Find your answers in the Scriptures - Know the Book of Mormon


Recommended Posts

We need to teach our people to find their answers in the scriptures….But the unfortunate thing is that so many of us are not reading the scriptures. We do not know what is in them, and therefore we speculate about the things that we ought to have found in the scriptures themselves. I think that therein is one of our biggest dangers of today.

Harold B. Lee, “Find the Answers in the Scriptures,” Ensign, December 1972. p.3

There is no question---personal or social or political or occupational—that need go unanswered. Therein is contained the fullness of the everlasting gospel. Therein we find principles of truth that will resolve every confusion and every problem and every dilemma that will face the human family or any individual in it.

Boyd K. Packer, “Teach the Scriptures,” Address to Religious Educators, 14 Oct. 1977, p. 5

May I admonish you to participate in a program of daily reading and pondering of the scriptures….The Book of Mormon will change your life. It will fortify you against the evils of our day. It will bring a spirituality into your life that no other book will. It will be the most important book you will read in preparation for a mission and for life. A young man [or young woman] who knows and loves the Book of Mormon, who has read it several times, who has an abiding testimony of its truthfulness, and who applies its teaching will be able to stand against the wiles of the devil and will be a mighty tool in the hands of the Lord.

Ezra Taft Benson, “The Youth of the Noble Birthright,” Ensign, May 1986, pp. 43-44

I note your remarks in relation to reading the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants, and I heartily approve of your views. No man can be an efficient missionary of this church unless he is familiar with these books. And the more familiar he is with them, the more capable will he be to discharge the duties of his ministry. Indeed, I think sometimes that we neglect too much the advocacy of the Book of Mormon. In the early days of the church, it was the preaching of the Book of Mormon and the proof of its existence or coming forth, as found in the Bible, that made converts to the church. It was as necessary then to prove our authority by the Bible as it is now, but it seems to me that to show the world from the Bible that the Book of Mormon, or such a book as it is, was to come forth in the latter days, is a strong argument for our cause. It is a great mistake to set aside or ignore the word of God as revealed in the latter days in preaching this gospel to the world. Of course it is not always wise to feed the people with strong meat at first, but one of the foundation stones of the church in the latter day is the revelation of the Book of Mormon and the restoration of the Gospel it contains, as also the visions and revelations given to the Prophet Joseph Smith. To be ashamed of these is to be ashamed of our ministry, to dodge these facts is to fail in the spirit of our ministry. In my opinion these things should be preached and then substantiated by the accepted version of the old Bible.

Joseph F. Smith, From Prophet to Son: Advice of Joseph F. Smith to His Missionary Sons, compiled by Hyrum M. Smith III and Scott G. Kenney, p.70

Members of the Church everywhere should know the Book of Mormon better than any other book. Not only should we know what history and faith-promoting stories it contains, but we should understand its teachings. If we really did our homework and approached the Book of Mormon doctrinally, we could expose the errors and find the truths to combat many of the current false theories and philosophies of men, including socialism, humanism, organic evolution, and others.

I have noted within the Church the difference in discernment, in insight, conviction, and spirit between those who know and love the Book of Mormon and those who do not. That book is a great sifter.

Ezra Taft Benson, “Jesus Christ—Gifts and Expectations,” New Era, May 1975, p. 19

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I remember attending a conference here in San Diego when President Benson urged the members to use Book of Mormon to Counter Error;

“Use Book of Mormon to Counter Error, President Benson Teaches,” Ensign, Jan. 1989, 75–76

“Use the Book of Mormon in handling objections to the Church,” President Ezra Taft Benson told nearly ten thousand Latter-day Saints attending a multistake conference in San Diego on October 30.

“God reveals his will today to the Church through the prophets,” President Benson said, explaining that the Book of Mormon provides answers to modern questions. He outlined a four-step method for using the Book of Mormon to deal with objections to Church teachings:

1. Understand the objection.

2. Give the answer as provided by the scriptures.

3. Show that the correctness of the answer depends on whether we have revelation through modern prophets.

4. Show that whether we have revelation through modern prophets depends on whether the Book of Mormon is true.

“Every person is eventually backed up to the wall of faith, and there he must make his stand,” President Benson said.

The President said that the Book of Mormon is the great standard Latter-day Saints are to use to show that Joseph Smith is a prophet. The Book of Mormon’s great mission is to bring us to Christ.

In his opening remarks, President Benson testified that Joseph Smith was the instrument God used to translate the sacred record of a fallen people. “Those people never had the book,” he said. “It was meant for us.” He explained that the Book of Mormon exposes the enemies of Christ, confounds false doctrine, lays down contentions, and fortifies the humble followers of Christ.

The Book of Mormon does not contain things that are pleasing to the world, so the world is not interested in it, President Benson said. He noted that our homes are not as strong as they could be if we are not using the Book of Mormon to bring our children to Christ. Likewise, our nation will continue to degenerate unless we read and heed the words of God in that sacred book.

The conference was held in two sessions at the San Diego Convention Center, with more than 5,400 people attending the morning session and more than 4,500 the afternoon session.

Sister Flora Benson accompanied her husband and spoke briefly at the morning session. Elder L. Tom Perry of the Council of the Twelve, Elder Gene R. Cook of the First Quorum of the Seventy, and their wives, Sister Barbara Perry and Sister Janelle Cook, also spoke at the conference. President Thomas E. Brown of the California San Diego Mission spoke as well.

During the morning session, Elder Perry encouraged everyone, especially the youth, to study the lives of the prophets and to honor and respect them. In the afternoon, he spoke about “reuniting and reinstitutionalizing” the family. He urged fathers to develop patience, gentleness, and love unfeigned toward family members and to be sensitive and willing to share the burden of taking care of children.

Elder Cook exhorted members to study the scriptures daily—individually and as a family.

President Brown urged the audience to be determined and not to give up, even though some investigators might take years to join the Church.

At the close of the morning session, President Benson returned to the microphone to comment: “God bless the temple that is going to be erected here.” After a slight pause, he added “And soon, I hope!”

Correspondent: Robert McGraw is San Diego-Escondido California multiregional public communications director.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest User-Removed

I remember attending a conference here in San Diego when President Benson urged the members to use Book of Mormon to Counter Error;

Amen and Amen...Hemi!!!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest User-Removed

We need to teach our people to find their answers in the scriptures….But the unfortunate thing is that so many of us are not reading the scriptures. We do not know what is in them, and therefore we speculate about the things that we ought to have found in the scriptures themselves. I think that therein is one of our biggest dangers of today.

Harold B. Lee, “Find the Answers in the Scriptures,” Ensign, December 1972. p.3

There is no question---personal or social or political or occupational—that need go unanswered. Therein is contained the fullness of the everlasting gospel. Therein we find principles of truth that will resolve every confusion and every problem and every dilemma that will face the human family or any individual in it.

Boyd K. Packer, “Teach the Scriptures,” Address to Religious Educators, 14 Oct. 1977, p. 5

May I admonish you to participate in a program of daily reading and pondering of the scriptures….The Book of Mormon will change your life. It will fortify you against the evils of our day. It will bring a spirituality into your life that no other book will. It will be the most important book you will read in preparation for a mission and for life. A young man [or young woman] who knows and loves the Book of Mormon, who has read it several times, who has an abiding testimony of its truthfulness, and who applies its teaching will be able to stand against the wiles of the devil and will be a mighty tool in the hands of the Lord.

Ezra Taft Benson, “The Youth of the Noble Birthright,” Ensign, May 1986, pp. 43-44

I note your remarks in relation to reading the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants, and I heartily approve of your views. No man can be an efficient missionary of this church unless he is familiar with these books. And the more familiar he is with them, the more capable will he be to discharge the duties of his ministry. Indeed, I think sometimes that we neglect too much the advocacy of the Book of Mormon. In the early days of the church, it was the preaching of the Book of Mormon and the proof of its existence or coming forth, as found in the Bible, that made converts to the church. It was as necessary then to prove our authority by the Bible as it is now, but it seems to me that to show the world from the Bible that the Book of Mormon, or such a book as it is, was to come forth in the latter days, is a strong argument for our cause. It is a great mistake to set aside or ignore the word of God as revealed in the latter days in preaching this gospel to the world. Of course it is not always wise to feed the people with strong meat at first, but one of the foundation stones of the church in the latter day is the revelation of the Book of Mormon and the restoration of the Gospel it contains, as also the visions and revelations given to the Prophet Joseph Smith. To be ashamed of these is to be ashamed of our ministry, to dodge these facts is to fail in the spirit of our ministry. In my opinion these things should be preached and then substantiated by the accepted version of the old Bible.

Joseph F. Smith, From Prophet to Son: Advice of Joseph F. Smith to His Missionary Sons, compiled by Hyrum M. Smith III and Scott G. Kenney, p.70

Members of the Church everywhere should know the Book of Mormon better than any other book. Not only should we know what history and faith-promoting stories it contains, but we should understand its teachings. If we really did our homework and approached the Book of Mormon doctrinally, we could expose the errors and find the truths to combat many of the current false theories and philosophies of men, including socialism, humanism, organic evolution, and others.

I have noted within the Church the difference in discernment, in insight, conviction, and spirit between those who know and love the Book of Mormon and those who do not. That book is a great sifter.

Ezra Taft Benson, “Jesus Christ—Gifts and Expectations,” New Era, May 1975, p. 19

President Benson Speaks....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 weeks later...

Scripture study and systematic inquiry are patterns that are acquired. We must be disciplined and organized, create priorities and make the time. I tend to read very early in the morning while is very quiet (we have 4 rowdy girls) so that is my own personal time. Family scripture reading is right after dinner. But I read with my wife after we put our clan to bed.

I also carry books around so if I arrive at a meeting a few minutes before, I stay in the car reading for a while. The same at luch time or when I fee like taking a break. I also carry a small journal in my laptop carry-on to make notes, insights or whatever so I will not forget.

In D&C 88 the Lord commands us to study. We must obey this commandment as any other in the scriptures.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quite a few years ago when I was struggling to get through college as a single parent and work a full time job, and juggle a church calling..the scriptures became my lifeline. Most particular the BoM. I learned that the struggles they encountered were not so very different from my own..and the solutions they used worked for me. I found reading of the battles and wars that my ability to handle adversity changed as I applied principles say..Captain Moroni told of. Frankly..I was amazed. Now I have gone on to using the entire scriptures for solutions to problems or just to find a scenario that is much like my own, I can relate too. Of course my first love is the BoM for it's simplicity.

Just thought I would share that.

Joni

Link to comment
Share on other sites

President Benson warned a curse would fall on the Church if we did not begin to take the book of Mormon seriously and study it. I believe that curse is a loss of faith in Christ, and a wandering towards the mists of darkness that lead to the great and spacious building. The book of Mormon literally is the rod of iron, the word of God.

Sadly, too many members think that having read it a few times in a lifetime is sufficient to understand it. The depth of doctrine that is hidden in its pages is amazing. Want to understand revelation? Study the book of Mormon. Want to understand miracles? Study the book of Mormon. Want to understand the temple endowment? Study the book of Mormon.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Every night I read one chapter from the Book of Mormon. I spend an hour doing this because not only am I reading the book, but I'm also studying it. I use the cross refferences and read single phrases serveral times until I'm sure that I understand them. I also pray every night before and after I read the BoM, the prayer before is to seek knowledge and the prayer after is to retain it.

I have even had nights where the chapter I read the night before (or even a week before) didn't quite stick so I had to go back and re-read so I would be sure I understood. It has now been 2 months and I am just now to Moroni, it's a long way to stretch, but I think it's well worth it. Especially since when I'm done I'm going to do it head on to the D&C and then the Old and New Testament in the same manner, then I'm going to do it again.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I've been fascinated by the things that stand out in The Book of Mormon that I can apply to my life. In one chapter, it talked about digging around their fortress, making it difficult for the enemy to enter and it suddenly struck me how we have to work hard and really do our part to fortify our homes against temptation. Suddenly it wasn't just about a people protecting themselves from another people. We started a women's study group in our ward this year and it has been awesome!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Every night I read one chapter from the Book of Mormon. I spend an hour doing this because not only am I reading the book, but I'm also studying it. I use the cross refferences and read single phrases serveral times until I'm sure that I understand them. I also pray every night before and after I read the BoM, the prayer before is to seek knowledge and the prayer after is to retain it.

I have even had nights where the chapter I read the night before (or even a week before) didn't quite stick so I had to go back and re-read so I would be sure I understood. It has now been 2 months and I am just now to Moroni, it's a long way to stretch, but I think it's well worth it. Especially since when I'm done I'm going to do it head on to the D&C and then the Old and New Testament in the same manner, then I'm going to do it again.

I have often had to go back through a passage or chapter on several occassions because I "zoned" out, or didn't pick up what was being taught. Your patience and diligence is excellent, we could all learn a lesson from your post.

O43

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...
  • 1 year later...

Before I post this I wish for all to know that I am not LDS. I am stating this because it appears to have upset some people on the forum in the past that are members when I posted something LDS related I guess because they believe I am attempting to be something I'm not or that I am trying to fool someone else into believing I am LDS when I'm not. Now, since by disclaimer is out. I am posting this because the Holy Spirit whispered something to me when I read it. Of all the scriptures I've absorbed from the BOM Helaman 5:12 is my favorite. :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Michael I think you know me better and know that I wouldn't think that of you. But your scripture brought to mind a quote that I enjoy that fits right in with this.

Richard G. Scott<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

“Anchor your life in Jesus Christ, your Redeemer. Make your Eternal Father and his Beloved Son the most important priority in your life—more important than life itself, more important than a beloved companion or children or anyone on earth. Make their will your central desire. Then all that you need for happiness will come to you.” (Ensign, May 1993, pp. 32-4 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p. 377)<o:p></o:p>

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...
Guest susanlancy
Hidden

I love this show and, unlike other reviews, I think this season was better than the 5th season However, when this came, I had a bear of a time to remove the discs from case. I tried to push them out of their assets, no go. After a lot of lifting and towing, I tried to bend the case a bit to spread the plastic tabs contain discs. He took it with a gentle but steady drag on the disk for them to leave. I was nervous that the disc would snap it leaned so much. Unless someone can tell me a different way to get these stars, I think I'll be to find another case of storage.

First, I love watching The Office. It is perhaps one of my favorite shows on television. That said, I think season 5 is the worst season so far. I felt that there was not enough "traditional" office equipment, such as interactions, Jim Dwight, Michael Scott-esque failure and lack of time Kevin (but leaves serious - Kevin is never long enough?). Probably still buy this season but will not see as much as seasons 3 and 4.I am new to The Office and have been watching seasons 1-5 in succession. It has been fun to watch the development of the program and the characters. If you have worked in a corporate environment, you will especially empathize with this show.

True Blood DVD 1-2

James Bond DVD

The Office DVD 1-6

Bones DVD 1-5

Link to comment
  • 1 year later...
  • 8 months later...
Guest qweasd
Hidden

The white bird glided a beautiful arc over the blue sky,hit it hard with my racket, it turned back like a bullet aiming a target. "27th " I shouted to my sister.By training your thoughts to concentrate on the bright side of things, you are more likely to have the incentive to follow through on your goals.Whether, there new york escorts is in every new york asian escort human being’s heart the lure of wonder, the unfailing childlike appetite of what’s next and the joy of the game of living. In the center new york asian escorts of your heart and my heart there is a wireless station new york asian escorts Tel: 212-655-5444 The past is gone and static. Nothing we can do will change it. Thefuture is before us and dynamic. Everything we do will affect it.We have been enjoy playing badminton since we have learnt the basic skills. For us , it was not just simply a sport but an old friend who entertained us during lots of bored afternoons. Happily, we would grab a pair of rackets and began a game which requirs precision and promptness. Controlling the bird between our rackets fufilled me with a sense of triumph and joy as if I was the first-class athelete! Playing badminton also taught me how we can gain happiness from a simple game. Meanwhile, keeping us mentally and physically fit.

Link to comment

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
 Share