Alma Ch18

In this chapter we hear some of the teachings of Ammon to Lamoni. Topics that are covered include the creation, God's dealings with men, and the redemption. You'll see what happens to Lamoni when he learns of all that awesome.

King Lamoni found out about the deeds of Ammon from his servants, and they really talked him up, so much that it got Lamoni thinking Ammon was invincible (v1-4). That was the kinda thing he was raised on so he feared Ammon because of the whole him being a Great Spirit and his power to slay a bunch of enemies (v5-6). It was common knowledge that bandits would sit around scattering flocks and stealing sheep, so Ammon getting rid of them was a blessing (v7).

Lamoni asks the servants where Ammon was while they were telling him the story and they say he's doing his duties and getting the horses ready for the king's journey (v8-9). This act of faithful servitude really impressed Lamoni and he wants to ask Ammon if he actually is the Great Spirit, but he's scared (v10-11). So when Ammon came and noticed how Lamoni was all scared, he was going to leave but someone bids him, respectfully, to stay at the kings desire (v12-13).

Ammon asks what he can do next for Lamoni, then waits there for an hour just twiddling his thumbs in silence before asking again (v14-15). Since obviously Lamoni is too scared to say anything, Ammon hears from the Spirit of God the thought of the king and inquires very exactly to what he was thinking (v16-18). Finally, Lamoni asks his burning question, and Ammon answers that he is not the Great Spirit (v19). I don't think Lamoni believes him so he asks how he can do so many marvelous acts (v20-21).

Wise missionary that Ammon is, he asks Lamoni if he is ready to believe the words he's gonna teach, and Lamoni is ready (v20-23). From then on begins Lamoni's investigation of the church and being taught the first lesson in v24-32 about Lamoni's knowledge of God and as the Great Spirit. Some of the truths about God and heaven are taught to Lamoni who believes in holy angels and Ammon having been sent from God (v33). 

Another truth taught is man being created in God's image and the blessing of the Holy Ghost giving knowledge and power according to faith (v34-35). More teachings include the creation with examples from the scriptures, and a truthful account of the rebellion of Laman and Lemuel (v36-38). Then the plan of salvation was taugh that leads straight into the coming of Christ to the earth to atone for the sins of all mankind (v39).

After all this knowledge is just heaped upon King Lamoni was overwhelmed with sorrow for his previous sinning and asks for forgiveness and mercy (v40-41). He then fell unconscious and could not be roused but was laid in his bed as if he was dead (42-43). Some people even thought he was dead, mainly mentioned are his family.