Welcome
Elder Howard W. Hunter in 1979 said "It is certain that one who studies the scriptures every day accomplishes far more than one who devotes considerable time one day and then lets days go by before continuing. Not only should we study each day, but there should be a regular time set aside when we can concentrate without interference." (Howard W. Hunter, "Reading the Scriptures," October 1979)
"We live in a time of great trouble and wickedness. What will protect us from the sin and evil so prevalent in the world today? I maintain that a strong testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and of His gospel will help see us through to safety. If you are not reading the Book of Mormon each day, please do so. If you will read it prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifest its truth to you. If it is true—and I solemnly testify that it is—then Joseph Smith was a prophet who saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ." President Thomas S. Monson (The Power of the Book of Mormon, General Conference April 2017)
In 30 minutes of study each day will assist you in reading the Book of Mormon and following the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. At the end of the year you will have read the complete Book of Mormon and studied multiple manuals from the library of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
You are invited to keep a journal to answer the questions presented in the lessons daily.
Each day has a section labeled Additional Study. Study should not only be limited to the 30 minutes daily but will fill your whole day. Talks and music are suggested to be read or listened to throughout the day to support your study for the day.
When answering the questions, just be honest. If you don't know take time to find an answer. If there is a question you don't feel like you can answer just do your best. You are writing down your answers to help clarify your thoughts and give you something to reflect upon in future lessons.
These lessons are to act as guide posts and mile markers. They are pulled from the manuals and writings from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and they are broken into daily chunks. If you get behind that is okay just use these as markers to keep moving forward and to not get discouraged. If you get done with a lesson early go through it again and look for additional personal insights, find supporting scriptures, or lessons that will add a depth of knowledge and understanding.
These lessons were developed to help aid and guide someone through daily study. Making daily decisions about what to study is time consuming and mentally straining. These lessons are to be used so that you can maximize the time you have to study.
The first quarter of the year will be studying from the LDS Institute Manual Jesus Christ and the Everlasting Gospel. Most quotes, questions, and invitations are taken from there.
Many talks are referenced, most are taken from general conference and can be found on LDS.org
Lesson 1
- Principle: As you study the scripture passages about the Savior, your testimony of Him will be strengthened and you will draw closer to Him.
- Read 1 Nephi 1:1-15
- The Book of Mormon starts with a Heavenly Vision to Lehi as recorded by Nephi. Lehi saw the vision after praying with all his heart in behalf of his people. Who are you praying for with all your heart? How have you seen the Lords hand in your life in answering your prayers?
- The Living Christ
- Read The Living Christ and ponder the following question ("The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles," Ensign or Liahona, Apr. 2000, 2-3)
- Who is Jesus Christ, and why do I believe in Him?
- After reading record your thoughts, impressions, and answer to the question.
- Jesus Christ has a personal impact in your life. Just as Lehi was taught, the prophets have testified, and you can know of his impact. What influence would you like your study of Jesus Christ and His everlasting gospel to have on you? Be sure to write down your answer.
- Read The Living Christ and ponder the following question ("The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles," Ensign or Liahona, Apr. 2000, 2-3)
- Read D& C 76:22-24
- You are a Child of God. Great blessings have been and will be given to you from your Heavenly Father. As you study over the coming weeks record how the Lord has blessed you. President Eyring frequently pondered the question "Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today." ("O Remember, Remember," Henry B. Eyring, General Conference October 2007) How would you answer that question today?
- Additional Study
- "The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles," Ensign or Liahona, Apr. 2000, 2-3
- "O Remember, Remember," Henry B. Eyring, General Conference October 2007
- "I Am a Child of God" Hymn No. 301
- "I Know My Redeemer Lives" Hymn No 136