Remembrance | Pastor Ray Armstrong | September 13th, 2026
Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the circumcision” (which is done in the body by human hands)— remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Ephesians 2:11-13
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Remember who we used to be:
1. Separate from Christ. The Gospel is not the adoption of Jesus’s ideas on how to live but knowing Jesus personally.
2. Excluded citizenship in Israel. Citizenship carries the idea of a commonwealth, community, or membership in a family.
3. Foreigners to the covenants of promise. A foreigner may live in a country, hold a job, love the country’s culture, and even learn its language but possess none of the rights of citizenship.
4. Without hope and without God in this world. This is the emotional and spiritual end of the line.
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Why we remember:
1. Remembering creates humility.
2. Remembering creates gratitude.
3. Remembering creates compassion.
4. Remembering strengthens identity.
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How can I remember well?
1. Remember truthfully.
2. Remember specifically.
3. Tell the story.
4. Allow remembering to change the way you look at others who seem far away.
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Remember that you were separate from Christ. The deepest need of your life could not be met by improvement, achievement, or religion. You needed Christ Himself.
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Remember that you were excluded from citizenship in Israel. You stood outside the people through whom God had been telling his saving story.
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Remember that you were foreigners to the covenants of the promise. You stood outside the promise-shaped hope that God had carried through generations toward the Messiah.
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Remember that you were without hope. You may have had wishes and plans, but you had no promise strong enough to carry you through life.
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Remember that you were without God in the world. You lived in His world, surrounded by His gifts, yet distant from the Giver.
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Closing Benediction
“Jesus, teach us to remember who we once were so that we may glory in who we have become in You. Remind us daily of what You have done for us, and form us into Your image for the sake of others. Make us a people who carry Your presence into the world for the good of our communities and the glory of Your Name. Amen.”
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Worship Set:
What The Lord Has Done
The Blood
Jesus Have It All
How Great Thou Art