“Alma … Did Judge Righteous Judgments” Reading: Mosiah 29-Alma 4 In these chapters, we need to challenge the narrator. Mormon assures us that Alma is right and Nehor is wrong, that the Nephites are just and the Amlicites are wicked. But a closer reading challenges, or at least nuances these claims, giving us an opportunity… Continue Reading
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God made Alma the Elder’s burdens light… but it appears Alma the Younger did not have the same experience. Alma the Younger’s conversion experience transformed the most difficult period of his life into the fuel for his ministry. We can act rather than react, even in the most difficult circumstances. And even when we act… Continue Reading
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We all know the story of the conversion of Alma the Younger, but too rarely pause and ask the deeper questions that add richness and applicability to this narrative. Why did Alma want to destroy the Church? If God can send an angel ex machina to convince someone of their existence, why doesn’t that happen… Continue Reading
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God delivers us *in* our trials before God delivers us *from* our trials. It has to be that way. The only choice is whether we choose to submit ourselves from the beginning, as Alma as his people do, or whether we fight the process until we have no other choice, as Limhi and his people… Continue Reading
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“None Could Deliver Them but the Lord” This reading is a study in contrasts–covenantal cooperation vs. exploitation, desperate vengeance vs. trusting submission. Alma’s baptismal covenants teach us to bear each other’s burdens, mourn with those that mourn, and comfort those in need of comfort. The contrasting stories of the enslavement of Limhi and Alma’s people… Continue Reading
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Abinadi is a pretty amazing spy-prophet-debater-theologian, but his message also applies to us personally. How can we hold ourselves accountable? What would our personal commandments be? In what way are we both “Divine Parent and human child?” Reading: Mosiah 11-17 You can access the Annotated Reading here.You can access my Lesson Notes here. Related Episodes… Continue Reading
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“God Himself … Shall Redeem His People” Abinadi is like a Spy-Prophet-Debater-Theologian as he sneaks back into the land of Shilom, speaks out against wickedness of king and people, and finally digs into some hard-hitting theology as he debates Noah and his priests. These chapters address themes such as submission, the nature of God, dealing… Continue Reading
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Limhi and his people had suffered, been enslaved, and been decimated by war for generations by the time Ammon found them. His courageous honesty, hope, and diligence can teach us about bondage, liberation, and “effectual struggles” in our own lives. Reading: Mosiah 7-10 You can access my Lesson Notes here.You can access the Annotated Reading… Continue Reading
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We must claim and care for each other for God to care for and claim us–King Benjamin makes the connection very clear. Yet order of operations is essential, as is wisdom. We don’t improve so we can be loved; we improve because we love ourselves and God. This sermon maps our path to a virtuous… Continue Reading
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King Benjamin begins his sermon emphasizing the condescension of God, the depravity of human nature (less than dust and an enemy to God), and urges us to be grateful as we serve God and our fellow humans. These chapters invite reflection on the relationship between the human and divine, the role of Jesus, and how… Continue Reading
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