Pioneers in the scriptures walked with Christ

The Savior and His Mother

Mary, Mother of Jesus

• • Mary accepted a divine calling that no one before her had received. Despite uncertainty and personal risk, she trusted God’s will completely. Her faithful response pioneered an example of humble obedience and spiritual courage that continues to inspire disciples today.

  • Guide to the Scriptures: “Mary, Mother of Jesus”

  • Bible Video Depicts Mary, Mother of Jesus

  • Scriptures

    • Luke 1:26–38

    • Luke 1:46–55

Pioneers in the Old Testament (also known as the Hebrew Bible)

Adam and Eve

• • Adam and Eve were the first to step into mortality and experience opposition, growth, family life, and redemption. Their choice opened the way for all of God’s children to come to earth and progress. They pioneered the mortal journey and showed that learning, repentance, and reliance on the Savior are central to God’s plan.

  • Guide to the Scriptures: “Adam”

  • Guide to the Scriptures: “Eve”

  • Adam and Eve—Pioneers of Unknown Paths

  • Women of the Old Testament

Noah

• • Noah remained faithful and obedient when nearly everyone else rejected God. By building the ark and preaching repentance, he preserved life on earth. Noah pioneered unwavering righteousness and demonstrated that obedience matters—even when it means standing alone.

  • Guide to the Scriptures: “Noah”

Sarah

• • Sarah trusted God’s promises even when fulfillment seemed impossible. Her life reflects patience, sacrifice, and faith over many years of waiting. She pioneered faithful endurance and showed that God’s timing, though sometimes difficult to understand, is always purposeful.

  • Bible Dictionary “Sarah or Sarai”

  • Women of the Old Testament

Abraham

• • Abraham left everything familiar to follow God’s direction and received covenants that bless all nations. His life established the covenant path that continues today. Abraham pioneered faithful obedience and showed how trust in God brings eternal blessings for generations.

  • Guide to the Scriptures: “Abraham”

  • “Chapter 8: The Abrahamic Covenant” — Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Russell M. Nelson

  • Scriptures

    • Genesis 12:1–5

    • Genesis 17:1–8

    • Abraham 2:9–11

Rebekah

• • Rebekah showed initiative and faith when she volunteered to go beyond her family’s home to meet Abraham’s servant and potentially become Isaac’s wife (Genesis 24). She crossed cultural and geographic boundaries to follow God’s promptings, demonstrating courage and willingness to embrace God’s plan. Her actions helped continue the covenant line through which the promised blessings would come. Rebekah’s choice to trust and act on divine guidance marks her as a pioneer of faith and discipleship.

  • Guide to the Scriptures: “Rebekah”

  • Women of the Old Testament

Isaac 

• • Isaac’s story is one of steady, faithful obedience in a life shaped by covenant promises. As a young man, Isaac willingly submitted to his father Abraham during the sacrifice on Mount Moriah, trusting both his father and the Lord. Later, Isaac remained in the promised land during famine, choosing to rely on God’s direction rather than fleeing to Egypt. Though his life was less dramatic than those of Abraham or Jacob, Isaac faithfully preserved the covenant and passed it to the next generation. His example shows that pioneers of faith are not always loud or dramatic—sometimes they lead by constancy, humility, and quiet trust in the Lord.

  • Guide to the Scriptures: “Isaac”

Leah 

• • Leah is often remembered for her quiet strength and steadfast devotion amid difficult personal circumstances. Though she was not initially the preferred wife of Jacob, Leah continued to serve God by raising her children and caring for her family. The Lord saw her faithfulness and blessed her with posterity, including children who became leaders among Israel’s tribes. Leah’s willingness to keep serving, even when life didn’t turn out as she hoped, shows how pioneers of faith make the covenant path meaningful through devotion, patience, and trust in the Lord’s timing.

  • Guide to the Scriptures: “Leah”

  • Women of the Old Testament

Rachel

• • Rachel’s life reflects faithful longing and deep devotion to family and spiritual blessings. She chose Jacob despite great obstacles, showing strength in commitment. Like many scriptural women, Rachel experienced trials, including barrenness, yet she continued to worship God and care for those around her. Her son Joseph became instrumental in preserving Israel during famine, a key part of God’s covenant plan. Rachel’s story reminds us that even personal pain can contribute to God’s larger purposes when we remain faithful.

  • Guide to the Scriptures: “Rachel”

  • Women of the Old Testament

Jacob (Israel)

• • Jacob’s life illustrates how God shapes imperfect people into covenant leaders. Beginning as a man who struggled with fear and rivalry, Jacob nevertheless sought the birthright and blessings of the covenant. Through years of labor, family conflict, and spiritual wrestling—including his sacred encounter with the Lord—Jacob was changed and given the name Israel. He learned to rely on God rather than his own strength and ultimately became the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. Jacob’s journey shows that pioneers of faith are not defined by where they start, but by their willingness to be changed by God and to cling to His promises.

  • Guide to the Scriptures: “Jacob, Son of Isaac”

Joseph, Son of Jacob 

• • Joseph’s life is a powerful example of faith that endures betrayal, injustice, and long waiting. Sold into Egypt by his own brothers, Joseph was separated from his family, falsely accused, and imprisoned despite doing what was right. Yet in every circumstance, Joseph chose to trust God and remain faithful. Over time, the Lord turned Joseph’s suffering into preparation, placing him in a position to save nations from famine—including the very brothers who had wronged him. Joseph’s willingness to forgive and to see God’s hand in his trials shows how pioneers of faith move forward with integrity, patience, and confidence that the Lord can redeem even the hardest paths.

  • Guide to the Scripture: “Joseph, Son of Jacob”

Moses

• • Moses led Israel out of bondage and toward the promised land through God’s power. Though imperfect, he trusted the Lord and acted boldly. Moses pioneered spiritual and physical deliverance and showed how God works through willing servants to accomplish great purposes.

  • Guide to the Scriptures: “Moses”

  • Scriptures

    • Exodus 3:1–12

    • Exodus 14:21–31

    • Deuteronomy 34:1–5

Ruth

• • Ruth chose faith over familiarity by leaving her homeland to follow the God of Israel. Her loyalty, humility, and righteousness led her to become part of the covenant people and an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ. She pioneered the truth that covenant belonging is based on faith and commitment, not background.

  • Guide to the Scriptures: Ruth

  • Women of the Old Testament

  • Come, Follow Me “My Heart Rejoiceth in the Lord”

Deborah

• • Deborah served as a prophetess and judge, leading Israel both spiritually and politically. At a time when few women held leadership roles, she demonstrated wisdom, faith, and courage. Deborah pioneered righteous leadership and showed that God calls and empowers those who are willing to lead with faith and courage.

  • Guide to the Scriptures: Deborah

  • Old Testament Stories resource: “Deborah the Prophetess”

  • Women of the Old Testament

Esther

• • Esther used her position as queen to save her people, even when doing so could have cost her life. She chose courage over silence and faith over fear. Esther pioneered the example of standing for righteousness and using personal influence to protect others and fulfill God’s purposes.

  • Guide to the Scriptures: Esther

  • “Esther” — Scripture Helps (Old Testament)

  • Women of the Old Testament

Pioneers in the New Testament 

James (brother of Jesus)

• • At first, James struggled to believe that Jesus was the Messiah (see John 7:5, Mark 3:21). But he became a converted, devoted disciple and a strong, important leader of the Church. His life shows how testimony can grow through experience and revelation. James pioneered steady leadership and emphasized that true faith is shown through righteous action.

  • Guide to the Scripture: “James, Brother of the Lord”

  • Scriptures

    • The Epistle of James

Mary Magdalene

• • Mary Magdalene was among Jesus’s most faithful disciples and became the first witness of the resurrected Savior. In a time when women’s testimony was often dismissed, Christ entrusted her with the most important message in history. She pioneered faithful discipleship and courageous witness.

  • Guide to the Scriptures: “Mary Magdalene”

  • Mary Magdalene—Tower of Strength

Peter

• • Peter became a leading apostle and helped establish Christ’s Church after the Resurrection. Through repentance and revelation, he grew into a powerful witness of Jesus Christ. Peter pioneered leadership in the early Church and showed how the Savior transforms imperfect disciples.

  • Guide to the Scriptures: “Peter”

  • Scriptures

    • Matthew 16:15–19

    • Luke 22:31–32

    • Acts 2:36–41

Pioneers in the Book of Mormon 

Nephi

• • Nephi led his family through the wilderness, built a ship by revelation, and crossed the ocean to a promised land. Despite opposition, he trusted God completely. Nephi pioneered faithful obedience and demonstrated that the Lord prepares a way for those who choose to follow Him.

  • Guide to the Scriptures: “Nephi, son of Lehi”

  • Scriptures

    • 1 Nephi 3:7

Amulek

• • Amulek responded to God’s call after initial hesitation and gave up wealth and comfort to preach the gospel. His bold testimony alongside Alma strengthened the Church. Amulek pioneered wholehearted conversion and showed how God can quickly use those who fully commit to Him.

  • Guide to the Scriptures: “Amulek”

  • Scriptures

    • Alma 10–16

More to come....