Alma 23-29: Anti-Nephi-Lehi

Segment 1

Scriptures:
Alma 23:5-6 (The Lamanites believed and never fell away)

Words of the General Authorities:
One of the most important concepts of revealed religion is that of a sacred covenant. (Russell M. Nelson, “Covenants”, October 2011 General Conference)

Segment 2

Scriptures:
Alma 23:16-18 (The Anti-Nephi-Lehies get their name)

Segment 3

Scriptures:
Alma 24:17 (Bury your weapons deep)
Alma 24:18 (The covenant of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies)
Alma 24:10-11 (Promised blessings of the covenant)

Words of the General Authorities:
In legal language, a covenant generally denotes an agreement between two or more parties. But in a religious context, a covenant is much more significant. It is a sacred promise with God. He fixes the terms. Each person may choose to accept those terms. If one accepts the terms of the covenant and obeys God’s law, he or she receives the blessings associated with the covenant. We know that “when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated” (Russell M. Nelson, “Covenants”, October 2011 General Conference)

Segment 4

Scriptures:
Alma 24:10-11 (God promises to take away guilt)
Genesis 3:21 (The coat of skin given to Adam and Eve)

Study Helps:
Prophetic Teachings on Temples (Temples, churchofjesuschrist.org)

Words of the General Authorities:
When we realize that we are children of the covenant, we know who we are and what God expects of us. His law is written in our hearts. He is our God and we are His people. Committed children of the covenant remain steadfast, even in the midst of adversity. When that doctrine is deeply implanted in our hearts, even the sting of death is soothed and our spiritual stamina is strengthened. (Russell M. Nelson, “Covenants”, October 2011 General Conference)

Segment 5

Scriptures:
Genesis 15:7-21 (Abrahamic Covenant)
Alma 25:14-16 (Covenants strengthen faith in Christ)

Translations:
kārat berît = cut a covenant (Hebrew)

Study Helps:
The importance of covenants is emphasized by the fact that some form of the word covenant is found 555 times in the standard works, almost as often as faith (627 occurrences) or repent (628 occurrences). Indeed, the Lord has called the fulness of the gospel “the covenant” (D&C 39:11) and the “everlasting covenant” (D&C 66:2). (Jared T. Parker, “Cutting Covenants”, Sperry Symposium)

Segment 6

Scriptures:
2 Nephi 2:2 (Consecrating affliction for gain)
Alma 28:4-5 (Sadness for the people)
Alma 26:27 (The Lord comforts in affliction)
Alma 26:11 (Joy in humility)
Alma 27:19 (Friends in the Gospel)
Alma 17:2 (Joy of finding your people)
Alma 28:14 (All joy because of the light of Christ)