The Defenders of the Faith is a church-wide memorization program to help us hide the Word of God and the truths of Scripture in our hearts. Our children to adults all memorize the same Scripture verses and catechism questions each month and repeat them together whenever we gather for worship and/or teaching.  There is even an end of the year party/celebration for those who have completed the memory work and recited it to our Elders and Deacons.

Our goal is not just to memorize though, but to understand and apply the truths of God that we commit to memory.  Doing this together as a church family allows us to help one another with this important task. 

We have several resources available that can help you memorize and encourage you.  Contact us at info@gracebpc.org for any of these documents:

• Why Should We Memorize Scripture and the Catechism?
• How Does the Defenders Program Work?
• Is There Help To Understand The Verse?
• Are There Resources Available To Help Me Memorize?
• Do You Have Any Tips To Help Me Memorize?
• Special Tips For Children

2009 Defenders of the Faith Verses

January

Psalm 1:1

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful;”

Question:       Whom did Christ represent in the Covenant of Grace?

Answer:    His elect people.

 

February

Psalm 1:2

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.”

Question: How did Christ fulfill the covenant of grace?

Answer:    Christ obeyed the whole law for His people, and then suffered the punishment due for their sins.

 

March

Psalm 1:3

“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and what he does shall prosper.”

Question: How could Christ suffer?

Answer:    Christ, the son of God, became a man so that He could obey and suffer in our place.

 

April

Psalm 1:4

“The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.”

Question: For whom did Christ obey and suffer?

Answer:    For all whom God the Father gave to Christ.

 

May

Psalm 1:5

“Therefore, the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.”

Question: What kind of life did Christ live on earth?

Answer:    A life of obedience, service, and suffering.

 

June

Psalm 1:6

“For the LORD known the way of righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.”

Question: What is meant by the atonement?

Answer:    Christ satisfied God’s justice by His suffering and death as a substitute for sinners.

 

July

Psalm 23:1

“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Question: What does God the Father guarantee in the Covenant of Grace?

Answer:    To justify and sanctify all those for whom Christ died.

 

August

Psalm 23:2

“He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.”

Question: How does God justify you?

Answer:    God forgives all my sins and accepts me as righteous through Christ.

 

September

Psalm 23:3

“He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sale.”

Question: How does God sanctify you?

Answer:    God makes me more and more holy in heart and conduct.

 

October

Psalm 23:4

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

Question: What must you do to be saved?

Answer:    I must repent of my sin and believe in Christ as my Savior.

 

November

Psalm 23:5

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.”

Question: How do you repent of your sin?

Answer:    I must be sorry for my sin, and hate and forsake it.

 

December

Psalm 23:6

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

Question: Why must you hate and forsake your sin?

Answer:    Because sin displeases God.