Sunday, January 11, 2009

Scripture Mastery: Principles & Cross References

We had a quick exercise earlier this week that was pretty interesting. Students teamed up in groups of 3-ish and were assigned a "principle" such as faith, opposition, repentance or obedience.

Each group was given 3-5 minutes to to find one scripture mastery passage that contained the principle and any other scripture that could be used to support it. Some used the topical guide while others the bible dictionary or footnotes to find cross-references.

Some learned that a scripture doesn't have to come right out and SAY the principle for the principle to be taught. For example, obedience and John 14:15.

One group taught about repentance by using 1 Corinthians 10:13. Though the scripture points out that the Lord ALWAYS provides a way for us to escape temptation, the underlying principle of repentance can be found when looked at in a new light. When (emphasis on "when") we give in to temptation and become subject to the devil, we are blessed with an escape route. The way to escape Satan is made possible in the Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ. When humbly upon our knees we approach our Heavenly Father each of us can find solace in the principle of repentance.

A 10 minute exercise turned into a great learning experience...for me.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Facebook Scripture Mastery

I discovered another great way to invade teenager's lives and thought I'd share! :)

Facebook.com is a great way to keep in touch with old friend and relatives. Teens post weird pics with "weirder" captions. But what happens when their seminary teacher writes on their wall....

"KNOW FROM HEAVEN?"

They quickly reply "JOHN 7:17"!

It's a quick easy way for me to give gentle encouragement outside of class. I can dig it.