(Rom 15:4) "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."
(2 Pet 3:1) "This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:"
Our memory is a wonderful thing. When we were younger it was selective memory…we remembered only what we wanted and would forget the rest. As we get older it seems to fade at times…we call them 'senior moments' or 'brain cramps'. But God in His wisdom created us with a mind…a memory…He had a reason for this.
I wonder how many of us remember the things we need to remember that help us to serve the Lord better? Unfortunately, our spiritual memory tends to fade at times as well. So this morning, I would like us to look to the Word of God and receive His challenges concerning remembering.
I. We Need To Remember the Grace of God.
A. What do I mean by that?
1. God could have just left us condemned.
2. He could have given us an impossible way to gain salvation, a requirement few people could have met.
3. To be saved…to have eternal life…this is such a wonderful gift!
4. Let's not forget the price that was paid that we could go to heaven…Jesus died in our place!
B. We could be in a world without the Holy Spirit.
1. I really don't believe that most people even consider w hat this world would be like if the Holy Spirit were not here.
2. There would be absolutely no restraint against evil.
3. That is what will happen after the rapture.
4. Satan and sin will rule without restraint in the hearts and lives of men.
5. One could not even walk outside his house without the threat of violence and death.
6. There would be no church or fellowship of love.
7. There would be no hope when sickness overtakes us.
8. There would be no promise of after life in Heaven.
C. When we consider and remember these things, then we should turn to God and say, "Thank You, Lord."
II. We Need To Remember Our Influence On Others.
A. There are others who are not going to think or remember unless we show them.
1. We are saved by grace.
2. We need to remember that someone cared enough about us to show us the way to Christ.
3. Do you remember that? Do you remember who it was? Do you remember what it was like to finally know that your sins were forgiven and that you were assured of heaven?
B. Now we need to realize we influence others.
1. There are others watching our- lives.
2. Their eternal state may depend on our actions
3. Jesus has called us to be a light in a dark world that others might come to Him.
4. He tells us to let our light shine…
5. We will be an influence on others…the question is whether it will be an influence for Christ or against Him.
O Christian remember you bear His dear name, Your life is for others to view A living example, men praise you or blame, And measure your Savior by you.
C. If someone had not cared for us, we would have been lost forever.
III. We Need To Remember The Time Is Short.
(Eph 5:15-16) "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, {16} Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
A. As we look around us, we see the world situation getting ready for the return of Christ.
1. Everything that God said would be is
2. The day of His coming has to be soon.
3. The one world economy is nearing fulfillment.
4. We already have in place a mechanism to facilitate the one world government.
5. There is a growing ecumenical spirit among many groups to establish a one world religion.
B. With Jesus is coming soon, we don't have much time to reach those we love and are concerned about.
(John 4:35) "Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest."
C. We need to get into the harvest.
1. There will be real satisfaction if we will get involved in reaching others for Christ.
2. Jesus told His disciples that He had "meat to eat that ye know not of."
3. The opportunity for harvest is NOW not later… "…fields are white…"
4. "…David, …served his own generation by the will of God…" cf Acts 13:36
5. We need to serve our generation!
6. If you are a believer…get into the harvest…if not, souls will perish.
IV. We Need To Remember The Promised Future.
A. Heaven awaits all who have trusted Christ.
1. It is a real place!
2. It is an eternal existence for the Christian.
3. Jesus has prepared it for those who have believed in Him for salvation.
4. There is only One Way to get there …through the blood of Calvary.
(John 14:6) "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
B. Hell is just as real!
1. It is also an eternal place!
2. It is a literal place of torment that awaits all who have rejected the grace of God.
3. For those who refused to accept God's plan of salvation…
4. There will be no reprieves, no second chances, no possibility of escape!
(Rev 20:15) "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."
5. Where will you spend eternity?
There is much we need to remember this morning:
Have you trusted in Christ for salvation? Come today… Christian…don't forget the grace of God…don't forget your influence …don't forget that the time for harvest is short…don't forget our future is promised by God!