This is a review of the slides we used while discussing... Scriptures Alma 37

“God uses the power of the word... as an instrument to change people's lives...” (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, May 1987, 84). “God uses the power of the word... as an instrument to change people's lives...” (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, May 1987, 84). The Power of the Word Purpose: 2 Tim. 3:13-17; Alma 37:8-9

Rod Liahona Light Manna Sword Scripture Imagery

Rod Liahona Light Manna SwordFallLostDarkStarveDie Scripture Imagery

“When we have the scriptures in our heart and our mind and our soul, then we have a means of measuring all things; we have a means of judging everything else. If we are soaked in the scriptures, we shan’t want to look at bad things on our walls or listen to bad music, because they won’t fit. We shall intuitively reject them, just as we shall embrace what is good, because we shall have in minds a firm and sound sense of what is in good taste” (Arthur Henry King, Abundance of the Heart, p. 129).

The Power of the Word Process...

The Power of the Word Process... It takes a prophet to understand a prophet...

In the final analysis, there is no way absolutely none (and this cannot be stated too strongly!)-to understand any... scripture, except to have the same spirit of prophecy that rested upon the one who uttered the truth in its original form. Scripture comes from God by the power of the Holy Ghost. It does not originate with man. It means only what the Holy Ghost thinks it means. To interpret it, we must be enlightened by the power of the Holy Spirit.... Truly, it takes a prophet to understand a prophet, and every faithful member of the Church should have "the testimony of Jesus" which "is the spirit of prophecy." (Rev. 19:10.)... This is the sum and substance of the whole matter and an end to all controversy where discovering the mind and will of the Lord is concerned. (Bruce R. McConkie, The Promised Messiah, p.44) In the final analysis, there is no way absolutely none (and this cannot be stated too strongly!)-to understand any... scripture, except to have the same spirit of prophecy that rested upon the one who uttered the truth in its original form. Scripture comes from God by the power of the Holy Ghost. It does not originate with man. It means only what the Holy Ghost thinks it means. To interpret it, we must be enlightened by the power of the Holy Spirit.... Truly, it takes a prophet to understand a prophet, and every faithful member of the Church should have "the testimony of Jesus" which "is the spirit of prophecy." (Rev. 19:10.)... This is the sum and substance of the whole matter and an end to all controversy where discovering the mind and will of the Lord is concerned. (Bruce R. McConkie, The Promised Messiah, p.44)

“Do you read the Scriptures, my brethren and sisters, as though you were writing them a thousand, two thousand, or five thousand years ago? Do you read them as though you stood in the place of the men who wrote them? If you do not feel thus, it is your privilege to do so, that you may be as familiar with the spirit and meaning of the written word of God as you are with your daily walk and conversation, or as you are with your workmen or with your households. You may understand what the Prophets understood and thought--what they designed and planned to bring forth to their brethren for their good. “Do you read the Scriptures, my brethren and sisters, as though you were writing them a thousand, two thousand, or five thousand years ago? Do you read them as though you stood in the place of the men who wrote them? If you do not feel thus, it is your privilege to do so, that you may be as familiar with the spirit and meaning of the written word of God as you are with your daily walk and conversation, or as you are with your workmen or with your households. You may understand what the Prophets understood and thought--what they designed and planned to bring forth to their brethren for their good. When you can thus feel, then you may begin to think that you can find out something about God, and begin to learn who he is.” (Brigham Young, JD 7:333)

“Immerse yourselves in the scriptures. Search them diligently. Feast upon the words of Christ. Learn the doctrine. Master the principles that are found therein. There are few other efforts that will bring greater dividends...There are few other ways to gain greater inspiration...” “Immerse yourselves in the scriptures. Search them diligently. Feast upon the words of Christ. Learn the doctrine. Master the principles that are found therein. There are few other efforts that will bring greater dividends...There are few other ways to gain greater inspiration...” (Ezra Taft Benson, The Power of the Word, CR, Ensign, May 1986, p. 82) (Ezra Taft Benson, The Power of the Word, CR, Ensign, May 1986, p. 82)

1SearchingandFeasting “Immerse” self in scriptures by...

“It is a paradox that men will gladly devote time every day for many years to learn a science or an art, yet will expect to win a knowledge of the gospel, which comprehends all sciences and arts, through perfunctory glances at books or occasional listening to sermons. The gospel should be studied more intensively than any school or college subject.” (John A. Widtsoe, Improvement Era, p. May 1943, p. 289)

1SearchingandFeasting “Immerse” self in scriptures by... 2LearnDoctrines

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As with the doctrine of spiritual submissiveness and agency, we may come late in life to an appreciation of the "deep things" of God (1 Corinthians 2:10). As with the doctrine of spiritual submissiveness and agency, we may come late in life to an appreciation of the "deep things" of God (1 Corinthians 2:10). Deep, yes, but not because they are abstract or complex. Ironically, their mysteriousness lies in their simpleness. They are "plain," and we are so surprised upon finally discovering their obviousness that their deepness actually reflects their pervasiveness. Like ever-present gravity, deep things are so obvious as to go unreflected upon; nevertheless, there are constant consequences. We have been looking "beyond the mark" (Jacob 4:14) all the time, deliberately and strangely seeking instead for things we could not understand (Neal A. Maxwell, Moving in His Majesty and Power, p. 81).

1SearchingandFeasting “Immerse” self in scriptures by... 2LearnDoctrinesTypesShadowsPatternsSymbols3MasterPrinciples

1SearchingandFeasting 2LearnDoctrinesTypesShadowsPatternsSymbols3MasterPrinciplesRevelation always yields application

1SearchingandFeasting2LearnDoctrinesTypesShadowsPatternsSymbols3MasterPrinciplesRevelation application The Word The Spirit 2 Nephi 32:1-5 + D&C 76:1-19,

1SearchingandFeasting2LearnDoctrinesTypesShadowsPatternsSymbols3MasterPrinciplesRevelation always yields application The Word The Spirit TellShow 2 Nephi 32:1-5 + D&C 76:1-19,

1SearchingandFeasting2LearnDoctrinesTypesShadowsPatternsSymbols3MasterPrinciplesRevelation always yields application The Word The Spirit TellShow Understanding/Conviction 2 Nephi 32:1-5 + D&C 76:1-19,

“The Lord’s periodic whisperings to my mind. Over the years, these whisperings have guided me and reassured me. They give me, from time to time, in the words of the Prophet Joseph, sudden strokes of ideas and occasionally the pure flow of intelligence (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 151).... These are inward things, often taking the form of a directing phrase. I have found that the Lord gives more instructions than explanations” (Neal A Maxwell, Becoming a Disciple, Ensign, June 1996, p ).

The College Student Section D&C 91

“Today the world is full of alluring and attractive ideas that can lead even the best of our members into error and deception. Students at universities are sometimes so filled with the doctrines of the world they begin to question the doctrines of the gospel. How do you as a priesthood leader help fortify your membership against such deceptive teachings? The Savior gave the answer in His great discourse on the Mount of Olives when He promised, ‘And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived’ [Joseph Smith — Matthew 1:37]” (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 302).

The End...