Alma:43-51

At times, righteous people must fight to protect their God-given rights. During a crucial time in Book of Mormon history, the Lord raised up Captain Moroni and other great men to lead their people in defending their liberties. Inspired by their leaders, the Nephites learned the proper way to battle against forces that would destroy their religion, freedom, and families.

INTRODUCTION: Purpose of this Lesson

2 Nephi 9:10, 12Alma 42:9Matthew 10:28

Read the following verses:

1.Look for two kinds of death that are mentioned in the verses.

2.Why is damage to the soul more serious than the death of the physical body?

As we study the descriptions of physicalbattles in the Book of Mormon, we can learn spiritual lessons.

Read Alma 43:19–20 and 50:1

After reading the references, look for aspiritual principle in the description of Captain Moroni preparing his armies for battle.

Look for Spiritual Lessons:

Alma 43:9 Alma 46:11-13, 20Alma 43:23-26 Alma 48:7-9Alma 43:48-50 Alma 49:3-5Alma 44:1-5 Alma 49:30Alma 45:20-22 Alma 50:1-7

Look for Spiritual Lessons

What are the justifications for war?Read: Alma 43:9, 45-47; 48:14

What is the proper attitude about bloodshed?Read: Alma 48:23-24; 61:10-11

“It is clear from these and other writings that there are times and circumstances when nations are justified, in fact have an obligation, to fight for family, for liberty, and against tyranny, threat, and oppression” (in Conference Report, Apr. 2003,

83–84; or Ensign, May 2003, 80).

Contention and Dissension Are Destructive Forces

Alma 43:4-8

Alma 46:1-10

Alma 50:21-35

Alma 51:1-27

In addition to warning about contention, these chapters in the Book of Mormon also tell of the dangers of dissension. The cases of dissension described in these chapters are examples of apostasy— people rebelling against the truth and the Church.

SAME PROBLEMS EXIST TODAY!“There are the dissenters who leave the Church, either formally or informally, but who cannot leave it alone. Usually anxious to please worldly galleries, they are critical or at least condescending towards the Brethren. They not only seek to steady the ark but also on occasion give it a hard shove! Often having been taught the same true doctrines as the faithful, they have nevertheless moved in the direction of dissent

(see Alma 47:36). They have minds hardened by pride (see Daniel 5:20)” (Men and Women of Christ [1991], 4).

Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004)Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

“Throughout the world, Saints of the Lord . . . havelearned that the path of dissent leads to real dangers.The Book of Mormon carries this warning:“‘. . . not long after their dissensions they became more hardened and impenitent, and more wild, wicked and ferocious . . . ; giving way to indolence, and all manner of lasciviousness; yea, entirely forgetting the Lord their God’ (Alma 47:36).“How divisive is the force of dissension! Small acts can lead to such great consequences. Regardless of position or situation, no one can safely assume immunity to contention’s terrible toll. . . .

Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles “Contention fosters disunity” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 86–88;

(Alma 48:11-13.)

11 And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery;

12 Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.

13 Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he had sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood.

(Alma 48:17-18.)

17 Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.

18 Behold, he was a man like unto Ammon, the son of Mosiah, yea, and even the other sons of Mosiah, yea, and also Alma and his sons, for they were all men of God.

Was appointed by “thevoice of the people” and the judges as chief captain of the armies (Alma 46:34; see also 43:16).

MORONI ALMALICKIAHObtained power by fraud and deceit (see Alma 47:1–35;48:7).

Rallied the people torighteousness and taught them to be faithful to God and their covenants (see Alma 46:12–21; 48:7).

MORONI ALMALICKIAHIncited the people through hatred and propaganda(see Alma 48:1–3).

Rejoiced in the liberty and freedom of his country and the people (see Alma 48:11).

MORONI ALMALICKIAH

Sought to destroy theliberty of the people (see Alma 46:10).

Loved his brethren andlabored “exceedingly forthe welfare and safety of his people”(Alma 8:12).

MORONI ALMALICKIAH

“Did care not for theblood of his people” and worked to Promote his own selfishness (Alma 49:10).

A man governed byrighteous principles who taught the Nephites to never raise the sword, except to defend one’s family, life, or freedoms (see Alma 48:10, 14).

MORONI ALMALICKIAH

A man governed by passion who taught the people to aggressively conquer and make oaths to destroy (see Alma 49:13, 26–27).

Humbly sought God’s help in preserving life (see Alma 48:16).

MORONI ALMALICKIAH

Cursed God and Swore to kill (see Alma 49:27).

Worked to put an endTo contention and dissension (see Alma 51:16).

MORONI ALMALICKIAH

Worked to create contention and dissension (see Alma 46:6, 10).

Read 3 Nephi 11:29

• In what ways does contention weaken families?

• What helps people overcome contention and dissention?

• What determines happiness?

• What determines happiness?• Why was it possible for the Nephites

to have happiness even though they faced the dangers of war?

• What determines happiness?• Why was it possible for the Nephites

to have happiness even though they faced the dangers of war?

• What are some promises made to you by the Lord that make it possible for you to have happiness?

Faithfulness to God Brings Happiness, Even amid Turmoil

Alma 49:25–30; 50:1–23

NEXT WEEK’S LESSON:

Alma 52-63