1975
Personal Scripture Study Outlined
February 1975


“Personal Scripture Study Outlined,” Ensign, Feb. 1975, 85

Personal Scripture Study Outlined

Scripture reading programs have long been a part of the program of the Church. This year such programs would be helpful if tied into the correlated program of gospel study by the Melchizedek Priesthood quorums, Sunday School Gospel Doctrine class, Relief Society, and family home evening.

By coordinating personal gospel study and scripture reading with the curriculum of the Church, the result can “contribute to an in-depth scripture study,” according to Wayne Lynn, manager of instructional development.

Many wards and stakes encourage scripture reading programs. Such programs will be most effective, Brother Lynn said, if leaders will arrange them to complement the following schedule of adult gospel study:

1974–1975

The New Testament: Four Gospels

1975–1976

The New Testament: Acts to Revelation

1976–1977

The Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi to Alma 29

1977–1978

The Book of Mormon: Alma 30 to Moroni

1978–1979

The Doctrine and Covenants/Church History

1979–1980

The Doctrine and Covenants/Church History

1980–1981

The Old Testament: Genesis to Ruth/
Pearl of Great Price: Moses and Abraham

1981–1982

The Old Testament: 1 Samuel to Malachi

As the adults of the Church concentrate each year on a different portion of scripture, each teaching organization will approach the same material, but from a different point of view.

The Melchizedek Priesthood quorum curriculum teaches the doctrines and priesthood duties as found in the scriptures. These lessons are designed to involve each quorum member in individual scripture study during the week with a further discussion and review in the quorum setting. Relief Society spiritual living lessons are likewise taken from scriptural sources.

The Sunday School Gospel Doctrine class focuses on an historical study of each book so that each adult member may understand the gospel message in its proper setting. A better understanding of the people, places, and circumstances gives added insight and relevance to the scriptural messages and enlarges our understanding of how these truths may be applied in our daily lives.

Family home evening lessons are similarly correlated with the scripture study program. Topics for discussion use the current scripture for the year as the basic scriptural source of reference.

Priesthood leaders are urged to encourage adult members to study the scriptures, particularly those in the scripture study plan for that year. In this way each adult throughout the Church will be studying the same scripture reading assignment.