Study Topics

[daenvgiell]

Ok so I'll do a brief thing first. I have finished seminary, I've moved to the other side of the country and I'm all by myself, going to uni.

Seeing as I don't have seminary anymore and I would like to continue my scripture study, how do I get a topic to study. I never know what to study and when I don't know what I want to studyI usually end up not studying at all.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is can someone give me ideas or help as to first select a topic and then actually know the best way to go from there.

Also just a quick question, is it ok to write in the scriptures with pen, or is that not a good idea?

All help and advice will be appreciated.

[Elgama]

Can you get an Institute Manual and use that to study? ask your ward/branch clerk to look at the catalogue and order one for you.

You can mark your scriptures whichever way you like they are your scriptures.

-Charley

[daenvgiell]

I only have the 2nd part of the old testament. The problem for me is money, I don't have a lot of it I only have about 12 dollars a fortnight to work with.

[Elgama]

OK I understand the no money thing - I'll get back to you with some ideas, does your ward/branch have a library? we have one its tucked away in a cupboard but I use it to borrow the hymns on tape etc

-Charley

[tomk]

I think the most effective study is study that involves things you actually care about or areas of your life that you actually want to see changed.

In my personal journal I have undertaken a course of study that helps develop me spiritually in the following areas:

-As a Child of God
-As a Husband
-As a Father
-As a co-worker (I spend 8 hours a day at work -- chances are I can let my light shine there)
-As a Friend

I plan to study the scriptures in that light.

One thing that I do in my journal writing (and I highly recommend this during your scripture study) is to write each entry as a dialogue between Jesus Christ and myself. I come to Him with concerns or questions or I simply ask Him to help me and guide me in my personal study. Then I listen to what I feel as best I can and I record what I feel from Him by way of reply. Sometimes it is challenging to put what I feel into words. Communication Spirit to spirit is very pure. Sometimes words don't do justice.

As far as topics, the following could probably last you a lifetime:

Faith (as well as Hope and Charity)
Repentance
Baptism
Gift of Holy Ghost

But it is crucial that you study because you WANT TO not because you HAVE TO. Forcing yourself to study won't do much good. Study what interests you, and as you include the Lord, He will guide you into the areas that are needful.


Good luck!


Tom


PS: Elder Bednar has given some GREAT talks on scripture study:

A Reservoir of Living Water - David A. Bednar

also

Understanding the Importance of Scripture Study

[crytsprospect]

The official church site has study guides . Gospel Doctrine classes have study guides (free) . There area lot of online sites. BYU Broadcasting online site also has ideas. Good Luck