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I am a huge fan of Scripture memory. I believe that learning Bible verses at the level of memorization helps cement them in to our lives. These verses come to us when we are frustrated and challenged. (Psalm 119:11 says, 'I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.') Verses also come to us when we are filled with joy and celebrating. (Psalm 103:1 says, 'Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.') When I face a great need I recite Philippians 4:19 ('And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.') When I face temptation I recall I Corinthians 10:13. ('No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear. But with the temptation God will proved the way of escape also.') Scripture memory is a vital, essential way to help us stay connected to God.
So on Sunday I told the congregation that if you memorize just one verse of Scripture I think it should be I John 1:9. (See below.) This verse sums up the entire message of the Gospel. It focuses on God's character - that He is faithful and He is just. It acknowledges our forgiveness in Christ and the truth that we are cleansed, re-created in His image. If I knew nothing else from the Bible except just this one verse I would have a full picture of what it means to be a Christian.
Since I said that on Sunday I've been asked by others ... but what about John 3:16? Also a great verse. In fact there are countless verses that I cherish and celebrate. I don't think that any of them are unimportant. But I do feel that I John 1:9 is the single one to memorize if you are going to memorize just one verse!
So print it out, tape it to your mirror or steering wheel. Read it and recite it until it sinks deep down in your soul. I promise you will never regret knowing this truth. And when you are ready for some more verses to memorize let me know - I'll gladly pass along some more!
I John 1:9 If we confess our sins God is faithful and just. He will forgive our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness.
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Hi Barry,
ReplyDeleteStumbled across your blog while working on a Sunday School lesson. We've had this discussion before, and it wasn't original with me but I recall someone pointing to 2 Tim 3:16-17. (All scripture is God breathed...) Whichever verse it may be, the discussions as to which and why are always more interesting and often enlightening and inspirational than the impossible resolution. Hope all's well with all Gaedderts.