Alma 32-35 Part 1 • Dr. S. Michael Wilcox • July 22-28 • Come Follow Me
Jul 17, 2024
01:13:44
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Dr. S. Michael Wilcox delves into Alma 32 through 35, discussing the scientific method of gaining testimony, faith as a living thing, testing hypotheses, and the brilliance of the Book of Mormon construction. Topics include humility, building faith, experiencing testimonies, and the warnings issued by Alma.
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Quick takeaways
Nurturing faith in Christ leads to spiritual growth similar to a planted seed blossoming into a tree of life.
Observing the tangible effects of faith strengthens beliefs and affirms the truth of Christ's teachings.
Focusing on the fruits of faith brings joy, purity, and spiritual fulfillment amidst worldly distractions.
Deep dives
The Importance of Faith in Planting Christ in Your Heart
Planting Christ and His mission in the heart is the essence of the seed discussed in Alma 32. This involves believing in the Son of God for redemption, atonement, resurrection, and judgment. Nurturing this belief with faith leads to its growth, akin to a tree springing up within.
Nourishing the Seed of Christ in Your Heart
Alma emphasizes the need to nourish the seed of Christ in one's heart with care, diligence, and faith. By looking forward to the fruition of this belief, a metaphorical tree of life is nurtured within, representing everlasting life and spiritual sustenance.
Testing and Strengthening Your Faith through Observation
Observing the growth and effects of your faith in Christ is crucial in solidifying your beliefs. As the seed swells and sprouts, indicating growth, one strengthens faith and affirms the goodness and truth of the planted Word.
Discerning the Fruits of Faith and Maintaining Diligence
Discerning the fruits of faith, characterized by qualities such as joy, sweetness, purity, and desirability, reaffirms the success of nurturing the seed of Christ. Continuous diligence and patience are vital in this spiritual process to ensure the sustenance and growth of one's spiritual tree.
Overcoming Distractions and Remaining Focused on the Tree of Life
Despite worldly distractions represented by the building in Lehi's dream, staying focused on the tree of life, symbolizing the belief in Christ, ensures spiritual nourishment and fulfillment. By feasting on the fruit of this tree, one's spiritual hunger and thirst are satisfied, securing everlasting life and joy.
Can we approach gaining and keeping a testimony using the Scientific Method? Dr. S. Michael Wilcox weaves science, faith, and testimony together while examining Alma’s treatise on faith.
48:17 Alma 32:29 - Our hypothesis: Jesus Christ lives
51:55 Alma 32: 25-7 -The Book of Mormon is brilliantly constructed
55:03 How testimony becomes a law instead of hypothesis
59:0 Alma 32:40 - What the tree is
1:04:36 “Weed Your Brain, Grow Your Testimony”
1:07:50 When silence is required
1:11:05 What seed did Alma ask them to plant?
1:24:54 - End of Part 1 - Dr. Michael Wilcox
Thanks to the followHIM team: Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, Sponsor David & Verla Sorensen: Sponsors Dr. Hank Smith: Co-host John Bytheway: Co-host David Perry: Producer Kyle Nelson: Marketing, Sponsor Lisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show Notes Jamie Neilson: Social Media, Graphic Design Will Stoughton: Video Editor Krystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, Website Ariel Cuadra: Spanish Transcripts
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