On Boring Preaching

This post is written by my outstanding friend and former colleague, Dr. Bill Bagents. Bill serves as the extremely capable Vice President of Academics at Heritage Christian University in Florence, Alabama.

We preachers tend to be highly insulted when potential listeners find our preaching boring. There are far better options than feeling miffed.

1) Was the sermon boring because I failed to prepare at a level that honored God and respected the gospel? If so, repentance is essential. No one has the right to present the gospel in a careless or incompetent manner (Romans 1:16-17, Hebrews 4:12).

2) Was the sermon boring because I made no preparation at all; I just borrowed it from the internet? It’s tough to find passion for a lesson we had no role in creating.

3) Was the sermon boring because it was shallow, failing to include both milk and meat (Hebrews 5:12-6:3)? We love the famous quotation, “The Bible is a pool in which a child can wade, and an elephant can swim.” Biblical balance is beautiful.

4) Was the sermon boring because it failed to call for transformative action (Romans 12:1-2)? It’s hard to be bored when one is being challenged to have the mind of Christ (Philippians 2:5) and take up the mantle of Christ (1 Peter 2:21-25).

5) Was the sermon boring because it served my needs as a preacher rather than serving the broader needs of the church? Hebrews 10:24 speaks to every Christian, including preachers. Our desire is to stir up love and good works by helping all hearers grasp the sense, power, and urgency of God’s word (Nehemiah 8:8).

6) Was the sermon boring because my life contradicted the words of the sermon? We love consistency and congruence, especially the perfect example of Jesus (Acts 1:1). Our actions should always support the gospel (Titus 2:6-8).

7) To shift perspectives to the listener, was the sermon boring because of my lack of spiritual interest as a hearer? When God’s people stopped listening to Him, there was a prophetic silence of some 430 years between Malachi and John the Baptizer. An effective sermon needs both a faithful, biblical message and a God-seeking hearer (Hebrews 5:11).

8) Was the sermon boring because of a warped world view? In ancient Athens, some lived for nothing but “either to tell or to hear some new thing” (Acts 17:21). Their descendants live among us today, asserting that only the novel and the surprising merit their attention.

9) Was the sermon boring because I failed to pray for both the preacher and the hearers? We tend to prepare for events and activities that we deem important. We assert that God hears and helps when we pray within His will. Every sermon should be bathed in prayer from every direction.

10) Was the sermon boring because it’s easier to choose boredom than to welcome the challenge to grow into the image of Christ (Ephesians 4:11-16)? We can always find a preacher who will tell us exactly what we enjoy hearing (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

Refreshing Your Preaching - Heritage Christian University - Alumni Days 2018

Fresh preaching begins with a refreshed preacher – refreshed by the presence of God, the Spirit of God, and the Word of God.

Come clean with the Lord. Confess your own sin, weakness, staleness, and anything else that may have come between you and Him. Ask Him to refresh you before you seek to refresh your preaching and its effectiveness with others.

Heritage Christian University Alumni Days – Cory Collins

To watch the video of this class:

https://www.facebook.com/HeritageChristianUniversity/videos/2071996809507389/?hc_ref=ART-mSFx7vPvX-p-lmyIyXuffE4HnMeRdwda49myRwUq8wBWkcImfEmztY9jj20slLo

To see videos of other sermons:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu4zUK_ahzdiU15PL6dcAXA/videos

To see thumbnails of all posts on this blog:

​https://plus.google.com/u/0/+CoryCollinsServingAndSharing

Song – “Create in Me a Clean Heart.”

Ps 51:6 Behold, You desire truth in the innermost being, And in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom. 7 Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me to hear joy and gladness, Let the bones which You have broken rejoice. 9 Hide Your face from my sins And blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit.

Now see the result – 13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, And sinners will be converted to You.

Remember how Jesus called His disciples away privately, so that they could be refreshed.

Mk 6:30 The apostles gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. 31 And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) 32 They went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves.

You cannot give anyone anything more than – or different from – what you first are and what you first have. So first refresh your faith, hope, and love by being with Christ. Fresh preaching comes from a fresh preacher.

Remember how Jesus Himself often found refreshment by being with the Father. Mk 1:35 In the early morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house, and went away to a secluded place, and was praying there.

Think of your original desire and decision to preach the Word of God. Refresh your preaching as you would refresh your marriage. Remember what you found attractive and appealing. Recall why you began preaching initially. Renew your vows. Revive your honeymoon. Identify the things that have made it stale and have threatened its vitality. Address and eliminate those things.

Let us preach as if Jesus died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back tomorrow! Come see, go tell – Matt 28

Let us preach as if we just discovered and bought the treasure hidden in the field! Matt 13:4

Let us preach as if we just found something most precious that was lost! In Jesus’ teaching, when the sheep, coin, and son were found, in each case there was an announcement to others, then a celebration to follow. Luke 15

Let us preach as if we just emerged from a dark, dingy, pit into a world of light! 1 Pet 2:9

Let us preach as if the world is starving, and we have the bread! 2 Ki 7:8 When these lepers came to the outskirts of the camp, they entered one tent and ate and drank, and carried from there silver and gold and clothes, and went and hid them; and they returned and entered another tent and carried from there also, and went and hid them. 9 Then they said to one another, “We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news, but we are keeping silent; if we wait until morning light, punishment will overtake us. Now therefore come, let us go and tell the king’s household.”

Let us preach as if we hold in our hands the most powerful, life-changing, death-defying instrument in the universe – the Word of God! Proclaim God’s Word expectantly and let it flow through you and work! Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do (to whom we will give account).

Let us preach as if the world is on fire, and we are called to the rescue!

Let us preach as if we are on fire, and the world is watching us burn!

Let us preach as if we have been commanded not to preach! As if we cannot help it! Acts 4:20 for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 1 Co 9:16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for I am under compulsion; for woe is me if I do not preach the gospel.

Now let’s talk about some practical ideas for refreshing your preaching.

Feed your spirit on the Word – soak as a sponge – perhaps read from an additional translation. My mentor said, “You have to put more in your reservoir than you draw from it, lest you run dry.”

Preach what excites you, what grows out of your own study and prayer.

Preach what you need to hear.

Preach what you certainly know and truly believe. Do not preach your doubts or cause others unnecessary issues with their faith.

Preach what you will enjoy preparing to preach. Maybe a brief series on archaeology, called “Eureka!” Or on angels, or Islam, or “Questions Jesus Asked.” My current series – “Keys to the Kingdom – the Sermon on the Mount.” I have identified 15 qualities that Jesus described. I am starting with an introduction, then attitude, influence, self-control (anger and lust), and faithfulness (marriage and truthfulness).

Outline Scripture. Divide it into thought units. One of my mentors kept a Bible and a notepad beside his bed. He would not go to sleep without outlining a passage or chapter each night.

Study inductively. (Let me know if you want more specifics on this.)

Keep taking courses – in person, online, by correspondence – that refresh you.

Think homiletically. Use the “seed card” idea. Observe, as Jesus did (birds, sheep, grass, fish).

Vary your preaching. A preaching friend includes each month one sermon to inform, one to inspire, one to convict, and one to convert.

Collect illustrations, quotations, facts, stats, and stories – meat on the bones.

Do your own work. Read and listen widely, but borrow sparingly. Do not take shortcuts, and do not cheat yourself and the church re: preparation.

Do what fits you and what you do best. Be confident. Be yourself. Improve yourself, and be the best “you” that you can be.

Yet stretch yourself. Fewer or no notes. PowerPoint or not. Visual aids.

Speak to new groups. Expand your range. Accept every invitation you can. Imagine and create wider exposure. I’ll prepare a 15-lesson series and anticipate presenting it at Yellowstone Bible Camp in Montana, where I go as a week-long adult teacher from time to time.

Connect with your listeners – in homes, in small groups, on social media. Listen to them before they listen to you. Know their needs, circumstances, challenges, hopes, dreams, etc.

Identify your eager, expressive, attentive listeners. Establish eye contact and rapport with them as you preach. Get their feedback.

Associate with people who refresh you. Do not feel guilt for spending more time with them; you need them! Paul noted that Philemon was a “refresher” of the saints, and Paul requested that refreshment. Phm 1:7 For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. Phm 1:20 Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.

Ask for ideas, questions, and concerns – regular Bible Question Night.

Form a think tank, including various generations and life circumstances.

Ask your own questions and collect responses for special occasions like Mother’s Day and other lessons as well. I preached two series from 1 Cor. I called 1 Cor 1-8, “Because You Belong to Christ …” and asked people to complete that sentence. Then I called 1 Cor 9-16, “Because You Belong to Each Other …” and asked people to complete that sentence as well. I incorporated some of their responses in the various messages that followed.

Ask your listeners, “What do you think are the marks of fresh preaching?”

Ask other preachers, “How do you keep your preaching fresh?”

Preach energetically and enthusiastically.

Note current events – sports, politics, economy, scandals. There is now a movie in the works on Samson. His mother will be played by Lindsay Wagner, the “Bionic Woman.” I’ll use that in a new parenting class that I am preparing. “There are no bionic parents!” “How would you like to have Samson as your son?”

Create a blog. Write your sermons so they can be posted. I will turn this presentation into a blog post. I will also share it with our monthly preachers’ group.

Video your sermons. Link to them via your blog posts.

See and share the lighter side of life – add some humor. One source is Readers Digest.

Add some human interest elements – stories, children in the church.

Provide application – from the “why” to the “what” to the “so what.”

Plan ahead – a series, which gets you thinking of fresh ideas in advance.

Keep a spreadsheet log – to avoid repeating yourself and force freshness.

Recycle, refresh, and re-energize Scriptures you have used before. Here are couple of ideas for doing that.

Create a new title. For example, when you are preaching Luke 5:1-11, a standard title might be, “The Miraculous Catch of Fish,” or, “Jesus Calls the Disciples.” Instead you could choose a fresh title, like “Let’s Launch out into the Deep!” or, “What’s Your Net … Worth?” A fresh title may help you approach a familiar text in a fresh way.

Create a new outline. For example, when you are preaching Luke 7:36-50, which I often title, “A Savior Who Touches Sinners,” you could outline it as …

An Unlikely Invitation – 7:36

An Unwelcome Guest – 7:37a

An Unusual Outpouring – 7:37b-38

An Unfair Assumption – 7:39

An Unequal Comparison – 7:40-46

An Undeniable Connection – 7:47

An Unimaginable Relief – 7:48-50

Preach from a Bible book you have not used in the last year or more. I discovered awhile back, after reviewing my spreadsheet log, that I had not preached from Lamentations in quite some time.

Share the pulpit with coworkers, missionaries, preachers in summer series, and elders. Last Sunday night our youth and family minister preached. This Sunday while I am away, one of our shepherds will preach. In the evening our new minister for our college-age group will preach.

Simple Sermon Starters

Please check this post also in the future, as it will grow to include additional outlines.

Each year we host a four-day "TITUS" summer camp in Keller, Texas, to train boys to preach lessons from God's Word. These young men are going into 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th grade in the Fall. I teach five lessons in homiletics (sermon preparation and presentation) to all the campers. I want to give them a choice of basic outlines that they can use to help them get started.

For this purpose I have put together the following basic sermon outlines. Please use these in any way you find helpful, and please comment below to give me additional outlines that I may consider including in this list. Thanks!

Also comment if you want more information about how your boys might be part of our next TITUS Camp. 

Noah: a Titanic Success

Heb 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned by God about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

Noah Heeded God’s Warning.

Noah Obeyed God’s Command (Prepared the Ark).

Noah Saved His Family.

Noah Received God’s Righteousness.

Abraham: Responding to God

When God calls, answer! Gen 12:1-4
When God sends, go! Gen 12:1-4
When God promises, believe! Gen 15:6
When God commands, surrender! Gen 22
Abraham: Answering God’s Call

Heb 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; 10 for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

Listening   God called Abraham.

Leaving     Abraham obeyed.

Living        As an alien in a foreign land.

Looking     Anticipated.

Abraham: Passing God’s Test

Heb 11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was offering up his only begotten son; 18 it was he to whom it was said, “In Isaac your descendants shall be called.” 19 He considered that God is able to raise people even from the dead, from which he also received him back as a type.

Abraham Waited for Isaac as God Promised.

Abraham Offered Up Isaac as God Commanded.

Abraham Received Isaac Back as God Provided.

Joseph: A Hero Like Christ

Ac 7:9 “The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt. Yet God was with him, 10 and rescued him from all his afflictions, and granted him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt and all his household. 11 “Now a famine came over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction with it, and our fathers could find no food. 12 “But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers there the first time. 13 “On the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family was disclosed to Pharaoh. 14 “Then Joseph sent word and invited Jacob his father and all his relatives to come to him, seventy-five persons in all.

Joseph, Like Christ, Rejected by His Brothers

Joseph, Like Christ, Exalted to the Throne

Joseph, Like Christ, Eager to Save His Brothers

Joseph, Like Christ, Prepared to Receive His Brothers

David: the Giant Killer

1 Sam 17

His Courage

His Character

His Conviction

His Conquest

Three Great Truths: Ecclesiastes 12:13

Fear God

Keep His Commands

This is the Whole Duty of Man.

Ezra: a Man of God

Ezr 7:10 For Ezra had set his heart to study the law of the Lord and to practice it, and to teach His statutes and ordinances in Israel.

Ezra Studied God’s Law

Ezra Practiced God’s Law

Ezra Taught God’s Law

The Nature of Sin

1 Jn 2:15 Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. 17 The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.

Ge 3:6 When the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was desirable to make one wise, she took from its fruit and ate; and she gave also to her husband with her, and he ate.

The lust of the flesh

The lust of the eyes

The pride of life

The Sin Process (1)

Jos 7:20 So Achan answered Joshua and said, “Truly, I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel, and this is what I did: 21 when I saw among the spoil a beautiful mantle from Shinar and two hundred shekels of silver and a bar of gold fifty shekels in weight, then I coveted them and took them; and behold, they are concealed in the earth inside my tent with the silver underneath it.” 22 So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent; and behold, it was concealed in his tent with the silver underneath it.

I Saw.

I Coveted.

I Took.

I Hid.

The Sin Process (2)

Jas 1:14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death.

Desire – “Lust has conceived.”

Action – “It gives birth to sin.”

Destruction – “It brings forth death.”

The Wide and Narrow Gates

Mt 7:13 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. 14 “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

The Wide Gate – Many enter it. It leads to death.

The Narrow Gate – Few find it. It leads to life.

The Wise and Foolish Builders

Mt 7:24-27

The Wise Builder – Hears and practices the teachings of Jesus. Survives the storms.

The Foolish Builder – Hears but does not practice those teachings. House falls.

The Parable of the Sower

Matt 13:1-9, 18-23

Some Seed Fell Along the Path.

Some Seed Fell on Shallow, Rocky Soil.

Some Seed Fell Among Thorns and Weeds.

Some Seed Fell on Fertile Soil.

The Pearl of Great Value

Mt 13:45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, 46 and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

A Merchant Shopped for Pearls.

He Found One Pearl of Great Value.

He Sold All He Had and Bought It.

The Kingdom of Heaven is Like That Pearl.

The Parable of the Net

Mt 13:47 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea, and gathering fish of every kind; 48 and when it was filled, they drew it up on the beach; and they sat down and gathered the good fish into containers, but the bad they threw away. 49 “So it will be at the end of the age; the angels will come forth and take out the wicked from among the righteous, 50 and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The Net – The Gospel Going into the World

The Catch – Fish of Every Kind

The Separation – Judgment of the Wicked

The Prodigal Son – Who Are You Like?

Luke 15:11-32

The Younger Son – lost in sin, ready to repent and return to God.

The Older Brother – proud of yourself, resentful of sinners who want to follow God.

The Father – kind, forgiving, compassionate, eager to welcome lost sinners home.

Jesus the Light of the World (The Man Born Blind)

John 9

I was Blind.

I was Washed.

Now I See!

Jesus is the Answer

John 14:1-6

The Way – Without him there is no Going.

The Truth – Without him there is no Knowing.

The Life – Without him there is no Growing.

Because He Lives

Matt 28:1-8

Come and See.

Go and Tell.

Acts 2: The First Gospel Sermon

The Crowd (Pentecost)

The Christ (Peter’s Message)

The Conviction (Pierced to the Heart)

The Conversion (Repentance and Baptism)

The Church (Add Together)

The Conversion of Saul / Paul

Acts 9

Who He Was – Persecutor of Christians.

Who He Met – Jesus Christ in Glory.

Who He Became – Proclaimer of the Gospel.

Three Reasons for Joy

Rom 5:1-11

Past – We rejoice in Christ’s sacrifice, because he reconciled us to God.

Future – We rejoice in hope of the glory of God, because we are going to heaven.

Present – We rejoice in our troubles, because we grow through them.

We Do Not Lose Heart!

2 Cor 4

Because We Have a God-Centered Purpose (2 Cor 4:1-6)

Because We Have a God-Centered Treasure (2 Cor 4:7-12)

Because We Have a God-Centered Faith (2 Cor 4:13-18)

From my friend and colleague Dr. George Carman:

Timothy:  Never Too Soon!

Phil 2:19-20 – Timothy became such a great servant of God that Paul proclaimed there was no one like him. How did that happen?

It is never too early to begin our journey of faith, Prov 22:6.

Timothy had a mother and grand-mother that taught him from infancy, 2 Tim 1:3-5.

Timothy had a good reputation from his youth, Acts 16:1-2.

Timothy joined Paul as a traveling evangelist and became an example to all who knew him, 2 Tim 3:14-15.

Things Successful Christians Do

They say something to God every day (Pray), 1 Thes 5:17; Psm 107:2.

They let God say something to them every day, (Read and study the Bible) 2 Tim 2:15.

They do something for God every day, James 1:22; Gal 6:9-10.

Doing so will help them to “grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord,” 2 Pet 3:15.

Measuring Our Soul  2 Cor 13:5-6

From time-to-time we need to take a close look at our Christian life.  We need to learn how to measure our soul:

By our love for God and Jesus, John 14:21, 23.

By our love for each other, 1 Jn 4:20-21.

By our influence (What do others see in us?), Mt 4:13-16.

By our fruit, Gal 6:7-8; John 15:8

The Divine Visitor

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him and he with me”, Rev 3:20.

Jesus knocks as a physician to heal our sin-sick souls, Mt 9:12.

Jesus knocks as a teacher, Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, Col 2:3.

Jesus knocks as a bridegroom seeking a bride (the church), “Come, I will show you the Bride (the church), the wife of the Lamb (Jesus)”, Rev 21:15

When Jesus knocks on the door of our heart, we need to open the door that He might come in.

Three Great Words

Come: Mt 11:28

Become: John 1:11-12

Overcome: 1 John 5:4-5

We cannot overcome unless we become and we cannot become unless we come. Come to Jesus, He will save you.

From my friend and colleague Joe Slater:

Paul's Three "I Am's" Romans 1:14-16

I am a debtor (v. 14)

I am ready (v. 15)

I am not ashamed (v. 16)

Remember - give me additional outlines and ideas for these boys by posting a comment below! Thanks!

Fifty Years and Counting - a Tribute to George Carman

This post was written by Kaye Kiser. I asked if I could share it. George and Hilda have been friends to Tanya and me ever since we first met. They have touched many lives, both here and around the world.

On May 15, 2016, Dr. George Carman celebrated his 50th anniversary of preaching the gospel throughout the world! The Keller church of Christ, where George is currently a member, was privileged to hear him preach on this momentous occasion!  Following the sermon, the elders presented George  with a reprint of the Gutenberg Bible in honor of his lifelong, and oftentimes dangerous, service. It must also be mentioned that throughout his entire career, his wife, Hilda, was at his side providing support, encouragement, and service!

He has a bachelor degree in Biblical Studies from Sunset International Bible Institute (SIBI) and his Bachelors, Masters, and Doctor of Divinity degrees in Biblical studies from Theological University of America.   He is also a certified satellite school administrator, founding the Keller School of Biblical Studies (KSBS) at the Keller congregation and serving as administrator for their first six years, retiring from the position just last year.  George has either taught or overseen preacher training schools for over 15 years.  He served for 8 years establishing and organizing preacher training schools in Asia as a Regional Dean for Asia for the Sunset International Bible Institute (SIBI).  

George preached his first official sermon on May 15, 1966 in Tucumcari, New Mexico, where he grew up. For the next few months, he preached at various congregations in New Mexico until August when he moved to Lubbock, Texas to begin his formal training in ministry at the Sunset School of Preaching (currently known as Sunset International Bible Institute or SIBI). While attending school, he began his first preaching position, serving as minister for the congregation in Estelline, Texas, a small community outside Lubbock.  He served in this position from 1966-1968. Upon completion of his training with Sunset, he was hired by the 12th Street congregation in Seagraves, Texas where he served until 1970. 

George’s missionary work began in 1970 when he and his family moved to Thailand.  Next, he took a brief missionary position in Columbiana, Ohio from 1973-74, returning to Thailand until 1977.  From 2003 to 2009, George worked for Sunset International Bible Institute (SIBI) establishing satellite school of preaching in Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines, and South Korea, establishing ten schools in total.  His last missionary post was in the Northeastern United States.

Throughout his 50 years in ministry, George served as a pulpit minister in Texas, Arkansas, and New Mexico for a total of 24 years and as a missionary throughout Asia and the United States for a total of 26 years.  George has left an unprecedented mark on the brotherhood through his missionary work, establishing schools of preaching, published writings, and serving at various congregations.  The churches of Christ have truly been blessed by this great evangelist's example and teaching!

100-Plus Favorite Scriptures

God’s Word promises that that man is blessed whose delight is in the law of the Lord, who meditates on his law day and night (Psalm 1:1-2). The benefits of memorizing and meditating on Scripture cannot be measured.

Our congregation’s involvement with L2L (Lads to Leaders / Leaderettes) has encouraged our brothers and sisters (adults as well as youth) to memorize Scripture. One can sign up for the “Centurion of Scripture,” committing to learn and recite 100 verses of his or her choice during any given year.

I compiled my list, starting with some verses I knew and including others I wanted to learn. The experience has been very rewarding. I added more than 100 so I can continue learning. They are numbered in groups of ten.

As you look at my list, perhaps you will do something similar. In the process you will develop a great resource to use for family devotional, personal evangelism, Bible class teaching, and more. God will bless you for it!

[1-10] Genesis 1:1–2 (ESV)

1 In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

Genesis 9:6 (ESV)

6 “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, for God made man in his own image.

Psalm 22:1 (ESV)

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?

Proverbs 15:1 (ESV)

1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Proverbs 18:17 (ESV)

17 The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.

Proverbs 22:1 (ESV)

1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.

Matthew 5:13–16 (ESV)

13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.

[11-20] 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 16:13–18 (ESV)

13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”

14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.

18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV)

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Mark 16:15–16 (ESV)

[21-30] 15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

John 1:1–14 (ESV)

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 He was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.

4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.

8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.

[31-40] 9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.

11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.

12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,

13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:18 (ESV)

18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

John 3:3–5 (ESV)

3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?”

5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

John 3:16–17 (ESV)

[41-50] 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

John 12:48 (ESV)

48 The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.

John 14:1–6 (ESV)

1 “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.

2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

4 And you know the way to where I am going.”

5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?”

6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 14:27 (ESV)

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

[51-60] John 16:33 (ESV)

33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

John 20:30–31 (ESV)

30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;

31 but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Acts 2:36–47 (ESV)

36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”

41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

[61-70] 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.

44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.

45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,

47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Acts 4:12 (ESV)

12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Acts 22:16 (ESV)

16 And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

Romans 1:16–17 (ESV)

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Romans 3:10 (ESV)

10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one;

[71-80] Romans 3:23 (ESV)

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 5:1 (ESV)

1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:6–11 (ESV)

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—

8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.

10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Romans 6:1–4 (ESV)

1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?

2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?

[81-90] 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?

4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Romans 6:23 (ESV)

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 10:17 (ESV)

17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

Romans 12:1–2 (ESV)

1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Romans 12:21 (ESV)

21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 Corinthians 3:11 (ESV)

11 For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:16–18 (ESV)

16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.

17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,

[91-100] 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 5:1 (ESV)

1 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

2 Corinthians 5:10 (ESV)

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

2 Corinthians 5:14 (ESV)

14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died;

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV)

21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 6:1 (ESV)

1 Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

2 Corinthians 7:1 (ESV)

1 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.

Philippians 2:5–11 (ESV)

5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,

7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

[101-110] 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,

10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 4:4–7 (ESV)

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;

6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Colossians 3:1–4 (ESV)

1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

[111-120] 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Colossians 3:17 (ESV)

17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 4:6 (ESV)

6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

James 1:2–8 (ESV)

2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,

3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;

[121-130] 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

James 1:19 (ESV)

19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

James 1:27 (ESV)

27 Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

James 3:1–2 (ESV)

1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.

1 Peter 2:21–25 (ESV)

21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.

22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.

23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.

24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.