33 Stand Fast in the Faith of Christ

Stand Fast in the Faith of Christ

Stand Fast in the Faith of Christ

Book of Mormon Videos https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/videos-and-images/book-of-mormon-videos?lang=eng  

So much is included about the wards between the Nephites and the Lamanites. What can we learn from that?

We have all been engaged in a war for righteousness and truth to prevail since our days in mortality. Even though we get tired of physical warfare and long for the Millennial Day of peace, we need to vigilantly arm ourselves and spread the gospel and invite others to come out from the unclean and join our ranks.

We are All Enlisted: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/hymns/we-are-all-enlisted?lang=eng

Alma 46:12, 16 Moroni inspired his men with a greater cause when he made a flag out of his torn clothes.

12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.

16 And therefore, at this time, Moroni prayed that the cause of the Christians, and the freedom of the land might be favored.

We are also inspired by a nobler cause, the fight to help save souls.

Jesus Christ can help me with my spiritual battles.
Alma 43–52

Pay attention to what the Nephites did that either made them successful or unsuccessful. How can this help you in your own spiritual battles?

Alma 43:19: The Nephites were prepared with armor. (I can strive to prepare myself with spiritual armor.)

Alma 43:23–24: They sought the prophet’s guidance. (I can pay attention to Conference messages and follow what the prophet asks me to do. I can also pray for the Holy Ghost to guide me and my family and help us to follow the prophet.)

Alma 44:1–4: This people didn’t want to fight in wards, but they acknowledged that the Lord preserved them because of their faith. (I can trust in the Lord to help me fight my necessary battles.)

Alma 45:1: When the Lord delivered this people from their enemies, they gave thanks to the Lord. They prayed, fasted, and worshipped Him with joy. (I should show gratitude every time the Lord helps me through my own personal struggles, and when he blesses us as a Church and as a nation)

Alma 46:11–20: When Moroni felt angered because of dissenters, he spent his efforts encouraging those who had not dissented, and he worked on strengthening the cause of the Christians and helping the people feel unified and ready to follow the Lord even more. (I can spend my strength in promoting peace and strengthening security, instead of in verbal combat with those who disagree with my Christian values.)

Alma 48:7–9: Moroni spent his time encouraging his people to be faithful to God, and in building up walls and fortifications for protection. (I can keep myself, my family, and others safe by not engaging in deception and by not allowing myself to be persuaded by opinions that our contrary to the gospel of Jesus Christ.)

Alma 49:3, 12–14:The Nephites kept rebuilding those cities that were taken or destroyed by their enemies. (I can work on not having a defeated attitude. Instead I can work on being faithful and having the faith to do what the Lord asks me to do. Even when others want to destroy, I can become someone who wants to create and build.)

Can you also learn from the poor example of the Nephites’ enemies? What can you do differently?

Alma 43:8: Zerahemnah sought to make his people angry so he would have power over them. (When Satan tempts me to act in anger, I can choose a different emotion, like sadness, or perserverence.)

Alma 43:29: The Lamanites wanted to destroy the Nephites and bring them into bondage, so that they would have more power. (I can work and pray for the success of all people, by preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Father’s love, and the Plan of Repemption.)

Alma 46:10: Amalekiah used flattering words to lead people away, to destroy faith and the Church of God. (I can petition for, pray for, and defend freedom of religion.)

Alma 47:10–19: Amalekiah worked hard to get Lehonti to come down and meet with him. Lehonti finally succumbed and Amalekiah killed him. (I can continue to follow the Spirit and not be enticed by evil to let down my guard.)

Embrace the Future with Faith

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

 

For kids:

I can find spiritual protection in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Alma 43:17–21; 48:7–8; 49:1–5; 50:1–6

Chapter 31: Captain Moroni Defeats Zerahemnah

Alma 43:19 The Nephites wore armor to protect their bodies during battle.

What spiritual armor can we were to protect ourselves every day from the evils around us?

These verses describe the fortifications the Nephites built: 

Alma 48:7–9 Moroni had his people build forts and walls to help protect them.

49:1–9 The Nephites kept working at rebuilding damaged cities and strengthening their fortifications. They also used armor to protect their bodies.

50:1–6. The dug ditches and built tall walls with pickets at the top, where soldiers could stand and throw stones of arrows to protect the city from the advances of their enemies.

Video: Elder Stevenson on Fortifying Families: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2020-02-0020-elder-stevenson-on-fortifying-families-rootstech-2020?lang=eng

How can we make our homes a refuge? Be the Lord’s Youth Battalion.

“Stand fast in the faith of Christ.”
Alma 46:11–28; 48:7–17

How can you lessen the Adversary’s power in your life?

Alma 48:17 Alma set up Moroni as an example. If we were all more like Moroni and Helaman the very powers of hell would be shaken forever.

Alma 46:27 How can we stand fast in the faith of Christ? We need to keep our focus on Him and never be dissuaded by dissenters.

Alma 46:11–22 What is the cause of the Christians? Remember God, our religion and faith, our freedoms and our families. Remember to believe in Jesus Christ and to petition the Father in His name. Taken upon ourselves gladly the name of Jesus Christ. Be determined to protect religious freedom and your families, friends, and neighbors. Keep the commandments of God. Be bold in the testimony of Jesus Christ. Preach the gospel, and invite other to come unto Christ.

verse 12 Moroni used the Title of Liberty to inspire the people to remember and protect their freedoms. How is our Country’s flag a representation of that to you?

What principles of freedom have our Church leaders been emphasizing in our day? You can found some of these in the following:

For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

 The Young Women theme

The Aaronic Priesthood Quorum theme

And General Conference messages.

What concept and principles do you find important to know in today’s world? How do the words of our prophets and apostles strengthen your resolve to follow the cause of the Christians?

Faith in Jesus Christ

For kids:

I can be “firm in the faith of Christ” like Captain Moroni.
Alma 46:11–16; 48:11–13, 16–17

Chapter 32: Captain Moroni and the Title of Liberty

verse 12 What did Moroni want the people to remember?

12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.

Alma 48:13 Alma told us that Moroni was firm in the faith of Jesus Christ.

That means that he chose to do what was right even when it was very difficult. He wouldn’t budge to accept things that were wrong.

Read Alma 48:11–12. What made Moroni firm in the faith?

11 And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery;

12 Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.

I Will Be Valiant

What will you do to be valiant?

 

 

Satan tempts and deceives little by little.
Alma 47

Why does Satan tempt people with little things to begin with? (How is that like putting a frog in a pot with cool water and warming it up slowly?)

Satan often whispers to people in half-truths (which are lies) or with small rationalizations. He wants us to lose our footing and slip way down. He wants us to lose the safety of our covenant path. How can veering from a charted path just a little entirely change our course? Do you have some examples?

As you read Alma 47, try to spot ways that the devil might be trying to deceive you. (See notes below.)

“The traitorous Amalickiah urged Lehonti to ‘come down’ and meet him in the valley. But when Lehonti left the high ground, he was poisoned ‘by degrees’ until he died, and his army fell into Amalickiah’s hands (see Alma 47). By arguments and accusations, some people bait us to leave the high ground. The high ground is where the light is. … It is the safe ground” (Elder Hales, Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship).

Determine not to leave the high ground to prove a point or engage in arguments. You know this is too great of a fall.

Video: Temptation Fades as We Seek Christ in Every Thought: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2021-10-0080-temptation-fades-as-we-seek-christ-in-every-thought?lang=eng

Nehemiah 6:3 Keep yourself engaged in the Lord’s work!

2 Nephi 26:22 Stay away from the evil thing, such as the secret combinations Satan has invited people to engage in. Remember how  he “leadeth them by the neck with a flaxen cord, until he bindeth them with his strong cords forever.” So many of the evils of our day are highly addictive and sometimes even dangerous to try to leave. Stay away to begin with.

28:21–22 Remember that easy roads don’t lead to great blessings. Yoke yourself with the Lord, and He will help you take the high road.

21 And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.

22 And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none—and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance.

 

For kids:

Satan tempts and deceives us little by little.
Alma 47:4–19

Alma 47:4–19 (Read a few verses or retell the story.) Amalekiah worked hard to break down Lehonti’s guard and gain his favor. Satan can work on us like that too. How can we keep up our guard and defense, so that we are not deceived? What happened to Lehonti because he decided to listen to Amalekiah? Are we ever really safe when we choose to do what is wrong.

Unity brings safety.
Alma 50–51

Alma 51:26–27 Why do you think the Lamanites were able to gain all the Nephite lands, even though they had superior fortifications, armor, and weapons? How is our spiritual armor even more important than our physical armor?

Alma 51:1–12 Record why you think the Nephites lost their possessions to the Lamanites. What warnings do you see for yourself and your family? (See notes below.)

 

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/43?lang=eng

Alma and his sons preach the word—The Zoramites and other Nephite dissenters become Lamanites—The Lamanites come against the Nephites in war—Moroni arms the Nephites with defensive armor—The Lord reveals to Alma the strategy of the Lamanites—The Nephites defend their homes, liberties, families, and religion—The armies of Moroni and Lehi surround the Lamanites. About 74 B.C. Alma and his sons preach the word—The Zoramites and other Nephite dissenters become Lamanites—The Lamanites come against the Nephites in war—Moroni arms the Nephites with defensive armor—The Lord reveals to Alma the strategy of the Lamanites—The Nephites defend their homes, liberties, families, and religion—The armies of Moroni and Lehi surround the Lamanites. About 74 B.C.

Vs 2 Spirtual condition, preparation, and qualification of missionaries.

Vs 8-11 The Nephites were inspired by a much holier cause than the Lamanites were.

Vs 45-47 Even when you are a peace-loving people, unfortunately sometimes war becomes necessary. The Nephites were fighting for their homes and familys and their rights of liberty and their rites of worship.

They were obeying the Lord's instructions to them.

Vs 48-50 When people unite in faith and prayer to God, they can gain heaven's blessings, support, and the power of deliverance.

54 Now Moroni, when he saw their terror, commanded his men that they should stop shedding their blood.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/44?lang=eng

Moroni commands the Lamanites to make a covenant of peace or be destroyed—Zerahemnah rejects the offer, and the battle resumes—Moroni’s armies defeat the Lamanites. About 74–73 B.C.

Vs 1-2 Moroni tells Zerahemnah that they don't want to destroy his people. That they arent' looking to kill or bring people into bondange, even though that is Zerahemnah's intent.

Vs 3-4 Moroni attributes their protection and survival to their religion and their faith in Jesus Christ.

Vs 5-6 Moroni lists their righteous causes in war and reminds Zerahemna of the value of life, that he should resign himself to the conditions Moroni extends.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/45?lang=eng

Helaman believes the words of Alma—Alma prophesies the destruction of the Nephites—He blesses and curses the land—Alma may have been taken up by the Spirit, even as Moses—Dissension grows in the Church. About 73 B.C.

Vs 1 This is how we should respond when we receive deliverance and safety from God.

Vs 2-8 Alma needed Helaman to verbalize that he would be faithful in keeping the records safe before he gave them to him. We cannot inherit sacred trusts just because of our birth or position. We have to make sacred covenants and be obedient to receive some desired blessings and responsibilities.

Vs 9 Some revelations we receive are at that time just for our own benefit and understanding.

ff: Prophets often have a greater burden of knowledge and understanding to carry than the rest of us. It must have not been easy for Alma or for Helaman to know that the Nephite civilization would be destroyed.

Vs 15 Alma blessed his sons, and he blessed the earth for the righteous people's sake. Continue to strive for righteousness and you will continue to see blessings in your life.

Vs 16 Our Country is deep into the path of destruction. The prayers of the righteous are extremely needed at this time. Believe in the power of prayer and increase your faithfulness in prayer. Be strong and of a good courage. Be strong in your faithfulness to pray and to fast.

Vs 17 Alma pronounced blessings upon all the faithful.

Vs 19 Alma was most likely a translated being.

Vs 20-21 As soon as the war ended, missionary work began again in earnest.

Vs 22 Helaman and his brethren again established the church in the land. Pride cycle once again. The people did not want to listen.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/46?lang=eng

Amalickiah conspires to be king—Moroni raises the title of liberty—He rallies the people to defend their religion—True believers are called Christians—A remnant of Joseph will be preserved—Amalickiah and the dissenters flee to the land of Nephi—Those who will not support the cause of freedom are put to death. About 73–72 B.C.

Vs 8-14 Always beware of those who speak and fight against the Brethern. Do not follow after those who use flattery to lead you away from the Lord your God. There is no worldly sophistry that can compare to the peace that comes from doing what's right.

Vs 15-20 Moroni was angry (good emotion in this case) that Amalekiah had led so many of his people astray. He didn't act rashly though. He rent is clothes. This is a sign of deep morning. He did not want to have to fight against his own people. But he was prepared to defend his and their liberties, freedoms, and religious rites, from those who sought to steal away power from the people. He fastened the rent part of his coat to a pole, and raised a standard or a flag, and declared the cause of the Christians.

Vs 21-25 Always be quick to run to the cause of Christ, taking upon you His name, and defending those things that are right and true. Keep your covenants. The Lord will bless, favor, and protect those who live righteously and defend righteous principles.

Vs 26-27 Many in the United States are also Joseph's seed. We need to stand fast in the liberty in which God has made us free. Spiritual and physical salvation has and always will be found in His Son Jesus Christ. Be true to Him.

Vs 35-39 What standard of liberty are you planting? Moroni was true to the cause of the liberty of his people. Helaman was true to mainting order and peace in the church.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/47?lang=eng

Amalickiah uses treachery, murder, and intrigue to become king of the Lamanites—The Nephite dissenters are more wicked and ferocious than the Lamanites. About 72 B.C.

As you read Alma 47, try to spot ways that the devil might be trying to deceive you.

Evil people use other evil people as puppets to accomplish their designs. Amalekiah used the King of the Lamanites and anyone who could cause to join in his anger.

Since Amalekiah couldn’t become the King over all the Nephites, he sought to become the King of the Lamanites. 

Amalekiah pretended to be in favor of those who followed the Lamanite King, in getting the others who didn’t want to go to battle. But he was so pretentious. He just wanted to gain control of the whole army, and then become king.

Satan was also a usurper.

Three times, Lehonti ignored Amalekiah’s request to come down and talk with him. He should not have given in.

Vs 12-13 Lehonti should not have let down his guard. He knew the first time it wasn't a good idea to meet with Amalekiah. What changed? Even with Lehonti’s guards with him, Amalekiah’s intent was evil and should not have been considered. You cannot trust a liar.

So Amalekiah wanted Lehonti to make him second in command, pretending that his group would join with Lehonti’s, when really it was his plan to kill Lehonti, so he’d be first in command, and next in line to the throne.

Amalekiah’s servant stabbed the king to the heart. The king’s servants fled in fear; and they got the blame of the king’s death. Thereby, Amalekiah appointed himself king. Sick.

Amalekiah pretended to be wroth; he pretended that he loved the king and wasn’t the one who killed him. Pure evil.

The servants of the king joined the people of Ammon. That’s why we know this story.

Amalekiah gained the hearts of the people by his fraud. How can we make sure that we are not deceived by the many deceptive leaders in our own government?

Amalekiah took his own servants to testify to the queen that the king’s servants had killed the king. He gained her trust somehow and married her, and he became king.

He is still the king of nothing.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/48?lang=eng

Amalickiah incites the Lamanites against the Nephites—Moroni prepares his people to defend the cause of the Christians—He rejoices in liberty and freedom and is a mighty man of God. About 72 B.C.

That wasn’t enough for Amalekiah. He was hungry for all power. Poor sick soul. He sent people to towers to talk to all the Lamanites and to rouse them to anger against the Nephites. He wanted to be the king of everyone.

Like Satan, Amalekiah was a usurper. He wanted power and authority that did not belong to him. In so doing, he forfeited way more than his temporary perceived gain.

He made Zoramites the chief captains of his army.

Vs 7-9 While Amalickiah was obtaining power by fraud and deceit, Moroni was preparing the people to remain faithful to the Lord, to strenghthen their military and places of security.

Vs 10 Those who seek power for themselves are far different than those who follow God and seek to love their neighbors as themselves.

Vs 11-13 Good qualities that Moroni possessed and that we should seek in our leaders and for ourselves.

The Nephites, at this time did not seek after war, they sought to preserve their freedoms, and they sought to offer freedom to all through the preaching of the gospel and the defending of their liberties.

17 Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.

18 Behold, he was a man like unto Ammon, the son of Mosiah, yea, and even the other sons of Mosiah, yea, and also Alma and his sons, for they were all men of God.

19 Now behold, Helaman and his brethren were no less serviceable unto the people than was Moroni; for they did preach the word of God, and they did baptize unto repentance all men whosoever would hearken unto their words.

20 And thus they went forth, and the people did humble themselves because of their words, insomuch that they were highly favored of the Lord, and thus they were free from wars and contentions among themselves, yea, even for the space of four years.

Even though the Nephites had maintained peace among themselves, they now, out of necessity had to be at war against Amalekiah and the Lamanites.

23 Now, they were sorry to take up arms against the Lamanites, because they did not delight in the shedding of blood; yea, and this was not all—they were sorry to be the means of sending so many of their brethren out of this world into an eternal world, unprepared to meet their God.

24 Nevertheless, they could not suffer to lay down their lives, that their wives and their children should be massacred by the barbarous cruelty of those who were once their brethren, yea, and had dissented from their church, and had left them and had gone to destroy them by joining the Lamanites.

25 Yea, they could not bear that their brethren should rejoice over the blood of the Nephites, so long as there were any who should keep the commandments of God, for the promise of the Lord was, if they should keep his commandments they should prosper in the land.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/49?lang=eng

The invading Lamanites are unable to take the fortified cities of Ammonihah and Noah—Amalickiah curses God and swears to drink the blood of Moroni—Helaman and his brethren continue to strengthen the Church. About 72 B.C.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/50?lang=eng

Moroni fortifies the lands of the Nephites—They build many new cities—Wars and destructions befell the Nephites in the days of their wickedness and abominations—Morianton and his dissenters are defeated by Teancum—Nephihah dies, and his son Pahoran fills the judgment seat. About 72–67 B.C.

Vs 23 This is an interesting verse. Just like the people in WWII that all banded together for a just cause, and jobs were plenty and productivity was high; it was a time of happiness when Moroni was the chief captain even though the people were at war. Hard work and unity brings satisfaction.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/51?lang=eng

The king-men seek to change the law and set up a king—Pahoran and the freemen are supported by the voice of the people—Moroni compels the king-men to defend their country or be put to death—Amalickiah and the Lamanites capture many fortified cities—Teancum repels the Lamanite invasion and slays Amalickiah in his tent. About 67–66 B.C.

Alma 51:1–12 Record why you think the Nephites lost their possessions to the Lamanites. What warnings do you see for yourself and your family?

Vs 1-3 They lost their possessions because they were not united. They had factions and special interests and different political opinions. Some wanted a free government; some wanted a monarchy. Repeat USA.

So many petitions are sent around to us, through email, social media, when we are grocery shopping. We belief in a free government, where the people have a voice; but, there are so many who think that their voice is the only one that matters.

Vs 4 There are many top politicians today who want our Constitution to be altered, even if it means going against the will of the people.

Vs 5-6 Unfortunately we have kingmen today. They seek to overthrow the freedom of all nations. Freemen what to preserve the liberties that have made us free.

Vs 7 The voice of the people has chosen many good things in the United states in the past 20-30 years. Unfortunately, the kingmen have gained so much power in government and in the press that they have gained and established much influence. It has made the cause of the Christians and freemen very difficult.

Vs 11-12 Amalekiah and many earlier dissenters gained the favor of the Lamanites and stirred them up into anger against the Nephites. Likewise, we have leaders who have made alliances to increase their own wealth and power with Russian and China.

Vs 13 There are those who really want to see our nation fail right in the midst of us.

Vs 22 Our own Country's division has weakened us as well.

Vs 27 We have got to be a strong nation in order to defend ourselves both from within and from without. We need the Lord's favor, by keeping His commandments and loving one another, so that He can bless and prosper us.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/52?lang=eng

Ammoron succeeds Amalickiah as king of the Lamanites—Moroni, Teancum, and Lehi lead the Nephites in a victorious war against the Lamanites—The city of Mulek is retaken, and Jacob the Zoramite is slain. About 66–64 B.C.