Br. Martins' Lecture Notes for Book of Mormon

Alma 13-16

Questions for Review:

1. Why were high priests called? (Alma 13:6)

2. What are two of the things that we need to do in order not be tempted above our strength? (Alma 13:28)

Alma 13
Alma's Teachings in the City of Ammonihah (cont.)

Priests after the holy order (i.e. the Order of Melchizedek) are ordained to be witnesses of Christ (2,6)

. Do you recall the insights we gained about being a "witness"? If not, take a quick look at our classroom notes for Mosiah 18:8-10

How high priests after the holy order are ordained:

They are called and prepared from the foundation of the world (3,5)
Their calling is based on their faith and good works in pre-existence and on their faith and good works on this earth (10)
Their garments have been washed white through the blood of the Lamb (11)

Do you know the meaning of this expression?

Once ancient high priests were sanctified by the Holy Ghost, they could only look upon sin with abhorrence (i.e. repugnance, horror, not at all as a "funny thing") (12)
Many entered into the rest of the Lord (i.e. fullness of the Lord's glory; see D&C 84:24)

Others might have also been ordained, had they not hardened their hearts (4)

The priesthood is eternal (7)

More information on Melchizedek (17-19; also read JST Genesis 14:25-40 in the appendix section of the LDS edition of the King James Version of the Bible)

Message of repentance is declared by angels to all nations, not only Jews and Nephites (22)

Pray not to be tempted above one's capacity to bear (28)

. This implies that what the Apostle Paul would later state (1 Corinthians 10:13) does not happen automatically

. If we do not ask for strength we will be left alone, and we will certainly fall; and the fault in a case like this will be all ours

Alma 14

Zeezrom is convinced of his errors (6-7)

Believers and records are burned (8)

Alma constrained not to use the power of God to save martyrs (10-13)

Alma and Amulek are beaten, sent to prison, and tortured for many days (14-15,22,27-28)

. Many among the people of Ammonihah belonged to the religion of Nehor, whom Alma, while as chief judge, had condemned to death. Also remember that a few years before Alma had killed Amlici (another leader in Nehor's false religion) in the battlefield. Therefore, their (mis)treatment of Alma was very likely motivated by revenge, and not because Alma had broken any law.

Alma and Amulek are miraculously delivered from prison (23-29)

Alma 15

Alma and Amulek are expelled from Ammonihah (1,15)

. Not even great miracles can convert the most hardened wicked (Do you remember the words from President Joseph Fielding Smith on the effect of miracles? If not, re-read our notes for 1 Nephi 3:31)

Zeezrom is healed and baptized (5-12)

The church was established in Sidom (13-14)

. Many times missionaries go through a great deal of trouble to establish the church in a new land. The beginning is usually difficult, but with the help of the Lord the result is often wonderful

Amulek lost everything because of his allegiance to the gospel and was consoled by Alma (16,18)

. This seems to be a pattern with many new converts. Their old friends and at times even their families and relatives reject them because of their acceptance of the gospel. Only the friendship and fellowshipping of the members of the church can help a new convert overcome the pain of such a rejection

Alma 16

Ammonihah is completely destroyed by the Lamanites in a single day (2-3,9-11)

. The people of Ammonihah once believed that their city was too great to be destroyed

The gift of prophecy is employed to help liberate Nephites taken captives (5)

The church is established throughout the land, and the Lord prepared the minds of the people for the coming of Christ (15-17)

Priests worked to purify the people by preaching against sin and by reminding the people about the coming of Christ (18-19)

Nephites learn that Christ will come among them after his resurrection (20)