Category: Scripture Notes
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Enlarge the memory
Alma tells Helaman that the bread plates enlarged the memory of the children of Lehi by preserving a record of their origins. It reminded me of the study reported by the New York Times that children who know the stories of their ancestors are more emotionally stable. We need to find a way to preserve…
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Ultimate fear
When Alma recognized his sinful state he was so terrified of the consequences that he wished to cease existence. Against the background of that complete terror the message of Christ he had been taught since his youth because a ray of hope rather than the oppressive limitation he had viewed it to be previously.
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Space to choose
After preaching among the Zoramites Alma and his fellow laborers withdrew to another land and allowed the people to make their own choices.
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I do know of myself
When Amulek shares his personal testimony it invites the Spirit to whisper to the hearts of those listening in a way that is distinct from Alma citing scriptures and prophets.
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Tradition vs Doctrine
It is easy for people to elevate traditions to which they are already accustomed and elevate them as if they are doctrines which become a stumbling block to those who were not accustomed to those traditions. Such was the case with circumcision. The Jews could easily bear circumcision as doctrine because they had been circumcized…
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Jews first
It is interesting that the apostles were required to preach first to the Jews before sharing the message of Christ with gentiles. The Jews have no excuse for rejecting Christ because they were not passed over, even after they crucified Him.
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The story of Cornelius
I have heard the story of Cornelius many times and thought that Peter was taught that the history should go to the gentiles as well. Of course that is true but I passed over the fact that there were several other Christian Jews in the house with Peter when the Holy Ghost what manifest in…
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A connection
Alma’s message linked two doctrines: prayer to God and faith in Christ. Belief in Christ without calling upon God is weak and calling upon God without faith in Christ is ineffectual.
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Prepared to receive the word
It is discouraging to try teaching people who are not prepared to learn. That is the unfortunate case with most of my children but I look forward to the possibility that they will one day be in a preparation to receive the word.
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A variation on Korihor
The worship of the Zoramites was a variation on the teachings of Korihor who was trampled to death by them. In fact, their religion seems to have been designed to pacify the people and bolster their pride. Korihor taught that there was no Christ and no God and no rules for men beyond “might makes…