Alma Ch47

As the Nephites were prospering, Amalickiah was working his way to become king of the Lamanites using treachery, murder, and intrigue. Him and his dissenters from the Nephites are worse than any Lamanite because they are in rebellion against God.
Amalickiah and the group that escaped with him went to stir up the Lamanites and the king proclaimed they were going to attack but most the people didn't want to because they knew how awfully they were just beaten by the Nephites (v1-2). The king gave Amalickiah the command of those who wanted to fight to go to convince the rest to fight as Amalickiah planned the kings death (v3-4). Amalickiah followed the unwilling Lamanites with his army to Onidah where they had fled when they saw the army and separated themselves from the Lamanites with a new leader, Lehonti, and resolution to not be subjected to fight (v5-6).
They settled themselves in a place where they could easily defend against their brethren which was on a hill named Antipas, but Amalickiah didn't plan to attack and risk killing many Lamanites so he set up camp  around the hill (v7-9). During the night, a secret embassy went to Lehonti and asked him to come down to speak with Amalickiah but Lehonti refused all three times someone was sent to ask, so Amalickiah went half way up the mountain and asked a 4th time to come with guards for protection and speak with him (v10-12). This time Lehonti went and they planned to join both armies by having Lehonti's army come by night to surround Amalickiah's army and as this happened, they pleaded to join Lehonti who then made Amalickiah second in command...exactly what he wanted in his own plan to become king (v13-16).
There are never elections in the Lamanites for leaders, it just happens that the second in command takes over whenever the first dies, and coincidentally Amalickiah is second in command when Lehonti dies from poison by degrees (v17-19). Now he had accomplished what the king wanted so he gained favor with him while at the same time, in the eyes of the people, he was their rightful military commander as they marched back to the city of Nephi to see the king (v20-21). Instead of meeting the king face to face, Amalickiah sent his servants to meet him and they bowed in 'reverence of his greatness' but as they were signaled to rise as a sign of peace from the king, they stabbed him in his heart and he died (v22-24)!
The kinds servants run back in fear for their lives but are accused of the act themselves and are chased by the army of Amalickiah for revenge for killing the king into the wilderness to eventually join the peaceful people of Ammon (v25-29). Through this whole thing, Amalickiah had gained favor of the people and when he told the queen his lies with the servants that did the murder, and she believed him then married him (v30-35)! So now he is king over all the Lamanites which include Lemuelites, Ishmaelites and the dissenters of Nephites who were raised with the truths of the gospel but rejected them and became hardened and wildly wicked entirely forgetting their God (v36).

Alma Ch46

In this chapter there comes a man among the Nephites who desires to be king and leads away a part of the people after he is voted against. It is also the chapter that consists of the title of liberty that Captain Moroni raises to inspire his people to defend their religion.
The ones from last chapter who start to ignore the teachings of Helman as the new church leader are becoming wicked and have a man names Amalickiah as their leader who wanted to be king and had followers wanting that same power (v1-5). Amalickiah was a cunning man and ended up leading away many with his flattering words to the people which caused a divide of the allegiance of the Nephites and caused be sinful (v6-7). The effect one wicked man had on a nation  right after they were so thankful to the Lord is heartbreaking especially since that man is trying to deprive them of their liberty granted by God (v8-10).
When Captain Moroni heard about this guy, he was pretty angry (he kind of has a temper), and ripped his clothes just to have material to write on as a declaration to everyone (v11-12). He called it the title of liberty and prayed that God would bless it and it's purpose for remembering God and peace to inspire fellow Christians to protect their religion, freedom, and family (v12-14). This is actually the first time the members of the church are called Christians by the nonmembers and they happily took upon them the name to be Christians and show their faith in that way (v14-15).
Moroni prays for liberty for Christians and has faith that God will protect His people, then went among the people to inspire them to enter a covenant with God to maintain their rights (v16-20). Many came to tear their clothing as a sign of covenanting and take upon the name of Christ to not transgress or be destroyed (v21-22). Moroni warns the people with a story about their ancestor, Joseph, and his brothers who sold him as a slave; the story is given as an example that if they do not preserve their liberty through faith in Christ, they will be in bondage and perish (v23-27).
Almalickiah saw that the people Moroni gathered outnumbered his followers and left the land of Nephi, but Moroni knew that he would go stir up the Lamanites to start attacking again and gain power, so Moroni went to confront the Amalickiahites before they got too far with his army (v28-32). Amalickiah fled with a few of his men when they saw the army coming and the rest of his followers were brought back to Zarahemla being forced to enter into a covenant to help the cause for peace and freedom or die by Moroni who had that authority (v33-35). After all that, the title of liberty was hoisted everywhere and there was peace in the land for 4 years as Helman led the church as high priest (v36-38). Anyone who passed away and were believers, passed knowing they were redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ and not many died from unnatural causes because there was much prosperity (v39-41).

Alma Ch45

Helman was the oldest son of Alma the Younger and takes over writing records, and most of the rest of book of Alma is Helman's records, at least until ch62. This is the chapter that describes how Alma passes the plates along, the 'death' of Alma, and how the church is doing.
After the Nephite victory, Alma approaches Helman to find out if he is ready to take upon the responsibility of the sacred records by asking if he believes in them and Jesus Christ and is willing to keep the commandments (v1-8). Helman says yes to all his father is asking and is given the plates to write his fathers prophecies and eventually the things the Lord wants him to write (v9). The prophecy that Alma tells Helman to record is about the dwindling in unbelief of the Nephites after Jesus Christ comes because of their works of darkness, lasciviousness, and many sins against the great light and knowledge (v10-12). There will be a time when their will no longer be anyone known as Nephites, but only Lamanites who hunt down the disciples of the Lord until they are extinct (v13-14).
>>side bar>> if you've ever read the story of the Book of Mormon, this prophecy totally happens in 4th Nephi, and we will get there, I promise.
Alma then uses his last days on earth to bless his sons, the earth, and the church for righteous' sake that there might not be any allowance for sin and that all may stand fast in the faith (v15-17). The story of his 'death' is suspicious because he left Zarahemla heading toward Melek and was never heard of again, but everyone speculates and things he was translated because he was so righteous, and I'm sure the Lord took care of him (v18-19).
So, Helman becomes the leader of the church and goes to preach to the people because they've been through a lot will all the wars and contentions with the Lamanites (v20). He went with the purpose of regulating church doctrine and correcting any dissension by appointing proper teachers and priests to teach the people in every city (v21-22). Unfortunately, the people had a hard time accepting the new leadership and became prideful and greedy instead of continuing to thank the Lord for their blessings (v23-24).

Alma Ch44

With the Lamanites being surrounded, they are given a choice to surrender or be destroyed, and they are stubborn enough to reject the offer and keep fighting. Of course they are defeated because of their lack of preparing for the battle against the Nephites.
Zerahemnah was the commander of the Lamanite army so Moroni begins to talk to him as he is standing in the river with his army, surrounded by Nephites (v1). Moroni explains that he doesn't want this war and the Lord has been the one to strengthen them because they have faith that they will be preserved as long as they are faithful (v2-4). Captain Moroni demands from Zerahemnah, in the name of God, to deliver up the weapons of war and promise not to ever come again to attack the Nephites or be cut down where they stand (v5-7).
Knowing that they will lose if they continue to battle, Zerahemnah says we don't believe it was God who delivered us, you all are just tricky so we will surrender now and plan to come back later (v8-9). Moroni refused their surrender because they wouldn't promise to not come back and Zerahemnah got mad and tried to surprise attack but was scalped by one of Captain Moroni's guards who declared to the Lamanite army that they could either continue to fight or depart with a covenant of peace (v10-14). Many of the lamanites were freaked out by the whole scalping things and departed with a covenant of peace while the remaining were angry and fought ferociously (v15-16).
I feel like "Moroni was angry" is close to saying he was annoyed because the Lamanites were stubborn and continued to fight until they were almost all slain at which point Zerahemnah suddenly says he will take Moroni's offer from before (v17-19). Moroni was merciful and stopped the bloodshed and took the weapons of the Lamanites and let them leave after they covenanted for peace (ha yeah...peace, its only the beginning), and so many had died from that battle that they didn't bother counting they just threw them all in the river to stay (v20-22). The army of the Nephites dispersed and went back to their families as the 18th year ends and also the record of Alma the younger (v23-24).

Alma Ch43

After having the counsels with his sons, they join Alma preaching the word and we get back to the history of the Nephites. We start to see the first battles of the war between the Lamanites and Nephites and some of the awesome stratagem of Captain Moroni.

Being reinvigorated by the words of Alma, the sons go with his father to preach the word of truth according to the Spirit as their callings in the church were to be teachers (v1-2). Now Moroni is going to get back to telling us about the history of the Nephites which include more wars between them and the Lamanites. So we are in the 18th year and the Zoramites joined the Lamanite armies which were lead by mostly Amalekites, more specifically, a man named Zerahemnah and his minions (v3-6).
Zera's goal was to keep the Lamanites hating on the Nephites so he could rule over them and have them as servants to support the Lamanites (v7-8). The Nephite's main goal was to stay liberated so they could practice their religion and support themselves, but also to protect the Anti-Nephi-Lehi's who were Lamanite converts from Ammon's mission (v9-12). Not only did they have a strong faith, but they also helped support the Nephite army so they were pretty important to protect (v13).
The Lamanites consisted of many races and were in great enough number to actually contend with the armies of the Nephites, who's leader at the time of all this is a 25yr old, Captain Moroni (v14-17). He led them to fight their enemies in the boarders of Jershon with breastplates and shields to protect themselves and weapons to slay the ill prepared Lamanites (v18-20). This first battle didn't even happen because the Lamanites saw they were not prepared to fight Moroni's army and went out towards the land of Manti to try and start the attack there (v21-22).
Moroni was a man of God and inquired of the Lord what the armies should do to best defend themselves against the Lamanites, but he was also a smart man and sent spies to watch their movements, which is why he took part of his army to help defend the weaker land of Manti (v23-25). On his way there, he inspired many to join his cause and defend their country against the Lamanites, so he hid near the river Sidon and watched the armies of the Lamanites (v26-28). Because Moroni knew the intentions of the Lamanites were evil while the intentions of the Nephites were only for protection, he felt that it would not be a sin to win through stratagem, and he does win (v29-30).
The army is divided and hidden on either side of the river Sidon to be prepared for the Lamanites when they came through (v31-33). The Lamanites passed on the side east side where the part of the army that was led by Captain Lehi attacked and drove them into the river to get away from the battle they were loosing because of the protection the Nephites had with armor (v34-40). The Lamanites met with the part of the army led by Moroni and were desperate and fierce as they fought with anger inspired by the Zoramites and Amalekites (v41-44). Even so, the Nephites fought for a better cause and were fighting to protect their loved ones and freedom against the evil, and this was not a sin because they were not desiring to gain anything except the freedom they deserve (v45-46).
The Lord was supportive of their actions to shed blood in defense of their families, and Moroni was a righteous commander that inspired the Nephites to remember their purpose as they were loosing faith in battle (v47-48). They unified their efforts against the Lamanites to stand with the power of God and drove their enemies into the river of Sidon again even though there were more Lamanites than Nephites (v49-51). As they were driven once again into the river, the Lamanites saw Moroni's men on one side and Lehi's men on the other ready to fight and they were scared (v52-54). And this is where the story stops because Moroni sees he has won and stops the shedding of blood to show mercy and offer a chance for less to loose their lives.

Alma Ch42

Sadly this is the last of the words that Alma speaks to Corianton and they focus on repenting and serving God while we are still on earth and being redeemed through the atonement. God is merciful to those who repent but others are subject to the justice of life and will answer for their sins. Only the truly penitent will be saved in the end.
The reason the talk with Corianton has gone on so long is because he has felt uneasy or worried about some of the things that were mentioned and maybe doesn't fully understand all that has been said concerning the mysteries of God. What is seems like is that he thinks that it is injustice for anyone to be consigned to endless misery, but Alma explains in the most simple way possible by referring to the very first transgression in the garden of Eden (v1-2). After Adam and Eve ate of the tree of knowledge they became like God, which means we are also kind of like God, knowing good from evil and being able to choose. Having this blessing but not the blessing of eating of the tree of life, we are not able to become fully as God, so it is a good thing we have a time to prepare to partake of that fruit so we have a chance to repent and live forever in happiness instead of misery (v3-6).
Yes it is our first parents fault that we are fallen and need repenting, but it is also their doing that we have a chance to live forever is we do repent with our agency which will fulfill the plan of happiness that was created (v7-8). Our soul cannot die, but the spiritual death means being cut off from the presence of God and we would be if it weren't for the plan of redemption which is told to us by Him through prophets and revelation during this time to prepare (v9-11).
Honestly, there is no way to reclaim us from our fallen state if we do not repent because then mercy would destroy the work of justice which would make God loose his Godhood and power (v12-14). The only way we can add in the plan of mercy to try and help mankind have a way to escape the chains of justice is for an atonement to be made by Jesus Christ to appease the demands of justice and allow God to keep his authority and be merciful like unto his nature (v15). Unfortunately, those who do not take advantage of the plan of mercy and repent will have to pay for their sins himself to satisfy the law and be punished accordingly (v16-18). Everyone fears death as a punishment which is proof that there is a law that will inflict punishment, through repentance we are allowed mercy to pay the price for that punishment (v19-22).
Now all this is still somewhat confusing to me but I know that God is still God and is merciful because of the sacrifice His son, Jesus Christ, went through to bring to pass the atonement and resurrection of the dead to be restored to the presence of God (v23). The punishment and price has been paid for by Christ so there is no longer an issue of mercy robbing justice, there is just the fact that we repent to have it take its affect on us and deliver ourselves out of endless misery (v24-26). Everyone is invited to take advantage of this gift because in the end, everyone will be restored and live forever because it has been paid for, but only a few will live in happiness with God because they are clean after repenting (v27-28). If you were or are troubled like Corianton was, deny the justice of God no more, sin no more, and let the mercy of God bring you down to humility and repentance with true conviction of heart and soul (v29-31).

Alma Ch41

Alma moves on to talk about the difference between wickedness and righteousness and the state of men who do good or evil. He also mentions how everyone will receive the characteristics and attributes back that they acquired during their life on earth. How you lived and acted on earth will be how you live after death and when you are resurrected.

The scriptures have spoken the truth but many have misinterpreted them or distorted their meaning for their own purposes being led astray, but Alma speaks plainly to try and prevent that from happening to Corinaton (v1). The plan of restoration is as simple as its name, it is to restore everything to its proper order which also means that everyone will be judged according to their works where good=good and evil=evil (v2-4). After being judged according to our desires and works, those who were righteous will be raised to endless happiness with God in His kingdom, and the wicked will inherit the kingdom of the devil and have endless misery (v5). 

What is interesting is that quote that I've heard butchered so many times I googled the exact quote to get it right, and it is by Margaret Thatcher and it goes a little something like this:

"Watch your thoughts for they become words.

Watch your words for they become actions.
Watch your actions for they become habits.
Watch your habits for they become your character.
And watch your character for it becomes your destiny.
What we think, we become."

In other words, what you desire, you will think about start to talk about which will govern how you act. Continuing to act that way will form that habit which defines your character and, in time, becomes your destiny. After a life time of doing what you desire, you will be judged according to those desires because they have become your character and then you will be rewarded for your righteousness, or punished for wickedness (v6-7). This is not something we can change, and we can't lie to God because He knows hour thoughts, so just don't risk it because no matter what, wickedness never was and will never be happiness, in the end (v8-10).

There are certain behaviors that characterize those who are wicked and they are called carnal because they act contrary to the nature of God, and unfortunately we are stuck by default in that state and must work to fight those urges (v11). The plan of restoration is not only going to restore us to our bodies, but to our state of mind when we left them (v12-13). We should work to be clean and worthy now so when we are restored to our bodies during the resurrection, we will be ready to live with God in His kingdom in Heaven (v14). Karma is an interesting word that applies to v15, what ever we send out shall return unto us again, so we should send out mercy, love, righteous judgement, and charity.

Alma Ch40

In this installment of Alma's counsel with Corianton, he speaks about Christ's resurrection and some of what happens to us after death. Everyone goes to their own place to wait for the resurrection when all things will be restored back to a perfect state.
Alma can tell his son is having a hard time comprehending the resurrection, so he clarifies it by saying it won't happen until Christ comes, and only God knows when that time is, but when it does happen the dead will rise again (v1-5). Alma has prayed to know the truth about the time between death and the resurrection, and he found out that the spirits of all men will return to God and be 'sorted' into a state of paradise if they were righteous and a state of outer darkness (or prison) until the resurrection (v6-14). According to Alma, some have called this the first resurrection, but really it isn't a final state of rest because there is the actual resurrection where the soul will be reunited with a perfect body (v15-18).
Neither Alma nor I, nor anyone I know, can tell you in what order the resurrection will come, whether the righteous be first or the first people that died on earth, just no idea (v19). I personally don't think any resurrections besides Christ's has happened, unless you count people who were transfigured like Enoch and the three Nephites, so I also am in the dark on that subject like Alma, but there IS the spirit world after death and before the resurrection and judgment (v20-22). Everyone will be in a perfected body when they are resurrected and after we are judged we will either be with Heavenly Father in His kingdom, or somewhere else if we are unclean and unworthy (v23-26).

Alma Ch39

Now we move onto Corianton, the third son of Alma. We will be reading the counsels from Alma to his last son for a few chapters because there is a lot to say to his son on the topic of his sins. When they were all on the mission to the Zoramites, Corianton sinned and prevented some from receiving the word of God by being a bad example.
The reason Shiblon only needed one chapter was because he has listened to the words of Alma and kept the commandments diligently unlike Corianton who needs to hear some choice counsels (v1). Both Shiblon and Corianton were on the mission to the Zoramites, but Corianton was boastful and abandoned his mission to chase a girl he liked, Isabel, because she was desirable to many (v2-3). It was still no excuse for Corianton to leave the ministry he was entrusted because by doing this committed one of the more abominable sins in the sight of God (v4-5).
Only denying the Holy Ghost when you know it is real, and murdering are worse than what Corianton did by choosing to lust after Isabel and hinder the work of the Lord (v6-8). Alma is talking about this because he wants to make Corianton realize that he needs to repent and then deny his lusts, but it is hard to do this alone, so Alma tells him to turn to his older brothers for help (v9-10). Any Zoramite who saw Corianton acting wickedly wouldn't believe the words of Alma because they saw hypocrisy among the missionaries; this is a testimony of what great influence our actions have on others (v11).
Alma has been told by the Lord to command his sons to do good because they are an example to the people and have the influence to either lead many into wickedness, or inspire righteousness by turning to the Lord (v12). It would be best for Corianton to return to the Zoramites and testify of the faults he committed while among them and fully repent of his vain ways, which is why Alma suggests it and counsels him not to seek riches of this world (v13-14). The truths of Christ are glad tidings of salvation that should be declared to everyone and Corianton was a part of that work and still should be (v15-16). Some of the words that Alma speaks are hard, but every soul is precious to God and that includes past, present, and future and He wants all to know of the plan of redemption which is why He sends His angels (missionaries) (v17-19).

Alma Ch38

Now we move onto the words that Alma speaks to his son Shiblon who was persecuted but still was righteous. He is told to be faithful to Christ and bridle his passions.

Just as Alma told Helaman, he tells Shiblon to continue to keep the commandments and trust in the Lord with pure faithfulness, diligence, patience, and long-suffering just like his mission (v1-3). We didn't hear of all the stories of the missionaries among the Zoramites, but apparently, Shiblon went through a rough spot and was delivered by the Lord because he bore those trials with patience (v4-5). Alma has a testimony by the Spirit of God of Christ because he personally has had an angel visit him and convert him with a voice of thunder (v6-7).

There was a time that Alma spent 3 days and 3 nights suffering until he prayed for forgiveness and was granted peace from the Lord (v8). Alma has wanted to teach his sons the importance of Christ's atonement while they are young so they don't make the same mistakes he did and they learn to humble themselves before the Lord by not being prideful, idle, or angry (v9-12). Lastly, Alma advises Shiblon to never pray as the Zoramites prayed and always be thankful to the Lord and acknowledge your unworthiness before Him (v13-15). 

Alma Ch37

After his conversion story, Alma tells Helaman about the records he was given by King Mosiah and have been adding to since then. Some of the records contain stories of the Jaredites and many counsels from the Lord from previous prophets. Just like the Liahona that guided Lehi's family, the scriptures are a guide for men on earth.
Helaman is given charge of the records that have been kept since Nephi, and told to keep a record of the happenings of the people for a wise purpose being handed down from generation to generation telling the mysteries of God (v1-4). It is important to keep them hidden from the majority of the people because they are holy writ and will be the means that great workings of the Lord will come to pass to bring salvation to many souls (v5-7). Keeping records like this helps the people remember the past and learn from them, just like how Ammon converted the people of Lamoni, and how many more will be converted according to the words of God because only He knows what they will be used for in the future (v8-12).
Then Helaman is reminded that when you are given a commandment and entrusted with sacred things, you have the responsibility to do as commanded lest ye be cut off from His presence and the sacred things be taken away from you (v13-15). On the other hand, for being faithful you will be blessed and made sure that no power of earth or hell can take them from you ever (v16-18). The Lord wants His children to return to Him and be blessed, and these records are the tool He plans (and does) use to give everyone the chance to be saved (v19-20).
There have been times in the past that the people have been so wicked they were destroyed, and among the records that are handed down to Helaman, there is the record of the Jaredites who were one of those wicked people (v21). They kept records of secret combinations and ended up loosing the blessings of prosperity because they would not give up their secret works and repent (v22-26). When their wicked ways and evil oaths had been revealed, they did not hide their abominations or change their ways, and they would kill any prophet who tried to save them (v27-30). Because of their awful wickedness, the people were cursed and destroyed (v31).
From theses records, we should learn to teach our children and people to have an everlasting hatred against sin and iniquity and to always repent, humble themselves, withstand temptation, always do good works, and remember to keep the commandments of God (v32-35). When we pray for help on all these things, we are directed and counseled by the lord to help us live day by day with the Lord by our side and in our hearts (v36-37). Just as the Lehona guided Lehi and his family by faith, we can be guided by the Lord according to the faith we place in Him (v38-40). At times we may be lazy and slip in our diligence in following by faith the guidance we receive, but we can pick ourselves back up and learn from our afflictions (v41-45). Yes, it is easier to be lazy, but in the end it will not make us happy (v46-47).

Alma Ch36

This is one of those cool poem chapters that you've probably heard all about because they are in the scriptures a lot. It is called a chiasmus and yes, they are cool to study. So for this chapter we are going to study the parallelisms that a strewn about this chapter and end on the middle section which is the most important part that Alma is trying to teach his son, Helaman, because it tells the story of his conversion.

So, first and lastly spoken, Alma desires Helaman to listen to him because he speaks the words of Christ which is to keep the commandments of God and you will be prospered in the land (v1+30).

This applies to everyone because if we do as Alma has done, we will know what he knows, seriously, just think about all he has gone through and been blessed for (v2+30).

It is important to retain a remembrance of the history of our fathers, through this we are aware of the mercy of God, and in Alma's example of the people who were in bondage who were delivered out of captivity by God just as he will deliver us if we trust in Him (v2-3+27-29).

Knowing God will support you in trials, troubles, and afflictions is real trust in God and when you know He will save you, you can be born of God (v3-5+26-27).

Are you confused yet? I hope not, because I love how this is and I'm going to attach a really cool and easy way of reading it that I found off the internet. Next, Alma tells of his conversion from seeking to destroy the church to laboring to bring souls to repentance (v6-9+24-25).

Alma was paralyzed with the fear of being in the presence of God after being told by the angel of the awful sins he was committing, but now he has his strength and longs to be with God for eternity (v10-15+22-23).

He suffered much as he came to the realization he was unclean, and was racked with pains for his soul, and in the end he was even more joyful because of the depths of pain he had felt (v16+20-21).

The happy ending to this story is the middle, because Alma was brought to remembrance of Jesus Christ who has mercy on all who repent and save them from the everlasting chains of death and remove the pains we go through (v17-19).


Now that you've read my awful explanation, here is what helped me understand it better when I was studying it. It will probably make more sense than my babblings.

The website: http://www.cometozarahemla.org/mosiah/alma-36-chiasmus.html

The Magnificent Chiasmus of Alma 36

From, "Chiasmus in the Book of Mormon,"
by John W. Welch, BYU Studies, Autumn 1969

a) My son give ear to my words (v 1) b) Keep the commandments and ye shall prosper in the land (v 1) c) Do as I have done (v 2) d) Remember the captivity of our fathers (v 2) e) They were in bondage (v 2) f) He surely did deliver them (v 2) g) Trust in God (v 3) h) Supported in trials, troubles and afflictions (v 3) i) I know this not of myself but of God (v 4) j) Born of God (v 5) k) I sought to destroy the church (v 6-9) l) My limbs were paralyzed (v 10) m) Fear of the presence of God (v 14-15)
n) Pains of a damned soul (v 16) o) Harrowed up by memory of sins (v 17) p) I remembered Jesus Christ, a son of God (v 17) p) I cried, Jesus, son of God (v 18) o) Harrowed up by memory of sins no more (v 19) n) Joy as exceeding as was the pain (v 20)	The Agony of Conversion
	destroyed (v 11) racked with eternal torment (v 12) harrowed up to the greatest degree (v 12) racked with all my sins (v12) tormented with the pains of hell (v13) inexpressible horror (v 14) banished and extinct (v15) pains of a damned soul (v 16)
	The Joy of Conversion
	no more pain (v 19) oh what joy (v 20) what marvelous light (v 20) soul filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain (v 20) exquisite (v 21) nothing more sweet as was my joy (v 22) singing and praising God (v 22) long to be with God (v 22)
m) Long to be in the presence of God (v 22) l) My limbs received strength again (v 23) k) I labored to bring souls to repentance (v 24) j) Born of God (v 26) i) Therefore my knowledge is of God (26) h) Supported under trials and troubles and afflictions (v 27) g) Trust in him (v 27) f) He will deliver me (v 27) e) As God brought our fathers out of bondage and captivity (v 28-29) d) Retain in remembrance their captivity (v 28-29) c) Know as I do know (v 30) b) Keep the commandments and ye shall prosper in the land (v 30) a) This according to his word (v 30)

Try reading it this way

a) My son give ear to my words (v 1)
a) [They are] according to his word (v 30)

b) Keep the commandments and ye shall prosper in the land (v 1)
b) Keep the commandments and ye shall prosper in the land (v 30)

c) Do as I have done (v 2)
c) [and you will] Know as I do know (v 30)

d) Remember the captivity of our fathers (v 2)
d) Retain in remembrance their captivity (v 28-29)

e) They were in bondage (v 2)
e) [and] God brought our fathers out of bondage and captivity (v 28-29)

f) [and] He surely did deliver them (v 2)
f) [and] He will deliver me [and He will deliver you] (v 27)

g) Trust in God (v 3)
g) Trust in him (v 27)

h) [you will be] Supported in trials, troubles and afflictions (v 3)
h) [YES! you will be] Supported under trials and troubles and afflictions (v 27)

i) I know this not of myself but of God (v 4)
i) Therefore my knowledge is of God (26)

j) [because I have been] Born of God (v 5)
j) [and you can be] Born of God (v 26)

k) I sought to destroy the church (v 6-9)
k) [then] I labored to bring souls to repentance (v 24)

l) My limbs were paralyzed (v 10)
l) [then] My limbs received strength again (v 23)

m) [I was in] Fear of the presence of God (v 14-15)
m) [now I] Long to be in the presence of God (v 22)

n) [I suffered the] Pains of a damned soul (v 16)
n) [Now my] Joy [is] as exceeding as was the pain (v 20)

o) [I was] Harrowed up by memory of sins (v 17)
o) [now I am] Harrowed up by memory of sins no more (v 19)

p) I remembered Jesus Christ, a son of God (v 17)
p) [and] I cried, Jesus, son of God (v 18)

[ And I was BORN AGAIN! ]

Alma Ch35

Through the teachings of Alma and Amulek (and most likely the other missionaries), there are many converts to the church. They end up getting kicked out by the still wicked Zoramites and get to live with the people of Ammon in Jershon, lucky ducks.
The missionaries preached and left without a huge rush of people to be baptized, but it did cause the rich people to get a little upset because everything that was taught tore down their crafts and church practices (v1-3). The leaders all gathered and privately learned the desires of everyone and what they thought about the preaching without proclaiming what they had planned to everyone (v4-5). The majority ended up kicking out those people who believed the missionaries and they followed the missionaries who had gone to Jershon, and the people there who were once Lamanites, welcomed them and ministered unto them (v6-7).
The Zoramites get all but hurt that the people they cast out are being taken care of instead of punished for believing the word of God, so they tell the people of Ammon to cast everyone that came in search of help (v8). Of course the righteous people of Ammon continued to take care of them which causes the Zoramites to want war, so they mingle with the Lamanites and convince them to want war with the Nephites (v9-11). In year 18, the Nephite army moves into Jershon as the people of Ammon move to Melek which introduce the start of another war and from now on there will be great battles between the Lamanites and Nephites, with strategies, war councils, tricks, fights, and many heroics (v12-13). Be excited :)
The converted Zoramites joins the army of the Nephites to fight for their freedom, while the missionaries return to Zarahemla (v14). Alma is sad that there have started some wars and contentions within his people and against the Lamanites because people are waxing hard in their hearts (v15). In the next chapters we are going to hear the words of Alma that he addresses to his sons. They are, in a way, a parting responsibility because his records are about to end and his sons are needing to take more upon themselves to lead the people in righteousness (v16).

Alma Ch34

After Alma has spoken, we hear from Amulek who testifies of salvation, the atonement, the law of Moses, the plan of redemption, faith, repentance, prayer, and preparing to meet God. So basically, this chapter is the umbrella chapter of all topics the people need to know.
Amulek wants the people to be reminded of what they were taught before they left and became so sideways, and Alma has done a great introduction to deeper topics by speaking of faith as a seed to nourish (v1-4). Alma has used past prophets to prove that Christ is the Son of God and His word leads to salvation, and Amulek bears his testimony of the truth of the Lord taking upon Him the transgressions of His people during the atonement according to the plan of the Eternal God (v5-9). It is necessary for a great and last sacrifice to be made that is infinite and eternal for anyone to be able to be forgiven for their sis and return to our God in Heaven (v10-12).
That sacrifice will be a fulfilling of the law of Moses and is the Son of God in the flesh who will bestow mercy on those who have faith unto repentance so we won't have to face the demands of justice (v13-16). Amulek and many other prophets have encouraged anyone who wants to have the mercy of God to pray always, everywhere you go about anything that is needed (v17-25). Not only in the fields but in the secret places and always have your heart focused on the Lord to help you fight the devil who desires your soul (v26-27). After you have prayed, you must now be charitable towards your fellow man because if you are being Christ like when you have prayed so fervently, then you are a hypocrite (v28-29).
Be converted unto the Lord and repent so you can take advantage of His great atoning sacrifice because if you don't you are not prepared to meet God in the last day (v30-32). And whatever you do, DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! It is terrible! You honestly never know when the last day is and if you procrastinate then you are loosing the chance to have eternal life and will end up spending your eternity with the devil (v33-35). Seek always to be clean and be righteous by not denying the truth of Christ (v36-37). Be humble, be thankful, and pray continually to be led away from temptation and to withstand afflictions of this life so you can end up with eternal happiness (v38-41).

Alma Ch33

As Alma is teaching the poor of the Zoramites, he teaches the words of the prophets of old which include Zenos and Zenock who we know very little about these days. We don't have their records or teachings except what is quoted every so often in the Book of Mormon. I would be cool to know more about them though because they are references by more than just Alma. Zenos is quoted for his wisdom on worshiping in all places, and Zenock is quoted on his teachings of mercy bestowed on us from the Son of God.

Alma inquires of the people he is teaching if they have consulted the scriptures on the topic of how to worship God because they were cast out by the rich in the synagogues (v1-2). The Nephites had the records of Zenos in their collection and in it, he teaches of the many places he has turned to prayer to the Lord and been answered including a field, his house, and a closet (v3-7). Anywhere you pray, the Lord will hear and be merciful unto you because of your faith whether it is in the congregation or being cast out and suffering affliction like the poor have been (v8-11).

These certain scriptures apply to the people, but if they believe in these scriptures, they should also believe in the words of Zenock who spoke of the mercies shown by the Son of God (v12-16). Theses are only two out of many more who have spoken of the Son of God, Moses was another who was helped so much had an experience with his people and the snakes where they simply had to look to be healed but they didn't (v17-20). If it were that simple for us in this day to heal ourselves from cancer or some other sickness, would we have faith or harden our hearts too (v21)? It really is just that simple to find happiness, to look to the Son of God who has come to redeem his people (us) and repent in faith to have light burdens to bear until we have everlasting life (v22-23).

Alma Ch32

As the missionaries spread around to teach the Zoramites, they found that the poor were most accepting of their message and were humbled and ready to listen to the message. Alma teaches them about faith, hope, ministering angels, and how they can nourish their new found knowledge and faith into a blossoming tree to pick the fruit of eternal life from.
The missionaries preached to everyone, but only the poor that were cast out of the synagogues (churches) for not being good enough and not allowed to worship listened to their message (v1-4). The were humbled and all gathered to hear the words that answered their desire to know how they were to worship God because they aren't allowed in the churches, and the answer was that they can worship anywhere and anytime (v5-12). Alma taught they they need to humble themselves enough to repent of their sins before the Lord without needing to be chastened by the Lord first (v13-16). But don't be worried if you were someone who needed to be humbled because I was.
Many people are stubborn and ask for a sign, but that isn't faith because you'll just know and not believe (v17-19). To have faith, which is essential to gaining salvation, you can't know for sure first, but you must hope for things which aren't known which are true (v20-21). There have been many signs from angels, prophets, and yet the Lord still often needs to humble us like he has the poor of the Zoramites to be ready to receive the knowledge of God like a planted seed (v22-26). This seed that is planted is faith because it has the potential to be a perfect knowledge of the truth if it is taken care of properly, and as it grows your faith will Swell within your breast, Enlarge your soul, Enlighten your understanding, and become Delicious to you (v27-28). I don't know if you got that but it stands for SEED :)
As a seed is nourished and begins to grow, it becomes stronger just like faith is strengthened if nourished, and as long as you feed a good seed, it will grow into a good plant or tree in this certain analogy (v29-33). Once you have nourished your faith and helped it form into a perfect knowledge can you just leave it be? No, you must always exercise your faith to keep the muscles strong and durable (that's right I switched analogies on ya there a little) to protect you from the devil (v34-37).
Back to plants, it is important to have good roots for a tree to survive many years and if it is neglected those roots will wither away from your barren ground; why can't you just water it (v38-39)? Only a nourished tree can bring forth the fruit of the tree of life; nourished with diligence, faith, and patience (v40-41). With those, the tree will bring forth fruit that is most precious above all else because it is eternal life which is the reward for all your hard work nourishing your faith (v42-43).

Alma Ch31

So those Zoramites have become apostate and Alma wants to visit them to reclaim them. It is interesting to see the practices they have and how they have warped the true church with set prayers and pride. The missionaries that go and visit them are filled with the Spirit as they preach to the people and opportunities are opened up to them after their trials and afflictions.
After Korihor had been killed among the Zoramites, word got to Alma that they were kind of a bad crowd now and they were being lead away from the truth that started because they separated themselves from the Nephites and had a wicked leader (v1-3). When they became a separate people, the possibility that they would start corresponding with the Lamanites, so Alma's solution was to get them back on track and converted to God by going with some missionaries to preach unto them (v4-5). The whole party consisted of Ammon, Aaron, Omner, Himni, Amulek, Zeezrom, Melek, and his two younger sons, Shiblon and Corianton. He left his eldest son, Helaman, behind to guard the castle I guess, it doesn't really tell us why he didn't go (v6-7).
After the Zoramites dissented from the Nephites, they fell into apostasy and stopped following the commandments, performing prayers and supplications to God daily, and all together perverted the ways of the true church by only meeting in big open areas to publically worship once a week (v8-12). In their place of worship each person took their turn reciting a prideful, arrogant, and stupid prayer that praised themselves as elected of God but rejects Christ as their Savior (v13-18). The missionaries were stunned that this was what has been going on because without fail every person that went to 'church' went on the Rameumptom (holy stand) to declare that selfish prayer then went home and didn't mention God again until the next week where they did the same thing (v19-23).
I am astonished that the church could be perverted so completely to where that is a prayer that someone has created, but it's true, someone so vain and wicked was influenced by the devil to make it seem like a good idea to boast about themselves (v24-25). Alma prays to God for help on how he could possibly preach to such a prideful, vain group of people when it pains him so much to see such complete wickedness (v26-31). He finishes his very personal prayer to God by asking for strength amongst his party and success to save the precious souls that have been lead into the grasp of the devil (v32-35).
Alma left each member of the mission with a blessing (that's what the "clapping his hands upon them" means) to have the Holy Spirit to be with them as they separate themselves among the people (v36-37). They went without caring about what they were going to eat for their next meal, nor where they sleep, but they did not hunger because the Lord gave them strength that they didn't suffer, but were strong in their joy of Christ and in preaching his words in faith (v38).

Alma Ch30

An antichrist named Korihor appears and begins to make fun of the gospel by saying there is no God, no fall of man, no penalty for sin, and no Christ. He contends with Alma and challenges God for a sign who strikes him dumb. He admits that he was visited by the devil and taught what to say against the church, so in the end, he is trodden down until dead being forgotten by the devil.
After that big battle the dead were buried and the 16th year began and ended in peace with fasting, mourning, and prayer throughout the people with strict obedience to the commandments of God (v1-4). It was the same until the end of the 17th year when Korihor began to preach against the prophets which he could legally do because there was freedom of religion meaning that no one was punished for not believing in the churches doctrine (v5-9). There were laws that punished murders, robbers, or adultery but none that could punish Korihor for his preaching against Christ's people (v10-12).
He talked straight to the believers and said they were foolish for believing things that weren't facts including the atonement, the coming of Christ, and acting in a way to gain salvation (v13-17). He preached all these things to make the people start to be selfish and lead their hearts away from God which worked in some places, but when he went to the people of Ammon, they tied him up and was brought before someone who might get ride of him which is what happened in Gideon too (v18-21). In Jershon with the people of Ammon he was flat out kicked out, but in Gideon right after that, they asked him why he is doing all of this evil preaching (v22).
Korihor answered with some nonsense about not believing in foolish traditions that are just in place to control the people and give the power to the priests who make up things, like the coming of Christ, to convince people to support them (v23-27). There are a few more things in those verses like trying to free the people from the oppression of the church that uses their sins to convince them they are needing saving and blah blah blah. But the last point he hits on is about there being no God and no punishment for sinning and that it is all made up to restrict the people (v28).
After making these outlandish statements in Gideon, the people just sent him away to stand before Alma and the other leaders of the church to be dealt with by the head of the church (v29). As he stands before the council of the church he starts accusing them of living off the people of the church, which is ridiculous because Alma has served the people and labored without being paid, in fact, the only time he was paid in the last 17 years is when his job was the first chief judge (v30-33). There is obviously no truth in Korihor's accusing but he stills believes it because he doesn't believe in God or Christ (v34-38).
Alma bears his strong testimony to try and convince Korihor that Christ will come because Korihor has no evidence that Christ will not come except his word, and he already has lied so that's not very convincing (v39-40). Alma has a strong testimony that the teachings of the church is true because he has been converted by an angel, so he knows that Korihor is possessed by the lying spirit of the devil that is trying to work mischief (v40-42). Korihor says that the only way he will say that he believes in God is if there is a sign given, even though there has been plenty of signs given by the holy prophets and even everything on the earth proves there is a God (v43-45).
There is only sadness from Alma towards Korihor for his stubbornness because he knows his soul will be lost than allowed to live on and lead astray the people (v46-47). Korihor is set in his ways and ends up struck dumb from that moment on and then all of a sudden he admits he actually knew there was a God all along but the devil had 'deceived' him and it wasn't really his fault...yeah right (v48-53). He wasn't really penitent though and when he asks for the curse to be lifted that bit of mercy is withheld because he did not have a change of heart, just a change of action for the moment (v54-55).
He was left to beg for food while the truth of all that had happened was proclaimed throughout all of the land to reclaim the hearts that had been lead away (v56-58). Korihor left the Nephites and went among the Zoramites to beg but was run down and killed, and thus we see how those who follow the devil are not supported in the last day (v59-60). As soon as the devil thinks you aren't useful, you will be cast aside and dragged to hell forever.

Alma Ch29

This chapter is basically the bearing of Alma's testimony about repentance and the success of Ammon and his brethren. He is still very excited and passionate about everything to do with the Lord and it shows as he bares his testimony.
Alma wishes he could reach more people than he can as a man, he wants to be like the angel that visited and converted him to go and declare to everyone about repentance and the plan of redemption (v1-2). He already sees the error in thinking this was because he should be grateful for what he has and not wish for more than he is given because God grants what is needed (v3-4). The fact that he knows good from evil means he will be given according to his desire for good or evil and all he has to do is perform the work of preaching and he will be granted what he wants, to be heard (v5-7).
Every nation will have their own spokesman to teach the Lord's words and Alma is glorying in the Lord for his wise purposes to send men to preach in all parts of the world (v8-9). His favorite thing about missionary work is when someone is truly penitent because it reminds him of the glory and mercy of God (v10). Remembering the many times that the Lord has had to deliver the righteous out of the hands of the wicked to establish a church brings Alma joy as well (11-13).
Of course, this is all joy because the Lord has done so much to save souls and has caused that the sons of Mosiah have had such success to find many souls who repented (v14-16). It is said by Alma plain as day that those who serve as missionaries will be blessed and enjoy the fruits of their labor when they can sit down in the kingdom of God and praise him forever (v17). So to any return missionaries or future missionaries, you have done/are going to do a noble and great work! To all others who work as member missionaries, your successes are just as great as those who serve a full-time missions. Any efforts you put into missionary work is much appreciated by the converts who get to know the truth, and the Lord who wants to use us as his angels. Just saying.

Alma Ch28

There is a battle and the Lamanites lose, but both sides lost plenty. All that were slain will either consigned to endless woe if wicked or attain never-ending happiness if righteous.
The armies of the Lamanites had followed the people of Ammon and attacked after they had settled in Jershon with the result of a tremendous battle in which tens of thousands of the Lamanites were slain (v1-2). There were also many of the Nephites who were slain in the fight but they did win and mourned for their lost brethren after driving the enemy out (v3-5). It caused everyone to mourn for brother, father, son, or whoever died and many fasted and prayed, and this is how the 15th year ended (v6-7).
From now one we are going to read about all the sufferings, journeyings, afflictions, incomprehensible joys, contentions, and wars that happen to both the Nephites and Lamanites that are told from the account of Alma and his brethren (v8-9). It started with this battle that caused many deaths, but not all who died have reason to fear like the wicked who will have endless woe in the after life (v10-11). Those who had been righteous will be raised to the hand of God and be happy forever (v12).
Through all of this pain and mourning because of battle we learn how wicked man can become if they are ensnared by the devil (v13). But on the flip side of that, we have the righteousness of diligent men who serve the Lord like the sons of Mosiah (v14). There is both sorrow and rejoicing in this world but our goal is to end up able to rejoice for what we have accomplished in this life.

Alma Ch27

The Anti-Nephi-Lehies are led by Ammon to safety into the lands of the Nephites who accept them and let them settle in a land called Jershon where they become called the people of Ammon.
After the Lamanites failed to take their anger out on the Nephites, they come back to the land of Nephi and start to become angry with the Anti-Nephi-Lehies again and start to slay them because they still refuse to fight (v1-3). Ammon and his brethren who loved this people and were loved by them spoke with the king to convince him to flee to Zarahemla, but the king was hesitant and would only agree if the Lord commanded, and even then planned to offer themselves up as slaves to the Nephites to atone for their previous murderings (v4-8). Ammon knew that this would be against the laws of the Nephites so he asked the Lord, and was answered with a resounding yes because things aren't going to get better (v9-12).
So they have their orders and they gather their belongings and leave for Zarahemla but stay in the wilderness for a while to let Ammon and his brethren make sure it would be okay which is actually when they run into Alma and start telling all these mission stories (v13-16). Ammon is so joyful that it takes his strength and he faints, but he is the only one of the group who does, so they travel to the chief judge to share what has happened and ask if the Anti-Nephi-Lehies may live in the land (v17-21). The people basically vote in favor of housing them and give them the land called Jershon near Bountiful, and promise to protect them from their enemies because they swore peace if they help support the armies that protect them (v22-24).
Alma goes with Ammon to where the people were and bares his testimony of his conversion before telling them the good news and left to settle in Jershon and be called the people of Ammon (v25-26). They were particularly known for their perfect honesty, firm faith, adhorrence towards sin, and zeal towards God (v27-28). They would rather suffer death than take another life and because of all this, they were highly favored of the Lord (v29-30).

Alma Ch26

I found great joy in this chapter by hearing the testimony of Ammon and the conversation he ends up having with Aaron. We should all see ourselves as Ammon sees himself compared to God. The Lord gives faithful men knowledge and empowers men with the capability to convert souls through His power and wisdom in all things.
Ammon begins to bare his testimony of the blessings the missionary company has received from the Lord, which includes more than he focuses on, but mostly the conversion of thousands of the Lamanites who were once in the darkest abyss (v1-4). They had been prepared to hear the word and the missionaries had faith enough to work as the instrument of the Lord to strengthen the people into strong and righteous men who will be saved in the last day (v5-7). Lastly, Ammon speaks of how awesome God is for blessing the company with such great success since they left home, and how the Lamanites might have still been suffering in ignorance without them (v8-9).
Now there are some things in this that seem a little brag-idocious and that's what Aaron rebukes him for; but no, no, no, Ammon isn't boasting about himself, he is all about boasting and rejoicing in the glories of God (v10-12). In fact, Ammon thinks he is really weak compared to the Most High God who is the cause for the conversion of the Lamanites and delivering them from the pains of hell because He loved them despite their wickedness (v13-15). Glory should always be given to God and there can never be too much given, every ounce of credit for anything good that happens in our lives is because the Lord has blessed us (v16).
The sons of Mosiah have a huge reason to be thankful towards God for, and that is their conversion when they were younger with Alma the younger (v17-19). They were awakened to their awful wickedness by God to become what they had become and be instruments in the hands of God to be missionaries. They know the reality of repentance and having faith to be given knowledge and guidance to become the missionaries that some Nephites doubted (v20-23). Those people had given up on the Lamanites and would rather them be destroyed than taught and given the chance to find God and be saved (v24-26). It was lucky for the Lamanites that the sons of Mosiah had the desire they did, too, because they had to bare with patience many afflictions in order for the Lord to bring to pass the success (v27-29).
Not every missionary sees the physical fruits of their labors, but these were blessed with the knowledge of saving many souls because their converts had proven their faith, great love of one another, and hatred for sin (v30-34). All this is reason for Ammon to rejoice exeedingly by boasting of the merciful, powerful, and wonderful God (v35). God is the same today as he was back then, He is mindful of every people, every person, and will not turn His hand away from anyone who reaches for Him (v36-37).
I love my Heavenly Father for all He has done in sending His son, Jesus Christ to love, protect, and guide us in this crazy life. I know I make mistakes. I make a lot of mistakes. But I also know that I can be forgiven through repentance. I bare my testimony of the truth of the Book of Mormon, it truly did happen and we can learn from all that has happened. The Lord forgives those who repent no matter how wicked they are or how long they have been wicked. He will love us regardless.

Alma Ch25

It may seem to be getting worse and worse because the Lamanites become more aggressive, but good news is that the wicked priests of Noah finally get whats coming to them! Then even better, more Lamanites are converted to join the Anti-Nephi-Lehies and start to keep the law of Moses.
The Lamanites that did not give up their weapons and convert to the Lord in the last chapter become more angry but direct it at the Nephites for apparently causing them to attack and kill their brothern (v1). The armies start to attack Nephites and these are the armies that attacked Ammonihah and brought to pass the judgment of God upon them, then if you remember, were driven back by Nephite armies (v2-3). Those people that were slain were mostly the Amulonites who are the decendents of the priests of Noah who had been promised that they would suffer as Abinadi had, and guess what, it happens (v4-9).
I'm gonna be a little more specific on how it all came about though. So the people who survived against the Nephites ran away into the wilderness and started to believe the words of Aaron. The seed of Amulon still didn't believe and they were sort of in power and decided to put to death all those who started to believe, but being the majority, they were hunted down and slain (v7-9). Abinadi had said, "What ye shall do unto me shall be a type of things to come," which means that those who sentenced him to burn were burned (like Noah and a few other of the seed) or hunted down (like the rest (v10-12).
The Lamanites returned home from fighting the Nephites and joined the people of God by burying their weapons, living righteously by keeping the commandments, and following the law of Moses (v13-15). They knew the truths of the law of Moses too. The truth that this is a law that was not fulfilled at that time but it was there to strengthen their faith in Christ until He comes to bring salvation (v16). The sons of Mosiah, and company, went through quiet a bit of trial, but they were faithful and now witness the great fruits of their labor in the whole, like, around 30ish years they are out there (v17).

Alma Ch24

Last chapter was a happy one, so I guess by default this next one has to start some problems because the Lamanites who didn't convert start harassing the people of God. Those Anti-Nephi-Lehies are blessed and visited by angels and choose to die rather than fight their brethren (which totally converts some more people).
The Amalekites and Amulonites were the main groups making everyone hate those who had converted and repented, so much so that they denounced the right the king had to rule just in time for the king to confer the kingdom to his son, Anti-Nephi-Lehi as the Lamanites were preparing for war (v1-4). As Ammon saw the preparations for battle, he counciled with his brothers, Lamoni, and Anti-Nephi-Lehi what they should do about it, and the result was that no one who had converted wanted to fight (v5-6). The king declared that they did not have to fight because of their change of heart being that they were now sickened by the thought of committing sin, were fully repented of those sins, and convinced that now that they were clean if they were to murder again, they might not receive forgiveness again (v7-13).
The Lord God in his goodness and mercy has given the people this knowledge and they are willing to bury their swords as to not be tempted to commit sin again even if they are threatened with death (v14-16). The king spoke such words of thankfulness to the Lord and all the people agreed, so they took their weapons of war and buried them deep in the earth as a physical testimony of the value of being clean (v17-19). The wicked Lamanites did come to try and over throw the king and started to attack the converts who were praying and as a result, 1,005 of them were killed as they praised the Lord, which basically means they are going straight to heaven to be with God (v20-22).
The Lamanites' hearts were softened as they were slaughtering their brethren and even more than were killed were converted after witnessing the strong testimony of those who sacrificed their lives for peace (v23-26). Oh, the Lord definitely works in mysterious ways sometimes, with this whole converting thousands of Lamanites and receiving 1,005 to his folds (v27). Not surprisingly though is the fact that there were not one Amalekite or Amulonite that was converted but do you know why (v28-29). They once knew about all the truths of the Spirit of the Lord and they rejected it, so they are more wicked and hardened than any Lamanite had been (v30).

Alma Ch23

This is the proclamation that the king of the Lamanites sent out after he was taught and converted by Aaron and his brethren. It is stating that everyone is now free to worship how they please and this alone helps bring to pass many Lamanites being converted and become freed from the curse that was upon the seed of Laman and Lemuel. There are still many who rejected the teachings of the truth of God, mostly among the Amalekites and Amulonites, and this will cause tension later.
In the proclamation, the sons of Mosiah and all that traveled with them were protected wherever they might end up in their time preaching to the whole of the Lamanite (v1). They had definitely been through their fair share of trials so far and now they are given free access to anywhere among the Lamanites by pardon of the king to preach and convert people with the word of God (v2-3). After this decree was sent, the missionaries went from city to city converting, preaching, establishing churches, and having great success because of their reference from the king (v4).
Thousands were brought to the truth and began to know of the traditions of the Nephites and the scriptures, and once they were converted they never again fell away from the church (v5-6). These people were ready to hear the truth and after they did, they were completely converted and became a peaceful people (v7). They consisted of everyone in Ishmael that Ammon converted, the people in Middoni, the people in the capital city of Nephi, also the cities of Shilom, Shemlon, Lemuel, and Shimnilom (v8-12). All the people within those cities that converted laid down their weapons of war for peace and righteousness (v13).
The places that the Amalekites and Amulonites were told a different story because they worked hard to harden the hearts of the Lamanites and prevent them from accepting the truth (v14). All the people who converted no longer wanted to be called Lamanites because of the bad rep they had for their wickedness and the fact that there were still those who were wicked called Lamanites (v15-16). The converts united under the name Anti-Nephi-Lehi, and as a whole began to be industrious because they were friendly with the Nephites (v17-18). They even had the curse that had been upon them lifted, and they were loved by God.

Alma Ch22

Now we are going to learn about how Lamoni's father was taught the gospel and the reaction his household has to all of the teachings. After that story we are told how the land is divided between the Lamanites and Nephites.
We step back into the story of Aaron and company as they leave Middoni to visit the king over all the land, AKA Lamoni's father (v1). Aaron goes into the king and says he is grateful to him for saving their lives, and they wish to be his servants. The king actually refuses this and instead wants the group to administer unto him because of his troubled mind since his dealings with Ammon, but more specifically why he isn't with this group of missionaries (v2-3). Aaron explains that the Spirit of the Lord requires Ammon in Ismael, and this peaks the king's interest from what Ammon had said when they met before because he still remembers Ammon speaking of repentance and being saved in the last day (v4-6).
Aaron begins the teachings of these spiritual things similar to the way Ammon had to Lamoni, by asking if he believes there is a God. What is interesting to me is that he never says he has believed in the past but he has allowed others to believe and will at least go along with it if Aaron says so (v7). Aaron says God is real so the king wants to know more, and he connects God to the Great Spirit that brought Lehi out of Jerusalem so long ago meaning that the Great Spirit created all things (v8-11). Knowing that the king was ready and willing to believe his teachings, Aaron started teaching from the scriptures about the creation, plan of redemption, and Christ who atones for all sins to break the bands of death (v12-14).
The king soaks up all this information that Aaron provides and wants to know what he can do to have eternal life and replace the wicked spirit in his life with God (v15). The king does as Aaron tells him and bows down before God and repents of all his sins in faith with pure intent to give away his sins, and guess what happens, he faints just like his son had (v16-18). This happened that was the same, but the reaction of his wife was very different because she became angry with the missionaries and commanded the servants to slay them (v19).
Now those servants knew why the king looked dead, and that these missionaries were men of God and refuses out of fear which makes the queen a little scared so she is going to try to get some of her subjects to do it for her (v20-21). Before people came from her sending out word, Aaron stopped this nonsense by raising the king from his sleep so everyone could witness how he was alright, and just like Lamoni had done, he starts preaching about what he had learned (v22-23). The group that had gathered at the queens call were all ready to hear the administering words from the king and the rest of the house hold that was converted, and then the words of the missionaries who preached the word of God to them (v24-26).
The king sends out a proclamation to all his subjects across the boarders of his land...and we will read what is proclaimed in the next chapter, but for now we get to see some geography of the Lamanite and Nephite lands. I don't know the actual facts on where everything is because I am a very visual person in that sense, but I'll describe this the best I can. There are seas on the east and west and then a narrow strip of wilderness dividing the Lamanites from the land of Zarahemla on the north with the river Sidon separating them (v27). There is wilderness on the west that most of the idle Lamanites lived, but another group on the east seashore where the Nephites had driven them (v28-29).
 The Nephites had Lamanites on most of their sides but possessed the Northern lands all the way up to a place called Desolation because of the many remnants of bones found there (v30). To the south was Bountiful because of all the wild animals and the plentiful food available (v31). Altogether they were kind of on an island except for two narrow necks of land, one leading north and one leading south with Nephites mostly in the north and Lamanites in the south (v32-33). The Nephites were pretty good at keeping their lands through good defense and armies the lands stayed divided like so (v34). Now that you know that, we will hear the proclamation in the next chapter (v35).

Alma Ch21

We have somewhat got through Ammon's mission stories and now we are going to hear of the adventures of Aaron and Muloki. They start with the Amalekites trying to teach of Christ and his atonement, but the hearts of the people were very hard and eventually the companions were driven out towards Middoni where they were imprisoned. After they were delivered by Ammon, they were able to preach in some synagogues and had some success.
The town that Aaron came to first was called Jerusalem (yes it was named after Laman and Lemuel's old home), and there were in that city Lamanites, Amalekites, and Amulonites (v1-2). I don't know if you remember the priests of wicked King Noah, but Amulon was one of the leaders and honestly I don't think anyone named Amalek was mentioned so I don't know why they were so hard hearted (v3). Many of the Amulonites and Amalekites were of the order of Nehor (meaning to say of the devil because Nehor was the first to establish evil things in this area) and they started to contend with Aaron when he came to their synagogues to preach (v4-5).
Aaron tried to start with his conversion story but the contender questioned him by suggesting he is putting down the people because they haven't seen an angel, and he continues by saying that Aaron doesn't know if they aren't righteous (v6). They have built places of worship and believe that God will save all, is that not enough? Truthfully it is not, and because the people deny that the Son of God will come to save all mankind, they are needing to be set straight (v7-8). Aaron begins to open his scriptures to prove that Christ will come and teach of the resurrection but they mocked him and did not want to hear what he had to say (v9-10).
He left that area and ran into Muloki a village over and then Ammah who were trying the same things to no avail, so they moved on to Middoni where they had a little success with a few people believing them (v11-12). There were more people in their party than have been mentioned and some ended up being cast into prison there while some fled, and those in prison suffered with patience until Ammon came to rescue them (v13-14). They didn't quit after suffering those things, but instead continued to follow the Spirit where to preach and had success bringing people to the truth (v15-17).
Ammon and Lamoni returned to Ishmael and built many synagogues as partners instead of king and servant, and all this caused them to rejoice because Ammon could teach and preach freely because of what had happened with Lamoni's dad (v18-21). All the people were free to worship how they pleased under the reign of king Lamoni and enjoy the blessings that came from keeping the commandments of God and being righteous (v22-23).

Alma Ch20

Now that the people of Lamoni are mostly converted, the Lord needs Ammon to rescue his brothers in Middoni. He goes with Lamoni and on the way run into the king over all the land, who just happens to be Lamoni's dad. Ammon convinces him to approve the release of Aaron, Muloki, and Ammah by strong persuasion.
Lamoni has done so much missionary work with Ammon with his own people he wants to share it with his father in the land of Nephi (v1). Ammon is told by the Lord it would be unwise to meet the king but instead they need to go save Aaron, Muloki, and Ammah who are in prison in Middoni (v2-3). Lamoni has complete faith and trust in Ammon and agrees to go with him because as a king, he is friends with the king over there who is Antiomno (v4). After hearing that God was the one who revealed this knowledge to Ammon, Lamoni got his chariots ready and they left for Middoni (v5-7).
During their journey, guess who they run into. Just guess. Did you guess Lamoni's dad the king over all the Lamanites? Well if you did, you are correct, and yes he is the same person that Ammon was just advised not to go see because he would want to kill him (v8). Now daddy was a little bit upset with his son for not coming to join him for a feast just for his sons and for traveling with a Nephite (it was frowned upon still), so he asked of Lamoni whats going on (v9-10). Lamoni answers and says where they are going, and also why he couldn't come to the feast because of all the crazy fainting, converting, and all that had happened among his people (v11-12).
The king is very angry to hear all these things and commands Lamoni to kill Ammon and come home with him, to which Lamoni refuses both and testifies that he knows Ammon and his brethren are holy prophets of God (v13-15). Ammon intervenes when the king tries to kill his son and straight up tells him that Lamoni would be better off dying than he would because Lamoni has repented of his sins and is innocent (v16-18). The king rethinks his actions, and then turns his blade in blame towards Ammon for ruining his son (v19). We already know the outcome because of the protection spell on Ammon from the Lord at the beginning of his mission. Ammon wins by a landslide and offers the king his life if he will grant his brethren their freedom (v20-22).
The king was scared and offered Ammon anything he wanted up to half his kingdom to spare his life (v23). Ammon only requests the freedom of his brethren and that Lamoni will keep his kingdom and not be subject to his father, which showed the great love that Ammon had for the king's son which and he agrees to the terms (v24-27). This example that Ammon sets helps ignite a desire for Lamoni's father to learn more of the words that he heard and he becomes an investigator that we will learn of in two chapters.
After the escapades with Lamoni's father, the group frees Aaron, Muloki, and Ammah from the prisons of Middoni where they had been suffering from many afflictions patiently (v28-29). They had traveled to a meaner group of people than Ammon had, and were driven out of place to place until they were cast into prison in Middoni (v30).

Alma Ch19

Okay, some of the verses in this chapter have been my favorite for a while now, and I can't wait to share them with you! You might be able to tell which ones they are....but I will do my normal routine and tell about the happenings of the chapter. Lamoni is woken up and tells of all the wonders he beheld while 'sleeping' then his whole household goes into the same trance he had fallen in. This sets off an example for the whole kingdom and a church is set up for the many that were baptized.
Lamoni stayed in the state he fell into last chapter for 2 days and 2 nights before the queen called for Ammon to know what she should do concerning the king because she had heard from the servants he was a holy prophet (v1-4). The queen requested Ammon to check him out, but he already knew what was going on with Lamoni, because he's awesome like that and went through the same experience when he was converted with his brothers and Alma (v5-6). Ammon told the queen (who we never get to learn the name of!!! grr) that Lamoni is not dead but is sleeping and learning of God, and will rise tomorrow (v7-8).
So Ammon asks if she believes him, and she says that even though there is no proof except the word of Ammon and the servants who vouched for him, she believed all he had said (v9). She is so blessed for this strong faith because not many people have that amazing faith, even among the Nephites (v10). This wonderfully faithful queen watched over her husband until he awoke and heard him say, "Blessed be the name of God, and blessed art thou" (v11-12). She listens as he tells her of Christ's coming and believed him and they were swept with joy into another coma state, closely followed by Ammon, and the servants who had the fear of the Lord in them (v13-15).
Not all of the servants fainted though, there was Abish who had already been converted that was there to witness that all these unconscious people were not dead, but being visited by the Holy Spirit of God (v16-17). She starts to tell people to come see how the whole royal house had fainted on the ground, and of course, they didn't see this as a good thing but as a great evil (v18-20). There was among them some of those bandits from the river, or at least the brother of one who had been killed by Ammon, who wanted to avenge his brother's death and went to attack the sleeping Ammon, but as he lifted his sword he fell dead (v21-22). Silly bandit...Ammon is being protected by the Lord who promised Mosiah that his sons would be fine on their mission (v23).
At first everyone was fearful of the marvelous things happening, and they wondered how this could be, so they came up with some wild ideas; some minds turned again to the Great Spirit possibility, but others thought it was evil monsters (v24-27). As everyone was arguing about what could have caused this craziness, Abish was troubled at the contention she caused and took the queen by the hand to rouse her (v28). It worked because the queen awoke and started declaring that she had been saved by Jesus through mercy from an awful hell (v29).
She then woke the king who quickly stopped the contention that was going on, and through his teachings of what he had learned, many believed and were converted to the Lord (v30-31). There were many testimonies about changing hearts, and experiences shared by Ammon, the servants, the queen, and the king, yet some still decided they would rather leave (v32-34). All the teachings caused many to be baptized, and the people in general became to be righteous and establish a church in the land which brought about blessings from heaven (v35-36). I'll mention this again, but this chapter is a good example of the ripple effect for example:
Ammon->Lamoni->Lamoni's wife->servants->subjects of Lamoni->more to come