Alma the Younger's Conversion
Principle to Teach
When we want to repent, there are certain things that we must do.
Attention Activity
“Today we will start class with a true and false activity.” You can do this a few different ways. You can print these off and have the students work on them individually or do it as a whole class activity. The purpose is just to have some fun talking about some of these fun things, without taking too much time. The following are a few “old wives tales” that I found online.
Eating carrots improves your night vision
Half-truth
Carrots do contain Beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the small intestine. Vitamin A is a precursor to the protein Rhodopsin, a component of the rods (a photoreceptor cell) in the Retina that is very sensitive to light. Vitamin A helps to maintain healthy bones, but the carrots do not contain enough calcium to make any significant difference. This tale started in the Second World War when the British spread a rumor that their plane spotters were eating carrots to give them improved vision, concealing the truth about the invention of radar. Also the night fighter ace John Cunningham (21 kills) who was an early proponent of airborne radar in his Bristol Beaufighter, was nicknamed "Cat's Eyes" and alluded to have exceptional night vision because of his carrot eating.
Chocolate causes acne
False. Chocolate does not cause acne in healthy individuals, but can have an extreme effect if one is sensitive to a specific ingredient in certain confections, such as pasteurized milk or hydrogenated oil. Caffeine contained in many chocolate products can, however, cause increased stress which may temporarily increase the manifestations to individuals already affected with acne.
Habitual knuckle-cracking causes arthritis.
False.
Chewing gum, if swallowed, remains inside your body for seven years.
False. Chewing gum is excreted like any other undigested piece of food or stray object swallowed.
If you sneeze with your eyelids open, your eyes will pop out of their sockets.
False This was disproved on an episode of MythBusters
If you go outside with wet hair, you'll catch a cold.
False. Cold weather, wet hair, and chills don't cause colds; viruses do. People tend to catch colds more often in the winter because these viruses are spread more easily indoors, where there may be more contact with dry air and people with colds. Dry air — indoors or out — can lower resistance to infection.
Reading in dim light will damage your eyes.
False. Although reading in a dimly lit room won't do any harm, good lighting can help prevent eye fatigue and make reading easier.
Too much TV is bad for your eyes.
False. Watching television won't hurt your eyes (no matter how close to the TV you sit), although too much TV can be a bad idea for kids. Research shows that children who consistently spend more than 10 hours a week watching TV are more likely to be overweight, aggressive, and slower to learn in school.
Pick a few of these and have some fun with it. The main point is that they are all false, but many people have, or do still believe them. “That is what we are going to talk about today. Some of the misunderstandings about a particular Gospel topic. Turn to Alma 36 and see if you can guess what topic we are going to be talking about in that chapter.” (Repentance.)
Class Discussion
This is a fun and interesting class discussion, but requires a lot of preparation on your part. You will really need to know about repentance because you are going to open it up to the class, so make sure you have studied out of the Topical Guide or know some of the scriptures that teach the fundamental doctrines of repentance, many of which can be found in this chapter.
“Today we are going to talk about some of the misunderstandings about repentance.” Give each class member (or pairs works great in this activity) an assignment to now think about some of the misunderstandings that some people might have about repentance. Have them come up with 3 ideas and write them down. They can get these ideas by looking over Alma 36 or by just coming up with some on their own. “Now we will use Alma 36 and other scriptures to help us try and clear up some of these misunderstandings.” Lead a class discussion by asking what some of the misunderstandings are and then trying to go to the scriptures to clear them up. The important thing is to use the scriptures to make sure you back up the ideas that are shared.
Some common misunderstandings that might come up are:
“When I sin I only hurt myself.” Alma 36:9
“I can easily repent later.” Alma 36:11-12
“God doesn’t really care if I do this sin.” Alma 36:13-14
“Heavenly Father won’t forgive me.” Alma 36:18-20
“If I stop what I am doing, that is good enough.” Alma 36:24
There are very many more. The fun part of this lesson is that it will be different with every class and so the class will have a unique feel that the students will enjoy.
(One side tangent that can be a powerful discussion if you feel that it would be beneficial for your class comes from Alma 36:17. You can simply ask, “Will my children and your children remember the same thing when they come to their moment of trial and repentance?” Then talk about the role that Alma the Elder had in this whole process.)
Application and Challenge
You can finish class by comparing what happened to Alma in chapter 36 to what he tells Helaman in chapter 37, particularly in two verses. Alma’s conversion and repentance were so spectacular, and that doesn’t always happen that way. President Ezra Taft Benson taught,
The sixth and final point I wish to make about the process of repentance is that we must be careful, as we seek to become more and more godlike, that we do not become discouraged and lose hope. Becoming Christlike is a lifetime pursuit and very often involves growth and change that is slow, almost imperceptible. The scriptures record remarkable accounts of men whose lives changed dramatically, in an instant, as it were: Alma the Younger, Paul on the road to Damascus, Enos praying far into the night, King Lamoni. Such astonishing examples of the power to change even those steeped in sin give confidence that the Atonement can reach even those deepest in despair.
But we must be cautious as we discuss these remarkable examples. Though they are real and powerful, they are the exception more than the rule. For every Paul, for every Enos, and for every King Lamoni, there are hundreds and thousands of people who find the process of repentance much more subtle, much more imperceptible. Day by day they move closer to the Lord, little realizing they are building a godlike life. They live quiet lives of goodness, service, and commitment. They are like the Lamanites, who the Lord said “were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not.” (3 Ne. 9:20; italics added.)
We must not lose hope. Hope is an anchor to the souls of men. Satan would have us cast away that anchor. In this way he can bring discouragement and surrender. But we must not lose hope. The Lord is pleased with every effort, even the tiny, daily ones in which we strive to be more like Him. Though we may see that we have far to go on the road to perfection, we must not give up hope.
Ezra Taft Benson, “A Mighty Change of Heart,” Ensign, Oct 1989, 2
Notice two things that Alma teaches his son in Alma 37. The first is in verses 6-7. He is talking about the plates that he about to pass on, but is also applicable for the discussion. That it is in small and simple things that great things are brought to pass. Repentance isn’t always as huge as Alma’s was, probably Helaman’s wasn’t but that is ok, it is just small and simple that is necessary over a long period of time. The other importance verse in verse 35. The small and simple thing that we need to do is to simply keep the commandments, especially to learn that as we are young, or start if we are older and haven’t started yet. This can lead to a great challenge to the class to think of one small thing that they can do better to improve their lives. If you are comfortable with the class have them share some of their ideas.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Lesson #28 Alma 32-35. Faith, Humility, and the Seed
Humility, Faith, and the Seed
Principle to Teach
If we want to find true lasting happiness, we must humbly do what God asks us to do.
Attention Activity
Have all students write down something that they have bought recently that has brought them some happiness or excitement. Have a few share what their purchases are and ask how they felt about what they bought and how they felt after they purchased it. The object here is to get people to talk about how they find happiness in something that they have bought. Now have everyone write down something that they would like to buy that they think will bring them happiness or excitement. Now ask, “What does this teach us about the happiness that comes from purchases? How quickly after you buy something does the happiness wear off and we need something else or start thinking about something else?”
Class Discussion
“Today we are going to look at a group of people who are looking for lasting happiness. Let’s look at what started their search for happiness. Turn to Alma 32:2,4, and 6 to see why these people were so prepared.” You might ask, “Why do you think the poor people were more interested in hearing about lasting happiness than the rich people were in this group?” (Make sure not to bash on rich people, but that the love of riches can cause serious problems.)
There are two keys then to finding this happiness that they are looking for. The first is in verses 12-16. Have students look for the main word that Alma wants the people to understand. (Humble). A good quote to share might be,
God will have a humble people. Either we can choose to be humble or we can be compelled to be humble. (Ezra Taft Benson, “The Faces of Pride,” New Era, Oct 2003, 40)
“What do you think it means that we will be compelled to be humble? Does God force us to be humble? Why is humility such an important ingredient?” You might share a verse about “every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess…saying: Fear God, and give glory to him…” (D & C 88:104) Everyone will eventually know about God and His role and this will eventually make us all humble, whether we have chosen to be or not in this life.
Now that they were humble that was only half of what they needed to do. The other half was still not complete, so they still hadn’t achieved happiness. The other half starts in verse 28. “What is the symbolism of planting the word of God in our hearts?” (It is more than just reading the scriptures, it is actually doing what you know to be true.) This is a good time to use James 1:22 or Matt 4:6 (here Satan quotes scripture to Jesus showing that even he knows the scriptures.)
The people had to live the Gospel, and now we can see what happens when they do. “There are two things that can happen if you plant a seed, what are they? (It grows or it doesn’t) Find the verses that explain both of these happenings.” (Verse 28, 30-31 is good, verse 32 is bad).
Principle to Teach
If we want to find true lasting happiness, we must humbly do what God asks us to do.
Attention Activity
Have all students write down something that they have bought recently that has brought them some happiness or excitement. Have a few share what their purchases are and ask how they felt about what they bought and how they felt after they purchased it. The object here is to get people to talk about how they find happiness in something that they have bought. Now have everyone write down something that they would like to buy that they think will bring them happiness or excitement. Now ask, “What does this teach us about the happiness that comes from purchases? How quickly after you buy something does the happiness wear off and we need something else or start thinking about something else?”
Class Discussion
“Today we are going to look at a group of people who are looking for lasting happiness. Let’s look at what started their search for happiness. Turn to Alma 32:2,4, and 6 to see why these people were so prepared.” You might ask, “Why do you think the poor people were more interested in hearing about lasting happiness than the rich people were in this group?” (Make sure not to bash on rich people, but that the love of riches can cause serious problems.)
There are two keys then to finding this happiness that they are looking for. The first is in verses 12-16. Have students look for the main word that Alma wants the people to understand. (Humble). A good quote to share might be,
God will have a humble people. Either we can choose to be humble or we can be compelled to be humble. (Ezra Taft Benson, “The Faces of Pride,” New Era, Oct 2003, 40)
“What do you think it means that we will be compelled to be humble? Does God force us to be humble? Why is humility such an important ingredient?” You might share a verse about “every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess…saying: Fear God, and give glory to him…” (D & C 88:104) Everyone will eventually know about God and His role and this will eventually make us all humble, whether we have chosen to be or not in this life.
Now that they were humble that was only half of what they needed to do. The other half was still not complete, so they still hadn’t achieved happiness. The other half starts in verse 28. “What is the symbolism of planting the word of God in our hearts?” (It is more than just reading the scriptures, it is actually doing what you know to be true.) This is a good time to use James 1:22 or Matt 4:6 (here Satan quotes scripture to Jesus showing that even he knows the scriptures.)
The people had to live the Gospel, and now we can see what happens when they do. “There are two things that can happen if you plant a seed, what are they? (It grows or it doesn’t) Find the verses that explain both of these happenings.” (Verse 28, 30-31 is good, verse 32 is bad).
For a class of young people this might be a good time to do a small object lesson if you have time. You can bring a small piece of candy to class, a Tootsie Roll works great. Have one for everyone, but only show one piece to start. Ask for a volunteer and have them come up and eat the candy. Now say, “Please describe what you have just tasted to the rest of the class.” Now ask, “If you really wanted candy, does that satisfy your desire for candy, just to hear about it?” Point out that the only way to fulfill your desire for candy would be to actually eat some candy. This is like to Gospel. (It is more powerful to ask, “How is this like the Gospel?” to try and get them to understand it without you telling them.) You have to try it yourself. Once you try it you will know for yourself that it is good, but you will never know, no matter how many people tell you, until you try it for yourself. This would be a good time to ask for or bear testimony yourself of how the Gospel has had a positive impact on your life. You could ask, “Look at the end of verse 28, what parts of the Gospel are ‘delicious’ to you, what parts do you really like?”
Alma wants these people to know that if they will try to live the Gospel they will have the effects of verses 41-43. You might have them mark or write on the board the main words that describe living the Gospel in these verses. Have class members share times that living the Gospel has brought the kind of feelings that are described in these verses.
Application
Perhaps the most difficult part of this lesson is that you will have to leave out as much good stuff as you have time to talk about. This lesson is perhaps too long for a 40 minute class, so you will probably have to cut some stuff out. But if you haven’t read my “Purpose” post yet please do so and remember that Elder Holland taught that you don’t have to get to everything. But it is very powerful to end with some application and challenge, so if you can try and leave time to have class members turn to Alma 34:31-35. Amulek is now teaching this same group of people and tells them that they need to change, now! Ask class members to write down something they can do this week to better live the Gospel. Ask, “What do these verses teach about why it is so important that we do it right now? What do you see as the danger in waiting?” You can end by asking, “Will you do the thing that you wrote down on your piece of paper? This week?”
Alma wants these people to know that if they will try to live the Gospel they will have the effects of verses 41-43. You might have them mark or write on the board the main words that describe living the Gospel in these verses. Have class members share times that living the Gospel has brought the kind of feelings that are described in these verses.
Application
Perhaps the most difficult part of this lesson is that you will have to leave out as much good stuff as you have time to talk about. This lesson is perhaps too long for a 40 minute class, so you will probably have to cut some stuff out. But if you haven’t read my “Purpose” post yet please do so and remember that Elder Holland taught that you don’t have to get to everything. But it is very powerful to end with some application and challenge, so if you can try and leave time to have class members turn to Alma 34:31-35. Amulek is now teaching this same group of people and tells them that they need to change, now! Ask class members to write down something they can do this week to better live the Gospel. Ask, “What do these verses teach about why it is so important that we do it right now? What do you see as the danger in waiting?” You can end by asking, “Will you do the thing that you wrote down on your piece of paper? This week?”
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Lesson #27 Alma 30-31. Korihor the Anit-Christ
Korihor the Anit-Christ
Principle to Teach: If we choose to ‘stand’ with Satan, he will not support us in the end.
Attention Activity:
Before class starts asks four strong men to help with an object lesson. Have them come to the front of class. Tell the class that we are going to do a fun activity and ask, “What activity do you think we could be doing with these four men as participants?” For each answer that is given ask the class what characteristic these men have that would make them think of that activity. (Here is an idea for a little more interaction and fun. After a few answers have been given select a smaller woman from the class and have them come up. Then ask if the activities are still compatible with the group and ask about any additional activities that they could now do.) After a few ideas tell the class that you are going to build a human pyramid! Ask the class, “Why do you think I chose these four men to be my volunteers?” “What characteristics do they have that would qualify them for a human pyramid?” Now you can take this as far as you would like. For safety reasons (and propriety!) you won’t ever really build the pyramid, but you could have them get down on hands and knees and ask for volunteers for the next level before you tell them that you are kidding and to have a seat. The object of this is to get the idea that these men are strong and would offer a good foundation. Make sure you get to that point before moving on.
Attention Activity Alternate:
For a small class or if you just don’t like the first idea, here is another with the same outcome. Bring quite a few cups to class of at least three different sizes. Different weights (glass verses paper for example) is good too. Tell the class that you want them to build a pyramid using the cups. Make them use the cups in different orders, meaning have different cups start as the foundation, and see how well they do. Try to come to the understanding that the bigger more stable cups are best to have at the bottom because they offer the best foundation.
Class Discussion:
Tell the class that today we are going to talk about what makes a solid foundation for life. We learn this from Korihor in Alma 30. “Let’s find out what made up his foundation and how that worked out for him. Please turn to Alma 30:12 and find what the first belief Korihor had as part of his foundation.” (That there should be no Christ, this teaching is also found in verses 6,26,and 45). Now to show the opposite you can reference Helaman 5:12, 3 Nephi 14:24-27 (or for some age groups you could even sing the “Wise Man” primary song.) “These verses show that we are more solid when we build on Christ and his teachings” Ask, “How has your testimony of Christ helped to make your life more solid?” (Make sure you wait for some answers here. It may take a few minutes of silence—silence is OK!-- or an example by the teacher to get things started, but make sure to get the class to share here.)
The second belief of Korihor is found in verses 13, 15, and 28. (That we can’t know of things in the future.) This belief of Korihor was based on the 1st coming of Christ. We know that has already happened—so he was wrong. Ask, “What are some other things that we have to believe in that we haven’t seen?” (At this point it would be good to talk about paying tithing without knowing what will happen, or the long term value of Family Home Evening, etc.) “How does a belief in these principles make your life better?” (Again, even if you have to wait, get some answers, it is ok to wait!)
His third belief is found in verses 18, 23-24. (The belief that the leaders of the Church were deceptive to the people.) “Why would Satan want us to believe that, and how is that belief manifested by some in the Church today?” “Do we have to say it to believe it, or what actions might show that we believe the same way Korihor did?” You could also explore the value of following the servants of God. You could ask, “What are some of the commandments that you follow that helps you be more stable in your life?”
Now lets look at the result. If Korihor’s foundation are these three beliefs, have the class search for the end result of his “pyramid.” (verse 60). Ask the class what the lesson Mormon wanted to make sure we understood from this story is. This might be a good time to ask for examples in modern life of how disobedience leads to this same type of result. I will tell the story of a friend of mine who was involved with drugs and had many friends in the drug world…until he got caught and sent to prison and suddenly all those friends were gone. The only ones left were his family members. Satan and his followers had built him up only to let him crash. You might share a similar story or ask for examples from the class.
Application:
“So how do we make sure we are living a life with Christ as our foundation?” The answer is in Chapter 31. Have half the class look for the key words and message of verses 15-18, this is the prayer the Zoramites prayed. (It is all about them and how much better they are than others.) Have the other half look for the key words and message of Alma’s prayer in verses 26-35. (This is all about helping the Zoramites and trying to have the strength to serve others.) Ask, “How do these two examples tie into how to live a Christ centered life?” (The answers could include that we are built on Christ when we are more concerned about others and serving others than we are with ourselves.) At this point you will want to try and get the class to share feelings about service and how that brings them closer to Christ. You might ask, “When did you first learn that service to others brings you closer to Christ and makes you happier?” Or, “How have you felt as you have had the same kind of attitude that Alma shows in his prayer?”
End with your testimony of the happiness that comes from serving Christ and from following what Christ has taught.
(If you haven't read my "purpose" and "note" posts, please do so, it helps to explain my blog.)
Principle to Teach: If we choose to ‘stand’ with Satan, he will not support us in the end.
Attention Activity:
Before class starts asks four strong men to help with an object lesson. Have them come to the front of class. Tell the class that we are going to do a fun activity and ask, “What activity do you think we could be doing with these four men as participants?” For each answer that is given ask the class what characteristic these men have that would make them think of that activity. (Here is an idea for a little more interaction and fun. After a few answers have been given select a smaller woman from the class and have them come up. Then ask if the activities are still compatible with the group and ask about any additional activities that they could now do.) After a few ideas tell the class that you are going to build a human pyramid! Ask the class, “Why do you think I chose these four men to be my volunteers?” “What characteristics do they have that would qualify them for a human pyramid?” Now you can take this as far as you would like. For safety reasons (and propriety!) you won’t ever really build the pyramid, but you could have them get down on hands and knees and ask for volunteers for the next level before you tell them that you are kidding and to have a seat. The object of this is to get the idea that these men are strong and would offer a good foundation. Make sure you get to that point before moving on.
Attention Activity Alternate:
For a small class or if you just don’t like the first idea, here is another with the same outcome. Bring quite a few cups to class of at least three different sizes. Different weights (glass verses paper for example) is good too. Tell the class that you want them to build a pyramid using the cups. Make them use the cups in different orders, meaning have different cups start as the foundation, and see how well they do. Try to come to the understanding that the bigger more stable cups are best to have at the bottom because they offer the best foundation.
Class Discussion:
Tell the class that today we are going to talk about what makes a solid foundation for life. We learn this from Korihor in Alma 30. “Let’s find out what made up his foundation and how that worked out for him. Please turn to Alma 30:12 and find what the first belief Korihor had as part of his foundation.” (That there should be no Christ, this teaching is also found in verses 6,26,and 45). Now to show the opposite you can reference Helaman 5:12, 3 Nephi 14:24-27 (or for some age groups you could even sing the “Wise Man” primary song.) “These verses show that we are more solid when we build on Christ and his teachings” Ask, “How has your testimony of Christ helped to make your life more solid?” (Make sure you wait for some answers here. It may take a few minutes of silence—silence is OK!-- or an example by the teacher to get things started, but make sure to get the class to share here.)
The second belief of Korihor is found in verses 13, 15, and 28. (That we can’t know of things in the future.) This belief of Korihor was based on the 1st coming of Christ. We know that has already happened—so he was wrong. Ask, “What are some other things that we have to believe in that we haven’t seen?” (At this point it would be good to talk about paying tithing without knowing what will happen, or the long term value of Family Home Evening, etc.) “How does a belief in these principles make your life better?” (Again, even if you have to wait, get some answers, it is ok to wait!)
His third belief is found in verses 18, 23-24. (The belief that the leaders of the Church were deceptive to the people.) “Why would Satan want us to believe that, and how is that belief manifested by some in the Church today?” “Do we have to say it to believe it, or what actions might show that we believe the same way Korihor did?” You could also explore the value of following the servants of God. You could ask, “What are some of the commandments that you follow that helps you be more stable in your life?”
Now lets look at the result. If Korihor’s foundation are these three beliefs, have the class search for the end result of his “pyramid.” (verse 60). Ask the class what the lesson Mormon wanted to make sure we understood from this story is. This might be a good time to ask for examples in modern life of how disobedience leads to this same type of result. I will tell the story of a friend of mine who was involved with drugs and had many friends in the drug world…until he got caught and sent to prison and suddenly all those friends were gone. The only ones left were his family members. Satan and his followers had built him up only to let him crash. You might share a similar story or ask for examples from the class.
Application:
“So how do we make sure we are living a life with Christ as our foundation?” The answer is in Chapter 31. Have half the class look for the key words and message of verses 15-18, this is the prayer the Zoramites prayed. (It is all about them and how much better they are than others.) Have the other half look for the key words and message of Alma’s prayer in verses 26-35. (This is all about helping the Zoramites and trying to have the strength to serve others.) Ask, “How do these two examples tie into how to live a Christ centered life?” (The answers could include that we are built on Christ when we are more concerned about others and serving others than we are with ourselves.) At this point you will want to try and get the class to share feelings about service and how that brings them closer to Christ. You might ask, “When did you first learn that service to others brings you closer to Christ and makes you happier?” Or, “How have you felt as you have had the same kind of attitude that Alma shows in his prayer?”
End with your testimony of the happiness that comes from serving Christ and from following what Christ has taught.
(If you haven't read my "purpose" and "note" posts, please do so, it helps to explain my blog.)
Monday, July 14, 2008
Purpose for My Blog
I LOVED Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's presentation in the Feb 2007 Worldwide Leadership Session. Below is his quote that describes perfectly how I will try and run my lessons.
In discussing preparation, may I also encourage you to avoid a temptation that faces almost every teacher in the Church; at least it has certainly been my experience. That is the temptation to cover too much material, the temptation to stuff more into the hour—or more into the students—than they can possibly hold! Remember two things in this regard: first of all, we are teaching people, not subject matter per se; and second, every lesson outline that I have ever seen will inevitably have more in it than we can possibly cover in the allotted time.
So stop worrying about that. It's better to take just a few good ideas and get good discussion—and good learning—than to be frenzied, trying to teach every word in the manual. In these materials lying before me, I already have three or four times the content that I can possibly say or share with you today in the allotted time period of a classroom hour. So, like you, I have had to choose and select; I'm holding some material over for another day.
An unrushed atmosphere is absolutely essential if you are to have the Spirit of the Lord present in your class. Please don't ever forget that. Too many of us rush. We rush right past the Spirit of the Lord trying to beat the clock in some absolutely unnecessary footrace.
Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting: Teaching and Learning February 10, 2007
You will notice that I won't cover every verse or even sometimes every chapter. I will really try to cover as much as possible, but as Elder Holland said it is ok to "[hold] some material for another day." If you like another part of the lesson better, please let us know how you taught that part so we can all be better prepared.
Another quote from Elder Holland in the same meeting will finish out my explanation section.
Obviously, the very substance of the gospel, the scriptures themselves are the things that we are being called to teach, whether it's Primary or our adult groups or our teenage groups, at home or in the Church. I am reminded of a powerful thing said in Alma 31[:5]—a favorite verse that I think says this about as well as any verse that I know of in the scriptures.
"And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God."
So Alma is saying we should try the power of the word of God, since it has such a powerful effect.
We come to church and gather in these settings to hear the word of God, to hear declaration, Spirit, testimony, and conviction. When tough times come, when we need to be healed, what the world offers is not going to be enough. We come to be healed by the word of God.
We have a wealth of the word of God available to us, and we ought to use it.
Every teacher needs to remember that we have to "nourish by the good word of God." We can be fed too—that can be part of the fun of it—but the significance of teaching is nourishment anchored in the word of God.
Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting: Teaching and Learning February 10, 2007
Most of my material will be from the scriptures or quotes from Apostles and Prophets. I will really try to stick to the scriptures because I think that is what the Bretheren do and what they want us to do. I feel we don't need any new "stuff" in class, but rather the simple doctrines of the Gospel applied to the lives of the students in our classes.
So with that I will post my lessons and hope you find something in them that might help your lessons. Please give feedback if you would like.
In discussing preparation, may I also encourage you to avoid a temptation that faces almost every teacher in the Church; at least it has certainly been my experience. That is the temptation to cover too much material, the temptation to stuff more into the hour—or more into the students—than they can possibly hold! Remember two things in this regard: first of all, we are teaching people, not subject matter per se; and second, every lesson outline that I have ever seen will inevitably have more in it than we can possibly cover in the allotted time.
So stop worrying about that. It's better to take just a few good ideas and get good discussion—and good learning—than to be frenzied, trying to teach every word in the manual. In these materials lying before me, I already have three or four times the content that I can possibly say or share with you today in the allotted time period of a classroom hour. So, like you, I have had to choose and select; I'm holding some material over for another day.
An unrushed atmosphere is absolutely essential if you are to have the Spirit of the Lord present in your class. Please don't ever forget that. Too many of us rush. We rush right past the Spirit of the Lord trying to beat the clock in some absolutely unnecessary footrace.
Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting: Teaching and Learning February 10, 2007
You will notice that I won't cover every verse or even sometimes every chapter. I will really try to cover as much as possible, but as Elder Holland said it is ok to "[hold] some material for another day." If you like another part of the lesson better, please let us know how you taught that part so we can all be better prepared.
Another quote from Elder Holland in the same meeting will finish out my explanation section.
Obviously, the very substance of the gospel, the scriptures themselves are the things that we are being called to teach, whether it's Primary or our adult groups or our teenage groups, at home or in the Church. I am reminded of a powerful thing said in Alma 31[:5]—a favorite verse that I think says this about as well as any verse that I know of in the scriptures.
"And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God."
So Alma is saying we should try the power of the word of God, since it has such a powerful effect.
We come to church and gather in these settings to hear the word of God, to hear declaration, Spirit, testimony, and conviction. When tough times come, when we need to be healed, what the world offers is not going to be enough. We come to be healed by the word of God.
We have a wealth of the word of God available to us, and we ought to use it.
Every teacher needs to remember that we have to "nourish by the good word of God." We can be fed too—that can be part of the fun of it—but the significance of teaching is nourishment anchored in the word of God.
Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting: Teaching and Learning February 10, 2007
Most of my material will be from the scriptures or quotes from Apostles and Prophets. I will really try to stick to the scriptures because I think that is what the Bretheren do and what they want us to do. I feel we don't need any new "stuff" in class, but rather the simple doctrines of the Gospel applied to the lives of the students in our classes.
So with that I will post my lessons and hope you find something in them that might help your lessons. Please give feedback if you would like.
A Note About My Blog
The purpose of this blog is to try and be helpful to all those of us who sometimes struggle in putting together a lesson for Sunday. I have taught all 4 years of Gospel Doctrine as well as teaching all 4 books of scripture for LDS seminary. I am not an expert, but have some ideas that may help.
Some material will be out of the lesson manual and some will be my own ideas. I will never put in quotes that are not referenced and encourage everyone to make sure they properly quote and don't quote if you don't know where it comes from--the beginning of many "Mormon Myths!"
You probably won't use all of my lesson idea, and you certainly will have a unique way of presenting it, so mostly I am hoping that this gives some ideas and openly welcome your ideas and feedback on every lesson, please comment and let me know how it went for you.
I will try to post every week and hope to eventually have every lesson for all 4 years here. If you like it, please tell your friends. If you don't please tell me why so I can try and fix it!
Some material will be out of the lesson manual and some will be my own ideas. I will never put in quotes that are not referenced and encourage everyone to make sure they properly quote and don't quote if you don't know where it comes from--the beginning of many "Mormon Myths!"
You probably won't use all of my lesson idea, and you certainly will have a unique way of presenting it, so mostly I am hoping that this gives some ideas and openly welcome your ideas and feedback on every lesson, please comment and let me know how it went for you.
I will try to post every week and hope to eventually have every lesson for all 4 years here. If you like it, please tell your friends. If you don't please tell me why so I can try and fix it!
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