A sermon for the Watford church of Christ
Introduction
1605
Remember, remember, the 5th of November,
Gunpowder, treason and plot.
I see no reason why gunpowder treason should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes, ’twas his intent
To blow up the King and the Parliament
Three score barrels of powder below
Poor old England to overthrow
By God’s providence he was catch’d
With a dark lantern and burning match
Holler boys, holler boys, let the bells ring
Holler boys, holler boys, God save the King!
Remembering the right things is important
QUESTION: What is vital to remember? What, if you forgot it, would cause severe stress in your life?
What does/did God remember, and what are we to be remembered for?
God remembers his people (do they remember him?)
“He has raised up a mighty saviour for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us. Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors, and has remembered his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham, to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.” (Luke 1:69-75 NRSV)
God remembers his people, but why?
- Why God Should Forget
QUESTION: Reasons God should forget us
A. We offend him
B. We forget him
C. But…..
““Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (Isaiah 49:15 NIV11)
God cannot forget
- Why God Chooses to Remember
QUESTION: Reasons God chooses to remember us
A. He promised to remember us (covenant)
B. He loves the people Jesus died for
C. He has a vision for us
He ‘needs’ us?
Luke 12:6-7
Nothing can separate us — Romans 8.37-39
Let that motivate you to act for him and do things that will be remembered….
- What Will We Be Remembered For?
Mark 14:3-9
Question: Why was she singled out to be ‘remembered’?
A. Acted generously
She loved Jesus
Cost did not worry her
Knew he was going to the cross – last chance
B. Acted courageously
Despite skeptics
Including Jesus’ own followers (Mk 14.10-11)
C. Acted beautifully
Anointed Jesus — he was the centre of her attention
Devoted to Jesus
Not about recognition, reward, approval
The way she is remembered points back to Jesus
Application
Small things; Cost something; For Jesus; reaSupported by the Spirit
Conclusion, Matthew 28:18-20
Remember — ‘I am with you always’
‘Do this in remembrance of me’, Luke 22.19
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm
