MEMORY VERSE
Philosophy
The Bible is God’s infallible and special revelation. It is one of the means God uses to make Himself and His will known to humanity. It is the Christian’s guidebook, a book that gives light in the darkness (Ps. 119:105) and the knowledge of Eternal life (I John 5:13). We are encouraged to study it and to search it diligently (Is. 34:16; John 5:39; Deut. 17:19).
The Bible tells us to hide God’s Word in our hearts (memorize) (Deut. 11:18; Ps. 119:11; Col. 3:16) and to meditate on it. (Ps. 119:15, 48, 78, 148: I Tim. 4:13-15; Joshua 1:8).
The stated goals of our Bible curriculum at the Lansing Christian School include equipping the student with the knowledge to properly study the Bible, to meditate upon it, and to grow spiritually both now and throughout life. For this reason we require memorization of selected Bible passages and verses. The memory program is not something separate from the regular Bible curriculum. It is an integral part of Bible study and aims to serve the same purpose.
Certain Bible verses have been selected for each grade level. These are referred to as the “core” memory work. Each teacher adds some verses to that list, which fit the lessons being taught. [In selecting the passages for memorization teachers attempt to choose passages that fit certain categories that reflect the God-man relationship].
1. God’s Attributes – Our God is the creator and sustainer of the universe and the life in it. He is almighty, everywhere present, and has infinite knowledge. He will be the final judge of the world and His will is sovereign. He is living today and is eternal. He is truly Lord of Lords and King of Kings. (Examples: Gen. 1:1; Psalm 19:1; Psalm 90:1-2)
2. Man is Sinful – We are conceived and born in sin and incapable of doing any good or saving ourselves. Because of this fact we must realize our dependence on God for forgiveness of sin and our need for Christ as our hope of salvation. (Examples: Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:23; Romans 3:10-12).
3. Salvation through Christ – God has provided a way by which mankind can be saves, namely through the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. It is only through believing in Christ that man can be saved. There is no other salvation. (Examples: John 3:16-17; Romans 5:8; Acts 4:12).
4. A Response of Gratitude – Our lives are to be examples of gratitude for the gift of salvation God has given. We are called to service for the King. We have definite responsibilities toward God and our fellowman. We are called to a response in life. (Examples: Psalm 19:14; Isaiah 6:8; Matthew 6:33).
5. God’s Promises – God’s promises are sure. His promises give us hope and comfort. God’s promises are the solid foundation upon which we build our lives. God never fails in His promises to us. (Examples: Isaiah 40:31; Matthew 7:7-8; I John 1:9).]
Teachers also try to develop in the students a desire to continue to memorize Scripture long after the student has left Lansing Christian School. We provide a solid base of memory work, but fully understand that our list is not all-inclusive. Our hope is that our students continue to memorize portions of the Bible and meditate on it. “Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against Thee.” (Psalm 119:11)