that prophecy because they were the wicked who didn't know the scriptures. They brought the curse upon themselves because they rejected the blessings of the lord and their condemnation is their own fault (v19).

Not too long later, the Lamanites came against the Nephites in the same place the Amlicites had attacked before and was driven back by a numerous army which Alma couldn't be a part of this time (v20-23). Once the Lamanites were driven out, there was peace the rest of the year but sadness because of the lose of many ten thousands of lives that were ended to either eternal happiness or eternal misery (v24-26). When v27 talks about the wages we receive from who we listeth to obey, Alma is teaching us about the difference between how we are rewarded. Satan has no power to give eternal life and those who follow him are 'rewarded' with misery. On the other hand, if we follow our Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ, they can reward us with eternal happiness with them.

Alma Ch2

We are already starting the wars! We are in year 5, and a power hungry Amlici desires to be king and gains a lot of followers who support him, but not the majority. They branch off and become the Amlicites, and they come to war against the Nephites after joining up with the Lamanites. They were defeated and Amlici is killed by Alma during battle.
Amlici was a cunning man and wise to the ways of the world because he was a part of that group that was founded by Nehor and was against the church (v1). He knew how to convince people to believe certain ways and tried to convince the people to elect him king, and as a group formed who wanted that, the church worried about the evil this would bring (v2-3). The people of the church knew that if the majority of the people voted for Amlici to be king, he would rule in wickedness, so they gathered together against him to make sure he was not elected (v4-7). Church members, the Nephites, were happy, but the followers of Amlici were angry and separated themselves to become Amlicites under a king (v8-11).
The angry Amlicites desired to make everyone under their rule and attacked the Nephites, but they were already prepared and defeated them because of the leadership of Alma and captains in an organized army (v12-17). The Nephites won because of the strength of the Lord and the desire to stay free to worship The Lord (v18). Altogether, 12,532 Amlicites were slain and 6,562 Nephites died, but it wasn't over yet because some Amlicites escaped and fled to the Lamanites being followed by Nephite spies (v19-24). The spies were Zeram, Amnor, Manti, and Limher, and they reported a big group of Lamanites who were attacking Nephites in the land of Minon (v25)!
The army quickly hurries home but is met by the Lamanites and Amlicites near the river Sidon and fights with the strength of the Lord after praying for help (v26-28). During the battle, Alma fights Amlici and prays to the Lord to save him so he can further His work (v29-30). Alma was saved, Amlici was slain, then Alma continues by fighting and beating the King of the Lamanites (v31-33)! What strength and faith that man has *swoon*. Once the Nephite army advanced across the river, the enemy fled while they were pursued and slain until they scattered in the wilderness and a majority died (v34-38).

Alma Ch1

As I've said before, this Alma is the son of the Alma that was converted by Abinadi. He was made high priest over the church and the first chief judge over the people of Nephi. In the book of Alma, there are 63 chapters and they consist of a lot of contentions among the people and a war against the Lamanites. In this first chapter, a guy names Nehor begins to disrupt things by establishing a false church and murdering Gideon (that really cool general from Limhi and them). Nehor is put to death but more priestcraft continues in his established false church. Despite that, the true church continues to prosper and care for the poor.

Here it is already, "in the first year of the reign of the judges" (look for many more of those)! The people abided by King Mosiah's laws and there was Nehor brought to be judged according to those laws and what he had done (v1-2). His story started when he preached doctrines that were against the church such as paying the priests and teachers, everyone would be saved and have eternal life, and being prideful was no biggie (v3-6). People believed him, but Gideon, a teacher in the church, used the words of God to discredit Nehor, which made him angry to the point of murdering Gideon (v7-9)!

Back to Nehor being judged, he stood up for himself but was accused of murdering  and sentenced to death (v10-14). When he was about to die, he confessed that what he had taught was wrong, but in vain because priestcraft was spread by those who loved the vain things of the world (v15-16). It was against the law to lie, so they pretended to believe the things they preached, so they broke no laws, but persecuted the members of the true church because of their humility (v17-20). 

The law of the church was to not persecute nonmembers or fellow members, but some were becoming proud and would fight (v21-22). This all escalated over the course of a year and many members became less active and excommunicated (v23-24). For those who stayed faithful, it was all a trail, but they continued to listen to their teachers and maintain equality (v25-26). This trial of their faith strengthened those who were active members and they established peace by caring for the needy (v27-28).

The church was blessed for their steadiness and prospered with an abundance of riches (v29). Members used this prosperity to nourish the sick and didn't seek these riches except to help anyone in need (v30). Because of their desire to help those in need, they had more wealth than those outside the church (v31). A main reason for that is because nonmembers were lazy and spent what money they had on indulgences. They also ended up breaking the law and suffering for it, until they finally learned their lesson and most became law abiding people (v32-33).

Until the 5th year...

To be continued

Mosiah Ch29

Here we see the rising generation growing up! Mosiah sets up judges instead of a new king, and Alma jr becomes both the chief judge and high priest over the church when Mosiah and Alma die.

Because of the lack of enthusiasm Mosiah's sons had to be king, he asked the people what they thought (v1-4). He informed the people that because the rightful hare to the thrown wouldn't take it, there might be contentions if someone else were to become king (v5-7). Being king may 'destroy' the spiritual growth and end up in another King Noah situation, so instead make the good choice to appoint judges (v8-11). Not just anyone though, judges should be wise and judge righteously like King Benjamin had done (v12-13).

Mosiah had labored hard to keep peace and be just to those who committed crimes according to these (v14-15). Not all men are just, again I refer to Noah, and one unjust leader can cause a great destruction (v16-19). Only when they repented after getting rid of their wicked leaders through much contention, were they delivered (v20-21). It was difficult to dethrone Noah because he had built up his wickedness with friends and laws to support him (v22-23).

Having that disaster again would not be fun, so instead, the people would choose who their judges would be (v24-25). As long as the majority of the people were righteous, the judges would be also, but...if they choose iniquity...God will be their judge in the end (v26-27). The judge system that was set up had higher and smaller judges to keep each other in check and all are elected by the people so if they choose iniquity they are accountable (v28-30). In the past, the iniquity of the kings that caused sins were only upon the king, but with judges, the people are responsible so they have freedom (v31-32). 

Mosiah wrote more about the troubles and trials of his righteous reign that will all be the peoples responsibility now (v33-34). Mosiah sent forth all these writings of warnings about an unrighteousness king unto the people, who then agreed and voted for equality (v35-38). They had an election, appointed judges, and because of the decision of granting liberty to the people, they loved Mosiah for his righteous dominion (v39-41).

Alma jr had been given the charge of the affairs of the church and his calling was as the high priest of the church. He was also elected as the first chief judge by the people (obviously they were righteous so far) and this was his job (v42). He continued to keep the commandments and judge righteously, joining church and state to rule and prosper (v43). Alma, founder of the church, dies at age 82 and Mosiah dies at age 63 after 33 years of being king. They will start recording their time passing by saying in the _____ year of the reign of the judges. It's important because they are now officially not marking time by when Lehi's family led Jerusalem which was 509 years ago (v44-47). 

Mosiah Ch28

The sons of Mosiah repented of their sins along with Alma jr and will have eternal life. They go on a mission to the Lamanites to spread the gospel. Mosiah translates the plates of the Jaredites with two seer stones.

When most of the preaching had been done among the Nephites, the sons of Mosiah asked to go and preach to the Lamanites (v1). They wanted to cure them of their hatred towards the Nephites and stop all the fighting, as well as give then the good news of salvation (v2-3). These guys were once of the vilest of sinners, but they now have the deep desire to spread the truth to everyone (v4). Mosiah took The Lord's council to let them go on this mission vecause they are going to have success and be protected (v5-8). 

Since all of his sons left for this mission or refused the crown, Mosiah is left with one hares to his kingdom (v9-10). There is a little side bar about how he translated the plates from Limhi is described in v11-19. He was gathering all the records in his possession which included those and the two stones he had used to translate them (v11-13). All these records have been preserved by the hand of The Lord with the intent to educate about the people who wrote them (v14-17). 

Even though learning about the end fate (you'll learn too if you read Ether) brings sadness, great knowledge can be gained from learning the lessons it teaches (v18). Ignore v19 because it isn't written now, it's actually way in Ether. After having this reminiscing while gathering all the records, Mosiah bestows them upon Alma the younger, knowing he has become a good person and will preserve them (v20). 

Mosiah Ch27

Prepare for a story of a group of wise guys kids who are causing trouble to be changed by a dramatic experience. Everyone needs to grow up eventually! For these guys it's not too late to try and fix the damage they caused.

The persecution that started last chapter kept increasing enough to where Mosiah had to make a declaration to stop it (v1-2). They were now bound to not persecute church members and within the church they were directed even stricter to be equal and do things to abound in the grace of God (v3-5). These changes helped peace be regained and The Lord prospered them with becoming weathy and widespread (v6-7).

The princes (sons of Mosiah), were part of that rising generation that didn't believe along with the prophets son Alma the younger! They were just bad, lazy guys that used their influence to lead people into iniquity (v8). They were able to cause a huge disturbance towards the prosperity of the church and actively seeking to destroy the church they took it too far (v9-10). 

If you haven't already noticed, we have been talking about Alma in the Book of Mosiah when the Book of Alma is next! Turns out that long book is all written by this jerk of a kid Alma the Younger (AKA Alma jr). In Alma jr's situation, I personally believe he needed to learn the lesson of rebelling against the church to have a true conversion. Just wait till you hear the testimonies he gives! So him and the sons of Mosiah have a rude awakening in v11-12 and are struck with astonishment that they fell onto the ground.

This chastisement came as a voice of thunder that declared The Lord's church will not be overthrown [especially by punk kids like you] (v13). Turns out, Alma jr's dad prayed for this experience to help his son and truly convert him to remembering the things he's been taught (v14-16). The whole group was amazed by the experience and Alma jr became so weak that he couldn't speak or move (v17-19). 

When his father heard about all this, he was so happy The Lord answered his prayers that he gathered a bunch of people to hear the story and fast for Alma jr (v20-22). Alma jr woke up 2 days later and immediately bore is strong testimony of the miracle of the change he has gone through (v23-25). He preaches that everyone can have a similar experience and be received by The Lord because, honestly, if a guy like Alma jr can, so can you (v26-29)!  Alma jr was truly saved from a dark abyss and knows that Christ will come to earth to be our Saviour and atone for our sins (v30-31). 

From that time forth, the gang of miscreants that had the angel appear to them freely told the story to all the people. They did so to convince the ones they had led away of their mistake and hopes to bring them back, but often they were persecuted (v32). They desired to confirm the faith of current members and serve as missionaries throughout Zarahenla (v33-35). 

The whole gang consisted of Alma jr, Ammon, Aaron, Omner, and Himni. As they traveled they targeted the young generations to try and prevent another mishap of misunderstandings. After this experience and using their leading talents to be instruments in the hands of God they were blessed (v36-37). 

Mosiah Ch26

The happiness from the previous chapter is short lived because people are led away. Those who repent are forgiven but those who don't will be excommunicated.

This chapter shows the importance of the rising generation, they need strong testimonies and be given the means to understand. Those that were young didn't understand the traditions of their fathers because they were just children when King Benjamin gave his final speech (v1). These kids didn't even believe in the resurrection and Christ! It hardened their hearts and they became like a separate people from the church (v2-4). They started small but grew in numbers because of their flattering away church members (v5-6).

Those who sinned would be brought before the priests and Alma, who didn't know what to do about it all at first (v7-9). This was new to him so he went to King Mosiah to judge them, but he could not because he was not the spiritual leader (v10-12). Being troubled, Alma went to The Lord with the problem and The Lord spoke to him and comforted him (v13-15). Alma had such great faith he was blessed for his many acts of faith spoken in v16-19. 

Alma is promised eternal life for the his faith and told that any other who receives The Lord's words will also have eternal life (v20-22). Those that have sinned need only to repent and believe in Christ to be forgiven (v23-24). Those who endure and are clean will stand with God and be redeemed. Those who do not seek forgiveness will depart from The Lord's presence into everlasting fire with the devil (v25-28). 

Alma is told to spead that message to all who have sinned and encourage them to repent because they will be forgiven when they do (v29-30). People are to forgive one another but any who don't repent will no longer be in the church (v31-32). Alma wrote the message down and then went to judge the people according to those commandments (v33-34). People were given the chance to repent. Just as The Lord said, the ones who did not repent were blotted out of the church (v35-36).

Alma continued to regulate the church and they had peace while they were diligent in following the word of God (v37-38). Everyone was warned against sin and taught to pray continually in thanks to God (v39). 

Mosiah Ch25

This is such a happy chapter :D there are reunions, conversions, and the organization of the Church of God in Zarahemla!

Mosiah assembled the people in Zarahelma together and we see that the original people, who were decendents of Mulek, were a greater number than all those that had joined them from the Nephites (v1-2). But there were even more Lamanites than all of them put together (v3). When Mosiah gathered his people, he read the records of Zeniff (the first flashback), and the records of Alma (the second flashback) (v4-6).

As I'm sure you are amazed with those awesome stories, so were the people of Zarahemla and were happy for the safety of everyone (v7-9). They praised God for his blessings of safety and asked to bless the Lamanites who were sinful (v10-11). We hear from the families that the former priests of Noah left behind and they were ashamed of their fathers and became Nephites (v12-13).

King Mosiah finished speaking and then Alma preached unto them repentance and faith by using those stories they just heard as examples (v14-16). The people of Limhi and Alma were brought out of bondage because The Lord delivered them. After all his words, Alma baptized all that desired to be baptized and they formed the Church of God established all through Zarahemla (v17-19).

There were so many who joined the church that many teachers were ordained to preach the words that Alma delivered (v20-21). Although there were many church around town (7), they were all hovered by one head prophet, Alma, and none taught anything other than the word of God (v22-23). They were the people of God and they were blessed with The Lord's spirit to guide and prosper them (v24). 

Mosiah Ch24

Amulon persecutes the people as their leader and bands then from praying. The Lord blesses them because they continue to worship him and they are delivered from their bondage to join the people of Zarahemla. 

The former priests of Noah used their cunning to gain favor with the Lamanite king, Laman, and appointed teachers over all the lands under their control (v1-3). Amulon appointed more teachers of his choosing and this caused the language of Nephites to be custom with the Lamanites but they weren't taught of God (v4-5). They keep records and grow in riches and in wisdom of the world (v6-7).

Amulon persecutes Alma because he continues to teach Abinadi's words from before but all the authority being excersiced only caused the people to pray for help (v8-10). Amulon commanded them to stop and put to death those who prayed vocally so they continued to pray in their hearts (v11-12). And they were answered and comforted by The Lord, who made their burdens seem light (v13-15). 

They exercised so much faith that The Lord gave Alma instructions to be ready to flee out of bondage (v16-17). They gathered their things and the Lamanites fell in a deep sleep so they could escape (v18-20). They were thankful and praised God and even needed to be told to hurry up and leave because the Lamanites started to come after them (v21-23). After 12 days of travel they arrived and were received by Mosiah to Zarahemla (v24-25).

Mosiah Ch23

Just when you thought we were finally back from the flashback we go into another one! This is the story of that group of people that fled with Alma away from King Noah. The first thing that happens is Alma refusing to be the peoples new king and The Lord begins to chasten his people.

The Lord had strengthened the people when they had fled from King Noah and they journeyed for 8 days to settle in a beautiful land (v1-4). As they lived there they were industrious and prospered because Alma refused to be king because he did not want the power to get to him like he once had (v5-9). He was tempted by the power he had when he was a priest of Noah and refused to put himself in that situation again. He is so strong :)

He is now humbled and does not unworthily glory himself but declares that the people are free from that oppression (v10-13). He offers up himself as a teacher because he is a man of God who taught love for each other and no contentions (v14-16). Alma, being the high priest of the church, called other teachers to teach and nourish the people in the land they called Helam (v17-19). As they were there, they prospered and were given trials by The Lord to strengthen their faith if they trusted him (v20-22).

The people were put into bondage but delivered by The Lord and this trial strengthened them and brought them joy in the end (v23-24). Here's how they got into bondage: a Lamanite army appeared and the people gathered in fear in the city to be conforted by Alma (v25-27). They prayed to The Lord, were conforted, and shown mercy by the Lamanites and brought into bondage without any loss of life (v28-29).

This army had been the one that had chased after the people of Limhi not to long ago (v30). There were a few differences though because they had run into the old priests of Noah. They had been hiding and surviving under the leadership of Amulon in a town they called Amulon with those kidnapped daughters (now their wives) (v31-33). Those wives saved the priests and they all joined the army, which brings us back to them wandering and coming upon Alma's group (v34-35).

They promise to spare them if they show the Lamanite army back home to the land of Nephi (v36). Alma trusted them and learned never to trust Lamanites because they were not wanting to back to not having a group of people supporting them (v37). The cunning former priest of Noah, Amulon, was allowed to be the ruler of the people of Alma as long as he did the will of the Lamanite king (v38-39). Unfair and bound to cause problems!

Mosiah Ch22

We hear about the plans and scheme for the people to escape bondage from the Lamanites. They return to Zarahelma with Ammon and become subjects of king Mosiah.

People were gathered and everyone was asked how they think they should escape the Lamanites (v1). No one could think of anything that wouldn't cause blood shed except just running into the wilderness until Gideon came to speak before the king (v2-4). Because he has been such a faithful servant while fighting against the Lamanites, he is allowed to tell his plan to escape out the back (v5-6). There is a group of Lamanites that like to get drunk and everyone will prepare to escape after they offer them a little extra on a certain night (v7-8).

The king immediately spread the word for everyone to start gathering up their flocks and sent a bunch of wine to the Lamanite guards (v9-10). When they passed out, the people left and traveled around the land of Shilom towards Zarahemla (v11). At first after reading they brought all their precious things I thought they were vain but now I don't. I think they would rather not have the precious things end up with the Lamanites who would have all that they left behind (v12).

They got away safe and made it to Zarahelma and joined the people of Mosiah who received them happily (v13-14). They presented their records to Mosiah to add them to the records he already had. The Lamanites did try to pursue them but lost their tracks after two days (v15-16). The army even got lost! Serves them right.

Mosiah Ch21

The people of Limhi are kept in captivity by the Lamanites until Ammon comes to convert the rest of them unto Christ. After this chapter the flashback ends and were back on track.

The Lamanites continued to make life hard for the people of Limhi but never killing them because of the oath (v1-3). Their actions were a fulfilling of the words of The Lord saying they would be in bondage for their iniquities (v4-5). After so much abuse, the people of Limhi attacked the Lamanites but were beaten and caused great mourning among the families of the slain (v6-9). After the battle there were many widowed but they went to attack again and were defeated both a second and third times (v10-12).

Finally they humbled themselves and cried unto The Lord to save them, but again according to prophecy, He was slow to hear them (v13-15). He did show mercy as to ease their burden and allow them to prosper enough not to starve and even provide for the widowed (v16-17). They all kept in a tight group, keeping inside the walls for the most part just waiting at watching (v18-19). They were making sure no more attacks from the Lamanites came, but also watching for those priests so they could punish them because they would steal from their food (v20-21).

They lived in peace and bondage until the present time when Ammon came, and they were taken captive because they were thought to be those priests (v22-23). Good thing they took time to find out they weren't because the king had sent people to find the people of Zarahemla before but only found those plates from a land covered with bones (v24-26). That record, of the Jaredites in Ether, is another record and was translated by Mosiah because of his gift of translation (v27-28).

After hearing this long story of their history, Ammon and his brethren were sad that they had suffered so much (v29). He realized the wickedness of Noah that caused so much trouble and also that Alma's group were currently lost because they were untraceable (v30-31). Ammon taught the teachings of God and the people of Limhi entered into a convenant to keep his commandments and wanted to be baptized (v32-33). Ammon didn't consider himself worthy to baptize and I'm curious why. Although they wanted to be baptized like the people who fled with Alma, they couldn't organize a church so their main focus was to escape from the Lamanites (v34-36).