Topical Memory System

If you want to memorize Scripture, but aren't sure what to memorize or how, this system is exactly what you need
to begin hiding God's word in your heart.
LIVE THE NEW LIFE
Christ the Center 2 Corinthians 5:17 Galatians 2:20
Obedience to Christ Romans 12:1 John 14:21
The Word 2 Timothy 3:16 Joshua 1:8
Prayer John 15:7 Philippians 4:6,7
Fellowship Matthew 18:20 Hebrews 10:24,25
Witnessing Matthew 4:19 Romans 1:16
PROCLAIM CHRIST
All Have Sinned Romans 3:23 Isaiah 53:6
Sin's Penalty Romans 6:23 Hebrews 9:27
Christ Paid the Penalty Romans 5:8 1 Peter 3:18
Salvation is not by Works Ephesians 2:8,9 Titus 3:5
Must Receive Christ John 1:12 Revelation 3:20
Assurance of Salvation 1 John 5:13 John 5:24
RELY ON GOD'S RESOURCES
His Spirit 1 Corinthians 3:16 1 Corinthians 2:12
His Strength Isaiah 41:10 Philippians 4:13
His Faithfulness Lamentations 3:22,23 Numbers 23:19
His Peace Isaiah 26:3 1 Peter 5:7
His Provision Romans 8:32 Philippians 4:19
His Help in Temptation Hebrews 2:18 Psalms 119:9,11
BE CHRIST'S DISCIPLE
Put Christ First Matthew 6:33 Luke 9:23
Separate From the World 1 John 2:15,16 Romans 12:2
Be Steadfast 1 Corinthians 15:58 Hebrews 12:3
Serve Others Mark 10:45 2 Corinthians 4:5
Give Generously Proverbs 3:9,10 2 Corinthians 9:6,7
Develop World Vision Acts 1:8 Matthew 28:19,20
GROW IN CHRISTLIKENESS
Love John 13:34,35 1 John 3:18
Humility Philippians 2:3,4 1 Peter 5:5,6
Purity Ephesians 5:3 1 Peter 2:11
Honesty Leviticus 19:11 Acts 24:16
Faith Hebrews 11:6 Romans 4:20,21
Good Works Galatians 6:9,10 Matthew 5:16

The Wheel®

This simple but effective illustration has been used by Navigators for more than fifty years. It helps Christians
understand what they are called to do as disciples of Christ. Each part of this illustration represents a crucially
important component of a vital Christian life.

Use this illustration to gain understanding about important spiritual disciplines in your own life. What areas
encourage you? What areas challenge you?

Why not sketch out "The Wheel Illustration" on a napkin or scrap of paper with someone you are discipling. Help
challenge them to think clearly about how to be an obedient follower of Christ.

The Volitional Dimension:

How You Relate to Yourself

The Hub: Christ the Center

See: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20
Making Christ central in your life is an act of your will. Surrendering totally to Christ's authority and lordship may
be at conversion or after some months or even years. God creates within you the desire to do what He wants you
to do in order to express His lordship in your life.

The Rim: Obedience to Christ

See: Romans 12:1; John 14:21
Some acts of obedience to God are internal. But even these internal acts of obedience, such as attitudes, habits,
motives, sense of values, and day-to-day thoughts, eventually surface in relationships with other people. The
proof of your love for God is your demonstrated obedience to Him.

The Vertical Dimension:

How You Relate to God

The Word Spoke

See: 2 Timothy 3:16; Joshua 1:8
As God speaks to you through the Scriptures, you can see His principles for life and ministry, learn how to obey,
and become acquainted with the Christ who is worthy of your unqualified allegiance. A vital personal intake of
God's Word is essential for health and growth.

The Prayer Spoke

See: John 15:7; Philippians 4:6-7
Prayer is a natural response to God as you hear Him speak to you through His Word. It is sharing your heart with
the One who longs for your companionship and who cares about your concerns. Prayer unleashes the power of
God in your personal battles and in the lives of those for whom you pray.

The Horizontal Dimension:

How You Relate to Others

The Fellowship Spoke

See: Matthew 18:20; Hebrews 10:24-25
Learning from and encouraging others creates a chemistry pleasing to God. God has directed Christians to build
each other up through inter-dependence and loving relationships with each other.
The Witnessing Spoke
See: Matthew 4:19; Romans 1:16
The natural overflow of a rich vibrant life in Christ should be sharing with others how they too can have this life.
God has given believers the privilege and responsibility of reaching the world with the Good News about Christ.

The Prayer Hand

How to Share Christ's Love Conversationally & Visually

By Randy D. Raysbrook

Many people feel that to be effective in evangelism they must memorize a complex illustration and a multitude of
verses. But the Gospel is most powerful when shared with love, clarity, and simplicity.

One-Verse Evangelism(r) is a simple, interactive way to share Christ's love conversationally and visually. It is
based on asking questions and sharing. It's easy to learn because it uses just one verse. One-Verse
Evangelism(r) is also sensitive to peoples' busy schedules because it can be shared in just 10 or 15 minutes.
Here's a brief look at how it works. Let's say God's leading you to share the Gospel with your neighbor, Jeff.
Write out Romans 6:23 on a piece of paper or a napkin: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is
eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (NIV). Then put your Bible away. Ask Jeff if he would like to see a simple
picture based on this verse that will explain God's relationship with people.

Circle this word and ask, "How would you feel if your boss refused to pay you the wages that were
due to you?" Deep down, we all know that it is only right that we get what we deserve. Similarly, we earn wages
from God for how we have lived our lives.

Draw a circle around "sin," asking your friend what he thinks when he hears this word. You
might explain that sin is more an attitude than an action. It can be either actively fighting God or merely excluding
Him from our lives. You can ask, "Has God ever seemed far away?" If he says "Yes," add that that's one of the
things sin does-it makes God seem far away. Now draw two opposing cliffs with a gap in between.

Circle this word and ask what thoughts come to mind. Explain that death in the Bible always
means some kind of separation.

While circling this word, mention that it is important because it means that a sharp contrast in
thought is coming. What we have just looked at is bad news; what follows is good news.

Draw a circle around this word. Ask, "If wages are what a person earns, then what is a gift?"
Remind your friend that someone must purchase every gift.

Circle this and explain that the gift you are talking about is free. It is from God Himself. It's
so special that no one else can give it. Ask, "How do you feel when someone gives you a special gift?"

Circle these two words next, and then ask, "How would you define these words?"
Contrast one side of the cliff, death, with the other side, eternal life. Ask, "What is the opposite of separation from
God?"

Draw these words so they create a bridge between the two cliffs. Help your friend to
consider that every gift has a giver, and only Jesus Christ can give the gift of eternal life.
 Write this word over the bridge you just drew. Explain that friends trust each other, and tell
your friend that Jesus wants a trusting friendship with him. All he has to do is admit that he is responsible for the
"sin" of either fighting or excluding God from his life. That is what trust means-trusting that Jesus wants to forgive
us for rejecting Him from our lives. At this point, you can ask him if he wants to start a relationship with God that
will last forever. If he says "Yes," invite him to pray a short prayer in his own words, asking Jesus to forgive him.

Close by reminding him that this simple illustration shows what God is like: Someone who really cares about
people, especially him. Invite him to read all about it in the Bible, perhaps beginning in the gospel of John

Five Promises to Grow On

A s you become Christ’s disciple, you’ll want to help others follow Him, too. For some 75 years, The Navigators
has been teaching principles of discipleship. With new or struggling believers, we’ve learned to concentrate first
on five promises from Scripture. These are five assurances to help Christians know “beyond a reasonable doubt”
what God has promised to do for them.

1. Assurance of Salvation
Am I totally forgiven just because I believe in Christ?
Can getting to heaven be that simple?
“And this is the testimony; God has given us eternal
life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son
has life; he who does not have the Son of God does
not have life”       (1 John 5:11,12).
Our enemy, Satan, loves to approach new believers
and plant seeds of doubt. Although you won’t hear his
audible voice, he may whisper in your mind, “You
don’t think your sins are forgiven just by believing in
Christ? Eternal life can’t be that easy!” Rely on God’s
Word to resist this attack. On the basis of this
“testimony”—God’s written Word—you can be
convinced you have Jesus Christ, and with Him,
eternal life.

2. Assurance of Answered Prayer

Does God really hear me when I pray? Will He
answer me?
“Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:24b).
Maybe before you trusted Christ you prayed many times, especially when in trouble. Perhaps now you wonder
why God would hear and act when you pray. As a believer you can ask in Jesus’ name because you belong to
Him and trust Him to answer in the way He thinks is best.

3. Assurance of Victory
How can I ever overcome this sin?
“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. 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 stand up
under it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Knowing that God promises help in temptation will allow you to ward off Satan’s attacks. You may feel weak and
powerless to stand against lifetime habits that you know displease God. You’re no longer in this alone! Watch for
how He provides ways of escape for you.

4. Assurance of Forgiveness
I’ve sinned—blown it again. Am I no longer a Christian?
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”    (1
John 1:9).
Although victory over sin is rightfully yours, at times you’ll miss the way of escape. God makes provision in His
Word for the failures of His children. “Own up” to your sin and rely on His promise to forgive and make you clean
again.

5. Assurance of Guidance
How can I do God’s will in my life? Will He show me what to do?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5,6).
Do you wonder how this new life of yours will work out? God promises to lead you as you rely on Him. Lean on
His wisdom and be assured He will guide you in all areas of your life

How to Let Your Life Shine

It’s easy for Christians to settle in with those who already know Jesus, but we must not neglect to shine our light
where it’s most needed—in the dark . . . among the lost! The apostle Paul calls Christ’s followers to live “above
reproach” in a sinful society, “among whom you appear as lights in the world” (see Philippians 2:14-16, NASV).

For many believers, it is very natural to have activities with non-Christians. These times together deepen
friendships and move them toward Christ. But we tend to have few non-Christian friends.
Consider the example of Jesus, who spent so much time with non-Christians that He was called “a friend of
sinners” (Matthew 11:18,19). Jesus took the initiative to seek out the lost. Here’s how we can do the same.

1. Choose to be where they are. Be outside when neighbors are there. Have a barbecue and invite those
who live nearby. Join a club. Seek out unsaved co-workers at coffee and lunch breaks.

2. Be friendly and conversant. Talk about what they are interested in. Smile. Remember and use their
names when you see them. Avoid controversial topics until the relationship is well established.

3. Engage in an activity that will involve you with a non-Christian acquaintance. Choose an activity
you’re naturally interested in. It could be as simple as having a cup of coffee together, playing golf,
helping with a project, going shopping, or extending an invitation for a table game and dessert.

Your goal is to be with non-Christians so that in time they will move from being acquaintances to friends. This will
take time. Keep in mind that bringing someone into a relationship with Jesus is a process, not an event. As
friendships develop, the foundation is being laid for sharing your faith in Christ.

Maturing in Christlike Character

Certain life issues are common to us all. We may grow out of some challenges, but we will lilkely grow into new
ones. As we allow the Word of God to mature us in the following life issues, we will develop a foundation to
handle the many challenges that come our way.

1. Love
Love can be difficult. Memorize 1 John 4:11 (also Psalm 89:1,2; John 15:17) to motivate yourself to love others.
1 John 4:11
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
     1 John 4:11

2. Prayer
The fact that you get to talk to the Creator of the universe is an amazing privilege. Memorize this (also Psalm
62:8; 1 Samuel 12:23).
1 Thessalonians 5:17,18
Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
     1 Thessalonians 5:17,18

3. Worship
We ought to worship all the time—in a church service or while walking down the street. Memorize this (also
Psalm 95:6,7; John 4:24).
Hebrews 13:15
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his
name.
     Hebrews 13:15

4. Purity
Purity is important because it illustrates Christlikeness. Memorize this (also Philippians 4:8; Proverbs 4:23).
Psalm 51:10
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
     Psalm 51:10

5. Giving
Giving is not merely a donation of money. Giving is also a sharing of time, possessions, and energy. Memorize
this (also Acts 4:32; James 2:15,16).
1 Peter 4:10
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its
various forms.
     1 Peter 4:10

6. Study
Study was important to Jesus during His time on earth; it should be important to us as well. Memorize this (also 1
Corinthians 14:20; Psalm 119:34).
Deuteronomy 4:9
Only be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let
them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.
     Deuteronomy 4:9

7. Perseverance
God asks us to persevere through the tough times, and by doing so, we grow into more complete followers of
Jesus. Memorize this and you will grow in your ability to persevere (also 2 Timothy 2:3; Hebrews 6:11,12).
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who preservers under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of
life that God has promised to those who love him.
    James 1:12

8. Humility
Humility comes from recognizing that there is nothing we have or are that comes from us. Memorize this (also
1 Peter 3:8;  James 3:13).
Jeremiah 9:23,24a
This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or
the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me.”
     Jeremiah 9:23,24a

The Life Witness of a Leader

If you have even one person following you, you’re a leader! And as a leader, one of your most important roles is
witnessing. When we say witnessing, we’re mainly talking about living as a witness in everyday life. You invite a
friend shopping, to the ballgame, or out to lunch. How you treat the people around you is your life witness and
speaks volumes. Memorize these verses to help your life witness as a leader.
1. Witness by Love
Love is the greatest language. It can communicate vast ideas, as shown in the Bible. “By this all men will know
that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Memorize the following verse (also John 15:12;
Luke 6:27,28) and you will be a greater witness by love.

Witness by Love

1 Thessalonians 3:12
May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for
you.
    1 Thessalonians 3:12

2. Witness by Life
St. Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the Gospel. When necessary, use
words.” There are hundreds of ways to be a witness for Christ without
using words. Witnessing is not simply an activity, it’s a way of life.
Memorize this (also Ephesians 5:17; 1 Corinthians 8:9) and your life
will provide a better witness.

3. Witness by Justice
Followers of Jesus are called to help the downtrodden, care for those
who are sick, and find the lost. This is the example set forth by Jesus
(see Luke 15, for example). We are called to fight for justice, not with a
sword, but with love and peace. Memorize this (also Psalm 106:3;
Proverbs 21:3) and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, promote justice in
your world.

4. Witness by Word
We can witness by loving people, by our life or example, and even by
bringing justice to the world. But at some point we are going to have to
talk about our faith. This is witness by our words. If we do not speak to
our friends about Christ, we do them an eternal disservice. If we do not
share the hope that we have with those around us, we also leave our
actions spiritually powerless. Memorize this (and Luke 6:45; 1
Corinthians 2:12,13) and you will improve the extent to which you are a witness by word.

Conclusion
This special four-part Memorize This series (and the book by the same title; see below) is designed to assist you
in each stage of your journey with Christ—to help you celebrate the excitement, adventure, and fun as well as
carry you through the challenges, struggles, and difficulties of life. But don’t stop now. Continue to use the Bible
to guide your journey with Christ.

Build on the pattern you have developed to memorize Scripture by finding a new study or memorization program
you can use. Ask a mentor to help you develop a next step.

Resist the temptation to stop, plateau, or put spiritual work to the side. Look to God, who has been with you thus
far, to guide you and cheer you on in your desire to memorize and take Him at His word!