Lesson 26: Converted unto the Lord

Purpose:

To encourage class members to strengthen their conversion and increase their desire to help others become converted.

Reading Assignment:

• Alma 23–29
• Converted unto the Lord - David A. Bednar

Questions to Ponder:

Alma 23:6 And as sure as the Lord liveth, so sure as many as believed, or as many as were brought to the knowledge of the truth, through the preaching of Ammon and his brethren, according to the spirit of revelation and of prophecy, and the power of God working miracles in them—yea, I say unto you, as the Lord liveth, as many of the Lamanites as believed in their preaching, and were converted unto the Lord, never did fall away.

• What characteristics or behaviors distinguish people who are truly converted?
• What did the king of the Lamanites do after he became converted?
• What actions of the converted Lamanites showed that their conversion was true and sincere?
• How did the Nephites help the Anti-Nephi-Lehies keep their covenant with the Lord? 
• How can we help others stay converted to the Lord?
• What “great blessings” did the Lord give Ammon and his brethren? 
• How can we become effective “instruments in the hands of God to bring about [his] great work”? 
• How can we “boast of [our] God” and “glory in the Lord”? 
• In what ways has the Lord blessed you with strength beyond your own to help accomplish His work?
• How had the people of Zarahemla responded when Aaron and his brothers first announced their mission to the Lamanites? (See Alma 26:23–25.) 
• What can we learn from this situation about prejudging people’s responses to the gospel instead of allowing them to accept or reject it on their own? How can we overcome this tendency?
• What experiences have taught you that living the gospel brings joy into our lives?
• How can we be content with what the Lord has given us while still striving to grow and improve ourselves?
• Alma said that God “granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life” (Alma 29:4). What does this mean? (See 2 Nephi 2:27.)
• Alma rejoiced in what the Lord had done for him and his fathers (Alma 29:10–13). What has the Lord done for you and your family that causes you to rejoice?
• According to Elder Bednar “The essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ entails a fundamental and permanent change in our very nature made possible through the Savior’s Atonement. True conversion brings a change in one’s beliefs, heart, and life to accept and conform to the will of God (see Acts 3:19; 3 Nephi 9:20) and includes a conscious commitment to become a disciple of Christ.”
  • In what ways have you made a conscious commitment to become a disciple of Christ?
  • What blessings have you experienced for having made a conscious commitment to become a disciple of Christ?
• What 5 elements taught by Samuel the Laminate did Elder Bednar say was the pattern that leads to conversion?
• Elder Bednar pointed out some possible “weapons of rebellion” such as selfishness, pride, and disobedience.  Can you think of others?  What are your ‘weapons of rebellion”?
• According the Elder Bednar, setting aside our “weapons of rebellion” requires more than merely believing and knowing. What is required?
• Do you and I still possess weapons of rebellion that keep us from becoming converted unto the Lord? If so, what council does Elder Bednar give?
• Elder Bednar note that the Lamanites were not converted to the missionaries who taught them or to the excellent programs of the Church, the personalities of their leaders or to preserving a cultural heritage or the traditions of their fathers. What were they were converted to?
• What promise does Elder Bednar give to those who come to a knowledge of the truth and are converted unto the Lord?

Lesson 25: "They Were Led by The Spirit of The Lord"

Reading Assignment:

• Alma 17-22
   
• "They Taught and Did Minister One to Another" - Elder James M. Paramore
   
• The Joy of Living a Christ-Centered Life - Elder Richard J. Maynes
   
• The Unspeakable Gift of the Holy Ghost - Elder Jay E. Jensen

Questions to Ponder:

1. The sons of Mosiah preach the gospel to the Lamanites.

• Why were the sons of Mosiah such powerful and effective teachers? (See Alma 17:2–4.) How does our personal worthiness and preparation affect our ability to be effective instruments for the Lord? How have you seen a missionary or someone else be blessed because of personal preparation?
   
• What sacrifices did the sons of Mosiah make to perform their missionary work? (See Alma 17:5–6.) Why were they willing to do this? (See Alma 17:9, 16; see also Mosiah 28:1–3.) How can we develop love and concern for others, as was demonstrated by the sons of Mosiah? (See Elder Paramore's Talk)
   
• The sons of Mosiah went to preach to "a hardened and a ferocious people" (Alma 17:14). What comfort and counsel did the Lord give them to help prepare them for their mission? (See Alma 17:10–11.) How did the sons of Mosiah feel after receiving comfort and direction from the Lord? (See Alma 17:12.) How can these verses help us as we face challenges in our callings?

2. Ammon serves and teaches King Lamoni, and many of the people are converted.

• Why did Ammon's heart become "swollen … with joy" when the king's flocks were scattered? (See Alma 17:29.) How did Ammon turn this into a positive experience? (See Alma 17:30–39.)
   
• How did the king respond when his servants told him how Ammon had defended his flocks? (See Alma 18:2–5.) What was Ammon doing when the king asked where he was? (See Alma 18:8–9.) How did this help prepare King Lamoni to be taught? (See Alma 18:10–11.)
   
• How did the king's servants address Ammon when he came to see the king? (See Alma 18:13.) How did Ammon's words to King Lamoni show that Ammon was still a humble servant? (See Alma 18:14–17.)
   
• Why do you think it was important for Ammon to serve the king before trying to teach him? How can serving and developing a relationship of trust with others help us present the gospel message to them? In what ways can we serve those we teach? (See Elder Paramore's Talk)
   
• As Ammon began teaching King Lamoni, how did he help him gain an understanding about God and heaven? (See Alma 18:24–33.) How can we follow this example when teaching the gospel?
   
• After establishing a level of understanding with King Lamoni, what essential doctrines did Ammon teach him? (See Alma 18:34–39.) Why is the Book of Mormon an important tool in teaching these truths today?
   
• What did King Lamoni do after hearing and believing Ammon's words? (See Alma 18:40–41.) Why is it important for people to seek forgiveness when they are taught the principles of the gospel? Why is prayer necessary in the conversion process?
   
• After praying, King Lamoni fell to the earth. How did the queen demonstrate her faith when Lamoni appeared to be dead? (See Alma 19:1–5, 8–9.)
   
• What did Lamoni emphasize when he spoke to the queen after his conversion? (See Alma 19:12–13.)
   
• After speaking to the queen, Lamoni again fell to the earth, as did the queen and all of the servants except Abish (Alma 19:13, 15–16). Who was Abish? (See Alma 19:16–17.) What did Abish do when she understood what had happened? (See Alma 19:17.) How can we better recognize and use opportunities to share the gospel?
   
• What were some of the different responses of the people when they arrived at the house of the king? (See Alma 19:18–28.) How did Abish try to resolve the contention among the people? (See Alma 19:28–29.) How did the king and queen demonstrate their conversion after they arose? (See Alma 19:29–31, 33.)
   
• What do you think Mormon wanted us to learn from the experiences of Ammon and King Lamoni and his people? (See Alma 19:36.)
   

3. Ammon is led by the Spirit to deliver his brethren. Lamoni's father is converted.

• What did Lamoni want to do after the Church was established in his kingdom? (See Alma 20:1.) Why is it important for new converts to share their testimonies with others? How can we continue to have such enthusiasm?
   
• How did the conversation between Lamoni and his father demonstrate the depth of Lamoni's conversion? (See Alma 20:13–15.)
   
• What astonished King Lamoni's father about Ammon? (See Alma 20:26–27.) Why are love and testimony so powerful in softening a person's heart? (See Elder Paramore's & Elder Maynes' Talks)
   
• What did Aaron and his brethren do as soon as they were released from prison and fed and clothed? (See Alma 21:14–15.) Why is it important for us to continue in our labors in God's kingdom even when we face suffering and affliction?
   
• How did Aaron and his brethren know where they should go to teach the gospel? (See Alma 21:16.) How were they blessed as they were led by the Spirit? (See Alma 21:17.) How have you been blessed by heeding the promptings of the Spirit? (See Elder Jensen's Talk)
   
• Aaron was led by the Spirit to the house of King Lamoni's father (Alma 22:1). How had Ammon's example helped prepare Lamoni's father to be taught? (See Alma 22:2–3.) How have you seen the examples of Church members influence others for good?
   
• How was Aaron's teaching of Lamoni's father similar to Ammon's teaching of Lamoni? (Compare Alma 18:24–39 with Alma 22:7–14.) What did Aaron say when Lamoni's father asked what he should do to obtain a hope of redemption? (See Alma 22:16.)
   
• What sacrifices was the king willing to make to know God? (See Alma 22:15, 17–18.) What can we learn from the king's example? (See Elder Paramore's Talk)
   
• What did the king do following his conversion that helped the missionaries bring thousands to a knowledge of the Lord? (See Alma 22:26; 23:1–6.) What experiences have you had or known of where the conversion of one person had a positive effect on many others?

Lesson 24: Give Us Strength According to Our Faith-in Christ

Purpose:
To help class members better understand how the Atonement provides deliverance from trials and how the priesthood and following the counsel of prophets helps us enter into the rest of the Lord.

Reading Assignment:

• Alma 13-16
• The Power of Deliverance - Pres. Henry B. Eyring
• In the Strength of The Lord - Elder David A. Bednar
  (I know, I know...we've already read this one...but it is so good and applicable, we get to read it again.)
• Enter into The Rest of The Lord - Elder W. Craig Zwick

Questions to Ponder:

Alma 13 & Elder W. Craig Zwick

• When are men first “called and prepared” to be ordained to the priesthood? (See Alma 13:3.)
• How did men demonstrate in premortal life that they were worthy to be foreordained to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood? (See Alma 13:3–5.)
• What must we do in this life to remain worthy of our foreordination? (See Alma 13:8–10.)
• How should Alma’s teachings about foreordination affect the way we sustain those who are called to preside over us? How should these teachings affect our response when priesthood leaders extend callings or other assignments to us?
• What does it mean to "enter the rest of the Lord?"
  • How can we become worthy to enter into His rest?
  • If we understand the necessity of repentance, why do many of us procrastinate the day of our repentance? How can we overcome this tendency?
  • How is entering into the rest of the Lord connected to the Priesthood and Gospel ordinances? To teaching the Gospel?

Alma 14, David A. Bednar & Henry B. Eyring

• Why do some people become angry when they are called to repentance? (See 1 Nephi 16:1–3.)
• What did Zeezrom do when he saw what “he had caused among the people”? (See Alma 14:6–7.) How did the people respond when Zeezrom confessed his guilt and defended Alma and Amulek? (See Alma 14:7.)
• What did the wicked people in Ammonihah do to the people who believed in the word of God? (See Alma 14:7–9.) Why does the Lord allow tragedies to happen? (See Alma 14:10–11; 60:13.)
  
  Spencer W. Kimball Wrote: "Now, we find many people critical when a righteous person is killed, a young father or mother is taken from a family, or when violent deaths occur. Some become bitter when oft-repeated prayers seem unanswered. Some lose faith and turn sour when solemn administrations by holy men seem to be ignored and no restoration seems to come from repeated prayer circles. But if all the sick were healed, if all the righteous were protected and the wicked destroyed, the whole program of the Father would be annulled and the basic principle of the gospel, free agency, would be ended.
  
   "If pain and sorrow and total punishment immediately followed the doing of evil, no soul would repeat a misdeed. If joy and peace and rewards were instantaneously given the doer of good, there could be no evil--all would do good and not because of the rightness of doing good. There would be no test of strength, no development of character, no growth of powers, no free agency, no Satanic controls.
  
  "Should all prayers be immediately answered according to our selfish desires and our limited understanding, then there would be little or no suffering, sorrow, disappointment, or even death; and if these were not, there would also be an absence of joy, success, resurrection, eternal life, and godhood." 
  Improvement Era, Mar 1966, p180 & 210) 
• After being persecuted in prison for many days, how were Alma and Amulek finally delivered? (See Alma 14:26–29; Ether 12:12–13; David A. Bednar & Henry B. Eyring)
  • What are some things from which we need to be delivered?
  • Why must our faith be centered in Christ to lead us to deliverance? (See Mosiah 3:17; Moroni 7:33.)

Alma 15-16

• What did Zeezrom ask of Alma and Amulek? (See Alma 15:5.) What does this reveal about his trust in them? In whom did he need to place his trust in order to be healed? (See Alma 15:6–10.)
• What can we learn from Zeezrom’s actions after he was healed? (See Alma 15:11–12.)
• What did Amulek give up by choosing to live the gospel and serve as a missionary? (See Alma 15:16.) What did he gain? (See Alma 8:30; 34:1, 8; Ether 12:12–13.) What sacrifices have you made in choosing to live and teach the gospel? How have you been blessed for this?
• What did Alma do for Amulek once the Church was established in Sidom? (See Alma 15:18.) What does this act reveal about Alma? In what ways can we administer to others and strengthen them in the Lord?
• (See Alma 16:2–3, 9–11.) How was this a fulfillment of Alma’s prophecies? (See Alma 9:4–5, 12, 18.) What prophecies have we seen fulfilled in our day?
• (Alma 16:13–21). How does the Lord prepare people’s hearts to receive His word? (See Alma 16:16.)
• How can we ensure that we preach the word of God “in its purity”? (See Alma 16:21; see also Mosiah 18:18–20; D&C 52:9.)

Lesson 23: More Than One Witness

Purpose:

To increase class members’ understanding of the plan of redemption and the power of having more than one witness to testify of gospel truths.

Read, Ponder, and Pray about The Following Scriptures:

a. Alma 8–9. After preaching in Melek, Alma calls the people of Ammonihah to repentance, but they reject him. He leaves but is commanded by an angel to return. Alma is received by Amulek, and both are commanded to preach in Ammonihah.
Specific Scripture Verses to Ponder:

• Alma 8:10
• Alma 8:18
• Alma 8:20, 27
• Alma 9:5
• Alma 9:2, 6
• Alma 9:8–11
• Alma 9:14–24
• Luke 12:47–48
• D&C 82:3
• Alma 9:16–17

b. Alma 10. Amulek preaches to the people of Ammonihah and describes his conversion. The people are astonished that there is another witness to Alma’s teachings. Amulek contends with unrighteous lawyers and judges.
Specific Scripture Verses to Ponder:

• Alma 10:6
• Alma 10:7–11
• Alma 10:12
• Alma 10:13–16, 31–32
• Alma 10:17

c. Alma 11. Amulek contends with Zeezrom and testifies of the coming of Christ, the judgment of the wicked, and the plan of redemption.
Specific Scripture Verses to Ponder:

• Alma 11:1, 20
• Alma 11:21–22
• Alma 11:26–39
• Alma 11:40–41
• Alma 11:42–43
• Alma 11:43–45
• Alma 11:46

d. Alma 12. Alma further explains Amulek’s words, warning against hard-heartedness and wickedness and testifying of the Fall and the plan of redemption.
Specific Scripture Verses to Ponder:

• Alma 12:1
• Alma 12:3–6
• Alma 12:9–11
• Alma 12:10
• 1 Nephi 2:16; 15:11
• Alma 12:13–14
• Alma 12:14–18
• D&C 19:16–18
• Alma 12:22–34
• Alma 12:32

Gospel Principles to Ponder:

• The Atonement - Alma 11:40, Alma 12:33–34
• Repentance - Alma 11:40, Alma 12:24
• Judgement - Alma 11:41, Alma 12:14
• Resurrection - Alma 11:41–42, Alma 12:24–25

Questions to Ponder:

• What can we do to qualify for the companionship of the Spirit in our lives?
• How can the companionship of the Spirit bless and strengthen us? Our testimonies? Our ability to answer questions about the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
• How can we be strengthened through modern day prophets and apostles?
• How can we recognize and respond speedily to the promptings of the Spirit?
• Why do you suppose the Lord desired Alma and Amulek worked together as witnesses of the gospel of Jesus Christ?
• How did Alma and Amulek strengthen each other and delivered powerful teachings about the plan of redemption?
• How can we strengthen one another in bearing witness of the gospel?

Lesson 22: Have Ye Received His Image in Your Countenances?

Reading Assignment:

• Alma 5 - 7
• Born of God - President Ezra Taft Benson
• Beware of Pride - Pres. Ezra Taft Benson

Questions to Ponder:

1. Alma teaches the people how they can experience a "mighty change" of heart.

President Ezra Taft Benson taught why it became important for Alma to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ rather than serve as chief judge: "The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. … The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1985, 5; or Ensign, Nov. 1985, 6).

• At the beginning of his address, Alma spoke of the previous generation, who had been delivered from physical and spiritual bondage (Alma 5:3–9). Why do you think it was important for the people to remember their fathers' captivity and deliverance? How did Alma describe their fathers after the Lord "changed their hearts"? (See Alma 5:7–9.)
  
• What are the answers to these questions? (See Alma 5:11–13.) What was the message that led to "a mighty change [being] wrought" in the heart of Alma's father? (See Mosiah 16:13–15.) What happened to the people who believed Alma the Elder when he taught them the gospel? (See Alma 5:13; see also Mosiah 18:1–11.) How can others' testimonies of the Savior help us experience a change of heart?
  
• We often use the word conversion when we speak of this experience. What does it mean to be converted? (See Mosiah 5:2; 27:24–26.) Is conversion a single event or a process?
• How can it be helpful to imagine ourselves being judged by the Lord? (See Alma 5:15–19.)
• Alma asked, "If ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, … can ye feel so now?" (Alma 5:26). Once a person has "felt to sing the song of redeeming love," what might cause that feeling to diminish? What can we do to continue in the process of conversion?

• How can we keep ourselves "blameless before God"? (See Alma 5:27, 50–51.)
  
• How do pride and envy make us unprepared to meet God? (See Alma 5:28–29.) Why are we unprepared to meet God if we mock or persecute others, as recorded in verses 30 and 31?
  
• What invitation does the Savior extend to us? (See Alma 5:33–35.) How can this invitation give us hope?
   
• To the unrighteous people in Zarahemla, Alma said, "A shepherd hath called after you and is still calling after you, but ye will not hearken unto his voice!" (Alma 5:37). Who is the shepherd Alma referred to? (See Alma 5:38.) How does the Savior call after us? What can we do to hearken to His voice?
   
• What can we learn from Alma 5:43–49 about the calling of a prophet?
   
• Alma warned the people that they should not persist, or continue, in their wickedness (Alma 5:53–56; note that Alma asked the question "Will ye persist?" four times). Why is forsaking sin a necessary part of repenting? (See Alma 5:56; see also Mosiah 16:5; D&C 58:42–43.)
   
• Alma commanded his people, "Come ye out from the wicked, and be ye separate" (Alma 5:57). How can we separate ourselves from wickedness while living in the world?

2. Alma and the people establish the order of the Church in Zarahemla.

Read selected verses from Alma 6.

• After Alma's discourse, many people repented of their sins and humbled themselves before God (Alma 6:1–2). Why were other people unwilling to repent of their sins? (See Alma 6:3.) How does pride prevent people from repenting? How can we overcome pride in our hearts?
  President Ezra Taft Benson said: "The antidote for pride is humility—meekness, submissiveness (see Alma 7:23). … Let us choose to be humble. We can choose to humble ourselves by conquering enmity toward our brothers and sisters, esteeming them as ourselves, and lifting them as high or higher than we are. … We can choose to humble ourselves by receiving counsel and chastisement. … We can choose to humble ourselves by forgiving those who have offended us. … We can choose to humble ourselves by rendering selfless service. … We can choose to humble ourselves by going on missions and preaching the word that can humble others. … We can choose to humble ourselves by getting to the temple more frequently. … We can choose to humble ourselves by confessing and forsaking our sins and being born of God. … We can choose to humble ourselves by loving God, submitting our will to His, and putting Him first in our lives" (in Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 6; or Ensign, May 1989, 6–7).
  
• Alma and the people in Zarahemla "began to establish the order of the church" by ordaining priests and elders, baptizing new converts, and gathering together often in fasting and prayer (Alma 6:1–6). How does such order in the Church help us continue in the conversion process?
  

3. Alma testifies of Jesus Christ. He encourages the people in Gideon to follow the Savior.

Read selected verses from Alma 7.

• Alma told the people in Gideon that there were "many things to come" but that the coming of Jesus Christ was of the greatest importance (Alma 7:7). What did Alma teach about the Savior's mission on earth? (See Alma 7:10–13.) Why did the Savior take upon Himself our pains, afflictions, sicknesses, and sins? (See Alma 7:11–14)
  
• In what ways was Alma's message to the people in Gideon different from his message in Zarahemla? In what ways were the messages similar? Why did Alma preach repentance to the people in Gideon even though they were striving to live righteously? (See Alma 7:9, 14–16, 22, 26.)