Reservoir
of Living Water: By Elder David A. Bednar, 4 February 2007
1.
Reading a book of scripture from beginning
to end:
A.
Introduces us to important stories,
gospel doctrines, and timeless principles.
B.
Enables us to learn about major
characters & the sequence, timing, & context of events & teachings.
C.
Exposes us to the breadth of a volume of
scripture.
D.
The first and most fundamental way of
obtaining living water.
2.
Studying by topic:
A.
We may identify and seek to find answers
to important questions such as:
• What is faith in the Savior?
• Why is faith in Jesus Christ the first principle of the gospel?
• How does the Atonement strengthen me to do things in my daily life that I
could never do with my own limited capacity and in my own strength?
B.
Using the Topical Guide & Index
allows us to explore the depth of the scriptures & obtain a much richer
spiritual knowledge.
3.
Searching in the revelations for connections, patterns,
and themes:
A.
It brings together and expands these
first two methods
B.
This approach can open the floodgates of
the spiritual reservoir
C.
Enlighten our understanding through His
Spirit
D.
Produce a degree of spiritual commitment
that can be received in no other way
E.
Such searching enables us to withstand
the winds of wickedness in these latter days.
4. Connections - a relationship
or link between ideas, people, things, or events
5.
Prayerfully identifying, learning about, and pondering such
connections—the similarities and differences, for
example—is a primary source of living water and yields inspired insights and
treasures of hidden knowledge. Examples - The
Connections Between:
1. The Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ (see Mosiah
15:1–9)
2. A broken heart and a contrite spirit (see 3 Nephi 9:20)
3. Understanding and the heart.
6. Patterns - a plan or model
that can be used as a guide for repetitively doing or making something.
7.
Typically, a scriptural pattern is broader and more comprehensive
than a connection. Identifying scriptural
patterns helps us become acquainted with the mind of the Lord. Examples –
A Pattern of:
i.
Preaching the gospel (see D&C
50:13–29),
2. Avoiding deception (see D&C 52:14, 18–19)
3. Constructing temples (see D&C 115:14–16)
8. Themes -
overarching, recurring, and unifying qualities or ideas.
A.
Generally, scriptural themes are broader
& more comprehensive than patterns or connections. They are like essential
threads woven throughout a text.
B.
Themes provide the background &
context for understanding connections and patterns.
C.
This approach to obtaining living water
from the scriptural reservoir is the most demanding and rigorous; it also
yields the greatest edification and spiritual refreshment.
D.
The scriptures are replete with powerful
themes. Examples:
i.
The central & recurring theme of the
Book of Mormon is the invitation for all to “come unto Christ, and be perfected
in him”.
ii.
“If ...the children of men keep the
commandments of God he doth nourish them, & strengthen them, & provide
means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them.”
iii.
“In the strength of the Lord thou canst
do all things.”
iv.
“Wickedness never was happiness.”
