Don't Forget To Remember II

Don't Forget To Remember II Sermon Link

Remembering with Heartfelt Appreciation: A Call to Reflect on Christ's Sacrifice

In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to forget the profound sacrifice that forms the cornerstone of our faith. Yet, as believers, we are called to remember, not just casually, but with deep, heartfelt appreciation. This remembrance isn't a burden, but a privilege that can transform our walk with God and our perspective on life itself.

The Power of Remembrance

God, in His infinite wisdom, gave us the gift of memory. It's a divine tool that allows us to recall His goodness, faithfulness, and love. But why is remembering so crucial in our spiritual journey?

Consider the Last Supper, a pivotal moment in Christian history. Jesus, knowing His betrayal and crucifixion were imminent, gathered His disciples to share a final meal. In this intimate setting, He established a new covenant, bridging the old with the new. The bread and wine, symbols of His body and blood, became powerful reminders of His impending sacrifice.

"Do this in remembrance of me," Jesus said. These words echo through time, inviting us to pause and reflect on the magnitude of His love. Every time we partake in communion, we're not just going through the motions. We're proclaiming the Lord's death until He comes again, keeping the flame of our faith alive and burning bright.

The Person, Passion, and Promise of Jesus

As we delve deeper into the act of remembrance, three key aspects emerge:

1. The Person of Jesus: He is the radiance of God's glory, the exact imprint of His nature. God Himself stepped out of eternity into time, taking on human form to save us. How often do we pause to marvel at this incredible truth?

2. The Passion of Jesus: His suffering was beyond comprehension. From the anguish in Gethsemane to the six agonizing hours on the cross, Jesus endured unimaginable pain. The crown of thorns, the nails, the mockery, for all for us. When was the last time we wept, truly wept, contemplating this sacrifice?

3. The Promise of Jesus: Despite the darkness of His death, hope shines through. He rose again, conquering death and hell, and now sits at the right hand of the Father, and He's coming back for us. This promise should fuel our faith and inspire our daily living.

A Call to Intentional Gratitude

In light of these truths, how should we respond? With intentional, heartfelt gratitude. It's time to fight our flesh, to make time for God amidst our busy schedules. Turn off the TV, silence your phone, and enter your prayer closet. Get on your knees and say, "Lord, I thank you. Lord, I praise you. Lord, I give you glory."

Remember, Jesus didn't just forgive our sins, He took them away once and for all. He was the scapegoat, taking our place on that cross. Every single one of us should have been there, but He bore it all. How can we not be overwhelmed with gratitude?

Living Out Our Appreciation

True remembrance goes beyond words; it transforms our actions. Here are some ways we can live out our appreciation:

1. Forgiveness: Even as they tortured Him, Jesus said, "Father, forgive them." If He could forgive in that moment, how much more should we extend forgiveness to those who hurt us?

2. Sacrifice: We owe Jesus everything - our lives, our worship, our praise, our families, our time, our finances. How can we sacrificially give back to Him?

3. Evangelism: If this good news has transformed our lives, how can we keep it to ourselves? Share the hope of Christ with others.

4. Obedience: Living in alignment with God's will is a powerful way to show our gratitude for His sacrifice.

A Moment of Reflection

Take a moment right now. Close your eyes and whisper, "Thank you, Lord, for saving my life. Thank you for stepping out of eternity, for giving up your status to come down for people who betrayed you. Thank you for my life, my health, my strength. Thank you for being my keeper, my healer, my way maker."

This world is crumbling around us. The church is no longer considered sacred by many. In these tumultuous times, we need a Savior more than ever. Make Jesus your choice. Let Him be the Lord of your life and the ruler of your heart.

Remember, no one compares to Him. He is truly amazing. When you think about what He did for us on Calvary, shedding His blood for you and me, how can we not be in awe? That's the essence of amazing grace, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

A Community of Remembrance

As we journey in this faith, let's remember we're not alone. We need each other. As the song goes, "I need you, you need me. We're all a part of God's body." Let's pray for one another, love one another, and help each other survive and thrive in this faith walk.

In conclusion, don't forget to remember. Whether you need to put a sticky note on your refrigerator, tie a ribbon around your finger, or set an alarm on your phone, find ways to regularly thank the Lord for His sacrifice. Let's cultivate a lifestyle of remembrance, allowing the truth of Christ's love to permeate every aspect of our lives.

May we always be able to say, with heartfelt sincerity, "Lord, you've been so good. You've been so great. There's no one like you in all the earth. You are amazing, and I just want to thank you, Lord."