Being Converted unto the Lord Alma 23-29
Converted unto the Lord
Last week we had the opportunity to lean about Ammon and his teaching of the people of Lamoni. What an excellent example of a Christ like teacher.
Here are 8 principles of Christ like teaching that Ammon was a great example of:
Can an individual have a testimony and not be converted to the gospel?
What is the difference between a testimony and being converted?
A testimony is personal knowledge of spiritual truth obtained by revelation. A testimony is a gift from God and is available to all of His children.
As we can see from these scriptures a testimony can come through the Holy Ghost to a person as they ask, seek, and knock with a sincere heart and real intent in faith. The receipt of a testimony requires effort on our part and doesn’t just happen.
Conversion should be a one-way path a true change
Video - When thou art converted - strengthen brothen - and excerpts from Bednar's talk
Video Contents
What then does it mean to be converted?
31 ¶And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
But wait a minute – Simon knew Jesus was the Christ and had a very strong testimony of this fact … yet he wasn’t yet converted?
“Interestingly, this mighty Apostle had talked and walked with the Master, had witnessed many miracles, and had a strong testimony of the Savior’s divinity. Yet even Peter needed additional instruction from Jesus about the converting and sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost and his obligation to serve faithfully.
The essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ entails a fundamental and permanent change in our very nature made possible through the Savior’s Atonement. True conversion brings a change in one’s beliefs, heart, and life to accept and conform to the will of God.”
“For many of us, conversion is an ongoing process and not a onetime event that results from a powerful or dramatic experience. Line upon line and precept upon precept, gradually and almost imperceptibly, our motives, our thoughts, our words, and our deeds become aligned with the will of God. Conversion unto the Lord requires both persistence and patience.
…
Testimony alone is not and will not be enough to protect us in the latter-day storm of darkness and evil in which we are living. Testimony is important and necessary but not sufficient to provide the spiritual strength and protection we need. Some members of the Church with testimonies have wavered and fallen away. Their spiritual knowledge and commitment did not measure up to the challenges they faced.”
He compared the story of the 10 virgins where the lamps were their testimony – the holders of their conversion. This conversion is their change and cannot be shared or given to another.
October 2012 - Converted unto the Lord - Bednar
Alma 23:4-7 thousands were brought to believe - as many as believed - and were converted - never did fall away
What was their metric to determine if they were truly converted?
Is it possible to be truly converted and then fall away from the gospel?
How do we maintain our conversion?
#1 They entered into a Covenant and were Convinced of the false traditions of their fathers
Alma 23:4-7 thousands were brought to believe - as many as believed - and were converted - never did fall away
Alma 23:16-17 All those who were converted desired to have a new name - to distinguish them from their brotheren
How does this apply to us as well? Have we entered into this same covenant?
Are we firm in our values?
Do we rely upon God and believe that he has the power to save us no matter the consequences?
#5 They showed a powerful example to those who were being wicked!
Alma 24:23-26 When the Lamanites saw that their brothen would die rather than fight
Do we through our example cause others around us to be converted? Or is our example a hinderance to the work of the Lord?
#6 Among the people who joined the people of God none were Amalekites or Amulonites!
Alma 24:29-30 None of the people who joined were Amalekites or Amulonites
What conclusions can you apply from these steps in your own life - are you truly converted?
(Probably won't have time for this)
Alma 25:1-2 Amulonites and Amalekites more angry because they had slain their brethren
What is Ironic about his last comment - some few souls?
Background/Teaching Principles:
Lesson 26Last week we had the opportunity to lean about Ammon and his teaching of the people of Lamoni. What an excellent example of a Christ like teacher.
Here are 8 principles of Christ like teaching that Ammon was a great example of:
- He knew the thoughts and intents of his students
- He discened their needs, and what they should be taught
- He customized the message to the individual
- He taught in parables - relates the doctrine in a way the person can understand
- He taught with authority and power and not as the scribes - ascribing authority to Moses
- He taught to a hostile crowd and yet was bold and strong for the truth
- He taught from the scriptures
- He taught correct doctrine of God
Attention Activity: What does it mean to be truly converted?
Can an individual have a testimony and not be converted to the gospel?
What is the difference between a testimony and being converted?
Testimony Definition
A testimony is personal knowledge of spiritual truth obtained by revelation. A testimony is a gift from God and is available to all of His children.
Alma 5:45-46
I testify unto you that I do know that these things whereof I have spoken are trueMoroni 10:4-5
by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all thingsAs we can see from these scriptures a testimony can come through the Holy Ghost to a person as they ask, seek, and knock with a sincere heart and real intent in faith. The receipt of a testimony requires effort on our part and doesn’t just happen.
Conversion – the change of one form into another - it isn't the mere change of form such as melting of ice or boiling of ice - the water is still water it hasn't been "Converted"
Carbon - Diamond, Acid - Neutral, Base - Neutral, etc.
Conversion should be a one-way path a true change
Video - When thou art converted - strengthen brothen - and excerpts from Bednar's talk
Video Contents
Being Converted
What then does it mean to be converted?
Luke 22:31-32
31 ¶And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
But wait a minute – Simon knew Jesus was the Christ and had a very strong testimony of this fact … yet he wasn’t yet converted?
Elder Bednar says this about this experience
.“Interestingly, this mighty Apostle had talked and walked with the Master, had witnessed many miracles, and had a strong testimony of the Savior’s divinity. Yet even Peter needed additional instruction from Jesus about the converting and sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost and his obligation to serve faithfully.
The essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ entails a fundamental and permanent change in our very nature made possible through the Savior’s Atonement. True conversion brings a change in one’s beliefs, heart, and life to accept and conform to the will of God.”
Elder Bednar further taught
:“For many of us, conversion is an ongoing process and not a onetime event that results from a powerful or dramatic experience. Line upon line and precept upon precept, gradually and almost imperceptibly, our motives, our thoughts, our words, and our deeds become aligned with the will of God. Conversion unto the Lord requires both persistence and patience.
…
Testimony alone is not and will not be enough to protect us in the latter-day storm of darkness and evil in which we are living. Testimony is important and necessary but not sufficient to provide the spiritual strength and protection we need. Some members of the Church with testimonies have wavered and fallen away. Their spiritual knowledge and commitment did not measure up to the challenges they faced.”
Comparison to the 10 virgins
He compared the story of the 10 virgins where the lamps were their testimony – the holders of their conversion. This conversion is their change and cannot be shared or given to another.
October 2012 - Converted unto the Lord - Bednar
As we lean about the "People of Ammon" and their Conversion - consider your state - are you "Truly Converted" to the gospel of Jesus Christ? If not why?
Alma 23:4-7 thousands were brought to believe - as many as believed - and were converted - never did fall away
What was their metric to determine if they were truly converted?
None of them fell away!
Is it possible to be truly converted and then fall away from the gospel?
Yes
- it is our doctrine that a man can fall from grace no matter what condition that individual is.How do we maintain our conversion?
Perhaps we should look at what they did and emulate their behavor:
Six Points of True Conversion!
#1 They entered into a Covenant and were Convinced of the false traditions of their fathers
Alma 23:4-7 thousands were brought to believe - as many as believed - and were converted - never did fall away
They changed their name to be - Anti-Nephi_Lehies
Alma 23:16-17 All those who were converted desired to have a new name - to distinguish them from their brotheren
17 They called their name Anti-Nephi-Lehies - no longer called Lamanites
What is the symbolism of taking upon themselves a new name?
It is a part of any covenant in the gospel.
It represents a change of heart - they didn't want to be known as who they were before
It represents a change of heart - they didn't want to be known as who they were before
How does this apply to us as well? Have we entered into this same covenant?
We have taken this step as well - all of us have covenanted to be disciples of Jesus Christ - Baptism
Many of us have covenanted through the ordinance of the Endowment even greater promises.
#2 They were firm in their values - they stood together and would not change them
Alma 24:6,15-19 Not one soul would take up arms against their brotheren
15 Since it has been as much as we could do to be forgiven - and we have been forgiven - let us hide our swords and keep them bright
16 if our brotheren seek to destroy us - we shall be saved
17 people assembled and buried their swords into the earth
18 as a testimony to God and men that they would never shed the blood of man again - instead they would die
19 they were firm and would rather die than commit sin!
16 if our brotheren seek to destroy us - we shall be saved
17 people assembled and buried their swords into the earth
18 as a testimony to God and men that they would never shed the blood of man again - instead they would die
19 they were firm and would rather die than commit sin!
Are we firm in our values?
Do we stand together as a family/ward/stake/church in our doctrines and principles?
#3 They removed the things in their lives that would possibly cause them to commit the sins they so abhored
Do we remove from our lives those things that tempt us to commit sin?
15 Since it has been as much as we could do to be forgiven - and we have been forgiven -
16 if our brotheren seek to destroy us - we shall be saved
17
let us hide our swords and keep them bright
16 if our brotheren seek to destroy us - we shall be saved
17
people assembled and buried their swords into the earth
Do we remove from our lives those things that tempt us to commit sin?
Do we flee from the associations that promote sin in us as Joseph in Egypt?
Do we remove the temptations that cause us to sin - or do we hang on to them because we like them?
#4 They relied upon God and his salvation
Alma 24:21-22 When their brotheren came to destroy them -
21 they fell to the earth and began to call upon God and were slain
22 thy are blesed and have gone to dwell with their God.
22 thy are blesed and have gone to dwell with their God.
Do we rely upon God and believe that he has the power to save us no matter the consequences?
Do we in the very momment of temptation - maintain our integrity and resist that temptation?
#5 They showed a powerful example to those who were being wicked!
Alma 24:23-26 When the Lamanites saw that their brothen would die rather than fight
24 They did forbear - they repented of what they had done!
25 They through down their weapons as well - and would not take them again
26 The people of God were joined by more than the people who had been slain!
27 not a wicked man were slain - and more than 1000 were broought to a knowledge of the truth!
25 They through down their weapons as well - and would not take them again
26 The people of God were joined by more than the people who had been slain!
27 not a wicked man were slain - and more than 1000 were broought to a knowledge of the truth!
Do we through our example cause others around us to be converted? Or is our example a hinderance to the work of the Lord?
Do we maintain the etenal perspective concening this life and its temporal nature, and seek a much better one?
#6 Among the people who joined the people of God none were Amalekites or Amulonites!
Alma 24:29-30 None of the people who joined were Amalekites or Amulonites
30 Thus we see - after a people has been enlightened and have fallen away - they become more hardened!
What do you think we lean from these verses - how does it apply to us?
What conclusions can you apply from these steps in your own life - are you truly converted?
Discussion: Focus on the steps we can make individualy and as a family.
Focus on how we can teach our families these principles and apply them to their temptations.
These are guidelines on how we can gauge the conversion of ourselves and our children - do they do these steps or hold on to their sins?
(Probably won't have time for this)
Fulfillment of Abinadi's prophecy - as well as the prophecy of people of Amonihah
Alma 25:1-2 Amulonites and Amalekites more angry because they had slain their brethren
1 they swore vengence upon the Nephites - stopped slaying Anti-Nephi-Lehies
2 Took armies over and destroyed the people of Ammonihah
2 Took armies over and destroyed the people of Ammonihah
Alma 10:23 destruction of people predicted
Alma 16:2-3,9-10 Lamanites destroy people of Ammonihah - in one day! every living soul left desolate
Alma 25:6-12 Abinadi's prophecy explained and demonstration of how it was fulfilled!
Alma 16:2-3,9-10 Lamanites destroy people of Ammonihah - in one day! every living soul left desolate
What do we lean from this story?
Gods prophecies may sometimes seem ludicrous to people and stupid or lame but they will be fulfilled!Gods knowledge is greater than man's knowledge.
Alma 25:6-12 Abinadi's prophecy explained and demonstration of how it was fulfilled!
6 Lamanites begin to believe in the Lord - and the power given to Nephites
7 Amulon rulers - cause those who believe to be put to death
8 martyrdom - caused their brethren to be angry - contention in wildeness
9 people of Amulon flee - are hunted and slain
10-11 Abinadi was the first but many suffered death by fire
12 Seed of priests of Noah should cause many to die and then be scattered
7 Amulon rulers - cause those who believe to be put to death
8 martyrdom - caused their brethren to be angry - contention in wildeness
9 people of Amulon flee - are hunted and slain
10-11 Abinadi was the first but many suffered death by fire
12 Seed of priests of Noah should cause many to die and then be scattered
14 Those who became "Anti-Lehi-Nephies" kept the commandments and statues of the Lord.
15 They kept the Law of Moses - it was not yet fulfilled - but was a type of Christ
16 They knew salvation was not because of Law - but a savior
15 They kept the Law of Moses - it was not yet fulfilled - but was a type of Christ
16 They knew salvation was not because of Law - but a savior
22 He that repenteth - exerciseth faith - good works - pray continually - knowledge given
22 He shall be given power to bring thousands of souls to repentance
23 Laughed to scon about preaching to Lamanites
24 Do you supoose they will repent? - they are wholy evil from the beginning
25 Let us take up arms and kill them
26 we did not intend to destroy
22 He shall be given power to bring thousands of souls to repentance
23 Laughed to scon about preaching to Lamanites
24 Do you supoose they will repent? - they are wholy evil from the beginning
25 Let us take up arms and kill them
26 we did not intend to destroy