Scripture Mastery

Elder Richard G. Scott said, "I suggest that you memorize scriptures that touch your heart and fill your soul with understanding.  When scriptures are used as the Lord has caused them to be recorded, they have intrinsic power that is not communicated when paraphrased.  Sometimes when there is a significant need in my life, I review mentally scriptures that have given me strength.  There is great solace, direction, and power that flow from the scriptures, especially the words of the Lord"  (Ensign, November 1999, 87-88).

When was the last time you memorized a scripture?  I will admit that, although I've had good intentions, I've slacked off on this aspect of my scripture study.  So I'm beginning anew with the scripture mastery list from seminary.  You'll recognize many of these scriptures from the list that follows.  My goal is to memorize 1 scripture a week, beginning now. Anyone care to join me?

First scripture:  1 Nephi 3:7
And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.

Book of Mormon Scripture Mastery List

1 Nephi 3:7  I will go and do what the Lord commands.
1 Nephi 19:23  I did liken all scriptures unto us.
2 Nephi 2:25  Adam fell that men might be.
2 Nephi 2:27  Men are free to choose liberty or death.
2 Nephi 9:28-29  To be learned is good if you hearken to the counsels of God.
2 Nephi 28:7-9  Many will say: Eat, drink and be merry.
2 Nephi 32:3  Feast upon the words of Christ.
2 Nephi 32:8-9  Pray always, and do not faint.
Jacob 2:18-19  Before ye seek for riches, seek the kingdom of God.
Mosiah 2:17  When you serve your fellow beings you serve God.
Mosiah 3:19  The natural man is an enemy to God.
Mosiah 4:30  Watch your thoughts, words, and deeds.
Alma 32:21  Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things.
Alma 34:32-34  This life is the time to prepare to meet  God.
Alma 37:6-7  By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.
Alma 37:35  Learn wisdom in thy youth; keep the commandments of God.
Alma 41:10  Wickedness never was happiness.
Helaman 5:12 Build your foundation on the rock of the Redeemer.
3 Nephi 11:29  Contention is of the devil.
3 Nephi 27:27  What manner of men should you be?
Ether 12:6  There is no witness until after the trial of your faith.
Ether 12:27  Then will I make weak things become strong unto them.
Moroni 7:16-17  I show unto you the way to judge.
Moroni 7:45  Charity suffereth long, and is kind.
Moroni 10:4-5  And when ye shall receive these things, ask God.

Great Quotes about Reading the Book of Mormon

Ezra Taft Benson: “The moment you begin a serious study of [the Book of Mormon, you] will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. … When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 6; or Nov. 1986, 7).

Ezra Taft Benson: “The Book of Mormon … was written for our day. The Nephites never had the book; neither did the Lamanites of ancient times. It was meant for us. … Each of the major writers of the Book of Mormon testified that he wrote for future generations. … If they saw our day and chose those things which would be of greatest worth to us, is not that how we should study the Book of Mormon? We should constantly ask ourselves, ‘Why did the Lord inspire Mormon (or Moroni or Alma) to include that in his record? What lesson can I learn from that to help me live in this day and age?’” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 5; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 6).

Ezra Taft Benson: “The Book of Mormon exposes the enemies of Christ. It confounds false doctrines and lays down contention. (See 2 Ne. 3:12.) It fortifies the humble followers of Christ against the evil designs, strategies, and doctrines of the devil in our day. The type of apostates in the Book of Mormon are similar to the type we have today. God, with his infinite foreknowledge, so molded the Book of Mormon that we might see the error and know how to combat false educational, political, religious, and philosophical concepts of our time” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1975, 94–95; or Ensign, May 1975, 64).

President Spencer W. Kimball, the twelfth President of the Church, said:

"I stress. . . the deep need each woman has to study the scriptures. We want our homes to be blessed with sister scriptorians - whether you are single or married, young or old, widowed or living in a family.

"Regardless of your particular circumstances, as you become more and more familiar with the truths of the scriptures, you will be more and more effective in keeping the second great commandment, to love your neighbor as yourself.  Become scholars of the scriptures - not to put others down, but to lift them up! After all, who has any greater need to 'treasure up' the truths of the gospel (on which they may call in their moments of need) than do women and mothers who do so much nurturing and teaching?"

Please add additional quotes that inspire you to continue to read the Book of Mormon.