ALMA 30- 35

As we start a new semester, what better way to get going than a great scripture block like Alma 30-35.  My yearning desire to learn and understand the scriptures continues into this semester.  Come with me as I share what I read in this scripture block for this week's assignment.

Alma 30
I read about the Anti-Christ Korihor who came into the land of Zarahemla and his destiny.  I read how he taught false doctrines and preached against prophecies of the coming of Christ among other things.  He had no faith and taught that there were no consequences for your actions.  When brought up to the priests and judges of the lands he remained firm with his beliefs.  When he approached Alma, he asked "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" (v. 43). Alma grievingly shared what would be his fate, "...thou shalt be dumb, that thou shalt never open thy mouth an more, that thou shalt not deceive this people anymore" (v. 47).  From here he was cast out and went from house to house begging for food where he came across the Zaromites and was run upon and trodden down until he was dead. 

Alma 31
I read how Alma set out to Antionum, to preach to the Zoramites with a group of men (Ammon, Aaron, Omber, Amulek, Zeezrom) including two of his sons (Shiblon & Corianton).  Here they witnessed how the Zoramites did their worshipping once a week in synagogue.  In the synagogue there was a stand built in the center and high above the head, where one person would go up and "stretch forth his hands towards heaven, and cry with a loud voice..." (v. 14) and everyone that stood on this holy stand recited the same prayer.  Surprisingly, when they returned to their homes they never spoke of God again until they returned to the synagogue.  These people were prideful and worshipped idols and material things.  This made Alma in which he offered a prayer for the Zoramites in verses 26-35. 

Alma 32
I read how Alma and his men try to preach to those entering the synagogues and their homes but, the only ones that listen are the poor who are not allowed to enter the synagogue due to their status:  poor clothes, poor to things of the world and poor in heart.  These poor people believed that they synagogue was the only place they could worship the Lord.  Alma preaches that "the word of God" is like a seed.  That in order for them to plant this seed they need to believe.  They'll need to cultivate the seed with faith.  Nurture the seed with patience, knowledge, faith and diligence so that it can grow.  With all these attributes this will help them get rooted in "the word" and bear fruit.  Just like anything, their fruits will depend on their cultivating and nurturing process.

Alma 33
I read how Alma shares with the Zoramites that they can worship any where and any time.  He shares with them the story in the scriptures of Zenos and Zenock who testifies of the Son of God and how sacrifices to atone for our sins.

Alma 34
I read how Amulek testifies to Alma's teachings and shares his testimony on the coming of  Christ.  He teaches them the Eternal Plan of Redemption by pleading with them to repent of their sins and soften their hearts. 

Alma 35
I read how this mission with the Zoramites resulted in some converts who returned with them to Jershon.  This ended the reign of judges over the people of Nephi (v. 12) in the 17th year.  This started a war between the Lamanites and the Nephites in the 18th year of the reign of judges. 

Today, the spirit of Korihor still exists.  I admire the courage of Alma and the group of men who journeyed out to spread the gospel and teach the people of the Zoramites who were obviously waiting to hear "the true word of God."  I know that the planting, cultivating and nurturing of the word of God is important in order for us to be able to believe in the gospel and to have faith that the results of our actions will bring us the happiness and our goal to return and live with our families but most importantly our Father in Heaven...eternally.  I leave you my testimony that I know this gospel is true.  I know that the prophets in these scriptures are men of God and that they received revelations to spread the gospel to help build the kingdom of our Heavenly Father.  I believe and testify that if we diligently plant, nurture and feast on the word of God we will understand his will and our purpose in these latter days.  I know that my testimony has flourished in ways that I could not imagine.  I'm grateful for these lessons and the scriptures that allow me grow spiritually.  I leave this with you in the name of they Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.