The Words of Christ

By Karen Ashton

“The words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do” (2 Ne. 32:3).

Have you ever wondered how it would feel to have the Savior look into your eyes and smile or place his hands upon your head and bless you? How would his voice sound? What would he say to you? Would you want to stay with him always and never leave?

Jesus wants you to hear his voice and feel his Spirit. He loves you and wants you to feel that love. He wants to bless you. He wants you to understand what things will bring you happiness and make it possible for you to live with him and your Father in Heaven forever.

The Savior’s words are recorded in the scriptures. His teachings are there. As you search the scriptures to understand what you should know and what you should do, you will hear his voice (see D&C 18:30, 34–36). This “hearing” is often a feeling that comes into your mind and your heart. If you read the scriptures with faith, desiring to believe and seeking to understand, you do more than just read words. You invite the Spirit of the Lord into your heart and mind (see D&C 8:2). You will feel the love of the Savior. His words will bless you. The scriptures will tell you all the things that you should do. Studying them will bring you closer to the Savior.

Instructions

Color the picture of “Scripture-Study Sam” and the small figures on the opposite page. Carefully cut out the four pieces along the heavy black lines, and also the windows above Sam’s shoulder. Fold along the dotted line, then glue or tape the outside edge behind Sam, forming a flattened tube. Glue or tape end to end the long strips containing the situations and the scripture references. Slip this strip inside the tube. A difficult situation will appear in the window above Sam’s shoulder, and a helpful scripture reference will appear in the scripture window. Be sure to look up the references to see how the scriptures can help Sam resolve the difficult situations he faces.

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Scripture study help

Illustrated by Julie Young

Sharing Time Ideas

Prepare a set of cards with names of prophets from the scriptures on one color of paper and a description of something each prophet did on paper of another color. Mix the cards up, then place them face down on the floor. By turning over two cards each turn—one of each color—have the children try to match the name of a prophet with the description of what he did.
Ask two or three adult members to briefly explain how prayer has helped them understand the scriptures. Then have the children sing “Seek the Lord Early” (see page 13).
Prepare six word strips: “Old Testament,” “New Testament,” “Book of Mormon,” “Doctrine and Covenants,” “Pearl of Great Price,” and “Living Prophet.” Place a picture of the Savior in the middle of a wall or chalkboard. Place the word strip “Old Testament” to the left of the Savior’s picture; explain that all the stories from the Old Testament happened before the Savior was born. Place “New Testament” under the Savior’s picture; explain that it tells stories of Jesus’ life on earth and of the time just following his death. Place “Book of Mormon” above the picture of the Savior and explain that it covers a time from before the birth of the Savior and continues on after his death. Place “Doctrine and Covenants” to the right of the Savior’s picture and explain that these scriptures were given by inspiration to the Prophet Joseph Smith and other latter-day prophets. Place “Pearl of Great Price” above the picture of the Savior and explain that it contains records of prophets before, during, and after the Savior’s life. Place “Living Prophet” and a picture of President Gordon B. Hinckley to the far right; explain that we have a living prophet today who tells us what Jesus wants us to do.