A Study of the Book of Mormon

Alma 8:14-18 An angelic communication is received by Alma in these verses. What was the purpose of an angel being sent to Alma? First, it was to bring him comfort. Alma took quite seriously the wickedness of the people of Ammonihah. It weighed him down to the point that he felt "an anguish of soul." (see vs. 14 ) The angel commands Alma to be of good cheer, stating that Alma had been "faithful in keeping the commandments of God from the time which thou receivedst thy first message from him." Then the angel adds an extra bit of encouragement by saying "Behold, I am he that delivered it unto you." ( vs. 15 ) The second reason the angel was sent to Alma was to command him to return to Ammonihah to declare repentance to the people. There was a very specific reason though that was outside of the scope of just the people of Ammonihah that Alma was being sent to Ammonihah. In verse 17 , the angel explains, "For behold, they do study at this time that they ma...

Alma 5:43-49 It was just yesterday morning that I found myself contemplating what was the difference between the spirits of prophecy and revelation. Now I'm very familiar with these verses for their doctrines on testimony, and fasting and praying as a source of testimony. In reviewing it this morning, Alma clearly gives a distinction between the spirit of revelation and the spirit of prophecy. For my own part, the spirit of revelation as referenced in verse 46 could then be defined as knowledge obtained by Holy Ghost (that Holy Spirit of God). Revelation is enhanced and clarified through fasting and prayer. Then in verse 47 , Alma points to the words of their fathers, testifying to their truthfulness according to the spirit of prophecy which was in him. If there is a distinction to be found between prophecy and revelation, it would appear to be this: prophecy has to do with the truth of events past, present, and future, while revelation has more to do with the attainment of eterna...

Mormon 2 (Interesting Observation - As I merely opened this book of scripture, the Spirit started to burn within my bosom.) Vs. 19 - Mormon, in a terrible state of sorrow for his people, still had a confidence/hope of his own salvation. How could Mormon be so sure [in] such a state of chaos that existed? He put all his trust in the Lord. He did as he was commanded. He was obedient to the Lord. He knew Ether 4:19 , "...Blessed is he that is found faithful unto my name at the last day..." The Name/Cause of Christ -Off the subject, but extremely important ! Last night at the wedding reception you overheard that here was a new member of a year in your presence, and you did nothing. You did no acknowledge her. You did not say "hi" to her. You did not talk about her conversion. You didn't give her support, encouragement to carry on. You can do so much more. Mormon 3 Mormon was a prominent figure among the people, so he had a great deal of respect among the people, I ...