Remembering Jesus

A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both. President Dwight D. Eisenhower

All that was is changed because of the sacrifice of those who give their lives for their country. When someone gives their life, they give so much more. Their future and posterity and even their heritage. And they give all this for the possibility and hope that we might have them.

All that was is changed because of the sacrifice of Jesus. When Jesus gave His life, it was different than any other. Ever. Before or after. He didnt die for possibility, but for certainty. The hope that comes from His sacrifice isnt a wish, but a promise that is sure!

Ephesians 2:11–16 ESV

11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.

Ephesians 2:11–22 ESV

11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.

Ephesians 2:11-

We remember what we were in the past.

Being careful to pay attention to vv.11-12, not skipping straight to 13. Because the truth of our former condition feeds our attitude about our current condition. And if we ignore our former condition, our attitude about who we are in Christ will suffer.

On the outside looking in. Void of hope. Jesus, as Messiah, came to the lost sheep of Israel. The Gentiles were given no hope of the promise. Jesus even states, when asked by a gentile woman for help, ‘it is not right for children’s bread to be thrown to the dogs’. Mt15

v.13 far off is not a geographical statement! It describes how unlikely salvation was to come to those outside the promise. explanation...

Before receiving the gift of salvation, we are just as lost, without hope, as these explanations make it sound. Even though all people now have the opportunity to believe, so long as they are drawn by the Holy Spirit, unbelief still results in the absence of hope. Condemnation.

We remember what we were in the past, because when we forget, our attitude about our current condition becomes stagnant. Stale. Lukewarm. Forgetting what God saved us out of feeds that apathetic attitude. And He says that lukewarm makes Him sick to His stomach. The difficulty with this attitude is its contagious. And it extinguishes the fire in others. Find someone who loves what they do in serving the Lord. They serve with enthusiasm and fervor. And others will attack them, their enthusiasm and fervor.

Its been said that part of God's heating element to intensity our affection and deepen our devotion is the command, "Remember! Remember! Remember that we were without hope!"

So we remember what we were in the past.

We remember what was given through the work of Jesus.

v.13 far off is not a geographical statement! It describes how unlikely salvation was to come to those outside the promise. explanation...

The work of Jesus brings us into peace with God.

The blood shed on the cross took care of sin; past, present and future sin. says it took care of sins ‘passed over’ by God. So Jesus completed the work of the lamb’s blood on the doorposts. The passover, when the Hebrews were leaving Egypt, was an imperfect act. The blood of animals could never extinguish the sin of man. But because of the obedient hearts of those who put the lamb’s blood on the doorposts, God passed over.

And because of the forgiveness of sin offered to all peoples, we have a togetherness that had never been realized before. Not only peace with God, but because of our peace with God we have opportunity for (expectation of!) peace with each other.

In the culture of this writing, Paul (a jew) reminds the church at Ephesus (full of gentiles) of the great divide between the two groups. Jews hated Gentiles. They saw them as ‘dogs’. And here is Paul telling this church ‘we are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God’. That’s not mere tolerance! That’s saying we’re in this together. The walls have fallen! Its me and you, moving forward for the Kingdom!

So. Therefore. And Now.

We remember the change His presence makes in our lives.

So I have to begin by considering the question: What change has His presence made in me?

I can only answer that question removed from the platform of a sermon. There are, I hope with all my heart, there are many.

I know that His presence in me has made me faithful. Loyal even. I make mistakes in relationships. But He has made me faithful.

I know His presence in me is making me compassionate. Invested in the well-being of the flock He has blessed me with. It is a process, but...

I know, because of the Christ that now lives in me, that I am brave. I cried every day the first week of kindergarten. When I was in 2nd grade, I spent a whole month of recess never talking to another kid. I was afraid of what they would say. I had an irrational fear of anything. Wasps. Dogs. Being left alone. Or forgotten. I was a fearful little boy. I’m not a little boy any more. But here’s the personal-ness of this: When I live by the flesh, I’m still fearful. But when I allow Him, who is our peace, to LIVE THROUGH ME. I am brave.

Freedom? from fear! To be faithful, compassionate and brave.

Unity in spirit for unity of life. This lets us have one mind and heart. Or one desire and purpose. That being the glory of God for the salvation of man.

I am the temple. We are being built into a dwelling place for God. He is the Cornerstone.