Alma 13

The priesthood can be used and properly held ONLY by those who do not harden their hearts. Priesthood ordinances and the service of priesthood holders help you know how to look to Jesus Christ for redemption. Priesthood leaders help you look to Jesus Christ, repent, and live in peace. As you respond humbly to the invitation to repent, the Spirit will lead you into the rest of the Lord.

1-3. What do these verses teach you about priesthood holders? What blessings have come into your life through the Melchizedek Priesthood?

"The Nephites, who were faithful and true in keeping the law of Moses, had the Melchizedek Priesthood, which means they had also the fulness of the gospel... Some of our best information about the Melchizedek Priesthood is found in Alma 13." - Bruce R McConkie, The Promised Messiah [1978], p. 421

"Faithful men held priesthood power and authority first in pre-existence and then again on earth. Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was." - Bruce R McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 477

2-6. How are faithful Melchizedek Priesthood holders different from those who followed the teachings of Nehor (see Alma 1:12-15)? The people of Ammonihah had previously been taught about the Melchizedek Priesthood and received blessings through the Melchizedek Priesthood. Why do you think it was important for the people in Ammonihah to be reminded of what they had previously learned abouthe Melchizedek Priesthood?
3. What did Alma mean when he said that high priests have been called and prepared from the foundation of the world? What does this verse teach you about what you need to do to fulfill your foreordained mission in life?

"Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was. I suppose that I was ordained to this very office in that Grand Council." - Joseph Smith, Teachings of Presidents of the Church : Joseph Smith [2007], 511

"In the word before we came here, faithful women were given certain assignments while faithful men were foreordained to certain priesthood tasks. While we do not now remember the particulars, this does not alter the glorious reality of what we once agreed to." - Spencer W Kimball, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W Kimball [2006], 215-216 

3-13. What are some characteristics of faithful high priests? What are the characteristics of those who reject the Spirit of God? What can we do to be more like faithful high priests? 

3-5. When were Melchizedek Priesthood holders first called and prepared?

6. What duty do all Melchizedek Priesthood holders have?

7. Using this verse, how would you describe the Melchizedek Priesthood?

8. In what ways does the service of priesthood holders help you know how to look to Jesus Christ for redemption? (See also verses 2 & 16) When a man is ordained to an office in the priesthood, what should that ordination mean to him?

10. What are some qualifications for being ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood?

11-12. What do you think it means for someone's garments to be washed white through the blood of the Lamb? Why do you think that Melchizedek Priesthood holders need to be changed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ? In what ways can you follow their examples?

12. What does it mean to look upon sin with abhorrence? Can you think of an experience where you successfully did so?

13. What do you think it means to enter into the Savior's rest?

14-19. How would you describe Mechizedek? What did Melchizedek hold? How might the wicked people of Ammonihah benefitted from learning about Melchizedek?

15. Why do you think that Abraham paid his tithing to him?

16, 18. Why was Melchizedek called the Prince of Peace? Who else do you know in the scriptures with the title Prince of Peace? (See Isaiah 9:6) 

17. What were the people like when Melchizedek became their king? What were the people like when Melchizedek became their king? What words describe Melchizedek's people? How were these people similar to the people of Ammonihah?

18. What did Melchizedek do as the leader of his people? How did his leadership influence the people?  How was this influence different from the influence of those in Ammonihah who followed the teachings of Nehor? What principles of the gospel did Melchizedek teach his people that caused them to change their behavior? How can you use principles of faith and repentance to have peace in your life? How have you been blessed through the service of Church leaders?

20. What does the word 'wrest' mean? What happens to the faith of people who twist, distort, and pervert the words and teachings of God? Why would wresting the scriptures bring personal destruction? Have you ever been a situation when someone was twisting the scriptures for their own purposes? What should you do when people interpret a scripture for their personal benefit?
21. What do you think 'the day of salvation' refers to? How do you prepare for the Lord's coming?
24. How can you help the angels prepare the hearts of the children of men to receive his word?
25. When would Alma like the 'day of salvation' to be? What must you do to so that you will not be fearful but excited for the Lord's day of salvation?
27. What words in this verse show how Alma felt about the people and about his message? How do missionaries feel about the people they teach? Have you ever felt this depth of love for those who do not embrace the gospel plan? What made you feel this way?
28. What should you do to avoid being tempted beyond your ability to resist? How will the Spirit strengthen you if you do watch and pray continually?
29. What does it mean to you to enter into the rest of the Lord?

"The ancient prophets speak of entering into God's rest; what does it mean? To my mind, it means entering into the knowledge and love of God, having faith in his purpose and in his plan, to such an extent that we know we are right, and that we are not hunting for something else." - Joseph F Smith, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F Smith, [1998], 56

"True saints enter into the rest of the Lord while in this life, and by abiding in the truth, they continue in that blessed state until they rest with the Lord in heaven... The rest of the Lord, in eternity, is to inherit eternal life, to gain the fullness of the Lord's glory." - Bruce R McConkie, Mormon Doctrine [1966], 633

29-30. What blessings do you find in these verses that are the fruits of obedience? What consequences follow the failure to be obedient to gospel principles?