A Call to Remembrance

This transcript was generated automatically. Its accuracy may vary

Short Summary
The discourse emphasizes the biblical theme of remembrance as a vital spiritual discipline, urging believers to recall God’s past faithfulness, commandments, and promises to strengthen their faith and obedience. It highlights the importance of relying solely on Scripture, learning from the early church’s experiences, and maintaining steadfastness amid trials and adversity. Practical counsel is given for living a faithful Christian life, including financial prudence, avoiding temptation, and focusing on eternal rather than worldly riches.

Long Summary
Introduction and Context:
– The speaker initially had no intention to serve from the platform but acknowledges the providential absence of Brother Michael Costelli, who participates in their Bible studies.
– Emphasizes the collective acceptance and personal verification that the Bible is the Word of God.
– Introduces the topic by referencing a recent survey about Americans’ trust in the Bible.

Survey on Trust in the Bible (American Bible Society, State of the Bible USA 2025):
– Survey conducted online in January 2025 with about 26,000 American adults.
– 39% to 36% believe the Bible is totally accurate in all principles; 39% disagreed.
– Fifty years ago, trust in the Bible was generally higher.
– John Farquhar Plack noted attitudes toward the Bible are now more complex.
– Among practicing Christians (attending church monthly), 88% believe in total accuracy; only 4% did not.
– Among nominal Christians (self-identified but not attending regularly), 32% reject total accuracy, 29% affirm it.
– Suggests the survey partly explains national hopelessness and despair.
– Reflects gratitude for understanding God’s Word and Heavenly Father’s provision through Scripture.

The Ten Commandments and Universal Moral Principles:
– Recognizes widespread familiarity with the Ten Commandments, even among non-believers.
– Principles such as prohibitions against killing, stealing, adultery, and honoring parents are globally recognized moral precepts.
– These moral norms transcend religious boundaries and are broadly acknowledged as right or wrong.

Main Theme: A Call to Remembrance (Hebrews 10:32-33):
– Reads the text: “Call to remembrance the former days in which after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions…”
– Remembrance is a recurring biblical theme, a divine imperative to recall God’s mighty works, commandments, and promises.
– Not merely nostalgic but essential for faith, obedience, and guiding present and future actions.

Biblical Examples of Remembrance:
– Old Testament:
– Covenant relationship between God and Israel required remembrance of God’s deliverance (Deuteronomy 6:12 – “Be careful that you do not forget the Lord who brought you out of Egypt”).
– Feasts like Passover institutionalized remembrance (Exodus 12:14 – “This day is to be a memorial for you…”).
– Prophets urged remembering God’s deeds (Isaiah 46:9 – “Remember the former things… I am God and there is none like me”).
– New Testament:
– Jesus’ mission to call Israel back to covenant faithfulness; offer extended to Gentiles after Daniel’s 70 weeks.
– The Lord’s Supper instituted as a perpetual act of remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:24-25).
– Apostles urged believers to recall teachings and prophecies (2 Peter 3:1-2).
– Hebrews 13:7 encourages remembering leaders who spoke God’s word.

Historical Application and Early Church Example:
– Reference to the Jerusalem Conference (Acts 15) addressing Judaizers who claimed Gentiles must be circumcised and keep Mosaic Law.
– Peter’s ministry to Gentiles and the Holy Spirit’s gift to them demonstrated salvation by grace through faith, not by law.
– Emphasizes reliance on Scripture as the sole authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Exhortations for Consecrated Believers:
– Maintain reverential fear of displeasing God (Hebrews 4:1).
– Learn from Israel’s failure to inherit spiritual blessings to inspire obedience and faithfulness.
– Assembly and fellowship strengthen faith and endurance by the Holy Spirit.

Acknowledgment of Trials and Adversity:
– Brethren worldwide face difficulties; adversity is common.
– God’s faithfulness provides grace and a way of escape in temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).
– Trials serve to develop obedience and character (Hebrews 5:8-9; Hebrews 12:11).
– Encourages support and encouragement among brethren, especially those with special needs or facing trials.
– Highlights the importance of staying steadfast despite physical, social, or familial challenges.

Practical Scriptural Admonitions for the Consecrated (Six Points):
1. Avoid striving for an extravagant lifestyle; live within your means (Ecclesiastes 2:11-12).
2. Avoid borrowing when possible; if indebted, repay promptly (Psalm 37:21).
3. Do not worry about lack of abundance; God will supply needs (Matthew 6:31-32).
4. Avoid temptation and “get rich quick” schemes; love of money is the root of evil (1 Timothy 6:10).
5. Diversify investments; avoid excessive risk (Ecclesiastes 11:2).
6. Focus on eternal riches rather than temporary worldly goods, following examples like Moses (Hebrews 11:26-27).

Conclusion and Final Encouragement:
– Be content but diligent in doing God’s work.
– God will never forsake those who remain faithful.
– Final exhortation from 1 Corinthians 4:1-2: ministers and stewards of God’s mysteries must be found faithful.
– A prayerful wish that all keep this sacred charge in mind always.

—

Key Bible Verses Cited:

– Hebrews 10:32-33
– Deuteronomy 6:12
– Exodus 12:14
– Isaiah 46:9
– Hebrews 7:26
– 1 Corinthians 11:24-25
– 2 Peter 3:1-2
– Hebrews 13:7
– Acts 15:1,5,7-11,10
– 2 Timothy 3:16-17
– Hebrews 4:1
– 1 Corinthians 10:13
– Hebrews 5:8-9
– Hebrews 12:11
– Ecclesiastes 2:11-12
– Psalms 37:21
– Matthew 6:31-32
– 1 Timothy 6:10
– Ecclesiastes 11:2
– Hebrews 11:26-27
– 1 Corinthians 4:1-2

Transcript

So we had no thought initially of being to ask to serve from the platform today. In fact we have several meetings on Zoom and actually Brother Michael Costelli is in our Monday Exodus study. He was there this past Monday, so didn’t know what was what. But I would say that I know that his absence really is unavoidable, otherwise he’d be here, and so providentially we know that the Heavenly Father is overruling because I’m sure that he would love to be in your presence in person.

You know, as Bible students we have accepted and proven for ourselves that the Bible is the Word of God, and so as an introduction, if you will, to our remarks this afternoon, I’m going to begin by citing the results of a recent survey which I found rather telling as follows.

The American Bible Society released the seventh chapter of its State of the Bible USA 2025 report last week Tuesday.

The research focuses on Americans level of trust in several institutions, including religion and the Bible, and it’s based upon responses from about 26 or so American adults collected online between January 1st and 21st of this year, and when asked if they agreed that the Bible is totally accurate in all the principles it presents, 39% or 36% of the correspondence answered in the affirmative, while 39% disagreed. A half a century ago, Americans generally trusted the Bible. Attitudes are more complex these days, said John Farquhar Plack, the chief innovation officer at the American Bible Society and editor in chief of the State of the Bible series, in a statement reacting to the findings of this research. An overwhelming majority of practicing Christians, that’s 88% those who say they are Christian, attend church at least once a month and consider their faith very, very important in their lives, believed in the total accuracy of the Bible, while 4% did not, and the rest were unsure among nominal Christians.

And you know, I like that wording because, you know, when we use the word nominal Christians, I’m not sure if they use it in the same way that we do. But that’s what it says. So it says among nominal Christians, people who consider themselves Christian but do not attend church at least once a month, 32% do not view the Bible as entirely accurate, while 29% do. So perhaps the foregoing research or survey in part helps to explain why there seems to be just such a sense of hopelessness and despair in our nation. Although if such a survey were taken elsewhere in the world, I wonder what the results would have been.

You know, we are extremely blessed to have understand the Word of God and are reminded of the Heavenly Father’s provision for us from our study and appreciation of the Scriptures. Finally, you know, almost everyone knows something about the Ten Commandments, whether you watch Cecil B. DeMille or whatever, even if they don’t read the Bible or attend church regularly. But the principles of the Decalogue serve, such as not killing or stealing or committing adultery. Honoring your parents are generally known as moral precepts globally, really, and no matter what or who believes what, this seems to be something that when you do these kinds of things that are so wrong, obviously they sort of get it.

You shouldn’t be doing these things no matter what else you do. So that’s sort of my prelude to my overall comments so, as has been announced, our subject is a call to remembrance, and actually it’s based in part the Book of Hebrews, chapter 10, verses 32 and 33, which we will read as follows, but Call to remembrance the former days in which after ye were illuminated, ye endured a great fight of afflictions, partly whilst ye were made a gazing stock by reproaches and afflictions, and partly whilst he became companions of them that were so used. You know, the concept of remembrance is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, and it serves as a divine imperative for the people of God to recall his mighty works, commandments and promises. It is not merely an exercise in nostalgia, but a vital component of faith and obedience, ensuring that the lessons of the past inform the present and future actions of believers.

In the Old Testament, for example, the call to remember is often linked to the covenant relationship between God and the nation of Israel. The Jews were repeatedly instructed to remember God’s deliverance and faithfulness. In Deuteronomy 6:12 Deuteronomy 6:12 Moses warns the people. He says, be careful that you do not forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. This remembrance was intended to foster gratitude and obedience, reinforcing their identity as God’s specially chosen people.

The feasts and festivals such as Passover, served as institutionalized acts of remembrance.

Exodus 12:14 Exodus 12:14 states, this day is to be memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the Lord as a lasting ordinance for the generations to come.

These observances were designed to keep in memory God’s overruling providences alive in their collective consciousness of that nation. The prophets also emphasize the importance of remembering God’s deeds and commands. Isaiah 46:9 Isaiah 46:9 says the Remember the former things, those of long ago. I am God and there is no other. I am God, and there is none like me.

Here again, remembrance serves as a foundation for trust in the heavenly Father’s sovereignty and uniqueness.

You know, during Christ’s first adventure, Jesus came to the nation of Israel so they could repent from their departure from the law covenant and to accept the undefiled Son of God as their propitiation, and to reconcile the Jews and ultimately all of mankind back to the perfection which was lost in Eden through Father Adam. Hebrews 7:26, Hebrews 7:26. Unfortunately, except for a holy remnant, Israel did not remember. At the end of the 70 weeks of Daniel 9, the offer was extended to Gentiles.

You know, during this gospel age, the call to remember is expanded to include the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Lord’s Supper, instituted by Jesus, is a central act of remembrance for all the consecrated Spirit begotten individuals. In 1st Corinthians 11, 24, 25 1st Corinthians 11:24 and 25, Paul recounts the Master’s words connected with this memorial. This is what it says. This is my body, which is for you.

Do this in remembrance of me. This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this as often as you drink it in remembrance of me. You know, this precious privilege is a perpetual reminder that Christ’s sacrifice and redemption was established through his blood, and of course, other apostles also urge believers to remember the teachings and words of Jesus.

2nd Peter 3:1 2 2nd Peter 3:1 2, we find the apostle records the following. Beloved, this is now my second letter to you. Both of them are reminders to stir you up to wholesome thinking by recalling what was foretold by the holy prophets and commanded by our Lord and Savior through your apostles. The call to remember is not merely an intellectual exercise, but a spiritual discipline that shapes the believer’s life. It involves recalling God’s past faithfulness to inspire present trust and future hope.

In Hebrews 13:7, Hebrews 13:7, we are encouraged to remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you, consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. This remembrance serves as a guide for living a life of faith and obedience.

The call to remember is a profound and multifaceted theme that underscores the importance of memory in the life of faith. It is a divine invitation to recall God’s mighty acts, adhere to his commandments, and live in the light of his promises. Through remembrance, believers are anchored in their identity as a people of God and are empowered to live faithfully in the present as we consider further our theme text from Hebrews 10:32 and 33, we realize that Paul was speaking to Christian Jews who accepted the privilege of coming into Christ during a transitional period between the law of dispensation and the Gospel age. A notable incident from Scripture involving the early church relates to the Jerusalem Conference, which we will summarize as follows. The impetus for this gathering is given in Acts chapter 15.

Acts chapter 15, verses 1 and 5. Verses 1 and 5 and this is what it says. But some men came down from Judea and were teaching the brothers, unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.

It is necessary to circumcise them and to order them to keep the law of Moses, end of quote. Thus some Judaizers were teaching that Gentiles had to observe the Mosaic law and Jewish customs in order to be recovered from the curse of sin and death.

Since this teaching clearly contradicted the fact that salvation was by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Acts 15:11 Acts 15:11, the apostles and the church leaders held the first Christian convention to settle the issue, and in verses 7 through 11 of this same chapter, Peter spoke of his ministry among the Gentiles, as was recorded In Acts chapter 10, Peter focused upon the fact that the Holy Spirit was given to uncircumcised Gentiles, heathen, if you will, according to the Jewish way of thinking, in precisely the same manner that the Holy Spirit was given to the apostles and Jewish believers on the day of Pentecost, and therefore this led Peter to the conclusion that there should be no placing a yoke on the neck of Gentile disciples, that neither their fathers nor we have been able to bear. Acts 15:10 Acts 15:10 and so, in calling to remembrance how important it is for us as consecrated believers, to rely upon the word of God as the authority for whatever we believe and espouse, the Word of God is the sole authority.

2nd Timothy 3, 16, 17 2nd Timothy 3, 16 and 17 expresses it well as follows. All Scripture all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God or the woman of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. That’s the end all or the be all. If we go to the Scriptures, brethren, we will have less problem in terms of saying, oh, I’m right, you’re right, this is my thought. That’s your thought.

It is what it is. Another profitable exhortation for emulation by the Gospel age. Prospective church members might be as follows. Maintain a reverential fear of displeasing God by considering carefully the consequences of disobedience. Thus we are reminded of this in Hebrews 4:1 Hebrews 4:1 let us therefore fear lest a promise being left us of entering into his rest.

Any view should seem to come short of it, you know. In examining that passage, we note that believers, the Spirit begotten of the Gospel age, are admonished to take heed to the example of fleshly Israel and and manifest a reverential sobriety with regard to our walk, lest we fail to properly act upon the exceeding great and precious promises which are given to us for the purpose of attaining that heavenly rest of the Divine nature by not making our calling election sure. Our reflection upon the failure, if you will, of Israel as a nation to inherit the Chief’s best spiritual blessings should sensitize us to the need for demonstrating our faith in God by being obedient to the various admonitions which are given in Scripture to guide us in the doing of the Heavenly Father’s will. Our presence at this convention and our continued assembly with one another in our regular meetings, prayers, and circumspect demeanor in our consecrated walk will enable us to be more than conquerors through the power of the Holy Spirit. God is absolutely 1 million percent faithful.

Here’s another item of remembrance to keep us grounded, to keep in the forefront of our minds through biblestudent.info formerly O Ron and other means of communications among our fellowship. We are aware of some of the difficult experiences brethren throughout the entire world endure, and yet, I believe just the tip of the iceberg is reported and shared among the saints by this means. In fact, it is really not possible for anyone to live in the world and not face adversity of one sort or another. All of us have had such experiences this past year, maybe this past week.

Who knows? But God provides special grace for his people that we may not be overcome by such difficulties if we continue to look to him. Let us read 1st Corinthians 10:13 1st Corinthians 10:13 from the New American Standard no temptation has overtaken you, but such as is common to man and God is faithful who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what ye are able but with the temptation will provide a way of escape so that you will be able to endure it. You know, God sometimes permits difficult experiences in our lives as an act of love to affect a positive change in behavior by his children. With regard to the world of mankind, the permission of evil has been allowed to teach and humanity the exceeding sinfulness of sin, in order that during that glorious kingdom reign they will be able to contrast the fruitage of disobedience with the blessings of life and happiness that will be enjoyed by all who obey that prophet.

The Christian head and body, and with regard to the consecrated adversity, is permitted to test and develop our faithfulness to the end that we might have a crystallized character of the Master during his earthly sojourn. We read this from Hebrews 5:8 and 9. Hebrews 5:8, 9. Though he were a son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered, and being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.

Thus Jesus demonstrated his ability to remain fully submissive to the Father under every trying circumstance, and thus was made complete as a new creature and worthy of the subsequent high exaltation which he received also. Sometimes, sometimes as new creatures God permits troubles to come upon us from for our character development when we are not making the progress that we should. We read this in Hebrews 12:11. Hebrews 12:11. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the principal fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

We may also inquire, how desirous are we really that our brethren who are experiencing difficulties remain steadfast? Oh, we might say that in our country comparatively, the brethren really aren’t suffering very much.

You know, since the advent of COVID and because of a general lack or diminution of in person fellowship, we became acquainted with brethren in different parts of the world. Many who attend United States conventions and other such gatherings on platforms such as Zoom and or WhatsApp, terms which I was totally unfamiliar with 10 years ago.

Well, to some degree it may be true that we appear to not suffer so much from organized opposition to our stand for the truth. But sometimes brethren who are not yet retired, you know, it’s nice being retired, by the way. If you haven’t. If you haven’t yet tasted it, it’s wonderful. It’s wonderful.

You know, I think about. I think about young people and they say, gee, you know, and they will get their independence from the parents. Look, I want to be independent from you. It’s okay. But when you get retired, isn’t it wonderful to be retired, to do what you want and hope the Lord says, here, go this way, go this way.

It’s wonderful. So I see a lot of smiling faces, so I know I’m resonating with you. But anyway, let me go back to what I said. Anyway. But sometimes brethren who are not yet retired, they experience trials because of their stand for righteousness on the job, or even from family members who are not supportive of their stand for the truth.

And many times we learn of situations of brethren who are undergoing serious, serious physical ailments, yet they express a sense of acquiescence to the and thankfulness that they have been able to learn something from the experience while still striving to serve God. Sometimes we hear of brethren in our country or abroad who have, what shall we say, special needs, and we need to ask ourselves, are we doing anything in terms of trying to be a comfort to them? Are we encouraged when we hear of their determination to be steadfast in the Lord despite adversity? Do we communicate in helpful ways to our brethren that will encourage them towards making their calling and election sure? Or are we too consumed, too busy with other matters?

That’s a most searching question which needs to be answered by all of us in the affirmative. If the Spirit of Christ dwells within us as we call to remembrance the import of the Scriptures, or even from a historical vantage point, what history tells us that those who lived during the Dark Ages suffered, let’s look at a few practical ways that may impact some of the Lord’s people, especially for those who may be relatively young, and again, you know, relatively young is a matter of, you know, it depends upon who’s talking about relatively young. Okay, but let me put it this way. I’m talking about those who have embraced the narrow way more recently.

And we know that the bride has not yet been completed yet, even though we’ve had prognostications in the past that, you know, it’s any day now. It’s any day now. Well, it’s not yet, but anyway, I want to talk about and I get away from the shortness of time concept, and time is always short for each of us individually because we never know what tomorrow is going to bring forth. But we want to share six brief scriptural admonitions for the consecrated, and they are as follows.

Number one. Avoid striving to attain an extravagant lifestyle, but seek to live within your means. Even the world knows that you can’t take it with you. Ecclesiastes 2, 11 and 12. Ecclesiastes 2,11 and 12.

Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labor that I had labored to do and behold, it was all vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no prophet under the sun and I turned myself to behold wisdom and madness and folly for what can the man do that cometh after the king, even that which hath already been done? Number two Avoid borrowing wherever possible, and if indebted, be certain to fulfill your obligation to your creditor. Remember, it is indeed more blessed to give than to receive. Psalms 37:21 Psalms 37:21 the wicked borroweth and payeth not again, but the righteous showeth mercy and giveth. Number three do not be overly concerned that you do not have an abundance.

The Heavenly Father has promised to supply all of our needs, although we are expected to be diligent in securing them to the best of our ability, and to distinguish them from our wants. Matthew 6:31 32 Matthew 6:31 32 Therefore take no thought saying, what shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? Or wherewith shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek for your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

Number four stay away from temptation and get rich schemes. First Timothy 6:10 First Timothy 6:10 for the love of money is the root of all evil, which while some coveted after they have erred from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. Number five if you do happen to have investments, be careful not to put all your eggs in one basket and diversify your assets, so that moderation takes precedence over risk.

Ecclesiastes 11:2 Ecclesiastes 11:2 New Living Translation but divide your investments among many places, for you do not know what risk might lie ahead and Number six Focus upon the eternal riches of God, as opposed to the temporary good things this world, considering the example of other righteous individuals who have done that.

Concerning Moses, a member of the house of servants, this is what we read in Hebrews 11:26 27 Hebrews 11:26 27 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt, for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward by faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. Oh, there are so many many scriptures we should call to remembrance as we consider that the Lord has provided everything we need. Let us be content, although not idle, but let us be diligent in doing the Heavenly Father’s business, as opposed to the business of the world, and becoming filled with anxiety because he who called us will never, never, never, never forsake us if we do not forsake his ways. We close with an admonition from First Corinthians 4:1:2, First Corinthians 4:1:2. Let a man sow account of us as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the ministries mysteries of God.

Moreover, it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful. May we ever keep this sacred charge in our hearts and minds today, tomorrow, and until the end of our course here on earth. Amen.

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