Arming Yourself For Spiritual Battle

*****  Read my testimony about ARME Bible Camp here *****

It is always a blessing to attend a conference and to be filled with powerful tools for Bible study, witnessing and outreach....

but...

I believe the blessing is doubled when we actually implement these tools in our own bible studies and share them with others!

Since ARME Bible Camp ended on November 2nd in Pennsylvania, I have been able to share these tools with others, but have also embarked on an exciting project!

One of the exercises we did at the camp was to come up with 10 scriptural references for The Sabbath without opening our Swords (The Bibles)! Andre Waller spoke about the importance of having scripture memorized for all that we believe and I got convicted on this point. In 1 Peter 3:15, we are supposed to be ready always to give answers to anyone who asks us about our beliefs. So following this model, I am embarking on arming myself with scriptures for each of the fundamental beliefs. Below is an outline of what I have created to help me in this project. Feel free to modify ~

Here is how to do your own Bible Study/Memorization project:

1) Always, always, always start with prayer, and have a dedicated notebook/electronic note-taking app for all your notes.

2) Pick a topic/doctrine from the Bible: You can pick from the 28 fundamental beliefs, or any other topic. Let's use the Sabbath for our example.

3) Find 8-10 scriptures that speak about this doctrine and memorize their references: You can have as many scriptures as you want, but I think having 10 is a good strong number. References for the Sabbath we can use can be Genesis 2:1-3, Exodus 16:23-30, Exodus 20:8-11, Mark 2:27-28, etc...

4) As much as possible, memorize many of the scriptures for each topic: In instances where you referenced a whole chapter, you can just summarize the passage, unless you want to memorize the chapter! Go for it!!!

5) Take your time with each topic! The purpose of this project is not to boast about how many bible verses you've memorized or how quickly you can recite passages. The purpose is to grow in your relationship with Christ Jesus and to understand why you believe what you believe. Do not rush each topic, spend as much time as you need studying (not just memorizing!) each scriptural passage and making notes on each one.

6) Review! Review! Review! Once you have studied out a topic and you now have scripture to back it up, review the topic and its references repeatedly until they become part of your long-term memory. 

7) Move onto to another topic/doctrine and repeat the process.

The only weapon The LORD used when tempted by the devil in the wilderness was The Word (see Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13). Because He had the Holy Scriptures memorized, He was able to fight off the advances of the enemy with a "It is written". It is imperative we too have the Holy Scriptures hid in our hearts. 

So I leave you with these questions: What are you doing with The Sword God has given you? Ephesians 6:17 says the Sword of the Spirit is the Word of God. Is your Sword collecting dust? Have you been neglecting study and bible memorization? May I suggest to you to pick up your sword daily and put on the whole armor of God. I'm in the Lord's army, are you? Prove it...