Alma 39–42

Overview

After his father invited him to repent, Corianton had some questions about God’s plan, including what happens to us after we die. Alma taught Corianton important truths to help him understand Heavenly Father’s plan of restoration. Corianton was also struggling to understand the reality of God’s justice and mercy. Alma helped him to broaden his perspective of our loving Heavenly Father and His plan for us.

Prepare to Teach

The following information provides teachers with ideas of what may need to be prepared in advance for each lesson.

Alma 40

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students deepen their appreciation for what the Savior has done for them and will give them an opportunity to explain what happens after we die.

Student preparation: Invite students to ponder questions they may have about what happens after we die and to come prepared to share.
Videos: “The Grave Has No Victory” (9:18; watch from time code 4:21 to 5:13); “What Happens to Our Bodies and Spirits after We Die?” (4:19)
Handouts: “The Spirit World”; “Resurrection”
Videoconference teaching suggestion: After students have been divided into companionships and had time to prepare what they will teach on one of the two topics, place each companionship in a breakout room with a companionship that studied the other topic. Invite the companionships to take turns teaching each other. When students come back together, invite them to share what they liked about how the other companionship taught them.

Alma 41

Lesson purpose: This lesson will help students see how wickedness cannot lead to happiness.

Student preparation: Invite students to think about how obeying the commandments has brought them happiness and helps them feel prepared to meet God after this life.
Video: “The Great Plan of Happiness” (9:18; watch from time code 3:07 to 3:46)
Videoconference teaching suggestion: Consider using the “whiteboard” feature to create two lists titled “Happiness” and “Misery” and allowing students to add characteristics to each list that lead to either happiness or misery.

Doctrinal Mastery: Alma 41:10

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students memorize the doctrinal mastery passage and key scripture phrase for Alma 41:10, explain the doctrine, and practice applying the principles of acquiring spiritual knowledge in real-life situations.

Student preparation: Invite students to memorize Alma 41:10.
Item to display: The scenario in the practice application
Videoconference teaching suggestion: Consider displaying and using the “memorize” feature of the Doctrinal Mastery app to help students practice memorizing the entire doctrinal mastery passage. Each time students recite the passage, you can use the slide function at the bottom of the screen to remove a word until only the first letter of each word remains.

Alma 42, Part 1

Lesson purpose: This lesson is intended to help students better understand Heavenly Father’s nature as both a just and merciful being.

Student preparation: Consider inviting students to have a conversation with a family member or friend about some of the different ideas people have about God’s character.
Video: “Free Forever, to Act for Themselves” (14:51; watch from time code 5:40 to 6:50)

Alma 42, Part 2

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students understand how the Atonement of Jesus Christ allows them to receive the mercy promised in Heavenly Father’s plan.

Student preparation: Invite students to find an example in the scriptures of a person or group of people who demonstrated sincere repentance.
Items to display: A drawing of scales
Videoconference teaching suggestion:Consider displaying the image of the scales and labeling it during the presentation. You could use the “whiteboard” feature or create a presentation that displays the scales and then adds the labels one by one.