Seminary
Alma 8–12: Overview

“Alma 8–12: Overview,” Book of Mormon Teacher Manual (2024)

“Alma 8–12,” Book of Mormon Teacher Manual

Alma 8–12

Overview

Alma and Amulek exercised faith and called the people of Ammonihah to repent. They were confronted by people who used deceit to try to stop them, and the Holy Spirit made that deceit known to them. When the lawyer Zeezrom began to ask Alma and Amulek sincere questions, Alma taught that those who do not harden their hearts can learn the things of God. He also taught the plan of redemption and encouraged the people to evaluate their hearts.

Prepare to Teach

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

Alma 8

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students hear and obey Heavenly Father in their lives.

Alma 9

Lesson purpose: This lesson is intended to help students recognize and remember the blessings the Lord has given them.

  • Student preparation: Consider inviting students to take one or two minutes to write down several examples of blessings they have received from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

  • Content to display: The chart comparing the Lamanites to the people of Ammonihah, either displayed or copied on the board; the questions under the heading “What has the Lord given you?” for students to ponder

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: At the conclusion of the lesson, consider inviting students to talk about a few of their blessings and one way they are going to try to remember them. You could put one student in charge and invite him or her to call on other students in the order in which they appear on that student’s screen. Make it clear that students can pass on this opportunity if they feel uncomfortable. Consider sharing your thoughts as well.

Alma 10–11

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students be more receptive to the Holy Spirit to know the truth and recognize the subtle deceptions of the adversary.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to ponder ways that Satan may try to deceive them.

  • Content to display: The chart about false teachings, either displayed or copied on the board

  • Material for students (optional): A script based on Alma 11:26–37, 40–41, given to two students so that they can read or act out the conversation between Amulek and Zeezrom (If you choose this option, remove phrases like “Now Zeezrom said” [Alma 11:28] and “And he answered” [Alma 11:29].)

  • Video: “Beware of the Evil behind the Smiling Eyes” (9:52; watch from time code 0:30 to 2:35)

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: To help students understand what Zeezrom tried to bribe Amulek with, consider inviting them to search the internet to find out how much someone with a high-paying job, such as a lawyer, might earn in your community for working six weeks.

Alma 12

Lesson purpose: This lesson can help students evaluate their hearts and their willingness to receive God’s word.

  • Student preparation: Consider giving students a copy of the self-evaluation in this lesson. Invite them to evaluate themselves and ponder how their answers affect them.

  • Materials for students: Clay for students to mold something to help them think about hard hearts and soft hearts (Giving some students dried-out or hard clay might help in a discussion about the difference between hard hearts and soft ones.)

  • Images: Drawings of a soft heart and a hard heart on the board (You can add notes to these drawings throughout the lesson.)

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: Consider inviting a few students beforehand to prepare to show a soft object and a hard object from around their homes. Ask these students to explain how these objects might help them understand the importance of having a soft heart and avoid hardening their hearts.

Doctrinal Mastery Review 11

Lesson purpose: This lesson is intended to help students memorize key scripture phrases from the first 12 Book of Mormon doctrinal mastery passages and seek further understanding by asking and answering inspired questions.

  • Student preparation: Invite students to select from the first 12 doctrinal mastery passages one they would like to learn more about. Encourage them to come to class prepared to share the passage they chose and at least one question they feel could help them learn more about that passage.

  • Handout: “First 12 Doctrinal Mastery Passages and Key Phrases”

  • Videoconference teaching suggestion: Consider inviting students to share in the chat the doctrinal mastery passage they selected and one of the questions they thought of. You could then encourage them to answer each other’s questions.