Using an interesting history lesson from the Battle of the Alamo, Nick Neargarder relates the battle cry of the Texans to the battle cries Christians may have: “Remember the cross,” “Remember the stone” and “Remember the resurrection.” Recorded 6/4/17
Sermon Notes: Remember the Cross
Recently, several of us were in San Antonio, Texas, for Laura Moss’ wedding. While there, we had the chance to go to the Alamo. It is the most visited attraction in San Antonio. “Remember the Alamo.” I learned an extra lesson there. A military outpost.
On March 6, 1836 Texas fought versus Mexico. Santa Anna wanted to turn the area into to a dictatorship. Texas fought for independence & drove the Mexicans out. Santa Anna planned to recover Texas. Battle was between 200 Texans versus 2000 Mexicans. A 13-day battle. Santa Anna & his troops over took the Alamo. All the Texans were killed. Santa Anna thought it was over. The cruelty was heard about by the rest of Texas.
During the next 6 weeks “Remember the Alamo” unified & whipped the Texans into a frenzy. Another battle soon rallied called the Battle of San Jacinto. 900 Texans versus 1200 Santa Anna men. It took 18 minutes. One half of the Mexicans were killed. Only 18 Texans were killed.
“Remember the Alamo” was a central unifying reality, a call to action, a historical fact that demanded a response. What if disciples had a rallying cry like remember the cross, stone or resurrection?
Remember the Cross
As we do in our Lord’s Supper. Why? John 15:12-13 God saying, “I love you.” Many people remember John 3:16 & Rom. 5:8. We did not deserve any of it. God loved us when we were still despicable. The cross was a graphic illustration. When we see blood, it gets our attention!
It is gruesome; it is not a clean package. Communion should become a routine act. It is a statement of God’s love for us. It should move us.
Remember the Stone
All things are possible with God. Luke 18:24-27 we get so tied up in our stuff. We have to be careful about how much we love it. A man can be raised from the dead only with God. Imagine what it was like to see the big stone set aside!
What challenge are you facing today & is your burden without any hope of change? All things are possible with God! What have you been praying about for a long time? It is possible that God can change it. It may seem impossible but not to God. He can help to deal with it even if it never changes.
Remember the Resurrection
Victory! No one comes back from the tomb! There is victory in defeat all the time with God. Think of Daniel in the lions’ den; Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego in the fiery furnace. Even when defeat is near. This is how God works.
1 Cor. 15:54-57 These verses need to be read & memorized regularly. The day we meet God we will see the clearest victory when we stand before Him. When the life sentence is pronounced for us, Jesus will step in & bring victory.
The Alamo & the cross both demand a personal reaction from us. Remember & be moved to act & love God with all your heart, soul & strength, to love others around you & to share the Good News with them, also.
