What were some of the first bible stories and scripture verses you learned as a kid? Did you ever memorize a verse at VBS? Learn the books of the bible through a song? Discover God's miraculous work in the world through a picture storybook?
Being a kid and teenager is hugely formative. How we learn about faith when we are young shapes our faith in ways that stay with us for life. While completing the denominational survey, many in our denomination recalled the Bible verses they memorized in Sunday school, Vacation Bible School (VBS), and church youth groups—words that provided comfort, strength, and clarity even as young hearts learned to trust in God.
Let's take some time to reflect on the scriptures and stories that are the foundations of our shared faith.
John 3:16 – The Love of God, Personalized
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
One respondent remembered a Bible teacher urging them to personalize John 3:16 by replacing “the world” with their own name. This simple shift forever changed the way they saw this familiar verse, revealing God’s love in a deeply personal way. From that moment, they felt assured of God’s love specifically for them—a truth that has shaped their walk with Christ.
Next time you hear this verse, take a second to reflect on how God so loves you.
Ephesians 2:8-9 – Saved by Grace
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
A member fondly recalled learning Ephesians 2:8-9 through a “Good News Club” in their neighborhood during fifth grade. Repeating these verses weekly with classmates, the words became etched in their memory. Later, as they grew in faith, these verses took on deeper meaning, revealing the truth that salvation is purely a gift from God. This realization moved them to cry out, “Abba! Father!”
How did you first experience God's love through salvation?
Hebrews 11:1 – The Assurance of Faith
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
As a teenager navigating a public school environment with friends who didn’t share their beliefs, one person found strength in Hebrews 11:1. This verse became an anchor, a reminder that though God is invisible, He is always present. It empowered them to stay rooted in faith, knowing that God is real, reliable, and ever-present.
What experiences in your own adolescence shaped your faith journey? How do you stay rooted in faith today?
Philippians 4:13 – Strength in Christ
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
This verse encouraged one young man who often found himself struggling with loneliness and isolation throughout his time in school. It served as a reminder that no matter how overwhelming life seemed, no matter how alone he felt, he could draw strength from Christ. To this day, Philippians 4:13 brings him comfort, inspiring a reliance on Christ for strength in every season of life.
What is a time in your own life that you felt yourself facing an insurmountable barrier? Reflect on how your faith in Christ can support and sustain you through such times.
John 1:1 – The Eternal Word
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
Reading John 1:1 as a young girl opened one member’s eyes to the eternal nature of Jesus and the unity of God’s story. Realizing that Jesus has always been present with God provided comfort and a deeper understanding of the Bible as a continuous story of God’s love and redemption.
When did you first realize just how big God is? Try to integrate that sense of awe into your actions today.
Philippians 4:8-9 – A Blueprint for Life
"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
Since their teenage years, this passage has served as a guiding principle for one person. It became their “blueprint for life,” reminding them to fill their thoughts and actions with what is honorable and lovely, keeping their focus on God’s truth.
What actions have you taken or seen others take that true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, and praiseworthy this week?
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