If they are even mentioned at all.

And yet when Mormon wrote out this story about Korihor’s actions, he wrote that Korihor was preaching his carnally-pleasing message, “leading away many women”… and then he added “and also men”. (Alma 30:18)

To me, this JUMPED off the pages as I read. The “men” part sounded like an afterthought. ⁣

Korihor affected women the most. ⁣

He clearly appealed to their pride. ⁣

He caused them to commit sin, thinking of no consequence. ⁣

He turned them against their religious traditions. ⁣

He made them think it was foolish to believe in something they couldn’t see.

It seems like women were extremely susceptible to Korihor’s wicked teachings. ⁣

So, how are we doing today?

Are we falling for Korihor’s sneaky deceptions?

Guess what our prophet has specifically said?

“We need women who can detect deception in all of its forms.” – President Nelson

To recognize the same exact teachings that Korihor shouted, but in our media, news, apps, entertainment, and conversations. ⁣

We’ve been asked to stand up when something that is a societal norm or even a part of “church culture” doesn’t sit right with us.

To receive personal revelation and then lead with confidence and love. ⁣

For me, this leads to some reflection.

Have I let any sins become “acceptable” in my life?

Have I become lax, or indulged in pride? ⁣

How can I better take a stand?⁣

Because we have been promised that in these final days, the good women of the world will be drawn to the Church because of the example of strong, righteous women. ⁣

We need to be seen calling out sin and standing up for what is right. ⁣

Instead of being the first to fall away into temptingly easy and pleasurable paths…⁣

We can use our influence to bring others to Christ.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Korihor convinced the women first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

There may or may not have been some stories in the news about this recently…

It’s unfair to cheat.

It gives you an advantage that other people don’t have.

But when it comes to the battle with our adversary, we’ve been explicitly told in the scriptures all of the “plays” he will try in order to keep our hearts from turning to God.

We’ve been given the unfair advantage over the opposition!

John reveals one of the biggest tactics the adversary will use in the last days:

“And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth.” (Revelation 13:14) 

He will try to deceive us!

But what does it mean to be deceived?

It means we are convinced to believe something is not true even when it is.

So that means deception will be a significant tool the adversary uses on people who already believe in Jesus Christ.

Think about the truths you know about Jesus Christ.

Think about what Jesus does for you, and how much God loves you.

Has the adversary ever tried to convince you that those things were actually false AFTER you had already received your testimony?

Elder Neil L. Anderson counseled:

“Embrace your sacred memories. Believe them.”

The adversary wants to erode our trust with ourselves.

We had a strong impression that Jesus Christ loves us so so so much?

The adversary wants us to be deceived.

When it comes to the Savior, the adversary has been and always will be working overtime to make us doubt what we already know.

So what’s our play going to be?

How can we go on the offensive, knowing that our opposition is going to try to deceive?

To me, this means that it is always a good time to seek out more spiritual experiences.

I need a steady stream of CURRENT impressions and witnesses so that I can stay grounded in truth.

And with the inside knowledge that I have, I will be guaranteed to come out on top.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post The opposition’s playbook  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

This Joseph Smith was clearly lying to the public about the gold Bible that he had.

He was deceiving many people into supporting and believing him as he went through a “translation” process.

And it made these men mad.

But then the idea came and stayed:

Why don’t we steal the transcripted pages, alter them, and then frame Joseph after he re-translates!

Sure, it involves lying and deception on our end, too, but it’s okay because we are exposing lying and deception.

And thus the plan was put in place, and a book of scripture was lost to our generation.

It’s so tempting, right?

If someone is angry with me, I’m going to become angry at them, too.

If someone is outraged at something, I’m going to become outraged at how outraged they are.

If someone complains a lot to me, I’m going to complain to other people about how much they complain.

It’s so tempting to fight sin with the same type of sin, and feel justified doing it.

But that’s exactly what it is… a temptation.

From the great tempter.

Satan wants us to believe that we are justified in sinning, and he’ll use any strategy to get us there.

And I think he has succeeded quite a bit with this strategy in particular – sinning with the illusion that it will help cancel someone else’s sin.

Or that it is a normal reaction to someone else’s sin.

It’s an overwhelming reality to recognize that we are fully in charge of our own actions.

And that we will be judged according to what we know and what we do.

I also think that fully overcoming this temptation takes a lifetime of effort, love, and commitment to integrity.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Fighting with fire first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.