When we hear the church bells ringing, we usually
remember something from the past. God has given us the ability of mental
recall. We can remember people, good or bad circumstances and even possessions.
Some people have argued that memory is the most important of all man’s
abilities. The Bible says there are many important things that the Church is
responsible to remind God’s people of. In the past, most churches had a table that
stood in front of the preacher on which was written “Remember Me”. Jesus is the center of our religion or we are
wasting our time at church. This is the number one thing that people are
supposed to remember. Our sin is the thing that has always separated us from
God. Jesus came to live and die on this sinful earth in order to give us the
opportunity to get right with the Almighty. People become so involved with
everyday living that many times we will forget that our eternity depends on
Jesus Christ. The ringing of the church bell is a reminder that Jesus died for
us.
Hearing the bell or entering the church door should
cause each person to mentally see the words “Remember Me”. The official time
for this memorial is the communion service. The last time that Jesus was
gathered with his disciples this ceremony was given to the Church. The actual
words of Jesus were: Then he broke it in pieces and said,
“This is my body, which is given for you. Do this to remember me.” In the same way, he took the cup of wine after
supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an
agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this to remember me as often as you drink it.” For every time you eat
this bread and drink this cup, you are announcing the Lord’s death until he
comes again. 1 Cor 11:24-26 (NLT) We are instructed to remind everyone that the death of
Christ did away with the sin that keeps us away from God. The local church as
well as the individual Christian is to rejoice that Jesus died to pay our
ransom. It is interesting that as we remember how Jesus dealt with our sin, God
is “not” remembering our sin: “I will
never again remember their sins and lawless deeds.” Heb 10:17 (NLT) How can
we not want to tell un-saved people about “the way”?
There are
other things that the Scriptures tell us to remember. Of course, they are
related one way or another to the fact that the sins of a Christian have been
blotted out forever. We must remember to pray for other people. This can be
either saved or un-saved people as the Spirit directs us. Also the original
church said to Paul; Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I
also was forward to do. Gal 2:10 (KJV) Over the years many people have
suffered at the hands of the world because they proclaim the Savior. This means
that their help must come from the Church. We should give jobs to Christians
today so they can take care of their families. In return a Christian should
work hard at their job and do their best. The Church must remember to pray for
all spiritual people, rich or poor. Paul was a great example: God knows how often I pray for you. Day and
night I bring you and your needs in
prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about
his Son. Romans 1:9 (NLT) We can see here that he prayed for the people AND
also their needs.
Another
area that the church bells remind us of is the teaching of God’s word to us.
Many of us went to Sunday School and learned the Bible stories. These wonderful
old stories were our introduction to the doctrines of God. Paul reminds us to
pray for our teachers: I am so glad that
you always keep me in your thoughts, and that you are following the teachings I passed on to you. 1 Cor 11:2 (NLT)
We must “remember” the teachings of the Bible if we ever hope to live a
pleasing life for the Lord. We know the Church has been teaching people for
2000 years because of an unbroken chain of individual teachers. Peter was one
of the first: For our Lord Jesus Christ
has shown me that I must soon leave this earthly life, so I will work hard
to make sure you always remember
these things after I am gone. 2 Peter 1:14-15 (NLT) After a life of ups and
downs with God, Peter wanted the Christians that learned from him to always
remember the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Gospel is never about our thinking.
It is always about remembering exactly what the Spirit of God says in the
Bible.
Christians
can also find encouragement by remembering the faith of people in the past who
loved God with all their heart. Hebrew eleven is the “Faith hall of Fame” and
it can strengthen us simply by reading about these saints from the past. Each
of us has our own heroes of the faith but the point is that our memory can be a
lot of help at times. At Easter we remember the resurrection because it is a
memorial to our new life in Jesus Christ. Our life is about the victory over
death that Jesus won that Sunday morning. Paul made this statement: Always
remember that Jesus Christ, a
descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I
preach. 2 Tim 2:8 (NLT) It is important to remember that we have been
raised to a new life in Jesus Christ. The Lord always helps us: But when the Father sends the Advocate as my
representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I
have told you. “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. John
14:25-27 (NLT) Remembering these things is what gives the Church its peace!
Thank you Lord.
