Study Ideas Page Topics: Introduction Course Related Topical Chain Front to Back Random Introduction (Top) Many often have a difficult time knowing what to study or how to study in order to have a good understanding of the scriptures. Also, if one does not have a purposeful study time boredom sets in because there is little direction. Many have read through the scriptures multiple times from front to back and have found that there are better ways to study them to get more out of them. Listed and described  below are other methods listed in order of effectiveness. Course Related (Top) Take a class where a grade will be given according to the results of the course. Take it seriously and follow the outline as given by the instructor. In most cases, instructors have a curriculum that is somewhat proven to get students where they should be. It is easy to admit that sometimes it can be difficult to study for the right reason when being graded on the knowledge of the scriptures. However, once a person knows the scriptures then the application of them comes next. Topical (Top) Some find that when they are most involved in the scriptures when they are not requested to be is when they establish a group of topics they need to study. You may imagine that you must give a speech regarding the topic and will take notes and form an outline as if you had a 10 minute talk to give. Some times you may imagine that the talk would be to children so that it is basic and simple to understand to ensure that you have a grasp on the topic from a basic definition standpoint. Some times you may imagine that you are speaking to scholars in theology and would need to use a scriptural reference for every point in the topic that is discussed. Imagine the topic of service. This is a simple example that you may set up in an outline on paper for the topic as follows: Topic: Service Intro: Define service and how it has affected my life Story or example: tell story of grandparents and the broken down van Scriptural examples: Tell story, using scriptures, of the Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) Scriptural support: (Mosiah 2:17) - "17  And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn awisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the bservice• of your cfellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." Challenge to audience: Restate my purpose for the speech and invite them to serve (in some way or another) Close: What you plan to do to serve others Different people are going to be at different levels when studying by topic. It is important to take notes as the topic is studied and to begin with a list of topics to be studied and a goal of when the topic has been studied to satisfaction for this go-around.  "During a two-year period of time I pursued the scriptures in this manner and had a lot of notes and a pretty good understanding for what I would say if asked to talk about a particular subject." - a return missionary of the church. Chain (Top) Many find that they learn very well if they take a marking pencil and begin at a favorite scripture. They read the scripture and find a word either with a footnote or one they do not understand. If a footnote is available they will follow it to the next scripture. They either look for a related word with footnote or follow in a different direction. If no foot note is available they will use an index or topical guide to find another related passage. They make sure to mark in their scriptures where they have gone so they can retrace their steps if need be. They I find by the end they have many chains that cross reference to help them understand how the gospel relates in multiple books and works. Front to Back - Time Based (Top) For good spiritual strength it is recommended by some to read for a minimum of 30 minutes a day. In days where no topic or chain is the focus it is good just to sit down in a quiet area and spend 30 minutes in the work reading from front to back. A person gets a good understanding of the stories and the chronology of the events. It is easiest to gain an understanding of context in this method. Random (Top) Have you ever had an issue in life and not known where to go? You sit down and open the scriptures to some page and as you read you find an answer. For some people, they read and enjoy the scriptures daily in this way. May not be as effective for learning a lot of detail but something is gained by spending the time in the good books.