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 past possessions. Some
people have argued that memory is the most important of all a persons’
abilities. The Church is responsible for reminding its people of the many
truths listed in the Bible. In the past, many churches had a table that stood
down front of the preacher on which was written “Remember Me.” This reminds us
that Jesus is the center of our religion. The centrality of Jesus is the number
one thing that Christians should remember. People can have a new eternal life
because Christ took our place in death.
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. Before Jesus went to the cross, He gathered with his disciples and ordained
the communion ceremony for the church. This was His last meal before death. The
Scripture says: Then he broke it (the bread) in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this
to remember me.” (1 Cor
11:24-26 NLT). Remembering Jesus should be our priority.
The Bible
tells us 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
finds joy in the fact that Jesus died to pay our ransom. God will not remember
our sin on judgment day because Jesus took our sin upon himself. The Scripture
says: “I will never again remember their
sins and lawless deeds.” (Heb 10:17 NLT). How can we not want to tell unsaved
people about the way to Heaven? There are other things that the Scriptures tell
us to remember. We must remember to pray for other people. As the Spirit
directs us we should pray for either saved or unsaved people. Serving the Lord
is a privilege because of what Christ is doing for us.
Over the
years many people have suffered at the hands of the world because they proclaim
the Savior. This means that their only help must come from the church. Paul
instructed the churches to remember that some Christians need our help. He
agreed with the disciples: …that we
should remember the poor; the same
which I also was forward to do. (Gal 2:10 KJV). When a Christian hires help
they should give jobs to other Christians 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 the whole spiritual family, rich or
poor. Remember that helping and praying for others is part of our service to
God.
Many of us
went to Sunday school and learned the Bible stories. These wonderful old
stories were our introduction to the doctrines of God. It is wonderful to
recall how that the Spirit led us into the path of our salvation. 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 live by the teachings of the Bible if we ever hope to live pleasing
lives for the Lord. We know the Church has been teaching people for two
thousand years because of an unbroken chain of teachers. Christian literature
reflects much of the struggle for good in our history.
Christians
can also find encouragement by remembering the faith of people in the past who
loved God with all their hearts. Hebrews eleven is called the Faith hall of Fame. Simply by reading about these saints from the
past we can be strengthened. Each of us has their own heroes of the faith but
the point is that our memories can help us at times. At Easter we remember the
resurrection. It is a living memorial because Jesus Christ is still alive. Our
life is about living 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). We continue to
preach this.
The wonder
of the life and death of Jesus is continually working in a Christian. Every day
we are aware that we have been raised to a
new life. The help of the Lord is continual. The Bible says: 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. (John 14:25-27 NLT) Remembering what Jesus said gives the
Church its peace and joy. The Holy Scriptures can lead us through this life and
into the next. The Gospel is never about our thinking. It is always about
remembering exactly what the Spirit of God says. When we believe and then live
what is in the Bible, a new life will be ours.
