Know Your Stuff Bible Crash Course

By James Gaffney

This book is to help all missionaries be better prepared on the specific topics that they run into at home or on their missions so that they are mentally prepared to give an answer by the spirit. We are to teach by the spirit, there is no other way to teach and have it come from God. The things I am sharing with you are the things I have learned through my own studies and experiences on my mission. I found myself very unprepared at home and out in the field when it came to knowing what the Bible teaches, and how to teach it to others. This book will also help you gain better confidence that the Bible teaches the doctrine that we know to be true so that you no longer feel inadequate while talking to others about it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Borderline Publishing
• Release date: Oct 12, 2011
• ISBN: 9781936408429

Book preview

Know Your Stuff Bible Crash Course

James Michael Gaffney

Published by Borderline Publishing at Smashwords

Copyright James Michael Gaffney

Introduction

Hi - my name is James Michael Gaffney. Before getting started, let me share a little about who I am. I am the oldest of 8 children, 7 boys and 1 girl. I was born May 6th 1981 in Irving Texas and moved to Utah at the age of 6.

My mom was not born or raised in the LDS church; she converted years later at the age of 15. My mom is a huge fan of Donny Osmond, and when she found he was LDS she investigated the church to see what it was about. So I guess I have Donny to thank for me being LDS today. I went for 2 years to the Michigan, Lansing mission from the 21st of May 2003 to the 25th of May 2005. Going on my mission was the best thing I could have ever done in my life. My understanding of the gospel is far beyond what it ever could have been; I cannot imagine where my life would be if I had not gone.

On my mission I had to deal with specific topics that other people believed in or had problems with. I found myself very unprepared; I didn’t understand the scripture references that they referred to as well as I should have. It’s very hard for future investigators to take you seriously in what you are teaching if you can’t relate to them on a personal level in the Bible. You have to understand that most of these people have been taught a certain way and have never questioned what they have been taught by their pastor. There are doctrines that are misunderstood, teachings about our church that have been distorted and just plain false principles of the gospel being taught that you have to deal with. This is Satan’s design; he is keeping God’s children away from the truth by giving them partial truths, which does nothing for their salvation. The spirit will help you overcome these problems if you are prepared, not just spiritually, but mentally as well. How can the spirit bring things to your remembrance if you have not learned them yet? I want missionaries to have a better understanding of the Bible without having to take as much time as it took me.

Please do not use this book to argue or bash with future potential investigators. Just because some may be arrogant and rude to you doesn’t mean they won’t at some future time investigate the church. The times for being a member missionary and full time missionary are becoming increasingly difficult, and we need to gain better confidence that the Bible teaches the doctrine that we know to be true. You cannot have confidence in the Bible without studying it, and knowing for yourself the doctrine contained in it. This also applies to the Book of Mormon -without studying it you cannot have the confidence needed to teach it to others. This book is to help all missionaries be better prepared on the specific topics that they run into at home or on their missions so that they are mentally prepared to give an answer by the spirit. We are to teach by the spirit - there is no other way to teach and have it come from God. Alma 17:2 is a very good example of what you should be doing.

The things I am sharing with you right now are things I have learned through my own studies and experiences on my mission. This book is not to replace any of your required studies on your mission. Preach My Gospel is a very effective tool for missionaries, and any study of this book should be done last after all other required studies. This book should not replace studying. Do not take this book with you while tracting or talking with investigators. You are to study this book, mark your scriptures accordingly, and fill your minds with the knowledge of the Lord so