The Cause of Amalickiah's Dissension - Part 2

In our previous discussion (Part 1) Helaman and his brethren went around the land prescribing rules and order (regulation) for the church.  What they were preaching offending a segment of church members.  These members were proud and exceedingly rich and would not walk uprightly before God.(see Alma 45:24)

As we move into in Alma, chapter 46, this dissension evolves into an all out battle.  The dissenters got so angry that they wanted to kill their brethren.  Why?  We don't have enough information to know exactly what their gripe was but it looks like two opposing paradigms are clashing.  As I think about the opposing paradigms, I make the following observations.

1. Both paradigms have large followings.  
2. The rich church members, that are proud, prefer one paradigm.
3. The balance prefers what is being preached by Helaman and the brethren.
4. Helaman is preaching what his father preached.(see Alma 31:5)
5. Alma, Helaman's father, preached hard doctrine against the rich that are proud.
6. One of Alma's definitions of walking in the pride of one's heart was the wearing of fine twine apparel, thus making a mock of their brethren.(see Alma 5:53,55)
7. Alma preached that the true temporal tenet of Christ's gospel was living in equality, voluntarily giving of one's surplus to the priests to be redistributed to those in need. He taught what his father taught. (See Mosiah 18:27-29)
8. This doctrine clashes with the 'I earned it and do what I want with it - and I am surely not going to give it away!' doctrine of the world.(see Alma 30:28)
9. A Christian in 73 B.C. not wanting to live this doctrine yet wanted to be a member of the church for all other reasons, good and bad, ended up having their 'I'm a member in good standing' paradigm put into question because of Helaman's preaching of the word in its purity.(see Alma 45:23)
10. A good way to get rid of the offending doctrine is to either kill off the other group or establish a king to take charge and change the religious laws of the country.(see Alma 46:1-2)

It appears to me that church had great influence in Nephite government.  Perhaps, at this time a majority of the people were members of the Christian church.  The reason why I note this is for some reason, dissension from the church moved immediately into the political arena, dividing the people into two camps.  The division becomes a revolt.(Alma 46:1).


Those that will not change their ways and hearken to the words of Helaman gather against  them.  They were so angry with their believing brethren that they want to kill them.(Alma 46:2).  Now the leader of this division was Almalickiah.  They wanted him to be their king.  He and his party had political control over much of the government.  His words were so convincing that many members dissented from the church.

And we know the rest of the story.  Almalickiah defects to the Lamanites and eventually through intrigue and fraud becomes their king and starts another war with the Nephites.

Whether or not Almalickiah was a Christian himself (which seems to be inferred) he didn't like what Helaman was preaching and preached against it.  Amalickiah's teachings were probably Nehor doctrine like what Korihor taught.  I can imagine what he may have taught: everyone ought to have their agency to decide how to use their riches.  You created your wealth through your own industry and you should enjoy the fruits of your labors.  Don't fear the priests or some unknown God.  In fact, redistribution to the poor is kind of foolish.  They brought  their financial woes upon themselves.  And the agency argument goes on and on.  It reminds me of a scripture in 2 Nephi.  2 Nephi 9:30, 42-43.  The things of the wise and prudent are always hid from the rich that are proud.

b'tamim (בְּתָמִים Walking Uprightly before the Lord

This is one of doctrines that must be lived in order to walk uprightly before God.  


I propose that this is one aspect of what verse 24 means by walking uprightly before God.  Let look at this phrase a little closer. Uprightly is defined as follows:

UPRIGHTLY, adv.

1. In a direction perpendicular to the plane of the horizon; in an erect position.

2. Honestly; with strict observance of rectitude; as, to live uprightly.

Mosiah 18:29 uses uprightly in a context similar to how it is used in Alma 46:24.  The verse reads, 'And this he said unto them, having been commanded of God; and they did walk uprightly before God, imparting to one another both temporally and spiritually according to their needs and their wants.


Shalom... In this verse "uprightly" is translated from a Hebrew word (tamim) meaning "complete," or "perfect," or "blameless." To walk b'tamim (בְּתָמִים), then might mean to walk (i.e., live, make practical decisions) in a mature way, or with sincerity and integrity... The Hebrew word "tam" can also mean "simple," in the sense of being single-minded rather than "two-souled." We trust that God imputes to us the Messiah's righteousness and integrity... We are "complete" in Yeshua... Only God can do the miracle of healing the divided heart (and sometimes the miracle is a work in progress!)

Psalm 119 begins, "Happy are those who are blameless (tamim) in their way, who walk in the Torah of the Lord." For those of us who are sinful, broken, and incomplete, the Torah of the Lord is indeed "temimut," providing all we need to have our souls turned back to the way of true righteousness, soundness, and integrity.

I hope this helps a little...http://www.hebrew4christians.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=151&t=3718

Is "Tamim" Perfect or Complete? http://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/704630/jewish/Is-Tamim-Perfect-or-Complete.htm Adapted by Chaim Miller; From the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe

[Do not probe into the future, but] be simple-hearted with G-d, your G-d. -- Devarim 18:13 Classic Questions How is one to be tamim with G-d? (v. 13) Rashi: Walk with Him simple-heartedly (bet'mimus) and look for­ward to what He has in store. Do not probe the future, but rather accept whatever happens to you simple-heartedly. Then, you will be with Him and His inheritance. Ramban: The word tamim means "perfect." Thus, after the Torah warns us not to follow those who predict the future in verses 10-11, we are then told to be perfect in our faith that the future is in G-d's hands, rather than seeking fortune-tellers who are not always correct. "Be Simple-Hearted" (v. 13) The word tamim has appeared on numerous occasions in the Torah up to this point, and its translation is always "perfect." For example, we find in numerous instances that the Torah requires a sacrifice to be tamim, which means perfect and without blemish.1 Furthermore, we also find that the word tamim suggests a perfection of character: Noach is described as atamim, one who was perfect in his dedication to G-d,2 and Avraham is told by G-d, "Come close to Me in worship and be perfect (tamim)."3 Why, then, did Rashi veer from this interpretation (which is suggested by Ramban) in our verse, and write instead that tamim means, "Walk with Him simple-heartedly"?

Craig,

I am still trying to grasp the wasted effort issue.  Where was the Captain Moroni a 100 years ago?  Why didn’t we make sure that our children’s education process (50 years ago) wasn’t dominated by Globalist scholars that would effectively influence our minds by excluding real freedom related teachings (and God) and including socialist ideas (along with many other things).  Indoctrinating the children is always the key to what happens in the next generation.  Even the Mormons quietly called Ezra Taft Benson an extremist kook (John Birch Society, None dare call in conspiracy, The Constitution, a Heavenly Banner, etc.) in the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. 

Now some of America have awakened (more than when I was involved and called a Kook in 1990) to their awful dilemma.  Is it too late?  Is there too much evil contention in the hearts of some (on both sides) to really make difference for good (instead of plunging America further into a dangerous polarization)?

Let’s both read Ether 8 one more time (I don’t remember exactly what it tells us to do) and do that.  If I remember correctly, Mormon seems to infer that it’s too late.  Jesus infers that it will be too late.  Nephi infers it too.  Some have the conditions of repentance as the only remedy.

Anyways, we need to know the truth about our Constitution so when the day comes that it is carried away, we understand the principles behind.  At least I know this.

-Scott

The Cause of Amalickiah's Dissension - Part 1?

What was the cause of Amalikiah's dissension?

Amalickiah was a leader of group of dissenters that sought for governing power over the Nephites (Alma 46:4).  But, what led up to this rift that produced a new war between the Nephites and the Lamanites?


The Nephites had successfully repulsed the Lamanites in 73 B.C.  They fasted and prayed, rejoicing of their deliverance from the hands of the Lamanites.  Alma confers the preaching of the word to his son, Helaman and departs ((Alma 45:19).  Helaman realizes that regulations (corrections) needed to be made in the church and goes forth to establish the church again throughout all the land (v.21).

After appointing priests and teachers over the churches, dissensions begin to occur.  Some members wouldn't give heed to their words (v.23).  What were the words that these members rejected?  It has to do with growing proud, having exceedingly great riches and growing rich in their own eyes (v.24).  This pride (growing rich in their own eyes) caused these members not to give heed to their words.  What were the rich all upset about?  


The church in Alma's time had adopted a tradition (a doctrinal tenant) that had been passed down from the beginning of the Nephite civilization.  Jacob taught it ( Jacob 2:17-19). King Benjamin taught it (Mosiah 4:26); Alma the Elder taught it (Mosiah 18:27-29) and Alma required obedience to it (Alma 4:12,13,15, Alma 5.53-55,59-60) or have their names blotted out (Alma 6:3).  The tradition goes something like this: We as Christians, having good desires towards God and towards our fellowman, choose to walk humbly before God, manifesting our faith in Christ by giving our surplus riches to the poor in order to help them and maintain a temporal equality among the members of the church.


The rich that grew proud in their own eyes did not like this doctrine.


We will see in Part 2 of this discussion that Amaliciah was part of this group of dissenters and became their leader.

Modern Day 'Scientific' Views Toward Religion Nothing New - Part 2

After using a kind of empiricism (since I can't see it, it doesn't exist) to debunk any sort of faith in Christ, prophecies and any internal manifestation that anybody has had that has brought them joy, peace, testimony or a witness from God, Korihor goes on telling his listeners that, with all these 'foolish things' removed, man is free to do whatever he wants. His doctrine is so common in the world that we don't see it for what it really is: a doctrine resulting from pure unbelief.

And here it is:

1. Every man fares in this life according the management of the creature.
2. Therefore, every man prospered according to his genius.
3 Every man conquered according to his strength.
4. Whatsoever a man did was no crime.

The resulting effects of Korihor's preaching leads many to lift up their heads in their wickedness. They have received license from Korihor to so anything they want. Along with the economic doctrine stated above, many people fall into sexual transgression. You might as well do whatever to want because when a man was dead, that was the end there of.

I see the affects of Korihor's doctrine across America and the world. Do you see it? Instead of trying to further ascertain what the Korihorian traditions are in our our world today, why not establish some principles that correct these false ideas? Mormon and Alma were decrying these false doctrines, so why don't we? Perhaps the following adjustments could be made to Korihor's teachings stated previously:

1. We all collectively fare in this life according to the management of each individuals unique gifts and talents.
2. Therefore, we all prosper collectively according to each of our God-given geniuses.
3. No man need conquer because of the love of God spreading forth into the hearts of man.
4. Having a good desire toward God and man, giving freely, believing that all temporal and spiritual gifts are to be used for the betterment of society as a whole is The Way. Perhaps it's a crime to do otherwise.

Korihor's 'there is no crime' dog eat dog, 'it's mine' doctrine, stirs up the carnal, natural parts of the human psyche. Instead, we ought to be teaching mankind how to attain to a higher plain of existence. The gospel of Jesus Christ, if followed, does exactly that.

Modern Day 'Scientific' Views Toward Religion Nothing New - Part 1

Introduction

As in America, during the reign of judges in the Book of Mormon, everyone was on equal grounds with respect to the law.  A man could believe what he wanted.  Korihor, an unbeliever, began to preach  to the people.  He reminds me of conversations I have had with those that no longer believe.   Based on science, evidence and empiricism they preach almost exactly the same thing regarding those who have faith.  After the unbelieving empiricist establishes the apparent foolishness of faith, they then begin to teach an amoral, carnal way of life (since a higher faith is out of the picture).  A basic tenant of their doctrine is that it is obvious that there is no God since God has not revealed Himself unto THEM.  Their logic is, since God hasn't revealed Himself to them, he hasn't revealed Himself unto anybody, past, present or future.

Here's a summary of Korihor's faith-based attack:

1. You are bound down by a foolish and vain hope.
2. No man can know that Christ really came (or that he will come again).
3. Prophecies are foolish traditions handed down from older people.
4. No one can know with surety anything about the future.
5. This is because you cannot know the things you cannot see.
6. Therefore, no one can know that there be a Christ.
7. Looking forward for a remission of your sins is the effect of a frenzied mind.
8. A believer has a deranged mind because he believes in the 'traditions of the fathers'.
9. This faith leads the believer into a belief of things which are not so.
10.  Thus, there is not atonement made for the sins of men.

I have been told that everyone who has received internal and external manifestations from the unseen world is having a hallucination.  Korihor used frenzied and deranged to describe the same thing.  The unbeliever says that since the scientific process 'can't' measure these phenomenas they really don't exist except as figments of our imagination.  They call this freedom.  They can now do anything they want.  They surmise that following their natural impulses is right.  No more higher faith-based laws to live by!

This isn't freedom!  It is captivity of the worst kind.  The Book of Mormon describes this condition as the chains of hell.  The chains of hell connote a state in which a person knows nothing of the things of God and considers all things related to faith, hope and righteousness as foolishness.  A person who knew the truth always falls into this condition by degrees.  They give into their natural proclivities (vices, sin, cynicism), the Spirit which they previously felt dims until one day this light is completely extinguished.  People around them can see the decline but the individual, for some reason, can't.

The Answer

Plant the seed of believing back into your heart.  It will begin to grow.  When you feel these swelling motions inside, know that the seed is good.  If you can only hope to believe, that is the place to start. Start doing (changing) something that you know you need to do (change).  You will get the witness from God once again in you life.  Let this grow and soon all the light and truth will return.

Draft - Following After the Desires of Our Hearts

I was reading in Alma 28 and 29 this week.  I have been wanting God to shock some of my children that they might know the truth.  Alma wanted a similar thing and did 'sin in his wish' (v.3).  The next few verses were not very hopeful to me.  The firm decree of God is that He grants men according to their desires - unto death or unto life (v.4).  These agency decrees are unalterable because each person has their will - either to salvation or to destruction.  And that is just the way it is.   If a person knows good from evil, it is given to him according to his desire (v.5).  All I can hope for is that I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance (v.9).  One thing I can do for the unrepentant is pray (v.10).  So, there is hope.  Alma infers that people prayed for him and that he prays for others and that his prayers are heard.  A merciful arm was extended to him as it is to others.  So, no speaking with a trump of God (v.1) forcing everyone to hear.  Along with prayer there is another element of labor involved (v.15).  As Alma preached the gospel, he never reviled back when persecuted.  He (and every other follower of Christ) permitted those that were angry at what they heard to have their fits of rage and fight back.  By doing so, Alma (and all of us) shows his faith in God, relies on God to take the matter in His hands demonstrating that he is willing to persecuted for His name sake.  This long suffering and patience is what shows our faith in Christ.  We are emulating Christ in word and action.  We become saviors on mount Zion.  This kind of faith divides the group that is listening.  It provides the maximum opportunity for the listener come around.  It also seals the fate of those that persist in their fight against God.

What I do when I Feel Down

 Whenever I feel down, I have to step back and reestablish my belief system and pull myself back to a higher plane.  I then recommit to God that he is in control (since we need to believe that He is).  I also remember the Spirit telling me that when much is given, much is required.  The Spirit told me, that since I wasn’t given much (parental neglect, poor modeling, various kinds of abuse) much is not required of me.  My capacity is where it is at and only through the grace of God (Jesus Christ) will that change.  It bothers me that I tend to pretend a lot around others or inadvertently convey to others that I have it all together.  Or, maybe everyone knows that I am a mess but are too kind to say anything.

So, stay calm, relax, put your trust in God and BE STILL.  As soon as you can be still, inspiration will come.  Being Still is an accumulation of letting go, trusting, fearing not, and meekness – all wrapped up in a meditative state – waiting the Lord to give you direction (in His own due time).  If our minds are too cluttered we are not in a place to receive revelation.

Learning from Hard Things

In a conversation I had with Karen, Dan and Kayleen, I learned something profound. 1. Spirit - The Spirit directs us regarding what we are supposed to learn from his current situation. We also observe that many role models (friends and relatives, etc.) do not seem to learn the things of the Spirit but continue in the same critical, rejecting spirit. 2. Emotions - Our emotions creep in and make us so angry (upset, impatient) about our current situation (children, insolvency, whatever). We have self recrimination (I could have done it better in the past), self reproach (cursing ourselves for what we have done, it is all our fault), what will others think (our perceived image in the eyes of others), and fear that someone might say something negative regarding our apparent lack of being able to do it right (raise a 'righteous family', measure us for church callings and reject us, etc.) 3. Behavior - Because of these emotions flowing through us, we exhibit wrong behavior. We want to take it into our own (natural man) hands and shame others because we feel shamed. We want to use force. We choose not to accept and love others because withholding it makes good sense (to the natural man. Our defenses are already hieghtened because our own self-recrimination and reproach. We believe that others are thinking about our failure and talking about us. If persecution (indirect or direct) comes, we are in the mindset to revile back (defend ourselves). Our pride and our image are on the line. So what is to be learned in the present when things are not working out the way we want them to? I believe that the current situation is the perfect situation for each our current growth. We may learn patience, kindness, and love. We learn what it means to hope, endure and believe. We end up having to look inward instead of outward (blaming others for our unhappiness). We then learn to forgive ourselves and others. We learn to revile not at the intolerance (persecution) of others. So, if this is what needs to be learned, our current imperfect situation is the perfect place to grow. What we want so badly to be different is not what we are supposed to learn. We are all in the crucible of life being redirected by God toward the tree of life. Our righteous indignation is really a self-satisfying childish demand to get what we want.

A truth about Defending Ourselves

From my scripture study this morning, I came across an interesting verse in Alma 24:19. It says, 'And thus wwe see that, when these Lamanites were brought to believe and know the truth, they were firm, and would suffer even death rather than commit sin....' They had decided as a people to bury their weapons of war. The leader said (v. if our brethren seek to destroy us ... behold, we will go to our God and shall be saved.' When is not defending yourself a truth? If I read the sermon on the mount literally, I can easily come to this conclusion. But, I think this is a matter of faith. If we have faith that God will fight our battles, what is God going to require in order for us to show our faith? How far does God take us? From my reading of scriptures, many times the person or people are taken right to the edge or over the edge to see if they will continue to exercise faith. This happens to Nephi when he was beaten with a stick by his brothers, to Alma and Amulek when cast into prison, Nephi when tied the ship's mast, and the list goes on and on. When the collective faith of a people is strong enough, they can rely on the promises of the Lord, that He will deliver them. But, some of the converted Lamanites do die. This being taken to the edge and then some, is always the case when one's faith hasn't yet been tried in that area. After we pass through the trial in faith, we know the truth (that God comes through) and we no longer need to be tried. When the same kind of trial happens again, we either are delivered or we take our stripes willingly for God's purposes to be fulfilled. What do I mean when I say for God's purposes to be fulfilled. There are many instances in the scriptures where a person who already had demonstrated faith, endures persecution or even death to optimize the possibility of conversion of others and conversely, to bring condemnation upon those that are hardened.

Accepting a Covenant

What is the difference to accept a covenant vs. covenanting?

Websters (1828) defines COVENANT, v.i. To enter into a formal agreement; to stipulate; to bind ones self by contract.

When I convenant, I bind myself to a solemn agreement previously stiputated.

The noun COVENANT is defined:

COVENANT, n. [L, to come; a coming together; a meeting or agreement of minds.]

1. A mutual consent or agreement of two or more persons, to do or to forbear some act or thing; a contract; stipulation. A covenant is created by deed in writing, sealed and executed; or it may be implied in the contract.... 4. In church affairs, a solemn agreement between the members of a church, that they will walk together according to the precepts of the gospel, in brotherly affection.

What does it mean to ACCEPT a COVENANT?

ACCEPT is defined as:

1. To take or receive what is offered, with a consenting mind; to receive with approbation or favor.

2. To regard with partiality; to value or esteem.

3. To consent or agree to; to receive as terms of a contract; as, to accept a treaty; often followed by of.

4. To understand; to have a particular idea of; to receive in a particular sense.

When I covenant, I bind myself to the stated agreement. When I hear the covenant and then accept the convenant rather than actually convenant, a slightly different thing happened.

Paying the Consequences for Sin

I have members of the church allude and outright declare that justice must be exercised on those who sin regardless of whether they have repented or not. I have always disagreed with these people. I leave mercy in God's hands. He can, if he chooses to waive the consequences of sin to some degree.

For example, when the angel came to Alma and the sons of Mosiah, they were stopped in the tracks in their quest to destroy the church of God. They could either repent of be destroyed. When the repented, God show great mercy on them. Look at the following verse:

Alma 26:20 Oh, my soul, almost as it were, fleeth at the thought. Behold, he did not exercise his justice upon us, but in his great mercy hath brought us over that everlasting gulf of death and misery, even to the salvation of our souls.

Now Alma and his brethren did receive persecution from the unbelievers. That was a consequence of changing from a sinful state to a righteous state. That wasn't taken away. I can see that the agency of others to persecute another isn't taken away.

Nephite Units of Money

After looking at blogs that show the merits of the Nephite money systems, I went and did my own analysis. What I found was even more amazing than what I remember reading. In a way, it reinforced my testimony of the divine origin of the Book of Mormon. For a man to come up with a unique (and possibly the best ever devised) monetary system that has very minor overall significance to the book would be ludicrous. Why take the time to think the system through? Unless, it was a known fact by the author that could be easily put forth to enhance the overall understanding of Amulek's legal hearing.

On the blogs I have read, I am told that the Nephite system of 1, 2, 4, and 7 and the Egyption system of 1,2, 4 and 8 are the best for making a purchase since they require the least amount of coins (units of measure) to make any number. For example, to make 14 you would need two 7's in Nephite money, and 8, 4 and 2 in Egyptian money and dime and four pennies in American money. So, it take 2 units of money for Nephites to make the purchase, three units for Egyptians and five units for Americans.

I have run the numbers here for myself. Price is the first column. It represents the amount of money asked for. 'N' is for Nephite, 'E' is for Egyption and 'A' is for American. These columns show how many 'coins' of each monetary system it takes to pay the price in the first column.

Price N E A (NSC)
1 1 1 1 1
2 1 1 2 2
3 2 2 3 2
4 1 1 4 1
5 2 2 1
6 2 2 2
7 1 3 3
8 2 1 3
9 2 2 4
10 3 2 1
11 2 3 2
12 3 2 3
13 3 3 4

Tot 25 25 32

14 2 3 4
15 3 4 2
16 3 2 3
17 4 3 4
18 3 2 5
19 4 3 6
20 4 3 2
21 3 4 3
22 4 4 4
23 3 5 5
24 5 3 6
25 4 4 1

Tot 42 41 47
GTot 67 66 79

Up to 13, the Nephites and Egyptians are neck and neck. The Americans lag behind. Up to 25, if I did my numbers right, the Nephites lag behind the Egyptians by one coin. But, there is more to the story! We aren't using the Nephite small coins here.

So, here's what I found. The units used above are more like dollar bills, two dollar bills, four dollar bills and seven dollar bills. In the text, the author, after showing the denominations, the author starts into the small coinage. Everything is based on a senum of silver which equates to a measure of barley. Let's call a senum a 1 unit. This would make the smaller units as follows:

1.0 = 1 senum
.50 = 1 shibon
.25 = 1 shiblum
.125 = 1 leah
1.5 = 1 antion

So, let's say these were coins (no coins are mentioned in this chapter).

a leah would be take the 1 coin position
a shiblum would take the 2 coin value position (it is twice the value of a leah)
a shiblon would tkae the 4 coin value position (it is four times the value of a leah)
the senum would take the 8 coin value position (it is eight times the value of a leah)
and the antion would take the 12 coin position (it is three times the value of a shiblon)
a seon (of the large coin system) would take the 16 position (it is twice a senum)
a shum would take the the 32 positon (four times a senum)

Because the Nephites added an antion which is three shiblons, they have greated a twelve coin denomonation for making small change. With this new coin, it takes only one coin to pay for something that cost 12 and two coins to get to 13. The Nephite psuedo Egyptian small coin system beats the Egyption regular system by 2 coins!

I have added the Nephite Small Coin (NSC) system to the chart below.

Price N E A (NSC)
1 1 1 1 1
2 1 1 2 2
3 2 2 3 2
4 1 1 4 1
5 2 2 1 2
6 2 2 2 2
7 1 3 3 2
8 2 1 3 1
9 2 2 4 2
10 3 2 1 2
11 2 3 2 3
12 3 2 3 1
13 3 3 4 2

Tot 25 25 32 23

14 2 3 4 2
15 3 4 2 3
16 3 2 3 1
17 4 3 4 2
18 3 2 5 2
19 4 4 6 3
20 4 3 2 2
21 3 4 3 3
22 4 4 4 3
23 3 5 5 4
24 5 3 6 2
25 4 4 1 3

Tot 42 41 47 30
GTot 67 66 79 55

The Nephite Small Coin system far surpasses all past systems by 11 coins! The Nephite system is far better at making change then our American system (by 24 coins).

So, there's my (partial) analysis of the Nephite small denomonation monetary system.

By the way, when Zeesrom offers Amulek six onties, he was offering him 42 measures of barley, perhaps (depending of the size of a measure of barley) a month's labor or for a common man (if a measure of barley can feed a man for a day). If it feeds him for one meal, than Amulek was offered enough food for eight days.

Established in the Ways of Righteousness (draft)

After Alma cleanses the church in the city of Zarahemla, he goes east across the river Sidon to the newly established city of Gideon. He tells the members in Gideon that he had ... great hopes...that [they] were found blameless... and were not in the awful dilemma that [their] brethren in were in at Zarahemla. Alma then expressed his joy that the [members of] church in Zarahemla ... are established again in the way of his [God's] righteousness. (Alma 7:3-4)

Alma contrasts the 'awful diilemma' in verse 3 with 'the way of his righteousness' in verse 4. What is God's righteousness to Alma? Alma tells what righteousness is not in the following verses. From these verses it also easy to interpret what it means to be established in the way of God's righteousness. Alma says that their brethren in Zarahemla were ... in a state of of so much unbelief... and trusts the the Gideon brethren are not in the same state. This state of unbelief caused the church in Zarahemla to be lifted up in the pride of their hearts, have their hearts set on riches and the vain things of the world, to worship idols. (Alma 7:6) Alma is trusting that Gideon brethren are not involved in same thing but that they are worshipping the living God and look forward for the remission of their sins with an everlasting faith in that which is to come. (v.6)

When our hearts are right our desires are right. When we have received a sufficient hope in Christ, our hearts change and we desire to do good. Those with these desires are then organized so that goodness is optimized. This united goodness comes from the righteous desires of each individual member. When this happens, something special happens. God pours out his blessing upon that organzed group of people.

The Order of the Church

In Alma 8:1 Alma states that he 'established the order of the church' in the land of Gideon 'as he had done before in the land of Zarahemla.' I believe that this phrase has a specific meaning. I even wonder if there are multiple orders of a church. Alma's order of the church is based on what his father established a generation earlier. The order is based on the teachings of earlier prophets such as Jacob and King Benjamin. This order has a few identifiers: Believing that Christ will come and atone for their sins, practicing humility as well as other personal character traits, giving to the poor and needy with a requirement of giving one's surplus substance with equality as the end in mind, showing one's faith by reviling not when presecuted, using one's substance in such a way that its use doesn
t mock other, thus walking uprightly before God.

(Draft) The Impossible Line - Believing without Doubt

Although there are many degrees of christian discipleship, there is a standard set forth in the Book of Mormon. When a person arrives at this standard, he has rent the veil of unbelief. So, where is the line between unbelief and faith, doubting and believing? I believe that as I apply myself himself in the development of gospel principles I lessen my unbelief and increase in faith. My doubt begins to dissipate and I become more and more steady in my faith. At some point I will rend the veil of unbelief.

I understand from my study that the sermon on the mount is a good test as to whether one is approaching or has already crossed the line into true discipleship. When I read the Sermon on the Mount, I ask myself whether or not I do the things commanded by the Lord. If so, do I do them with the right heart? Do I even agree with the Lord's philosophy? Does it even make sense?




Here are some of the things that I have discovered.






God prioritises and orders our personal growth.






1. As you ask for what you need to work on, he gives you something to do.






Attributes of a Believer. A true believer is working on the following.






Revile not



Giving freely of one's substance



Keep the commandments






The Dividing Line between Unbelieve and Believing.






1. Use Ether 4 verses about have a broken heart and contrite spirit.



2. There seems to be an attitude that all I have is God's.



3. Casting off all fear. The natural man fears letting go. What if I let go of all my sins and attitudes?



4. Faith seems to be tied to believing that if God said so, you ought to do it. For example, the natural man knows it is illogical to not fight back when we are malligned. But the gospel requires us to revile not when we are mocked or persecuted. We measure or spiritual development by the way we respond to negative things in our lives. These things can be thoughts, emotions or behavior. When we notice that we still responding as a natural man would, this is when we look to God and ask for His grace to overcome the weakness.






5. The dividing line of unbelief and belief. On the one side we fear changing. On the other side we abhor sin and feel a deep hope and love.

Financial Mormonism

I coined a new phase: financial Mormonism. This is where our American cultural has penetrated into the lives of members to such a degree that a belief develops that the richer you are the more blessed you are. It also is presented to the youth as the end all for the beautiful life. Since the humble follower of Christ goal isn't presented very clearly in the classrooms of the church, a replacement goal is modeled. The more financially set you are the more you are following the gospel. This isn't true and never has been. It may be true that a humble follower of Christ can be financially well off but it isn't true that well off Mormons are humble followers of Christ. What has caused this goal replacement? It is what we have been modeled for a 100 years. If there were many individuals (and I have met a few) modeling the life of a true believer, we would be seeing those ways more frequently and would be able discern it. We would hear their testimonies and feel their power. We would watch their actions want to be like them. Signs and miracles follow them that believe. The other group in the dingy just doesn't have as much respect as the large group in the ship. Of course, many of us are trying to climb the rungs of the ladder and are not stopping. More and more are rending the veil of unbelief and relying wholly on Christ's merits. I don't want to stop at financial Mormonism or Pharisaical Mormonism or zealot Mormonism or new age Mormonism. They all exist in the church. I want to become a true believer by word and action.

How does Christ's mercy extend to me even though I am a sinner?

How does Christ's mercy extend to me even though I am a sinner? This question has perplexed me my whole life. The born again Christians seem to believe that they are saved by declaring that they believe in Christ - as if something magical happens and they are able to gain Christ's mercy and salvation merely by confessing or saying that 'I believe'. My early training as a Latter-day Saint, taught me that obedience is where it's at and becoming perfect brings salvation (or exaltation).





So, here's what I believe: Each day as I sincerely strive to remember Jesus Christ, striving to keep the commandments, Christ takes up the slack regarding my imperfections. This quest for completeness or wholeness (perfection) may start at 99% Christ and 1% me. But, I grow from grace to grace, line upon line and each weakness (sin) becomes a strength unto me through His grace. I humbly know that I can't do this by myself. All that I can do is change from day to day, month to month and year to year. As miraculous changes in my character occur, I am humbled and acknowledge that the change has happened only through Christ's grace.





Heavenly Father cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance. That's why we have a Mediator! We pray to the Father in Jesus' name because we cannot access the Father except through Christ. If we are sincerely striving to follow our savior, we have access to the Father because Jesus is taking up the slack regarding our failings.





All that we can do is put our trust in God, exercise faith and work on being obedient. God, through the Holy Ghost will order and prioritize our progression back to Him. Using a shotgun approach in perfecting my keeping of each commandment all at the same time has never worked for me. It becomes overwhelming. But, changing little by little each day as the Spirit directs is doable and rewarding. It is rewarding because I am blessed each time I make a little progress. This increases my faith. My God has no desire to overwhelm me.





This is what I believe is meant by being justified by the Spirit. As we do this process consistently over time we finally become just men made perfect. I have a sneaky feeling that during the process we are perfect in Christ and as we change and grow, we through His grace become perfected in Christ. We are then ready to be sanctified by the blood of Christ. We receive the Second Comforter.