1 Nephi 1,2

What if we received the following letter from the First Presidency (based on 1 Nephi 1:13-14)?

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

After many years of calling the people of Philadelphia to repentance through the missionaries, the Lord has revealed to us, the First Presidency, that the great city of Philadelphia will be destroyed.  We have prayed with all of our hearts on behalf of the people of Philadelphia.  As we did so, the Lord came to us and we received a vision.  And we saw the great abominations in the city and we saw that many people would perish and be carried off in captivity. However, our hearts are rejoiced for we know that the Lord will protect those that come unto Him.

According to the instructions of the Lord, we would ask you to go home, pack only your 72-hour kit, some of your food storage, and tents.  We will be departing together towards a gathering place this evening.  Leave your homes, your cars, and your precious things behind.  You will not need them. We know that this may be a burden to you, but the Lord is great and He will protect those that follow Him. Sincerely,The First Presidency for we know that the Lord will protect those that come unto Him.  According to the instructions of the Lord, we would ask you to go home, pack only your 72-hour kit, some of your food storage, and tents.

We will be departing together towards a gathering place this evening.  Leave your homes, your cars, and your precious things behind.  You will not need them. We know that this may be a burden to you, but the Lord is great and He will protect those that follow Him. 

Sincerely,

The First Presidency

How would you react?  Would you be willing to go right away?  Would it make a difference if you knew that this information came from a prophet?  Whom would you tell to try to save them?  How would feel about leaving your homes, your cars, your possessions?  How would your children feel?

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Put yourselves in Laman and Lamuel’s shoes.  Being sons of a prophet, they probably went to Synagogue every Sabbath.  

• Do you think they had testimonies?
  
• Do you think they considered themselves as good people?
  
• Do we sometimes murmur about things within the church?
  

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Compare and contrast Nephi and Laman and Lemuel:

Nephi:  1 Nephi 1:1; 1 Nephi 2:16; 1 Nephi 2:16,19; 1 Nephi 3:7; 1 Nephi 3:15; 1 Nephi 4:1

Laman and Lemuel: 1 Nephi 2:11; 1 Nephi 2:13; 1 Nephi 2:12; 1 Nephi 3:5; 1 Nephi 3:14; 1 Nephi 3:31

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Add comments to tell about your thoughts and feelings as you have read 1 Nephi 1 and 2.