Memorial Day On Memorial Day we remember those who

have sacrificed their lives for this country.

As Christians we are thankful that in the USA we can still freely worship God.

But of much greater importance the Lord has given us a memorial every 1st day of the

week to remember Christ’s sacrifice. (Acts 20:7)

God has given us all minds that we can recall words, events, or activities.

This morning we will study Bible passages that hopefully will inspire us to use our

memories in the greatest cause of serving our Lord!

Happy MemoriesRemember your Creator and enjoy your childhood as it goes by very quickly (Eccl.

11:9f-12:1).

Birthdays, graduation, wedding, anniversaries, and vacations, etc. We all

have memories.

But nothing can or should compare to the joyful memories we have of when we

made the decision to obey the gospel of Christ by being baptized for the

forgiveness of our sins. (Acts 8:35-38; Romans 6:3-4, 16-18)

We rejoice when gospel preachers, brethren, and our family are faithful to the Lord and encourage them in the truth. (3 Jn. 4-8; 1 Cor. 4:17; Phil. 1:3ff; Heb.

3:13)

Tempting MemoriesBut when we suffer as a Christian, we are

tempted to remember the pleasures of sin and go back to our worldly ways

(Matthew 13:20-21).

The Israelites forgot about all that God had done for them when they suffered but instead complained and wanted to go back to Egypt.

(Numbers 11:5-6; 14:1-4; Acts 7:39)

How foolish it us for us to forget about Jesus Christ and think that living in sin (lusts, gambling, drinking, dancing) or false

doctrine will bring us happiness (Eph. 2:1-3; 5:3ff; Rom. 16:17-18)!

We need to forget those tempting memories and press on towards heaven (Philippians

3:13-14).

Grateful Memories“Be thankful in all things, for this is God’s

will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Christians should be thankful that God chooses to forget our past sins and

promises to not bring them up in the Judgment Day.

(Jer. 31:34; Heb. 8:12; 10:17; Ps. 103:10-12)

Even if we are suffering through trials we ought to be grateful to God that we will

grow spiritually as a result of that experience (James 1:2-4).

But if we forget to be thankful to God, we will likely digress into practicing sins worthy

of death (Rom. 1:21ff).

Painful MemoriesHow many people suffer because of the

sinful choices they have made? (Pr. 13:15)

Judas knew he sinned in betraying Jesus which led to his decision to commit

suicide (Mt. 27:3-5).

Peter denied the Lord 3 times (Luke 22:61-62).

Saul persecuted the church (Acts 8:1-3; 9:1ff).

The rich man in Hades would be forever haunted by the memory that he failed to do God’s will & would suffer in torment

forever (Luke 16:24ff).

ConclusionDo you have “happy”, “tempting”,

“grateful”, and/or “painful” memories?

Your painful memories of sin can be turned into happy memories today just like it did with Saul by being baptized into Christ (Acts 22:16)!

But if you refuse to obey the gospel you will always have painful

memories and suffer in torment with regret! (2 Thess. 1:7-

8)

ConclusionIf you are tempted to go back to your

sinful ways or are suffering through trials at this time, remember that you can go boldly to the throne of

grace for help in your time of need. (Heb. 2:17-18; 4:14f)

The memories that you have tomorrow depend on the decisions you make today and everyday of

your life.

If you do the Lord’s will you can rejoice with good memories forever with the Lord in heaven and have

no regrets!