The Book of Mormon War Chapters - Justin Top
Why are there so many war stories in the Book of Mormon?
The War in heaven continues on the earth today.
So what do the war chapters teach about protecting our families?
Satan's Tactics
Strategy #1 Sneak Attacks
Alma 59:9 And now as Moroni had supposed that there should be men sent to the city Nephihah, to the assistance of the people to maintain that city, and knowing that it was easier to keep the city from falling into the hands of the Lamanites than to retake it from them, he supposed that they would easily maintain that city.
"It is easier to prepare and prevent than it is to repair and repent" Ezra T. Benson
Moroni prepares his people
Alma 43:17-19
Alma 43:17 And Moroni took all the command, and the government of their wars. And he was only twenty and five years old when he was appointed chief captain over the armies of the Nephites.
Alma 43:18 And it came to pass that he met the Lamanites in the borders of Jershon, and his people were armed with swords, and with cimeters, and all manner of weapons of war.
Alma 43:19 And when the armies of the Lamanites saw that the people of Nephi, or that Moroni, had prepared his people with breastplates and with arm-shields, yea, and also shields to defend their heads, and also they were dressed with thick clothing-
Ephesians 6:10-18
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery bdarts of the wicked.
17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Loins girt with truth - skirts tucked in belt so you can run and move freely
Breast Plate of right - protect your heart
Feet prepared with gospel - so you can go forward run
Shield of Faith - How does faith block the fiery darts? It quenches them
Helmet - protect your mind and thoughts
Sword - Truth
Where did moroni get the idea for armor? Did he read in the scriptures about Ether and the Jaredites and how they used armor?
Intelligence - go and ask the prophet Alma, and sent spies
Alma 43:23
But it came to pass, as soon as they had departed into the wilderness Moroni sent spies into the wilderness to watch their camp; and Moroni, also, knowing of the prophecies of Alma, sent certain men unto him, desiring him that he should inquire of the Lord whither the armies of the Nephites should go to defend themselves against the Lamanites.
Support - Moroni had a good friend and blocker
Satan Strategy #2 Psychological Warfare
Have moral courage - son's of Helaman
Alma 56:47 - did not fear death
47 Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.
Are we afraid to stand up for what is right?
Buried weapons of rebellion
Satan Strategy #3 Divide and Conquer
Road Rage - We assume, we justify our own bad behavior,
Pahoran Principle - I am glad you care... I agree with you... Lets come together...
Satan builds up pride