Substance Church’s Verses to Memorize (NIV)
This is a topical collection of scriptures that Pastor Peter Haas recommends his staff (and all of us) memorize. This list is in the NIV (unless otherwise noted). His comments on certain passages are shown in parentheses. Learn more on his blog:
https://www.peterhaas.org/bible-verses-to-memorize/
There is also an ESV list for those who prefer that version.
150 verses
KarinaRuth
Feb. 1, 2025
English
0
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1 Corinthians 10:13NIV
Temptation
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
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1 Corinthians 14:1NIV
Hearing God’s Voice
Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: [This is] “a command showing that the prophetic is something that all Christians must learn how to excel in…not merely ‘prophets.’ “) -
1 Corinthians 14:3NIV
Hearing God’s Voice
But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: “Unfortunately, there are a lot of pathetic prophets who revel in oppressing people and manipulating people with their words. Yet, Paul gives us a life-giving filter through which we can scrutinize these so-called impressions.”) -
1 Corinthians 14:32NIV
Hearing God’s Voice
The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. For God is not a God of disorder but of peace.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: “This simple verse explains that prophetic impressions of God never ‘take over our mouths’ like the demonic, nor give us an excuse for rudeness or rebellion. Indeed, the manner in which a word is delivered is as critical as the word itself. It should lead to peace.”) -
1 Corinthians 15:33NIV
Holy Living
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
(Footnote: Paul was quoting the Greek poet Menander.) -
1 Corinthians 15:58NIV
Perseverance
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
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1 Corinthians 2:12NIV
Provision
What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.
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1 Corinthians 3:16NIV
Holy Living
Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?
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1 Corinthians 6:9-11NIV
Sexuality
9 Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
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1 John 2:15-16NIV
Holy Living
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.
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1 John 2:18NIV
The Return of Christ
Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour.
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1 Peter 2:11NIV
Temptation
Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.
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1 Peter 3:18NIV
Grace/Works—Salvation/Justification
For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.
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1 Peter 4:1-2NIV
Temptation
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
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1 Peter 4:7-9NIV
Holy Living
The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
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1 Peter 5:2-4NIV
Leadership/Pastoring
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: [This is] “a command revealing the heart and spirit behind how we are to lead people and the rewards for doing so.”) -
1Peter 5:7NIV
Anxiety/Thoughts
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
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1 Peter 5:8-9NIV
Temptation
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
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1 Thessalonians 4:14-18NIV
The Return of Christ
For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
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1 Thessalonians 4:3-6NIV
Sexuality
3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable, 5 not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; 6 and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before.
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1 Thessalonians 5:1-2NIV
The Return of Christ
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
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1 Thessalonians 5:16-18NIV
Prayer
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: [This is] “a command that joy and thanksgiving should always be a part of prayer.”) -
1 Thessalonians 5:19-22NIV
Hearing God’s Voice
Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good, reject every kind of evil.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: [This is] “a command to avoid the two extreme approaches to the prophetic that are common in today’s church: cynical abstainers vs. unhinged mystics.”) -
1 Timothy 4:16NIV
Leadership/Pastoring
Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: [This is] “a command that explains that both doctrine and lifestyle matter.”) -
1 Timothy 6:6-10NIV
Generosity/Stewardship
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
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2 Corinthians 5:15NIV
Calling/Destiny
And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
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2 Corinthians 9:10-11NIV
Provision
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
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2 Corinthians 9:6-8NIV
Generosity/Stewardship
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
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2 Peter 1:21NIV
On the Bible
For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
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2 Peter 3:16NIV
On the Bible
He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
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2 Thessalonians 1:9NIV
Doctrines of Heaven & Hell
He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.
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2 Thessalonians 2:8NIV
The Return of Christ
And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming.
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2 Timothy 2:24-25NIV
Leadership/Pastoring
And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.
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2 Timothy 3:16-17NIV
On the Bible
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
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Acts 1:11NIV
The Return of Christ
(He) will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.
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Acts 17:26bNIV84
Calling/Destiny
[God] determined the times set for [us] and the exact places where [we] should live.
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Acts 1:8NIV
Holy Spirit
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: “This verse communicates several profound truths: (1).The Baptism of the Holy Spirit results in true power – the kind they didn’t already posses. (2). God doesn’t merely want witnesses; but, witnesses with power. Thus, it is the thesis of the entire book of Acts.”) -
Acts 8:16NIV
Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: “This verse is doctrinally significant because, the infilling of the Holy Spirit is not automatic with salvation. The Scriptures often show the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a subsequent experience (see also Acts 19:2).”) -
Daniel 12:2-3NIV
Doctrines of Heaven & Hell
Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise[a]will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: “A scripture indicating that Hell is forever, not temporary. And that people will be conscious, not sleeping – two things that many cults deny.”) -
Deuteronomy 8:17-18NIV
Generosity/Stewardship
You may say to yourself, “My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.” But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today.
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Ephesians 2:10NIV
Calling/Destiny
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
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Ephesians 2:8-9NIV
Grace/Works—Salvation/Justification
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.
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Ephesians 4:11NIV
Leadership/Pastoring
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: “This verse unpacks what many call the ‘five-fold’ ministry – five different types of leaders within the body of Christ.”) -
Ephesians 4:1-3NIV
Anger/Conflict Resolution
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.
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Ephesians 4:29NIV
Holy Living
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
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Ephesians 4:30-32NIV
Holy Spirit
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: “Although our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, we still need to create space for Him through daily surrender. As Paul says a chapter later, “be continually filled” 5:18. And this is a classic summary of how His Spirit transforms our relationships.”) -
Ephesians 5:18NIV
Holy Living
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
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Ephesians 5:3-4NIV
Holy Living
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
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Ephesians 6:12NIV
Prayer
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
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Exodus 15:26NIV
Healing
He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.
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Exodus 15:26NIV
Healing
He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.
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Exodus 33:14NIV
Sleep
The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
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Galatians 2:20NIV
Holy Living
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
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Galatians 6:9-10NIV
Perseverance
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. -
Genesis 1:1-2NIV
Trinity
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: “When compared to John 1:1, we see the full functional differences within the Trinity: The Father ordains, the Son creates, the Spirit sustains.”) -
Hebrews 1:1-2NIV
Deity of Christ
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: “This verse not only affirms the divinity of Christ – his pre-existence of earth – but his omnipotence through creating it – similar to John 1:1-3.”) -
Hebrews 11:6NIV
Faith
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
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Hebrews 12:1-2aNIV
Perseverance
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
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Hebrews 12:14-15NIV
Anger/Conflict Resolution
Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: “This command shows us the result of unmanaged sin or offense, it harms everyone. The greatest mark of our maturity is how we respond to other people’s sin.”) -
Hebrews 12:2b-3NIV
Perseverance
For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. -
Hebrews 13:4NIV
Sexuality
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
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Hebrews 13:5NIV
Generosity/Stewardship
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
“Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.” -
Hebrews 2:18NIV
Temptation
Because he himself [Jesus] suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
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Hebrews 4:12NIV
On the Bible
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
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Hebrews 4:15-16NIV
Temptation
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
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Hebrews 5:14NIV
Hearing God’s Voice
But solid food [God’s Word] is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: [This is] “a command showing that, the more we know God’s word, the more confident we will be about discerning whether impressions /teachings are from God verses the devil.”) -
Hebrews 6:10NIV
Leadership/Pastoring
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: “When we serve God’s people, there are rewards.”) -
I Peter 5:5-6NIV
Humility/Servanthood
All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”[a] 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
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Isaiah 26:3-4NIV
Anxiety/Thoughts
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. -
Isaiah 41:10NIV
Protection
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
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Isaiah 41:10NIV
Anxiety/Thoughts
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand
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Isaiah 53:6NIV
Grace/Works—Salvation/Justification
We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all. -
Isaiah 63:14NIV
Sleep
They were given rest by the Spirit of the Lord.
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James 1:13-15NIV
Temptation
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
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James 1:19-20NIV
Anger/Conflict Resolution
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
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James 1:19-20NIV
Holy Living
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: “Anger always creates collateral damage. Thus, we should be like God who is ‘slow to anger’ (Exod 34:6). We can choose to transmit pain or transform it.”) -
James 2:20,22NIV
Grace/Works—Salvation/Justification
20 Do you want evidence that faith without works is dead? …
22 You see that [Abraham’s] faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. -
Jeremiah 33:3NIV
Hearing God’s Voice
Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: “As my Sunday School teacher told me, ‘33:3 is the Lord’s phone number.’ ”) -
Jeremiah 7:14NIV
Healing
Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.
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John 10:30NIV
Deity of Christ
“I and the Father are one.” Again his Jewish opponents picked up stones to stone him.
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John 1:1-3NIV
Trinity
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: “This not only shows that Jesus is God but explains how he functions in relationship to the Father.”) -
John 14:13NIV
Prayer
And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
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John 14:21NIV
On the Bible
Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.
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John 14:26-27NIV
On the Bible
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. -
John 15:7NIV
Prayer
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
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John 16:13NIV
On the Bible
But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
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John 16:8NIV
Holy Spirit
When the [Holy Spirit] comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgement.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: “This command shows us that, we don’t have to worry about trying to convict the world of sin. We needn’t shame them or guilt them. Rather, we simply need to be ready to show them God to walk out God’s plan after they have been convicted.”) -
John 20:27-29NIV
Deity of Christ
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
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John 8:57-58NIV
Deity of Christ
“You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!” “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” At this, they picked up stones to stone him.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: “ ‘I Am’ is one of the names of God. Jesus was clearly saying that he was the one who revealed himself to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3:14.”) -
Joshua 1:8NIV
On the Bible
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
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Luke 14:14NIV
Humility/Servanthood
“Although the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
(This command explains why Christians are capable of having many one-way relationships. -Pastor Peter Haas) -
Luke 18:1NIV
Prayer
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: [This is] “a command that we should persevere in prayer.”) -
Luke 23:43NIV
Doctrines of Heaven & Hell
Jesus answered [the criminal on the cross], “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
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Mark 10:44-45NIV
Humility/Servanthood
“Whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
(In a world where leadership usually means entitlement and prestige, we serve. -Pastor Peter Haas) -
Matthew 16:27NIV
The Return of Christ
For the Son of Man is going to come with His angels in the glory of His Father, and then He will repay each person according to what he has done.
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Matthew 18:15-17NIV
Anger/Conflict Resolution
“If your brother or sister[b] sins,[c] go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’[d] If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: “This command illustrates a process that many Christians break: We go straight to the offending individual first – instead of triangulating: involving other people in your grievance, a.k.a., gossip or politicking. Only when reconciliation fails should we involve others in a dispute; and going public is always a last-resort, not a first response.”) -
Matthew 24:36NIV
The Return of Christ
But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
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Matthew 25:46NIV
Doctrines of Heaven & Hell
Then [on day of judgement] the [cursed] will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.
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Matthew 3:16-17NIV
Trinity
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: “Significance: All three members of the trinity were present in a singular moment – a fact that many cults dispute.”) -
Matthew 4:4NIV
Temptation
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ ” (a quotation of Deut. 8:3)
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Matthew 5:23-24NIV
Anger/Conflict Resolution
Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: “Many Christians avoid confrontation, delay honesty and communication.”) -
Matthew 6:19-21NIV
Generosity/Stewardship
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. -
Matthew 6:31-33NIV
Provision
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
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Matthew 6:7-8NIV
Prayer
And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
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Matthew 6:9-13NIV
Prayer
“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation,[a] but deliver us from the evil one.[b]’ “
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Matthew 7:1-2NIV
Anger/Conflict Resolution
Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
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Matthew 8:2-3NIV
Healing
A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy.
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Matthew 9:28-30NIV
Healing
[Jesus] asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied.
Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored. -
Philippians 2:12-13NIV
Grace/Works—Salvation/Justification
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
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Philippians 2:3-4NIV
Humility/Servanthood
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
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Philippians 4:13NIV84
Perseverance
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
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Philippians 4:19NIV
Provision
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
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Philippians 4:6-8NIV
Anxiety/Thoughts
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
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Proverbs 11:24-25NIV
Generosity/Stewardship
One person gives freely, yet gains even more;
another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.
A generous person will prosper;
whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. -
Proverbs 1:19NIV
Holy Living
Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: “This is a much more eloquent way of explaining: ‘Do not steal’ as it unpacks the fact that stealing leads to curses on our lives.”) -
Proverbs 1:23NIV
Hearing God’s Voice
Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings.
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Proverbs 13:20NIV84
Holy Living
He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
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Proverbs 15:1NIV
Anger/Conflict Resolution
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
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Proverbs 3:24NIV
Sleep
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
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Proverbs 3:25-26NIV
Protection
Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be at your side and will keep your foot from being snared.
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Proverbs 3:9-10NIV
Generosity/Stewardship
Honor the Lord with your wealth,
with the firstfruits of all your crops;
then your barns will be filled to overflowing,
and your vats will brim over with new wine. -
Psalm 103:2-5NIV
Healing
Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
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Psalm 112:7-8NIV
Protection
They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
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Psalm 119:9,11NIV
Temptation
How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. -
Psalm 127:1-2NIV
Leadership/Pastoring
Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to[a] those he loves.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: “As a leader – or parent – it’s easy to take on more responsibility that God has asked us to. Thus, here is a command that obligates us to partner with the Lord.”) -
Psalm 127:2bNIV
Sleep
For [the Lord] grants sleep to those he loves.
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Psalm 16:8NIV
Anxiety/Thoughts
I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
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Psalm 25:14NIV
Hearing God’s Voice
The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them.
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Psalm 30:2NIV
Healing
Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.
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Psalm 34:19NIV
Protection
The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.
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Psalm 34:7NIV
Protection
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.
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Psalm 37:25NIV
Provision
I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.
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Psalm 37:4NIV
Provision
Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (NIV84)
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Psalm 46:1-2NIV
Protection
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.
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Psalm 91:14-16NIV
Protection
Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.
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Psalm 91:9-11NIV
Protection
If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.
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Revelation 19:10NLT
Hearing God’s Voice
The essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus.
(Note from Pastor Peter Haas: “Many so-called prophets focus the majority of their words on politics. They woo people to themselves, their ministries or other earthly leaders– as if they are indispensable harbingers who can protect us from the uncertainty. Be careful of any prophetic ministry that isn’t centered on evangelism – the testimony of Jesus.”) -
Revelation 21:1-2NIV
Doctrines of Heaven & Hell
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”[a] for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.
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Revelation 2:26NIV
Sexuality
To the one who is victorious [over sexual sin] and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations.
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Romans 10:17NIV
Faith
Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
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Romans 12:1-2NIV
Holy Living
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
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Romans 1:26-28NIV
Sexuality
26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones.
27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.
28 Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. -
Romans 15:13NIV
Holy Spirit
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
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Romans 3:23NIV
Grace/Works—Salvation/Justification
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
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Romans 4:19-21NIV
Faith
Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
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Romans 6:23NIV
Grace/Works—Salvation/Justification
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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Romans 6:3-5NIV
Baptism
Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. -
Romans 8:11NIV
Healing
And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies.
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Titus 2:11-12NIV
Grace/Works—Salvation/Justification
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.
It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, -
Titus 3:5NIV
Grace/Works—Salvation/Justification
[God] saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.