Br. Martins' Lecture Notes for Book of Mormon

Alma 17-22

Alma 17
The Sons of King Mosiah
and their Glorious Mission Among the Lamanites

The sons of king Mosiah II return to Zarahemla after spending 14 years on a mission among the Lamanites (1,4)

Personal characteristics which helped in their labor

They were strong in the knowledge of truth
They possessed a sound understanding (2)
Searched the scriptures diligently
Had engaged in much prayer and fasting (3)
Possessed the spirit of prophecy, thus preaching with power and authority
They also endured many afflictions patiently: much suffering in body, mind, and labor in spirit (5)
Their motivation for service was ... : see Mosiah 28:3

Description of the ancient Lamanites in their wicked state (14-15)

Ammon decided to mingle and live among the Lamanites before preaching (25)

. By learning their way of life he discovered how to gain their respect (see verse 29)

Alma 18
The Glorious Mission Among the Lamanites (cont.)

Lamanites had a faint idea of a "Great Spirit" (2)

. Yet, they had a rather utilitarian conception of right and wrong (5)

The previous preparation of Ammon was one of the keys to his success (3)

. He apparently knew what skills would catch the attention of the Lamanites

. He served king Lamoni without compromising his values (17)

Outline of Ammon's missionary discussion to a people who didn't know God: (24-39)

Concept 1: the supremacy of God (24-32)
Concept 2: revelation (34-25)
Concept 3: the creation and the fall of Adam, and a history of the previous dispensations--according to the scriptures (36-37)
Concept 4: the apostasy, or the reason why Lamanites did not have the truth (38)
Concept 5: the great plan of redemption and the coming of Christ (39)

King Lamoni under effect of the power of God for 2 days and 2 nights (42-43)

. A few parallels in the scriptures:

. Moses - many hours (Moses 1:10)

. Alma the younger - 3 days and 3 nights (Alma 36:16)

. The Apostle Paul - blind for 3 days (Acts 9:9)

Alma 19
The Glorious Mission Among the Lamanites (cont.)

The power of God overwhelms the mortal body (6)

King Lamoni saw the pre-mortal Christ and received a testimony of his atonement (13)

. The queen was also dominated by the power of God, while others saw angels (13, 34)

Abish, one of the few women named in the whole Book of Mormon (16)

. There had been previous conversions among the Lamanites, and even spiritual manifestations like visions

A strong evidence of Lamanite conversion: no more desire to do evil (33)

This is a testimony that the Lord does not cast anyone righteous aside, regardless of race, ethnicity, political orientation, level of income, etc. (36)

Alma 20
The Glorious Mission Among the Lamanites (cont.)

Ammon used his knowledge of Lamanite culture to impress king Lamoni's father, and get him to receive the missionary discussions

Alma 21
The Glorious Mission Among the Lamanites (cont.)

Aaron and his brethren had chosen to teach dissidents, many of whom were Nehorites (3)

Alma 22
The Glorious Mission Among the Lamanites (cont.)

Aaron teaches king Lamoni's father using an approach similar to one previously employed by Ammon (12-14)

The king valued the eternal blessings of the gospel more than his own life (15)

. Compare with 20:23; he offered half of his kingdom to save his life. Now, he offered everything to have eternal life

The king's prayer: a prototype for the repentant unbeliever (18)