While going through the World Video Bible School training material back in the late 1990s, I memorized hundreds of Bible verses assigned for various coursework. I was commuting to college and on the road about 4 hours each week. So, thanks to cruise control and a straight road, I was able to put many verses to memory during that time. Putting God's word into our minds is always a good use of our time, as the Psalmist once said - "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You" (Psa. 119:11).

Months ago I saw a post online from a friend, Randal Matheny, at FellowshipRoom.org. Randal had posted ten Bible passages covering the basics of theology (specifically, ten fundamental topics pertaining to Christianity). I liked his list so much I wanted to adapt it and share it with you today. These would be great verses for you to put to memory!

1. GOD
Perhaps the best place to go is Deuteronomy 6:4 - "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!" This is the beginning of the "shema" that every Jew, so I'm told, recites constantly.

2. CHRIST
Since there are a number of choices, it's difficult to pick just one verse, but let's go with John 1:14 - "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."

3. HOLY SPIRIT
Romans 8:11 is a great passage to cite here since it connects both Jesus' resurrection and ours with the Spirit - "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Christ from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies, through His Spirit who dwells in you."

4. MAN
Genesis 1:27 communicates volumes about the crown of God's creatures on Earth - "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."

5. SALVATION
It's hard not to cite Acts 2:38 here, but an emphasis is needed on the redemptive nature of Christ's death, so let's go with Mark 10:45 - "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many."

6. CHURCH
Matthew 16:18 is powerful here - "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it."

7. MORALITY
I Peter 1:14-16 speaks to proper Christian morality - "As obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, 'Be holy, for I am holy.'"

8. MISSION
Jesus' Great Commission in Mark 16:15,16 is vitally important - "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned."

9. ESCHATOLOGY
This is a fancy word that refers to the events of the end of time. The Lord Jesus clearly affirmed - "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:3).

10. BIBLE
Although there are many good passages to choose for most of these topics, perhaps the best one to select here is II Timothy 3:16,17 - "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."