Mormon’s account of the heartbreaking martyrdom of Christian men, women, and children in Ammonihah serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing reality of Christian persecution in our world today. How can we draw strength from the examples of courageous brothers and sisters who have laid down their lives for Jesus Christ? Did Mormon intend to draw a parallel between the martyrs of Ammonihah and modern-day believers who face oppression in Communist regimes and other nations hostile to Christianity? Have prophets foretold future persecution in America? Explore these questions, watch powerful film clips, and be inspired by the faith-filled stories of modern disciples in this For Our Day lesson.

View the list of recommended movies and books on our website: https://josephsmithfoundation.org/for-our-day-lesson-26-martyrs-in-ammonihah-modern-christian-persecution/

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Host: L. Hannah Stoddard https://josephsmithfoundation.org/l-hannah-stoddard/

The Book of Mormon points out in Alma 10 that the foundation of the Nephite destruction was “laid by the unrighteousness of your lawyers and your judges.” (Alma 10:27) How does this apply to our day, or does it?

To find additional resources, visit the For Our Day website! https://josephsmithfoundation.org/for-our-day-lesson-25-corrupt-lawyers-judges-silencing-the-christians/

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Host: L. Hannah Stoddard https://josephsmithfoundation.org/l-hannah-stoddard/

What does scripture say about the latter-day Nephite remnant? 

Doctrine and Covenants 3:16-17 reveals that Latter-day Nephites, Jacobites, Josephites, and Zoramites will come to know Jesus Christ through the testimony "of their fathers." Do the great heroes of the Book of Mormon—Mormon, Moroni, Nephi, Captain Moroni, Abinadi, and others—have posterity alive today?

In this presentation, James and Hannah Stoddard walk through a small portion of the scriptural case for a worldwide Nephite remnant. Could Nephite descendants be found in North and South America, Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and more?

Special thanks to the FIRM Foundation for giving us permission to post this video from their September 2020 Book of Mormon Evidence conference!

Since the beginning of the Restoration, Latter-day prophets have spoken boldly against fallen and carnal aspects of our society, culture, and personal lives. The 20th century saw a rejection of many of these teachings and, in the words of Ezra Taft Benson, a lesser portion of the word was given. Are we prepared to learn of and remember these forgotten teachings? 

The Nephite church also struggled with pride and prophetic rejection. Rather than a dead form of religion, Alma taught the Nephites that we must truly be born again to overcome the effects of the Fall and the natural man. After being born of the Spirit, we must be continually renewed and progressively changed until we become like Jesus Christ and receive His image in our countenance. Regeneration through the Atonement and the Spirit of the Lord is the very heart of the Gospel for active members and all others. 

What have prophets taught us to change? Are we ready to accept redemption? The answers are simpler than we think!

As the Nephite Church grew and prospered, a segment of members began struggling with pride, vanity, and contention. Alma abandoned his political office—recognizing that preaching the word of God was the only solution to cause an awakening. Likewise, during the early days of the Church, leaders began to be afraid that many of the pioneers had become spiritually asleep. Learn the story of the "Mormon Reformation" and how Alma and latter-day prophets tackled the challenge of restoring purity among their saints.

The Book of Mormon is the most accurate work on government that we have. It is wonderful to study the words of the Constitution. It is great to read the words of the Founding Fathers as well as John Locke, Blackstone, Montesquieu, and others. But if we want to truly understand the very heart of our Constitutional law, we should study the Book of Mormon. It is the key to restoring liberty and law in our nation today.

Government is fundamental to salvation and individuals will be held accountable for all actions made in this regard (D&C 134: 1). When Christ came here to America, to the Nephites, he gave commentary on the teachings of Isaiah concerning the latter days. One of His major themes was the establishment of the government of the United States, the Constitutional government on this land. The Savior specifically and repeatedly taught that modern Israel would be established as a free people in the promised land. Both the Laws of Mosiah and the Constitutional Law on this land were brought forth by Godly and righteous men through inspiration from Heaven. Both were divinely approved of God.

It is no accident that all of the principles of the Laws of Mosiah can be found in the Constitutional law upon which this nation, the United States of America was established. In addition to the parallels in the establishment of these two governments, the enemies of these governments are also prophetically similar.

To find additional resources, visit the For Our Day website! Lesson 23: Mosiah’s Government of Liberty—Reign of Judges https://josephsmithfoundation.org/for-our-day-lesson-23-divinely-sanctioned-governments-of-liberty/

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Host: L. Hannah Stoddard https://josephsmithfoundation.org/l-hannah-stoddard/

The power of the Book of Mormon lies in the solutions it has for our day! And very few messages are repeated more than the call to be born of God. Experiencing a mighty change of heart saved Alma's struggling son—and each of us has our own struggles, weaknesses, and fallen nature to overcome. We all must be born again!

To find additional resources, visit the For Our Day website! Lesson 22: Saving Rebellious Youth: Alma the Younger https://josephsmithfoundation.org/for-our-day-lesson-22-saving-rebellious-youth-church-reformation-alma-alma-the-younger/

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Host: L. Hannah Stoddard https://josephsmithfoundation.org/l-hannah-stoddard/

In both the Book of Mormon and in our day, Church stability becomes threatened as the rising generation struggles to understand and embrace the faith of their parents. Among the Nephite church, false ideologies rejecting the fall, resurrection, and atonement lead to moral sin and apostasy. During the 20th century, we see parallel apostasy creep in among the posterity of the faithful pioneers—as secularism and progressive beliefs threaten to undermine faith. Schools and college universities became a battleground for the hearts and souls of the children. Learn the fascinating story of the controversial firing of three BYU professors in 1910 by President Joseph F. Smith and Mormon’s counsel to save the youth of the Church today.

To find additional resources, visit the For Our Day website! Lesson 22: Saving Rebellious Youth: Alma the Younger https://josephsmithfoundation.org/for-our-day-lesson-22-saving-rebellious-youth-church-reformation-alma-alma-the-younger/

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Host: L. Hannah Stoddard https://josephsmithfoundation.org/l-hannah-stoddard/

Learn the story of the Utah War and the comforting parallels found in the Book of Mormon. The prophet Alma counseled the Nephites to “remember that it was the Lord that did deliver them.” Alma also urged his people continually to remember the captivity of their fathers. This is repeated over and over in the Book of Mormon. Are we remembering the captivity of our fathers?

Watch Part 1: Joseph Smith & Alma’s Church https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GIJN2WyJuQ

Watch Part 2: Limhi & the American Civil War https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qx8YyYTLB_U

Shortly after founding the Church, King Noah sought to destroy the work of God, and the saints were warned by the Lord to flee from their homes into the wilderness. They found a new land and labored diligently tilling the soil and building buildings. Alma was a high priest over the Church and watched carefully over the people appointing other priests and teachers. Their peace did not last long as they were soon enslaved and persecuted by Lamanite captors. The Lord, however, in time miraculously supported and delivered His people by their flight to a new land away from their enemies.

In our own day, the early pioneers of the Church were continually harassed and persecuted for their faith. Like Alma's people, they too were forced by the government to abandon their homes—eventually finding safety in the Rocky Mountains. Their peace did not last long when a few years later, the United States government sent an army to rape, pillage, subjugate and destroy Deseret. Like Alma, however, our early forefathers were miraculously preserved.

To find additional resources, visit the For Our Day website! Lesson 21: Joseph Smith & Alma’s Church – Restoration & Persecution https://josephsmithfoundation.org/for-our-day-lesson-21-joseph-smith-almas-church-apostasy-restoration-persecution/

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Host: L. Hannah Stoddard https://josephsmithfoundation.org/l-hannah-stoddard/

Learn why prophetic leaders taught the Civil War was a judgment from God on both the North and the South—and Mormon's prophetic parallels within the history of King Limhi and his people!

Watch Part 1: Joseph Smith & Alma’s Church https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7GIJN2WyJuQ

Resources mentioned in podcast:

—Preparedness & the Last Days FAQs https://josephsmithfoundation.org/faqs/category/preparedness-the-last-days/

—Prophetic Statements on "Will the government of the United States fail and collapse?" https://josephsmithfoundation.org/government-will-the-government-of-the-united-states-fail-and-collapse-2/

—Prophetic Statements on "What have latter-day prophets taught concerning the prophecy of Joseph Smith that the United States Constitution would hang by a thread and be saved, if saved at all, through the efforts of the Elders of Israel?" https://josephsmithfoundation.org/faqs/government/31-hang-by-a-thread-what-have-latter-day-prophets-taught-concerning-the-prophecy-of-joseph-smith-that-the-united-states-constitution-would-hang-by-a-thread-and-be-saved-if-saved-at-all-through-the/

After the martyrdom of Abinadi, King Noah and his people attempted to kill the followers of Abinadi’s teachings. They were driven into the wilderness and saved only through divine intervention. The judgments of God then manifested themselves as contentions increased and the people were on the brink of civil war. The Lamanites invaded the land and bound the people into slavery.

Much like the people of Alma, the saints were driven out of the United States and led by the Lord to safety. At about the same time the Cherokee and other formerly Lamanite tribes were forced to relocate outside the United States as well. The nation had driven out much of the purest Israelite blood from among them. Through the nation’s rejection and slaying of the Lord’s prophet, the Lord did come out of his hiding place and vex the nation, just as he stated in D&C 101.

To find additional resources, visit the For Our Day website! Lesson 21: Joseph Smith & Alma’s Church – Restoration & Persecution https://josephsmithfoundation.org/for-our-day-lesson-21-joseph-smith-almas-church-apostasy-restoration-persecution/

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Host: L. Hannah Stoddard https://josephsmithfoundation.org/l-hannah-stoddard/

Did Mormon, when abridging the record, carefully select and highlight the formation of the Church of Christ in the days of Alma and Mosiah to correspond with the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in this dispensation?

Resources mentioned in podcast:

— "Socialism and the United Order" (Marion G. Romney) (Audio: https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/marion-g-romney/socialism-united-order; Written transcript: https://latterdayconservative.com/articles/is-socialism-the-united-order/)

— Homeschool Dropouts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5MLnSlnJQw

What can we learn from the establishment of the Church in the Book of Mormon to better understand the Church’s purpose and organization in our own day?

Does the persecution and driving into the wilderness of the Church founded by Alma foreshadow the driving and expulsion of the saints in the latter days?

In the Book of Mormon, Alma found himself in the midst of a priesthood that had become corrupt. Alma founded the Church of Christ in spite of persecution and harassment. Only through direction from the Lord were Alma and his people protected.

Because of wickedness, the keys and priesthood of God were taken from the earth. The Prophet Joseph Smith gathered and organized the Church of Christ in this dispensation with continuous threats by mobs, jealous clergy, and apostate saints. However, as with Alma, the Lord watched over the Prophet’s life and the lives of the saints until their work was completed.

To find additional resources, visit the For Our Day website! Lesson 21: Joseph Smith & Alma’s Church – Restoration & Persecution https://josephsmithfoundation.org/for-our-day-lesson-21-joseph-smith-almas-church-apostasy-restoration-persecution/

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Host: L. Hannah Stoddard https://josephsmithfoundation.org/l-hannah-stoddard/

Throughout Book of Mormon history, there were many prophets killed for their testimony of Christ, but only one is described in extensive detail. Abinadi came among a people who had abandoned the true gospel of Jesus Christ. He taught the truth in purity and plainness, and although taken and placed in prison, he was not suffered to be put to death until he had accomplished his mission and declared his testimony.

Throughout latter-day history, there have also been many who have sacrificed their lives for the gospel of Jesus Christ but one stands preeminent above all others. The martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith is one of the principal signs of the times in the latter days. Is this event foreshadowed in the Book of Mormon? Was the mission of the prophet Joseph Smith foreshadowed by the mission of Abinadi in the Book of Mormon?

To find additional resources, visit the For Our Day website! Lesson 20: Martyr: Abinadi & Joseph Smith Paralleled https://josephsmithfoundation.org/for-our-day-lesson-20-martyr-abinadi-joseph-smith-paralleled/

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Host: L. Hannah Stoddard https://josephsmithfoundation.org/l-hannah-stoddard/

Throughout Book of Mormon history, there were many prophets killed for their testimony of Christ, but only one is described in extensive detail. Abinadi came among a people who had abandoned the true gospel of Jesus Christ. He taught the truth in purity and plainness, and although taken and placed in prison, he was not suffered to be put to death until he had accomplished his mission and declared his testimony.

Throughout latter-day history, there have also been many who have sacrificed their lives for the gospel of Jesus Christ but one stands preeminent above all others. The martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith is one of the principal signs of the times in the latter days. Is this event foreshadowed in the Book of Mormon? Was the mission of the prophet Joseph Smith foreshadowed by the mission of Abinadi in the Book of Mormon?

To find additional resources, visit the For Our Day website! Lesson 20: Martyr: Abinadi & Joseph Smith Paralleled https://josephsmithfoundation.org/for-our-day-lesson-20-martyr-abinadi-joseph-smith-paralleled/

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Host: L. Hannah Stoddard https://josephsmithfoundation.org/l-hannah-stoddard/

The Nephites were given the Jaredite history as a witness and warning to them. Their record was recorded on gold plates and translated by a seer using the Urim and Thummim. Why did Mormon include this translation story in the book of Mosiah? Did Mormon foreshadow the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, in the Book of Mormon?

To find additional resources, visit the For Our Day website! Lesson 19: Gold Plates – Warnings & Witnesses https://josephsmithfoundation.org/for-our-day-lesson-19-gold-plates-warnings-witnesses/

Both the Nephite plates and the Jaredite plates contain a witness and a warning of fallen civilizations that formerly inhabiting the Americas. Both records tell of people led out from the wicked, and growing into chosen and righteous nations prospered as few have in history. After receiving these great blessings of the Lord, each nation degenerated. 

Both records were recorded upon golden plates and was translated by a seer through the gift and power of God using the Urim and Thummim. Witness artifacts of both records included breastplates, swords, and the plates themselves. The records were not written for the people of whom it was an account and they conclude describing the entire destruction of these former Christian inhabitants of America in a bloody confrontation near the Hill Cumorah. 

Learn more about the story of Mosiah's translation of the Jaredite records and the intriguing parallels with the translation of the Book of Mormon in our day?

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Host: L. Hannah Stoddard https://josephsmithfoundation.org/l-hannah-stoddard/

King Benjamin's righteous leadership led his entire kingdom in spiritual rebirth as his people united in covenant with God. These covenants prepared them for a constitutional republic, a greater expansion of the Church, and the reception of the Jaredite gold plates which were translated by Mosiah the seer using the Urim & Thummim.

Is there a parallel among the signs of the times in our day?

Learn the incredible and moving story of the Scottish Covenanters! During the 17th century, national revival swept across Scotland and thousands gathered to make covenants with God. Like King Benjamin's people, these faithful saints were driven by a desire to become like the ancient children of Israel, and political, cultural, and religious reform spread across Scotland.

Sadly, these covenants required a heavy price—as thousands were persecuted, imprisoned, tortured, and even killed for their faith. However, persecution drove these "Covenanters" to America, paving the way for the Restoration of the Gospel.

Discover compelling stories of courage and fortitude as you meet heroes and heroines including Margaret Wilson, James Renwick, James Guthrie, and others!

As we study the parallels between King Benjamin and the Scottish Covenanters, we might ask ourselves: what would happen if a similar movement took place today? History would truly never be the same again!

To find additional resources, visit the For Our Day website! https://josephsmithfoundation.org/for-our-day-lesson-18-covenanters-national-revolution-without-warfare/

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Host: L. Hannah Stoddard https://josephsmithfoundation.org/l-hannah-stoddard/

We've hit an exciting milestone in this series! We're beginning the portion of Mormon's actual abridgment in the Book of Mormon.

Are you ready? Let's start by coming to know this incredible prophet, historian, and king!

Mormon is one of the greatest prophets, kings, and historians to live in the history of our earth. An inspirational hero from his youth, he was trusted with the hidden location of the Nephite record at only 10 years old, was visited by Jesus Christ at 15, and that same year was given command over the entire Nephite army.

Mormon's lineage and name reveal he had a sacred bloodline mission to restore lost Israel from the grave. Will we humbly turn our hearts to this birthright brother and hear his message of hope for his broken brothers and sisters today?

How do we unite the Stick of Joseph/Ephraim with the stick of Judah so the "great army" of Israel can resurrect, as seen by Ezekiel?

How do we make the Book of Mormon message relevant for other tribes, especially Judah? 

Why was Mormon commissioned to write the Book of Mormon the way that he did?

What was the Josephite lineage, and why were they set apart to save Israel from captivity?

All of this and more in this week's podcast!

To find additional resources, visit the For Our Day website! https://josephsmithfoundation.org/for-our-day-lesson-17-mormon-benjamin-fathers-kings-who-changed-history/

Follow the Joseph Smith Foundation:

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Host: L. Hannah Stoddard https://josephsmithfoundation.org/l-hannah-stoddard/

We've hit an exciting milestone in this series! We're beginning the portion of Mormon's actual abridgment in the Book of Mormon.

Are you ready? Let's start by coming to know this incredible prophet, historian, and king!

Mormon is one of the greatest prophets, kings, and historians to live in the history of our earth. An inspirational hero from his youth, he was trusted with the hidden location of the Nephite record at only 10 years old, was visited by Jesus Christ at 15, and that same year was given command over the entire Nephite army.

Mormon's lineage and name reveal he had a sacred bloodline mission to restore lost Israel from the grave. Will we humbly turn our hearts to this birthright brother and hear his message of hope for his broken brothers and sisters today?

How do we unite the Stick of Joseph/Ephraim with the stick of Judah so the "great army" of Israel can resurrect, as seen by Ezekiel?

How do we make the Book of Mormon message relevant for other tribes, especially Judah? 

Why was Mormon commissioned to write the Book of Mormon the way that he did?

What was the Josephite lineage, and why were they set apart to save Israel from captivity?

All of this and more in this week's podcast!

To find additional resources, visit the For Our Day website! https://josephsmithfoundation.org/for-our-day-lesson-17-mormon-benjamin-fathers-kings-who-changed-history/

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Host: L. Hannah Stoddard https://josephsmithfoundation.org/l-hannah-stoddard/

Today we are facing an onslaught of criticism against Western culture, civilization, and morality. We are watching the foundations being distorted and torn out from under us. As we go through the seemingly insignificant books of Enos through Words of Mormon, we are going to find answers to this conflict and what we can do about it!

To find additional resources, visit the For Our Day website! https://josephsmithfoundation.org/for-our-day-lesson-16-the-war-on-the-west-racial-hate-resentment-against-our-founding/

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Host: L. Hannah Stoddard https://josephsmithfoundation.org/l-hannah-stoddard/

Today we are facing an onslaught of criticism against Western culture, civilization, and morality. We are watching the foundations being distorted and torn out from under us. As we go through the seemingly insignificant books of Enos through Words of Mormon, we are going to find answers to this conflict and what we can do about it!

To find additional resources, visit the For Our Day website! https://josephsmithfoundation.org/for-our-day-lesson-16-the-war-on-the-west-racial-hate-resentment-against-our-founding/

Follow the Joseph Smith Foundation:

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Host: L. Hannah Stoddard https://josephsmithfoundation.org/l-hannah-stoddard/

In Nephite history there were many antichrists who came among the people and taught their false philosophies. All of these men were cunning, possessing great power of language and charisma. The teachings of Sherem—and later a similar ideology among the Zoramites—can be compared to the false creeds of apostate christianity that negatively influenced the early colonists of America as well as the 19th-century Christians at the time of Joseph Smith. These beliefs continue to cause confusion and incite contention today. Learn about the roots of sign-seeking, gifts of the spirit, the true nature of the Godhead, the Plan of Salvation, and the confusion introduced by the Athanasian and Nicene Creeds!

To find additional resources, visit the For Our Day website! https://josephsmithfoundation.org/for-our-day-lesson-15-sherems-antichrist-parallels-with-apostate-christian-creeds/

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Host: L. Hannah Stoddard https://josephsmithfoundation.org/l-hannah-stoddard/