Alma 30:

Korihor goes throughout the land preaching that there is no God and no Christ. He teaches that the traditions of their fathers are foolish and the result of a frenzied mind. He is taken before the chief judges where Alma testifies to him. Korihor demands a sign that God is real and Alma has him struck dumb. Satan had appeared to Korihor as an angel and given him these words to preach. Korihor is trodden down and dies. The Devil does not support his children in the last days.

After reading this chapter, it makes me think I've got a little work to do. As I was reading I realized that I have or have had many if not all of those beliefs thar Korihor preached. I think I need to reread the story a few more times to see what I might learn.

Alma 31:

Alma is sorrowed at the wickedness of the Zoramites and so he goes on a mission to try to save them. The Zoramites follow many false teachings and deny the existance of Christ. Many of the false teachings they follow are similar to teachings of many churches now save it be the denial of Christ. Alma teaches them and gives them a lecture on faith.

Wow, seems like I have some stuff to learn from these chapters too. It disturbs me a bit how similar some of their teachings are to modern day churches but perhaps I just have the wrong attitude on it.

Alma 32:

The poor people were cast out of the synagogues because of the quality of their clothing. Alma was joyful because their condition had humbled them. Blessed are those that are poor in spirit and repent of their sins. Those that humble themselves without being compelled are even better. God is merciful to all who believe in him. Faith is like a seed. When nourished it will grow.

I think I could relate to much of this story. Not in being physically cast out but symbolically in some respects. I must seek to see if I have a seed of faith and to see what my current treatment of that seed is and what I might do better.

Alma 33:

Alma continued preaching quoting some ancient prophets. Zenos taught that people should pray everywhere and not just in specified areas. Alma continues by preaching the words of Zenock, that God's works are accomplished only through our faith. Faith will grow as a tree and give much joy.

I think Alma's words apply to more than meets the eye. I think what he is saying is that we don't have to follow specific, stupid rules to get the spirit of God. That as long as we have faith in our hearts we can find God.

Alma 34;

Amulek testifies that we must follow Christ, for in him can salvation be found. Without the atonement we are all damned and it is necessary. The Law of Moses and all ancient laws and prophets all point to Christ. We should pray always for whatsoever we are in need of spritually or physically. We should do it now though. If we procrastinate the day of our repentance then we may, in the end, find that we are damned.

I think I need now to reread information from the Old Testament and then compare to the New Testament and Book of Mormon to see if it truely does, as Amulek said, point to Christ. Perhaps this study may even provide insight into my questions about the need for a Christ.

Alma 35:

The preaching of the word was causing the crafts of the Zoramites to fail because of people being converted. This angered the wicked and they expelled the believers who went to Jershon. Alma was sad because of the iniquity of the people so he brought his sons together.

Righteous acts will always anger the wicked because their selfish crafts are brought to an end. Perhaps I should examine myself and see if this has happened within my own life.

Alma 36:

Alma speaks to his son Helaman. He testifies of his own conversion and how he had to suffer for his sins for those days. He called upon the grace of Jesus and was converted. He felt peace and joy in his soul and he saw the heavens opened. Now he spends his days helping others to feel the same joy.

I have had to suffer for my own sins but not like Alma did. Perhaps though I might parallel his story to cause my own conversion that I may spend the time on my mission in proclaiming the truth.

Alma 37:

The records were preserved by God's will to preserve his teachings and to bring the people unto him. God's commandments are strict and he is entrusting the record to Helaman. Because of exceedingly great wickedness, the jaredites were destroyed from the land. Their records contain many wicked oaths and covenants that should not be revealed to the people. We should always counsel with God to make sure that what we are doing is right. We should always study the word of Christ and use it as a guide in our lives.

One way we could apply this to our lives is to avoid books and literature which we know do not contain good works. If we stick to what we know is righteous and always pray we will be guided in what we should do.

Alma 38:

Alma is proud of Shiblon for his steadfastness in the gospel. Shiblon was persecuted because of his great righteousness. Alma reminds him to always keep his faith in Christ and that he will bring salvation. Alma quickly relates his conversion story again. He teaches to always put your trust in Christ and do not boast of yourself.

I think that his main warning is to warn against self-righteousness. Many people when they are righteous and they see others in sin they tend to get prideful and think they are better than others because they know more. I have on more than one occasion come into conflict with these sorts of people.

Alma 39:

Corianton was disobedient to the words of his father and this caused problems during their mission. He participated in some sexual sins which are an abomination. His participation in these sins set a bad example and kept some people from receiving the word. We must seek after eternal riches and pleasures and not those of this world. Christ will come into the world to take the sins away. Alma relieves Corianton's mind telling him that those before the coming of Christ are taken care of.

We must remember the power of example and that we must always be doing the right thing to be effective in missionary work. If we are being unrighteous, our hypocristy destroys our effectiveness. Guess it means I'm not allowed to be a rebellious missionary. ;)

Alma 40:

Corianton is worried about ressurrection and Alma tells him that it comes through Christ. During the time between death and ressurection there are two places one may go. The righteous go to paradise and the wicked to outer darkness. Alma teaches that the spirit and the body will reunite and everything will go to its proper form. For the wicked, though, the second death will be bad.

We really do have a choice to choose good or evil. More clearly now than before do I realize this. I hope that I may be better that I may find myself in paradise.

Alma 41:

After the ressurection our state of being is determined whether we will be happy or sad. We will be restored unto how we did in life. If we repent and desire righteousness we shall be rewarded as such. We must repent for the restoration does not in itself cleanse us. Wickedness never was happiness. Those who are carnal are without God in the world. Restoration brings things back to how they were before, good for good and evil for evil.

The part that hit me in this chapter was that in a state of nature we are without God. I feel very much that this is how I have been. I have gone contrary to the nature of God and therefore I have not known God.

Alma 42:

Corianton questions the justice in punishing the sinner. Alma relates part of the story of Adam and Eve. By knowing good from evil we become as God and this life is a probationary time to see what we will choose. If Adam had eaten of the tree of life he would have had no time to repent. Man would have been miserable because he would have been cut off from the presence of the Lord. In order to satisfy justice the atonement was necessary. If there were no law and no punishment there would not need to be an atonementa but there is. Mercy cannot rob justice. Deny no more the justice of God but go and preach.

Wow. No word can describe my thoughts as I read this chapter. Throughout all of these chapters to Corianton I almost feel that Corianton and I are one. He had the same questions, similar problems, and he received answers similar to what I need. Wow.

Alma 43:

Alma and his sons continue to preach to the Zoramites. Dissenters from the righteous join the lamanite nation and come to war against the nephites. The people of Ammon who had made a covenant not to fight kept their word and only gave of their substance to support the armies. Moroni was the captian of the armies of the nephites. The armies of the lamanites were armed with all manner of weapons but the nephites were layered in much armour. They tried to escape but Moroni's spies told him where they went. Moroni knew that the lamanites wanted to put them into bondage but that the nephites were fighting for their liberty an d their God. He felt that this was just cause to defend. Moroni's armies are successful in surrounding the armies of the lamanites.

The nephites kept their honor in all of their doings yet still supported the just cause. I admire the integrity of the people of Ammon in choosing to keep their covenants. Moroni also had two good qualities of a leader which were manifest. One is that he was willing to question his motive before acting and the second is that he did have the right motive.

Alma 44:

With his armies surrounding the lamanites, Moroni gives an ultimatum to the lamanites: that they agree to peace or that they be destroyed. Zerahemnah, leader of the lamanite forces, refuses this treaty. War continues leaving the lamanites beaten.

To fulfill all righteousness, we must first look to peace and then to the judgements of a wrathful God. We should follow Moroni's example in our lives, especially in our positions of leadership where we may be required to make judgements.

Alma 45:

Alma came unto his son Helaman and Helaman believed his words. Alma gives a secret prophesy that the nephites would dwindle in unbelief and eventually be destroyed. All who are not destroyed would be numbered among the nation of the lamanites and would become like them. Alma curses the land for all those that are wicked and he gives blessings to each of his sons. The Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance. Alma leaves the people and rumour had it that he was taken up even as Moses. Because of the wars with the lamanites the people had become united in faith but now were growing prideful and dissensions were arising.

I think the main messages here are pride and faith. Only through our faith can we be saved in the last day for in our current state we are all damned. We should remain humble because when we grow prideful we break apart the work and no longer can we press forward in righteousness.

Alma 46:

Amalickiah, through flattering words, draws away a large portion of the people toward his desire to become king. When Moroni heard about this he was very angry. He tore his coat and wrote the title of liberty upon it and went around to the people to rally the christians to his cause. Many people rent their clothes likewise to show their support. Moroni preaches that they are descendents of Jacob and of Joseph. Moroni sent people around the land to unite them with his cause. Amalickiah and his people fled to the land of nephi. Moroni set up anti -sedition laws so that any dissenters would be put to death. Peace began to come back into the land. Fevers began to go through the land but through herbal treatments most were taken care of.

I'm not really sure what to say on this chapter. I have always been a major proponent of free speach and against anti-sedition laws such as those that Moroni put into place. Given, it did bring peace back into the land but I'm still not sure what to think on it.

Alma 47:

Amalickiah stirs up the lamanites against the nephites and the king issues an edict that they should go against the people of Nephi in war but the people were afraid to do it. Amalickiah was given command over the loyal part of the army and sought to gain favour and overthrow the king. Amalickiah through treachery got Lehonti to help him gain more armies to his cause. Amalickiah became second in command but had Lehonti poisoned which gave him the top position. When Amalickiah and his forces returned to the land of Nephi, they slew the king but Amalickiah framed the king's servants. Amalickiahgained the favour of the people and even manged to take the king's wife unto himself and became king over the lamanites.

Through wickedness and treachery great power can be gained but only through Satanic principles. Although it may look like a path that would bring us glory, God will win in the end and all will be well.

Alma 48:

Amalickiah incites the lamanites, including the zoramites, to go to war against the nephites. While Amalickiah was obtaining power, Moroni had been strengthening his land with forts and walls. Moroni was a righteous man and had taught the nephites not to fight except in defense. He taught that if they followed this then the Lord would guide and protect them. The nephites did not like battle but would not suffer the persecutions of the lamanites.

As long as we have faith and live righteously, the Lord will direct us how we should live. He will protect us from any harm even if it isn't serious stuff like they had to deal with. As long as we are righteous, things will work out.

Alma 49:

The Lamanites continue to wage war against the nephites but are unable to take the cities because of the fortifications of Moroni. The Lamanites had armoured themselves and were astonished that they could not take the cities. They went to try to take the city of Noah but Lehi had been put in charge there and he was able to hold them off too. Amalickiah was angry and cursed God and swore to drink the blood of Moroni. During this time Helaman and the other sons of Alma continued to preach and the church was growing.

As long as we keep faith in God and exercise our own abilities to the best we can, if our cause is righteous, God will protect us from whatever harm may come upon us.

Alma 50:

Even after his successes, Moroni continued to fortify the land. Moroni also sent armies into the wilderness to drive the armies of the Lamanites away. After taking possession of the land Moroni caused that many more cities should be constructed. The Lord keeps his promises. The people of Morianton began to rebel and to take up arms. Being afraid of Moroni, they were going to flee northward but a servant of Morianton told Moroni. Moroni sent an army led by Teancum to head them off. Teancum killed Morianton and brought back prisoners who had to covenant to peace. The chief judge dies and Pahorn fills his stead.

If we remain righteous the Lord will keep his part of bargain and will protect us and our freedoms but if we rebel against God we have no promise save it be his wrath. I don't think any of us want that option.

Alma 51:

Pahoran was stubborn about changing anything in the law and so some that wanted a king rebelled. They were called the kingmen and those who wanted to keep the current government were known as freemen. They were able to resolve the dispute through civil means. Amalickiah raised another army and came to attack the nephites. Those kingmen refused to take up arms to defend. Moroni obtained permission to threaten death upon the dissenters. Moroni's army killed 4000 of them before the rest agreed. The land of Moroni was not sufficiently defended and Amalickiah captured it. Amalickiah left standing armies to defend what he captured and then continued to take cities upon the eastern coast. Teancum met him and waged war. At night Teancum and his men snuck into Amalickiah's tent and ran a javelin through his heart.

Although I still do not support it, it appears yet again that the Lord does approve of anti-sedition laws to force people to one cause. On a nicer note, however, we can see that even though wickedness can gain great power, it will not last.

Alma 52:

Ammoron, brother to Amalickiah, took the place of his brother as king. He commanded that their main focus should be on defending the cities they had obtained already. Teancum thought it best to attack them and Moroni sent men to strengthen his army. Moroni commanded that they seal the northern entract to prevent expansion of the lamanites. Ammoron brought an army against the west sea trying to divert the nephite forces. Teancum saw that it would be impossible to attack the lamanites in their fortifications so Moroni came down to help him. They tried to draw the lamanites out but couldn't. They sent Moroni's army northward and a small bit of Teancum's to the sea. The lamanites thinking this was an easy battle came out and began to chase them. During this time Moroni captured the city. Then the lamanites met with the armies of Lehi. Soon they were surrounded. Moroni was wounded and commanded they give up their weapons of war. Most of the lamanites did so. Those who did not were captured.

Cunning strategies are just fine by the Lord as long as the cause is righteous and he will aid us in their fulfillment. Through inspiration we can hopefully avoid falling prey to ploys such as this that may come from wicked forces.

Alma 53:

The captured lamanites were forced to labour in burying the dead and building fortifications. He made them labour because it was easier to guard them that way and because then his forces could prepare for war instead of do the menial labour. Those lamanites on the western sea captured some cities. The people of Ammon seeing all of this war almost took up arms to break their covenant but Helaman persuaded them not to. The sons, however, had not entered this covenant and so they formed a legion. They were all upstanding men and marched with Helaman.

Our covenants are very important and despite whatever pressure there is we need to keep them. Our eternal salvation is more important than any temporal affair no matter how severe.

Alma 54:

Moroni wrote a letter to Ammoron telling him of the wrath of God. He tells him that they will go to hell if they don't repent. Moroni tells him that righteousness will prevail no matter what. Moroni agreed however to exchange prisoners only if Ammoron would give back a full family for each prisoner. Moroni said that if Ammoron did not agree he would arm even his women and children and destroy the lamanites from the land. Amalickiah was angry and wrote an epistle back claiming that Nephi wronged his brethren. He says that he will agree to the exchange of prisoners to preserve his own food. He says that he is not scared by the threats of the Nephites and that he will wage war until they are subject to him or extinct. He says that there is no God and that if there is are they not all in the same boat?

Moroni, despite his anger, has a fairly decent attitude. He knows that he can bargain in such a way that both parties will be happy and so that won't cause contention. I do not know, however, if the Lord approves of the words he used. He may as a call to repentance or he may not as a threatening where there is a question as to authority. I don't know.