“Therefore, I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as II am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder. . . “ 2 Peter 1:12,13
June 29, 2023
Memory is a gift from God. We couldn’t get very far in life without it. It is the ability of the mind to recall what we have learned, heard, and done in the past. Yes, it can, when accompanied by a convicting conscience, be a menace. But for now let’s stay on the sunny side of the street. Peter is telling his readers that the Word of God must not be forgotten because it is the foundation for progress in the Christian life. Every Christian and church congregation needs a constant review of the truth. Sadly, it is possible to have been a Christian for some time and yet lapse into serious sin or doctrinal error. We have biblical examples of this in David and Peter himself. We must never forget the gospel. It is to our benefit to memorize a passage like Romans 3:21-28. Perhaps you know of a new convert to Christ who needs to be firmly established in the faith. Living in a time of widespread indifference to Bible doctrine is a spiritual crime. J. Gresham Machen, an outstanding conservative apologist and theologian of the last century, made a memorable statement, “Indifference to doctrine makes no heroes of the faith.” How we do need heroes of the faith. To be reminded of the truth is not simply a cold routine of recitation of facts and information. It is a call to act upon what we know. It is an appeal to a deepening relationship with Jesus Christ. Do you have and use a good study Bible? Is there a theological textbook at your fingertips? Use one by reading it and praying your way through it.
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“If we could forget our troubles as easily as we forget our blessings, how different things would be.”