As children of God, we are always looking at how we can change our lives for the better. These 12 Scriptures need to be memorized. They can change your life and help you change others’ lives.
First, there has to be a new birth, salvation. “For God so loved the world (mankind), that he (God) gave his only begotten Son (Jesus), that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Also, in John 3:1-7, Jesus tells Nicodemus that he must be born again.
Second, we are to identify as God’s child. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God…” (1 John 3:1-2).
Next, consider how Christ becomes the living word. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God” (John 1:1-2).
Also, consider God’s strength. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11).
Wives and husbands, turn to and read Ephesians 5:21-33.
Children can learn Ephesians 6:1-3: “Children obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”
Another verse for parents to remember is Ephesians 6:4: “And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath; but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”
A good verse to have memorized when facing temptation is 1 Corinthians 10:13: “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”
When we do fail, it’s good to remember this verse about confession and forgiveness: “If we confess our sings, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
Meeting together with other believers is important. “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works; not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another, and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Another important verse for the Christian life is about walking in the spirit. “This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law” (Galatians 5:16-18).
Finally, we must keep in mind the Great Commission from Jesus: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen” (Matthew 28:20).
We need to start putting these in our lives today. Then we can help others.
Joseph Merriman is pastor of First Baptist Church of Greenfield. This weekly column is written by local clergy members.
