In GRASPING THE WORD 2025, Southern Oaks is going for gold! Psalm 19:10 states that the Word of the Lord is more desirable than much fine gold. In 2025 we are digging deeper and striking it rich with deeper love for truth, greater knowledge of God and increased understanding. For the first time in this the 6th year of GRASPING THE WORD, we have different levels of learning, based upon a single passage of scripture for each month. It is a huge challenge to learn a passage of scripture, yet these are so fundamental in scripture and Apostolic doctrine that they are worth every effort. Here’s the plan:
Each month there is a passage that is the focus of our reading, hearing, memorization, meditation and study. From that passage there are 3 levels of memorization: 1) Scratching the surface (consists of one or two verses that would give a concise summary of the passage itself), 2) Digging Deeper (consists of a portion of the passage) and 3) Striking it Rich (consists of all or most of the passage).
Children and adults alike will scratch the surface each month. The children will work on these verses during their memory time in Sunday school. We believe it could perhaps be the most memorable year in their learning up to this point because of the context of these key verses.
Youth and adults should be able to dig deeper each month seeing there are usually at least 30 days (except February) to learn the material. In most instances, this will encompass 4 to 6 verses from the passage of the month.
Youth and adults will be encouraged to select a passage each quarter in which they will “Strike it Rich,” by memorizing the entire passage. For example, in the first quarter the passages scheduled regard, “The Creator”, “The Word Made Flesh” and “The Ten Commandments.” The participant will choose one passage to commit to memory and use the entire 3 months to memorize that passage along with monthly verses from the respective months of January, February and March. You will cherish these passages for the rest of your life. You will continue to pray it, praise it, meditate upon it and teach it through all your days.
God’s word is to be desired more than MUCH fine gold. How deep will people dig to gain this world’s goods? How much more should one apply themselves to “hiding God’s word in their heart (Psalm 119:11)?
The result will be this testimony:
Psalms 119:13-16
13 With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth.
14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.
15 I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways.
16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.
