Mosiah CHAPTER 29 Mosiah proposes that judges be chosen in place of a king—Unrighteous kings lead their people into sin—Alma the younger is chosen chief judge by the voice of the people—He is also the high priest over the Church—Alma the elder and Mosiah die. About 92–91 B.C.
Alma CHAPTER 1 Nehor teaches false doctrines, establishes a church, introduces priestcraft, and slays Gideon—Nehor is executed for his crimes—Priestcrafts and persecutions spread among the people—The priests support themselves, the people care for the poor, and the Church prospers. About 91–88 B.C.
Alma CHAPTER 2 Amlici seeks to be king and is rejected by the voice of the people—His followers make him king—The Amlicites make war on the Nephites and are defeated—The Lamanites and Amlicites join forces and are defeated—Alma slays Amlici. About 87 B.C.
Alma CHAPTER 3 The Amlicites had marked themselves according to the prophetic word—The Lamanites had been cursed for their rebellion—Men bring their own curses upon themselves—The Nephites defeat another Lamanite army. About 87–86 B.C.
Alma CHAPTER 4 Alma baptizes thousands of converts—Iniquity enters the Church, and the Church’s progress is hindered—Nephihah is appointed chief judge—Alma, as high priest, devotes himself to the ministry. About 86–83 B.C.
Judges Chosen in Place of Kings
Mosiah 29
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 29- Alma 4”
Some might see King Mosiah’s proposal to replace kings with elected judges as merely wise political reform. But to the Nephites, especially those who lived under wicked King Noah, this change had spiritual significance too. They had seen how an unrighteous king had influenced his people, and they were “exceedingly anxious” to be free from such influence. This change would allow them to be responsible for their own righteousness and “answer for [their] own sins” (Mosiah 29:38).
Alma and Nehor
Alma 1
The Lord can help me recognize false teachings.
One way to study Alma 1:2–4 with your children is to help them create a true-or-false quiz using statements taught by Nehor, a false teacher. Then you could talk with them about why Satan often combines truths with falsehoods. Help your children think of some examples. In verses 7–9, how did Gideon withstand Nehor’s lies? (See also “Chapter 20: Alma and Nehor,” Book of Mormon Stories, 54–55.) (Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 29 – Alma 4)
FashionsbyLynda.com “Primary: Come Follow Me (Book of Mormon) Mosiah 29-Alma 4”
After reviewing Alma 1:2–9 together, ask each of the children to read one of the following scriptures (see below). How do these scriptures refute Nehor’s teachings? How can we use the scriptures to fortify our own testimonies of the gospel? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 29 – Alma 4”)
21 ¶ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
29 He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.
30 Behold, the Lord hath forbidden this thing; wherefore, the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love. And except they should have charity they were nothing. Wherefore, if they should have charity they would not suffer the laborer in Zion to perish.
31 But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money they shall perish.
(In the Church we serve because we love others, not because we want to become rich or popular.)
24 And he also commanded them that the priests whom he had ordained should labor with their own hands for their support.
25 And there was one day in every week that was set apart that they should gather themselves together to teach the people, and to worship the Lord their God, and also, as often as it was in their power, to assemble themselves together.
26 And the priests were not to depend upon the people for their support; but for their labor they were to receive the grace of God, that they might wax strong in the Spirit, having the knowledge of God, that they might teach with power and authority from God.
23 Therefore, blessed are they who will repent and hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; for these are they that shall be saved.
24 And may God grant, in his great fulness, that men might be brought unto repentance and good works, that they might be restored unto grace for grace, according to their works.
25 And I would that all men might be saved. But we read that in the great and last day there are some who shall be cast out, yea, who shall be cast off from the presence of the Lord;
26 Yea, who shall be consigned to a state of endless misery, fulfilling the words which say: They that have done good shall have everlasting life; and they that have done evil shall have everlasting damnation. And thus it is. Amen.
As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, I love and serve others.
(Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 29 – Alma 4)
Some members of the Lord’s Church in Alma’s day were generous and giving, and other members were unkind and prideful. To help your children learn from these experiences, you could read together Alma 1:27, 30 and make a list of the kinds of people members of the Lord’s Church helped. Who do we know who might “[stand] in need” (Alma 1:30) of our love and help? Invite the children to think of people in their neighborhoods or schools who might “[stand] in need” (Alma 1:30) of their love and help.
Read Alma 1:30 to the children, and help them understand that the people of the Church shared what they had with people who needed help. Help the children think of things they could share and people they could share them with. Encourage the children to draw pictures of their plans.
You could also sing together a song about love and service, such as “Kindness Begins with Me” (Children’s Songbook, 145), and help your children think of actions that could go with the song.
What should we do when people are unkind to us?
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 29 – Alma 4” Emphasize that even though Nehor’s followers were mean to the Church members, many of the Church members remained kind and loving.
Help the children read Alma 4:6–13, and define words like “scornful,” “persecute,” and “despising” (use a dictionary if necessary). How do we feel when people treat us in these ways? Invite the children to find words in Alma 1:26–30 that describe how Heavenly Father wants us to treat each other.
Consider reading with your children how followers of Christ were treated in Alma 1:19–20. Talk about how they reacted in verses 22 and 25. Maybe you could practice ways to respond when others are unkind.
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 29- Alma 4”Your family might benefit from identifying the different ways Church members responded to persecution in these verses: Alma 1:19–25. Maybe you could practice ways to respond appropriately when others attack our beliefs. The Religious Freedom Videos might help.
Friend May 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Waiting Patiently Read Alma 1:25 together and help your little ones say, “Sometimes we have to wait patiently for blessings.” You could play freeze-dance to introduce the idea of patience. 1. Dance around as you listen to Primary songs or other good music. 2. Pause the music at random, and practice standing still while the music is paused.
The Amlicites
Alma 2
God will answer my prayers.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 29 – Alma 4” When Alma and the Nephites felt “much fear” (Alma 2:23), they prayed for help and were strengthened. learn from their example.
Using pictures in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families or in “Chapter 21: The Amlicites” (Book of Mormon Stories, 56–57, or the corresponding video on ChurchofJesusChrist.org), tell the children how the Nephites gained strength to defeat the Amlicites. Ask the children about things that are scary or hard for them, and testify that they can pray to Heavenly Father for help with these things.
Share an experience when God helped you after you prayed to Him. Invite the children to share experiences they have had with prayer.
Friend March 2023 “The Earthquake Prayer” Violet woke up when she felt an earthquake. She and her family ran to the kitchen and crawled under the table. They had practiced what to do in an earthquake, but Violet was scared. She said a prayer, and felt like someone was giving her a hug. She was glad Heavenly Father helped her feel peace.
Friend May 2022 “A Prayer in the Storm” Alexis was scared of the thunder in the storm and didn’t feel safe. She found her dad and asked if they could say a prayer. After the prayer she felt peaceful and wasn’t afraid anymore.
Alma 3
Book of Mormon Seminary Student Manual (2024) Note: The curse that both the Amlicites and Lamanites experienced was a separation from God because of their rebellion and disobedience (see 2 Nephi 5:20–21). The mark, which at that time distinguished the Lamanites from the Nephites, was that “the skins of the Lamanites were dark” (Alma 3:6). It is important to remember that the nature and appearance of this mark are not fully understood. Book of Mormon prophets and modern prophets have taught it is wrong to revile or look down upon people because of the color of their skin (see Jacob 3:9).
Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 29- Alma 4”
What message did the Amlicites want to communicate when they “set [a] mark upon themselves”? (see Alma 3:4, 13). What messages might we send—intentionally or unintentionally—with our appearance? This might be a good time to review “Dress and Appearance” in For the Strength of Youth (2011), 6–8.
Alma Devotes Himself to the Ministry
Alma 4
My testimony can strengthen others.
10 And thus ended the eighth year of the reign of the judges; and the wickedness of the church was a great stumbling-block to those who did not belong to the church; and thus the church began to fail in its progress.
Open the scriptures to Alma 4:19, and explain that when Alma saw how wicked the people were, he decided the best way to help them was to bear “pure testimony” to them. Alma gave up his position as chief judge so he could spend more time sharing his testimony and helping people repent. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 29 – Alma 4”)
(Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “Mosiah 29 – Alma 4)
- Often the “pure testimony” (Alma 4:19) of a child can have a strong influence on others. To help your children discover this, you could read with them Alma 4:8–12, 15, helping them identify the problems that were happening in the Church. What could Alma do to solve these problems? Help them find out what Alma decided to do in Alma 4:16–20. Maybe you could share with each other how someone else’s testimony of Christ has strengthened you.
Friend February 2016 “Testimony Treasure” Sabrina learns that a testimony is a treasure you want to share with others, so she shared her testimony with her friend that going to church and learning about Jesus makes her feel happy. Her friend then went to church and told Sabrina that it did make her feel happy.
- If your children need examples of what a testimony is, consider showing a video clip of a speaker in general conference bearing testimony. You could also use this week’s activity page or sing together a song like “Testimony” (Hymns, no. 137). What do we learn about testimonies from these resources? Let your children practice sharing their testimonies.
Ensign January 2019 “Talking about Testimonies” Teach them what a testimony is in clear, simple terms–for example, “A testimony is what you know or believe is true about the gospel. The Holy Ghost helps us know what is true.” Help them recognize what they already believe with questions like, “How do you think Jesus feels about you?” or “How do you feel when you pray?”
Friend September 2023 “What Is a Testimony?”
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Mosiah 29 – Alma 4”
- Pour some clean water into a clear glass, and explain that the water is like our testimonies because we can share it with others. Pour the glass of water into a small cup for each child, and tell the children that when we share our testimonies, we help others have stronger testimonies too.
- If the children would like to, let them practice bearing their testimonies. To invite children to bear testimony, ask questions that prompt them to think about and share how they feel about the Savior or His gospel. You could also ask about experiences they have had with prayer, service, ordinances such as baptism, or feeling the influence of the Holy Ghost.
- To help the children understand what a testimony is and what it includes, show the video “Apostle Testimony Montage” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
Friend May 2020 “My Family Night Fun” Let’s Talk Testimony
Additional Resources
