Abinadi

I think most of us read our scriptures for a prescribed amount of time each day, or maybe a chapter a day or something like that.  We have been told by modern prophets that even reading one verse a day is better than reading in fits and starts.
However once we have established a daily habit of scripture study then reading for a longer period of time than normal every once in a while can be enriching.
Say you usually read 15 minutes each day, take an hour on Sunday and read a longer chunk. Mormonmomplanner.blogspot.org made a great printable that had King Benjamin's address made up to look like a General Conference talk. I think when we read passages of the Book of Mormon this way we get different things out of it than when we read it chapter by chapter, verse by verse.

Abinadi's address to King Noah's court is another passage that would be great as a General Conference talk. It's in Mosiah, chapters 13-16.
36
They accuse Abinadi of prophecying evil against their king and people, saying that he isn't honoring Isaiah's sentiment in Isaiah 52:7-10, which says that those who bring good news will be beloved. "Don't you understand this scirpture?" (they're inherently saying) Why aren't you bringing us good news?"

Abinadi takes the next four chapters to explain this passage in Isaiah to them, telling them that the good news spoken of in the verses is that Jesus Christ will redeem the world from sin and allow us all to be resurrected. The good news is that we are redeemable, but the wicked who choose not to engage with the Savior will be claimed by justice.

I love how Abinadi explains and reexplains all the questions the priests asked him, even though chances are they weren't particularly interested in his answers.  He really does tell them all the good new, he brings them good tidings, he publishes peace and salvation. He asks them to break forth into joy because the Lord has redeemed his people. But they reject the good news, they pridefully turn their backs on the most joyful concept in creation.

 I like to think that Abinadi knew he was speaking to Alma. When Alma rose to his feet to defend Abinadi, I hope he felt good and happy and fulfilled. I like to think that he could tell that Alma was repentant and that he took the knowledge that he brought one soul unto God into the flames with him. Truly how beautiful upon the mountain were his feet.