To begin I would like to share and the following article “When I Felt Deceived about the Church” as it directly helps us in gaining personal insight concerning the Virtue of the Word of God vs. that of Satan. Take notice the differences you find as you read concerning the world and God.
Several years ago, I was following a conversation on social media between two of my former mission companions. These were men whom I loved and respected.
They were discussing questions they had about the Church and its doctrine. It soon became clear that they both had left the Church. It shocked and disturbed me. I had never heard of some of the things they were discussing. I felt like I had to know if these things had any merit. So I began looking into the arguments of those who had concerns about the Church.
Some of the things I read over the next two years led me to question everything about the Church. Some who go through this feel sad. They grieve for the loss of their faith. I became angry. I felt that the Church had deceived me. I wasn’t sure what was real or whom I could trust.
I had a difficult time going to church. I asked to be released from my calling. My relationship with my wife, Cheri, and my family was strained. I continued to go to church, but it was really just for show and to try and keep my family together. Life was a mess. I couldn’t feel the Spirit and questioned whether or not I had ever really felt the Holy Ghost.
When my oldest child, Kayson, was leaving on his mission, I cast a gloomy cloud over what should have been a joyous occasion. After two years, most of my family knew what I was going through. When they all went to the temple with Kayson for his first time, I was not there. Through all of it, I felt so alone.
One day my brothers got together to talk to me about what I was going through. I don’t really remember what they said, but I knew it was done out of love. As we talked, I started to realize what I was missing. It became the catalyst for change. It should have been me to ordain Kayson an elder. It should have been me to escort him through the temple. It should have been me to give him a father’s blessing before he left. Those most important events in his life were meant for me to be there, not someone else. I remember asking myself, “What am I doing?”
Shortly after, a good friend felt inspired to introduce me to a member of his stake presidency. This kind man listened intently to my story and seemed to know what I was going to say before I said it. We talked for hours. My story, my questions, the logic I had been exposed to were so similar to what others had shared with him. I began to realize that there were reasonable answers for many of my concerns and that many of my questions, while sincere, had been planted by people intent on damaging faith.
Were all my questions and concerns immediately resolved? No, of course not. But my heart was softened enough to realize a great truth: questions are good, but some questions are more important than others. Was losing my family and standing before God worth a few unanswered questions? When I focused first on the questions that were most important and put God back in first place in my heart, I began to find answers that reassured me that I was getting back on the right path.
My stake president and bishop also reached out to me. They were a great help to me and Cheri during some dark times. They never gave up. They and my family on both sides of the veil were instrumental in helping me. I know that Heavenly Father knows and loves us. He puts people in our path when we need them. We just need to be willing to accept their help… (When I felt Deceived about the Church, Travis Ewell, Ensign July 2020)
President Ezra Taft Benson said this of the Book of Mormon:
“The Book of Mormon brings men to Christ through two basic means. First, it tells in a plain manner of Christ and his gospel. …
“Second, the Book of Mormon exposes the enemies of Christ. It confounds false doctrines and lays down contention. (See 2 Ne. 3:12.) It fortifies the humble followers of Christ against the evil designs, strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day. The type of apostates in the Book of Mormon are similar to the type we have today. God, with his infinite foreknowledge, so molded the Book of Mormon that we might see the error and know how to combat false educational, political, religious, and philosophical concepts of our time” (Conference Report, Apr. 1975, 94–95; or Ensign, May 1975, 64).
This week we study again of priestcraft, and are given examples and guidelines to help us in our day to understand and recognize the true word of God. With so many examples of priestcraft in the Book of Mormon we surely should heed the warning and be prepared. After reading Alma 30–31 and seeking inspiration for our own lives, lets also listen for promptings about what messages we can share that will bless the lives of others we know, as they also seek the truth.
History and Background
Alma 30 Following a great battle with the Lamanites, peace settled over the land of Zarahemla. In the midst of this period of peace, a man named Korihor began to preach that there would be no Christ. His false teachings led those who believed him to sin. He spoke against the leaders of the Church, claiming they were teaching “foolish traditions” Alma 30:27. Korihor was brought before Alma, who taught him that all things testify of Christ. Eventually, Korihor confessed that his actions were guided by the devil.
Alma 31 Alma learned that a group of Nephite dissenters called the Zoramites had strayed from the truth of the gospel. Saddened by these reports of wickedness, Alma took others with him to teach the Zoramites the word of God. They witnessed the apostate worship services and the pride of the Zoramites. Alma prayed earnestly that he and his companions would find comfort and success in bringing the Zoramites back to the Lord.
Part 1: Alma 30:6–31 The adversary tries to deceive us with false doctrine.
Imagine that someone prepared a meal for you. It looked and smelled delicious, but when you ate it, you became extremely sick. Think for a moment how false teachings might be similar to being offered food that looks delicious but is secretly poisonous. By studying how Korihor sought to destroy the faith of the Nephites, we can better recognize those same destructive arguments in our day. By studying Alma’s response to Korihor, we will be better prepared to defend ourselfves and others from those who would destroy your faith.
6 But it came to pass in the latter end of the seventeenth year, there came a man into the land of Zarahemla, and he was Anti-Christ, for he began to preach unto the people against the prophecies which had been spoken by the prophets, concerning the coming of Christ.
7 Now there was no law against a man’s belief; for it was strictly contrary to the commands of God that there should be a law which should bring men on to unequal grounds.
8 For thus saith the scripture: Choose ye this day, whom ye will serve.
9 Now if a man desired to serve God, it was his privilege; or rather, if he believed in God it was his privilege to serve him; but if he did not believe in him there was no law to punish him.
10 But if he murdered he was punished unto death; and if he robbed he was also punished; and if he stole he was also punished; and if he committed adultery he was also punished; yea, for all this wickedness they were punished.
11 For there was a law that men should be judged according to their crimes. Nevertheless, there was no law against a man’s belief; therefore, a man was punished only for the crimes which he had done; therefore all men were on equal grounds.
12 And this Anti-Christ, whose name was Korihor, (and the law could have no hold upon him) began to preach unto the people that there should be no Christ. And after this manner did he preach, saying:
13 O ye that are bound down under a foolish and a vain hope, why do ye yoke yourselves with such foolish things? Why do ye look for a Christ? For no man can know of anything which is to come.
14 Behold, these things which ye call prophecies, which ye say are handed down by holy prophets, behold, they are foolish traditions of your fathers.
15 How do ye know of their surety? Behold, ye cannot know of things which ye do not see; therefore ye cannot know that there shall be a Christ.
16 Ye look forward and say that ye see a remission of your sins. But behold, it is the effect of a frenzied mind; and this derangement of your minds comes because of the traditions of your fathers, which lead you away into a belief of things which are not so.
17 And many more such things did he say unto them, telling them that there could be no atonement made for the sins of men, but every man fared in this life according to the management of the creature; therefore every man prospered according to his genius, and that every man conquered according to his strength; and whatsoever a man did was no crime.
18 And thus he did preach unto them, leading away the hearts of many, causing them to lift up their heads in their wickedness, yea, leading away many women, and also men, to commit whoredoms—telling them that when a man was dead, that was the end thereof.
19 Now this man went over to the land of Jershon also, to preach these things among the people of Ammon, who were once the people of the Lamanites.
20 But behold they were more wise than many of the Nephites; for they took him, and bound him, and carried him before Ammon, who was a high priest over that people.
21 And it came to pass that he caused that he should be carried out of the land. And he came over into the land of Gideon, and began to preach unto them also; and here he did not have much success, for he was taken and bound and carried before the high priest, and also the chief judge over the land.
22 And it came to pass that the high priest said unto him: Why do ye go about perverting the ways of the Lord? Why do ye teach this people that there shall be no Christ, to interrupt their rejoicings? Why do ye speak against all the prophecies of the holy prophets?
23 Now the high priest’s name was Giddonah. And Korihor said unto him: Because I do not teach the foolish traditions of your fathers, and because I do not teach this people to bind themselves down under the foolish ordinances and performances which are laid down by ancient priests, to usurp power and authority over them, to keep them in ignorance, that they may not lift up their heads, but be brought down according to thy words.
24 Ye say that this people is a free people. Behold, I say they are in bondage. Ye say that those ancient prophecies are true. Behold, I say that ye do not know that they are true.
25 Ye say that this people is a guilty and a fallen people, because of the transgression of a parent. Behold, I say that a child is not guilty because of its parents.
26 And ye also say that Christ shall come. But behold, I say that ye do not know that there shall be a Christ. And ye say also that he shall be slain for the sins of the world—
27 And thus ye lead away this people after the foolish traditions of your fathers, and according to your own desires; and ye keep them down, even as it were in bondage, that ye may glut yourselves with the labors of their hands, that they durst not look up with boldness, and that they durst not enjoy their rights and privileges.
28 Yea, they durst not make use of that which is their own lest they should offend their priests, who do yoke them according to their desires, and have brought them to believe, by their traditions and their dreams and their whims and their visions and their pretended mysteries, that they should, if they did not do according to their words, offend some unknown being, who they say is God—a being who never has been seen or known, who never was nor ever will be.
29 Now when the high priest and the chief judge saw the hardness of his heart, yea, when they saw that he would revile even against God, they would not make any reply to his words; but they caused that he should be bound; and they delivered him up into the hands of the officers, and sent him to the land of Zarahemla, that he might be brought before Alma, and the chief judge who was governor over all the land.
30 And it came to pass that when he was brought before Alma and the chief judge, he did go on in the same manner as he did in the land of Gideon; yea, he went on to blaspheme.
31 And he did rise up in great swelling words before Alma, and did revile against the priests and teachers, accusing them of leading away the people after the silly traditions of their fathers, for the sake of glutting on the labors of the people.
How can we tell that Korihor was an anti-Christ? Alma 30:6, 12
6 But it came to pass in the latter end of the seventeenth year, there came a man into the land of Zarahemla, and he was Anti-Christ, for he began to preach unto the people against the prophecies which had been spoken by the prophets, concerning the coming of Christ.
12 And this Anti-Christ, whose name was Korihor, (and the law could have no hold upon him) began to preach unto the people that there should be no Christ. And after this manner did he preach, saying:
An anti-Christ is “one who would assume the guise of Christ but in reality would be opposed to Christ 1 John 2:18–22; 4:3–6; 2 John 1:7. In a broader sense it is anyone or anything that counterfeits the true gospel or plan of salvation and that openly or secretly is set up in opposition to Christ” (Bible Dictionary, “Antichrist”).
What “counterfeits [of] the true gospel” do you notice in today’s world? For example, Sister Julie B. Beck, former Relief Society General President, taught, “Any doctrine or principle [we] hear from the world that is antifamily is also anti-Christ” (“Teaching the Doctrine of the Family,” Ensign, Mar. 2011, 15).
What were his false teachings and the implications of following? Alma 30:12–18 Unless you have physical evidence of religious truths, you should not believe in Jesus Christ or His gospel. There is no such thing as personal revelation through the Holy Ghost. There is no such thing as sin. There is no universal standard of what is right or wrong. People prosper by their own efforts alone. There is no need for God in the affairs of man. The words of the prophets and scriptures are not true, so you should not believe their prophecies. There is no such thing as remission of sins. There is no need to seek help through the Atonement because there is no such thing as an Atonement. There is no life after death, so there is no need to worry about a judgment after this life.
Alma 30:13–14: 13 O ye that are bound down under a foolish and a vain hope, why do ye yoke yourselves with such foolish things? Why do ye look for a Christ? For no man can know of anything which is to come.
14 Behold, these things which ye call prophecies, which ye say are handed down by holy prophets, behold, they are foolish traditions of your fathers.
Alma 30:15: 15 How do ye know of their surety? Behold, ye cannot know of things which ye do not see; therefore ye cannot know that there shall be a Christ.
Alma 30:16: 16 Ye look forward and say that ye see a remission of your sins. But behold, it is the effect of a frenzied mind; and this derangement of your minds comes because of the traditions of your fathers, which lead you away into a belief of things which are not so.
Alma 30:17: 17 And many more such things did he say unto them, telling them that there could be no atonement made for the sins of men, but every man fared in this life according to the management of the creature; therefore every man prospered according to his genius, and that every man conquered according to his strength; and whatsoever a man did was no crime.
Alma 30:18: 18 And thus he did preach unto them, leading away the hearts of many, causing them to lift up their heads in their wickedness, yea, leading away many women, and also men, to commit whoredoms—telling them that when a man was dead, that was the end thereof.
President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency taught that our belief in God gives us freedom: “Korihor was arguing, as men and women have falsely argued from the beginning of time, that to take counsel from the servants of God is to surrender God-given rights of independence. But the argument is false because it misrepresents reality. When we reject the counsel which comes from God, we do not choose to be independent of outside influence. We choose another influence. We reject the protection of a perfectly loving, all-powerful, all-knowing Father in Heaven, whose whole purpose, as that of His Beloved Son, is to give us eternal life, to give us all that He has, and to bring us home again in families to the arms of His love. In rejecting His counsel, we choose the influence of another power, whose purpose is to make us miserable and whose motive is hatred. We have moral agency as a gift of God. Rather than the right to choose to be free of influence, it is the inalienable right to submit ourselves to whichever of those powers we choose” (“Finding Safety in Counsel,” Ensign, May 1997, 25).
Which of Kohor’s teachings are similar to false teachings in our day?
How can we avoid being deceived by these teachings?
Elder Gerald N. Lund, formerly of the Seventy, explained that Korihor has many modern-day equivalents:
“Today, the world is permeated with philosophies similar to those taught by Korihor. We read them in books, see them championed in the movies and on television, and hear them taught in classrooms and sometimes in the churches of our time. …
“… We see clear evidence of Mormon’s inspiration to give us a full account of Korihor and his teachings. Korihor’s teachings are old doctrine, and yet they are ideas as modern as today’s high-speed printing presses and satellite dishes” (“Countering Korihor’s Philosophy,” Ensign, July 1992, 20).
“Sometimes the only defense we have against those who attack our faith is to share our testimony of the truth. There is no embarrassment in taking this approach—Alma, a prophet of God, used this approach with Korihor. As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained: “Korihor’s arguments sound very contemporary to the modern reader, but Alma used a timeless and ultimately undeniable weapon in response—the power of personal testimony” (Christ and the New Covenant [1997], 121).
Part 2: Alma 30:39–46 All things testify of God.
Because we live in a world similar to Alma’s, where some people teach that there is no God, Alma’s testimony in Alma 30:39–44 is very helpful for us.
39 Now Alma said unto him: Will ye deny again that there is a God, and also deny the Christ? For behold, I say unto you, I know there is a God, and also that Christ shall come.
40 And now what evidence have ye that there is no God, or that Christ cometh not? I say unto you that ye have none, save it be your word only.
41 But, behold, 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; and will ye deny them? Believest thou that these things are true?
42 Behold, 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.
43 And now Korihor said unto Alma: If thou wilt show me a sign, that I may be convinced that there is a God, yea, show unto me that he hath power, and then will I be convinced of the truth of thy words.
44 But Alma said unto him: Thou hast had signs enough; will ye tempt your God? Will ye say, Show unto me a sign, when 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.
45 And yet do ye go about, leading away the hearts of this people, testifying unto them there is no God? And yet will ye deny against all these witnesses? And he said: Yea, I will deny, except ye shall show me a sign.
46 And now it came to pass that Alma said unto him: Behold, I am grieved because of the hardness of your heart, yea, that ye will still resist the spirit of the truth, that thy soul may be destroyed.
What truths and evidences does Alma give in these verses that testify there is a God?
President M. Russell Ballard taught that the “eternal evidences” Alma gave for the existence of God “continue to testify to us today” Alma 30:44:
“Astronauts viewing the earth from space have stated how incredibly beautiful it is and how alive it appears. United States Senator Jake Garn wrote of his experience in space: ‘It is impossible for me to describe the beauty of the earth. It is a breathtaking, awe-inspiring, spiritual experience to view the earth from space while traveling at twenty-five times the speed of sound. I could also look into the blackness of the vacuum of space and see billions of stars and galaxies millions of light-years away. The universe is so vast as to be impossible to comprehend. But I did comprehend the hand of God in all things. I felt his presence throughout my seven days in space. I know that God created this earth and the universe. … I know that God lives and is the Creator of us all’ (letter to M. Russell Ballard, 3 March 1988)” (“God’s Love for His Children,” Ensign, May 1988, 58).
As Alma talked with Korihor, he perceived that Korihor had “put off the Spirit of God that it may have no place in him.” Alma 30:42
42 Behold, 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.
What role does the Holy Ghost play in testifying to us of the reality of God and Jesus Christ? “The Holy Ghost … quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands, and purifies all the natural passions and affections, and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates, and matures all the fine-toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings, and affections of our nature” (Parley P Pratt Key to the Science of Theology [1978], 61).
The Holy Ghost is also called the Spirit of God, and one of His roles is to witness, or testify, of the truth. The Holy Ghost reveals and confirms truth through feelings, thoughts, and impressions. The feelings that come from the Holy Ghost are powerful, but they are also usually gentle and quiet. As taught in the Bible, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, [and] temperance” Galatians 5:22–23. These feelings are a confirmation from the Holy Ghost that this message is true. After receiving this message, you will then need to choose whether you will live in harmony with the teachings of Jesus Christ as restored through Joseph Smith.
The Roles of the Holy Ghost in our lives:
| Scripture | Title or Function | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| John 14:26 | ComforterTeacherBrings truth to remembrance | Soothes and brings peace, joyInstructs and guidesHelps us recall and recognize truth |
| John 16:8 | Reprover of sin | Convinces or convicts |
| John 16:13 | A guide to truth | Acts like a compass |
| 1 Corinthians 12:1–11 | Conveyer of gifts | Gives spiritual gifts |
| 2 Nephi 32:3 | The power by which angels speak | Brings the word of Christ |
| 2 Nephi 32:5 | A personal guide | Directs our decisions |
| Alma 10:17 | Discerner of thoughts | Reveals others’ thoughts |
| Alma 13:12 | Sanctifier | Makes clean and pure |
| Doctrine and Covenants 45:57 | Protector from deception | Reveals the deceptions of Satan |
| Doctrine and Covenants 46:30 | A guide in prayers | Prompts us when we pray |
| Doctrine and Covenants 68:4 | Giver of scripture | Gives the word of the Lord, which is scripture |
| Doctrine and Covenants 132:7 | Sealer | Makes valid for time and all eternity |
How can we help those who have doubts or questions seek truth through the Holy Ghost? We can encourage them to pray addressing Heavenly Father, and expressing the true feelings of their heart such as: gratitude, questions, requests to confirm the truth of the Book of Mormon and what they have been taught is true.
When they come asking questions or investigating Church doctrine, practices, or history, the following are some of the ways we can help them:
Listen carefully and prayerfully: Listen attentively before you respond, seeking to clarify and understand the actual questions they are asking. Thoughtfully seek to understand the true intent of their questions and their feelings and beliefs.
Teach and testify of gospel truths: Share applicable teachings from the scriptures and modern prophets and how they have made a difference in your life. Help those with whom you speak examine or reframe their questions in the context of the gospel and the plan of salvation.
Invite them to act in faith: Remember that the Lord requires us to seek spiritual knowledge for ourselves. We must therefore invite others to act in faith through prayer, obedience to the commandments, and diligent study of the word of God, using divinely appointed sources, particularly the Book of Mormon. If they are members who are struggling or fallen away, invite them to remember experiences they may have had when they felt the Holy Ghost and to hold fast to eternal truths they have learned until additional knowledge comes.
Follow through: Offer to search for answers, and then follow through by sharing what you learn. You could also search for answers together. Express confidence in the Lord’s promise to provide personal revelation.
- Related scriptural references to help: Jeremiah 1:4–5; Amos 3:7; Matthew 5:14–16; Matthew 16:15–19; John 15:16; John 17:3; Ephesians 2:19–20; Ephesians 4:11–14; 2 Nephi 2:27; Mosiah 18:8–10; 3 Nephi 18:15, 20–21; D&C 1:37–38; D&C 18:15–16; D&C 21:4–6
- Related doctrinal topics to help: The Godhead: The Holy Ghost; The Atonement of Jesus Christ: Faith in Jesus Christ; Prophets and Revelation; Commandments
Part 3: Alma 31 God’s word has the power to lead people to righteousness.
Do you have experiences of a time when the Virtue of the Word of God helped you make changes in your life? Alma 31 is about life changing. It teaches us that God’s word has a powerful affect upon on minds. Alma 31:5
5 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.
Going a stop further with the above question lets add to that, what would you do if a friend or family member began to stray from living the gospel?
What might be challenging about trying to help someone who is straying from the gospel?
In this chapter Alma and several others tried to help a group of people who had strayed from the gospel. read Alma 31:1–4
1 Now it came to pass that after the end of Korihor, Alma having received tidings that the Zoramites were perverting the ways of the Lord, and that Zoram, who was their leader, was leading the hearts of the people to bow down to dumb idols, his heart again began to sicken because of the iniquity of the people.
2 For it was the cause of great sorrow to Alma to know of iniquity among his people; therefore his heart was exceedingly sorrowful because of the separation of the Zoramites from the Nephites.
3 Now the Zoramites had gathered themselves together in a land which they called Antionum, which was east of the land of Zarahemla, which lay nearly bordering upon the seashore, which was south of the land of Jershon, which also bordered upon the wilderness south, which wilderness was full of the Lamanites.
4 Now the Nephites greatly feared that the Zoramites would enter into a correspondence with the Lamanites, and that it would be the means of great loss on the part of the Nephites.
What were Alma’s feelings when he heard about the iniquity of the Zoramites?
Why did the Nephites begin to fear because of the Zoramites?
What did Alma decide to do to help the Zoramites? Alma 31:5 5 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.
What does this verse teach us about the effect that preaching the word of God can have? Preaching the word of God can have a more powerful effect than anything else in helping people do what is right.
Why do you think preaching the word of God can be more powerful than force or anything else in helping people do what is right?
The word of God, which includes the scriptures and the teachings of prophets, encompasses the doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stated: “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior” (Boyd K. Packer, “Little Children,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 17).
In what ways might understanding true doctrine, such as truths about our Heavenly Father and His plan of salvation, help someone change his or her attitude or behavior and desire to do what is right?
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught:
“Are we really nurturing our youth and our new members in a way that will sustain them when the stresses of life appear? Or are we giving them a kind of theological Twinkie—spiritually empty calories? … During a severe winter several years ago, President Boyd K. Packer noted that a goodly number of deer had died of starvation while their stomachs were full of hay. In an honest effort to assist, agencies had supplied the superficial when the substantial was what had been needed. Regrettably they had fed the deer but they had not nourished them. …
“Satan is certainly not subtle in his teachings; why should we be? Whether we are instructing our children at home or standing before an audience in church, let us never make our faith difficult to detect. … Give scripturally based sermons. Teach the revealed doctrine” (“A Teacher Come from God,” Ensign, May 1998, 26–27).
What principle can we learn from the following verses about what can lead people, or even ourselves to stray? 31:8–11.
8 Now the Zoramites were dissenters from the Nephites; therefore they had had the word of God preached unto them.
9 But they had fallen into great errors, for they would not observe to keep the commandments of God, and his statutes, according to the law of Moses.
10 Neither would they observe the performances of the church, to continue in prayer and supplication to God daily, that they might not enter into temptation.
11 Yea, in fine, they did pervert the ways of the Lord in very many instances; therefore, for this cause, Alma and his brethren went into the land to preach the word unto them.
Choosing to not keep the commandments, participate in gospel ordinances, or pray daily will lead us to stray from the gospel.
Elder Rulon G. Craven, who served as a member of the Seventy stated the following: “During the past years I have at times been asked by the Brethren to meet with repentant members of the Church and interview them for the restoration of their temple blessings. This has always been a spiritually moving experience to restore the blessings of those wonderful people who have repented. I have asked some of them the question, ‘What happened in your life that caused you to temporarily lose your membership in the Church?’ With tear-filled eyes they answered: ‘I didn’t obey the basic principles of the gospel: prayer, attending church regularly, serving in church and studying the gospel. I then gave in to temptations and lost the guidance of the Holy Spirit’” (Rulon G. Craven, “Temptation,” Ensign, May 1996, 76).
How can we use the word of God more in our efforts to rescue others? When Alma saw the wickedness of the Zoramites, he prayed. Alma 31:24–25
24 Now when Alma saw this his heart was grieved; for he saw that they were a wicked and a perverse people; yea, he saw that their hearts were set upon gold, and upon silver, and upon all manner of fine goods.
25 Yea, and he also saw that their hearts were lifted up unto great boasting, in their pride.
The Savior commanded His people to “continue to minister” to them because we never know when they will return to Him and be healed 3 Nephi 18:22–32. Here are five ways we can continue to minister to those or ourselves who are wrestling with doubt so that they will feel welcome, whether or not they choose to come back.
- Continue to love. Throughout my wrestle, I felt like I was alone. Of course, Heavenly Father had not given up on me, and neither had my family or Church leaders. Feeling His love through them helped me know I could go back.
- Continue to reach out. Loving others shouldn’t depend on their beliefs, their participation at church, or even how they feel about us. Jesus asks us to reach out to more than those who are already in our circle (see Matthew 5:46–47).
- Continue to hope. We fast, we pray, we watch and wait patiently, and we never give up hope. “God has devised means to save each of His children” (Henry B. Eyring, “To My Grandchildren,” Ensign, Nov. 2013, 71).
- Respect their agency. Have hope but respect their decisions. We don’t need to convince them or argue doctrine with them. Like the prodigal son, many of us need some event in life that will soften our hearts first.
- Treat them with dignity, not like they’re bad. Avoid statements that are judgmental, critical, or belittling. Reasonable people can have beliefs different than ours, and we should give them the same respect we hope they’ll give us. (When I felt Deceived about the Church, Travis Ewell, Ensign July 2020)
What concerns did Alma express as he prayed? Alma 31:31–32
31 O Lord, my heart is exceedingly sorrowful; wilt thou comfort my soul in Christ. O Lord, wilt thou grant unto me that I may have strength, that I may suffer with patience these afflictions which shall come upon me, because of the iniquity of this people.
32 O Lord, wilt thou comfort my soul, and give unto me success, and also my fellow laborers who are with me—yea, Ammon, and Aaron, and Omner, and also Amulek and Zeezrom, and also my two sons—yea, even all these wilt thou comfort, O Lord. Yea, wilt thou comfort their souls in Christ.
Who did Alma pray for? Alma 31:33–35
33 Wilt thou grant unto them that they may have strength, that they may bear their afflictions which shall come upon them because of the iniquities of this people.
34 O Lord, wilt thou grant unto us that we may have success in bringing them again unto thee in Christ.
35 Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious, and many of them are our brethren; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee.
What did Alma request in his prayer?
What blessings came to Alma and his companions because of Alma’s prayer and their faithful actions? Alma 31:37–38
37 And after that they did separate themselves one from another, taking no thought for themselves what they should eat, or what they should drink, or what they should put on.
38 And the Lord provided for them that they should hunger not, neither should they thirst; yea, and he also gave them strength, that they should suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ. Now this was according to the prayer of Alma; and this because he prayed in faith.
What does Alma teach us in these verses about helping others and ourselves? If we pray and act in faith, the Lord will strengthen us as we seek to bring others to Him.
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles testified of the blessings that come as we pray for others: “Petitioning Heavenly Father for the blessings we desire in our personal lives is good and proper. However, praying earnestly for others, both those whom we love and those who despitefully use us, is also an important element of meaningful prayer. … Praying for others with all of the energy of our souls increases our capacity to hear and to heed the voice of the Lord” (David A. Bednar, “Pray Always,” Ensign Nov. 2008, 43)
**Point to Ponder: One of our take aways from this chapter: After we ourselves have been or on the path of conversion and have learned or are learning the doctrines of the gospel, it is our responsibility to help others, as Christ has helped us.
Conclusion
Let us not forget, particularly in our present day that Satan, tries to deceive us with false doctrine, he is eloquent at leading the flock astray. Yet in these times we should also remember that all things testify of God. His word leads people to righteousness and happiness, not failure and despair. He has the power to save us and everyone else, we only need to listen and believe.
Resources
Book of Mormon Student Manual
Seminary Manual
Ensign
Conference Reports
Christ and the New Covenant
Bible Dictionary, topical guide
Come Follow Me 