Alma 53–63

Overview

The people of Ammon gave us a powerful example of keeping covenants even when facing difficult consequences. During a time of great war, their sons were led by Helaman to victories that saved many lives. These young soldiers obeyed “every word of command with exactness,” putting “their trust in God continually” (Alma 57:21, 27). Later Pahoran, chief judge of the Nephites, was mistakenly accused of neglecting the armies in battle and had to choose how to respond.

Prepare to Teach

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

Alma 53

Lesson purpose: The purpose of this lesson is to help increase students’ resolve to keep their covenants with God.

Student preparation: Invite students to look up the word covenant in the Guide to the Scriptures or Bible Dictionary and to be ready to share why it is important to keep our covenants with God.
Images to display: A graphic illustrating the covenant path; an image of the people of Ammon burying their weapons
Videoconference teaching suggestion: Consider inviting a faithful member of a local ward or branch to attend class or to record a video briefly sharing how the Lord has blessed them for keeping their covenants with Him. Be sure to receive permission from your coordinator or program administrator and local priesthood leaders before extending the invitation.

Alma 56

Lesson purpose: This lesson is intended to help students understand that as they courageously exercise faith in Jesus Christ, the Lord will bless them with His power.

Student preparation: Consider inviting students to think of a youth or group of youth who showed great faith in the Lord despite difficult challenges.
Handout: “The Situation the 2,000 Stripling Warriors Faced”
Videoconference teaching suggestion: Consider displaying the matching activity for the class. When a student knows a correct answer, invite them to use the drawing feature to connect the correct reference to the summary or write their answers using the chat feature.

Alma 57

Lesson purpose: This lesson is designed to help students strive to obey God’s commands with exactness.

Student preparation: Invite your students to think of examples of the Savior’s obedience to Heavenly Father and ponder what they learn from those examples.
Videoconference teaching suggestion: Give students time to complete two of the three activities labeled A, B, and C. Place them in small groups in breakout rooms, and invite each student to share with their group an insight from one of the activities they chose. Then mix up the breakout rooms, and invite each student to share with their new group an insight from the other activity they chose. Bring the class together again, and invite students to share something meaningful they learned from another member of the class.

Alma 59–61

Lesson purpose: This lesson can inspire students to become more like Jesus Christ as they respond to others’ mistakes with increased love and patience.

Student preparation: Invite students to come to class prepared to share what makes it difficult to live the Savior’s teachings found in 3 Nephi 11:29–30 but why it is worth it to live those teachings.
Videoconference teaching suggestion: To begin the lesson, consider showing the statement by Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Then invite students to use the chat feature to write additional reasons we may feel offended.

Doctrinal Mastery Review 16

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students apply the truths from doctrinal mastery passages in the second half of the Book of Mormon to their lives.

Student preparation: Invite students to come prepared to share any blessings or benefits they have noticed from striving to apply the scriptures to their lives.
Video: “Solving Life’s Problems with the Book of Mormon” (1:00)
Content to display: “Book of Mormon Doctrinal Mastery: Alma–Moroni”
Videoconference teaching suggestion: Give students enough time to go through steps A, B, and C to apply doctrinal mastery passages to the scenario they chose. Invite students to use a thumbs-up icon or type “ready” in the chat when they are ready to share their insights with the class. Students will feel more confident sharing if they are given enough time to prepare.