Lesson 12 Teacher Material

Our Need for Spiritual Rebirth

In our fallen state, we are unworthy to dwell in the presence of God. Because of Jesus Christ and through His atoning power, we can be spiritually reborn as His covenant children and qualify for celestial glory. In this lesson, students will have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of spiritual rebirth and explain how Jesus Christ can change our hearts. Students will also determine what they can do to better live the doctrine of Christ in order to deepen their conversion.

Suggestions for Teaching

Improving Our Teaching and Learning

Help students take responsibility for their own learning. “Learning has to be done by the [student]. Therefore it is the [student] who has to be put into action” (Teaching the Gospel: A Handbook for CES Teachers and Leaders [1994], 14). Sister Virginia H. Pearce, a former counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, observed: “A skilled teacher doesn’t think, ‘What shall I do in class today?’ but asks, ‘What will my students do in class today?’; not, ‘What will I teach today?’ but rather, ‘How will I help my students discover what they need to know?’ [Teaching the Gospel: A Handbook for CES Teachers and Leaders, 13]” (“The Ordinary Classroom—a Powerful Place for Steady and Continued Growth,” Ensign, Nov. 1996, 12).

King Benjamin’s people experience spiritual rebirth.

Display the following statement by President Dallin H. Oaks: “It is not … enough for us to be convinced of the gospel; we must act and think so that we are converted by it” (“The Challenge to Become,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 32).

• What is the difference between knowing the gospel is true and being converted by it? (You may want to invite students to review Mosiah 27:25–26 and the Gospel Topics statement about conversion in section 1 of the preparation material.)

Remind students that in section 1 of the preparation material they read an account of the spiritual rebirth of King Benjamin’s people. If needed, students could review Mosiah 4:2–3 and Mosiah 5:2–7, looking for the connection between the doctrine of Christ and conversion. You could ask some or all of the following questions to deepen students’ understanding of the truths they identify.

• What aspects of the doctrine of Christ did King Benjamin’s people apply, and how did it influence their spiritual rebirth? (Help students identify a principle similar to the following: As we strive to live the doctrine of Christ, the Savior will change our hearts and help us to be spiritually reborn.)

• Why is it essential to recognize the Savior’s role in your spiritual rebirth and conversion?

• What do you know about Jesus Christ that inspires you to turn to Him to change your heart?

• How has Jesus Christ changed your heart? How do you feel toward Him for helping you make that change? (Encourage students to share experiences that are not too personal, or invite them to record an experience in their journals.)

• In what ways does each element of the doctrine of Christ (faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end) open the door for the Savior to change your heart?

Invite students to think about a change of heart they want to experience, and ask:

• How quickly does this change of heart usually happen? Why? (If needed, review the statements by Elder D. Todd Christofferson and President Bonnie L. Oscarson in section 1 of the preparation material.)

The Anti-Nephi-Lehies bury their weapons.

Explain that even after someone experiences a mighty change of heart, his or her devotion can fade. Display the following statement by Elder Dale G. Renlund:

We all know of individuals who had this mighty change of heart but subsequently yielded to the natural man. They became casual in their worship and devotion to God, their hearts became hardened, and they thereby jeopardized their eternal salvation. (“Preserving the Heart’s Mighty Change,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 98)

• Why might someone who has experienced a mighty change of heart become casual in his or her worship of and devotion to God?

To provide a contrast to the individuals described by Elder Renlund, consider displaying the following picture. Invite students to explain the story of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies and to describe what caused the Anti-Nephi-Lehies to bury their weapons of war.

As students share what they know about the Anti-Nephi-Lehies, you might use some of the following passages to help students identify the depth of the people’s change and conversion to Jesus Christ: Alma 23:6–7; Alma 24:9–11, 15; and Alma 27:27.

• What kept the Anti-Nephi-Lehies from becoming casual in their worship of and devotion to God?

• What lessons from these passages could help you to improve your efforts to be “firm in the faith of Christ, even unto the end” (Alma 27:27)?

You might invite students to ponder what weapons of rebellion could be keeping them from personally experiencing a mighty change of heart.

To help students apply what they have learned in this lesson and unit, arrange students in small groups and appoint a discussion leader for each group. Provide the following handout to each group, and ensure students have enough time to have a meaningful discussion. As time permits, invite students to share with the class what they discussed.

Small Group Discussion on Spiritual Rebirth

Teachings and Doctrine of the Book of Mormon Teacher Material—Lesson 12

Note to discussion leader: Please lead a discussion about the following scenario with the members of your group. Encourage all members of your group to participate. However, no one should feel pressured to share their thoughts.

Pablo loved his missionary service and felt the gospel went deep into his heart. He came home from his mission filled with joy and great expectations for his future. After he had been home for a few weeks, he began to feel unneeded and lost. He often felt lonely. In an effort to overcome these feelings, he participated in lots of different activities and projects. Gradually, he began to neglect his personal prayers and scripture study. His church attendance has become sporadic, and recently he has been tempted to return to some bad habits he acquired before his mission.

Discussion Questions:

• What truths about spiritual rebirth and a change of heart might be most relevant to Pablo’s situation?

• If Pablo was your friend, what would you share with him about Jesus Christ that might help him rekindle a change of heart?

• What lessons could Pablo learn from the Anti-Nephi-Lehies?

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Small Group Discussion on Spiritual Rebirth

Consider giving students a few minutes to report on what they learned in their group discussion. You might also give them time to ponder what they feel inspired to do because of what they learned and felt today. Consider inviting them to share how their understanding and testimony of the doctrine of Christ has grown as they have studied this unit.

For Next Time

As you prepare to end class, you could display the following statement by President Russell M. Nelson: “We would like to talk with you about the greatest challenge, the greatest cause, and the greatest work on earth. And we want to invite you to be part of it!” (Russell M. Nelson and Wendy W. Nelson, “Hope of Israel” [worldwide youth devotional, June 3, 2018], supplement to the New Era and Ensign, 3, HopeofIsrael.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). As students study the preparation material for the next class, encourage them to consider their role in this great cause: the gathering of Israel.