Book of Mormon Sunday II- Alma 15-21

    As the story continues I am again reminded of the strong friendship forged between Alma and Amulek. After facing death together, seeing others die for their beliefs, and constantly finding ways to teach the gospel, these two men are strengthened by their bond through the Lord.
  Alma 15:18 "Now as I said, Alma having seen all these things, therefore he took Amulek and came over to the land of Zarahemla, and took him to his own house, and did administer unto him in his tribulations, and strengthened him in the Lord."

  The believing saints, who withstood persecution, begin to live "in the manner of happiness" and are strengthened by the spirit.

   Alma16:16 "And there was no inequality among them; the Lord did pour out his Spirit on all the face of the land to prepare the minds of the children of men, or to prepare their hearts to receive the word which should be taught among them at the time of his coming --That they might not be hardened against the word, that they might not be unbelieving, and go on to destruction, but that they might receive the word with joy, and as a branch be grafted into the true vine, that they might enter into the rest of the Lord their God."

   Meanwhile, the story of the sons of Mosiah continues. They meet up Alma and tell of their mission experiences.

   Alma 17:2 "Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.

3 But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God."

   These verses give account of how these missionaries prepared themselves. This preparation gives fruit to a strong abiding love, which I think makes them so successful.

   Alma 20:26 "And when he saw that Ammon had no desire to destroy him, and when he also saw the great love he had for his son Lamoni, he was astonished exceedingly"

  One of the biggest miracles in the Book of Mormon is the conversion of the Lamanites. And this miracles had it's roots in the desires of Lehi and Nephi who prayed diligently for their posterity. Nephi saw his brother's people in vision and surely this period of time was sweet for him to see.

Alma 21:23 "And Ammon did preach unto the people of king Lamoni; and it came to pass that he did teach them all things concerning things pertaining to righteousness. And he did exhort them daily, with all diligence; and they gave heed unto his word, and they were zealous for keeping the commandments of God."