"...all things denote there is a God."

By Daymon Henne

Recently on a short hike with my wife I was witness to the powers which our Father in Heaven posses. While we were out on the hike my thoughts were constantly returning to the scripture in Alma “…all things denote there is a God.” What a powerful statement to make; when put in context there is nothing that does not testify of a Supreme Creator. All that we can think of, every object of the field, every creation that has come forth, every living thing to ever exist, has testified of the creative genius of God.

Many know the story of the man, Kohihor; described as an antichrist, who contended with Alma as to the existence of God, and the need of a Savior. Once he finishes Alma gives us one of the most moving testimonies as to the existence of God, and teaches a vital truth that we can use to teach others of the existence of God. After Alma defends against the accusation of priestcrafts he asks the poignant question, “Believest thou that there is a God?” Alma strikes at the heart of the problem in trying to assess the spiritual level of Korihor. Do we do the same in our relationships with others? Being in possession of the full and everlasting gospel we are given the privilege to receive guidance from the Holy Ghost in assessing the needs of those in our lives that need spiritual guidance. Certainly Korihor needed such guidance, and Alma was able to further direct his inquiry toward the needs of the spiritually deficient Korihor.

After answering that there is no God, Alma gives Korihor one last chance to either deny God, or admit he is teaching falsehoods; by asking,” Will ye deny again that there is a God, and also deny the Christ?” Alma, however changes his tact, and without allowing Korihor to answer launches into one of the most profound testimonies of God, His Son Jesus Christ, and the creative powers that they posses. Within that testimony lies this question to Korihor,”and now what evidence have ye that there is no God, or that Christ cometh not?” In one simple question Alma has defused the situation, and placed the burden of proof on the accuser rather than shoulder the burden of proof himself. Many times we may pray for the opportunity to share the gospel, or we may be presented with those opportunities and instantly we proceed into trying to prove the truthfulness of the church, or the existence of God. In this statement Alma relieves this task and places it where it belongs, into hands of the seeker. For regardless of the state that we are approached by any individual they are searching in some degree. By answering Korihor with a question that places the burden of proof on Korihor, to prove or disprove the existence of God opens the door for him to share his unfaltering testimony of the existence of God by saying, “I have all things as a testimony that these things are true.”

Alma states that he has all things as a testimony that there is a God. Of all the things that he could have shared with Korihor he chose to use his testimony. A testimony borne of the Spirit, and refined by the trials of life, and exalted by the knowledge of the everlasting atonement of Jesus Christ. Our testimonies are something that is intangible to the physical body, but impacts our life greater than any external force known. This testimony we receive compels us to submit to the enticing of the Spirit, and become, “meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things.” When the opportunity arises we should take every chance to share our testimony with those that are searching for the truth regarding their relationship with God. Alma takes the opportunity to invite the Spirit so that God can testify to Korihor that He exists. What greater testifier can there be than the God of heaven speaking to an individual through the Spirit! We will find the greatest success as a church when we allow God to work the miracles in people’s lives; that we may sometimes take for granted, that is, a relationship with Him through communication of the Holy Ghost. Our privilege is to simply share the truth contained in our testimonies that God exists, and that Jesus is the Christ. He will be glad to do the rest once the Spirit is present in the discussion.

This of course does not relieve us from our obligation as ambassadors of Christ to study the gospel and share our knowledge of the principles contained in it with those that we meet. If we are anxiously engaged, our understanding of these eternal principles will grow and with it our confidence in teaching those that seek for truth. Often we hear of members speak of having fear to share the gospel with those they have relationships with. Remember the counsel given by Alma , “use boldness, but not overbearance.” Be bold in your attempts to share your testimony, but always listen for the Holy Ghosts guidance concerning those to whom you share it with. Remember most people will feel overwhelmed by anything that is new to them so a little often goes a long way. Then it is in our best interest to earnestly seek our Fathers help in teaching His children.

Take heart in this gospel for it is true and never be ashamed of that fact. Remember that those we speak to that are not of our faith are often coming to us with questions because they have had some experience that has changed their life and God has sent you to tell them why God has an interest in them. To tell them why He will speak to them and be happy to send all the help that they require to find Him. To tell them why our Savior Jesus Christ loved them enough to sacrifice Himself for them, and through the atonement He will relieve all of their suffering, and every burden will be lifted even death itself will be defeated. To tell them that they can walk in a life that is filled with the words of living prophets never to be led astray again. To tell them that they have worth, and do not need to pursue the fleeting sensations of this life to feel loved. Finally, and probably most importantly, to tell them that they mean something to someone that that someone is their Father in Heaven and He will never stop caring for them. Through the sharing of our testimony concerning these things we will create an atmosphere for the Holy Ghost to come into their hearts and testify of these things that they may know for themselves of their truthfulness.

When we place the burden of truth on the seeker rather than carry it ourselves we will foster within them the ability to build their own relationship with God, and Jesus Christ. We will be witness to one of the most fundamental relationships in this existence, that of a child returning to the loving bosom of their creator to be embraced by His spirit, and lifted above the realm of mortal understanding to an understanding that God lives, and Jesus is the Christ. Of this I testify in His sacred name even Jesus Christ. Amen.