Alma 53-63 Part 1 • Dr. Justin Top • August 19-25 • Come Follow Me

[@laurelstrong6667]

I love all your comments and thoughts on the Stripling Warriors, and I'd like to add one more. For a long time I realized the Book of Mormon contained physical representations of spiritual truths. That being said, the Stripling Warrior experience puzzled me to some extent, because "not doubting" did not save Abinadi or others physically. Then one day when I was reading the story again, I realized in a way I hadn't before that the Striplings were led by a prophet, not a general. It was an aha! moment for me and I literally gasped. Along with all the other lessons we can learn from the Striplings, I realized they are an example of our spiritual lives. Spiritually, we cannot be killed by others. The world may wound us, but, spiritually, it cannot kill us. This applies to everyone.

[@allisonbevans4323]

Love this. Sometimes I get the best truths from the comments of others. Adding this insight to my scriptures. Thank you for sharing!

[@sunnybayliss3221]

Such a gorgeous insight!

[@samblazer07]

Awesome! Thanks

[@crystaldavies9314]

Speaking of war, those who are spared and others who are not... in this spiritual battle our youth are engaged in, a dear friend was sharing with me the experience she had with her daughter who was having suicidal feelings. The Spirit warned her about her daughter's struggle and they were able to get her help. I squeezed her hand as she shared this. Our teenage son took his life and we received no such spiritual intervention beforehand. It was a complete shock. I offer my testimony that the healing power of Jesus Christ can fix anything. Sometimes the Spirit warns us of danger or protects us from it. Other times the Lord carries us after the danger has already happened. No matter what our battle experiences are, the Way has been prepared for each of us to overcome the heartache and difficulties. The Way IS Jesus Christ, through Him and with Him. There is simply no other way to have joy here, now, except by walking with the Savior. I am a witness of this.

[@gayewillis1965]

Thank you for sharing the tender insight.❤

[@susiesmith2052]

Yes, thank you. My prayers are with you and gratitude for your example of understanding and faith.

[@darrenhintze7646]

I am an Amazon delivery driver and when I need a spiritual recharge or when the day is just long, I put y'all on. Thank you so much for these videos! I have learned so much and come so much closer to my Savior Jesus Christ.

[@CMcCloud-m2w]

I love Dr Justin Top’s comment about our trials being grace. Our trials are often the vehicles that help us be more Christlike.

[@PatsyPeterson-z2q]

I love this !! I have learned so much from these great men !

[@evelynscott3681]

You have made the War Chapters so meaningful, and added some humor, which always helps! Thank you!

[@denisewinkowski4389]

Each week I say” this is so excellent! “ Each week you & your guest enlighten, remind , & bring to light the simple true values in ways to see clearer the bigger picture . Thank you

[@noceliasainz4661]

I love this podcast. Helps me immensely while studying scriptures. Thank you

[@lifeloverlorijean]

Loved this entire message! Behold Thy Mother was one of the BEST talks Elder Holland has ever delivered, and I know he has delivered many! Thank you for mentioning it and giving a shout out to mothers.

[@traceyclawson442]

This week's episodes were excellent. Such a beautiful dialogue between the three of you. I don't always love the war chapters but these episodes with Dr. Top are probably some of my favorite this year. Such beautiful insights. Thank you for this wonderful resource.

[@steelemacfarlane6009]

Thank you, great episode!

[@drewhunt8725]

Through the perspective of a Chaplin this is invaluable insight!!

[@ValerieD-mf8ks]

In the 1828 Webster's dictionary the second definition of warrior is, "Emphatically, a brave man; a good soldier." I would say that's a pretty good description.

[@suzannaylor653]

Lesson from the people of Ammon - If Satan can't get to you through threats to you personally, he will move on to threatening your loved ones, instead. If you aren't worried about your own life, he will attempt to get you to break covenants through compassion for others.

[@cassiehoogendoorn9664]

I always loved that Hank said, "hello, my friends!" I guess things have to change every now and then. Love your podcasts, Hank and John. You feel like really smart family!

[@lisajohnson15]

In the section on "How grace works on our behalf," Dr. Top talks about the struggle being grace. I have a testimony of this principle of how we can find God in the struggle. I deal with chronic pain and years ago I was told in a priesthood blessing that it would not be taken from me and that it was for my edification. Having that insight has allowed me to strengthen my Heavenly relationships and has given me a greater ability to see His hand in my life. I have been able to call upon His power to do what needs to be done especially when serving Him. The spiritual strength I have gained from dealing with pain is amazing. My journey often brings to mind the apostle Paul speaking of a thorn in his side in 2 Corinthians 12:9 "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

[@gayewillis1965]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@brenburton2534]

I think it's worth noting that many of these valiant boys were likely raised by single mothers--whose husbands were killed when they knelt down and refused to fight

[@bonitabell-andersen3280]

I just got to know Justin Top a bit by attending his classes at Education Week. It is so fun to see him here - loved this episode!

[@dennisgailey3016]

Great insights into these chapters. I appreciate these thoughts!

[@akimalaeulu2758]

Thank you thank you!! Such good learning!! ❤

[@lifeloverlorijean]

I have often said people are as sick as their secrets. Justin's advice about getting it out is so important! I was engaged to a man who had so many secrets. Needless to say, we did not marry. I knew I could never fully trust him as he wasn't transparent. We are all fighting this spiritual battle today. Trials are our grace. They bring growth.

[@runnerron4]

Thanks so much for all you do to point us to Jesus Christ. Ron from Rigby, ID.

[@summer_owens]

A thought about John supporting Moroni calling Ammoron a child of hell by quoting Jesus: Jesus has insight into the state of people's hearts that we do not. While Moroni was probably correct about the state of Ammoron's heart, insulting and threatening him only served to lengthen the time the Nephite prisoners were in captivity; it exacerbated an already difficult situation. I view the sharing of Moroni's barbed letter as a cautionary tale against letting our anger (whether supposedly well-founded or not) get the best of us. "Our words matter. . . So be careful what you say and how you say it." - Elder Rasband

[@JonF23]

Context: The war chapters from the Book of Mormon, specifically the 2,060 Ammonites and their service under Captain Helaman. During the battle for the city of Cumeni at a critical juncture in the battle, when it appeared that victory for the Lamanites was assured, the 2,060 Stripling Warriors turned the tide of the battle and ultimately the war. 19 But behold, my little band of two thousand and sixty fought most desperately; yea, they were firm before the Lamanites, and did administer death unto all those who opposed them. 20 And as the remainder of our army were about to give way before the Lamanites, behold, those two thousand and sixty were firm and undaunted. 21 Yea, and they did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness; yea, and even according to their faith it was done unto them; and I did remember the words which they said unto me that their mothers had taught them. 22 And now behold, it was these my sons, and those men who had been selected to convey the prisoners, to whom we owe this great victory; for it was they who did beat the Lamanites; therefore they were driven back to the city of Manti. This is where the analogy for life comes into play. We read in the Book of Mormon that the Ammonites were as faithful as any group of individuals who ever walked the earth. They performed every command with exactness and according to their faith "it was done unto them." However, we also read that: 25 And it came to pass that there were two hundred, out of my two thousand and sixty, who had fainted because of the loss of blood; nevertheless, according to the goodness of God, and to our great astonishment, and also the joy of our whole army, there was not one soul of them who did perish; yea, and neither was there one soul among them who had not received many wounds. So we see that even the most faithful were wounded many times, and ten percent of them fainted because of the loss of blood. We then read: 28 And now it came to pass that after we had thus taken care of our wounded men... Here is the application for my life. Trials are part of life, everyone - regardless of their faithfulness - experiences difficult situations; sometimes those trials may be so great that the person facing them will "faint because of the loss of blood", yet there will be someone there to 'take care of your wounds' and guide & assist you through. When that times comes it is important to allow those individuals who wish to tend to your wounds - your loss of blood, your broken hearts, or whatever trials you face - the opportunity to take care of you and help you recover and once again join the battle.

[@denisplouffe514]

Thank you 🙏 🇨🇦

[@dianneatkins2552]

Thanks 👏👏👏👏👏💯🇹🇹

[@icnfxit]

Excellent Thanks

[@dinocollins720]

Thanks from NYC brothers!

[@clarklovell5885]

"Righteousness and obedience are not automatically the same thing" There are so many missionaries right now that needed to hear that. So many missions become unnecessarily difficult because of an unhealthy need to be exactly obedient.

[@leonimateni5655]

thank you

[@nancypenarrieta4741]

Great discussion 👌❤

[@pgray5223]

Can you imagine how hard this was for the father's of these Stripling Warriors? They had been through many battles. They knew how awful it was. They had been fierce Warriors who had fought for what they thought was right. And now they were truly tested. They had to meekly let their precious sons go to battle. What an example of of covenant keeping Priesthood holders.

[@nancyappleby274]

I hope you make the last ten minutes ish a short... That's value, right there!

[@hp3kguy]

I'm one of those who won my battle with stage 4 colon cancer, and hear of others who didn't. I still ponder the why me question 15 years later

[@suzannaylor653]

The families of the 2000 stripling warriors had already proven that they had the faith to withstand "but if not". When they had first lain down their weapons of war, thousands of them had been slain in order to keep their oath. In this instance, they were blessed with miraculous preservation of their lives, but I am sure their mothers were prepared for the worst and willing to suffer through it again for their righteous cause.

[@HouseofIsrael77]

I think it's interesting how in Alma 54:21-22 that Ammoron seems to think of the reality of God for a moment then quickly reverts back when he says, "But behold these things matter not." The switch was so abrupt that it seemed like he was afraid to go further on the subject or he might end up believing.

[@ericfoutz4109]

It is interesting to me that both the sons of Mosiah and the stripling warriors were promised that their lives would be preserved.

[@melanieboles3134]

This was wonderful. My niece is in the Chaplin program at BYU.

[@kenpearce3269]

❤❤❤

[@r.t.matila7647]

Love the experience with President Kimball.

[@jaguarangel1107]

John, you had me laughing outloud with your "chucking the weapons over the wall". Lol And, of course, the boomerangs 🪃 came back. 🤣

[@dlhtaylor333]

My uncle Ralph Halterman, was part of the 213th at Kap Yong. A wonderful uncle.

[@lynettemcdade8550]

I also wondered how they got the weapons in to the prisoners. But had the thought that Laman and his gang came out to make a report. Perhaps they just left the gate opened😁

[@taylorbirdy]

Thanks so much for this!!! Where can I find the link to the "Miracle at Gapyeong" 10 min film?

[@eveelane2806]

If you would ask people to like and subscribe, I would remember to like and comment and then many many more people would be able to see your videos, because the algorithms would jump up high. Just thinking….

[@bruceparsons4307]

Please don't forget that His grace can come through in the form of others' sacrifice. Perhaps it is plausible to believe that from the 1000 of the Nephites that died, some of those deaths were sacrifices to keep the 2k warriors alive.

[@joewise5686]

Why do we call these young men "strippling worriors"? They may be defending their families but the term warriors seems to denote someone who likes to fight.

[@orzog]

Websters 1828 dictionary definition of a warrior: "Emphatically a brave man, a good soldier." Please see above previous comment on this information.

[@sunnybayliss3221]

Stripling refers to their age, between 12 and 14 or 15. Warriors, in the best ancient tradition, did not love war. They trained to be protectors of their families. They were absolutely warriors, and the focus was faithfully protecting their families and their freedom. The title warrior refers to capabilities, not nature.

[@cletaspratt9162]

My son says a tire that's not true, is out of round

[@kaseymcqueen2869]

natural man whack-a-mole hahahaha

[@denningdavidm]

BE A SKUNKUPINE

[@NephiJames-h1h]

I love and enjoyed watching this story! Thank you! 1:01:34 ❤❤❤❤❤🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 Im grateful for all our veterens / soldiers past, present, and future!🫡 Freedom is not free! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXycho2EZseIic0si=wIo5lJZbkS4fH0RW