Memorize Scripture –Hebrews 11:6

Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

This is a very sacramental teaching which points to our attitude in the sacraments. Especially the sacrament of baptism. In another place (Mark 16:16) Scripture says, "He that believes and is baptized will be saved. But he who does not believe will be condemned."

Therefore, when we approach the sacraments, we must believe that God will keep his promises. If we do not believe that will give us that which he promised to give us in the sacraments, we condemn ourselves. It is a little bit more plainly explained in another verse:

1 Cor 11:27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.

28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body.

So we're still in the book of Hebrews. And Hebrews still reminds me of "he brews". And the number 1 can be represented by the letter T or D. and the number 6 can be represented by j, ch, sh, g (soft).

One of my favorite foods is dates. Yes, Palm dates. So, will say that, "he brews DaTes with SHugar." For the picture we see a Hebrew dipping dates and pouring sugar into a teacup.

Now I want to try something a little bit new. Let's visualize a little square. In the upper left-hand corner, we visualize our Hebrew, but without a face. This is to symbolize, "but without faith".

Now move to our upper right-hand corner, then visualize an older man dressed in a white, is sporting a long beard and long white hair. This represents God and he is wagging his finger as though he is not pleased with the Hebrew. This is to represent, "it is impossible to please him".

Let's move to the lower left-hand corner, and our Hebrew is walking towards God. This refers to, "he that comes to God must believe that he is".

And now we'll move to our lower right-hand corner and see God showering the Hebrew with gifts and treasures. This represents, "that he is old rewarder of those who diligently seeking."

All right, I hope that works.

Sincerely,

De Maria

Memorize the bible - 1 Cor 4:3-5

Let's go over this verse because it has given me all kinds of trouble. And after all this time, I still don't get it. One heart, the ram is real. That's the picture, "one heart" stands for 1 Corinthians. " Ram is real" stands for the numbers 4: 3,4,5. Put together that is, 1 Cor 4:3-5. The ram is real because in the Old Testament judges used to wear a ram's horns headdress.  So here, I envision Jesus Christ wearing a ram's horns headdress, sitting on a judge's seat, with a gavel in one hand. The ram is also real because Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God. Verse 3- So, I envision a bunch of rams surrounding me. This is to represent the words "judged of you". As I look at the rams, they get smaller and smaller. This is to represent the words, "a very small thing". Then, the ram's horns appear on my head. And I hurry up and toss them off.  Because "I judge not mine own self." Verse 4- I put on a dunce hat and sit in the corner.  "I know nothing by myself".  The Lord is standing before me with ram's horns.  "He that judgeth me is the Lord." Verse 5- I look at my watch and put on the ram's horns when the Lord appears. "Judge nothing before time until the Lord come."  The Lord shines a flash light into the darkness. "who will bring to light the hidden things of darkness".  From the darkness come talking hearts.  "manifest the counsels of the hearts".  The Lord pets all the sheep on the head.  "then shall every man have praise of God." 1 Corinthians 4:3-5 King James Version (KJV) 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.  4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.  5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. I love this verse and I use it often in my apologetics.  Why? Well, one of the things that Protestants object to is the fact that we don't judge ourselves saved.  They readily claim salvation by faith alone and believe they are saved immediately when they claim that they have saving faith. But the Catholic Church teaches that God is our judge.  We don't judge ourselves.  We can't judge anyone's salvation.  We are taught to do good and let God be our Judge.  Claiming salvation for ourselves, is, in fact, the sin of presumption: TRENT VICHAPTER XIIRASH PRESUMPTION OF PREDESTINATION IS TO BE AVOIDED No one, moreover, so long as he lives this mortal life, ought in regard to the sacred mystery of divine predestination, so far presume as to state with absolute certainty that he is among the number of the predestined,[74] as if it were true that the one justified either cannot sin any more, or, if he does sin, that he ought to promise himself an assured repentance. For except by special revelation, it cannot be known whom God has chosen to Himself. And this is a teaching straight from Scripture.  For good measure, I'm also going to review the old picture I had developed for this verse: Well, let's look at the words then: 3But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.  4For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.  5Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. 1. I am small - But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. 2.  Jesus judges me - For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 3.  I am surrounded by false judges and Jesus pulls me into the light - Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness 4.  The hearts of the saints become visible - and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. And the word picture I originally used was the vision of the Sacred heart meaning 1 Cor and a picture of a Ram representing the Lamb of God and the word "real".  The Ram is real! 1 Cor 4:3,4,5 The Sacred heart of Jesus and the Ram is real! Ok, well, I'll have to come back to that.  But I think its beginning to stick. Sincerely, De Maria

Memorize the Bible - review

It's been a  while now since I thought of the verses which I was memorizing. I don't know what that bodes for this project. Let me test myself again and see what I remember.

The first verse that are put into memory was Philippians ridem. write him stands for chapter 4 and verse 3. And I envisioned a filly was a piano on its back. And I went to lift the filly but couldn't until Christ came and touched me.

So the entire verse is Philippians 4:3 I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.

So let's see I did.

Philippians 4:3
King James Version (KJV)
3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

 That's  embarrassing! The correct chapter and verse follows.

Philippians 4:13
King James Version (KJV)
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

 Okay so I wasn't perfect but I see my mistake.

  Okay, another one.

He brews battle. "Battle" status for the numbers 9:15. And "he brews" stands for the book of Hebrews. And for this one I picture Jesus Christ holding a cross in one hand and a Bible in the other while battling Death.

And so the text is, "for this reason he became the mediator of a New Testament, the by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions in the first testament, those called should receive the promise of  an eternal inheritance."

Hebrews 9:15
King James Version (KJV)
15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

I like it!

2 Corinthians 5:15

And the text by memory is, "he died for all that those who live might no longer live unto themselves but live   unto him who died for them and rose again."

2 Corinthians 5:15
King James Version (KJV)
15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

 For some reason, on that one the reference came to me immediately without need for a word picture.

1 cor ram, which stands for 1 Corinthians 4:3

 On this one, I see Jesus Christ wearing a ram headdress and sitting on the judgment seat. The text from memory is, "I care nothing of being judged by you or human court. I won't even judge myself. For although my conscience is clean, I have one judge, Christ."

1 Corinthians 4:3-4
King James Version (KJV)
3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.  4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

 In this case I think I used the NIV instead of the KJV.

1 Corinthians 4:3-4
New International Version (NIV)
3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.

 And those are the only ones that come to mind right now. I'll have to review my posts to see if there are any other memory verses that are started.

Sincerely,

De Maria

Memorize the Bible: John 21:15-17

John 21:15-17

King James Version (KJV)

15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

This is an awesome Scripture which I use frequently to remind people that St. Peter was appointed the Shepherd of Christ's flock.

And the Scripture is set up into there verses which are similarly written and which have the same message.  In addition, it is connected to the verse where St. Peter rejected Jesus three times.

John 13:38

King James Version (KJV)

38 Jesus answered him, Wilt thou lay down thy life for my sake? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, The cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

Let's begin with a word picture for the verse reference.

We have John 21:15

1 is t or d

2 is n

5 is L

So, John nd/t:d/tL

To represent John, we'll have a chalice of wine.  Wine sounds like Juan or John in Spanish.  

So, the word picture will be Jesus, drinking a chalice of wine and telling St. Peter, "you NeeD To Lead."  The Capital letters are the numbers I need to remember. NDTL or 21:15

I think I've got a pretty good handle on this already because I use it so much.  Here I go without even reviewing.

Jesus asks, "Simon, do you love me?" Simon replied, "Lord you know that I love you."  "Feed my lambs."

Jesus asks a second time, "Simon, do you love me?"  Simon replies again, "Lord, you know that I love you."  "Feed my sheep."

Jesus asks a third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?"  Distressed that Jesus had asked him three times, Simon replies, "Yes Lord, you know that I love you."  Jesus says, "Pastor my sheep."

And the text actually says:

John 21:15-17

King James Version (KJV)

15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

And that is good enough for me.  But I'll work to get it closer.

So, Jesus sipping a chalice of wine and say, "you NeeD To Lead." Juan 21:15 through 17

Thanks for listening.

Sincerely,

De Maria

Memorize the Bible - 1 Peter 2:21

1 Peter 2:21
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

I use this verse often in conjunction with 2 Cor 5:15 and Heb 9:15.  Usually I mention that Christ died to redeem the transgressions of the Old or First Testament so that those who were called could receive the promise of eternal inheritance. (Heb 9:15).  And also, so that those who live might live no longer to themselves but for Him who died for them (2 Cor 5:15).

I did all that from memory.  I'm so happy!

Then I inform them that Christ died not so that we might live forever without suffering.  But so that we would also know how to suffer and die for our fellow man.  He gave us an example to live by.  That is where 1 Peter 2:21 comes in.

So, let's see what we can do for that one.

One thing I learned about mnemonics.  I need to organize the chapter and verse numbers.  And I will do that in the future.  But in the meantime, I will continue simply taking memorizing each of these with a unique mnemonic.

Let's turn to the numerical alphabet.

So,
1 = t or d
2 = n

We have a bunch of 1's and 2's so that'll do.  But that's not helping any.

Another thing I learned in the mnemonics forum is that I don't have to follow that numeric alphabet.  I can see if the numbers remind me of anything.  And they do.  The number 2:2 reminds me of tu-tu.  You know, a ballet dress.  So, I will picture a ballet dress and a bottle of wine.  Wine for one.

Peter means "rock",  I know that because piedra is rock in Spanish and because I memorized Matt 16:18 long, long ago, without mnemonics.  Just repetition.

So let's picture 1 huge rock for 1 Peter.   So the mental picture is "tu-tu wine on a large flat rock" for the verse 1 Peter 2:21.

Now the text:

1.  For even hereunto were ye called: - Christ calls me.
2.  because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example,  - And I see myself on the Cross with Christ.
3.  that ye should follow his steps:- and I follow after Christ, carrying my cross as He carries His.

Now, from memory:

The ref is a tutu and a bottle of wine on a big flat rock.  That's 1 Pet 2:21

The word picture:

Christ is calling me, I am on the Cross with Christ, then I follow Him carrying my Cross as He carries His.

And the words are,
For this are we called, for Christ also suffered in order to give us an example that we might follow in His steps.

Let's compare:
1 Peter 2:21
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Thanks for listening,

Sincerely,

De Maria

Review of Memorize the Bible verses

I hadn't done this in a while.  So, let's see how I do:

From memory, Heb 9:15:

For this reason He became the minister of the New Covenant, that by means of death for the transgressions in the first Covenant, those called could receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

2 Cor 5:15

And He died for all that those who live might no longer live unto themselves but live unto Him who died for them and rose again.

1 Cor 4:3-4

I am not concerned by your judgment or of any man's council.  I am not aware of any wrongdoing and my conscience is clean.  But that does  not make me innocent.  Because Christ is my judge.

And Philippians 4:15

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

 Now to compare:


Hebrews 9:15
King James Version (KJV)
15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

2 Corinthians 5:15
King James Version (KJV)
15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.


1 Corinthians 4:3-4
King James Version (KJV)
3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.  4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.


Philippians 4:13
King James Version (KJV)
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

1 Cor 4:3-4 still gives me trouble, but I think the gist is there.  Pray for me that I may master these techniques.

Sincerely,

De Maria

Memorize the bible - review 1 Cor 4:3-5

1 Corinthians 4:3-5
King James Version (KJV)
3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.  4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.  5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Ugh!  This one is killing me.  Its the only one I haven't been able to memorize.  It is also the biggest one I've tried to memorize.  But I love this verse. Maybe I need to pare it down?  Maybe if I divide it into smaller bits, I can conquer it.

Why don't I memorize 1 Cor 4:3-4, first?  This is the heart of the verse and the part I use the most.  I also use a different version of it than the KJV.  I don't know why, but when I first read it, years ago, it seemed to stick.

1 Corinthians 4:3-4

New International Version (NIV)

3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.

So, that's the one I'm going to memorize.  Word for word memory is not important to me.  There are so many versions of Scripture that I think the proper understanding is more important than a word for word memory of any single version.  And besides, I just want to recall it quickly rather than having to use the search engines.

Anyway, the gist that I want to remember here is that:
a.  I don't judge myself.
b. God is my Judge.  Therefore, I don't call myself saved by faith alone.  That is a form of presumption and a mortal sin in Catholic Teaching.
c.  We must all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and be judged (Romans 14:10).  We do not judge ourselves.

Therefore then, let's memorize this portion of the whole verse and see if it doesn't get easier:

1 Cor is one heart.

4 is equal to r and we have two fours while 3 is equal to m.

Actually, I don't want to re-invent the entire wheel.  I didn't have any trouble remembering "the ram is real."  I'll keep that.

And, now, I don't seem to have any trouble remembering the first part of the word picture.

I see myself being judged by others.  And I walk away from them to stand before the Judgment seat of Christ who is wearing rams horns and wielding a gavel.

So, from memory,

I care nothing about you judging me, nor any other man.  I don't even judge myself.  For, my conscience is clean.  Yet I am not thereby innocent.   For He who judges me is the Lord.

Now, let's compare:

1 Corinthians 4:3-4

New International Version (NIV)

3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me.

Pretty close.  I like that better than before.  Let's see what the KJV says:

1 Corinthians 4:3-4
King James Version (KJV)
3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.  4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. 

Yeah.  For some reason, that doesn't stick with me.  I'll go with the NIV on this one.   But I've got the gist anyway.

Sincerely,

De Maria

Memorize the Bible - Hebrews 6:2

Hebrews 6:2  Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

I love this verse because it speaks to me of the Seven Sacraments.  How, you ask?

Let me back up a bit.  I frequently tell people that the New Testament was written on the basis of the Doctrines of Jesus Christ.  Jesus Christ did not write a word of the New Testament.  He established a Church (Matt 16:18-19).  He appointed to the Church many leaders (Matt 10:1-4).  And He appointed one of them chief over all (John 21:15-17).  Then He commanded this Church to teach His Doctrines to the whole world (Matt 28:19).

It is based upon these Doctrines that the Church wrote the New Testament.  Not the other way around. Therefore, in order to understand Scripture, one must first understand the Doctrines of the Catholic Church.

So, what is the doctrine of Baptisms?

In my opinion, it is the doctrine of the Seven Sacraments.  The Seven Sacraments are all outpourings of the Holy Spirit.  In other words, they are all outpourings of the one Baptism of the Holy Spirit with which we all are baptized.  Therefore, in an age where St. Paul did not have access to the theological language which took the Church centuries to develop, instead of using the word "Sacraments" which did not yet exist, he used the phrase "doctrine of Baptisms".  In other places, he uses the word, "mysteries".

1 Corinthians 4:1  Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.

Now, the Catholic Church expressly teaches that there is one Baptism.  And St. Paul says the same:

* I. ONE BAPTISM FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS

977 Our Lord tied the forgiveness of sins to faith and Baptism: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved."521 Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ, who died for our sins and rose for our justification, so that "we too might walk in newness of life."522

Ephesians 4:5  One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 

But the Catholic Church does not contradict Scripture.  And Scripture doesn't contradict Itself.  Therefore, there is one Baptism from which the Seven Sacraments pour out their grace.  And the Seven Sacraments can be all considered Baptisms because they all wash us in the spiritual waters of God's grace.

Anyway, that's the way I make sense of that Teaching for myself.  


It occurs to me that I also like Hebrews 6:4:

Hebrews 6:4-6

4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,  5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,  6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

I use this frequently because it debunks the Protestant teaching of Once Saved Always Saved (OSAS). This doesn't speak to all the Sacraments.  But it does refer to more than one.  Let me break it down:

4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened,

Enlightenment speaks to being Baptized.  It is a euphemism commonly used by the early Church Fathers in reference to Baptism.

1216 "This bath is called enlightenment, because those who receive this [catechetical] instruction are enlightened in their understanding . . . ." Having received in Baptism the Word, "the true light that enlightens every man," the person baptized has been "enlightened," he becomes a "son of light," indeed, he becomes "light" himself:

Baptism is God's most beautiful and magnificent gift. . . .We call it gift, grace, anointing, enlightenment, garment of immortality, bath of rebirth, seal, and most precious gift. It is called gift because it is conferred on those who bring nothing of their own; grace since it is given even to the guilty; Baptism because sin is buried in the water; anointing for it is priestly and royal as are those who are anointed; enlightenment because it radiates light; clothing since it veils our shame; bath because it washes; and seal as it is our guard and the sign of God's Lordship.

 and have tasted of the heavenly gift,

In my opinion, this is a reference to the Holy Eucharist.

and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

And this a reference to Confirmation.

 5 And have tasted the good word of God,

I believe this is a reference to the Wisdom of God taught only by the Catholic Church.

and the powers of the world to come

 And this is the experience of the Mass.  Where we walk and commune with the Saints upon Mount Sion.

6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. 

Of course, this is the part that debunks OSAS.  Because anyone if anyone who has achieved the heights of sanctity just described, can fall from grace, anyone can fall.

Anyway, back to Hebrews 6:2.


I use this verse when someone tries to tell me that the Seven Sacraments are not mentioned in Scripture.    Of course, I have to explain to them all the underlying facts in order that they may tie together "Baptisms" and "Sacraments".  Because most Protestants seem to think that the New Testament was written first or that it dropped down from heaven.

I also list all of the verses which pertain to each Sacrament.  (This is getting longer than I expected, so I won't list them here.)  But, once it is explained, this verse covers them all in one fell swoop.

I always have to look it up, though.  And that sometimes takes a lot of time.

So, let's memorize this verse.

As we did before, the book of Hebrews is visualized as a Jew brewing coffee.  So, its "He brews."

6 = j, ch, sh, g (soft)
2 = n

So, let's make it, "He brews showers now."

There are four elements to this verse:
1. baptisms,
2. laying on of hands,
3. resurrection of the dead,
4. eternal judgment.

And the word picture will be seven jets of water and a great big hand coming down from the sky, catching the water and baptizing and confirming me, then then I die with Christ and my spirit rises and I am standing before the Just Judge.

So, the verse from memory:

Of the doctrine of Baptisms, of the laying of hands, of the resurrection of the dread and of eternal judgment.

Actually, I can still see the four elements I wrote above, so that wasn't purely from memory.  But I'll keep working on that.  Here's the exact text:

Hebrews 6:2  Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

It would be nice if I could tie this in to Heb 6:4-6.  Maybe I'll try that for the next one.

Sincerely,

De Maria

Memorize the Bible - Luke 7:6

Luke 7
6…. Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof: 7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

I love this verse.

But I think its important because we repeat it at every Mass.  Right before we have communion.

The story always comes back to me.  Jesus is walking in Capernaum, which is in Galilee and close to His own home.  A Centurion, a Roman, a gentile, has a valued servant come ill and he hears about Jesus.  So he asks his Jewish friends to ask a favor of Jesus.

Jews were normally not friends with gentiles.  Gentiles were unclean and therefore, they were shunned by the Jews.  But this man was so good that even the Jews loved him.  And they gladly asked Jesus to come to this man's house and cure his servant.

On His part, Jesus gladly accepted.  But upon seeing Jesus' coming towards his house, the humble Centurion sent people to stop Him.  He did not consider himself worthy even to approach Jesus nor to have Jesus come into his house.  Therefore he said, "Lord, I know that you are a person of authority.  I myself can say to my men, go do this or go do that.  Therefore, say the word and it shall be done."

And Jesus was amazed!  Jesus turned to the Jews and said, "I've not seen faith like this anywhere in Israel."  And the messengers, when they returned to the Centurion's house, found the servant cured.

That is so beautiful!

I don't think I've ever used that verse in apologetics.  But I want to be able to turn to it quickly.  So, I just want to remember the reference.

Luke 7:6

Who doesn't think of "Luke Skywalker" when they hear the name, "Luke"?  It isn't a very common name, but we recently had a poor fellow named "Luke" come to work with us.  And I guess everyone greeted him by saying, "Luke, I am your faaathaaaaa".  Which brought peels of laughter from everyone.  But the poor guy turned to me and said, "Like I haven't heard that a million times."

So, Luke Skywalker it is.  But what about the 7 and 6.  

6 = j, ch, sh, g (soft)

7 = k, c (hard), g (hard)

So if the 7 is a k and the 6 is a j or soft g, we have the word, Cage.

And Luke Skywalker is in a cage is an easy thing to visualize.  He's using his light saber to cut the bars.  And the Centurion with his own sword at his side, is humbling himself before Jesus.  

This is how we say it in Mass:

Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.

And this is how it is in the Bible text from memory:

And the Lord went with them. "Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my servant shall be healed."

And the text says:

Luke 7:6
King James Version (KJV)
6… Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy that thou shouldest enter under my roof:  7 Wherefore neither thought I myself worthy to come unto thee: but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

I am quite happy with that.  

Sincerely,

De Maria

Memorize the Bible - Review

Memorize the Bible

Ok, let's review the previous verses we studied.

Filly piano ride 'em, I try to lift a filly with a piano on its back.  But fail.  Then Jesus touches me and I succeed.

The verse is Phillipians 4:13  and the text from memory:

I can do all thing with Christ who strengthens me.

and the actual text says:

Philippians 4:13

King James Version (KJV)

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Philippians 4:13 is simply a beautiful verse that I like to remember.  But the next verse is one which I use in apologetics.

"He brews battle".  And I see a Jewish man brewing coffee while Jesus is doing battle with the Grim Reaper.  Jesus is holding a Bible in one hand and a Cross in the other.  As many Jewish elders walk into heaven and as they do, they become babes and fall into Our Father's arms.

The verse is Hebrews 9:15 and the text from memory:

For this cause He became the mediator of a new testament, that by his death for the redemption of the transgressions under the first testament, those who were called would receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Compare:

Hebrews 9:15

King James Version (KJV)

15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

I like that verse because it teaches me the reason why Jesus had to die.  Jesus died in order that the Patriarchs, who were awaiting the redemption of their sins, could enter heaven.  When Jesus died upon the Cross, He first descended to the dead and released the faithful, whose sins had been redeemed, into heaven.  

The next verse that I memorized goes hand in hand with this one, because it teaches us how our own sins are redeemed.

"Two hearts and a lady with a ladle".  I see Jesus on the Cross with His Sacred Heart visible and Mary beneath the Cross with her Immaculate heart visible while I and all the Saints are worshipping Jesus on the Cross.  Then we all follow Jesus to the grave where He rises again.

The verse is 2 Cor 5:15  and the text from memory:

Christ died for all that those who live might live for Him who died for them and rise again.

Compare:

2 Corinthians 5:15

King James Version (KJV)

15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

That needs some work.  Here it goes from memory again:

And he died for all that they who live should henceforth live, not for themselves but for Him who died for them and rose again.

Let me see if I can add to my word picture to tweak that recalled text.

So my word picture will begin with the 2 hearts and the lady with the ladle stepping on big ants and saying "attack".  Thats because the text begins with "and that" and I keep leaving that out.  

Then, I'm going to add to the picture that I head in the wrong direction and the Saints pull my shirt and say, "not henceforth to yourself but unto Him".  

So, 2 hearts and a lady with a ladle stepping on ants and saying, "attack".  And I see Jesus on the Cross with His Sacred Heart visible and Mary beneath the Cross with her Immaculate heart visible and all the Saints and I under the Cross worshipping Jesus.  Then, I go the wrong way, but the Saints grab my shirt and say, "not henceforth to thyself but unto Him" and I follow them all to the grave where Jesus rises again.

and the text from memory:

And that he died for all, that they who live might henceforth live not for themselves but unto Him who died for them and rose again.

Compare again:

2 Corinthians 5:15

King James Version (KJV)

15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

That's better.

The reason I like this verse is because, to my mind, it goes hand in hand with Heb. 9:15.  It teaches me that Christ died to save all people.  But those who live in the New Testament era must turn to Him and follow Him in order that we might also rise again with Him.

The next verse is one heart, the ram is real.  Which is 1 Cor 4:3,4,5.  But I've forgotten the word picture.  Let's see, its me being judged by many and Jesus reaches in and pulls me into the light and then He judges the deeds of the Saints.

So, from memory:

I care not whether I am judged by you or any man, for I have one Judge, Jesus Christ.  I am not thereby innocent, but my conscience is clean, for the time will come when God will come and bring the works of darkness to light and the deeds of men will receive the praise of God.

Compare:

1 Corinthians 4:3-5

King James Version (KJV)

3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.  4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.  5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Well, I guess I've got the gist.  But that will take too long to fix and I've got to wake up early tomorrow.  So, good night.  But I'm still enjoying this immensely.

Sincerely,

De Maria

Memory verse - 1 Corinthians 4:3-5

1 Corinthians 4:3-5

King James Version (KJV)

³But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.  ⁴For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.  ⁵Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

I love this verse and I use it often in my apologetics.  Why?

Well, one of the things that Protestants object to is the fact that we don't judge ourselves saved.  They readily claim salvation by faith alone and believe they are saved immediately when they claim that they have saving faith.

But the Catholic Church teaches that God is our judge.  We don't judge ourselves.  We can't judge anyone's salvation.  We are taught to do good and let God be our Judge.  Claiming salvation for ourselves, is, in fact, the sin of presumption:

TRENT VICHAPTER XIIRASH PRESUMPTION OF PREDESTINATION IS TO BE AVOIDED
No one, moreover, so long as he lives this mortal life, ought in regard to the sacred mystery of divine predestination, so far presume as to state with absolute certainty that he is among the number of the predestined,[74] as if it were true that the one justified either cannot sin any more, or, if he does sin, that he ought to promise himself an assured repentance.
For except by special revelation, it cannot be known whom God has chosen to Himself.

And this is a teaching straight from Scripture.  It is taught in the verse which we are going to remember today, 1 Cor 4:3-5

Before we begin, let's review from memory verses we've already tackled:

First was "filly piano ride'm" which stands for Philippians 4:13 and the word picture is a filly with a piano on her back and I try to pick them up but can't until Jesus touches me.  

And the text from memory says, 

"I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me."

The actual text says:

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

That's close enough for me.

Second was "he brews battle" which stands for Hebrews 9:15 and the word picture is a Jew brewing coffee and Jesus holding a Bible in one hand and a crucifix in the other, battling the Grim Reaper while Patriarch enter the Pearly gates and turn into children which fall into Our Father's arms.  The text from memory says,

For this cause He became the mediator of a new testament.  That by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions during the first testament those who were called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

The actual test says:

Hebrews 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Awesome!

And finally, "two hearts and a lady with a ladle"  I added the lady in order to make ladle more memorable.  That stands for 2 Cor 5:15 and the word picture is Jesus on the Cross with His Sacred Heart visible and Mary under the Cross with her Immaculate Heart visible.  And a multitude of the faithful with Mary worshipping Jesus Christ and then following Him to the grave where He rose again.

The text from memory is:

He died for all that those who live might henceforth live not unto themselves but for Him who died for them and rose again.

The actual text says:

2 Corinthians 5:15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

And I am very happy with that as well.

So, let's begin with 1 Cor 4:3-5

1 Cor is one heart.
Going to the number to letter table which we have been using,
4 is equal to r
3 is equal to m
and
5 is equal to L

So that gives me the options of 4:3-5- r, m, l
or 4:3,4,5 r,m,r, l

Hm?  I'm having a hard time thinking of a memorable word with these letters.  Hmmmm….

Well, let's look at the words then:

³But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.  ⁴For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.  ⁵Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

1. I am small - But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
2.  Jesus judges me - For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
3.  I am surrounded by false judges and Jesus pulls me into the light - Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness
4.  The hearts of the saints become visible - and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

And the word picture will be the vision of the Sacred heart meaning 1 Cor and a picture of a Ram representing the Lamb of God and the word "real".  The Ram is real!

1 Cor 4:3,4,5 The Sacred heart of Jesus and the Ram is real!

Ok, lets see how close I come from memory.

I am small - It is a small thing to me if you judge me, I judge not myself, but my conscience is clean.

Jesus is my Judge - He who judges me is the Lord.

He pulls me into the light - Therefore judge not before time because God will bring to light all which is in darkness.

The hearts of the saint appear - and the hearts of men will be revealed and God will appraise the deeds of all men.

It is a small thing to me if you judge me, I judge not myself, but my conscience is clean.  He who judges me is the Lord.  Therefore judge not before time because God will bring to light all which is in darkness and the hearts of men will be revealed and God will appraise the deeds of all men.

Let's compare to the actual text:

³But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.  ⁴For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.  ⁵Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Wow, that needs a lot of work!  But it is the longest verse I've attempted.  We'll check back in a week and see if I've made any progress.

Sincerely,

De Maria

Memorize the Bible - 2 Corinthians 5:15

2 Corinthians 5:15And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

This is another verse which I love and which I have trouble remembering.  I frequently use it in conjunction with Hebrews 9:15, which I just remembered without having to look up.  And lets see if I also remember the text.

For this cause He is the mediator of a new testament, that through death for the redemption of the offenses committed in the first testament, they who are called may obtain the promise of eternal inheritance.

Woo hoo!  Awesome!  Let's compare to the actual text:

Hebrews 9:15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Yeah!  I knew I was close.  And since I use that verse often, I get to practice it often.

Now, since I wrote the original article about Hebrews 9:15, I added a fourth word picture.

Here's the original:

But now I see Jesus standing in front of him but

a.  with a Bible in one hand, i.e. mediator of a new testament;

b.  and a crucifix in the other and facing the Grim Reaper,  i.e. by means of death;

 c.  and a multitude of our Jewish Patriarchs entering heaven, i.e. for the redemption of the transgression that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

So, to repeat.  I visualize a Jewish man brewing "battle" and picture Jesus with a cross and a bible doing battle with the Grim Reaper while a multitude of the Patriarchs or Fathers, whose sins have been redeemed enter the heavenly kingdom in fulfillment of the promises of the first or old testament.

And from memory, Hebrews "battle", "btl" or Heb 9:15

He is a mediator of a new testament in order that by means of death He should obtain the redemption of the sins committed against the first testament and they which are called receive the promised eternal salvation. 

Now I've added d.
d.  I see the multitude of Jewish Patriarchs entering heaven and becoming little children who are taken up into the arms of the Father.  This helps me to remember that the final words are "eternal inheritance" since they become sons of the Father.

So, now, by memory,
1.   "I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13)."
2.  "For this cause he became the mediator of a new testament that by means of death for the redemption of the transgressions in the first testament they might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Anyway, back to 2 Cor 5:15.  The reason I love it is because it tells me that Jesus redeemed all people's sins.  Everyone without exception.  But the Jews who lived in the first or old testament, had died and were already in heaven.  2 Cor 5:15 is about those who live.  That means Mary and the Apostles and all whom they converted and those who were converted later on.  We have all been redeemed but we must now forget our own lives and live not for ourselves but for Christ who died for us.  This is how we apply the grace of His death to our lives.  By keeping the Commandments and submitting to the Sacraments.  Therefore Scripture also says:


Philippians 2:12
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

(I can see that there is another "filly piano" coming in the future.)

And Scripture further says:

Hebrews 5:9
And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

(and another "he brews").

There are, in fact, a ton of verses relating to that which we must DO in order to be saved.

And so, in my mind, 2 Cor 5:15 is essential to a complete understanding of Hebrews 9:15.

So, let's begin remembering this verse:

2 Cor 5:15
And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.



I've intentionally shortened it from Corinthians to Cor because in Latin, "Cor" means "heart".  So, my word picture will be Two hearts.


Because of my Spanish background, Cor is easy to picture as a heart.  But those of you who don't relate to Spanish or Latin might want another word picture, perhaps "Corn in tins".  Picture two cobs of corn in tin cans.

For me Cor is Corinthians, so I don't need the tins.  But you might also picture two hearts in tin cans.  Anyway, whatever works for you.


Again, if we go to the alpha numeric table which we've been using, 5 is "L" (I'm using a capital L because it is hard for my poor eyes to distinguish between I and l.)  And 1 is "t" or "d".

For me then, the image of the Immaculate heart and the Sacred heart side by side will be the vision for 2 Cor.  And the word, "Ladle" (i.e. a large spoon).

So the word picture is "Two hearts and a ladle".

Now for the words:

And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.

For the picture then, I see Jesus with His Sacred heart visible upon the Cross, Mary with the Immaculate heart visible beneath the Cross.  And a multitude of Apostles and disciples and myself with them, all of us carrying our own cross to the grave, where Jesus rises and stands before us.

So, let's break it down:
1.  He died for all - Jesus on the Cross with His Sacred heart visible.
2.  All of us, including Mary with her Immaculate heart visible, the holy women and the Apostles surrounding the Cross and worshipping - that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves.
3.  All of us carrying our cross to the Grave - but unto him which died for them.
4.  And Jesus rises from the Grave - and rose again.

So, now from memory,

The picture "The two hearts of Jesus and Mary and a ladle" means 2 Cor 5:15 and for the text I picture Jesus on the Cross, with His Sacred heart visible and Mary beneath also with her Immaculate heart visible and a multitude of holy men and women, including myself, worshipping.  Then all of us carrying our cross to His grave where He rises again.

And the text from memory:

He died for all in order that those who live may henceforth live for him who died for them and rose again.

And compare to the actual text:

And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 

Well, it needs work but the gist is there.

Sincerely,

De Maria

Memorize the Bible - Hebrews 9:15

Previously, I memorized Philippians 4:15 by remembering the mnemonic, "Filly piano ride 'em" and visualizing Jesus helping me lift a filly with a piano on her back.  Thus I remember that the verse says;

"I can do all things in Christ my strength."

This is not verbatim, because if I look up the verse it says, exactly:

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." (KJV)

That's impressive because I normally can't remember verses which I don't regularly use in my apologetics.  In addition, I've memorized my car tags and one of my friend's phone numbers whom I frequently call.  So, slowly but surely, the mnemonics are making a difference in my life.

Let's do another one.  I use this verse often in my apologetics but I have trouble remembering it.  I like this verse because it teaches me why Jesus had to die upon the Cross. This verse is packed with information:

Hebrews 9:15
And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

If we look at context of Hebrews 9:15, it tells us that Jesus died upon the Cross in order to fulfill the promises of the Old or First Testament:

16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

In other words, its as though God wrote a legal declaration of His wishes.  This is what we call a last will and testament.   When we die, our Last Will and Testament is read to the people and the things we want accomplished are done for us by those we leave behind.

But God does not die.  He is not human that He should die.  Therefore, in order for the Old Testament to be fulfilled, God had to come down to earth, take on a human body and die upon the Cross. It is at this point that the sins of the First or Old Testament were redeemed and the Faithful Jews who were awaiting the fulfillment of these promises, were admitted into the True Promised Land which is heaven.  And this is confirmed in another verse:

Hebrews 11:39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise:  40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.

So, let's start.

The word, "Hebrews" reminds me of the words, "He" and "brews".  So, I picture a Jewish man brewing some coffee.  Using the same number to text conversion that we used before, the number nine is "b", the number 1 is "t" and the number 5 is "L".   If we put those together, the words that I come up with are "battle".

So, the word picture is "He brews battle".

Now for the words:

And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

So, now my word picture changes a bit.  I still see the Jewish man brewing some coffee.

But now I see Jesus standing in front of him but

a.  with a Bible in one hand, i.e. mediator of a new testament;

b.  and a crucifix in the other and facing the Grim Reaper,  i.e. by means of death;

 c.  and a multitude of our Jewish Patriarchs entering heaven, i.e. for the redemption of the transgression that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

So, to repeat.  I visualize a Jewish man brewing "battle" and picture Jesus with a cross and a bible doing battle with the Grim Reaper while a multitude of the Patriarchs or Fathers, whose sins have been redeemed enter the heavenly kingdom in fulfillment of the promises of the first or old testament.

And from memory, Hebrews "battle", "btl" or Heb 9:15

He is a mediator of a new testament in order that by means of death He should obtain the redemption of the sins committed against the first testament and they which are called receive the promised eternal salvation. 

Ok, well, I'll obviously have to work on that.  Its not as easy as the first verse I tried.  But I wanted to make it a bit more challenging.  One thing, I seem to be remembering Hebrews 11:39 without even trying.

One other thing, I just noticed that it doesn't say they received eternal "salvation" but eternal "inheritance".  Its as though, by His death, Jesus made them all sons of God.  They now become heirs to the Father's legacy.  Which again, goes with the idea of the Last Will and Testament.

Anyway, we'll check back in a week and see how well I remember this verse also.

Sincerely,

De Maria

Memorize the Bible - Philippians 4:13

Have you ever wanted to memorize the Bible?  I have.  So, I decided to start and see how far I could get.

I didn't know how to start.  Starting from the beginning and memorizing by rote seemed boring.  So, I looked into a memory trick called mnemonics.  That sounded impressive, so that's how I'm going to begin.  I'm going to start with certain verses that I already love and therefore would have a propensity to remember.  And I'm going to use some the mnemonic tools that I found here.  Especially, the numeric (aka phonetic) alphabet.

I haven't read the entire website, but I know that they also recommend visualization, exaggeration, humor and any trick to make the thing more memorable.

With that in mind, let's begin.

This is the verse I want to memorize:

Philippians 4:13 I can do all these things in him who strengtheneth me.

Let's break Philippians down into the following:

Phili sounds like "filly" and a filly is a female colt, a female horse.  So, picture a filly in your mind.
pains sounds like "piano" and a piano is a large instrument to play music.  So, picture a piano next to that filly.

Now, if you go to the numeric alphabet, you'll see that the number "4" is represented by the letter "r".
And the number "1" can be represented by the letter "d".
And the number "3" can be represented by the letter "m"

So, we've got the letters r, d, and m.

Which I've put together to make the phrase, "ride'em".

So, in order to remember Philippians 4:13,

Let's visualize a piano riding on the back of a filly.  So, say to yourself, "filly piano ride 'em".  And picture a piano riding on top of a filly.

Now, let's go to the text.  It says, "I can do all these things in him who strengtheneth me."

Now, visualize yourself approaching the filly with the piano riding on top of it and putting your hands on the filly's belly and attempting to dead lift the filly with the piano on top of it.  The filly turns and looks at you quizzically, like asking, "What are you doing?"

At first you can't do it.  But then, you feel a hand on your back, you turn to look and the hand belongs to Jesus.  And then, you get back to work and dead lift the filly, piano and all.  Because Christ strengthens you and you can do anything.  Therefore, "you can do all things in Him who strengthens you."

I'm going to practice this all week and then I'll post another one.

Sincerely,

De Maria