PROGRAMMED FOR JESUS

    We are living in the last days and we can all use something extra to maintain the “victory.” My argument is that scripture memorization gives the Christian something extra. In no way is it a substitute for being born again or talking to the Lord, but I submit that it is almost a “must” for genuine believers today. First of all, it is very Biblical. “This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night . . .” “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee . . .” “Study to show thyself approved unto God . . .” 1 And it is a good method of studying the Word. It also provides one with a rich devotional technique for use anytime and anyplace. Then too, scripture in the mind becomes more and more clear and ready for application. When confronted with an issue, event, or discussion, the believer’s mind or spirit recalls the appropriate Truth and he actually “looks out through it.” The Word is there, and it orients his views to those of the Spirit which inspired the Bible. 
    Dr. Jack Van Impe (passed in 2020) was one of today’s leading evangelists. He memorized over 9,000 passages of God’s living Word. “As a student, Jack found the verses he programmed into his mind were like good friends. They came to his aid when he needed them. Assignments became easier. Witnessing, a natural experience. And, best of all, this army of Bible verses marched into his ordination examination and rescued him from hours of questioning by the ministers present . . . Having so much of the Bible committed to memory has equipped Dr. Van Impe for encounters with critics and opponents. Members of cults who have come unsuspectingly to his door have found themselves at a loss to cope with his plain presentation of Bible truths.”2
    Now many would say that Van Impe is gifted, but he flatly denies any such thing. However, Van Impe does have a very refined technique of memorization. The following system has proven to be effective without much effort. It is basically Van Impe’s.
    First, let the Spirit impress on your mind what is in season for memory. Your favorite passages provide enough to work with at first. Record these in pencil on a card labeled PROSPECTS – keep this card with you as much as possible.
    Second, select meaningful prospects from the list three at a time.
    Third, select a version for each text, then type or write them on 3x5 cards. Now the selecting process can be time consuming, but it is valuable study and interesting too.
    Fourth, read each of the three cards about seven times a day for three days. Redeem spare minutes by having cards with you and reading them whenever convenient. Going over them a couple minutes before bedtime and a couple minutes first thing in the morning is good too.
    Fifth, on the third day commit each text to memory. About ten minutes or so with each one should be enough. During that day review each one until it “flows” well – maybe ten times or so. This review can be done anywhere – working, walking, standing in line, driving, etc.
    Sixth, record newly memorized passages on back of the PROSPECTS list in pencil. They become the OF LATE list which should stay about nine strong. (The last three groups of three.) Review the OF LATE list once or twice daily.
    Seventh, record all memorized passages and review each one at least twice a week. Passages can be arranged topically for easier and more effective reference to them. The following is a suggested list:

Accountability
Apostasy
Atonement
Blasphemy
Blindness
Conscience
Curse
Depravity of man
Deity of Christ
Divine guidance
Error/philosophy
Faith
Forgiveness

    This memory system is one of the easiest and most practical. As described, it is geared for learning one passage a day, which is thirty a month, and this adds up as time marches on. I didn’t know Van Impe personally, but a Navy Chaplain had 1000 passages memorized so I tried to catch him – almost got there with 869 in 3 years or so. And it seemed like a premium spiritual reward came to me at that time – see note #7.  It is hoped that this system will be useful for some to find that “something extra” in their Christian experience. May the Lord lead you and bless you toward 2 Peter 3:18. "Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever."


1Joshua 1:8, Psalm 119:11, 2 Timothy 2:15
2They Call Him the Walking Bible, by Roger F. Campbell, pgs. 129-132


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Glorification
God
God’s Ways
Happiness
Hell
Hiding sin
Holiness/conduct
Holy Spirit
Humility
Imposters
Inspiration
Jesus Christ
Judgment 
Justification
Life eternal
Love
New covenant
Peace
Persecution
Praise
Prayer
Pride
Prosperity
Redemption
Repentance
Rewards 
Salvation
Satan
Second coming
Self-Righteousness
Sin
Study
Temptation
The way
Tribulation
Trinity
Unbelief
Wisdom
Wrath of God