Book of Mormon Lesson Plan 33

Nephite Political Intrigue

Background

Briefly recap the political situation following the death of the chief judge Pahoran.  Three sons “ran for office” as the new chief judge.  Pahoran the second won; Pacumeni conceded defeat, but Paanchi did not.  He and his supporters were about to rebel; Paanchi was tried and executed for his rebellion.  Pahoran was killed by a secret combination led by Kishkumen.  Pacumeni became chief judge.

Application to today

VP running mates have been announced by both major political parties in the run up to the presidential elections in November.  The intensity of the rhetoric and frenzy of the politicking will only increase during the next 67 days.  And following the election one candidate will be proclaimed the victor, and the other will concede the election graciously.  The inauguration will take place peacefully in January, and we will continue to enjoy the miracle that is living under a constitution written by inspiration.  Speaking near the bicentennial of the United States of America, President N. Eldon Tanner said,

 

[T]he American colonies attained their independence and set up the government of the United States, all under the divine intervention of God in preparing this land for its divine destiny.

 

…[W]e pay tribute to those great men who accepted and met the great challenge to establish a constitution for the government of this so-called new land. That this too was divinely inspired is attested by the word of the Lord when he said, “According to the laws and constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles…

 

 “And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood.” (D&C 101:77, 80.)

 

No constitution on earth has endured longer than this one. We seek, and usually find, the answers to today’s questions in this document of yesterday. It was and is a miracle. Both Washington and Madison referred to it as such. It is an inspired document written under the guidance of the Lord. James Madison, commonly called the father of the Constitution, recognized this inspiration and gave the credit to “the guardianship and guidance of the Almighty Being whose power regulates the destiny of nations, whose blessings have been so conspicuously dispensed to this rising republic.” (Petersen, Prologue, p. 95.)

 

We believe that the Constitution was brought about by God to ensure a nation where liberty could abound and where his gospel could flourish. Joseph Smith said, “The Constitution of the United States is a glorious standard—it is founded in the wisdom of God—it is a heavenly banner.” (Petersen, Prologue, p. 75.)

Consequences of conflict

Read Helaman 1:18-20.  What are the consequences of contention?  Consider this question in terms of nations, wards, families, and individuals.

Read Helaman 2:4-5.  What motivated Kishkumen and Gadianton?  What motivated their followers?  What motivates us in determining whom we will support?

The Church prospers, and pride enters

Helaman 3 covers about 11 years of history, including both peace and conflict among the Nephites.  At one point, the Church is blessed so abundantly that even the priests and teachers were astonished (Helaman 3:25).  Scan down beginning at verse 25 and identify what interrupted this peaceful revelry.  Read Helaman 3:33-34.

How did the righteous respond to this persecution?  Read verse 35.  The humble church members took a “bad thing” – persecution and afflictions – and turned it into an opportunity to grow.  What were their tools in this personal growth?  Fasting, prayer, and increased humility.

Nephites are defeated in battle

If there is time (not likely) Read Helaman 4:11-13 and discuss application to today’s circumstances.  The solutions for these problems are in verses 14-15.

Nephi and Lehi

Read Helaman 5:1-4.  How did Nephi feel?  Weary because of the wickedness of the people.  But notice how he responded.  He didn’t leave Nephite society and live as a hermit.  He addressed the problem.  Because he could not have the impact he wanted on the righteousness of the people from the judgment seat, he left the judgment seat and went where he could have the influence he wanted.  It is apparent that he loved the people, in spite of their wickedness.

Nephi and Lehi taught together, focusing on the doctrine of Jesus Christ.  They were guided by the teachings of their father Helaman.  Read Helaman 5:12. 

• Helaman doesn’t say focusing on Christ will protect us if the devil sends his trials at us; they will protect us when we are tried.
• What does it mean to build upon the rock of Christ? 

Why were Nephi and Lehi successful in their teachings?  Read Helaman 5:45-47. 

Book of Mormon Lesson Plan 32

Introduction

Read Alma 57:25–26, then the following quote by President Ezra Taft Benson.

“You have been born at this time for a sacred and glorious purpose. It is not by chance that you have been reserved to come to earth in this last dispensation of the fulness of times. Your birth at this particular time was foreordained in the eternities.

“You are to be the royal army of the Lord in the last days. …  

“In the spiritual battles you are waging, I see you as today’s sons of Helaman. Remember well the Book of Mormon account of Helaman’s two thousand stripling warriors” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1986, 55; or Ensign, May 1986, 43; note that stripling means young man).

I have read this story and heard this quote by President Benson ever since I was a deacon in 1986.  I always assumed that it referred primarily to the protection I would receive as I tried to be valiant in choosing the right.  What else can this promise refer to?  What do these promises mean to you in daily living?

The theme for today’s lesson is “How can we be more effective servants of the Lord?”

The people of Ammon won’t fight

Remember that the people of Ammon had covenanted to never fight again.  They went to the Nephites for protection.  The Nephites fought the battles, and the people of Ammon contributed food and other resources to sustain them.

Read Alma 53:13, then verses 14-15.  What does this teach about making and keeping covenants?

I imagine that the people of the Nephites weren’t all that much different from people in our days.  Not every single Nephite was righteous, as is shown by the fact that in a few more chapters we end up with wicked men trying to overthrow the government.  (See Alma 60-62).  I suspect that some of the “afflictions” referred to in verse 13 may have been internal, as some members of society complained about the “freeloading” people of Ammon.  Just a thought to bear in mind as we continue.

The sons of the people of Ammon will fight

Continue to Alma 53:16-17.  Note what their covenant included; they covenanted to give and to sacrifice.  Their covenant was not a promise to take from others.  Compare this with Amalickiah and his military leaders who entered into oaths to take from their enemies.

1. Write on the chalkboard Make and keep sacred covenants.

How will the Lord strengthen us as we make covenants with Him and keep these covenants “in all cases”?

President Ezra Taft Benson said: “Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace. Whoever will lose his life in the service of God will find eternal life” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], 361).

We call these warriors the Sons of Helaman because they asked Helaman to be their leader.  What role did Helaman play in Nephite society?  He was the prophet!  Can you imagine what it would be like to serve in a platoon of righteous, courageous men with the prophet as your leader?

During one heated battle, Helaman described the actions of his army in Alma 57:19-21.  Write on the chalkboard Be “firm and undaunted,” even when others “give way;” and Follow the prophet “with exactness.”  Why is it important to be exactly obedient in following the prophet’s teachings?  What are some specific things we should do today?

President Harold B. Lee taught:

“The power of Satan will increase; we see it in evidence on every hand. …  

“Now the only safety we have as members of this church is to do exactly what the Lord said to the Church in that day when the Church was organized. We must learn to give heed to the words and commandments that the Lord shall give through his prophet, ‘as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; … as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.’ (D&C 21:4–5.) There will be some things that take patience and faith. You may not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may contradict your political views. It may contradict your social views. It may interfere with some of your social life. But if you listen to these things, as if from the mouth of the Lord himself, with patience and faith, the promise is that ‘the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory.’ (D&C 21:6.)” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1970, 152; or Improvement Era, Dec. 1970, 126).

Before the first battle in which the Sons of Helaman fought, Helaman asked them what they wanted to do.  Read Alma 56:44-48.  Write on the chalkboard Teach our children to believe in God.

At one time, the Nephite armies did not receive reinforcements or supplies, and they were fighting against an “innumerable” enemy.  There was apparently no way they could win.  Read Alma 58:10.  Write on the chalkboard Pray for strength and deliverance.

Other thoughts

What tactics did Helaman use to conquer the Lamanites?

Alma 53 – The Nephites use the Lamanite prisoners fortify their city of Bountiful.

Alma 55 – The Nephites get the Lamanite guards drunk, arm the prisoners inside the city of Gid and free both the city and the prisoners without having to fight.

Alma 56 – The Nephites lure the Lamanites out of the city with Helaman’s small army before the Lamanites have learned how hard they are to beat.  Antipus’ army fought from the front, Helaman’s army came upon the rear, and they defeated them in battle.

Alma 57 – The Nephites took the city of Antiparah by simply being strong and standing valiantly for the right.  The Lamanites wanted to deliver the city up in exchange for prisoners.  When the Nephites said they thought they were strong enough to take the city by force, the Lamanites just gave up and left!

Alma 57 – The Nephites take the city of Cumeni after laying siege.

Alma 58 – The Nephites use a different decoy to get the Lamanites to leave the city of Manti, and a surprise army sneaks back to destroy the guards left in the city.  The main army doubles back by a different way in the nighttime and gets to Manti before the main army of Lamanites.

Conquering the powers of Satan is a challenge!  He continually changes his tactics, and has no qualms about breaking any rules.  What are some ways we can follow the Nephites example and be resourceful in our defense against Satan?

Book of Mormon Lesson Plan 31

Introduction

We’re entering the “War Chapters” of the Book of Mormon.  Why do you suppose Mormon included so many chapters detailing the battles and preparations the Nephites made for war?  Because our day is a time when there are wars and rumors of wars, we can apply these teachings to ourselves and our families in two distinct ways:

1. Help us be Christlike during times of conflict.
2. Be prepared for similar events as the Second Coming approaches.

Nephites defend their families and liberty

What was the Nephites’ motivation for going to battle against the Lamanites?  Pass out the following scripture reading blocks, and ask class members to read and comment: Alma 43:3–4, 9–11, 45–47; 48:14

President Charles W. Penrose, who was a member of the First Presidency, said: “It is not right for us to engage in the shedding of human blood, for vengeance or retaliation. But when the Lord commands or inspires his servants to counsel the sons and daughters of Israel to lend their aid in the work of righteous warfare, that is different. … We are to arise in our might and in our strength and go forth to victory; not with a desire to shed blood, not with the desire to destroy our fellow creatures, but in self defense and because we do want to maintain and hand down to our posterity those sacred principles of liberty that have been revealed from on high” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1917, 21).

Elder David O. McKay said: “There are … two conditions which may justify a truly Christian man to enter—mind you, I say enter, not begin—a war: (1) An attempt to dominate and to deprive another of his free agency, and, (2) Loyalty to his country. Possibly there is a third, [namely], Defense of a weak nation that is being unjustly crushed by a strong, ruthless one” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1942, 72).

Read the following scripture passage and discuss what we learn about response to trouble from the Nephites’ example: Alma 43:23, 49–50.

What can we do in our families and communities to help preserve the freedoms the Nephites cherished?

• Discuss the following principles that governed the attitudes and actions of the righteous Nephites in times of war. How might understanding and applying these principles today help bring about greater peace in the world? How can we apply these principles in dealing with conflict in our personal lives?
1. Fight only for righteous reasons, such as self-defense (Alma 43:8–10, 29–30, 45–47; 48:14).
2. Have no hate toward your enemies; seek their best interests as well as your own (Alma 43:53–54; 44:1–2, 6).
3. Live righteously and trust in God (Alma 44:3–4; 48:15, 19–20).
4. Follow righteous and wise leaders (Alma 43:16–19; 48:11–13, 17–19; see also D&C 98:10).

Moroni raises the Title of Liberty

Summarize Alma 46:1-10.  Amalickiah flattered people for his own benefit because he wanted power.  He convinced people to follow and support him.

Read Alma 46:11–13, 18–20.  The people responded by running forth, tearing their coats in token of the covenant that they were making to always fight to preserve their liberty.  How can we apply these ideas in our day-to-day activities?  How are we blessed as we make and keep righteous covenants?

Amalickiah becomes king of the Lamanites

Summarize Alma 47-48.  Point out that Amalickiah and the other leaders of the Lamanites were people who had dissented away from the Nephites.  Read the following quote:

The Prophet Joseph Smith made the following statement to a man who wondered why those who had left the Church often fought so fiercely against it: “Before you joined this Church you stood on neutral ground. When the gospel was preached good and evil were set before you. You could choose either or neither. There were two opposite masters inviting you to serve them. When you joined this Church you enlisted to serve God. When you did that you left the neutral ground, and you never can get back on to it. Should you forsake the Master you enlisted to serve it will be by the instigation of the evil one, and you will follow his dictation and be his servant” (in “Recollections of the Prophet Joseph Smith,” Juvenile Instructor, 15 Aug. 1892, 492).

What do you learn as you contrast Captain Moroni with Amalickiah?

War continues – what can we learn from it?

Read and discuss selected verses from Alma 49–52. Explain that these chapters continue the account of the ongoing battles between the Nephites and the Lamanites. This account can help us in our ongoing battle against Satan and his hosts, who are waging a war against truth and righteousness, fighting to destroy our opportunities for eternal life.

·         How can the accounts of war in the Book of Mormon apply to our fight against the influence of Satan? (Some examples are given below, with application questions to encourage discussion. Class members may suggest other examples as well.)

5.       The Nephites built walls to protect their cities from the Lamanites’ attacks (Alma 48:7–9; 49:2–4, 13, 18). What defenses can protect us from Satan’s influence?

6.       The Nephites continually strengthened their defenses (Alma 50:1–6). Why must we continually strengthen our defenses against Satan?

7.       The Nephites kept the commandments of God and followed their Church leaders (Alma 44:3–4; 49:30; 50:20–22). How do the commandments of God and the counsel of our Church leaders help us fight wickedness?

8.       The Nephites thanked God for protecting them in battle (Alma 45:1; 49:28). How can gratitude to the Lord protect us against Satan?

9.       Contention caused the Nephites to fight among themselves and allowed the Lamanites to gain power over them (Alma 51:2–7, 12–23; 53:8–9). How does contention allow Satan to gain power over us? How can unity and support from other people help us as we fight against wickedness?

10.    The righteous Nephites were prosperous and happy even in times of war (Alma 49:30; 50:23). How can we find peace and happiness even during times of terrible wickedness?

 

Book of Mormon Lesson Plan 30

Introduction

Draw this diagram, and add features for birth, death, resurrection, and judgment.

Discuss briefly what the diagram represents, then read the following quote by Elder Maxwell:

“The Lord has described his plan of redemption as the Plan of Happiness. … Conversationally, we reference this great design almost too casually at times; we even sketch its rude outlines on chalkboards and paper as if it were the floor plan for an addition to one’s house. However, when we really take time to ponder the Plan, it is breathtaking and overpowering!” (“Thanks Be to God,” Ensign, July 1982, 51).

What items are missing from this sketch?  The most important item is Jesus Christ.  Without his Atonement, the entire plan becomes nothing more than the house plan that will never be realized.  Other missing items include the Fall, agency, opposition, etc.

Alma teaches about death and resurrection

As a righteous father, Alma paid attention to the needs of his children.  He “perceived” (see Alma 40:1, 41:1) the needs that Corianton had and taught him about what happens after we die.  He began with a discussion of the spirit world.  Divide the class in half and ask them to listen as Alma 40:11–15, 21 is read.  Have one half of the class describe Paradise, and the other half describe Prison.

PARADISE	SPIRIT PRISON
State of happiness	State of misery
State of rest and peace	State of darkness, with weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth
No troubles or sorrow	Awful, fearful waiting for the wrath of God

From D&C 138 we learn that the wicked are taught the principles of the gospel by those who were obedient in mortality.  Read D&C 138:29-35.  Note the following:

• The gospel was preached to both those who died in ignorance, and those who sinned against the message taught by prophets.
• The principles taught in the spirit world are the same as those taught in mortality: faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.
• The key is reiterated in verse 35: the sacrifice of the Son of God upon the cross.

Alma defines clearly what the resurrection is in Alma 40:23.  This resurrection will come upon all people at the appointed time.  Although we don’t know all things, we can have faith in this truth.

Alma teaches about restoration

The Atonement of Jesus Christ does not just bring about the reuniting of the soul and body in the resurrection; it also restores good or evil to us, according to our desires.  Read Alma 41:3-6.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie stated, “The resurrection is a restoration, both a restoration of body and spirit and a restoration to the individual of the same mental and spiritual acquirements and attitudes he had in this life” (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1966], 641).

Now is the time for us to control and guide our “acquirements and attitudes.”

Alma taught Corianton in Alma 41:7 that we are our own judges.  How is this so?  Read 1 Corinthians 15:40 and D&C 88:20-24, 28-29 (see also D&C 76:70, 78). We are our own judges as we simply compare our resurrected, restored body to those around us.  We self-sort ourselves into the kingdom where we are most comfortable.  See also Mormon 9:4.

Alma teaches about justice and mercy

Corianton had trouble with these teachings.  He didn’t think it was “fair” that the sinner should be consigned to a state of misery.  This sounds like the legitimate questions people have today:  “If God loves all His children, wouldn’t he want to save all of them?  Surely God isn’t so cruel as to send anyone to hell!”

They are right!  God does love all his children and does want to save all of them!  He isn’t so cruel as to send anyone to hell, although some will choose to go there anyway.  We are in mortality having these experiences – and some mortal experiences are excruciating – because we need to have a body like God does, and we need to know how to control it.  Because he loves us, God created this wonderful plan of salvation to help us become like him.  If we do everything we can, we will have a perfect, glorious, resurrected body that we know how to control perfectly.

Alma summarizes the entire plan, including justice, mercy, the fall and atonement, in just a few verses to Corianton.  Read Alma 42:15-16, 21-23, 26-27.  He finishes with a plea to Corianton that applies equally well to all of us in Alma 42:29-30

Book of Mormon Lesson Plan 29

Introduction

Write the letters RWYA on the chalkboard.  Do those letters mean anything to anyone in the room?  Those letters stand for the phrase Remember Who You Are, something my father told me frequently as I grew up.  As I have grown up and understand what he meant by this, it has become more valuable to me.  What is the most valuable counsel you have been given by your parents?

Today’s lesson covers Alma chapters 36-39 when Alma gives loving fatherly counsel to his sons Helaman, Shiblon and Corianton.

Alma testifies to Helaman

Alma has a personal testimony

Alma begins by speaking to Helaman and assures him that we are blessed for keeping the commandments, and testifies that he knows this personally.  (See Alma 36:1,4).  In verse 5 he gives the key to having this personal testimony.  It is not in the ministering of an angel that his knowledge is sure, but in his being born of God.

How was Alma born of God?  In Alma 36:5-23 Alma recounts his conversion to Helaman.  When we talk of a “conversion,” we usually think of someone who is not a member of the church receiving a testimony and being baptized.  But Alma was likely already a member of the church.  His father was the high priest; he was probably baptized at age 8 and attended the Nephite equivalent of Primary and Young Men.  And yet he needed a conversion badly!

I find three key elements leading to Alma’s conversion:

1. Alma 36:11-15 – Alma felt sorrow
2. Alma 36:17-18 – Alma relied on Jesus
3. Alma 36:24-25 – Alma worked to spread the message of the gospel

Why was Alma telling Helaman all of these things?  Because he wanted Helaman to follow his example.

1. “Ye should do as I have done” (Alma 36:2).
2. “I beseech of thee that thou wilt hear my words and learn of me” (Alma 36:3).
3. “Ye also ought to retain in remembrance, as I have done” (Alma 36:29).
4. “Ye ought to know as I do know” (Alma 36:30).

How can we set a righteous example for our children?  What challenges might we face as we try to do this?

Is living the gospel easy or hard?

Alma presents a bit of a contradiction in some of the things he says to Helaman.  Sometimes he says living the gospel is easy, other times he talks about his trials.

Easy	Hard
Alma 37:44-46	Alma 36:3 Alma 36:27

So what is it?  Is living the gospel easy, or is it hard?  In my opinion, living the gospel is hard, but it is a whole lot easier than not living the gospel.

I notice in the “hard” verses that living the gospel does not solve all our problems.  Alma was delivered from prison and from death some of the time (problems solved), but other times he was supported in his trials and afflictions.  What can we learn from this?

Alma praises and encourages Shiblon.

Shiblon is one of my heroes in the Book of Mormon.  We only have 15 verses and a little over a page written about him, but from these verses we get a picture of a man who is not in the limelight, who does not later become the prophet, but who is solid and faithful.  That is an example we can all aspire to follow.

Read Alma 38:10-12.

• Be diligent and temperate.  Diligence implies working continually and steadily to achieve a goal.  Temperate is defined as:
• Moderate; not excessive
• Not marked with passion; not violent; cool; calm
• Don’t be proud.  In Shiblon’s case, he apparently was very wise and strong, but Alma warned him against boasting in these qualities.
• Use boldness but not overbearance.  How do we do this?
• Bridle your passions that ye may be filled with love. 
• What do you do with a bridle?  A bridle controls and directs a horse; it doesn’t destroy it.
• Isn’t it interesting that by controlling and directing our passions, Alma suggests this will fill us with love.  What a contrast to the worldly assertion that giving free and unrestrained expression to our passions is how to show or cultivate love.
• Refrain from idleness.  Get to work!

Alma tells Corianton to repent

Shiblon and Corianton present a wonderful, instructive contrast.  Read Alma 39-2-3.  Corianton did exactly what Alma warned Shiblon not to do; he boasted of his strength and wisdom.  Is it possible that these minor sins contributed to his greater sins?

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).

Corianton’s actions must have caused Alma great sorrow and humiliation.  How did Alma respond to his wayward son?  He didn’t hate him, disown him, or yell at him.  He taught him:

1. Alma reminded Corianton of what led to Corianton’s sin (Alma 39:2–4).
2. He explained the consequences of Corianton’s sin (Alma 39:7–9, 11).
3. He taught Corianton how to repent and avoid the sin in the future (Alma 39:9–14).
4. He taught Corianton about God’s love and forgiveness (Alma 39:15–19).

We live in a world where immorality is rampant, accepted, and even celebrated.  Our best solution is to avoid temptation and sin in the first place.  The scriptures give us suggestions on how to accomplish this:

·         Alma 39:4 – Accept and magnify our callings

·         Alma 39:13 – Turn to the Lord and repent quickly of the sins we commit

·         D&C 121:45 – Think about virtuous things.  This may mean we forego certain popular movies or TV shows.  We need to choose to think about good things.

If we have sinned, Alma’s counsel to Corianton can help us repent.  See Alma 39:9-14.

·         “Go no more after the lusts of your eyes” (Alma 39:9).

·         “Take it upon you to counsel with your elder brothers” (Alma 39:10).

·         “Suffer not yourself to be led away by any vain or foolish thing” (Alma 39:11).

·         “Turn to the Lord with all your mind, might, and strength” (Alma 39:13).

·         “Acknowledge your faults and that wrong which ye have done” (Alma 39:13).

·         “Seek not after riches nor the vain things of this world” (Alma 39:14).