“Seminaries are cemeteries.”
When I was a seminary graduate student, I often heard this comment from different sources and felt it was unfair. After all, such programs usually require taking Greek and Hebrew courses. In addition to the foreign language requirements, I took systematic theology and other graduate-level subjects.
Many years later, I learned there was some truth to the comment. The reason was a failure to require students to memorize verses word for word consistently.
Some are born with the inability to memorize, or they have had organic damage from an accident. In these cases, the Spirit can open hearts to what He desires to be known emotionally. When a believer doesn’t know how to pray about something, the Spirit groans the unexpressed desires to God’s throne. This process illustrates the compassion of our heavenly Father.
Any Biblical training needs to encourage hiding God’s words in our hearts. Studying God’s Word should be an open book and heart experience. We don’t live on bread alone but on every word that comes from God’s mouth.
No printed Bibles existed in the Old Testament period since the printing press had not been invented. God’s Word was passed on by memorization. We should memorize God’s Word as much as the Old Testament believers did. A healthy diet should include the heartfelt quoting of God’s Word.
What plan can you develop to memorize God’s Word?
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The Rev. Dr. Bob Segress served as a licensed psychological clinician for twenty-five years. Upon retiring, he served for fifteen years as a prison minister. Retiring again, he began writing full-time after a period of boredom. He has written: The Biblical Approach To Psychology while serving as a college educator, The Shelton Series, and, in 2012, Ten Years Inside Shelton Prison. Currently, he writes for several publications such as Halo Magazine.