Do you use any aids when studying scripture?

[rayhale]

There’s a few things that I forgot to mention in my previous post. Look at used bookstores to find deep discounts on books, make sure, if it is a set of books that you are looking for, that you have all the books in the set or if not then see if you can purchase them individually from other sources. I can’t believe that I forgot the fact you can also go to the internet, there are several discount sites like www.amazon.com; www.e-bay.com; or any number of other sites that sell used books, just be sure you keep aware of shipping and handing charges that can drive good pricing to really a expensive price.

[Hemidakota]

I will admit, during a Sacrament talk, I will make it a two way communication to convey a concept or doctrinal thought.

[Traveler]

Just curious if there is anyone else out there who has books that they utilize to help them further understand scripture. I do a lot of studying on my own, so it's nice to have a few literary aids to further my study.

I have a copy of The Message: Remix. Which is essentially just a modern language translation of the new and old testaments. I've found it to be particularly helpful over the years.

However, i've yet to come across anything similar for my LDS set. Does anybody have any suggestions for aid with my study from the LDS scripture? Are there any books that you guys use that you would suggest I check out?

I have found the institute manuals and Sunday School manuals to be of value – especially prior to discussions that take place at times designated through covenant for discussion.

The Traveler

[candyprpl]

I use the Seminary and Institute manuels and they have been a great help when studying on my own. When I can I attend Institute classes I not only learn more but when I study on my own what I learned in Institute comes back to me. I teach in Primary and they know more than I do (member 3+ years) and so I have to find all the resources I can so that I can hopefully answer their questions. The gospel library lds.org helps me a lot also. Anyway......

Candace

[Vanhin]

Just curious if there is anyone else out there who has books that they utilize to help them further understand scripture. I do a lot of studying on my own, so it's nice to have a few literary aids to further my study.

I have a copy of The Message: Remix. Which is essentially just a modern language translation of the new and old testaments. I've found it to be particularly helpful over the years.

However, i've yet to come across anything similar for my LDS set. Does anybody have any suggestions for aid with my study from the LDS scripture? Are there any books that you guys use that you would suggest I check out?

I use the Study Helps included with the current edition of the LDS scriptures. From them my favorite aid is the Guide to the Scriptures, which can be found in the new editions of the foreign language Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants. Of course it is also included in the Internet Edition of The Scriptures.

It is the latest addition to our standard works study aids and is very useful. It gives a brief definition of a topic, and then the scripture references. Here's an example of the entry for Adam.

GUIDE TO THE SCRIPTURES

Adam

See also Adam-ondi-Ahman; Archangel; Eden; Eve; Fall of Adam and Eve; Michael

The first man created on earth.

Adam is the father and patriarch of the human race on the earth. His transgression in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3; D&C 29: 40-42; Moses 4) caused him to “fall” and become mortal, a step necessary in order for mankind to progress on this earth (2 Ne. 2: 14-29; Alma 12: 21-26). Adam and Eve should therefore be honored for their role in making our eternal growth possible. Adam is the Ancient of Days and is also known as Michael (Dan. 7; D&C 27: 11; 107: 53-54; 116; 138: 38). He is the archangel and will come again to the earth as the patriarch of the human family, preparatory to the second coming of Jesus Christ (D&C 29: 26).

God created man in his own image, Gen. 1: 26-28 (Moses 2: 26-28; Abr. 4: 26-28). God gave man dominion over all things and commanded him to multiply and fill the earth, Gen. 1: 28-31 (Moses 2: 28-31; Abr. 4: 28-31). God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and forbade them to eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, Gen. 2: 7-9, 15-17 (Moses 3: 7-9, 15-17; Abr. 5: 7-13). Adam named every living creature, Gen. 2: 19-20 (Moses 3: 19-20; Abr. 5: 20-21). Adam and Eve were married by God, Gen. 2: 18-25 (Moses 3: 18-25; Abr. 5: 14-21). Adam and Eve were tempted by Satan, partook of the forbidden fruit, and were cast out of the Garden of Eden, Gen. 3 (Moses 4). Adam was 930 years old at his death, Gen. 5: 5 (Moses 6: 12). Adam was the first man, D&C 84: 16. Before his death Adam called his righteous posterity together at Adam-ondi-Ahman and blessed them, D&C 107: 53-57. Adam offered sacrifice, Moses 5: 4-8. Adam was baptized, received the Holy Ghost, and was ordained to the priesthood, Moses 6: 51-68.

Regards,

Vanhin

P.s. Oh, and I use Preach My Gospel a lot as well. I love that book!

[breeb]

I have The New Testament Made Easier Part 1 by David J. Ridges.

Without it I would be totally lost in the New Testament. I read

a chapter in the Net Testament, then read the same chapter in

the Ridges book. For the most part I understand the Book of Mormon

very well but I'm also going to get Ridges books on the BoM for

new insight.

My Uncle just bought me his (David J Ridges) Old Testament, BoM, and D&C, and will be sending the New Testament later. This particular Uncle used to be a drug addict and struggles with scriptures. He is completely changed, he even became Branch Pres at one time, but because he messed his head up he can't understand them on his own. He's bought them for many people. He knows I struggle with the technical part of the scriptures, so he sent them to me. I couldnt be happier. I've had them for a week. I started with the BoM, and I can already feel how much I've grown spiritually. Coincidentally, on Sunday the Bishop asked me into his office and told me he's thought of me daily and strongly feels the Lord has seen such a growth in me that as long as I continue this way I will be able to go to the temple in 3 months instead of the 5 or 6 we had agreed on two weeks yearlier.

I feel it is directly linked to my UNDERSTANDING of the scriptures. Everyone keeps talking about the Holy Ghost guiding you. My feeling is that understanding the scriptures invites the Spirit more for me. I would be lost without these books.

Hope this helps.....just an FYI David J Ridges also writes most of the teaching manuals for seminary, institute and church....i know a lot of people recomended them as well.

[IdahoJones]

I usually only use the Study aids included in the LDS Scriptures. The Bible dictionary and Topical Guide seem to be the most useful to me. This year there seems to be a wide variety of BOM study aids in the LDS Bookstores. I hadn't noticed this many in years past. I wonder if the trend will continue into the D&C and Old Testament?