Minerva K. Teichert (1888-1976), Escape of King Limhi and His People, 1949-1951, oil on masonite, 35 7/8 x 48 inches. Brigham Young University Museum of Art, 1969.

May 11–17

Mosiah 18–24

We Have Entered into a Covenant with Him

President Thomas S. Monson taught, “As we read and ponder the scriptures, we will experience the sweet whisperings of the Spirit to our souls” (“We Never Walk Alone,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 122).

Record Your Impressions

The account of Alma and his people in Mosiah 18; 23–24 shows what it means to “come into the fold of God” (Mosiah 18:8). When they were baptized, they made a covenant with God to “serve him and keep his commandments” (Mosiah 18:10). While this was an intensely personal commitment, it also had to do with how they treated one another. Yes, the journey back to Heavenly Father is personal and individual, and no one can keep our covenants for us, but that doesn’t mean we are alone. We need each other. As members of Christ’s Church, we covenant to serve God by helping and serving one another along the way, “bear[ing] one another’s burdens” (Mosiah 18:8–10). Alma’s people definitely had burdens to bear, just as we all do. And one way the Lord helps us “bear up [our] burdens with ease” (Mosiah 24:15) is by giving us a community of Saints who have promised to mourn with us and comfort us, just as we have promised to do for them.

Ideas for Personal Scripture Study

Mosiah 18:1–17

Baptism includes a covenant to serve God and stand as a witness of Him.

Mosiah 18:8–10 contains Alma’s teachings about the baptismal covenant, or the promise we make to God at baptism. As you read these verses, ponder the following questions:

• What do you learn from these verses about the promises you made at baptism? What does God promise you?

• How does the covenant to serve God (see verse 10) relate to our efforts to minister to one another? (see verses 8–9).

• What are you doing to keep your promises?

• How does keeping your baptismal covenant help you be “filled with the Spirit”? (Mosiah 18:14). How does the Spirit help you keep your covenant?

When I make covenants with God, I receive His blessings.

This account also reveals the proper mode of baptism. What do you learn in verses 14–17 about how baptism should be performed? What else do you learn about baptism from Matthew 3:16; Romans 6:3–5; 3 Nephi 11:21–28; and Doctrine and Covenants 20:72–74?

See also Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 77, 79.

Mosiah 18:17–30

God’s people should be united.

As Alma and his people discovered, following Jesus Christ sometimes means leaving a familiar way of life for something new and different. But Alma’s people drew strength from each other as part of “the church of Christ” (Mosiah 18:17). How do the teachings in Mosiah 18:17–30 inspire you to be a better member of the Church? What can you do to help your ward or branch members be “knit together in unity and in love”? (Mosiah 18:21).

See also Henry B. Eyring, “Our Hearts Knit as One,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2008, 68–71.

Mosiah 19–20

The words of the prophets will be fulfilled.

Abinadi made some specific prophecies about what would happen to King Noah and his people if they refused to repent. However, to some these prophecies seemed unbelievable (see Mosiah 12:1–8, 14–15), especially since the Nephites had successfully defended themselves against the Lamanites for nearly 50 years (see Mosiah 9:16–18; 11:19). But the words of the prophets will all be fulfilled—in our day as much as in Abinadi’s.

What do you find in Mosiah 19–20 that would lead Gideon to declare that Abinadi’s prophecies had been fulfilled? (see Mosiah 20:21). How does this account strengthen your faith in the warnings and counsel of God’s prophets and your commitment to follow their words? When have you seen a prophet’s words fulfilled in our day?

Mosiah 21–24

God can make my burdens light.

Limhi’s people and Alma’s people both fell into bondage, although for different reasons and in different circumstances. What can you learn by comparing the accounts of Limhi’s people in Mosiah 19–22 and Alma’s people in Mosiah 18; 23–24? You could note how each of these groups responded to captivity or how each was eventually delivered. As you do, look for messages that apply to your life. For example, what do you learn from these accounts that will help you carry your burdens?

Mosiah 23:21–24; 24:8–17

I can trust the Lord.

Even though they had repented of their sins, Alma and his people still found themselves in bondage. Their experience shows that trusting the Lord and living our covenants doesn’t always prevent difficulties, but it does help us overcome them. As you read Mosiah 23:21–24 and 24:8–17, note words and phrases that can help you learn to trust in God, regardless of your circumstances.

See also Thomas S. Monson, “I Will Not Fail Thee, nor Forsake Thee,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 85–87.

Ideas for Family Scripture Study and Family Home Evening

As you read the scriptures with your family, the Spirit can help you know what principles to emphasize and discuss in order to meet the needs of your family. Here are some ideas.

Mosiah 18:1–4

There is a saying that you can count the seeds in an apple, but you can’t count the apples that come from one seed. Only one person was receptive to Abinadi’s testimony, but that one person—Alma—influenced generations of Nephites. Perhaps you could use a fruit with seeds to demonstrate this principle. How does this message apply to our family? What can we do to share our testimonies with others?

Mosiah 18:8–10

What can we learn about our baptismal covenant from these verses? (see also Doctrine and Covenants 20:73, 77–79). What are we doing to prepare for or keep our baptismal covenant?

Mosiah 18:30

What places have special meaning to us because of the spiritual experiences we had there?

Mosiah 21:11–16; 24:10–15

What do we learn by comparing the captivity of Alma’s people and Limhi’s people?

Mosiah 21:15; 24:11–15

What do these verses teach us about some of the ways the Lord answers prayers?

For more ideas for teaching children, see this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Primary.

Improving Personal Study

Find a time that works for you. It is often easiest to learn when you can study the scriptures without being interrupted. Find a time that works for you, and do your best to consistently study at that time each day.

The Waters of Mormon, by Jorge Cocco