A Tale of Two Cities

1. A Tale of Two Cities • Limhi and Alma

2. “Mormon” - more goodWhere does it come from? • 1) nickname given to us by others because we believe in the Book of Mormon • 2) the Book of Mormon is named after the prophet-historian who wrote and compiled it • 3) Where did that prophet historian get his name? 3 Nephi 5:12 • Gordon B. Hinckley, “Mormon Should Mean ‘More Good’,” Ensign, Nov 1990, 51

3. “Mormon” - more goodWhere does it come from? • 1) nickname given to us by others because we believe in the Book of Mormon • 2) the Book of Mormon is named after the prophet-historian who wrote and compiled it • 3) That prophet-historian was named after a place where priesthood authority established the church of Christ among a people who had transgressed the commandments. • 4) What do we know about that place? Mosiah 18:30

4. “Mormon” - more goodWhat made this place beautiful for Alma? • 1) nickname based on Book of Mormon • 2) prophet-historian who wrote and compiled it • 3) place where the church of Christ was established • 4) “Mormon” is about coming to a beautiful place where one is converted to Christ

5. Where is your beautiful place of spiritual significance? 5

6. Mosiah 18:8-13 Baptismal Covenant Look for our part and the Lord’s promisesHow can we fulfill our part? • Referring to Mosiah 18:8–13,President Marion G. Romney said, “I know of no better explanation of the baptismal covenant” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1975, 109; or Ensign, Nov. 1975, 73).

7. What is our part?How can we fulfill our part? 7

8. Bear one another’s burdens • “If there is one word that described all the woes and threats that exist today, it’s indifference. You see tragedy on television for three minutes and then comes something else and something else. Indifference, to me is the epitome of evil. The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it’s indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy it’s indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference.” • Elie Weisel, Honorary degree awarded at BYU Aug 17, 1989 8

9. How have you been blessed as you have helped others bear their burdens? • “Help thy brother’s boat across - and lo! Thine own has reached the shore.” • Hindu proverb

10. Mosiah 18:13 How might it affect our capacity to serve the Lord if we offer prayers similar to Alma’s? • O Lord, pour out thy Spirit upon thy servant, that he may do this work with holiness of heart.

11. Both Alma and Helam were buried in the water • President Joseph Fielding Smith taught, “Alma was baptized and held the priesthood before the coming of Abinadi, but he became involved with other priests under the reign of the wicked King Noah, and when he baptized Helam, he felt he needed a cleansing himself so he buried himself in the water as a token of full repentance” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 2:336–37).

12. Mosiah 18:18-30 Do we have a Waters of Mormon Ward? • Make your home or ward like the Waters of Mormon - • a place of beauty, • love, • peace, • prosperity, • protection, • where the gospel is taught and lived 12

13. A Tale of Two Cities • Limhi and Alma

14. President David O. McKay • Two voices are calling you—one coming out from the swamps of selfishness and force, where success means death; and the other from the hilltops of justice and progress, where even failure brings glory. • BYU Dev, May 1960

15. Tale of Two Cities Limhi’s People Kept same behavior Remained surrounded by sin Attacked by Lamanites- Noah killed- Limhi becomes king Placed under bondage- as prophesied Fight back Suffer Forced to be humble Burden- Heavy Create escape plan Arrive safely in Zarahemla • Alma’s People • Repent/Baptized • Left completely • Attacked by apostates and Lamanites • Remain humble • Burden- Light • Lord reveals escape plan • Arrive safely in Zarahemla

16. Alma 32:13The principle that helps us understand what these two groups experienced 16

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