Setting Up the Church in Zarahemla
After Alma finished speaking to the people of the church in the city of Zarahemla, he chose priests and elders by laying his hands on them. This was done according to God’s order. They would lead and watch over the church. Anyone who did not belong to the church could join if they were sorry for their sins. They were baptized and received into the church. But people who did belong to the church needed to be sorry for their bad actions. They needed to be humble before God. Some people were proud in their hearts. These people were not allowed to stay. Their names were removed from the list of God’s people. This is how they set up the church in the city of Zarahemla.
You should understand that God’s word was given freely to everyone. No one was kept from coming together to hear God’s word. But God’s people were told to meet together often. They would fast and pray hard for people who did not know God.
Alma Goes to the Valley of Gideon
After Alma made these rules, he left them. He left the church in the city of Zarahemla. He went east across the river Sidon to the valley of Gideon. A city had been built there called the city of Gideon. It was in the valley of Gideon. The valley was named after the man named Gideon. He was killed by Nehor with a sword. Alma went and began to teach God’s word to the church in the valley of Gideon. He taught the truth that had been told by his fathers. He taught by the spirit of prophecy that was in him. He taught about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Jesus would come to save his people from their sins. This is the holy order that Alma was called to. This is written. Amen.