Lesson 29: Give Ear to My Words

Purpose:
To teach class members Alma’s counsel for remaining faithful in the gospel and to help parents understand how to teach and counsel both righteous and unrighteous children.

Reading:

Alma 36-39

For the Strength of Youth: Dating, Dress and Appearance, Entertainment and Media, Music and Dancing, Physical and Emotional Health, Repentance, Sexual Purity

Overview:

a. Alma 36–37. Alma recounts his conversion and bears his testimony to his son Helaman. He instructs Helaman to preserve the sacred records.

b. Alma 38. Alma praises his son Shiblon for his faithfulness and encourages him to continue in righteousness, enduring to the end.

c. Alma 39. Alma admonishes his son Corianton for immoral actions and counsels Corianton about the consequences of such sin.

Questions to Ponder:

a. 

• Alma 36 contains Alma’s testimony as expressed to his son Helaman (see especially verses 3–5 and 26–28). Why is it important for children to hear their parents bear their testimonies? In what ways have your parents’ testimonies influenced your life?
• As part of his testimony, Alma told Helaman of his conversion (Alma 36:6–24; see also Alma 38:7–9, where Alma tells his son Shiblon of his conversion, and lesson 20, which discusses Alma’s conversion in greater detail). Why do you think Alma shared his conversion story with his sons? How have you benefited from hearing about how other people have become converted?
• Many times Alma encouraged Helaman to follow his example and charged him to; “Ye should do as I have done” (Alma 36:2), “I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me” (Alma 36:3), “Ye also ought to retain in remembrance, as I have done” (Alma 36:29), “Ye ought to know as I do know” (Alma 36:30).  Why is it important for parents to set a righteous example for their children?
• How did Alma emphasize to Helaman the importance of keeping the records? (See Alma 37:1–2, 6–12.) In what ways was keeping the records a “small and simple thing” that would bring about “great things”? (Alma 37:6–7). What “great things” will the scriptures do for us if we study them diligently? (See Alma 37:8–10.)
• What did Alma tell Helaman to teach the people? (See Alma 37:32–34.) How can parents, teachers, and other adults help young people today “learn wisdom in [their] youth”? (Alma 37:35).
• How has your life been affected as you have endeavored to follow the counsel given in Alma 37:36–37? How can we better heed this counsel?
• What comparisons did Alma make between the word of God and the Liahona? (See Alma 37:38–45.) What must we do so that the word of God becomes a Liahona for each of us?
• Alma counseled Helaman, “Do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way” (Alma 37:46; see also Numbers 21:5–9; 1 Nephi 17:41). In what sense is the way to eternal life easy? Why is the easiness of the way a stumbling block to some people? How can we keep our focus on simple, saving faith in Christ? How do we “look to God and live”? (Alma 37:47).

b. 

• What qualities in Shiblon brought great joy to his father? (See Alma 38:2–4.) Why is it important for parents to recognize and praise their children for their good qualities and righteous living?
• How has putting your trust in God helped you in times of trial or affliction? (See Alma 38:5)
• Even though Shiblon was faithful, Alma concluded his words to his son with an admonition (Alma 38:10–15). Why is it important for even the righteous to receive counsel and warning? How can we learn to receive such counsel and warning in humility?
• Alma counseled Shiblon to continue teaching the word of God, being “diligent and temperate,” using “boldness, but not overbearance” (Alma 38:10, 12.) How can we follow this counsel as we share our beliefs with others?
• Alma warned Shiblon not to boast of his own wisdom or strength (Alma 38:11). How can pride in our own wisdom or strength lead to greater sins? How can we overcome such pride? (See Alma 38:13–14. We can “acknowledge [our] unworthiness before God at all times.”)
• Alma counseled Shiblon to “bridle all [his] passions” (Alma 38:12). What does it mean to bridle our passions? Why must we bridle our passions in order to “be filled with love”?

c. 

• What sins had Corianton committed? (See Alma 39:2–3.) Why is sexual immorality such a grievous sin?
  • Elder Boyd K. Packer taught:
  • “There was provided in our bodies—and this is sacred—a power of creation, a light, so to speak, that has the power to kindle other lights. This gift was to be used only within the sacred bonds of marriage. Through the exercise of this power of creation, a mortal body may be conceived, a spirit enter into it, and a new soul born into this life.
  • “This power is good. It can create and sustain family life, and it is in family life that we find the fountains of happiness. …
  • “The power of creation—or may we say procreation—is not just an incidental part of the plan: it is essential to it. Without it the plan could not proceed. The misuse of it may disrupt the plan.
  • “Much of the happiness that may come to you in this life will depend on how you use this sacred power of creation. … If [Satan] can entice you to use this power prematurely, to use it too soon, or to misuse it in any way, you may well lose your opportunities for eternal progression. …
  • “Protect and guard your gift. Your actual happiness is at stake. Eternal family life … can be achieved because our Heavenly Father has bestowed this choicest gift of all upon you—this power of creation. It is the very key to happiness” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1972, 136–39; or Ensign, July 1972, 111–13).
• Why did Alma feel it necessary to discuss Corianton’s sin with him? (See Alma 39:7–8, 12–13.) What can parents learn from Alma about how to counsel children who have made mistakes or committed sin?
  • Alma reminded Corianton of what led to Corianton’s sin (Alma 39:2–4).
  • He explained the consequences of Corianton’s sin (Alma 39:7–9, 11).
  • He taught Corianton how to repent and avoid the sin in the future (Alma 39:9–14).
  • He taught Corianton about God’s love and forgiveness (Alma 39:15–19).
• What actions or attitudes in Corianton led to his sin? (See Alma 39:2–3.) What can we do to strengthen ourselves against Satan’s enticements to be immoral? (See Alma 39:4, 13; D&C 121:45.)
• How did Corianton’s sinfulness influence others? (See Alma 39:11, 13.) Why do you think Corianton’s actions had more influence on the Zoramites than Alma’s words did? Why is it important for Church members to set good examples? How have you been blessed by people who set good examples? Consider how your actions might influence others’ opinions of the Church.
• What counsel did Alma give to Corianton on how to repent of his sin and avoid such sins in the future? (See Alma 39:9–14).
  • “Go no more after the lusts of your eyes” (Alma 39:9). How can the things we choose to look at or pay attention to influence our determination to stay morally clean?
  • “Take it upon you to counsel with your elder brothers” (Alma 39:10). How can counseling with righteous family members or friends help strengthen our resistance to temptation?
  • “Suffer not yourself to be led away by any vain or foolish thing” (Alma 39:11). What are some vain or foolish things that Satan uses to try to lead us away?
  • “Turn to the Lord with all your mind, might, and strength” (Alma 39:13). How can we turn to the Lord for help when we face temptation?
  • “Acknowledge your faults and that wrong which ye have done” (Alma 39:13). Why is acknowledging that we have done wrong an essential part of repentance?
  • “Seek not after riches nor the vain things of this world” (Alma 39:14). How can seeking riches or “the vain things of this world” tempt us to sin?
• What did Alma teach Corianton about Christ? (See Alma 39:15–19). How can understanding these things help us when we are tempted to sin?

Conclusion
Alma taught Corianton how to repent and return to faithfulness, and he gave counsel to Helaman and Shiblon on how to remain faithful. Each of us can apply Alma’s counsel in our lives. As parents we can follow  Alma’s example in teaching and counseling our children. Review “For the Strength of Youth” with your family and with individual children on a regular basis.

Lesson 28 - The Word is in Christ Unto Salvation

Purpose:
Help class members understand that hearing and acting on the Word of God is the key to developing and retaining faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Church.

Reading Assignment:

• Alma 32-35
• Seeds of Faith - Elaine Shaw Sorenson
• Prayer - Pres. Ezra Taft Benson

Questions to Ponder:

1. Alma teaches the humble Zoramites to exercise faith and give place in their hearts for the word of God.

As Alma was preaching, a great multitude of Zoramites approached him. Why did Alma have great joy when these Zoramites came to him? (See Alma 32:6–8.) What had happened to prepare these people to hear the word of God? (See Alma 32:2–5.)

Why was it a blessing to these Zoramites that they had been compelled to be humble? (See Alma 32:12–13.) Why is it better to humble ourselves than to be compelled to be humble? (See Alma 32:14–16.) How can the word of God lead us to humble ourselves?

What did Alma teach the Zoramites about what it means to have faith? (See Alma 32:17–18, 21.) What did Alma say is the first thing we need to do to develop faith in God? (See Alma 32:22.) In what ways may we receive God's word? (See Alma 17:2; 32:23;D&C 1:38; 18:33–36.)

What did Alma encourage his listeners to do so they could know that his words were true? (See Alma 32:26–27.) What does it mean to "awake and arouse [our] faculties"? How can we "experiment" on the word of God? (See John 7:17.) What experiences have you had as you have experimented on the word?

2. Alma teaches the people to nourish the word of God in their hearts.

Comparing the word of God to a seed, Alma counseled the Zoramites to "give place, that a seed may be planted" in their hearts (Alma 32:28). What must we do to "give place" in our hearts for the word of God?

According to Alma, what do people begin to experience when the word of God has been planted in their hearts? (See Alma 32:28–31, 33–35.) What do you think it means to feel the word "swell within [our] breasts"? How do the scriptures enlarge our souls, enlighten our understanding, and expand our minds? (See Alma 37:8–9.) In what ways has the word of God been delicious to you?

What must we continue to do as the word of God begins to grow in our hearts? (See Alma 32:37.) How can we "nourish [the word] with great care"? (See Alma 32:41.) What do you think it means for the word to "get root" in our hearts and grow? (Alma 32:37).

What will happen if we neglect the word and do not nourish it after it has begun to grow in our hearts? (See Alma 32:38–40.) What might we do that would cause our ground, or our hearts, to be barren?

Toward the end of his discourse, Alma compared the word to a tree that has grown from a seed (Alma 32:37). What tree did he refer to? (See Alma 32:40–42.)

Who does the Tree of Life Represent? What is the fruit of the tree of life? (See Alma 32:41; 33:23; 1 Nephi 15:36; D&C 14:7.) How does the Word of God lead us to and build faith in Jesus Christ?

3. Alma cites prophets' testimonies of Jesus Christ and exhorts the people to plant the word of God in their hearts.

What teaching of Zenos did Alma relate to the Zoramites? (See Alma 33:3–11.) What was Alma's purpose in citing Zenos's teaching about prayer? (See Alma 33:11–14.)

Alma told the Zoramites that the prophet Zenock had also testified of Christ (See Alma 33:15). What did Zenock teach? (See Alma 33:16.) Why was this an important teaching to relate to the Zoramites? (See Alma 31:12, 16–17.)

Alma spoke of a brass serpent that Moses made and raised in the wilderness (See Alma 33:19; Numbers 21:9). How was the serpent a type, or symbol, of Jesus Christ? (See Alma 33:19; John 3:14–16; Helaman 8:13–15.) What does Alma's account of the brass serpent teach about exercising faith in Jesus Christ? (See Alma 33:20–23; Alma 37:46)

4. Amulek testifies of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He commands the people to pray and exercise faith unto repentance.

Alma and Amulek perceived that the people still questioned whether they should believe in Christ (Alma 34:2–5). How did Amulek answer this question? (See Alma 34:6–8.) How can we receive such a strong testimony of Christ? How have the scriptures, prophets, and other witnesses of Christ strengthened your testimony of Him?

Why would "all mankind … perish" without the Atonement of Jesus Christ? (See Alma 34:8–9; Alma 22:14) Why was Jesus the only one who could atone for the sins of the world and save us from the effects of the Fall? (See Alma 34:10–12.) What is the meaning of Amulek's teaching that the Atonement is an "infinite and eternal sacrifice"? (See Alma 34:14–16.)

How do you think Amulek's counsel in Alma 34:17–29 helped the Zoramites, who had believed that they could worship only in synagogues and only once a week? What can we learn from this counsel?

What did Amulek command the people to do after they had received so many witnesses of the Savior? (See Alma 34:30–31;Alma 34:15–17, in which the phrase "faith unto repentance" appears four times.) Why is faith in Christ an essential part of repentance?

Amulek warned against procrastinating, or delaying, the day of our repentance (Alma 34:31–36). Why do people sometimes procrastinate repentance? How can the counsel in Alma 34:32 affect the way we live each day?

Lesson 27: All Things Denote There Is a God

Purpose: 
To help class members learn how to recognize and refute false teachings and stay true to their testimonies of Jesus Christ.

Reading Assignment:

• Alma 30-31
• Bible Dictionary, “Antichrist,”

Overview:

1. Alma 30:1–18. Korihor, an anti-Christ, leads away the hearts of many in Zarahemla by preaching that “there should be no Christ” and that “whatsoever a man did was no crime.”
    
2. Alma 30:19–60. Korihor attempts to preach in the lands of Jershon and Gideon. The people refuse to listen, and they take him before their leaders. Korihor is then taken before Alma, who bears testimony of Christ’s coming and the existence of God. Korihor demands a sign and is struck dumb.
    
3. Alma 31. Alma leads a mission to reclaim the apostate Zoramites, who have adopted false beliefs and a prideful form of worship.

Questions to Ponder:
a. 

• What were some of the false teachings Korihor spread among the people of Zarahemla? (see Alma 30:12–18)
• Why would these teachings lead people to sin? 
• In what ways are our daily choices influenced by our knowledge of Jesus Christ, the Atonement, and life after death?

b. 

• What did the people of Ammon do when Korihor tried to spread his false teachings among them? (See Alma 30:19–21.) 
  • How did their actions demonstrate that they were “more wise” than the Nephites in Zarahemla?
  • How can we be wise and use discernment in similar situations?
• What false accusations did Korihor make against the Church leaders? (See Alma 30:23–24, 27–28, 31.) 
  • Why do you think he did this? 
  • How does obeying our Church leaders actually help make us free rather than bring us into bondage, as Korihor claimed?
• How did Alma respond to Korihor’s accusations against Church leaders? (See Alma 30:32–35) 
  • How can knowing the truth help us when we are confronted with false teachings?
• How did Alma respond to Korihor’s claim that there is no God? (See Alma 30:39) 
  • How are we blessed when we bear testimony of Jesus Christ?
• What was Alma able to discern about Korihor? (See Alma 30:42) 
  • How can we discern between true and false teachings? (See Moroni 10:5)
• When Korihor asked for a sign of God’s existence, what signs did Alma put forth as evidence that God lives? (See Alma 30:44) 
  • How have these evidences helped strengthen your faith?
• Even after Alma’s testimony, Korihor continued to demand to be shown a sign (Alma 30:45)
  • What sign did Korihor receive? (See Alma 30:49–50) 
  • Why was this sign given? (See Alma 30:47) 
• After Korihor acknowledged that he had been deceived, what did he say was the reason he had followed the devil? (See Alma 30:53)
• What finally happened to Korihor? (See Alma 30:54–56, 58–59) 
• Why do you think Mormon included the account of Korihor in his abridgment of the plates? 
  • What does this account teach us about the fate of those who pervert the ways of the Lord? (See Alma 30:60)

c. 

• Why did Alma decide to go on a mission to reclaim the Zoramites? (See Alma 31:1–6) 
  • Why did Alma believe that he and his brethren should preach the word of God? (See Alma 31:5.) 
  • How have you seen the word of God bring about change in people’s lives?
• The Zoramites had been members of the Church, but they had “fallen into great errors” (Alma 31:8–9) 
  • Why did they fall into apostasy? (See Alma 31:9–11) 
  • What can we do to guard against individual apostasy?
• What did Alma and his brethren learn about the Zoramites’ manner of worship? (See Alma 31:12–23) 
  • How did Alma and his brethren respond when they witnessed this false worship? (See Alma 31:19, 24)
• Compare and contntrast the prayers of the Zoramites and Alma’s Prayer? (SeeAlma 31:15-18) and (Alma 31:30-35)
  • How was Alma’s prayer different from the Zoramites’ prayer?
• What attitudes of the Zoramites were the greatest barriers to their having faith in Christ? (See Alma 31:24–29) 
  • How does pride affect our worship? (See Alma 15:17; 34:38; D&C 59:21) 
  • Why is pride an obstacle to salvation?
• Alma’s “heart was grieved” because of the Zoramites’ wickedness. He prayed earnestly that he and his brethren might bring them “again unto … Christ” (Alma 31:24, 34) 
  • What responsibility do we have today to help those who have strayed from the teachings of Jesus Christ? (See 3 Nephi 18:32) 
  • How can prayer help us when we serve a mission or as we perform our various callings?
• How were Alma and his brethren blessed? (See Alma 31:38) 
  • How will the Lord help us if we pray in faith for that which is right?

Conclusion

The philosophies of Korihor and the Zoramites are prevalent today. From the classroom to the workplace, in the media, in books, and sometimes in the home, there are those who preach the false doctrines of Korihor to “interrupt [our] rejoicings” (Alma 30:22). Also, like the Zoramites, many today set their hearts on “the vain things of the world” (Alma 31:27). We all need to fortify ourselves through diligent study of the Book of Mormon, daily prayer, and continued obedience to the commandments of God.

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?