23They Were Steadfast and Immovable
They Were Steadfast and Immovable
They Were Steadfast and Immovable
Book of Mormon Videos https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/videos-and-images/book-of-mormon-videos?lang=eng
How was the change from a kingship to judges both a political and a spiritual move? Can you see similarities to the desire for freedom in the peoples of Limhi, Alma, Mosiah, and the early settlers of the American colonies? What motivated their desire for a government by the people?
Mosiah 29:38
Therefore they relinquished their desires for a king, and became
exceedingly anxious that every man should have an equal chance throughout all the land; yea, and every man
expressed a willingness to answer for his own sins.
How did this attitude help to influence this combined country in The Book of Mormon past? How did it help to establish the United States of America? Are people still willing to be responsible and accountable for their lives?
Much like our Country today, there were still problems in the Nephite civilization, because there were people back then who also denied God and spiritual things and tried to pull the people away from truth and stability with false and damning ideas. Saints were persecuted by non-believers. And some believers also became prideful, and or deceived, and fell away.
Alma 4:15 Alma sorrowed for the trials that the believing were going through; but, the Spirit of the Lord did not fail him.
1:25 How can I remain steadfast and immovable each day in keeping the commandments of God? How can I bear persecution with patience?
From Query to ChatGPT:
The change from a kingship to judgeship in the Book of Mormon is indeed
depicted as both a political and a spiritual move. Politically, it represented
a shift towards a more egalitarian system where every individual had a voice
and equal opportunity within the society. Spiritually, it symbolized a desire
for greater agency and accountability among the people. They wanted to be free
from the unrighteous influence of kings like Noah and take responsibility for
their own actions and spiritual well-being.
Similarities can be drawn between this desire for freedom and the aspirations of other groups throughout history, including the peoples of Limhi, Alma, and Mosiah, as well as the early settlers of the American colonies. These groups all sought autonomy and the ability to govern themselves according to their own principles and beliefs. Their motivation stemmed from a desire to live in accordance with their values and to create a society where they could worship freely and pursue happiness without oppressive rulers or external interference.
The attitude of taking personal responsibility and being willing to be accountable for one's actions helped to foster a sense of unity and stability in the combined country depicted in the Book of Mormon. Similarly, it played a significant role in the establishment of the United States of America, where principles of individual liberty and self-governance became foundational to the nation's identity.
Freedom of religion and the incorporation of God's commandments and the Doctrine of Christ into the legal framework can contribute to the success of civilizations by providing a moral compass and fostering a sense of shared values and community cohesion. When individuals are free to practice their faith without fear of persecution, they are more likely to contribute positively to society and work towards the common good.
Conversely, disrespect and intolerance towards those with differing beliefs can lead to dissension, unrest, and ultimately, the breakdown of social cohesion. When people fail to recognize the inherent worth and dignity of others, conflicts arise, trust erodes, and societies become divided. Therefore, promoting mutual respect and understanding among individuals with diverse perspectives is essential for fostering harmony and prosperity within civilizations.
I can be a positive
influence in my community.
Mosiah 29:26 It’s a really good thing to hope that the voice of the people will choose the right. Like King Mosiah said, that is usually the case. But, we see in our day that this is no longer true. So many people justify and defend abortion, and many other evils, as though it is good and right.
Alma 2:1–7
Back then, Amlici tried to overthrow the free government by gaining followers
who could make him a king. He wanted to take away freedom of religion. The
voice of the people came out against him.
This reminds me of what we witnessed in California, when the majority were
against gay marriage with props 22 and 8. But this isn’t the case anymore; or,
even if it is, the people who believe in God’s commandments and views on
marriage are being silenced and ridiculed.
How can we be involved in our communities, being both a voice of reason and servants that build bridges?
Mosiah 29:26–27 We are seeing the judgments of God upon the land as more and more people forsake Him and choose iniquity.
How can I make sure that my voice is included within “the voice of the people”? Voting, testifying, expressing my opinions with a calm and rational voice. Not looking for combat or offense, but choosing righteousness. Not adopting views that are contrary to my beliefs, but still seeking to work with others and build bridges of understanding.
As a follower of Jesus Christ, how can I be an influence for good in my community? Just Serve.
For kids:
The Lord can help me
recognize false teachings.
Alma 1:2–4
Create a true/false quiz with statements used by Nehor.
1. Should teachers and priests be popular, like celebrities, and not have to
work, but be paid by the people?
2. Will all mankind be saved at the last day and given the same reward no matter what they do?
Why do you think Satan likes to speak in half-truths?
verses 7–9 Gideon couldn’t be persuaded by Nehor. He knew the truth, and so he used the scriptures, or the words of God, to talk to Nehor. Nehor was mad, because these words showed that he was wrong; so, he killed Gideon.
Video: Chapter 20: Alma and Nehor: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/book-of-mormon-stories/chapter-20-alma-and-nehor?lang=eng
The word of God can help
me recognize false doctrine.
How can false ideas be perpetuated, even after someone
acknowledges they were in the wrong? Do we understand the power of words? We
really can’t take back what we’ve said.
Why do you think people like hearing false doctrine? They want to keep living
like they are living. They want to feel good about doing wrong things. They
don’t want to be accountable. Change can be difficult.
Alma 1:2–6 Nehor wanted money for himself and recognition and honor without doing anything of value. He wanted to believe and cause others to believe that because God is our Father, He’ll accept us and our behavior no matter what we do, or even if we don’t belief in or have faith in Him. He used his power of flattery to become boastful, wear costly apparel, and build up apostate churches.
Alma
1:7, 9 Gideon withstood Nehor “with the words of God.”
We need to become well-versed in God’s words as well. They will defend us, and
with them we can defend Him, His Church, and the truth.
Some scriptures that refute Nehor’s false
doctrine:
Matthew
7:21–23 To enter heaven, we must do our Heavenly
Father’s will. Speaking His name and a pretense of worship will not save us.
2 Nephi
26:29–31 God has commanded that we don’t engage in
priestcraft; which means that we don’t set ourselves up as a light to the
people and lead them away from the doctrine of Christ; rather, we seek to bring
forth Zion. We still need to have charity for those who are apostatizing and
are lost. But we need to guard one another with the truth.
Mosiah
18:24–26 We don’t believe in a paid ministry. Everyone should work
for their support. The priests and teachers should rely on the Spirit in order
to impart the word of God with power and authority. We should all gather together
to worship God and to edify one another.
Helaman
12:25–26 We will be judged according to our desires, choices, and
works. Some will not make it to heaven, because they didn’t have faith in Jesus
Christ, and they did not repent and follow the principles, ordinances, and
commandments of the gospel and Church of Jesus Christ. We need to be clean to
make it to heaven. Only Jesus can make us whole.
Latter-day prophets also help us to refute the falsehoods of
our day. Why is it important for us to know the words found in the scriptures
and in the words of the prophets and apostles of our day? Why is it important
for us to be in tune with the Holy Ghost and worthy to have Him as our guide?
For kids:
As a member of the Church
of Jesus Christ, I love and serve others.
Members of the Church are at different levels of conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. There are those who truly feel Heavenly Father’s love and the gift of the Atonement of Jesus Christ in their lives; as a result, they develop a love for other people and want to serve and bless people’s lives.
Other members might feel more needy and selfish, or prideful and unable.
Read Alma
1:27, 30
27 And they did impart of their substance, every man according to that
which he had, to the poor, and the needy, and the sick, and
the afflicted; and they did not wear costly apparel, yet they were
neat and comely.
30 And
thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did
not send away any who were naked, or that were
hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been
nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches;
therefore they were liberal to all, both old and
young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or
in the church, having no respect to persons
as to those who stood in need.
What keeps us from living like this today? Are there people you know who could
us your help? How can you help them?
Do we have to be unkind to others when they are unkind to us? What can we do? How do you feel when you are kind?
Alma 1:19–20 Sometimes we might be persecuted because we are trying to follow Jesus and trying to love others like He loves us. But if we are humble, He will bless us so that we can teach and invite and help others come unto Jesus.
verses 22 and 25 If we get angry back and if we throw punches or say mean things, we lose the Spirit and we won’t help the Church progress. Those who don’t understand and know and love Jesus won’t want to learn about Him if we are bad examples.
If we are humble and patient in our afflictions, we will help others be stronger too.
25 Now
this was a great trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless,
they were steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of
God, and they bore with patience the
persecution which was heaped upon them.
We should always strive to have the Spirit with us, so that we can be
steadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments of God. He will help us to
do the right things.
How can I practice being more kind?
True disciples of Jesus
Christ are “humble followers of God.”
Chapters 1 and 4 record
a time of great prosperity in the Church? Why do people respond differently to
prosperity?
As you read Alma 1:19–30
and Alma 4:6–15,
note how church members changed in just a few years. (See notes below.)
How should a true follower of Jesus Christ feel
about people who have different beliefs?
What attitude should a true follower of Christ have toward riches and
prosperity?
Is there something I need to change in my own
attitudes to others and to things? Shouldn’t people be more important than
possessions?
Liken the
scriptures to yourself. Consider
how the stories and teachings of the scriptures apply to your life. For
example, you might find similarities between problems you notice today and the
problems the Nephites faced in Alma 1–4.
My example and testimony
can change hearts.
Alma
4:6–20
Alma felt sadness for what was happening among his people. Similarly, we should
be saddened with these things among our fellow saints, and those who have withdrawn
themselves. Sadness is the correct emotion.
In Alma 4:6–15, look for problems Alma saw among his people. (See notes below.)
What are some things that you can do to be
helpful?
verses 16–20 Alma gave up his judgment seat, so that he could more fully commit to serving the Lord as His high priest and help to strengthen the Church. His main desire was to engage in ministering and to testify of Jesus Christ.
verse 19 How can “pure testimony” dispel confusion and doubt and help people change and repent?
How does feeling the Spirit in our lives and allowing Faith n Jesus Christ to grow change us?
When has someone else’s testimony strengthened your own? When have you been able to help someone else because of the testimony that you shared?
What can you begin to do better to share your light and your testimony with others? Go ministering! Go!
Nourishing and Bearing Your Testimony
Video: Alma the Younger Steps Down as Chief Judge: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/video/alma-4-7/2020-03-0410-alma-the-younger-steps-down-as-chief-judge-mosiah-29-alma-4-1080p?lang=eng
For kids:
My testimony can
strengthen others.
Alma 4:19 A child’s “pure testimony” often inspires and strengthens others.
Read Alma 4:8–12, 15, Some were prideful because of riches; some scorned
others because they believed differently; some were envious; others were
combative; they were poor examples to non-believers and believers; they lost
their empathy and concern for others;
Alma 4:16–20 Alma decided to leave his government office and just concentrate on ministering.
Have you felt the Spirit when you heard someone’s testimony?
Share your testimony of Jesus Christ with the class. Allow
them to share testimonies too.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/29?lang=eng
Mosiah proposes that judges be chosen in place of
a king—Unrighteous kings lead their people into sin—Alma the younger is chosen
chief judge by the voice of the people—He is also the high priest over the
Church—Alma the elder and Mosiah die. About 92–91 B.C.
Vs 11-12 Mosiah helped establish an order of judges to govern the
people instead of kings. It gave everyone more freedom and rights to the
government. (They didn't all quite get it though, because this started just
being passed down from father to son too.)
Vs 26-27 Pray that people will start favoring righteousness once again. Right now we have an evil government.
Vs
32 It's important for us to defend our rights and
our rites. The Bill of Rights is constantly under attack, and it was written so
that we could maintain a free governemnt.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/1?lang=eng
Nehor teaches false doctrines, establishes a
church, introduces priestcraft, and slays Gideon—Nehor is executed for his
crimes—Priestcrafts and persecutions spread among the people—The priests
support themselves, the people care for the poor, and the Church prospers.
About 91–88 B.C.
Vs 12-13 Nehor was leading away the people with priestcraft, which is destructive to the souls of men and to society. He also murdered a man of God. For murdering, he received capital punishment.
As you read Alma 1:19–30 and Alma 4:6–15, note how church members changed in just a few years.
To begin with they were humble and endured persecution. Then they became proud and would strike those who were persecuting them and making things hard for them.
24 For the hearts
of many were hardened, and their names were ablotted out, that they were remembered no more among the
people of God. And also many bwithdrew themselves from among them.
Vs 24 Many hardened their
hearts and were excommunicated because of their actions; and may withdrew
themselves; or like today, they asked for their names to be taken off the
records of the church.
25 Now this was a great
trial to those that did stand fast in the faith; nevertheless, they were asteadfast and immovable in keeping the commandments
of God, and they bore with bpatience the persecution which was heaped upon them.
Vs 25 Be steadpast and immoveable. Be patient in
trials and afflictions. Trust in the Lord and in the Holy Ghost.
Vs 25-31 The righteousness of those who were steadfast in keeping their covenants
and staying on the covenant path brought great prosperity to the members of the
church. They suypported and served one another.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/2?lang=eng
Amlici seeks to be king and is rejected by the
voice of the people—His followers make him king—The Amlicites make war on
the Nephites and are defeated—The Lamanites and Amlicites join forces and are
defeated—Alma slays Amlici. About 87 B.C.
Vs 18-19 When we are being
righteous, we will be blessed and delivered, whether in life or in death.
It is said how many lives were lost because of the desires of one man to be
king and those willing to do anything to make it so.
Vs 30-31 We need to trust
the Lord to be the one in charge and in control. We need to be humble enough to
ask for His help. He will fight the battle.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/3?lang=eng
The Amlicites had marked themselves according to
the prophetic word—The Lamanites had been cursed for their rebellion—Men bring
their own curses upon themselves—The Nephites defeat another Lamanite army.
About 87–86 B.C.
Vs 6-8 Dark skins were given
so that the people living the covenant wouldn’t join with those who were not.
The cursing is that the were cut off from the blessings of the Priesthood at
the time. The dark skins were a reminder of their cursing.
Vs 14-17 These words verify that the Lord told Nephi he was setting a mark
upon the Lamanites so that it would be easy to distinguish them as a people.
Those who fight against the people of God are cursed.
Remember that race or skin color does not define a person's
attributes; but, associastion and choosing allegiance does.
Vs 18-20 We bring upon ourselves our
curses. (Think about that. Some things happen that we don’t bring upon
ourselves that aren’t blessings to us; but, if we can retain the favor of God,
we aren’t cursed and can still feel peace.)
Are the people who tatoo themselves extensively showing that they
are cursed?
Vs 26-27 Be prepared to meet your Lord by staying on the covenant path
each day.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/4?lang=eng
Alma baptizes thousands of converts—Iniquity
enters the Church, and the Church’s progress is hindered—Nephihah is appointed
chief judge—Alma, as high priest, devotes himself to the ministry. About 86–83 B.C.
Vs 3-4 When you realize you've done
wrong and are paying consequences for that, do you yourself repent and
rededicate and commit yourself to the Lord? It's a constant thing. You need to
be faithful to Him.
We saw this commitment surge among the citizens of this Country
after 9/11. It did not last.
Vs 5 This huge missionary success was wonderful. But
this time of peace did not last long. The people didn't know how to handle the
challenge of being rich.
As you read Alma 1:19–30
and Alma 4:6–15,
note how church members changed in just a few years.
In Alma 4:6–15, look for problems Alma saw among his people.
Vs 6 How can riches
be both a blessing and a cursing. This people thought that their riches were a
rusult of their own industry only, and didn't acknowledge that they were being
blessed. Nothing is ours. Everything belongs to God. Because of their wealth,
they forgot about God.
Vs 7 Wickedness should
cause us sadness, and it should also inspire us to do better and be better, and
share our light.
Vs 8 Pride can really
blind us. This people started loving their riches more than their God or the
people around them.
Vs 9 Their pride led to
all kinds of persecution, even to exceed that of non-members.
Vs 10 As members of the church, it is important that we
be humble and that we live the two great commandment to love God with all that
we have and to love our neighbors as ourselves. If others see us as hypocrites,
that's how they'll judge the church.
Vs 12 These people were in a state of apostacy,
having forgotten their God and their religion. Pure religion and undefiled is
to take care of the widows and fatherless, the poor and the needy.
Vs 13-14 A list of some good things for Christians to do, even when
they are persecuted by those who do otherwise.
Vs 15 The proper emotion
to feel, when we see wickedness and persecution and people turning away from
God, or persecuting us for being believers, is sorrow. Anger will put us on the
wrong side of the equation. The Spirit of the Lord didn't fail Alma; nor will
He fail us when we always remember Him.
Vs 16-18 Alma let Nephihah be the chief judge, and he
dedicated his full time to the preaching of the word of God and helping people
repent and turn to Him.
Vs 19-20 Alma dedicated
himself to preaching the word of God among the people, and testifying to them
of Jesus Christ.
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