Words are powerful. By changing a single word, the entire meaning of a message can be obscured or misdirected. God knew the power of words when He inspired the authors and translators of His divine messages in scripture. By carefully studying why certain words were used in scripture, we will find a deep ocean of interpretation and personal application. Come Follow Me: Words of the Week is the perfect introduction to a richer understanding of God's words. Prominent Latter-day Saint speaker, author, and educator Eric Richards clearly explains the etymology, exegesis, historical background, and modern revelations of significant words from the scriptures. Broken down into a few words per week, this guide makes studying the scriptures individually or as a family easier and more accessible. Discover the contextual meanings of words and phrases such as "wax gross," "born again," and "profane," but also deep dive into the significance of biblical names like "Bethebara," "Babylon," and "Jerusalem." With only a few words a week, jumpstart a year of joyous exploration into the scriptures, come to appreciate the power of words in your own life, and feel your testimony strengthen with every new understanding.

This special edition of the Lectures on Faith from Zion’s Camp Books is formatted for convenience on an eReader, with more than 100 internal links to scriptures and citations. We hope it will give you a great reading experience! The Lectures on Faith were originally prepared as materials for the School of the Prophets in Kirtland, Ohio in 1834 and were included in the Doctrine and Covenants from 1835 to 1921. Although the Lectures on Faith have never been accepted as revelation by the body of the church (and so were removed from the Doctrine and Covenants in 1921), they contain important doctrinal insights that can help anyone seeking to learn more about faith and come closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. President Joseph Fielding Smith noted, “I suppose that the rising generation knows little about the Lectures on Faith. . . . In my own judgment, these Lectures are of great value and should be studied. . . . I consider them to be of extreme value in the study of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” (Joseph Fielding Smith, Seek Ye Earnestly. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1970.) Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has stated the lectures contain “some of the best lesson material ever prepared on the Godhead; on the character, perfections, and attributes of God; on faith, miracles, and sacrifice. They can be studied with great profit by all gospel scholars.” (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966.)

We are not likely to discover the treasure of the so-called Old Testament if we regard whole passages as historically interesting, yet without relevance to our Christian life; if we pick out a few favorite passages; if we attribute the statements of the O.T. primarily to ourselves without asking what the words, addressed originally to Israel, may have to say about our relation to the Jewish people. Often we do not devote ourselves to the first two-thirds of the Bible just as intensely and joyfully as to the latter third. And there may be a lack of clear inner connection to the Jewish roots of our faith. For those who strive more and more to understand the coherence of God ́s plan of salvation, the exegesis of weekly sections from the Old Testament (that follow the Jewish schedule throughout the year) are meant to enrich spiritual life and to newly arouse the love of God and His Chosen People, the Jews.

Insights on John is part of the 15-volume Swindoll’s Living Insights New Testament Commentary series. This newly revised and expanded edition draws on Gold Medallion Award–winner Chuck Swindoll’s 50 years of experience with studying and preaching God’s Word. His deep insight, signature easygoing style, and humor bring a warmth and practical accessibility not often found in commentaries. Each volume combines verse-by-verse commentary, charts, maps, photos, key terms, and background articles with practical application. The newly updated volumes now include parallel presentations of the NLT and NASB before each section. This series is a must-have for pastors, teachers, and anyone else who is seeking a deeply practical resource for exploring God’s Word.