“The Virtue of the Word of God”
by Scott Hansen
In Alma 31, we read about Alma struggling to lead a large group of people who were perverting the ways of the Church. This aftermath of Korihor preaching false doctrine forced Alma to call the apostate Zoramites to repentance. During his previous missionary experience, Alma had learned that the gospel “had [a] more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else . . . therefore [he] thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God” (Alma 31:5). When we study and act on the word of God, He can help us make lasting change in our lives.
Asking Big Questions: Why Does the Church Change?
by Scott Hansen
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we believe “that God has revealed” and “will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God” (Articles of Faith 1:9). However, change can be unsettling after we have already gotten into a routine. Ordinances, policies, and procedures serve as a mechanism for us to have spiritual experiences. When these things change, it can be hard. So, why do Church policies and procedures change?
“Enter into the Rest of the Lord”
by Lyndie Jackson
When Alma taught the people in Ammonihah about covenants and ordinances performed through the power of the holy priesthood, he explained, “Now these ordinances were given after this manner, that thereby the people might look forward on the Son of God, it being a type of his order, or it being his order, and this that they might look forward to him for a remission of their sins, that they might enter into the rest of the Lord” (Alma 13:16).
"They Were Steadfast and Immovable”
by Michelle Pack
When Alma’s people began to “wax proud” (Alma 4:6), he was saddened. “There began to be great contentions among the people” (Alma 4:9), and the wickedness of the members of the Church had become a “great stumbling block to those who did not belong to the church” (Alma 4:10).