12 Core Bible Verses

KNOWLEDGE: The realization of basic truths about the universe 

1. The Bible is God’s word, and it is helpful (2 Tim 3:16)

The Bible says it is from God, over 1,000 times. Search a free digital King James Bible for phrases like “saith the Lord” and “the Lord said.” The books in the New Testament were written by, or with, eyewitnesses of Jesus. The Old Testament has prophecies of Jesus (Mic 5:2/Lk 2:4-7; Isa 53:3/Jn 1:11). We are sanctified in truth, God’s word is truth (Jn 17:17). 

2. God created the universe, with his words (Gen 1:1+)

Science claims the universe is still expanding, or growing, which means if we go back in time it had a starting point. It seems illogical to think the universe just came into existence from nothing. Consider the quantum physics theories of decoherence, unpredictability, tunneling, and entanglement, that seem to provide evidence of a spiritual world. Science done well reveals God’s natural laws. God is over all and in all (Eph 4:6). The heavens declare God’s work (Ps 19:1).

3. God created humans, in his image (Gen 1:27)

God made humans as a spirit, with a soul, in a body (1 Thess 5:23). God made humans from dust of the earth (Gen 2:7). Human bodies are about 95 percent oxygen, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen, and the rest are trace elements. It seems illogical that a single cell, self-reproducing organism, evolved (to survive) into male and female beings that need each other to reproduce. God also gave us free will, to be fruitful and multiply, and have dominion over the earth (Gen 1:28). 

UNDERSTANDING: The realization of how the universe works 

4. God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Tim 1:7)

Help people when you can (Gal 6:10). Friends sharpen friends (Pro 27:17). Your heart holds the issues of life, guard it (Pro 4:23). The heart is deceitful (Jer 17:9). God can give a new heart and spirit (Ez 36:26). Don’t forget God’s teaching, keep it in your heart (Pro 3:1). Your mind can transform you, renew it (Ro 12:2). Thoughts are powerful (2 Cor 10:5). 

5. Your words can harm or heal (Pro 12:18), choose them carefully

A soft answer repels anger, but a harsh word stirs it (Pro 15:1). Be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (Jas 1:19), for understanding (Pro 14:29). Guarded words preserve life (Pro 13:3). Speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15). Let no corrupt talk come from your mouth, but build up (Eph 4:29). The sword of the Spirit is the word of God (Eph 6:17). 

6. God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, and whoever believes in Him will have eternal life (Jn 3:16)

Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead and you will be saved (Ro 10:9). By one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, by one man’s obedience many will be made righteous (Ro 5:19). Nothing can separate us from the love of God through Christ Jesus our Lord (Ro 8:38-39). 

7. We wrestle against spiritual wickedness in high places, but we have God’s armor (Eph 6:12+)

God’s armor includes truth, righteousness, the Gospel, faith, salvation, and God’s word (Eph 6:13-17). Our spiritual adversaries tempt (Gen 3:1-6, Mt 4:3-11), deceive and accuse (Rev 12:9-10), lie (Jn 8:44), and discourage (2 Cor 4:4). In order to steal, kill, and destroy (Jn 10:10). Don’t give way to the wicked (Pro 25:26). Know them by their fruit (Mt 7:20).

WISDOM: The realization of how to apply knowledge and understanding 

8. Have faith in God, because it can move mountains (Mk 11:22+)

Faith comes by hearing God’s word (Ro 10:17). God is pleased by our faith (Heb 11:6). By grace we are saved through faith, not works, it’s a gift from God (Eph 2:8). But, our works reflects our faith (Jas 2:18). Jesus intercedes for us (Heb 7:25). I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Php 4:13). Faith helps us to love well and work well. 

9. Love God and love people, the law depends on it (Mt 22:37+)

God is love (1 Jn 4:8), and He first loved us (1 Jn 4:19). For those who love God, all things work together for good (Ro 8:28). Love can cover sins (1 Pt 4:8). Love involves grace and truth (Jn 1:17). Love is patient, kind, not envious, boastful, arrogant, rude, or resentful. Love doesn’t rejoice in iniquity, it rejoices in truth, and endures (1 Cor 13:4-6). 

10. Resist the desires of the flesh, by walking in the Spirit (Gal 5:16)

People are naturally sinful (Ro 5:19). Walk in the spirit to resist the flesh (Gal 5:16-26). Greater is the Holy Spirit in you than you in the world (1 Jn 4:4). I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Php 4:13). Not by might, by God’s Spirit (Zech 4:6). Evil corrupts good (1Cor 15:33). Spiritual adversaries tempt our flesh (Mt 4:1-4) and pride (Mt 4:5-9).

11. We do not live on food alone, but on every word of God (Mt 4:4)

Wisdom is better than wealth (Pro 3:13-17), and is better than might (Ecc 9:16). God gives wisdom (Jas 1:5), blessed are those who walk in God’s word and keep it (Ps 119:1-2). Think on important topics (Php 4:8). The Holy Spirit comforts and teaches us (Jn 14:26). People can provide wisdom (Pro 15:22, 27:17). Buy truth and wisdom (Pro 23:23). 

12. Let your light shine so people may see your good works and give glory to God (Mt 5:16)

God made us for good works (Eph 2:10). Do to people as you want done to you (Mt 7:12). We all have gifts to help people, whether prophecy, ministry, to teach, encourage, give, lead, or for mercy. Be eager, rejoice in hope, be patient in challenges, and pray (Ro 12:6-12). Worship God in spirit and truth (Jn 4:24). Do everything as unto the Lord (Col 3:23).