Scripture memory verses starter-dj
Psalm 119:42
A story Lorne Sanny, past president of the Navigators, illustrates the power of God’s Word when we hide it in our hearts.
Some missionaries in India were unable to get the national Christians to share the Gospel. They tried everything, but these believers seemed completely tongue-tied. Then someone suggested, “Have you ever tried getting them to memorize Scripture?”
“No,” they answered, “we haven’t.”
“Would you try?” suggested the visitor.
This they agreed to do; and a few weeks later, the Christians gathered for a testimony service. The young believers rose, one after another, quoting verses of Scripture they had recently committed to memory. They had also begun sharing these verses with people outside church. In fact, it seemed that just as they memorized a particular verse, occasions arose for sharing it with unsaved friends. By having Scripture written on the table of their hearts, these Indian Christians had something to say. They had lived out the truth of Psalm 119:42, the verse that says, “So shall I have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in Your word.”
Start by memorizing John 3:16. Then tackle the “Romans Road” (Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8 and 10:9-10, 13). Next add Ephesians 2:8-9 and Acts 16:31 to your repertoire. These are verses that all great soul-winners have inscribed in their hearts and etched in their memories.
Another benefit to memorizing Bible verses is the cleansing effect they will have on your heart. I know that some Christians don’t share their faith because they’re ashamed of their lives; they don’t want others to know they are Christians because those people will see how hypocritical they are. These believers are right: an impure life doesn’t have any evangelistic power. Scripture meditation, however, is a way of washing your mind with the Word of God, and as you do so, you’ll notice a greater desire to walk more closely with Christ and to share more freely the truth about Him…
David Jeremiah, Signs of Life, p. 62