Lessons from the Book of Mormon as taught by S.J. Hollist, in
“Lesson 18: King Lamoni’s Father Is Converted,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, 60Through the plan of redemption we can be forgiven for our sins.
Read
Alma 20,
21,
22:1-26 and
23:1, 4–5.
King Lamoni went with Ammon to the land of Middoni to help Free Ammon's Bothers who had been imprisoned (
Alma 20:1–5). Aaron was one of Ammon’s imprisoned missionary brothers.
On the way they ran into Lamoni’s father. Lamoni told his father all that had happened, but his father was not ready to receive the gospel (
Alma 20:10, 13–14).
However, Lamoni’s father’s heart was softened because of the example of Ammon so that he would later receive the message of the gospel (
Alma 20:26–27).
After being freed from prison, Aaron was lead by the spirit to visit Lamoni’s father (
Alma 22:1).
Lamoni’s father had been troubled by Ammon's words, so he talked to Aaron about them (
Alma 22:4–6).
Lamoni’s father became interested in the gospel when Ammon said: “If ye will repent ye shall be saved, and if ye will not repent, ye shall be cast off at the last day” (
Alma 22:6).
Aaron taught King Lamoni’s father, using the scriptures, that we were created in the image of our Heavenly Father (
Alma 22:12). Why is it important for you to know you were created in the image of your Heavenly Father?
Aaron also taught Lamoni’s father about the Fall and the Atonement and the Plan of Redemption (
Alma 22:12–14):
The fall of Adam and Eve was overcome by the Atonement of Jesus ChristPhysical Death was overcome by Jesus’ resurrection so all of us will be resurrected.
Jesus also suffered for our sins, making it possible for us to repent and be forgiven.
After Aaron explained the plan of redemption, Lamoni’s father wanted to know how to obtain Eternal Life (
Alma 22:15).
Aaron told him to "repent of all thy sins, and will bow down before God, and call on his name in faith, believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest" (
Alma 22:16).
Lamoni’s father did as Aaron told him to and in doing so showed he wanted to repent (
Alma 22:17–18). As a result of Lamoni's fathers' conversion, many others were also converted, and the people of his kingdom were given religious freedom (
Alma 22:22–23, 25–26;
23:1, 4–5).
Labels: Aaron, Alma, Ammon, Book of Mormon, Eternal Life, Fall, King Lamoni, Lesson 18, Middoni, Plan of Redemption, Repentance
“Lesson 17: Ammon, a Great Servant,” Primary 4: Book of Mormon, 57We can share the gospel by setting a good example and bearing testimony of Jesus Christ. The Lord blesses us as we bear witness of him and his gospel. We can share the gospel with others by our example as we live the gospel of Jesus Christ. This lesson is about a great missionary who had a strong testimony.
Read
Alma 17,
18, and
19.
The sons of Mosiah went to "their brethren, the Lamanites, to the knowledge of the truth" (
Alma 17:9). After the sons of Mosiah repented, they prepare for their missions by "[giving] themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God" (
Alma 17:2–3).
The sons of Mosiah want to go on a mission to the Lamanites "that perhaps they might bring them unto repentance" (
Alma 17:16). It is important that all of Heavenly Father’s children hear and understand the gospel of Jesus Christ. This requires missionary work even to those whom we may consider to be our enemies.
Ammon goes to the land of Ishmael and becomes the servant of King Lamoni—Ammon saves the king’s flocks and slays his enemies at the waters of Sebus.
When Ammon fought the wicked Lamanites he hoped the "hearts of [his] fellow-servants, that [he] may lead them to believe in my words" (
Alma 17:29).
The wicked Lamanites "did not fear Ammon . . . for they knew not that the Lord had promised [Ammon's Father] Mosiah that he would deliver his sons out of their hands; neither did they know anything concerning the Lord; therefore they delighted in the destruction of their brethren; and for this cause they stood to scatter the flocks of the king." (
Alma 17:35). The Lord fulfill this promise when "one of [their brothers] . . . drew his sword and went forth . . . to slay him . . . fell dead" (
Alma 19:22–23).
Ammon’s example caused King Lamoni to think Ammon was "the Great Spirit, and . . . desire him that he come in unto [him]" (
Alma 18:9–11). Who has set a good example for you? For whom can you set a good example?
Ammon’s testimony and the Spirit of the Lord had such a great affect on King Lamoni that "he began to cry unto the Lord, saying: O Lord, have mercy; according to thy abundant mercy which thou hast had upon the people of Nephi, have upon me, and my people" (
Alma 18:40–43).
The queen and her servant Abish show their great faith by believing the words of Ammon. "having been converted to the Lord . . . when she saw that all . . . had fallen to the earth . . . she knew that it was the power of God; and supposing that this opportunity . . . by beholding this scene it would cause [the people] to believe in the power of God, therefore she ran forth from house to house, making it known unto the people" (
Alma 19:8–12, 17). King Lamoni and the queen both testify of Jesus Christ (
Alma 19:12–13, 29–30).
King Lamoni testified, "behold, I have seen my Redeemer; and he shall come forth, and be born of a woman, and he shall redeem all mankind who believe on his name" (
Alma 19:12–13).
Labels: Abish, Alma, Ammon, Book of Mormon, Example, Ishmael, King Lamoni, Lesson 17, Mission, Sebus, Servant, Testimony