Bible Verses to Memorize

Over the years, I’ve taught a lot on Scripture memorization and meditation. In fact, one of the greatest ways to increase the prophetic voice of God in your life is by simply memorizing scripture. (And if you’re curious about why, be sure to check out one of my recent sermons on it here). I gave an entire message on four huge reasons I love to memorize God’s word — and how you too can learn the discipline.

Truth be told, it was not a natural thing for me to start. I’m pretty ADD. So, it’s a miracle that I was ever able to get into it. So, if you need motivation, check out my message, “Intimacy with the Book” (Part 3 in the series, Intimacy – July 3rd, 2022). But it suffices to say: You can do this!” In fact, one of our pastor’s kids memorized the entire book of Revelation as a 13 year old! (& BTW, I wouldn’t recommend starting with that book). But, at the very least, it’s possible!

Years ago, I had all of my interns memorize over 120 Bible passages before they entered into full-time ministry. Every year, the incoming students thought it would be impossible; yet, by the end of the year, I had them take a word-for-word test. And everyone would pass!

Now a days, there are some cool technologies that make it easier. If you have an iPhone, be sure to download the Verses App (which gamifies the process!)

And if you’re looking for more resources:  Here’s a few tips from Branch Together. Or check out this video from “Bible memory expert,” Ron White on how to tap into your brain’s natural way of remembering things (aka., create a mind palace).

But, it begs the question: What verses should I memorize?

Here are 170+ Bible passages that I encourage my staff to memorize. Many of them are verses I’ve shared a lot over the years. But others are simply critical Bible doctrines that will help you stay grounded in the faith. But ultimately, here’s how I find them. Whenever I read my Bible, I highlight any verse that sticks out to me. And at the end of the week, I look back at the ones that really hit me the previous week and I pick one! So, ultimately, make your own list! But here are some of my favorites:

Scriptures to Memorize:

Instructions: Almost all scriptures are NIV (or NIV84) unless otherwise specified. (I usually discourage people from memorizing from translations that are overly paraphrased (like Amplified, Passion, Message, Living, etc.) or overly antiquated (like KJV). Why? Because, some translations are fine for daily devotions but aren’t quite accurate enough for memorization.

Before many scriptures below I include a subject category. And after each scripture, there’s a short parenthesis, explaining why the passage is significant or useful.

ANXIETY / THOUGHTS

1 Peter 5:7 “⁷ Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Isaiah 26:3-4 “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”

Philippians 4:6-8 “ ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. ⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

Psalm 16:8  “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.“

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

HUMILITY / SERVANTHOOD

1 Peter 5:5-6 “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”^{[a] 6} Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”

Mark 10:44-45  “Whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. ⁴⁵ For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (In a world where leadership usually means entitlement and prestige, we serve).

Philippians 2:3-4  “³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.“

Luke 14:14 “Although the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” (This command explains why Christians are capable of having many one-way relationships).

FAITH:

Hebrews 11:6 “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

Romans 10:17 “¹⁷ Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” (If we want our faith to grow, we must feed on the Word).

Romans 4:19-21  “¹⁹ Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. ²⁰ Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, ²¹ being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.”

SLEEP

Proverbs 3:24  “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”

Psalm 127:2b “For [the Lord] grants sleep to^[a] those he loves.”

Exodus 33:14 ” ⁴ The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Isaiah 63:14 “They were given rest by the Spirit of the Lord.”

PROVISION:

Matthew 6:31-33  “³¹ So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ ³² For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴ Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

2 Corinthians 9:10-11 “¹⁰ Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. ¹¹ You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.“

Philippians 4:19 “ ¹⁹And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (NIV84).

Psalm 37:25  “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.”

1 Corinthians 2:12 “¹² What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.“

PROTECTION:

Proverbs 3:25-26 “Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, ²⁶ for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.”

Psalm 34:7 “The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.”

Psalm 112:7-8  “They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. ⁸ Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.“

Psalm 34:19 “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.”

Psalm 91:9-11 “If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, ¹⁰ no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. ¹¹ For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.“

Psalm 91:14-16  “Because he^[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. ¹⁵ He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. ¹⁶ With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

Psalm 46:1-2 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. ² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

HEALING:

Psalm 103:2-5 “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— ³ who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, ⁴ who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, ⁵ who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

Psalm 30:2 “Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.”

Jeremiah 7:14 “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.”

Romans 8:11 “¹¹And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies.”

Exodus 15:26 “He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”

Matthew 8:2-3 “² A man with leprosy^[a] came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” ³ Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.”

Exodus 15:26 “He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”

Matthew 9:28-30 “[Jesus] asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied.

²⁹ Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”;³⁰ and their sight was restored.”

TEMPTATION:

1 Corinthians 10:13 “¹³ No temptation^[c] has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted^[d] beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,^[e] he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

James 1:13-15 “¹³ When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; ¹⁴ but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.¹⁵ Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.”

Psalm 119:9,11 “⁹ How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” ¹¹
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

Matthew 4:4 “⁴ Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (a quotation of Deut. 8:3).

Hebrews 4:15-16 “¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. ¹⁶ Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Hebrew 2:18 “¹⁸ Because he himself [Jesus] suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

1 Peter 5:8-9 “⁸ Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. ⁹ Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

1 Peter 4:1-2 “Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. ² As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.”

1 Peter 2:11 “¹¹ Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.”

HOLY LIVING:

Ephesians 4:29 “²⁹ Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Ephesians 5:3 “³ But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. ⁴ Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.“

Ephesians 5:18 “¹⁸ Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”

1 Peter 4:7-9 “⁷The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.⁸ Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. ⁹ Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.“

Proverbs 1:19 “Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it.” (This is a much more eloquent way of explaining: “Do not steal” as it unpacks the fact that stealing leads to curses on our lives.)

1 Corinthians 15:33 ” ³³ Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”^[e]”

Proverbs 13:20 “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” (NIV84)

James 1:19-20 “¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, ²⁰ because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (Anger always creates collateral damage. Thus, we should be like God who is “slow to anger” (Exod 34:6). We can choose to transmit pain or transform it).

1 John 2:15-16 “¹⁵ Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father^[d] is not in them. ¹⁶ For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”

1 Corinthians 3:16 “¹⁶ Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?“

Galatians 2:20 ” ²⁰ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Romans 12:1-2 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

ANGER/CONFLICT RESOLUTION:

Ephesians 4:1-3  “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. ² Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.³ Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

James 1:19-20 “¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,²⁰ because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”

Proverbs 15:1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Matthew 5:23-24 “²³ “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you,²⁴ leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” (Many Christians avoid confrontation, delay honesty and communication. This also implies

Matthew 18:15-16 “ ¹⁵ “If your brother or sister^[b] sins,^[c] go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. ¹⁶ But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’^[d] 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.’” (This command illustrates a process that many Christians break: We go straight to the offending individual first – instead of triangulating: involving other people in your grievance, a.k.a., gossip or politicking. Only when reconciliation fails should we involve others in a dispute; and going public is always a last-resort, not a first response).

Hebrews 12:14-15 “¹⁴ Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. ¹⁵ See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” (This command shows us the result of unmanaged sin or offense, it harms everyone. The greatest mark of our maturity is how we respond to other people’s sin.)

Matthew 7:1-2 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. ² For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” 

PRAYER:

John15:7 “⁷ If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

John 14:13 “ ¹³ And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (a command that joy and thanksgiving should always be a part of prayer)

Matthew 6:9-13 “ ⁹ “This, then, is how you should pray:“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, ¹⁰ your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. ¹¹ Give us today our daily bread. ¹² And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. ¹³ And lead us not into temptation,^[a] but deliver us from the evil one.^[b]’”

Matthew 6:7-8 “ ⁷ And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.⁸ Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

Luke 18:1 “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” (a command that we should persevere in prayer).

Ephesians 6:12 “¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.“

HEARING GODS VOICE:

1 Corinthians 14:1 “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.” (a command showing that the prophetic is something that all Christians must learn how to excel in…not merely “prophets.”)

Jeremiah 33:3 “³ ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’” (As my Sunday School teacher told me: 33:3 is the Lords phone number : )

1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 “¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit. ²⁰ Do not treat prophecies with contempt ²¹ but test them all; hold on to what is good, ²² reject every kind of evil.” (a command to avoid the two extreme approaches to the prophetic that are common in today’s church: cynical abstainers vs. unhinged mystics).

Hebrews 5:14 “¹⁴ But solid food [God’s Word] is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” (a command showing that, the more we know God’s word, the more confident we will be about discerning whether impressions /teachings are from God verses the devil.)

Proverbs 1:23 “Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings.“

Psalm 25:14 “The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.”

1 Corinthians 14:32 “³² The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. ³³ For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.” (This simple verse explains that prophetic impressions of God never ‘take over our mouths’ like the demonic, nor give us an excuse for rudeness or rebellion. Indeed, the manner in which a word is delivered is as critical as the word itself. It should lead to peace.)

1 Corinthians 14:3 “³ But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.”(Unfortunately, there are a lot of pathetic prophets who revel in oppressing people and manipulating people with their words. Yet, Paul gives us a life-giving filter through which we can scrutinize these so-called impressions.

Revelation 19:10 “The essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus.” NLT (Many so-called prophets focus the majority of their words on politics. They woo people to themselves, their ministries or other earthly leaders– as if they are indispensable harbingers who can protect us from the uncertainty. Be careful of any prophetic ministry that isn’t centered on evangelism – the testimony of Jesus.

LEADERSHIP /PASTORING:

1 Timothy 4:16    “¹⁶ Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (a command that explains that both doctrine and lifestyle matter).

1 Peter 5:2-4 “² Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; ³ not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. ⁴ And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” (a command revealing the heart and spirit behind how we are to lead people and the rewards for doing so.)

Hebrews 6:10  ^“10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” (When we serve God’s people, there are rewards).

Ephesians 4:11 “¹¹ So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, ¹² to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up ¹³ until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (This verse unpacks what many call the “five-fold” ministry – five different types of leaders within the body of Christ).

Psalm 127:1-2 “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. ² In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to^[a] those he loves.” (As a leader – or parent – it’s easy to take on more responsibility that God has asked us to. Thus, here is a command that obligates us to partner with the Lord.)

2 Timothy 2:24-25 “²⁴ And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.²⁵ Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.”

TRINITY:

Matthew 3:16-17 “¹⁶ As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. ¹⁷ And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” NIV

 (Significance: All three members of the trinity were present in a singular moment – a fact that many cults dispute.)

John 1:1-3 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was with God in the beginning. ³ Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” (This not only shows that Jesus is God but explains how he functions in relationship to the Father.)

Genesis 1:1-2 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ² Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” (When compared to John 1:1, we see the full functional differences within the Trinity: The Father ordains, the Son creates, the Spirit sustains.)

DIETY OF CHRIST (where Jesus claims to be God)

John 8:57-58 “⁵⁷ “You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!” ⁵⁸ “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” ⁵⁹ At this, they picked up stones to stone him.” (“I Am” is one of the names of God. Jesus was clearly saying that he was the one who revealed himself to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3:14).

John 10:30 “³⁰ I and the Father are one.” ³¹ Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him.”

John 20:27-29. “²⁷ Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” ²⁸ Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” ²⁹ Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

Hebrews 1:1-2 “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”(this verse not only affirms the divinity of Christ – his pre-existence of earth – but his omnipotence through creating it – similar to John 1:1-3)

HOLY SPIRIT:

John 16:8 “When the [Holy Spirit] comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgement.”

(This command shows us that, we don’t have to worry about trying to convict the world of sin. We needn’t shame them or guilt them. Rather, we simply need to be ready to show them God to walk out God’s plan after they have been convicted).

Acts 1:8 “⁸ But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  (This verse communicates several profound truths: (1).The Baptism of the Holy Spirit results in true power – the kind they didn’t already posses. (2). God doesn’t merely want witnesses; but, witnesses with power. Thus, it is the thesis of the entire book of Acts).

Romans 15:13 “¹³May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.“

Acts 8:16 “The Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.¹⁷ Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” (This verse is doctrinally significant because, the infilling of the Holy Spirit is not automatic with salvation. The Scriptures often show the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a subsequent experience (see also Acts 19:2).

Ephesians 4:30-32 “³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Although our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, we still need to create space for Him through daily surrender. As Paul says a chapter later, “be continually filled” 5:18. And this is a classic summary of how His Spirit transforms our relationships.)

DOCTRINES OF HEAVEN AND HELL

Daniel 12:2-3 “ ² Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. ³ Those who are wise^[a]will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.” (A scripture indicating that Hell is forever, not temporary. And that people will be conscious, not sleeping – two things that many cults deny)

2 Thessalonians 1:9 “⁸ He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. ⁹ They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.”

Matthew 25:46    ⁴⁶ “Then [on day of judgement] the [cursed] will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.” (NIV)

Luke 23:43 “ ⁴³ Jesus answered [the criminal on the cross], “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

(This verse reveals multiple things that many cults deny: Jesus went straight to heaven, as does everyone who dies ‘in Christ. “To be absent from the body and be present with the Lord” 2 Cor.5:8); Although Christ descended into the grave, he did not descend “into hell” as medieval dogma began to suggest in the middle ages.)

Revelation 21:1-2 “Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”^[a] for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. ² I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.”(This verse reveals that the present heaven and present earth are temporary).

THE RETURN OF CHRIST

Matt. 16:27  “For the Son of Man is going to come with His angels in the glory of His Father, and then He will repay each person according to what he has done’

Acts 1:11  “(He) will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven”

1 Thessalonians 4:14-18  “¹⁴ For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.¹⁵ According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. ¹⁶ For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. ¹⁷ After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage one another with these words.” (This passage is one of the most succinct and clear summaries in the scriptures about Christ’s return).

1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 “Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, ² for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”

Matthew 24:36 “Of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” (Many Christians have caused alarm – claiming to know the specific day. Yet, Jesus says, “even the Son” doesn’t know. Christians will still clearly know when his return is near – see Mt. 24:33 (three verses earlier) – but, this is quite different than those who name specific dates.)

1 John 2:18 “Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come.” (Many people deny that there is a specific anti-Christ who is to come. They say, it isn’t a specific person and/or, this person has already come.)

2 Thessalonians 2:8 “⁸ And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.” (This reference shows how “the antichrist” will die and that this will happen at the return of Christ. Many say the anti-Christ has already come; yet, this can’t be true as Christ has obviously not returned yet. The anti-Christ has several names: aka. Lawless one / Ruler who is to come (Dan.9:26; Dan. 11:36 – which we can verify through his unusually specific behaviors).

ON THE BIBLE

John 14:21 “²¹ Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” NIV (Many people pray: “God, show yourself to me.” But few realize the process that precedes this revelation: Obey the Word, and see the Word.)

2 Timothy 3:16-17  “¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God^[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Joshua 1:8 “⁸ Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

2 Peter 1:21 “For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (The apostle Peter explains how scripture was birthed in the writers – guided by the Holy Spirit – not mere carnal opinions and thoughts).

John 14:26-27 “²⁶ But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (This promise was specifically given to the Apostles that they would not forget Christ’s teachings after he left them. The same way we trust in Christ for salvation, we also trust in Christ’s promise that the Apostles would get his teachings correct in the New Testament. This is why we can believe that inerrant teachings can come from this group).

John 16:13   “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” (Once again, Jesus reassured the Apostles that he would make sure that they would accurately recall and expound on Christ’s teachings). 

 2 Peter 3:16 “¹⁶He [Paul] writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters [regarding salvation]. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.” (The key phrase here is “the other Scriptures” (Greek: graphe) – a term exclusively reserved for sacred scriptures. This means that Paul’s letters were already elevated to the level of Scripture while his contemporaries, like Peter, were still alive.) 

Hebrews 4:12 “¹² For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (This command shows us that, the Bible isn’t merely a book, it’s a living force that stays inside of us and convicts us when we need it.)

SEXUALITY

1 Thessalonians 4:3-6  “³ It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; ⁴ that each of you should learn to control your own body^[a] in a way that is holy and honorable,⁵ not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; ⁶ and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister.^[b]”

Hebrews 13:4 “⁴Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” (This commands prohibits sex outside the context of Biblical marriage between a man and a woman – see Gen.2:24).

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 “Do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men^[a] 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. ¹¹ And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (This verse breaks down various forms of sexual immorality that many modern Christians tend to accept. His warning about forfeiting our inheritance doesn’t necessarily refer to salvation. But, at the very least, we forfeit kingdom favor on earth and in heaven. This verse also proves that God can help us overcome these vices – note: “that is what some of you were” – past tense).

Revelation 2:26 “²⁶ To the one who is victorious [over sexual sin] and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations.” (The context is all about the church in Thyatira who were inappropriately tolerating sexual sin – which Jesus was “holding against them.” This verse also gives a large promise to those who overcome.)

Romans 1:26-28 “²⁶ Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones.²⁷ In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. ²⁸ Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.” (This scripture specifically addresses homosexuality of various types – which is something that many Christians deny).

GENEROSITY / STEWARDSHIP:

Prov. 3:9-10 “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; ¹⁰ then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”

Proverbs 11:24-25 “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

²⁵ A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.“

Hebrews 13:5 “⁵ Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have.”

2 Corinthians 9:6-8  “ ⁶Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. ⁷ Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.⁸ And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

1 Timothy 6:6-10 “⁶ But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. ⁸ But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. ⁹ Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

Deuteronomy 8:17–18 “¹⁷ You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” ¹⁸ But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.”

Matthew 6:19-21 “¹⁹Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

ON BAPTISM

Romans 6:3-5 “Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?⁴ We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. ⁵ For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.”

GRACE/WORKS – SALVATION / JUSTIFICATION:

Ephesians 2:8-9 “⁸ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—⁹ not by works, so that no one can boast.” (This is the classic verse on justification/salvation that was often quoted by the great reformers.)

Titus 3:5 “⁵[God] saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”

James 2:20, 22 “²⁰ Do you want evidence that faith without works is dead? … ²² You see that [Abraham’s] faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.” (This verse reveals the opposite side of the grace continuum – it gives us a healthy “fear and trembling.”)

Philippians 2:12-13  “¹² Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, ¹³ for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” (This verse is significant as it seems to merge both sides of the grace and works continuum into one single statement).

Titus 2:11-12 “¹¹ For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. ¹² [Grace] teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” (Many Christians use guilt, shame, and condemnation to motivate both themselves and others. They believe these things “teach us to say no” – which is partially true. Yet, there’s a never ending motivation that flows from grace. Our obedience is a natural reaction towards grace – not an effort to earn it.)

1 Peter 3:18 “¹⁸ For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.”

Romans 3:23b “²³ For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Isaiah 53:6  “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.”

Romans 6:23 “ ²³ For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in^[b] Christ Jesus our Lord.”

CALLING /DESTINY:

Ephesians 2:10 “¹⁰ For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Acts 17:26b “[God] determined the times set for [us] and the exact places where [we] should live” (NIV84).

2 Corinthians 5:15 “¹⁵And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” (This verse shows us that Christ didn’t merely die to forgive our sins and give us fire-insurance. His death was a means to a greater end: namely, lordship. He wants our lives here on earth – not merely our eternity.)

PERSEVERANCE:

1 Corinthians 15:58 ” ⁵⁸ Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (This verse tells us multiple profound encouragements: (1). Heaven is watching us and cheering us on. They are witnessing us. (2). Sin slows us down. Therefore righteousness speeds us up! (3). Jesus perfects our faith.)

Hebrews 12:2b-3 “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (When we go through tough times, this verse reminds us of two things that can charge us back up: (1). Christ went before us – he was perfect – yet still had tough times. (2). There is always a “joy set before us” a vision of the future to motivate us. Indeed, we can even “enjoy” our crosses while simultaneously scorning them.)

Galatians 6:9-10 “⁹ Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.“

Philippians 4:13 “¹³ I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” NIV84

CHURCH ATTENDANCE / INVOLVEMENT

Hebrews 10:24-25  “²⁴And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.“

Psalm 92:13 “Planted in the house of the Lord, [the righteous] will flourish in the courts of our God.”

1 Peter 4:10 “¹⁰ Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

(This verse reminds us that God’s grace cannot be fully realized or experienced until we are serving (and being served) by God’s people. It is ultimately an argument for the church. People who do not have regular fellowship with other believers lack God’s grace.)

EVANGELISM & DISCIPLESHIP:

Romans 1:16 “¹⁶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.“

Luke 9:23 “²³ Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. ²⁴ For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.“

Matthew 28:18-20 “¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (This “Great Commission” tells us multiple things: (1). We have the legal right to take back ground for Christ. And when this authority is combined with power (from Pentecost), we have everything we need to make disciples. (2). We aren’t creating church services but making disciples – not mere teachings, but actual obedience. And in doing these: (3). Christ’s divine favor will be “with us.”

John 13:34-35 “³⁴ A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (Loving community is the ultimate revelatory ingredient. It’s not our church services, our doctrinal truths, nor our sermons. This is a counter-intuitive ingredient for influence. Yet, it is THE sign that we actually follow Christ.)

1 John 3:18 “¹⁸ Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”

HOW GOD FEELS ABOUT US

Numbers 23:19 “God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (NIV84). (He is faithful)

Romans 8:32 ” ³² He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”   (He is generous)

Romans 5:8 ” ⁸But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Matthew 7:21 “²¹ Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. ²² Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ ²³ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” (This verse reveals that God doesn’t merely want obedience to his Lordship, or correct beliefs; rather, he wants intimacy: a Father/child relationship. His kingdom operates differently than other dead-religious obligations. He is relational.)

Hebrews 7:25 “[Christ] always lives to intercede for [us].”

Hebrews 4:15-16 “¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. ¹⁶ Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Jeremiah 29:11 “¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.“

1 John 3:1 “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!“

GRIEVING / LOSS

(I often encourage people in grieving processes to also review scriptures on protection and fear as well – as these emotions commonly accompany the grieving process.)

Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Here we are given a promise of comfort. It’s a blessing. They WILL be comforted.)

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Lamentations 3:21-26 “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: ²² Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. ²³ They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.²⁴ I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” ²⁵ The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; ²⁶ it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” (Every word of this classic lament is filled with insights on how to experience God amidst difficulty).

APOLOGETICS / COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS

Romans 1:20-21  “²⁰ For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

²¹ For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” (Atheists & Deists often point to God’s invisibility as evidence he doesn’t exist or doesn’t care. Yet, Paul essentially states that creation is impossible with a creator – an effect without a cause. Indeed, the existence of everything is all the evidence people need to learn about God, yet we suppress the truth. Hence, we are without excuse.)

Hebrews 9:27a “²⁷People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.”

(Many cults argue that when non-believers die, they go into eternal soul-sleep; still others say we are reincarnated to die many times until perfected. This small verse refutes such ideas. It reminds us that death and judgement is a part of God’s destiny for all of us. We are free to pray for a delay in death for our loved ones. But, we also need to see it as a part of God’s plan that obligates all humans to determine their faith.)

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES:

POLITICS:

1 Timothy 2:1-3 “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases God our Savior.”

Psalm 145:3-4 “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. ⁴ When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.”

Proverbs 14:34 “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” ESV

2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (God conditions the healing of a land on His People, not politics. 4 things in particular: Humility, prayer, seeking God, and repentance.)

Proverbs 21:1 “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.” ESV

JUSTICE:

Proverbs 29:26  “Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the Lord that man gets justice.” NIV84

ABORTION:

Jeremiah 1:5  “Before I formed you in the womb I knew^[a] you, before you were born I set you apart.“

Psalm 139:13  “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” NIV84

Psalm 127:3 “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”

BIBLE CLASSICS:

Revelation 3:20 “²⁰ Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.“

2 Corinthians 5:17 “¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:^[a] The old has gone, the new is here!“

John 3:16 “¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Psalm 23:1-6 “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.² He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters,³ he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. ⁴ Even though I walk through the darkest valley,^[a] I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. ⁵ You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. ⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Romans 8:28 ” ²⁸ And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[i] have been called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:35, 37 “³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

James 4:7-8 “⁷ Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

1 Peter 5:5-6 “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. ⁶ Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”

Matthew 11:28-30 “²⁸ “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. ³⁰ For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 18:19-20 “¹⁹ Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. ²⁰ For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”