2 Timothy

There are many facts in life that we are called upon to remember—appointments, vital pieces of information, names of acquaintances, even incidents from the past that are supposed to have significance. “Remember the Alamo” was a rallying cry to Texans at the time of the war with Mexico. “Remember the Maine” served the same purpose at the time of the Spanish American War, following the sinking of the USS Maine in Havana harbor in 1898. In World War II the saying was “Remember Pearl Harbor.” The interesting fact about these sayings is that each refers to a defeat. The saying that I want to take you to today is different and is also more important, for it is a challenge to remember a victory.

In yesterday’s study we said that people need a simple Gospel, not a simplistic Gospel—which we defined as one that is superficial and does not grapple with the deepest problems people have. But when I am talking about a “simple” Gospel, that is something else. It is a gospel that is simple because it brings simplicity to areas that would be hopelessly confusing without it.

Second, we should remember the resurrection because so long as we remember it, we will always have a supernatural Gospel.

Third, we are to remember the resurrection because so long as we remember it, we will always have a scriptural Gospel. This means that our faith will not be a novelty. Instead, we will have a faith linked—as all true faith must be linked—to God’s great and eternal purposes in human history.

Finally, we are to remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ because if we do remember it, we will always have a satisfying Gospel. The truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ satisfies. There is so much in life that is not satisfying. In some cases we may be satisfied for a time. But the pleasures soon pale and the satisfaction fades.