A Mighty Change of Heart | Book of Mormon

LAST WEEK RECAP

Before we jump into Alma, let's do a recap of last week. We did not have a podcast episode! I had to substitute a kindergarten class unexpectedly and could not do all the things. However, last week had so many great events.Mosiah 9-22 is the record of Zeniff. Which is so neat. We get several break off stories in Mosiah. We hear about what’s happened to those who were separated at various times.

Mosiah 11 is the story of Abinidi! In chapter 13, I love that he says, in verse 3 …

It reminded me of Nephi and his brothers when Nephi was building the boat. The power that comes to the Lords prophets when they are in need of protection.

In chapter 15 verses 1-3 when I read these it seemed to explain to me whey we sometimes hear Jesus Christ referred to as the Father at times.

In chapter 17, Alma, who is one of King Noah’s priests, believes Abinidi and flees b/c they weren’t happy with him when he didn’t want to kill Abinidi.

Alma runs and finds the waters of Mormon. He writes down everything Abinidi taught. While this is going on Abinidi is put to death.

Alma begins his teachings. He starts with a small group that ends up growing and baptizing a lot of people.

ALMA THE ELDER

We start off with Alma and his people in the wilderness. He is with those who left or were driven out by King Noah. In verse 17-20 it talks about how they were prospering and doing well in the city of Helam.Verse 21-22. They are going to be brought into a bondage - they encounter the Lamanites and the Lamenites say that they are going to protect them. However, they do not do that. They end up telling the people of Alma that they can not pray. In chapter 24: 12-16 Alma says

I love that in verse 21 - they took time to Thank the Lord and recognize HIS part and His hand in what had happened.

ALMA THE YOUNGER

In Alma 27 we meet Alma the Younger and his friends. I want to go ahead and read verse 1 and 3. Some of these were Alma the younger and 3 of Mosiah’s sons. Vs. 9Verse 11-16 - I love that he’s told to remember those in his past and their lives and stories. This just struck me of the importance of those who have gone before us and their impact on our lives.

Of course this is one of those stories most of us know and understand. Alma the younger is converted and becomes a great prophet. Where can you find yourself in this story? What has happened in your life that has strengthened your testimony and made you feel like you want to share the gospel of Jesus Christ?

In chapter 29 we get judges appointed. We will see this as the “calendar” for quite some time moving forward. Then Alma begins. The book of Alma is the book of Alma the Younger. He was appointed to be the first chief judge.In chapter 1 of Alma let’s read verses 24-26.  I also love verse s33. The idea that when we become more still and are righteous, we will not commit wickedness.

In Alma 5 Alma is talking to the people of Zarahemla. Let’s talk a little about verse 12-16, 19, 21, 26, 27, 28, 31, 34, 36, 40, 43.How do we receive answers: Alma 1:45-46, 48.

In Alma 7 Alma testifies and talks of Jesus Christ and His life. He talks about Mary,and the atonement, the resurrection and the deliverance. We are invited to come and be baptized, repent and receive the Holy Ghost.

In Alma 8, Alma travels to Melek. It is NOT received well and leaves pretty quickly. However, in verse 15 it says. I love Alma’s response in verse 18. Then he will meet Amulek! The great duo is finally coming together. The rest of our section for the week is with these two teachings in Ammonihah. We are going to jump to the end of 13, and chapter 14. I know 14 isn’t until next week, technically, but since the story finishes up in 14, I snuck it in. This is when Alma and Amulek are captured.

Next week we are reading to Alma 32!