Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Welcome back to our early morning seminary teacher training series! In this video, we explore how the content of the scriptures gives life and relevance to the doctrines and principles found in your lessons.
Key Concepts Covered in This Training:
- Breathing Life into Doctrine: The "content" of the scriptures includes the storyline, people, events, sermons, and inspired explanations that make up the text. This content is crucial because it illustrates eternal truths in action, just as the story of Nephi obtaining the brass plates beautifully teaches the principle that faith in the Lord can help individuals overcome insurmountable challenges.
- Finding Friends in the Text: Coming to know the people described in the scriptures can deeply inspire and encourage students to meet their own challenges with faith. As Elder Richard G. Scott taught, scriptural figures can become worthy friends who will "rekindle courage and mark the path to faith and obedience". Most importantly, getting to know these individuals will "lift your vision to the perfect friend—our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus the Christ".
- The Power of Sermons: The carefully preserved sermons in the holy scriptures are another very important part of the content. For a student who is struggling with sin, the sermons of Paul or Alma the Younger can be powerful sources of hope and encouragement, while King Benjamin’s address masterfully clarifies the Savior's Atonement and the blessings of obedience.
- Clarifying Words and Symbols: Understanding content also means learning the meaning of difficult words and phrases, such as "savor," "cleave," or "gird up your loins". It also involves interpreting parables and symbols, which makes principles easier to understand once the meaning behind things like the pearl of great price, the wheat and the tares, and the lost sheep is identified.
- The Crucial Balance of Time: With so much fascinating information available, teachers must use wisdom in determining how much actual class time is devoted to context and content. Teachers should provide sufficient context and content to help students understand eternal truths, but must be careful not to overemphasize background details to the degree that they become the core of the lesson instead of the gospel doctrines.
Watch now to learn how to effectively use scriptural content to inspire your students and point them directly to Jesus Christ!
Welcome back to our early morning seminary teacher training series! In this video, we explore how the content of the scriptures gives life and relevance to the doctrines and principles found in your lessons.
Key Concepts Covered in This Training:
- Breathing Life into Doctrine: The "content" of the scriptures includes the storyline, people, events, sermons, and inspired explanations that make up the text. This content is crucial because it illustrates eternal truths in action, just as the story of Nephi obtaining the brass plates beautifully teaches the principle that faith in the Lord can help individuals overcome insurmountable challenges.
- Finding Friends in the Text: Coming to know the people described in the scriptures can deeply inspire and encourage students to meet their own challenges with faith. As Elder Richard G. Scott taught, scriptural figures can become worthy friends who will "rekindle courage and mark the path to faith and obedience". Most importantly, getting to know these individuals will "lift your vision to the perfect friend—our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus the Christ".
- The Power of Sermons: The carefully preserved sermons in the holy scriptures are another very important part of the content. For a student who is struggling with sin, the sermons of Paul or Alma the Younger can be powerful sources of hope and encouragement, while King Benjamin’s address masterfully clarifies the Savior's Atonement and the blessings of obedience.
- Clarifying Words and Symbols: Understanding content also means learning the meaning of difficult words and phrases, such as "savor," "cleave," or "gird up your loins". It also involves interpreting parables and symbols, which makes principles easier to understand once the meaning behind things like the pearl of great price, the wheat and the tares, and the lost sheep is identified.
- The Crucial Balance of Time: With so much fascinating information available, teachers must use wisdom in determining how much actual class time is devoted to context and content. Teachers should provide sufficient context and content to help students understand eternal truths, but must be careful not to overemphasize background details to the degree that they become the core of the lesson instead of the gospel doctrines.
Watch now to learn how to effectively use scriptural content to inspire your students and point them directly to Jesus Christ!
