After describing Alma’s ministry in Zarahemla, Mormon pauses in the narrative to explain how Alma preached the gospel. He lists four considerations which provided structure and direction to Alma’s teaching:
- “According to the revelation of the truth of the word which had been spoken by his fathers” — Alma respected the principles taught by his predecessors, particularly his father and the prophet Abinadi. (See Alma 5:11-13.) Alma also followed policies for church membership which his father had received by revelation. (See Alma 6:3, Mosiah 26:29-32.)
- “And according to the spirit of prophecy which was in him” — Prior revelations weren’t enough. As Alma taught, he needed to be receptive to new inspiration which could help him understand what to teach and how to apply gospel principles to current situations.
- “According to the testimony of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who should come to redeem his people from their sins” — The fact that Alma had “fasted and prayed many days” to know these things for himself (Alma 5:46) enabled him to teach with conviction.
- “And [according to] the holy order by which he was called” — Alma was not alone, and he was not teaching on his own behalf. He had been called by God and “ordained,” or in other words, set in order. (See Alma 13:1-9.) His goal, then, was to teach in the Lord’s way, to represent God appropriately.
Today, I will strive to follow Alma’s example as I teach. I will honor the revelations received by prophets. I will follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost. I will share my testimony of the gospel. And I will strive to teach in a way that is consistent with God’s will.
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