An often repeated verse or verses in a sermon may not be typically unique to the preacher. According to Bible Memory Goal, “there are 31,102 verses in the Bible, which is made up of 23,145 verses in the Old Testament and 7,957 verses in the New Testament.” However, patterns emerge after several years of preaching, and certain verses tend to reoccur more often than others…especially for me.
Every pastor and speaker I know has a pattern to their speech and a delivery style. And as much as I would like to adjust or change sometimes, this article is the exact opposite. I am choosing to lean into the patterns that I have. So, I began to think about what verse or verses a listener who is new to me would need. Try to think about this list like a verse starter pack in a game of listening to a Pastor Mark sermon.
The Verse Starter Pack
Romans 8:31 – “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
This reference was the primary scripture for my very first sermon…many years ago. I often think of this verse because of the encouragement I gain from being reminded that God is for me through all my trials. From the slightest irritation to the heaviest of trials, I can confidently say God is with me.
Proverbs 12:1 – “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.”
I may not quote the Proverbs 12:1 verse as often as the others. However, its impact on my life and ministry is still incredible. As pastors, we are often asked questions due to being knowledgeable about a subject or being required to have an opinion. It is not a question of if but when that I know that I am going to be wrong or I am going to offend someone. This is a result of doing life together in a church family. So my question is, do I continually put myself in a place to receive and appreciate the reproof in my life?
Proverbs 18:17 – “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.”
How many conversations are one-sided? By the rule of conversation, shouldn’t there be someone else? When I think of Proverbs 18:17, I often consider how it applies to the daily life of the church or the study and narrative of the Bible. It also makes me consider how many people don’t want to share or respond to their side of the story (also found in the Bible and conversation).
1 Corinthians 10:31 – “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
I quote this verse so often in sermons that if there were a Pastor Mark Sermon Bingo board, this verse would be the free space in the middle. The verse is a challenge. Regardless of what we do, it should all be done to the Glory of God.
Amos 4:1 – “Hear this word, you cows of Bashan, who are on the mountain of Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy,”
Amos 4:1 is simply one of my favorite verses. It speaks to how much we accept and do not think about life, Christian responsibility, and our interactions with one another. In the end, who are we helping and why?
Honorable Verse Mentions
Below is a list of other honorable mentions. These are great verses, but it would be more of the extended pack version if I continued with this theme.
- Romans 12:1-2
- Ephesians 4 (the entire chapter)
- Genesis 1:1
- John 1:1
- Luke 6:45
Pastor Mark’s Take Away:
At the end of the day, I hope that preparing you a small amount gives you a headstart on listening to me present a lesson or sermon. Many of us do not consider the pattern of our most used verses, but I promise it is there. Pastor/teacher, if you still wonder, ask a teenager who respects and loves you, and they will quickly tell you what things you repeat almost weekly.
Please enjoy, and I look forward to our next time around God’s Word together!
All verses quoted from The ESV Study Bible: English Standard Version. Crossway Bibles, 2008.
Mark Rogers
Pastor Mark is the primary author and content creator of pastormarkrogers.com. Additionally, he serves as Pastor of Lighthouse Sylva. You can find out more by clicking the About Page.
