Upload
rodney-hensley
View
217
Download
0
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Our nation has many memorialsOur nation has many memorials
Memorials exist in the form of special days, buildings, street names, parks, statues, walls, plaques, activities, etc.
Memorials exist in the form of special days, buildings, street names, parks, statues, walls, plaques, activities, etc.
Amidst all the memorials, we still have a tendency to forgetAmidst all the memorials, we still have a tendency to forget
In general, we have forgotten the very One who is responsible for the prosperity we enjoy
In general, we have forgotten the very One who is responsible for the prosperity we enjoy
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
James 1:17
In general, we have forgotten the very One who is responsible for the prosperity we enjoy
In general, we have forgotten the very One who is responsible for the prosperity we enjoyThe Scriptures remind us not to forget God, and call on us to remember Him
The Scriptures remind us not to forget God, and call on us to remember Him
Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them.
Ecclesiastes 12:1
In general, we have forgotten the very One who is responsible for the prosperity we enjoy
In general, we have forgotten the very One who is responsible for the prosperity we enjoyThe Scriptures remind us not to forget God, and call on us to remember Him
The Scriptures remind us not to forget God, and call on us to remember HimIt is vitally important that each remembers God before his life is destroyed, his future is ruined and his soul is lost
It is vitally important that each remembers God before his life is destroyed, his future is ruined and his soul is lost
Solomon reminds us that one of the reasons for remembering the Creator in the days of youth is to spare future generations the bitter heartache of finding out too late that life is meaningless without God
Solomon reminds us that one of the reasons for remembering the Creator in the days of youth is to spare future generations the bitter heartache of finding out too late that life is meaningless without God
Solomon knew that a foolish man learns nothing from mistakes, a smart man learns from his own mistakes and a wise man learns from the mistakes of others
Solomon knew that a foolish man learns nothing from mistakes, a smart man learns from his own mistakes and a wise man learns from the mistakes of othersSolomon presented his own life as an example for others to consider
Solomon presented his own life as an example for others to considerHis life was one of many mistakes and sins as he sought happiness in various ways
His life was one of many mistakes and sins as he sought happiness in various ways
His exploits serve as a valuable lesson for usHis exploits serve as a valuable lesson for us
He sought happiness through:He sought happiness through:
WisdomWisdom
I communed with mine own heart, saying, Lo, I am come to great estate, and have gotten more wisdom than all they that have been before me in Jerusalem: yea, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly: I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.
Ecclesiastes
1:16-18
His exploits serve as a valuable lesson for usHis exploits serve as a valuable lesson for us
He sought happiness through:He sought happiness through:
WisdomWisdom
PleasurePleasure
I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure: and, behold, this also is vanity. I said of laughter, It is mad: and of mirth, What doeth it? I sought in mine heart to give myself unto wine, yet acquainting mine heart with wisdom; and to lay hold on folly, till I might see what was that good for the sons of men, which they should do under the heaven all the days of their life.
Ecclesiastes 2:1-3
His exploits serve as a valuable lesson for usHis exploits serve as a valuable lesson for us
He sought happiness through:He sought happiness through:
WisdomWisdom
PleasurePleasure
WealthWealth
So I was great, and increased more than all that were before me in Jerusalem: also my wisdom remained with me. And whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy; for my heart rejoiced in all my labour: and this was my portion of all my labour. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had wrought, and on the labour that I had laboured to do: and, behold, all was vanity and vexation of
His exploits serve as a valuable lesson for usHis exploits serve as a valuable lesson for us
He sought happiness through:He sought happiness through:
WisdomWisdom
PleasurePleasure
WealthWealth
PowerPower
Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.
Ecclesiastes 4:13
However, he learned late in life that the only way to obtain true happiness and lasting satisfaction is by trusting God and letting Him direct his steps
However, he learned late in life that the only way to obtain true happiness and lasting satisfaction is by trusting God and letting Him direct his steps
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5, 6
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Ecclesiastes 12:13
However, he learned late in life that the only way to obtain true happiness and lasting satisfaction is by trusting God and letting Him direct his steps
However, he learned late in life that the only way to obtain true happiness and lasting satisfaction is by trusting God and letting Him direct his stepsHow meaningless is life if this is all there is and no life awaits us beyond the grave
How meaningless is life if this is all there is and no life awaits us beyond the graveJust as sad to realize too late that you have neglected the important things
Just as sad to realize too late that you have neglected the important things
Consider the admonitions of Solomon to “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy
youth…”
Consider the admonitions of Solomon to “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy
youth…”
“Remember”- to mark, acknowledge“Remember”- to mark, acknowledgeHave many ways to help us remember- string on finger, calendars, organizers, sticky notes, etc.
Have many ways to help us remember- string on finger, calendars, organizers, sticky notes, etc.“Remembering” carries with it more than the mental concept that God is, but also the idea of recognizing His authority, obeying His Will
“Remembering” carries with it more than the mental concept that God is, but also the idea of recognizing His authority, obeying His Will
Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
Galatians 2:10
Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
Hebrews 13:7
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
Revelation 2:5
History bears record of many who forgot (failed to remember) the Lord
History bears record of many who forgot (failed to remember) the Lord
Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number.
Jeremiah 2:32
Therefore will I scatter them as the stubble that passeth away by the wind of the wilderness. This is thy lot, the portion of thy measures from me, saith the LORD; because thou hast forgotten me, and trusted in falsehood.
Jeremiah 13:24, 25
Israel hath cast off the thing that is good: the enemy shall pursue him.
For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind...
I have written to him the great things of my law, but they were counted as a strange thing.
For Israel hath forgotten his Maker…
Hosea 8:3, 7, 12, 14
History bears record of many who forgot (failed to remember) the Lord
History bears record of many who forgot (failed to remember) the Lord“Now” reveals the urgency in recognizing and accepting His authority, and in doing His will
“Now” reveals the urgency in recognizing and accepting His authority, and in doing His will
The past is irretrievable; the future is not guaranteed; “now” is all we have for certain
The past is irretrievable; the future is not guaranteed; “now” is all we have for certain
(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)
II Corinthians 6:2
Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
Hebrews 3:12-15
Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
James 4:13, 14
God IS- regardless of what man’s “wisdom” might teach and “science” might present
God IS- regardless of what man’s “wisdom” might teach and “science” might present
The realization that He is Creator and we are the created is paramount above all concepts and basic to our understanding of other eternal principles and doctrines
The realization that He is Creator and we are the created is paramount above all concepts and basic to our understanding of other eternal principles and doctrines
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Hebrews 11:6
God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands.
Acts 17:24
God IS- regardless of what man’s “wisdom” might teach and “science” might present
God IS- regardless of what man’s “wisdom” might teach and “science” might present
The realization that He is Creator and we are the created is paramount above all concepts and basic to our understanding of other eternal principles and doctrines
The realization that He is Creator and we are the created is paramount above all concepts and basic to our understanding of other eternal principles and doctrinesNumerous and irrefutable are the evidences for His existence
Numerous and irrefutable are the evidences for His existence
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
Psalm 139:14
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they
are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
Romans 1:18-22
Memorials set the stage especially for following generations who were not present for whatever or whomever is being remembered
Memorials set the stage especially for following generations who were not present for whatever or whomever is being remembered The farther removed we are from an event or notable person, the less likely we are to remember
The farther removed we are from an event or notable person, the less likely we are to rememberNo generation has been farther removed from the time of the cross
No generation has been farther removed from the time of the cross
We must be sure to maintain the matters of memorial for what God has done and what He continues to do for us
We must be sure to maintain the matters of memorial for what God has done and what He continues to do for us
“Remember Now Thy Creator“Remember Now Thy Creator
The Time toRememberThe Time toRemember
In The Days of Thy Youth”In The Days of Thy Youth”
Why the urgency in youth? Why stress that younger years are the most favorable time to “remember they Creator?”
Why the urgency in youth? Why stress that younger years are the most favorable time to “remember they Creator?”
Because young hearts are still pliable and impressionableBecause young hearts are still pliable and impressionable
Because young hearts are still dependent to some degree on those older and wiser
Because young hearts are still dependent to some degree on those older and wiser
Because youthful exuberance is contagiousBecause youthful exuberance is contagious
Because young hearts are not yet “set in their ways”Because young hearts are not yet “set in their ways”
Because habits have not yet been so firmly established and deeply rooted
Because habits have not yet been so firmly established and deeply rootedBecause young reputations have not yet been ruined by the adoption of the world
Because young reputations have not yet been ruined by the adoption of the world
Because youth will fade in a flashBecause youth will fade in a flash
To prevent suffering and consequences brought on by sin
To prevent suffering and consequences brought on by sinBecause youth is no guarantee of lifeBecause youth is no guarantee of life
Solomon warns young people about having the attitude of living forever and not being concerned about a reckoning day
Solomon warns young people about having the attitude of living forever and not being concerned about a reckoning day
Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.
Ecclesiastes 11:9, 10
These principles apply well past the teenage yearsThese principles apply well past the teenage years
With the advancement of age many times comes the realization that younger days should have been lived in a more productive fashion
With the advancement of age many times comes the realization that younger days should have been lived in a more productive fashionAge often robs men of the abilities to do those things he finally realizes he should have done
Age often robs men of the abilities to do those things he finally realizes he should have done
Thus, age often brings sorrow, regret and bitternessThus, age often brings sorrow, regret and bitterness
Statistics show that the older one gets the less likely he is to become a Christian
Statistics show that the older one gets the less likely he is to become a Christian
After age 25, one in 10,000After age 25, one in 10,000
19 out of 20 who become Christians do so before age 25
19 out of 20 who become Christians do so before age 25
After age 35, one in 50,000After age 35, one in 50,000
After age 45, one in 200,000After age 45, one in 200,000
After age 55, one in 300,000After age 55, one in 300,000
After age 65, one in 500,000After age 65, one in 500,000
After age 75, one in 700,000After age 75, one in 700,000
Thus, age often brings sorrow, regret and bitternessThus, age often brings sorrow, regret and bitterness
Statistics show that the older one gets the less likely he is to become a Christian
Statistics show that the older one gets the less likely he is to become a Christian
No wonder Solomon said, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth”
No wonder Solomon said, “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth”
But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
II Timothy 3:14, 15
“Remember Now Thy Creator“Remember Now Thy Creator
IN THE DAYS OFTHY YOUTH”
IN THE DAYS OFTHY YOUTH”
“Remember Now Thy Creator“Remember Now Thy Creator
The Reason toRemember
The Reason toRemember
In The Days of Thy YouthIn The Days of Thy Youth
When the Evil Days Come Not…”When the Evil Days Come Not…”
The time will come when we will take no pleasure at all in the temptations and sins that enthralled us in younger days
The time will come when we will take no pleasure at all in the temptations and sins that enthralled us in younger daysHis point is that we should “remember” God during our productive years, when we have health and strength and are able to do things that advancing years will likely take away
His point is that we should “remember” God during our productive years, when we have health and strength and are able to do things that advancing years will likely take away
Do not look back in advanced age with regret on those earlier years
Do not look back in advanced age with regret on those earlier yearsNKJV states: “…before the difficult days come and the years draw near…”
NKJV states: “…before the difficult days come and the years draw near…”
Do not look back in advanced age with regret on those earlier years
Do not look back in advanced age with regret on those earlier yearsNKJV states: “…before the difficult days come and the years draw near…”
NKJV states: “…before the difficult days come and the years draw near…”
In the following verses (2-7) Solomon describes the infirmities and handicaps those advancing years often bring
In the following verses (2-7) Solomon describes the infirmities and handicaps those advancing years often bring
Strength fadesStrength fades
Eyesight becomes dimEyesight becomes dim
Hearing becomes lessHearing becomes less
Teeth are lostTeeth are lost
Sleep less soundlySleep less soundly
Inability to accomplish simple tasksInability to accomplish simple tasks
Dependence on othersDependence on others
Keep in mind, too, that you will stand before God in judgment
Keep in mind, too, that you will stand before God in judgment
Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment. Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.
Ecclesiastes 11:9, 10
Keep in mind, too, that you will stand before God in judgment
Keep in mind, too, that you will stand before God in judgmentMany have had their eternities cast and their destinies sealed in the dawn of youthful days
Many have had their eternities cast and their destinies sealed in the dawn of youthful days
Accident, unforeseen disease and complications from minor ailments have sent many into eternity without regard to age or health
Accident, unforeseen disease and complications from minor ailments have sent many into eternity without regard to age or health
“Remember Now Thy Creator“Remember Now Thy Creator
In The Days of Thy YouthIn The Days of Thy Youth
WHEN THE EVILDAYS COME NOT…”
WHEN THE EVILDAYS COME NOT…”
Memory is a special gift from GodMemory is a special gift from God
Man establishes memorials in all shapes and sizes to honor notable events and outstanding people
Man establishes memorials in all shapes and sizes to honor notable events and outstanding people
God has called upon us to remember Him and all that He has done for us
God has called upon us to remember Him and all that He has done for us
He calls upon us to do more than set aside a special day, erect a monument or name a street in His honor
He calls upon us to do more than set aside a special day, erect a monument or name a street in His honorHe calls upon us to obey His will and make it a permanent part of our lives
He calls upon us to obey His will and make it a permanent part of our livesHe calls upon us to do so early in life and maintain our faithfulness
He calls upon us to do so early in life and maintain our faithfulness
Remember NowRemember Now
In the Days of Thy YouthIn the Days of Thy Youth
When the Evil Days Come Not…When the Evil Days Come Not…
Thy CreatorThy Creator