Gospel Art Picture Kit
John 5:39; 2 Timothy 3:15–17; 1 Nephi 19:23; 2 Nephi 4:15–16
Feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. 2 Nephi 32:3
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From the time of Adam, Heavenly Father has taught His children how to live so they can return to His presence. Prophets have written these teachings down so we can have them to study. The compilation of these teachings are the scriptures, which include the Old and New Testaments of the Bible; the Book of Mormon, which is another testament of Jesus Christ; the Doctrine and Covenants, which contains revelations given to Joseph Smith and other latter-day prophets; and the Pearl of Great Price, consisting of additional revelations, translations, and narrations of the Prophet Joseph Smith. These four books of scripture are sometimes called the “standard works.” As we read, search, and study these scriptures, we learn of Jesus Christ, find answers to our problems, and understand what we must do to return to our Father in Heaven. (See John 5:39; 2 Timothy 3:15–17.)
Latter-day prophets have encouraged us to read from the scriptures daily so that we will develop strength, knowledge, and courage to live the commandments. President Spencer W. Kimball taught, “Each of us, at some time in our lives, must discover the scriptures for ourselves—and not just discover them once, but rediscover them again and again” (Ensign, Sept. 1976, 4; see also 2 Nephi 4:15–16).
President Ezra Taft Benson emphasized, “There is a book we need to study daily, both as individuals and as families, namely the Book of Mormon” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1986, 99–100; or Ensign, May 1986, 78). President Benson was echoing the counsel of the Prophet Joseph Smith, who said, “I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (History of the Church, 4:46).
As we read from these sacred records, we can receive understanding and guidance. Many times, answers to our problems and concerns come as we study the holy scriptures and apply their teachings to our lives: “For I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning” (1 Nephi 19:23).
Summary
Heavenly Father directed prophets to keep a sacred record, or scriptures, to teach us and guide us back into His presence. As we read, search, and study these scriptures, we learn of Jesus Christ. We can also find answers to our prayers and understand what we must do to return to live with our Father in Heaven.
© 1997 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA
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