Journey to the Promised Land

The prophet Lehi preaches repentance to the people of Jerusalem and is persecuted. After he and his family leave Jerusalem he is told by the Lord to return and obtain the brass plates containing the sacred books of Moses. Nephi and his brothers muster their faith, obedience, and determination as they return to obtain the plates from the wicked Laban. 1 Nephi:1–5.

Abinadi courageously stands before wicked King Noah and his evil priests, calling them to repentance and testifying of Christ. Though Abinadi is killed after fulfilling this mission, his words touch Alma’s heart. Alma, one of the priests, repents and soon brings many people to the waters of baptism as a missionary of the coming Christ. Will these true believers also escape persecution from King Noah?

A critical operation on his leg hones the young Joseph’s courage and determination. Later, his questions about faith lead him to the pages of the Bible. Joseph, again, demonstrates his rare determination and sincerity as he takes his quest directly to God. On a beautiful spring morning in a grove near his home, Heavenly Father and Jesus hear Joseph’s humble petition for an answer to his questions about religion.

In the years following the sign of Jesus’ birth the Nephites grow wicked. Then a great storm and earthquakes ravage the land, followed by three days of darkness. When hope seems lost, the resurrected Savior appears in glory to the Nephites. He ministers, preaches, and calls disciples to His work. His perfect love and teachings cause the Nephites to be spiritually changed and live peacefully.

Ammon, one of the sons of Mosiah, forsakes kingship to become a missionary to the Nephites’ mortal enemy, the Lamanites. Ammon shows great humility as he asks to become servant to the Lamanite king, Lamoni. Later, Ammon defends the king’s flocks against a band of robbers. His faithful example brings Ammon the opportunity to preach unto the king, bringing him and many others to humility, repentance and conversion.

Alma the Younger and the Sons of Mosiah rebel against their parents and work to destroy the church of Christ. In answer to their parents’ prayers, they are visited by an angel. Alma is struck as if dead and his soul suffers the torment of sin. Alma later awakes as new person, converted by the mercy of Jesus Christ. Alma and Mosiah’s sons become the greatest missionaries in the Book of Mormon. Mosiah 26–28; and Alma 36.

The people of Ammon, a group of Lamanites, take an oath to never kill again. They rear their children with great faith. One day the wicked Ammoron threatens the peace. 2,000 young men, not bound by the covenant of their parents, are led by Helaman to defend their people. Despite their youth and inexperience these stripling warriors bravely fight because they trust their mothers’ promise that they will not be harmed.

Mahonri, the brother of Jared, is a righteous man in wicked Babel. After the tower of Babel is destroyed and the language of the people is confused, the Lord shows Mahonri how to build barges to carry the righteous across the sea to the Promised Land. When the brother of Jared asks the Lord to touch stones to light the barges, his faith is so strong that he receives a great revelation.

Samuel the Lamanite preaches of the birth of Jesus Christ and the sign of His coming but wicked Nephites drive Samuel from their city. Some Nephites believe Samuel but they are threatened with death for their beliefs. Will they be killed by Giddianhi and the evil Gadianton robbers before the sign is fulfilled?

The prophet Lehi had a dream that brought joy and concern for the eternal welfare of his family. The symbols of Lehi’s dream contain teachings important to us even today. The meaning behind the symbols are brought to life, from the mists of darkness to the great and spacious building. The importance of holding— and helping others grasp— the iron rod so that we can partake of the fruit of eternal life becomes clear.

Zoram and his prideful people have corrupted their religion which teaches them to boast of their righteousness and persecute the poor. Alma and Amulek fail to persuade the rich Zoramites to repent. Alma ministers to the poor believers and teaches one of the most important lessons on faith and humility. Zoram forces the believers in Antionum from their land where they finally find refuge with Lamanite converts in Jershon.

In the centuries following Jesus Christ’s visit to the American continent, the Nephite civilization grows wicked and rejects Him. The righteous man, Mormon, leads his wicked people in a great battle at Cumorah, where he and his people are killed. Before this time he entrusts the record of his people to his son Moroni. Moroni keeps his faith till the end, burying the golden plates before he, too, is killed by the wicked Lamanites.