The women at our church, Calvary Chapel Beaumont, will be studying Experiencing God beginning in September.
This study provides us with 12 Scriptures that take us on a closer walk with God.
The order of the 12 Scriptures that we are encouraged to memorize throughout the study stunned me. I slowly read them one by one in the order that we are to memorize them.
I’ve listed the memory verses in the order that they will be memorized. Notice the progression of the memory verses as they focus first on our relationship with God and then with others.
As our relationship with God deepens, our relationship with others also becomes closer.
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1. “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.” John 15:5
The first memory verse causes us to reflect on our relationship with God and how we produce fruit by abiding in Him. It reminds us that we can do nothing that counts without Him.
2. “Some take pride in chariots, and others in horses, but we take pride in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 20:7
The world takes pride in possessions, but God’s children take pride in God. As we abide in the Vine, the value of worldly possessions fades in our eyes.
3. “He said to him, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command.’” Matthew 22:37-38
Our relationship with God is the most important focus of our lives.
4. “The one who has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. And the one who loves me will be loved by my Father. I also will love him and will reveal myself to him.” John 14:21
As we focus on our relationship with God and His love, we will want to keep His commandments. Obedience flows from trusting in God.
Obedience flows from trusting in God.
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5. “The one who is from God listens to God’s words. This is why you don’t listen, because you are not from God.” John 8:47
God’s people listen deeply, absorbing His words, for they are life.
God’s words are life!
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6. “Jesus replied, ‘Truly I tell you, the Son is not able to do anything on His own, but only what He sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son likewise does these things.’” John 5:19
From loving God and abiding in Him to obeying and listening to Him, we understand that our lives are His and that just as Jesus could do nothing on His own, we can do nothing without Him. We are completely dependent upon God our Father.
7. “Now without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6
Our faith pleases God because we draw near to Him. God rewards us not for our works but for seeking Him.
8. “Every one of you who does not renounce all his possessions cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:33
Our faith or trust in God causes us to see that abiding in Him prompts us to obey His commands, to listen to Him, and depend upon Him. Nothing else matters, not even worldly possessions. We must leave all and follow Jesus.
9. “Jesus answered, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My Word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.’” John 14:23
The Father’s love is poured out upon us because we love Jesus and keep His Word. This love creates unity with God.
Those who love Jesus and obey His Word make their home with Him and the Father.
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10. “In the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.” Romans 12:5
Our unity with God extends to other believers, for we are one body in Christ but individual members.
11. “If we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7
As we walk in the light of the gospel, we enjoy fellowship (koinonia) with each other, and we’re washed by Jesus’ blood of all our sin.
12. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25
A close walk with God causes us to love His sons and daughters. Love prompts us to serve others.
Scriptures take us on a closer walk with God and unify us with His followers.
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These 12 Scriptures progressively take us from abiding in the Vine [Jesus] and deepening our relationship with God to joining Him where He is working in the world.
We begin preaching the gospel and loving one another.
First things first: our relationship with God. This includes listening to His Word and obeying.
We see Jesus’ obedience and dependence upon God, and we realize that we must also obey His commands.
That takes trust or faith in God, and that pleases Him.
As we grow in our relationship with God, the value of worldly possessions fades in our eyes, and we walk in His light, for God has made His home with us.
We walk in God’s light because He has made His home with those who have Him as their Lord.
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Our unity with God extends to all believers; therefore, we are one body in Christ and enjoy koinonia with each other. That unity causes us to encourage each other and fellowship with one another.
Father, we are overwhelmed by Your lovingkindness and goodness. Thank You for drawing near to us. We surrender our lives to You. Teach us how to abide in Jesus. Only through You will we produce fruit that is sweet to the taste and nourishing to others. Help us to see You in all our circumstances and honor You in our thoughts, words, and actions. Cause us to see where You are working and join You in that work. Unify us as one body in Christ and help us to serve Your sons and daughters as well as our communities in the light of Your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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