My conversion to Jesus Christ and His gospel will change my life.
The Lamanites seemed to be unlikely candidates for conversion, yet many of them experienced miraculous changes because of Jesus Christ. These converted Lamanites called themselves Anti-Nephi-Lehies.
Reading Alma 23–25; 27 might prompt you to ponder your own conversion. Look for how the Anti-Nephi-Lehies changed—how they were converted “unto the Lord” (Alma 23:6). The following verses can get you started:
Have your board ready like this:
Encourage the youth to look up the scriptures and write down the changes. It may look similar to this:
You can choose to separate the youth into groups, if you do review everything the groups learned and have them agree (all together) to circle the most impactful changes.
In what ways have Jesus Christ and His gospel changed you? When have you felt close to Him? How can you tell if you are becoming converted to Jesus Christ? What is the Spirit prompting you to do next?
These are beautiful, thoughtful questions, that may take some time for the youth to think about. If they have sometime to think and write down their feelings, they may be more open to sharing.
Pass out blank swords for the youth to write down something they would like to change or repent of.
See also David A. Bednar, “Converted unto the Lord,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 106–9; Dale G. Renlund, “Unwavering Commitment to Jesus Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2019, 22–25.
Because God is merciful, He forgives me as I repent.
The change that the Anti-Nephi-Lehies experienced was more than just a change in behavior—it was a change of heart born of faith in Jesus Christ and sincere repentance. Perhaps you could find a truth about repentance in each verse in Alma 24:7–19. What do these verses teach about God’s mercy toward those who repent? What additional truths do you learn from Alma 26:17–22?
Ponder how God has shown His mercy in your life. How can you express your gratitude to Him?
Object lesson
This is what I would do, but as always go by your own inspiration and needs of your students.
1.First bring out the carrots and ask the students what they know about them. As in the vitamins and minerals and benefits of eating them.
2. Then bring out the sour patch kids and ask them what they know about them. My students went right to telling me how bad they are on our teeth.
3. But when given a choice what will we choose? 100 percent, all of my students said Sour Patch kids(:
Put this in you own words:
If we went on a mission to the Lamanites, educating them on how killing people is bad for their mental and emotional health, how successful would we be in bringing about a change of behavior, let alone a change of heart?
So what was so powerful that brought the change of heart? How do you know if you have had a change of heart? Read Alma 24:7–19. Read it again and count how many times he says "God." Bear your testimony that a "change of heart" comes from our relationship or desire to be close to God.
Back to the carrots and candy, have you ever eaten so much candy that you crave vegetables? Have you ever been in a bad situation and after you crave prayer or the scriptures, or cleanliness? Then readAlma 24:7–19 and Alma 26:17–22. Repentance is not the hammer, it is the balm. Where some repentance needs to be taken up with the Bishop, turning your heart to God is a form of repentance, and he is merciful and accepting.
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Sharing the gospel brings me joy.
The word joy appears 24 times in Alma 23–29, making these chapters a good place to learn how to receive joy in living—and sharing—the Savior’s gospel. Consider studying Alma 26:12–22, 35–37; and 29:1–17, looking for reasons why Ammon, the sons of Mosiah, and Alma rejoiced. What do you learn from these passages that can lead to more joy in your life?
Elder Marcus B. Nash taught: “Sharing the gospel kindles joy and hope in the souls of both giver and receiver. … Sharing the gospel is joy upon joy, hope upon hope” (“Hold Up Your Light,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 71). What experiences have you had sharing the gospel with others? What challenges do you face when seeking to share the gospel? How can Heavenly Father help you overcome these challenges?
For prophetic instruction on how to share the gospel—and find joy in doing it—consider studying President Dallin H. Oak’s message “Sharing the Restored Gospel,” ( Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 57–60). What suggestions do you find in his message?
See also “The Bush Family Story,” “Sharing Your Beliefs,” “Sharing the Gospel” (videos), Gospel Library.
Consider making a list of things you would share with a friend about the Book of Mormon. Try sharing the Book of Mormon using the Book of Mormon app.
I can find shelter in Jesus Christ and His gospel.
At harvest time, grain is often gathered into bundles called sheaves and placed in storehouses, sometimes called garners. In Alma 26:5–7 ponder what the sheaves, garners, and storm might represent in your life. How do you find shelter in Jesus Christ?
See also Russell M. Nelson, “The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation,” Liahona, Nov. 2021, 93–96; David A. Bednar, “Honorably Hold a Name and a Standing,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2009, 97–100; “Jesus, Lover of My Soul,” Hymns, no. 102.
If you made it this far, here is a free printable to help explain this doctrine.
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