Alma and his sons preached "after the holy order of God." This conveys a sense of joint action, of collective effort. Jesus wants His disciples to be one because some needful things can only be accomplished through organized, collective effort.
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.
Establishing Order
Alma organized the church in Zarahemla by choosing and training leaders, welcoming new members, and removing unrepentant members. We can similarly organize our lives by planning well, embracing new opportunities, and letting go of low-value activities.
Testimony of Jesus = Spirit of Prophecy
An angel told John that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. The only way we can be sure that Jesus is our Savior is by direct, personal revelation from God. Therefore, the people who have that testimony are the people who receive revelation.
Room in the Inn
In contrast with the inn which turned away Mary and Joseph, the wounded traveler in the parable of the Good Samaritan was welcomed into a place of comfort and healing. The Savior invites us to make His Inn (the Church) a welcoming place for wounded and weary travelers.
From Their Sins
What does it mean to be saved by Jesus Christ? Is it like receiving a presidential pardon, with the consequences of our actions eliminated by a legal authority? Or like amnesty, where we get a clean slate and a chance to start over? Both of these descriptions tell part of the story. But Jesus doesn't... Continue Reading →
The Fast That I Have Chosen
"What's the point of fasting?" ask the children of Israel in Isaiah 58. "Why are we torturing ourselves when God doesn't even notice?" In response, Isaiah contrasts the way they are currently fasting with the way God wants them to fast: Current "Ye find pleasure." You do whatever you want during the fast. "And exact all... Continue Reading →
Preside
After Alma organized the church at the waters of Mormon, he and his people fled for their lives from the armies of King Noah. Arriving in a new land, which they called the land of Helam, they began to organize themselves as an independent community. After warning his people to be careful whom they chose... Continue Reading →
Book of Mormon References in Moroni 6
Today as I studied Moroni 6, I found a number of phrases which referenced earlier passages in the Book of Mormon. Obviously, Moroni knew the Book of Mormon well. Still, I thought these references were striking, and I thought I'd share the connections I made today as I studied this chapter. Most of these phrases... Continue Reading →
What Are the Purposes of Fasting?
Yesterday, I wrote about how the Savior's sacrifice sanctifies us—makes us holy. I also wrote that we receive the blessings of that sacrifice by offering our own sacrifices to him in a spirit of humility and contrition. Today, I've studied a specific kind of sacrifice which both predated the Savior's atonement and continues today: fasting.... Continue Reading →