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Alma 31 v1: Some people dismiss the ancients as unsophisticated, in part due to the worship of physical statue-like idols. However, it's my understanding that at least sometimes, the physical idol represented some god who was more like a concept or at least the one in charge of the concept (such as military might, fertility, or what have you). This verse shows a clear understanding among the Nephite prophets at least that idol worship is the worship of anything other than the one true God. In the Book of Mormon, idol worship is commonly associated with idleness, vanity, flattering words, and priestcraft (as well as any other form of living off other people's labors). It's easy to read those things and think, "Oh, those wicked and foolish Zoramites. We're not like that today." But I think we're exactly like that, and Satan is the author of all of it (details to come). v2: Do not just dismiss the wicked (this is another recurring theme in this part of the Book of Mormon). In the first part, it was to be like Nephi - don't be satisfied with anything less than learning directly from God, learn to be guided by the Spirit in all that you do - President Nelson has been teaching us this extensively. Now, with all these missionary efforts, the theme is to not assume anyone is beyond redemption and give it a try. You'll find a few people, or sometimes many, but even rejection is worth the effort. I wonder how long before the prophetic message in our day is to preach to everyone, even murderous idolaters... v3-4, 8+: We could think of this philosophically rather than geographically in our day. When members of the Church (those who have been taught the word of God) head into philosophies which neighbor those which are our worst enemies, recognize the threat and seek to redeem those members. v5: We often want some program or new idea for how to improve matters or behaviors, but Alma has the simple answer - preach the word of God. v9-11: How to avoid loss of testimony and falling prey to Satan: keep the commandments, participate in ordinances, attend Church meetings, pray every day, do not try to alter the "ways of the Lord" (ordinances and other things which have specific "performances" associated). v12: Sunday-only worship is not sufficient. v13-14: They gathered, but this spot would only hold one person, and that person was high above the heads of the others gathered. The purpose of this is clear - their desire was to be seen of men. Now we need a little background, which we find in the Book of Moses (this contains the most detailed information about the character and personality Satan that I'm aware of). Chapter 1 summary of what we learn about Satan: v12: He wants to be worshiped. (see also Moses 6:49) v19: Easily upset, prone to ranting (like a 2 year old), demands to be worshiped, claims to be the Only Begotten (see also Abraham 3:28 - when he doesn't get his way, he gets angry and storms off in a huff, refusing to play well with others ever again for all eternity) v21: Has considerable power v22: Is not a graceful loser In chapter 4, (verses 1-5) God tells us that Satan wanted God's power all to himself (to strip God of God's power as well as having it himself). Satan wants to destroy the agency of man. He is the father of lies, wants to capture men and force them to submit to his will. Uses subtlety when it suits him. In chapter 5 we learn that Satan (v13) discourages belief in the word of God, (v18) will tell someone to do something that is otherwise right (implied in the overall story and explicit in the Book of Jasher is that Satan will tell them to do it in a way that isn't correct - aka altering ordinances, as mentioned by Isaiah), (v21) is pleased when his followers suffer (the overall story suggests Cain wasn't fully aware that his offering would be unacceptable, though that's debatable), (v29-33, 49-52) is the creator of secret combinations to gain from murder (see also Moses 6:15), (v38) uses desire for wealth / power / gain to tempt. Now back to Alma 31: v15: This verse describes Satan to a T: you were, are, and forever will be a spirit. v16: You, Satan, have separated us from our brethren (Satan's first attack was designed to separate Adam from Eve and both of them from God). Satan himself is childish (see above), but accuses others of being childish (note that God teaches us to be as little children). Satan has "chosen" them (via deceit) to be his children. Satan denies the Christ. v17: Inverted truth - all lies from the father of lies. Distortions of truth used to deceive. It should be obvious that Satan is the author of this prayer and their mode of worship - to be seen of men. Satan is their god. v23: never speaking of their god, but certainly following him v24: "their hearts were set upon gold, and upon silver" - Again, the influence of Satan. v25: Pride is Satan's greatest sin and downfall. v26: You can take all the above as a lesson in reverse - how not to be, Satan's tricks to watch out for. No doubt there were many wicked things going on that we're not told about. v27: "vain things of the world" - Satan would be perfectly happy if he could keep you playing video games for 12 hours per day, or even 8. He'll settle for anything that keeps you from God. (Not saying video games are evil, am saying endless hours on your entertainment, whatever it may be, is a "vain" thing and that Satan will content himself with whatever keeps you from better and best.) v28: Costly apparel and lots of jewelry are other things the Book of Mormon only mentions in association with wickedness. Make sure your heart is set on something better. v30-34: Pray for strength when trying to teach those who are given to wickedness. v34-35: Pray for those to whom you are sent to teach. All souls are precious. v36: Do not forgo being set apart for you calling. Until you are set apart, you do not have the calling or its authority or power, nor blessings you need. ( @Jamie123, in our Church, when a person is asked (called) to serve in a formal way, as a teacher, in the leadership of a sub-organization (like Primary, Young Women's, Relief Society, etc.), or even on the "Activities Committee", their names are presented in Sacrament meeting for the congregation's sustaining vote (or opposing vote, should anyone wish to do so), and after they are sustained, they are set apart by a member of the bishopric, thus making the calling formal and receiving a personal blessing related to their calling. I have noticed that it's not unusual for some people, particularly with "minor" callings - like working in the nursery - to "skip" going to the bishop's office after the Sunday meetings and wait to get set apart. I have a testimony that this is a huge mistake.) v37-38: Worry about the important things and trust that God will bless you with the necessities. Go forward in faith.

Actually, they have been, but using the word "idolatry", but note that it appears to be used more broadly than literal worship of idol-statues. See the relevant entry in the Index to the Triple Combination. See above. All things which replace God are idols, regardless of whether they are statues / statuettes, activities, material goods, beliefs, other people, ideas, politics, false religions, or what have you. I believe the prophets have always understood this. I'm not so sure about that. Look at Ammonihah - that appears to be a group of like-minded people who wanted to separate themselves from the Church. And then there's Zeniff - while he appears to be a righteous person, it does not appear that he was inspired by God to go back to the land the Nephites had fled, but rather it was his own idea. Apparently you've never seen, for example, a quartet stand behind the podium and sing. I've seen even larger groups form an arc around the podium. Further, "the stand" will admit a lot more than one person at a time.

More than one person has misread or heard my version.

Probably so. God has the mercy to reveal things over and over, and the wisdom to call us to gather and instruct one another that all can benefit. I suspect half the "insights" I've had on scripture came from other people on this forum.

Darkness Standard Time. Further proof it's inspired by Satan. Initial evidence: 1. DST starts on a regular Sunday (not fast Sunday). So instead of losing an hour on fast Sunday (when we don't need the time for breakfast), we lose it on a Sunday when we do normally eat breakfast. We can defy Satan by holding an extra fast on the day DST starts and praying that DST will be abolished. 2. DST ends on a fast Sunday, when we don't need that extra hour and thereby have to suffer through a 25 hour fast. (Alternately, you can see this as a blessing and end your fast after 24 hours despite the clock settings, or you can "super-size" your fast, just to spite Satan.) 3. Daylight "Saving" Time is a lie of the highest order. Nothing is saved. The amount of "daylight" doesn't change. The clock is shifted. The proper name for this is "Daylight Shifty Time". (Though I'm now beginning to like "Darkness Standard Time".) 4. Both switches literally kill people (more heart attacks than normal on the shifty days). Apparently the studies have accounted for other variables and it just plain happens, regardless of whether one makes an effort to get enough sleep... 5. Shifty time is kept in place so that retailers can make more money (it's said that people will shop more if it stays light "later"). ETA: Just in case it hasn't clicked for you, 4 & 5 combine into Satan's deal with Cain - murder for money. 6. Shifty time benefits those who get up later (usually white collar making more money and having more ability to use their own time flexibly) and hurts those who get up earlier (usually blue collar who make less money and have less flexibility in how they use their own time). 7. Shifty time was started by people who couldn't mind their own business. Satanic all around, I tell ya!

If failure were enough to deny us the blessings of exaltation, none of us would ever be exalted. Repent as needed, continue faithful to the end. Despair is Satan's tool. Don't give in to it. Find hope in Christ.

Who knows, that may be the source of my thinking - I don't remember - I just have it highlighted and the two linked in my e-scriptures.

Alma 28 v12: I cannot imagine how painful the death of a love one would be for someone who had no hope of life after death. v13: Ironic that Satan claimed he wanted to save everyone (equality) and yet his actions belie that claim, as he seeks to divide and make us unequal. Alma 29 SPOILER ALERT: v1: Perhaps Alma got his wish: v3: It's interesting to consider whether righteous aspirations (ambition?) can be a sin... Certainly, we should be careful that such desires don't keep us from doing what the Lord calls us to do. v4-5: Consider carefully what you wish for, what you pursue. v6-8: Answer to #3 perhaps - recognize that the Lord knows what he's doing and trust that he's put you in the right place at the right time (assuming you're obedient and following the Spirit). v9: Alma's thoughts are much like Ammon's were. I imagine they were good friends. v10+: Remember what the Lord has done for you and others and you will not easily be led away from him. v17: This should be our hope for all people, that somehow we all might turn to God. Even if it seems impossible, we should hope and woek for it. Alma 30 v7 & 11: The way I read this, God's definition of "unequal" is to persecute based on a person's belief - to take away freedom of conscience. This would be considered absurd and revolutionary today, when everyone is jumping on the "you must think what I think" bandwagon. v13: One of the most baffling things to me about Korihor (and similar types) is that they aren't being harmed in any way by the believers. He's free to believe and do what he wishes, yet he's got to preach against Christ and his Church. This is all to common today. The only explanation I can find is Satan, because there is no rational explanation. "Religious types" aren't harming the atheists, for example. v15: You can't know what you don't see. v16: But you have a frenzied mind (which I can't see, while you're alive). And while I can't see the future, I know the things you believe aren't going to happen... (also v17) v17: Ah, I suppose this is how the religious types are harming him - he's an anarchist and wants there to be no law and therefore no crime. Thinks highly of his survival skills... v20: Be like the people of Ammon - don't entertain nonsense. v23-28: Satan's playbook: False accusations. "You can't know that." Twist the truth to speak a lie. Pretend to be concerned about others. Assert that material possessions and pleasure are paramount (without actually saying so). Mock sacred things. Lie about the existence of God (thereby violating your own logic about what can be known). Above verses are a lesson in reverse: don't do those things! Do them and you risk falling into your own trap. v29: Sometimes, keeping silent and turning the matter over to someone else is wisdom. Don't feel like you have to argue with every accuser or refute every persecutor. v32-33: Don't seek to live off the work of others. Provide for yourself. Don't use the work of God to excuse yourself from such work. v40: Folks hate this question. "You can't prove a negative." "It's on you to prove God does exist." etc. v41: All things testify of Christ. Pause now and then to see this. v42: (an old doodle inspired by Korihor and his lying spirit): v43+: Don't ask for signs. Live so that you can recognize the signs that follow those who believe. v48: Another sign of Satan's influence: cowardice and Satan abandoning you (or destroying you, however you want to see it). (see v60) v51: Like everyone else, I wonder if Korihor was made deaf as well. Otherwise, why would the chief judge need to write his message? v53: This is the danger of believing happy lies - eventually, you convince yourself they're true, and then there's no saving you - not easily, anyway. v54, 56, 58: If Korihor were truly sincere, why wouldn't he pray himself? And he went begging rather than working, rather than trying to repair the damage he did (compare to Alma and the sons of Mosiah, who worked hard to undo the damage). v59: SPOILER ALERT: The Zoramites are the sort of people who will run down and stomp on someone until he's dead! (If Korihor were also deaf, that might help to explain this incident - he didn't hear them coming.)

Chorister: The person to whom no one pays any attention but without whom no one will sing.

I heard a very interesting statement a few days ago. It was while listening to a Jordan Peterson speech, so I don't have any references to the study he mentioned, but he said that someone had done a study (if I remember right, they were doing brain scans) and there was literally no difference at all between feeling misery and thinking about yourself (as far as what the brain activity was). That hit me like a 2x4 upside the head. It's no wonder the Church teaches us that often the solution to our own problems is to go and serve others! Satan is a freaking genius, getting this "identity" generation to think only about themselves and their own thoughts and feelings - they'll all be miserable in no time and miserable people do terrifying things!

Alma 26 Perhaps the greatest lesson from this chapter is simply the joy to be found in serving the Lord and in bringing people to a knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Whatever suffering may be required in the process, the joy is inestimable. Also, how different the pure joy that God gives vs. what you think you're enjoying (I'm imagining that during their earlier rebellions, they thought they were having great fun going about to destroy the Church). v2-3: "Can ye tell? ... Behold, I answer for you.." I suspect Ammon was something of a character. v4: That pure joy includes others with it - those you've served, or who have served you; v8 and always inspires praise and gratitude to God. v10: Perhaps this is why they wanted Aaron to be king and not Ammon. A more reserved personality probably seemed more appropriate for king... v12: After ministering, serving God for many years, you should gain confidence and faith that you can do whatever God calls on you to do. v13+: Each of us has the same reason to rejoice - It is because of Jesus Christ that we have light and hope of salvation and opportunities to do good. v17-20: Truly, the Lord's love and mercy are boundless. v21-22: Be humble, repent, obey God and you will learn amazing things. v23-24: Do not mock righteous efforts, do not doubt the power of God, do not "write off" the children of God. v25-26: Love your enemy... v27: When discouraged, turn to God. v30-31: God magnifies righteous effort. v36-37: God remembers all his children, even you. Alma 27 v11-12: Sometimes the Lord preserves you, sometimes he asks you to stay and suffer. Trust that He knows what he's doing. v22+: Love your enemies... v27-30: True faith and hope.

Amen, brother!

Not just special places for our spirit - they are intended to house the third member of the Godhead - the Holy Ghost, not unlike how our temple buildings are houses of the Lord where he himself can come to visit. This literally makes our bodies temples of God. Therefore, one's efforts to maintain physical health should be with the intent to use that health and strength to do the work of God - to help bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. If one's dedication to the physical form (which may or may not be healthy - consult a physician) distances one from God, then it serves no good purpose and becomes a form of idol worship. I would also note that if it harms or prevents proper spiritual, social, or intellectual development; or if it interferes with one's responsibilities (work, education, Church, family), then it is decidedly unhealthy. The good news is that there's no reason it cannot be done with the proper attitude and perspective, in balance with those other things. 1.5 hours per day, 6 days per week, seems entirely manageable while still maintaining one's overall development and responsibilities. (Other people use that time on hobbies or entertainment, @zpeel05 can use it for exercise.) My advice is still to trust that the maker of that body (God) knows best what to do with it. The sacrifice (we are all called to put things on the altar at times) will be worth it, if done willingly and with gratitude (not begrudgingly), and will bring the blessings of heaven.

Congratulations on continuing your efforts to overcome, @Some_one! As @pam said, this is really something you need to discuss with your bishop. Please don't be afraid - he has keys that can help you in your struggle.

D&C 76:71-79 Irony: Pursuit of the perfect mortal body over obedience to God will yield in eternity at best a terrestrial body - one as much less in glory compared to a celestial body as the moon differs from the sun in brightness. You may have it in mortality (until age or injury or disease takes it from you), but then in eternity you will end with something far less (in other words, your efforts will have been for naught). Set your sights on something greater - the glory of God - regardless of the consequences.

Try writing the code to deal with it. Holy nightmare, Batman!

I know nothing about the movie, but if you mean DST, then yes, he is.

Angels (living beings) don't. Imagery used in visions (or to describe visions) might.

You missed it. It happened this morning while you were asleep and the clocks when from 01:59:59 back to 01:00:00 (rather than ahead to 02:00:00). The bad news is that you can experience it again in spring when the clocks go from 01:59:59 to 03:00:00 (skipping right over the entire 02:00 hour). And then again next fall, and then again....

There are such descriptions in scripture as well. And we have some explanation in D&C 77:2-4. FWIW. Short answer: When it suits, the Lord uses symbolism.

Alma 24 v1: @Jamie123, just noting that we don't really know anything about the Amalekites beyond this story and what's found in the index - apparently, they're a bunch of Nephite apostates. v6-16: This is serious conversion. We could perhaps abstract this into any other principle - have you been converted enough that not only will you not do X, but you will remove from your life everything that could possibly be used to do X, and you will suffer anything and everything at the hands of others rather than do X? Thankfully (?), most of us are not tried to this extent. "....and if our brethren destroy us, behold, we shall go to our God and shall be saved." v9: Are we grateful to God when he shows us that we were wrong? v11, 15: "all that we could do" ... "it was all we could do"... "as much as we could do" ... See 2 Nephi 25:23 (someone else on these forums discovered this connection, but I forget who.) v12-13: Do all in your power not to go back to prior sins! v14: "because he loveth our souls as well as he loveth our children" - remember that God loves all of us, past, present, future, here, there, and everywhere - act accordingly. v18: @Jamie123 - this commitment not to take up weapons will come up later in our story - just FYI. (Don't want to spoil it for you.) v18: This verse alone could solve all the world's problems if we would just live it. v27: One of umpteen reasons the Lord allows suffering and sin - to convert sinners. v28: The order of the Nehors is very popular in our day. Alma 25 I guess when fighting and killing are the only way you know to solve problems, you fight and kill... v15: In a way, nothing has changed - we now have the gospel of Jesus Christ to point us toward his second coming.

dupe

FWIW, this is our interpretation of "tongue of angels (2 Nephi 32:2-3): One does not need the gift of speaking in other tongues (aka languages) (or even unknown tongues / languages) - one needs only speak the words of Christ. Also, for the record: Bible Dictionary entry for Angels - we don't believe they're a different species or category of beings - just people, either as spirit, translated, or resurrected beings.

The Elder can think whatever he wants, but only you and God can know what you do / don't have a testimony of. Personally, I don't think having a testimony and failing to act on it is as bad as making a covenant and failing to live up to it. Certainly, if God gives one a witness through the Holy Ghost, then one is responsible for what they do with that witness, but a covenant is a whole other level - it's a binding agreement. (@Vort said this better.) Just in case we define terms differently, from my perspective, a testimony would mean a strong or sure belief born of experience and the witness of the Holy Ghost, but it's not as strong as conversion (by which I don't mean joining a religion, but having your heart changed by God through faith, which should follow testimony (which should inspire action)). (How's that for a serious set of run-on sentences?) If I had to rank them, conversion is stronger than testimony which is stronger than belief, with faith being the route between them - act in faith on belief and it becomes testimony, act in faith on testimony and it leads to conversion. FWIW. As to acting on belief or testimony vs. denying it, remember Amulek's words when he was preaching with Alma to the people of Ammonihah: I can't be the only person who has sometimes wished not to know the gospel or truth or commandments or whatever. This is what repentance is for. And despite Amulek's prior reluctance, he was able to change and become a blessing to Alma and others. I try to remind myself of this verse after the most popular one in Christendom: The time for condemnation hasn't come yet. Now is the time for saving, so repent and keep trying. No need to despair - that's Satan's tool.

Apparently this was not uncommon in the ancient middle east - at least, that's what @Traveler tells us.