Do we use the Bible in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

Many people in and out of  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are under the impression that we neglect the Bible. I replied to someone last night and thought you might enjoy my reply....

Good evening, Daniel

Thanks for the messages. Sorry I was not aware of your calls. I guess that I was driving at the time. 

I am kind of confused by your message. I've always encouraged Church members to read the Bible as well as the Book of Mormon. One cannot fully remember how merciful the Lord has been to the children of men from the days of Adam, even down to the time that we read those things in the Book of Mormon if we're not familiar with the abundant mercy described in the Bible! For very many years (decades!) the Sunday School study has been a year Old Testament, a year New Testament, a year on Book of Mormon, a year of Church history, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price. That happened every four years, 50% of the time focused on the Bible! 

I love the Bible. I love the parables told by Jesus Christ. I love how He dealt with the woman taken in adultery, the rich young man, the scribes and pharisees, the woman from Samaria, Mary and Martha, and every wonderful story. I love His analogy that we be leaven in the loaf (we cannot do this from outside or in splinters - we must be distributed throughout the dough), being a light (we must let our light shine so that men see our good works and glorify the Father in Heaven- we must stand out!),  and salt (cleansing, purifying, flavouring). And all of His parables so wonderfully liken the known to the unknown. I love how He addresses the faith/works/grace debate as He challenges us to work - not just confess or believe, but be faithful in the covenant path. I could go on and on and on!

Read the Bible! Read the other scriptures and Conference talks! Pray to the Father! Pray to the Father in the name of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ! 

I love how Jesus Christ speaks so clearly about Him being the God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob, and that He was sent by His Father. I see that He had no confusion about whether or not He was the Son of God. I love how He prayed to the Father in John 17 that we would be one with Him as He is one with the Father. 

My faith and testimony would be very different if I were not as familiar with the Bible as I am. 

I encourage you to love the word of God. As He said in what we read this past week, we will hear His voice as we immerse ourselves in the scriptures. I have had that experience and I strongly encourage you to have it. 

Blessings on you as you continue to study the words of Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ. 

Kind regards

Les Powrie 😊