Outline
Scriptures Today
Importance of Scriptures
June 22, 2008
Introduction
1 Capture your audience’s attention with a quote, anecdote, or personal experience
When holy men of God write or speak by the power of the Holy Ghost, their words "shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation" (D&C 68:4). Though this statement is very true, I am sure we could pull a few High Priests together and have them argue over which one of them is more right than the other.
2 Build up to your case or the main reason for your speech
In 2nd Nephi it says
God, who is the same "yesterday, today, and forever", continues to reveal scripture in modern times as He did in ancient times.
Latter-day prophets counsel people everywhere to study the scriptures daily, including the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. They encourage individual and family scripture study. They encourage us, as Nephi encouraged his brethren, to liken the scriptures to ourselves, finding ways that the sacred accounts of old apply in our lives today. They exhort us to "search the scriptures" (John 5:39) and "feast upon the words of Christ" (2 Nephi 32:3). Daily, meaningful scripture study helps individuals be receptive to the guidance of the Holy Ghost. It builds faith, fortifies against temptation, enlightens, and helps individuals draw near to our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son.
3 Summarize the main idea of your speech. Quickly state your three main points
1 First Main Point – Importance of Scriptures (History)
The principal purpose of scriptures is to testify of Christ and to guide the children of God so they can come unto Him and receive eternal life (see John 5:39; 20:31; 1 Nephi 6:4; Mosiah 13:33–35).
2 Second Main Point – Strait and Narrow (Lead Men)
"Whosoever will may lay hold upon the...