When Enoch protested that he wasn't qualified to preach the gospel, God responded, "Open thy mouth, and it shall be filled." Self-consciousness and over-analysis can inhibit communication. If we are open to the Lord's guidance, He will teach us even as we teach other people.
Preaching the Gospel by the Spirit
The Lord calls church members to preach the gospel by the Spirit. Moroni said that church meetings should be conducted after the manner of the Spirit. This requires more than having the Spirit with us. It requires that we teach the way the Spirit teaches: providing individualized instruction and inviting others to act for themselves.
How to Preach
Alma was an effective teacher because he taught according to: 1. The revelations received by his predecessors. 2. The spirit of prophecy: He received revelation while he taught. 3. The testimony of Jesus 4. The holy order by which he was called.
Nephi: Talk or Text
The spoken word can be more impactful than the written word. Nephi knew this and lamented that many people would not take his words seriously. We can apply this principle in two ways: (1) talk about the gospel and (2) put effort into being better readers.
Come and See
John saw a vision in which heavenly beings invited him to "come and see." Nephi had a similar vision in which an angel repeatedly said, "Look!" It's tempting to answer people's questions, but it can be more useful to invite them to observe and act.
“With the Spirit…and With the Understanding Also”
Paul told the Corinthians that it was important to worship with the spirit and with the understanding. Passion is inspiring, but it's insufficient. We also need to clearly explain true principles which people can apply to real decisions.
Sermonettes on the Mount
Jesus taught principles from the Sermon on the Mount in multiple settings. Here are some principles He taught as the moral of a parable, in response to questions, or to counter criticism. We too can share His teachings in a variety of circumstances.
“As One Having Authority”
Jesus "taught...as one having authority." What does that mean? His study of the scriptures had brought Him close to God, and His power as a teacher came from that closeness. Ammon and his brothers also "taught with power and authority" as did Abinadi.
The Discussion on the Mount
Jesus taught the principles in the Sermon on the Mount in a variety of settings and to a variety of audiences. He adapted His delivery to each audience. We can follow His example by slowing down and paying attention to our listeners while we teach.
“When Thou Sittest in Thine House”
Teaching doesn't just happen in a classroom. In fact, some of the most important teaching happens spontaneously, as a by-product of other activities. At the end of Moses' life, he delivered three discourses to the children of Israel in preparation for their entry into the promised land. Near the beginning of the second discourse, he... Continue Reading →