Grandmas Scripture Stories: Recent Episodes
Erin Perkins
2 Nephi 25:26 We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins. Grandmas sharing their fav. Scripture stories
Christ tells the people it is time for Him to return to His Father. The people don’t want Him to leave. They are so sad He says He will stay and He asks for all their sick or anyone who needs healing to be brought to HIm and He will heal them. He then gathers their little children and blesses them. Fire comes down from Heaven and surrounds their little children and angels minister to them.
After Jesus Cruxifiction the earth was covered in darkness for 3 days. Several Nephites had gathered to the temple remembering the prophecies of the prophets that Christ would come. They heard the voice of Heavenly Father 3 times. They felt it inside their hearts. The Savior came down from Heaven. They got to see Him and feel his hands and feet. He then called 12 apostles and gave them power to baptize the people after he returned back to heaven. He then taught the people. Someday Jesus will come again.
Samuel the Lamanite had prophecied of the signs of Jesus crucifiction and the believers watched and waited. Storms came, and earthquakes, great destruction, a mists of darkness. A voice came from heaven saying Wo unto the people. It told the people He was Christ the Son of God that came to help us find the way to truth and happiness. He told them I am the Light of the World. He told them all who came to him and repented, He would receive. He wanted all of them to turn to Him and find hope again. He taught them that everything that had been prophesied that He would do, He had accomplished. That He is our Savior and we can turn to Him and be saved.
Gadianhi was the leader of the Gadianton Robbers. He wrote a letter to Lachoneus (the leader of the Nephites) demanding their lands, their animals, their food…everything! He uses the devices Satan uses. 1-He flatters, 2-He lies, 3- He calls him foolish, 4- He threatens, 5-He says it is all theirs anyway, and 6-then he says if they don’t listen and agree they will come destroy them! Lachoneus is not afraid. He knows God is on his side. He knows with God we can do ANYTHING! He tells the people the same thing our prophets and leaders tell us. 1- pray, 2- gather together, 3- fortify and protect, 4- repent. The Gadianton Robbers come to war. Their is a huge battle and the Nephites win. It tells us they cry and are so grateful to God. The know He protected them because of their obedience and repentance. God will always be with us. Even in really hard things, if we pray, and repent and obey.
It had been 600 years since Lehi left Jerusalem. Many of the Nephites were not righteous anymore. Samuel the Lamanite came to Zarahemla to preach to the people and prophecy of the signs of Jesus birth. He said there would be a night a day and a night as bringt as noon day. Some believed, but most did not and even tried to kill Samuel. 5 years passed and the unbelievers started to say the time had passed. They set a date that they would kill all the believers if the sign did not come. When Nephi, the prophet, saw how wicked the people had become he prayed all day. God told him that very night the sign would be given. Jesus would be born. That very night the sun went down but it was as light as noon day. The next day the sun rose again and they knew that was the day Jesus was born. A new star could be seen in the sky. When prophets speak today, They are teaching us the things Heavenly Father wants us to know. Even if it takes a long time for those promises to be fulfilled, If we believe, we will be safe.
Samuel the Lamanite was called to preach repentance to the Nephites who were not obeying God or following his teachings. Some Nephites repented, most got angry and tried to hurt Samuel by shooting arrows at him or throwing rocks at him. Samuel was not afraid, He was obeying God and that mattered most to him. Samuel prophesied many things to the Nephites including the signs of his birth, which would happen in 5 years. Samuel left and was never heard of around Zarahemla again. Everything Samuel prophesied came true. He was a prophet of God.
Nephi pours out his heart to God. The Nephites will not repent. God tells Nephi he sees how valiantly he is serving. He tells Nephi whatever he prays for He will do, because he knows Nephi will only ask what God himself would ask. Nephi prays for a famine. After 2 years the people repent and recognize Nephi is a prophet of God.
The prophet Nephi is so heartbroken about the wickedness of the Nephites (the Gadianton Robbers had overtaken the government) that he goes out and prays on his garden tower. Some people in the city stopped to listen. When Nephi noticed a crowd gathered he started to teach the people and prophesy. Telling them if they did not repent they would all be destroyed. Nephi told them their Chief Judge was murdered by his brother. 5 men ran off to see if that was true. It was! The Gadianton Robbers tried to get the people to believe Nephi had arranged with someone to kill the Chief Judge. Nephi said to go and ask his brother if he had killed his brother. He said He will act shocked but when you ask about the blood on his cloak he will confess. Everything happened just as Nephi said it would. Some people believed he had to be a prophet, but most did not want to believe so explained it away. We are so blessed to have prophets that teach us and warn us.
After Pahoran’s death (remember that great leader who fought to retake the government with Moroni) he had 3 sons who each wanted to take his place as chief judge of the land. There was an election and Pahoran Jr. was selected. Paanchi, his brother was mad! He got those who voted for him to rebel… they got Kishkumen to go and kill Pahoran the new chief Judge (his own brother). Kiskumen made all those who had rebelled promise or covenant they would keep the murder a secret. Kishkuman then waited for an opportunity to kill another chief judge when Helaman was elected. The Book of Mormon tells us this was the start of the secret society called the Gadianton Robbers. It tells us that this society caused the entire destruction of the Nephites. Heavenly Father wants to warn us and help us detect evil designs in our days. The Holy Ghost will help guide us and keep us safe.
Nephi and Lehi were the sons of Helaman. They were brothers who taught the word of God. They converted 8,000 Lamanites because the word of God was so powerful in them. Some of the people did not believe and threw them in jail. The guards came to take them and kill them. Nephi and Lehi were surrounded by fire. The fire did not burn them. All 300 of the prisoners were astonished. The prison shook like an earthquake and yet it did not fall to the ground. The prisoners were so afriad. Aminadab had once been a Nephite and a member of God’s church. He saw Nephi and Lehi’s faces. HE told the other prisoners to pray. All 300 prisoners were converted to God and became missionaries.
Moroni accuses Pahoran of neglecting their armies, being lazy, and a selfish traitor. Pahoran does not get angry. He thanks Moroni for his letter and asks him to come help him get the government back from the King men so they can get sufficient supplies and armies to regain peace in the land. “Life is perfect for none of us! Rather than being judgemental may we have the pure love of Christ for others.” Pahoran is a great example of this.
Moroni and his Nephite captains have been engaged in war against their enemies a long time. They are short on supplies and are not getting additional soldiers for help. They are in serious trouble. Moroni is very upset with the government that they are not sending the additional help His men need. In his anger he writes a mean letter to the Chief Judge, Pahoran. He says some very unkind things and many things that were not true. Pahoran does not get angry. Pahoran writes back and says not only that he forgives Moroni for being upset, but that He loves him for his great heart and desire to do what is right. Pahoran is a great example to us to not take offense and get upset back. But to forgive and focus on the good in others.
The Lamanites kept coming and attacking the people of Ammon. The Anti Nephi Lehi’s were so sad to see the Nephites fight to protect them, often losing their lives. They decided they could not watch anymore and were about to break their covenant. But Helaman persuaded them not to, telling them God would continue to bless them, as He always had, if they were faithful to keeping their word. The People of Ammon had many sons who had not made that covenant. They were now young adults. These 2000 young men covenanted to fight to protect their homes, their families, their god and their religion. After years of fighting the army realized a great miracle had occured. Although everyone of those boys had been injured, not one had died. God always blesses us when we keep our covenants.
Ammoron took over as King of the Lamanites after his brother Amalikiah was killed. Moroni wanted to save his own people (many women, children, and men) who had been captured in war by the Lamanites. The Nephites only captured men, letting the innocent women and children go free. When Moroni requested an exchange of prisoners but he requested an entire family for one of the Lamanite prisoners. Ammoron would not exchange and Moroni knew Ammoron was well aware of his deceit. Moroni came up with a plan. They had a lamanite bring wine to the guards and when the guards were drunk they freed the Nephite prisoners. Not one life was lost. Moroni was inspired by God.
Teancum was a great military leader who worked for Captain Moroni. Teancum had fought with the Nephites in many battles. He had seen the heart ache and destruction war caused. He was very upset with Amalikiah and all the destruction he had caused. Amalikiah had been a Nephite and had left and joined with the Lamanites. Late one night, after a full day of battle, Teancum snuck in Amalikiah’s tent and pierced him in the heart with a javelin, killing him instantly. God wants us to defend our rights and our liberties. HE is proud of those who fight for our country.
After Amalikiah gains control of the Lamanite armies he comes back to the Lamanite King and Amalikiah’s servants kill the king. The kings servants flee. Amalikiah tells everyone the Kings own servants killed him. The queen is sad. Amalikiah uses flattery and convinces the queen he loves her, and marries her. He becomes King of the Lamanites. He now makes the Lamanite armies fight the Nephites. Moroni has fortified the cities. Amalikiah does not care how many lamanites are killed trying. One night after fighting Amalikiah and his army go to sleep. Teancum (one of Moroni’s leaders) sneaks into the Lamanite camp and kills Amalikiah with a javelin in his heart. Finally this wicked man who has caused so much death and misery is dead.
Amalikiah was a Nephite. He wanted to lead. He started to use flattery (telling people nice things to get them to do what you want) to get people to follow him. Moroni (the captain of the Nephite armies) was very concerned. He made the title of Liberty to remind the Nephites to protect their homes, their families and the right to choose. He then led a war against Amalikiah and his men. Amalikiah realized he was going to loose and so he fled with some of the men who followed him. They went and joined the Lamanites. Amalikiah convinced the King to put him in charge of the army. Amalikiah used his flattery and 4 times tried to get Lehonti (and the Lamanites who did not want to go to war) to come down the mountain and talk with him. The last time Amalikiah came almost all the way up and told Lehonti to bring his guards. Lehonti went. Amalikiah convinced Lehonti to surround his army at night and told him he would surrendor is Lehonti would make him second in command. Lehonti captured Amalikiah’s army and then Amalikiah’s servants began to slowly poison Lehonti. Lehonti died and Amalikiah was now King of the Lamanites!
Moroni was the Chief Commander of the Nephite Army. Amalikiah was a Nephite that decided He no longer wanted to be a Nephite…He wanted to be incharge and He convinced many Nephites that if they put him incharge he would give them a position of honor. He was so good at saying what the people wanted to hear, many Nephites stopped believing in the teachings of the church and started to follow Amalikiah. Captain Moroni was so concerned with the numbers of Nephites falling away. He ripped his coat and made the title of Liberty. It talked about the people remembering the importance of God, their families, their freedoms, and their religion. He made copies of the title of liberty and put them on towers all throughout their land. Many Nephites came running to help fight against the dissenters before they could join with the Lamanites and come against them in war. Moroni knew who could help him, God. God answered Moroni’s prayers and helped him know how to defeat Amalikiah and the disenters.
Moroni prepares the Nephites and their cities, to focus on God and their freedoms. He built ditches, walls of dirt, walls of stones, towers to have look outs, armies to stand guard. Amalikiah and the Lamanites were shocked the Nephite preperation. The Lamanites armies did not dare attack. The Nephites had all power over their enemies. Moroni and the Nephites did never stop fortifying!
Shiblon was a very righteous man. He had served missions with his father. He had been stoned for things he taught. He never wavered in his testmiony of the truth. Transcription
Corianton served a mission with his brothers Helaman and Shiblon, his father Alma, Amulek, and Zeezrom. Corianton did not obey the mission rules. He did not do the things he was supposed to, and because of that people did not want to know about the church or God. Alma talked to Corianton. He had to get upset with him to make him understand he needed to do better. Sometimes our parents might get upset with us, or talk to us sternley…for our good, so we will do better. Alma loved his son. Alma knew Corianton could follow his brothers examples and do better.
Alma tells of his experience with an Angel of God. His agony for 3 days and then his joy when he called on Christ. HE counsels Helaman to use the scriptures to instruct the people. Helaman is called to replace his father.
Alma teaches the poor Zoramites that to gain a testimony you have to plant the word of God and allow it to grow like a seed.
Alma the prophet heard the Zoramites were no longer following the teachings of the church. He took Amulek, Zeezrom, Ammon, Aaron, Omner, Corianton and Shiblon with him to serve a mission to them. He knew that preaching the word of God to them, and reminding them of the things they once knew was the greatest thing they could do. They got to Antionum and found the people were praying one at a time on a Rameumpton (holy stand) in the middle of their synagogues (churches). Every prayer was exactly the same and then they would never talk about God again. Alma set the men he brought with him apart and asked that they would have strength and wisdom to know how to bring these precious souls back to God.
Korihor was an anti-christ. He went around preaching there was no Christ. He said the church was telling people false things to make them follow their leaders. He said they did this so people would pay them. Alma said he had never taken any money to lead the church and did it because the teachings of the church make people happy. HE also said “i have all things that prove there is a god! the earth and all things created on it!” and he told Korihor he knew he was lying.
Alma and Ammon and his brothers meet after serving their missions for 14 years. Their joy is so great that Ammon passes out (that is great joy). They catch each other up on what has happened for the past 14 years. They are overjoyed that each of them has continued to center their lives on Christ.
The Anti Nephi Lehi’s have burried their weapons of war. They have repented and covenanted with God that they will never fight or break God’s commandments again. They are so faithful that when the Lamanites come to fight them, they kneel down and pray instead of fighting back. 1,005 are killed before the Lamanites stop and realize they truly will not fight. Many of the Lamanites are so sorry they kneel down next to the Anti Nephi Lehi’s and join them. In the scriptures we read those that died were taken straight to Heaven to God. And many more Lamanites changed and repented that day and came to know God.
Ammon and his brothers were given permission by Lamoni and his father to preach the gospel to all the Lamanites. Many converted. Once they learned the gospel they no longer wanted to be called Lamanites. They wanted a new name that showed their faith. They chose the name Anti Nephi Lehi’s – which means the mirror image (or like) Nephi and Lehi. They choose to bury their weapons to show God they never wanted to kill or go to war again. What things in your life do you need to bury to show God you have truly repented and want to follow Him?
Ammon is going with King Lamoni to free his brothers from prison. On the way, they meet King Lamoni’s father. King Lamoni’s father has been taught, and taught his people his entire life, that the Nephites are their enemies. He tells his son, King Lamoni to kill Ammon. King Lamoni has been converted to God and he loves Ammon for bringing him to the truth. He refuses to kill Ammon, even though his father, the King of all the Lamanites, has commanded him to. The king is so upset he turns to hurt his son. Ammon protects his son and is even able to hurt the King if he chooses. King Lamoni says he will give Ammon anything he wants, even half his kingdom if he will spare his life. Ammon asks that Lamoni can still be king of his land, and rule the way he chooses, and that his brothers will be freed. Lamoni’s father is stunned. Ammon did not ask for anything for himself. He grants Ammon’s desires.
Ammon rescues the kings flocks! He slays 7 of the Lamanites trying to steal from the King. The other servants and King Lamoni think Ammon is the Great Spirit? Ammon teaches them all about God. King Lamoni passes out and is converted!
Ammon comes as a missionary to the Lamanites. He tells King Lamoni he might live there the rest of his life. Through his service and God’s help, He protects the kings flocks and the King and his servants come to know Ammon has the power of God.
Ammon was one of King Mosiah’s sons. He and his 3 brothers go on a 14 year mission to the Lamanites. Ammon becomes King Lamoni’s servant. He is able to show his love to the Lamanites and once they see his love they listen to his message and King Lamoni and his entire household are converted to the Gospel.
Ammon was one of King Mosiah’s sons. He and his 3 brothers go on a 14 year mission to the Lamanites. Ammon becomes King Lamoni’s servant. He is able to show his love to the Lamanites and once they see his love they listen to his message and King Lamoni and his entire household are converted to the Gospel.
Zeezrom was a lawyer that loved money! He loved causing contention or fighting so he could earn money. He argued with Alma and Amulek and tried to get them to deny there was a Christ. He even said he would pay them to deny Him. Alma and Amulek could not be tricked. They worked for God and knew Zeezrom was a liar. As Alma and Amulek were teaching the people of Ammonihah, something they said about eternal life, made sense to Zeezrom and he began to shake thinking maybe they were teaching truths. Alma and Amulek were taken to prison. Zeezrom felt horrible. He felt it was his fault. He lay on his bed at home with a very high fever. A few days passed and he heard Alma and Amulek were in his city Sidon. He sent for them to come to his home. They asked if he believed Christ could heal him. Alma blessed him to be healed according to his faith. Zeezrom Leapt to his feet! By God’s power Zeezrom was healed. He became a mission companion to Alma and Amulek and taught people the truth about Jesus Christ the rest of his life
Alma, the prophet goes to Ammonihah to tell the wicked people to repent or their city will be destroyed. Amulek takes Alma to his house and Alma teaches all of Amulek’s household. Alma and Amulek then start to teach the people of Ammonihah. Some people believe and repent. Some people do not and are angry. They want to kill Alma and Amulek. They take those that believe and the scriptures and throw them into a big fire. They force Alma and Amulek to watch. Alma and Amulek are so sad. But Alma tells Amulek those who die in the fire will be in Heaven with God. Alma and Amulek are thrown in prison many days. They don’t have food or water and are treated very badly. After many days Alma cries to God and their bands are loosed and the walls of the prison shake and fall. Everyone dies in the prison but Alma and Amulek. Amulek goes to live with Alma’s family. They serve many missions together. Amulek knows that after his life, if he continues to follow God, he will live in heaven with his family and God forever.
After years of peace, pride creeps into the church and the progress of the church is stopped. Alma gives up being chief judge and dedicates his time full time to being prophet. The preaching of the word had a greater effect than anything else on the minds and hearts of the people.
A group of Nephites who no longer followed the teachings of the church, followed Amilici and wanted to change the government. They wanted Amlici to be their king. When the election results came back and he was not chosen king, they decided to make him their king anyway. They fled and joined with the Lamanites and came to war against the Nephites. Even though they outnumbered the Nephites, the Nephites were backed by God and won.
Nehor used priestcraft to teach the people they didn’t need to repent. He taught lies and the people paid him to teach what sounded easy, or pleasing to them. Gideon used the word of God to withstand Nehor’s teachings. Nehor was so angry he killed Gideon. Nehor was taken before the chief judge and suffered an “ignomenous” (shameful) death because of the law of the land.
Gideon may not have fled with Alma and the 450 believers, when they heard the Wicked King Noah was coming for them…but he was not a follower of the King. He did all he could to help the people. When he was old, Nehor an anti-Christ, was teaching lies about God to the people. Gideon was able to speak the words of God and defend the church. Nehor was so angry he hit Gideon and killed him. Just like Abinadi, Gideon gave his life defending the church. Gideon was a great man who the scriptures say, did much good among the people.
King Mosiah’s sons are with Alma the Younger when the Angel comes and tells them they need to repent and stop rebelling against the church, and god. After they repent they have a great desire to teach others about the gospel and God’s love! They ask their father if they can go on a mission to the Lamanites. Their worst enemies who have come to war against them. King Mosiah prays and the spirit tells him to let them go. God will protect them. They serve for 14 years. They help convert many Lamanites, including the Anti Nephi Lehis and they no longer see them as enemies.
Alma the younger (who was not a young man) and the sons of Mosiah rebel against their fathers and against the church. They go around Zarahemla teaching people not to believe in Christ and not to believe the words of Alma the High Priest. They are having a lot of success leading people away from the church. God hears the prayers of the people of the church and the prayers of Alma and an angel comes and speaks with a voice of thunder that shakes the earth! He commands Alma to stop. Alma cannot speak or move his arms or legs. His father rejoices and knows this is an answer to his prayers! He gathers the people of the church and they and the priest fast and pray for 3 days for God to open Alma’s mouth. Alma arises after 3 days and teaches the people about Christ. He and the sons of Mosiah spend the rest of their lives as missionaries “zealously” striving to repair the damage they have done to the church. They are instruments in the hands of God bringing many to the church! They do not want any to feel the dark, despair, the burning that Alma felt before he felt God’s forgiveness and redeeming love.
Alma and his people are brought into bondage when discovered by the Lamanites. They prayed to the Lord and one of the way God answered their prayers- was to make their burdens seem light. Because the people remained obedient and did not complain God worked a miracle and caused the Lamanites to sleep while Alma and his people escaped.
Just as Abinadi has prophesied- King Noah's people are brought into bondage to the Lamanites. His son Limhi leads the people. The people begin to change and repent. God works a miracle after 2 years the people escape.
One of Wicked Noah's priest's Has a change of heart when he hears Abinadi's words. He knows they are true. He speaks up for the prophet and is chased from the palace in fear for his life. In hiding he writes the prophets words and begins to teach them to the people in secret.
Abinadi is called by God to come and preach to the people- of wicked King Noah's kingdom. The people will not listen and the King and his wicked priests plot to destroy him. Abinadi delivers God's message and is martyrd
Zeniff appoints his son Noah to be the new King of the people. Noah appoints his own wicked priests and steadily leads the people to commit sin and away from God.
While out hunting Enos desires to know his standing before God. He prays all day and into the night. He then prays for his family and his people. He then prays for the Lamanites, his enemies.
Sherem the Anti Christ seeks out Jacob to argue with him about the Doctrine of Christ. Jacob has the gift of the spirit and could not be shaken. We too can walk with God's spirit and not be shaken.
The master of the vineyard (the savior) plants us (the new green shoots) all over the vineyard (the world) and with His servants (parents, teachers, leaders, prophets and apostles) nourishes us to see if we can grow into healthy, strong trees that bare good fruit!
Throughout the Book of Mormon we see the Lords covenant people- obeying His commandments, we see prophets, priests and teachers- the priesthood, we see the temple, we see work, and multiplying and living in marriage- having families. Men are that they might have Joy. God wants us to be happy and has given us the way to achieve true and lasting happiness
Isaiah simplified- it's all About Christ, How much He loves us, How much He wants us to dwell with Him forever.
Nephi is warned by the Lord to leave their home. He takes all who would follow him (who believed in the teachings of God) and they depart into the wilderness.
After some time traveling on the water Laman and Lemuel and the Sons of Ishmeal begin to forget the Lord and do things they shouldn't do. Nephi tells them to stop. They all know the Liahona will not work if they are not doing what they are supposed to. Laman and Lemuel tie Nephi up for 4 days. Not until they are afraid they will loose their own lives, do they un-tie him. Nephi prays and the storm stops.
Nephi is commanded by the Lord to build a boat. Rather than questioning Nephi asks where to find ore to make the tools. Laman and Lemuel mock until the Lord gives Nephi power to shock them and then they help. When the boat is finished they are amazed what God helped them create.
The Lord tells Lehi it is time to continue their journey to the promised land. The Liahona is at the door of his tent. When Nephi's bow breaks they discover the Liahona works according to their faith and obedience to God. This was important to know as they continued their journey.
Nephi'and his brothers go to hunt for food. Nephi's bow breaks. The family is unable to get food. They are so hungry. Everyone complains, even Lehi. Nephi fashions a new bow and arrow and asks Lehi where he should go to find food.
Nephi prayed to know if the things his father, Lehi, were telling them were true. When Lehi had the vision of the Tree of Life, Nephi prayed to see it and know what it meant. Laman and Lemuel complained. They did not want to leave Jerusalem. They did not want to go back and get the Brass Plates. The biggest difference in Nephi and Laman and Lemuel was asking God for a witness, to know for himself. We to can pray to know
Lehi has a vision of the Tree of Life - partaking of the fruit (the Love of God) made one happy. After eating he wants his family to come eat. Nephi and Sam along with their mother Sariah come and eat. Laman and Lemuel would not. Nephi prays and sees the vision and is guided to understand the things he sees. (11-14)
Lehi tells his sons God has spoken to him again- they are to return to Jerusalem to get Ishmael's family. God does not intend for them to go alone. When it is something they want Laman and Lemuel do not murmur.
Has your faith ever been tested? As Saraiah waited patiently for her sons to return from Jerusalem, the days passed until she was sure something horrible had happened. They had fled Jerusalem knowing people wanted to kill Lehi. When her sons return, Sariah says "Now I know." When have you learned a truth from your trials?
Lehi prays after hearing the prophets words. He is shown a vision. He shares what he has seen to people in Jerusalem, adding his witness to other prophets. Lehi is told to leave Jerusalem by God
Nephi prays to know if the things his father has told him are true. He recieves his own witness. God commands and Lehi tells his sons they are to go back to Jerusalem for the Brass Plates. Nephi does not murmur and says "I will go and do the things the Lord commands."
Eyes to see and Ears to hear- to Him who seeketh more is given, to him who does not...shall be taken away.
Stake president challenge to go to the temple weekly, "everything in your life will improve".
Friend going through divorce, happy because of the temple
Friends just went through the temple, car wreck, just need to get to the temple
Gifts and blessings that have come to me from having Mckinley serve a mission.
They must pass through sorrow to learn to choose good over evil.
You do not need to protect or shield your children- Christ is the shield and protection- you want your kids to turn to Him
end each call with prayer.
We can do hard things. We walk with God
He knows us and loves us "I see you, I know you, I love you" Miracle in the temple- sister serving in Mckinley's mission
Mormon writes his son Moroni. He tells him he has heard Moroni is wondering about baptism for little children. Little children do not need baptism. They are whole. God loved little children. All children will be saved. We baptize at the age of 8. That is when God said they become accountable. That means they can know the difference between right and wrong.
Have you ever wondered if the thoughts and ideas in your head are from God? Moroni teaches us the way to tell. If the thought leads you to do good things and to feel good, it is from God. If the thought makes you feel bad inside or leads you to do something unkind or not good, then it is from Satan. God makes it very easy to tell.
Great last battle of the Jaredites. Coriantumr and Shiz gathered all the people and spent everyday battling and going to war against each other. Ether, the prophet would hide and keep a record. They fight until everyone is destroyed except Coriantumr. He wanders the earth until he is discovered by the Nephites as recorded in Omni. The lesson we learn from this tragic story is to follow the prophet! In this there is safety and peace.
Moroni, still in hiding, teaches about baptism. He teaches about the gift of the Holy Ghost. He teaches baptism is done at the age of accountability so that we are old enough to understand and willingly choose.
Moroni is in hiding from the Lamanites. He will not deny the Christ and he knows the Lamanites will destroy anyone who believes in Christ. He teaches us about the Holy Ghost, about Priesthood ordinations, and the Sacrament. What a blessing he added those to the Book of Mormon so we would have them in our day.
Moroni teaches about Faith in Moroni 7. Faith that brings miracles. A miracle like Jesus being resurrected, or Nephi getting the Brass Plates.
The Lord solves the prayer of the Jaredites by having them trust Him as He uses the wind to drive them across the Sea. For 344 days the Lord steers the barges towards the promised land. Winds blew furiously, storms came, sometimes the Jaredites were even buried in the waters. The first thing the Jaredites did when they landed was to offer praises to the Lord for His guiding them.
Jared wanted to be king. His daughter showed her father the secret combinations in the ancient records and told her father to bring Akish and she would dance for him. When he wanted her to be his wife, her father would say only after you bring me the head of my father the king (her grandfather). Omer was wanted by God and all who believed in God fled with him to the seashore. Akish then made a secret combination with his friends and family and killed Jared. When his own son got older He put him in prison and starved him to death. Eventually there was a huge war and everyone was killed until there were only 30 people left. Omer was brought back along with everyone who followed him and he was once again King. Do you think Jared's daughter regretted finding those secret combinations?
The brother of Jared was told it was time to build barges to cross the waters to the promised land. The brother of Jared and his people had built barges before so they knew there were three things they needed help with. The barges were tight...they didn't let air or water in, they would need fresh air. The barges didn't have any way to steer. They were kind of like submarines. The barges were also very dark. They needed light. The brother of Jared prayed about all 3 of these problems. The Lord told the brother of Jared they could make a hole in the top and bottom of the barges and then put a stopper in the hole. When they needed air they could pull the stopper out so they could have fresh air. The Lord also told the brother of Jared He would make the winds blow to guide them to the promised land, so they did not need to steer the barges, they just needed to trust the Lord. Lastly the Lord asked the brother of Jared what he wanted the Lord to do to make light in the barges. The brother of Jared suggested the Lord touch 16 objects he had molten out of rocks. God did and the brother of Jared saw His finger! Then he asked God to show himself to him. God answers our prayers... sometimes He tells us the way, sometimes he tells us to have faith, and sometimes He asks us to come up with a solution.
The Lord was upset with the wickedness of the earth. The people were building a tower to get to heaven. They did not want to obey God and follow His rules to get there. God confused their languages so the people could no longer talk to each other. The brother of Jared prayed and asked if God would allow their family and friends to still understand each other. God answered their prayers.
Moroni includes 2 letters from his father. He teaches about faith, hope and charity. Charity is the greatest of all the gifts of God!
Mormon was a righteous Nephite and a great leader. The Nephites were no longer righteous. They were not doing the things they had been taught. Even though they were wicked Mormon loved them, because He knew Jesus Loved them. He led them in battle and he watched as these people he loved died. The last great battle 21 leaders of 10,000 warriors all died. Mormon was devestated. He knew if they had repented, if they had obeyed, if they had followed Jesus this never would have happened. Mormon wrote his warnings for any who might have access to the records in a future day. That's our day! Those records are for us. Mormon hoped we would learn from their shortcomings and be more obedient than his people were.
Mormon was chosen at the age of 10 to be the next record keeper of the Nephites. He was chosen because he was sober- quick to observe (thoughtful, serious, level headed, followed God). When Mormon was about 15 he was visited by the Savior. Mormon wanted to teach the people all the things He knew that made him so happy. But the Lord warned him not to. They were too wicked. When he was 16 he was chosen to be a military leader for the Nephites. He lead them but they were not following God and they did not repent. This was so hard for Mormon. He led them his entire life until he was 71. His life was full or war and fighting and yet Mormon continued to obey and follow God. We can listen to Mormon and his warnings to repent. We can honor his life by Choosing the righteous and happy path of following the Savior.
It was time to leave the Nephites. Jesus had other work to do. Jesus wanted to give each of His 12 disciples a gift. He asked them one by one what they most desired. 9 asked that after they lived to the age of man they might come speedily back to live with Christ in Heaven. The other 3 wanted to stay just like John the Beloved did, until Jesus comes again for His 2nd coming. They wanted to continue doing the same missionary work they were doing, teaching and baptizing and working miracles. Jesus changed their bodies, so they were sanctified and Satan can have no hold on them. They are on the earth now doing God's work until He comes again.
We don't know when Christ will come back to the earth. There are things that need to happen before He comes. Temple work- sealing families together forever (that is happening), The scriptures restored! (Aren't we so grateful for the Book of Mormon). The Gospel of Jesus Christ brought back to earth (that has happened), Missionary work (do you know any missionaries), Wickedness, war, turmoil, famine...but the righteous need not fear. Christ will come in a cloud in great glory! He will live with us We should try to prepare so we can be ready when He comes!
Jesus has to leave. The people go home to get some sleep and to spread the word far and wide so everyone they knew could come back the next day and be with Jesus. When they came back the next day the 12 disciples divided them in groups and they began to pray. They prayed for what they most wanted. They wanted the gift of the Holy Ghost. Their prayers were answered! Fire encircled them and angels came down from Heaven. Jesus came and he commanded the multitude to continue praying. He went a little way off and He prayed to Heavenly Father. He prayed for them, for others, for us!
Jesus came and taught the people all about the sacrament. He taught them they could always have His spirit to be with them if they would take the sacrament and covenant to remember Him and keep his commandments.
Christ tells the people it is time for Him to return to His Father. The people don't want Him to leave. They are so sad He says He will stay and He asks for all their sick or anyone who needs healing to be brought to HIm and He will heal them. He then gathers their little children and blesses them. Fire comes down from Heaven and surrounds their little children and angels minister to them.
Samuel the Lamanite had prophecied of the signs of Jesus crucifiction and the believers watched and waited. Storms came, and earthquakes, great destruction, a mists of darkness. A voice came from heaven saying Wo unto the people. It told the people He was Christ the Son of God that came to help us find the way to truth and happiness. He told them I am the Light of the World. He told them all who came to him and repented, He would receive. He wanted all of them to turn to Him and find hope again. He taught them that everything that had been prophesied that He would do, He had accomplished. That He is our Savior and we can turn to Him and be saved.
After Jesus Cruxifiction the earth was covered in darkness for 3 days. Several Nephites had gathered to the temple remembering the prophecies of the prophets that Christ would come. They heard the voice of Heavenly Father 3 times. They felt it inside their hearts. The Savior came down from Heaven. They got to see Him and feel his hands and feet. He then called 12 apostles and gave them power to baptize the people after he returned back to heaven. He then taught the people. Someday Jesus will come again.
Nephi was the prophet and found out the wicked people had set a time when all those who beleived in Christ and the prophecies that He would be born, would be killed. Nephi prayed very hard. He knew Christ would be born but he was very worried about everyone else who believed like he did, that they would be killed. That night as he prayed, he heard a voice telling him the Savior would be born the next day. The sign came and when the sun went down it was as light as noon day. The next night there was a new star in the sky. Nephi was chosen to be a disciple of Jesus Christ when Christ was resurrected and came to visit the People in The Americas. Nephi raised his brother Timothy from the dead. The wicked people had stoned him when they didn't want to hear him preaching anymore.
Gadianhi was the leader of the Gadianton Robbers. He wrote a letter to Lachoneus (the leader of the Nephites) demanding their lands, their animals, their food...everything! He uses the devices Satan uses. 1-He flatters, 2-He lies, 3- He calls him foolish, 4- He threatens, 5-He says it is all theirs anyway, and 6-then he says if they don't listen and agree they will come destroy them! Lachoneus is not afraid. He knows God is on his side. He knows with God we can do ANYTHING! He tells the people the same thing our prophets and leaders tell us. 1- pray, 2- gather together, 3- fortify and protect, 4- repent. The Gadianton Robbers come to war. Their is a huge battle and the Nephites win. It tells us they cry and are so grateful to God. The know He protected them because of their obedience and repentance. God will always be with us. Even in really hard things, if we pray, and repent and obey.
It had been 600 years since Lehi left Jerusalem. Many of the Nephites were not righteous anymore. Samuel the Lamanite came to Zarahemla to preach to the people and prophecy of the signs of Jesus birth. He said there would be a night a day and a night as bringt as noon day. Some believed, but most did not and even tried to kill Samuel. 5 years passed and the unbelievers started to say the time had passed. They set a date that they would kill all the believers if the sign did not come. When Nephi, the prophet, saw how wicked the people had become he prayed all day. God told him that very night the sign would be given. Jesus would be born. That very night the sun went down but it was as light as noon day. The next day the sun rose again and they knew that was the day Jesus was born. A new star could be seen in the sky. When prophets speak today, They are teaching us the things Heavenly Father wants us to know. Even if it takes a long time for those promises to be fulfilled, If we believe, we will be safe.
Nephi pours out his heart to God. The Nephites will not repent. God tells Nephi he sees how valiantly he is serving. He tells Nephi whatever he prays for He will do, because he knows Nephi will only ask what God himself would ask. Nephi prays for a famine. After 2 years the people repent and recognize Nephi is a prophet of God.
The prophet Nephi is so heartbroken about the wickedness of the Nephites (the Gadianton Robbers had overtaken the government) that he goes out and prays on his garden tower. Some people in the city stopped to listen. When Nephi noticed a crowd gathered he started to teach the people and prophesy. Telling them if they did not repent they would all be destroyed. Nephi told them their Chief Judge was murdered by his brother. 5 men ran off to see if that was true. It was! The Gadianton Robbers tried to get the people to believe Nephi had arranged with someone to kill the Chief Judge. Nephi said to go and ask his brother if he had killed his brother. He said He will act shocked but when you ask about the blood on his cloak he will confess. Everything happened just as Nephi said it would. Some people believed he had to be a prophet, but most did not want to believe so explained it away. We are so blessed to have prophets that teach us and warn us.
After Pahoran's death (remember that great leader who fought to retake the government with Moroni) he had 3 sons who each wanted to take his place as chief judge of the land. There was an election and Pahoran Jr. was selected. Paanchi, his brother was mad! He got those who voted for him to rebel... they got Kishkumen to go and kill Pahoran the new chief Judge (his own brother). Kiskumen made all those who had rebelled promise or covenant they would keep the murder a secret. Kishkuman then waited for an opportunity to kill another chief judge when Helaman was elected. The Book of Mormon tells us this was the start of the secret society called the Gadianton Robbers. It tells us that this society caused the entire destruction of the Nephites. Heavenly Father wants to warn us and help us detect evil designs in our days. The Holy Ghost will help guide us and keep us safe.
Samuel the Lamanite was called to preach repentance to the Nephites who were not obeying God or following his teachings. Some Nephites repented, most got angry and tried to hurt Samuel by shooting arrows at him or throwing rocks at him. Samuel was not afraid, He was obeying God and that mattered most to him. Samuel prophesied many things to the Nephites including the signs of his birth, which would happen in 5 years. Samuel left and was never heard of around Zarahemla again. Everything Samuel prophesied came true. He was a prophet of God.
Nephi and Lehi were the sons of Helaman. They were brothers who taught the word of God. They converted 8,000 Lamanites because the word of God was so powerful in them. Some of the people did not believe and threw them in jail. The guards came to take them and kill them. Nephi and Lehi were surrounded by fire. The fire did not burn them. All 300 of the prisoners were astonished. The prison shook like an earthquake and yet it did not fall to the ground. The prisoners were so afriad. Aminadab had once been a Nephite and a member of God's church. He saw Nephi and Lehi's faces. HE told the other prisoners to pray. All 300 prisoners were converted to God and became missionaries.
Moroni accuses Pahoran of neglecting their armies, being lazy, and a selfish traitor. Pahoran does not get angry. He thanks Moroni for his letter and asks him to come help him get the government back from the King men so they can get sufficient supplies and armies to regain peace in the land. "Life is perfect for none of us! Rather than being judgemental may we have the pure love of Christ for others." Pahoran is a great example of this.
Moroni and his Nephite captains have been engaged in war against their enemies a long time. They are short on supplies and are not getting additional soldiers for help. They are in serious trouble. Moroni is very upset with the government that they are not sending the additional help His men need. In his anger he writes a mean letter to the Chief Judge, Pahoran. He says some very unkind things and many things that were not true. Pahoran does not get angry. Pahoran writes back and says not only that he forgives Moroni for being upset, but that He loves him for his great heart and desire to do what is right. Pahoran is a great example to us to not take offense and get upset back. But to forgive and focus on the good in others.
Ammoron took over as King of the Lamanites after his brother Amalikiah was killed. Moroni wanted to save his own people (many women, children, and men) who had been captured in war by the Lamanites. The Nephites only captured men, letting the innocent women and children go free. When Moroni requested an exchange of prisoners but he requested an entire family for one of the Lamanite prisoners. Ammoron would not exchange and Moroni knew Ammoron was well aware of his deceit. Moroni came up with a plan. They had a lamanite bring wine to the guards and when the guards were drunk they freed the Nephite prisoners. Not one life was lost. Moroni was inspired by God.
The Lamanites kept coming and attacking the people of Ammon. The Anti Nephi Lehi's were so sad to see the Nephites fight to protect them, often losing their lives. They decided they could not watch anymore and were about to break their covenant. But Helaman persuaded them not to, telling them God would continue to bless them, as He always had, if they were faithful to keeping their word. The People of Ammon had many sons who had not made that covenant. They were now young adults. These 2000 young men covenanted to fight to protect their homes, their families, their god and their religion. After years of fighting the army realized a great miracle had occured. Although everyone of those boys had been injured, not one had died. God always blesses us when we keep our covenants.
Teancum was a great military leader who worked for Captain Moroni. Teancum had fought with the Nephites in many battles. He had seen the heart ache and destruction war caused. He was very upset with Amalikiah and all the destruction he had caused. Amalikiah had been a Nephite and had left and joined with the Lamanites. Late one night, after a full day of battle, Teancum snuck in Amalikiah's tent and pierced him in the heart with a javelin, killing him instantly. God wants us to defend our rights and our liberties. HE is proud of those who fight for our country.
After Amalikiah gains control of the Lamanite armies he comes back to the Lamanite King and When he hails the king, Amalikiah's servants kill the king. The kings own servants are so afraid they run away. Amalikiah tells everyone the Kings own servants killed him. The queen is so sad and asks Amalikiah to come and tell her what happened to her husband the King. Amalikiah uses his flattery and not only convinces the queen the king's own servants killed him, he convinces her he loves her, and Amalikiah marries her and becomes KIgn of all the Lamanites. Amalikiah wanted to be king...but he hates the Nephites and he still wants to be their king. He now makes the Lamanite armies go and fight against the Nephites. Moroni has fortified the cities and they can't win. Amalikiah does not care how many lamanites are hurt or are killed trying. He only wants to be king. He sends the armies to was again and finally He leads them himself because he has taken an oath (made a promise) to kill Moroni and drink his blood. HE is NOT a good man. HE does not follow God. When Amalikiah comes and leads the armies they all go to sleep at night. Teancum ( one of Moroni's leaders) is so tired of all the war and destruction Amalikiah has caused...he sneaks into the Lamanite camp and kills amalikiah with a javelin in his heart. Finally this wicked man is dead.
Amalikiah was a Nephite. But He was never satisfied with what he had and always wanted more. He wanted to lead. He started to use flattery (telling people nice things to get them to do what you want) to get people to follow him. When Moroni (the captain of the Nephite armies) found out he was very concerned. He made the title of Liberty to remind the Nephites how important the teachings of God were. To protect their homes, their families and the right to choose. He then led a war against Amalikiah and his men. Amalikiah realized he was going to loose and so he fled with some of the men who followed him and they went and joined with the Lamanites. He used his flattery to get the Lamanites angry at the Nephites and ready to go to war. Many of the Lamanites did not want to fight the Nephites again. They were tired of loosing. Lehonti led those who did not want to fight up to a tall mountain. Amalikiah convinced the King to put him in charge of the army that wanted to fight and they would go and make Lehonti and the others join them. Amalikiah once again used his flattery. 4 times Lehonti said he would not come off the mountain to meet with Amalikiah. The last time Amalikiah came almost all the way up and told Lehonti to bring his guards. Lehonti should have said no again...but he went. Amalikiah convinced Lehonti to surround his army at night and told him he would surrendor is Lehonti would make him second in command. Lehonti decided that would work. He captured Amalikiah's army and then Amalikiah's servants started to poison Lehonti. Lehonti died and Amalikiah was now in charge!
Moroni prepares the Nephites and their cities, to focus on God and their freedoms. He built ditches, walls of dirt, walls of stones, towers to have look outs, armies to stand guard. Amalikiah and the Lamanites were shocked the Nephite preperation. The Lamanites armies did not dare attack. The Nephites had all power over their enemies. Moroni and the Nephites did never stop fortifying!
Corianton served a mission with his brothers Helaman and Shiblon, his father Alma, Amulek, and Zeezrom. Corianton did not obey the mission rules. He did not do the things he was supposed to, and because of that people did not want to know about the church or God. Alma talked to Corianton. He had to get upset with him to make him understand he needed to do better. Sometimes our parents might get upset with us, or talk to us sternley...for our good, so we will do better. Alma loved his son. Alma knew Corianton could follow his brothers examples and do better.
Moroni was the Chief Commander of the Nephite Army. Amalikiah was a Nephite that decided He no longer wanted to be a Nephite...He wanted to be incharge and He convinced many Nephites that if they put him incharge he would give them a position of honor. He was so good at saying what the people wanted to hear, many Nephites stopped believing in the teachings of the church and started to follow Amalikiah. Captain Moroni was so concerned with the numbers of Nephites falling away. He ripped his coat and made the title of Liberty. It talked about the people remembering the importance of God, their families, their freedoms, and their religion. He made copies of the title of liberty and put them on towers all throughout their land. Many Nephites came running to help fight against the dissenters before they could join with the Lamanites and come against them in war. Moroni knew who could help him, God. God answered Moroni's prayers and helped him know how to defeat Amalikiah and the disenters.
Alma teaches the poor Zoramites that to gain a testimony you have to plant the word of God and allow it to grow like a seed.
Shiblon was a very righteous man. He had served missions with his father. He had been stoned for things he taught. He never wavered in his testmiony of the truth.
Alma tells of his experience with an Angel of God. His agony for 3 days and then his joy when he called on Christ. HE counsels Helaman to use the scriptures to instruct the people. Helaman is called to replace his father.
Korihor was an anti-christ. He went around preaching there was no Christ. He said the church was telling people false things to make them follow their leaders. He said they did this so people would pay them. Alma said he had never taken any money to lead the church and did it because the teachings of the church make people happy. HE also said "i have all things that prove there is a god! the earth and all things created on it!" and he told Korihor he knew he was lying. He told Korihor if he lied one more time God would give him a sign, and he would be struck dumb (could not speak). Korihor denied and could no longer speak. He wrote and note to Alma and said the devil had decieved him and that he did know there was a God. He asked Alma to pray to God to make him able to speak again. Alma said God knew if He did that, Korihor would just go back to teaching lies to the people. When the people heard what had happened to Korihor, those that had believed his lies, repented and came back to God and the church.
Alma the prophet heard the Zoramites were no longer following the teachings of the church. He took Amulek, Zeezrom, Ammon, Aaron, Omner, Corianton and Shiblon with him to serve a mission to them. He knew that preaching the word of God to them, and reminding them of the things they once knew was the greatest thing they could do. They got to Antionum and found the people were praying one at a time on a Rameumpton (holy stand) in the middle of their synagogues (churches). Every prayer was exactly the same and then they would never talk about God again. Alma set the men he brought with him apart and asked that they would have strength and wisdom to know how to bring these precious souls back to God.
Alma and Ammon and his brothers meet after serving their missions for 14 years. Their joy is so great that Ammon passes out (that is great joy). They catch each other up on what has happened for the past 14 years. They are overjoyed that each of them has continued to center their lives on Christ.
The Anti Nephi Lehi's have burried their weapons of war. They have repented and covenanted with God that they will never fight or break God's commandments again. They are so faithful that when the Lamanites come to fight them, they kneel down and pray instead of fighting back. 1,005 are killed before the Lamanites stop and realize they truly will not fight. Many of the Lamanites are so sorry they kneel down next to the Anti Nephi Lehi's and join them. In the scriptures we read those that died were taken straight to Heaven to God. And many more Lamanites changed and repented that day and came to know God.
Ammon and his brothers were given permission by Lamoni and his father to preach the gospel to all the Lamanites. Many converted. Once they learned the gospel they no longer wanted to be called Lamanites. They wanted a new name that showed their faith. They chose the name Anti Nephi Lehi's - which means the mirror image (or like) Nephi and Lehi. They choose to bury their weapons to show God they never wanted to kill or go to war again. What things in your life do you need to bury to show God you have truly repented and want to follow Him?
Ammon is going with King Lamoni to free his brothers from prison. On the way, they meet King Lamoni's father. King Lamoni's father has been taught, and taught his people his entire life, that the Nephites are their enemies. He tells his son, King Lamoni to kill Ammon. King Lamoni has been converted to God and he loves Ammon for bringing him to the truth. He refuses to kill Ammon, even though his father, the King of all the Lamanites, has commanded him to. The king is so upset he turns to hurt his son. Ammon protects his son and is even able to hurt the King if he chooses. King Lamoni says he will give Ammon anything he wants, even half his kingdom if he will spare his life. Ammon asks that Lamoni can still be king of his land, and rule the way he chooses, and that his brothers will be freed. Lamoni's father is stunned. Ammon did not ask for anything for himself. He grants Ammon's desires.
Ammon rescues the kings flocks! He slays 7 of the Lamanites trying to steal from the King. The other servants and King Lamoni think Ammon is the Great Spirit? Ammon teaches them all about God. King Lamoni passes out and is converted!
Ammon comes as a missionary to the Lamanites. He tells King Lamoni he might live there the rest of his life. Through his service and God's help, He protects the kings flocks and the King and his servants come to know Ammon has the power of God.
Ammon was one of King Mosiah's sons. He and his 3 brothers go on a 14 year mission to the Lamanites. Ammon becomes King Lamoni's servant. He is able to show his love to the Lamanites and once they see his love they listen to his message and King Lamoni and his entire household are converted to the Gospel.
Zeezrom was a lawyer that loved money! He loved causing contention or fighting so he could earn money. He argued with Alma and Amulek and tried to get them to deny there was a Christ. He even said he would pay them to deny Him. Alma and Amulek could not be tricked. They worked for God and knew Zeezrom was a liar. As Alma and Amulek were teaching the people of Ammonihah, something they said about eternal life, made sense to Zeezrom and he began to shake thinking maybe they were teaching truths. Alma and Amulek were taken to prison. Zeezrom felt horrible. He felt it was his fault. He lay on his bed at home with a very high fever. A few days passed and he heard Alma and Amulek were in his city Sidon. He sent for them to come to his home. They asked if he believed Christ could heal him. Alma blessed him to be healed according to his faith. Zeezrom Leapt to his feet! By God's power Zeezrom was healed. He became a mission companion to Alma and Amulek and taught people the truth about Jesus Christ the rest of his life
Alma, the prophet goes to Ammonihah to tell the wicked people to repent or their city will be destroyed. Amulek takes Alma to his house and Alma teaches all of Amulek's household. Alma and Amulek then start to teach the people of Ammonihah. Some people believe and repent. Some people do not and are angry. They want to kill Alma and Amulek. They take those that believe and the scriptures and throw them into a big fire. They force Alma and Amulek to watch. Alma and Amulek are so sad. But Alma tells Amulek those who die in the fire will be in Heaven with God. Alma and Amulek are thrown in prison many days. They don't have food or water and are treated very badly. After many days Alma cries to God and their bands are loosed and the walls of the prison shake and fall. Everyone dies in the prison but Alma and Amulek. Amulek goes to live with Alma's family. They serve many missions together. Amulek knows that after his life, if he continues to follow God, he will live in heaven with his family and God forever.
After Lehi dies, Laman and Lemuel get so angry about Nephi leading the people. Nephi is commanded by God to take those the believe in God and His teachings to flee. The Nephites build a temple and live after the manner of happiness. Follow the Prophet
Nehor used priestcraft to teach the people they didn't need to repent. He taught lies and the people paid him to teach what sounded easy, or pleasing to them. Gideon used the word of God to withstand Nehor's teachings. Nehor was so angry he killed Gideon. Nehor was taken before the chief judge and suffered an "ignomenous" (shameful) death because of the law of the land.
After years of peace, pride creeps into the church and the progress of the church is stopped. Alma gives up being chief judge and dedicates his time full time to being prophet. The preaching of the word had a greater effect than anything else on the minds and hearts of the people.
A group of Nephites who no longer followed the teachings of the church, followed Amilici and wanted to change the government. They wanted Amlici to be their king. When the election results came back and he was not chosen king, they decided to make him their king anyway. They fled and joined with the Lamanites and came to war against the Nephites. Even though they outnumbered the Nephites, the Nephites were backed by God and won.
Gideon may not have fled with Alma and the 450 believers, when they heard the Wicked King Noah was coming for them...but he was not a follower of the King. He did all he could to help the people. He was captain of the guard under King Limhi and was inspired with the plan to escape the Lamanites. He became a teacher in the church in Zarahemla. When he was old, Nehor an anti-Christ, was teaching lies about God to the people. Gideon was able to speak the words of God and defend the church. Nehor was so angry he hit Gideon and killed him. Just like Abinadi, Gideon gave his life defending the church. Gideon was a great man who the scriptures say, did much good among the people.
King Mosiah's sons are with Alma the Younger when the Angel comes and tells them they need to repent and stop rebelling against the church, and god. After they repent they have a great desire to teach others about the gospel and God's love! They ask their father if they can go on a mission to the Lamanites. Their worst enemies who have come to war against them. King Mosiah prays and the spirit tells him to let them go. God will protect them. They serve for 14 years. They help convert many Lamanites, including the Anti Nephi Lehis and they no longer see them as enemies.
Alma the younger (who was not a young man) and the sons of Mosiah rebel against their fathers and against the church. They go around Zarahemla teaching people not to believe in Christ and not to believe the words of Alma the High Priest. They are having a lot of success leading people away from the church. God hears the prayers of the people of the church and the prayers of Alma and an angel comes and speaks with a voice of thunder that shakes the earth! He commands Alma to stop. Alma cannot speak or move his arms or legs. His father rejoices and knows this is an answer to his prayers! He gathers the people of the church and they and the priest fast and pray for 3 days for God to open Alma's mouth. Alma arises after 3 days and teaches the people about Christ. He and the sons of Mosiah spend the rest of their lives as missionaries "zealously" striving to repair the damage they have done to the church. They are instruments in the hands of God bringing many to the church! They do not want any to feel the dark, despair, the burning that Alma felt before he felt God's forgiveness and redeeming love.
Limhi and his people are required to pay half of everything to the Lamanites to continue living. They are in bondage and eventually they are treated so badly they turn to God and pray for a miracle. Ammon and some other men come from Zarahemla. After counseling with the people, Gideon is inspired with a plan of giving the Lamanite guards extra strong wine...so they will get so drunk they can escape out the back of the city, with their families and animals. God works a miracle and Limhi and his people escape and are brought to Zarahemla where they join King Mosiah's people.
When Alma and his people were brought into bondage to Amulon and the Lamanites, they had heavy burdens placed on their backs. They weren't even allowed to pray, or if they were caught they would be killed. The Nephites prayed in their hearts and God heard their prayers and blessed them...and made their burdens light. They did submit cheerfully to all the will of the Lord.
Alma was a priest in Wicked King Noah's court. He heard the Prophet Abinadi and he knew Abinadi was right. He repented and began to teach people in the city. He converted 450 people. He was warned of God and they fled and escaped to a new land they called Helam.
Abinadi was a prophet called to preach repentance to Wicked King Noah and his people who were no longer following His teachings. His warnings made the wicked priests and the King angry. They plotted to kill Abinadi. Abinadi told them not to touch him until he had finished delivering the message God wanted him to deliver. Abinadi sealed his testimony with his life. Everything Abinadi said came true. We are promised if we follow the prophet they will never lead us astray. Follow the Prophet!
King Noah was a wicked man. After his father died, he replaced the priest with wicked men like him. They taxed the people heavily and used the peoples money to live the way they wanted. They did not live the way God wanted them to. Abinadi was a Prophet of God. He came and warned the king and his priests they had better repent of God would destroy them. They did not believe Abinadi, and were so angry that he would dare come tell them what they were doing was wrong, so they burned him in a fire. Abinadi warned them and told them if they did not repent and listen they would be destroyed. Abinadi's words came true.
God's prophets warn us and prophesy, if we repent and listen we will be blessed
Jacob is a leader and a teacher of the Nephites. They are struggling and not being as valiant as they should be. Sherem is an anti christ who is teaching the people there is no christ. He seeks out Jacob wanting to convince him there is no Christ, but Jacob has seen angels and his testimony of Christ could not be shaken.
The master of the vineyard (the savior) plants us (the new green shoots) all over the vineyard (the world) and with His servants (parents, teachers, leaders, prophets and apostles) nourishes us to see if we can grow into healthy, strong trees that bare good fruit! Like Lehi's vision...if others partake of the fruit, it will fill them with the Love of God and lead them to Christ. We just have to try...to be good trees, and bear good fruit!
King Bemjamen is getting very old. He wants to appoint his son Mosiah to be the new king. He has all the people gather at the temple and he has a large tower built so he can speak from the top and all his people can hear. They place their tents with the doors facing him to hear his words. It was a lot like our general conference!
God commands Nephi to take all those that believe in God with him and to flee. Nephi and the believers set up a new land in the wilderness and build a temple! They live after the manner of happiness (God's teachings and covenants).
Enos is out hunting and filled with a desire to know God forgives and loves him. He prays all day. Enos hears God's voice telling him he is forgiven. Enos prays for the Nephites and then for his enemies, the Lamanites. He wants everyone to be forgiven and feel God's love.
Who is your favorite prophet? Nephi's was Isaiah. Isaiah talks all about Christ, His coming, His love for us, His atonement, and eventually our living with Him again.
Laman and Lemuel start to act rudely on the boat. Nephi tells them to stop. They tie Nephi up. A huge storm comes. The Liahona stops working. Laman and Lemuel will not listen to anyone's pleading to untie Nephi. For 4 days the storm gets worse and worse and they don't untie Nephi. It is not until they think they will die, they release him. Nephi prays and the storm stops. The Liahona starts to work again and they finish their journey to the promised land.
Laman and Lemuel have a pattern of always complaining. Eventually their bad attitude leads to anger and bad decisions. Eventually it leads to their separation from the Nephites, from the scriptures, and from God.
God commands Nephi to build a boat. He makes tools and gets directions from the Lord how to make a boat. Laman and Lemuel mock Nephi. Nephi is told by God to stretch forth his hand and shock them. He does and they obey and help Nephi finish the boat. They are amazed at the boat when they are done. God helps us do amazing things when we listen and obey
Nephi's steel bow breaks. The family is not able to get food. They are so hungry and start to complain. Nephi continues to have faith and to trust God will provide. Nephi makes a new bow out of a stick. He is able to get food for the family. They are so grateful.
Lehi has a vision- He sees the tree of Life. He eats of the fruit and is filled with Joy. He wants his family to eat and feel the same joy. Nephi, Sam, and Sariah all come and eat. Laman and Lemuel refuse. Nephi prays and has the same vision. He explains what the Tree, the fruit, the path, the rod, the great and spacious building are.
Lehi finds a gift from God when he comes out from his tent. It is a Liahona, like nothing he has ever seen before. It is to guide their family on their trip to the Promised land. If they are righteous it will guide them exactly where to go to find food and water and eventually the promised land. If they are not righteous, it won't work. We have Liahona's today, the scriptures, prayers, and patriarchal blessings all give us God's direction in our life to take us where we should go!
Lehi's sons go back to Jerusalem to get Ishmael and his family. Ishmael has faith in What Lehi's sons tell him, He has faith that Lehi is a prophet of God, He and his family Join Lehi and his family in the wilderness.
Sariah waits for her boys to return from getting the Brass Plates. Day after Day she waited and prayed and had faith. As many days passed Sariah was sure something awful had happened to her boys. She began to lose her faith and question whether Lehi was a prophet. She had been obedient and done everything God had asked, even leaving everything but her family behind in Jerusalem and coming to live in the wilderness.
Sometimes Gods answers to prayers do not come as soon as we would like, or in a way we would like.
When Sariah's sons returned and told her of their experience. Sariah knew God had protected her sons and worked miracles! She did not doubt again.
God calls Lehi to be a prophet. He tells the people of Jerusalem they need to repent or they will be destroyed. The people are very angry. Some even want to kill Lehi. Lehi is warned by God to leave. Lehi and his family leave Jerusalem
Nephi and his brothers go back to Jerusalem to get the Brass Plates (scriptures) from Laban. It takes 3 tries and God delivers Laban into Nephi's hands.