"Remembering The Words of Jesus"

We are rapidly approaching the midway point of our gospel meeting with Ronny Wade. The preaching has been excellent. Our crowds have been good. Lord willing, the meeting is resulting in elevated energy toward righteous living among all our members and those who have joined us.

Tonight, Ronny used Acts 20:28-36 as his text. "Remembering The Words of Jesus" was the topic of his sermon.

Many people don't remember, respect or even care about what Jesus said about anything. The words of Jesus are the final authority because God has given all power and authority to Christ.

Memory is a wonderful gift from God. Without memory there would be no history, no relationships, no ability to recognize our own kids or family, and no ability to conduct business. The gift of memory allows us to have the quality of life we often take for granted.

God deals with us on a mental, moral and spiritual level. He reaches us by appealing to these faculties.

John 16:4 begins a discussion about the role of the Holy Spirit in teaching us the words of Jesus. The apostles had infalliable recollection because of the miraculous measure of the Holy Spirit. They were able to perfectly recall the things that Jesus said and taught. Additionally, they were guided by the Spirit in the things that Jesus didn't teach them while He walked among them.

According to Mark 13:11 inspiration was the measure of the Holy Spirit given to the apostles. Today, we are to rely on the words given by the Holy Spirit as recorded in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Here are some areas where we need to be remembering the words of Jesus.

1. The words of Christ on the subject of creation can settle a great debate among people.

Theistic evolution is merely a scheme of men to help religious people accept the theory of evolution. However, according to Genesis chapter 1 God created the world.

Genesis 1:26, 27 speaks of God creating "in the beginning." That removes room for evolution. Men who claim that God created the world through evolution haven't remembered these words. God created a full grown world without evolution.

Matthew 19:4 speaks of God's law on marriage, but one phrase is important: "at the beginning." God created man and woman at the beginning. Mankind didn't come from some stem cell that evolved. Mankind was created as male and female full grown. And God created them "from the beginning."

2. We need to remember the words of Christ on the mission of the Church.

John 17:1-11 dispell the notion of "the postponement theory of the kingdom." Some men believe Christ will return and reign on the earth for 1000 years. However, they fail to remember the words of Jesus here in John 17. Christ said He had finished His work. Whatever His work was, He had finished it. Christ said He would be no more in this world. Similar words are recorded in 2 Corinthians 5:17. It will be impossible for us to remember the words of Jesus and falsely believe that Christ will return to reign on the earth. And besides, the kingdom has already been established - the Church.

3. We need to remember the words of Christ on marriage, divorce and remarriage.

Divorce is out of control in America.
50% of all first time marriages end in divorce.
63% of all second time marriages end in divorce.
80% of all third time marriages end in divorce.

People aren't listening to the Word of God. If they would remember the words of Christ in Matthew 19 they would understand that God intends for one man to marry one woman - and remain so for the rest of their lives. God intends for a man to leave his mother and father to be joined to his wife. God intends for men to marry women and for women to marry men. Same sex marriages may very well become commonplace in America or the entire world. However, God still condemns it. Mankind only needs to read what the Lord had to say for the issue to be settled.

Sexual immorality is the only reason Heaven gives for breaking the marriage bond. Unfortunately, people are too busy listening to the world when it comes to the subject of marriage.

4. We need to remember the words of Christ on Heaven.

While there are many things we'd love to know about Heaven, we do know that the location is wherever Christ lives (John 14:1-4). Heaven will be a place where there is no sickness or death. It will be a place of light and life. It will be a homecoming for all faithful Christians. Our citizenship is in Heaven - so for us, we'll be going home.

Please make plans to attend the remainder of this gospel meeting as often as you can. The meeting ends on Sunday, April 10th. We want you to hear God's Word taught by one of the most capable preachers. We hope you'll join us.