29 The Virtue of the Word of God
“The Virtue of
the Word of God”
Book of Mormon Videos https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/videos-and-images/book-of-mormon-videos?lang=eng
Words carry power, whether for good or for evil.
Alma
30:31, 47 Evil apostates and evil leaders use flattering,
vain, false words to lead people astray.
Alma
31:9, 11 Zoram, like more recent modern leaders, led away
entire groups of people.
Alma 31:5
Whereas, Alma used his words and his testimony to bring people to the truth, to
Jesus Christ. “And now, as the preaching of the word had a
great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it
had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or
anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was
expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.”
Alma 30:39–50
Through words of truth and through the power of Jesus Christ, Alma’s testimony
silenced Korihor.
Alma 31:31–38
Alma’s words of faith were used to petition the Lord that he and his fellow
servants would have the faith, strength, ability, and endurance to regain lost
souls whose minds and hearts were steeped in falsehoods.
Alma 31:5 I
need to constantly feast upon the word of God, so that I can continually put my
trust in the virtue of the word of God.
For kids:
The
Book of Mormon warns me against false teachings.
Alma 30
Display real and fake items: food, money, etc.
How can we know the difference between things that are real and things that are false?
When are things that are false okay? Imaginary play.
When are things that are false harmful?
Alma
30:12–18 What lies and false teachings di Korihor proclaim against God?
vs 12 Korihor taught there would be no Christ; vs 13 He mocked the people for
their beliefs and said no one can know of things to come; vs 14 he called the
words of the prophets foolish traditions of their fathers; vs 15 he said that
we can know anything we can’t see, so we shouldn’t believe that there will be a
Christ; Vs 16 he taught that believing that we can receive remission for our
sins is a result of frenzied minds; Vs 17 he said there wouldn’t be an
atonement made for our sins, but we all fared according to our own management,
that if we did well it was a result of our own abilities, and that nothing that
we do is a crime; Vs 18 he taught the people to rejoice in wickedness, and that
our deaths mark the end of our existence.
Alma
30:32–35 How did Alma respond to these lies?
Vs 32 Missionaries and leaders in the church do not glut themselves on other
people’s labors, but they work for their own support and save to pay for their
own missions; Vs 33 there is not a paid ministry in the Church; Vs 34 they
preach the gospel to bring others to Christ, so that they can all have joy
together.
We see that those who preach the gospel do so out of love for the Lord and love for the people of the earth. Their desire is to bring souls to repentance, so that they can find joy in the gospel of Jesus Christ, have faith in him, repent of their sins, enter the covenant path through baptism and receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost. They do not do this from a selfish desire or for vainglory, but to further the work of our Heavenly Father’s Plan for the happiness of His children.
Those who try to lead souls astray are lost, angry, and self-serving.
The
adversary tries to deceive me with false teachings.
Alma
30:6–31
verse 6 Korihor is referred to as an anit-Christ. He is
against Jesus. “An anti-Christ is anyone or anything that is openly or secretly
in opposition to Jesus Christ and His gospel.”
Alma 30:6–31 Look for verses that show
that Korihor is anit-Christ. Can you see the similarities between Korihor’s
lies and those lies presented today? (See notes below in chapter 30.)
Learn to recognize things
that are real and things that are fake as they are held up before the world. To
do this, you must take the Sacrament every week, which is a real symbol of
Jesus Christ and the atonement that He made for you. In so doing, you promise
to always remember Him; which if you do, He has promised and will fulfill, that
you will always have His Spirit to be with you.
Alma 30:31–54 See how Alma countered
Korihor’s falsehoods with truth. How can you use these same principles in
countering lies today? (See notes below.)
I am thankful for Alma and
his teachings that helped his people and many who he taught learn the truth and
distinguish between false teachings and the blessings of the gospel of Jesus
Christ.
I am thankful for modern day prophets, who help us know the difference between
Satan’s lies and the eternal truths found in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I am thankful for the Gift
and Power of the Holy Ghost, and the Light of Christ, as powerful helps to me
in directing me in the way of truth, which will lead me back into the presence
of my Heavenly Father.
Gospel Topics, “Seeking Truth and Avoiding Deception”
All things
testify of God.
Alma
30:39–46
Alma
30:39–46 God is real!
Vs 39 Personal testimony is important. “I know there is a God, and also that
Christ shall come.” When we testify with the Spirit, the Spirit can carry the
conviction of truth that we feel to the hearer that is ready to receive it.
Vs 41 Everything testifies that there is a God! “I have all things as
a testimony that these things are true; and ye also have all things
as a testimony unto you that they are true.”
Vs 42 We need to have an honest spirit, to be honest with ourselves, and to be
truth seekers, to recognize the love of God in our lives! “I know that
thou believest, but thou art possessed with a lying spirit, and
ye have put off the Spirit of God that it may have no place in you;
but the devil has power over you, and he doth carry you about, working devices
that he may destroy the children of God.”
Vs 43 The testimonies that are already available are enough for us to accept
the truth and receive a witness of our own! “Ye have the testimony
of all these thy brethren, and also all the holy prophets? The
scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God;
yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of
it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which
move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator.”
Unbelief and willful disobedience can prevent us from feeling and knowing the goodness of God.
How will you protect your home from the spirit of
anti-Christ?
What testimonies has God given you that He lives and loves you?
For kids:
All things
testify of God.
Alma
30:44
Read Alma 30:44 with children, then take a walk outside to enjoy your surroundings, the beautiful creations of a loving Heavenly Father.
The World is so Big and Oh So Round: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/music/songs/the-world-is-so-big?lang=eng
Let the children point out things that they see, and testify that this beautiful world is a manifestation of His love for them. Allow them to draw pictures of the creations that they see.
I Feel My Savior’s Love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/music/songs/i-feel-my-saviors-love?lang=eng
As music is playing, have the children pass a ball around a circle. When music stops, allow the child holding the ball to share something that they are thankful for.
Children learn through visuals. Visuals will help your children understand better and remember longer what they have been taught. Most of the activities for children in this outline suggest visuals to use. Consider showing the same visuals again in the future to help your children remember what they learned.
The
adversary does not support his followers.
Alma
30:56–60
Alma 30:56–60 Satan
doesn’t care about his followers. Korihor was rejected by the people, became a
beggar, and died a terrible death. “And thus we see the end of him who perverteth the
ways of the Lord; and thus we see that the devil will not support his
children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell.”
God’s word
has the power to lead people to righteousness.
Alma 31
Alma 31:1–4 Wouldn’t it be great if we
would try to gain converts than try to eliminate those who disagree with us?
Alma 31:5 There is virtue and power
in the word of God. Truth and agency are more affective in production change
and lasting results than wars and swords.
Hebrews 4:12 The word of God is quick
and powerful.
1 Nephi 15:23–24
The iron rod is the word of God, and it is a protection to us against fiery
darts of Satan.
2 Nephi 31:20 Press forward, feasting
upon the words of Christ, to gain eternal life through Him.
Jacob 2:8 The pleasing word of God
heals our wounded souls.
Helaman 3:29–30 The word of God will lead
us back to Him.
verse 5 How has the word of God led
people to do good things?
verses 34–35 How can remembering the
worth of souls who have lost their way soften our hearts to petition the Lord
that we will know how to share the word of God with them?
Alma 31:30–38 How can Alma’s words of
petition help you in our attitude towards others and strengthen your ability to
minister? (See notes below.)
For kids:
The word of
God is powerful.
Alma
31:5
Read Alma 31:5. Help your children understand that the power of the word of God works better than force. Truth is freeing and directional. It allows for agency and growth.
How has the virtue of the word of God helped you in your life?
Because of
Jesus Christ, anyone can change.
Alma
31:5–6
Alma 31:6 Alma took Ammon, Aaron, Omner, Amulek, Zeezrom, and two of his sons to teach the gospel to the Zoramites.
Mosiah 27:8–37 Remember that Alma and the sons of Mosiah had rebelled against the Lord and His Church. But they became great missionaries in bringing souls to Jesus after their repentance and conversion.
28:4 Even though they were terrible sinners, the Lord’s love found them; he snatched them up and spared them.
Alma 10:1–6 Amulek recounts his calling to the ministry, to serve alongside Alma.
11:21–25 Amulek delivers a powerful message to Zeezrom.
15:3–12
Zeezrom was convinced through the testimonies of Amulek and Alma. He suffered
great turmoil because of his lying nature. Nevertheless, he practiced faith in
Jesus Christ, and Alma gave him a blessing to be healed.
We can all change for the better and become instruments in God’s plan when we
repent and make and keep covenants with Him.
For kids:
Heavenly
Father hears my prayers.
Alma
31:8–35
Alma 31:8–35 Review the condition of the Zoramites by reading Chapter 28: The Zoramites and the Rameumptom.
Alma 31:15–18 Why is it important to be
humble and repentant in our prayers, instead of boastful?
Where and how should we
pray?
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/30?lang=eng
Korihor, the anti-Christ, ridicules Christ, the
Atonement, and the spirit of prophecy—He teaches that there is no God, no fall
of man, no penalty for sin, and no Christ—Alma testifies that Christ will come
and that all things denote there is a God—Korihor demands a sign and is struck
dumb—The devil had appeared to Korihor as an angel and taught him what to
say—Korihor is trodden down and dies. About 76–74 B.C.
Alma 30:6–31 Look for verses that show
that Korihor is anit-Christ. Can you see the similarities between Korihor’s
lies and those lies presented today?
Vs 6 Korihor was
anti-Christ; he spoke against the prophecies of the coming of Jesus Christ.
Vs 9, 11 Agency is so
important to our Heavenly Father and vital to His plan. There is no law to
punish someone who chooses not be believe. (But they still subject themselves
to the withdrawal of the Spirit when they choose to depart from the covenant
path).
Vs 12 The laws from the
government couldn’t punish Korihor, because he was teaching according to that
which he chose to believe.
Vs 13 Korihor mocked those
who believed in the things of God. Today again, people try to persuade
Christians from the covenant path by telling them how silly and foolish they
are. Korihor taught that there would be no Christ, ever.
[Also these notes from above
in section, The Book of Mormon Warns Me Against False Teachings:
Alma
30:12–18 What lies and false teachings di Korihor proclaim against God?
vs 12 Korihor taught there would be no Christ; vs 13 He mocked the people for
their beliefs and said no one can know of things to come; vs 14 he called the
words of the prophets foolish traditions of their fathers; vs 15 he said that
we can know anything we can’t see, so we shouldn’t believe that there will be a
Christ; Vs 16 he taught that believing that we can receive remission for our
sins is a result of frenzied minds; Vs 17 he said there wouldn’t be an
atonement made for our sins, but we all fared according to our own management,
that if we did well it was a result of our own abilities, and that nothing that
we do is a crime; Vs 18 he taught the people to rejoice in wickedness, and that
our deaths mark the end of our existence.]
Vs 23 Korihor accused Giddonah and other righteous leaders of binding the people down under foolish ordinances and performances, so that they could usurp power and authority over them and keep them in ignorance. This is typical of today’s apostates.
Vs 24-27 Korihor says that the believers in Christ are in
bondage and that there is no way for them to know that Christ will come.
Korihor speaks nonsense of the true teachings of the gospel. He says that the
leaders are glutting themselves on the labors of the people. He says that the
people are not able to enjoy life and the things that belong to them, because
of the teachings of the prophets and leaders.
Vs 28 Like people of today, Korihor speaks out against tithes and offerings, not because he is subject to them, but because Satan hates to see the personal growth of the Lord’s people and the growth of the Lord’s Church. Korihor says that God has never existed.
Vs 30-31 Korihor continued to blaspheme when taken before Alma and the chief judges. He used swelling words before Alma, reviling the priests and teachers, accusing them of teaching silly traditions and glutting themselves on the labor of their people.
Alma 30:31–54 See how Alma countered
Korihor’s falsehoods with truth. How can you use these same principles in
countering lies today?
Vs 32 Alma responded that
Korihor knew that they didn’t glut themselves upon the labors of the people. He
labored with his own hands for his support, even though he had to travel much.
Vs 33 Alma received no money
for his labor in the church.
Vs 35 Alma says that Korihor
knows that the leaders in the church receive no monetary compensation.
Vs 36 The reward that those
who share the gospel is to declare the truth and to see others find joy in the
testimony of Jesus Christ.
Vs 41 Alma see all things as
a testimony that there is a God and that Christ will come. So does Korihor and
so do we.
Vs We can be overcome by a
lying spirit, if we choose to put off the Spirit of God.
Vs 44 We have the testimony
of many other Christians and many prophets that God lives and that Jesus is the
Christ. We have the scriptures. The earth and everything on it and its place in
the solar system and all the order of all the planets testify that there is a
Supreme Creator.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/31?lang=eng
Alma heads a mission to reclaim the apostate
Zoramites—The Zoramites deny Christ, believe in a false concept of election,
and worship with set prayers—The missionaries are filled with the Holy
Spirit—Their afflictions are swallowed up in the joy of Christ. About 74 B.C.
Vs 5 We should
trust in the virtue of the word of God and seek to have the Spirit with us so
that we can invite others to come unto Christ, find happiness, and be saved.
Alma 31:30–38 How can Alma’s words of
petition help you in our attitude towards others and strengthen your ability to
minister?
These are great chapters for
review, to help us have the faith and humility, the love of the Lord and His
children and His work, as we move forward in ministering to others.
Vs 35 We need to develop
charity in order to offer salvation through Jesus Christ unto others.
Vs 36-37 Alma set apart those other missionaries that were with him, so that they could go forth with the protection and power of the Holy Ghost in their ministries.
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