Lehi is a prophet in Jerusalem. God warns Lehi in a dream to take his family and leave Jerusalem because the city will be destroyed. He and his family cross the ocean to the Americas.

Laman and Lemuel, the oldest sons, don’t believe their dad. They are always complaining and have a hard time following God. But their younger brother Nephi is full of faith. Nephi is chosen by God to lead the family and be their teacher.

The brothers and their wives have children and spread out. Laman and Lemuel hate Nephi so much they want to kill him. The people eventually split into two groups: the Nephites and the Lamanites. These groups are often at war, and their faith is constantly being tested. This faith fills the pages of the Book of Mormon in the form of powerful sermons, life lessons, and spiritual experiences.

After Jesus is resurrected, He appears to the people in the Americas. He teaches them about baptism and forgiveness. He heals their sick and blesses their children. He establishes His Church. Unlike those in Jerusalem, the people listen to Jesus. Afterwards, they live in peace for hundreds of years.

Over time, the people lose faith and war breaks out again, wiping out the Nephites. The Lamanites, who survived, are “among the ancestors of the American Indians” (introduction to the Book of Mormon).