The Cost of Freedom and the Danger of Forgetting

May 2025's Featured Sermon of the Month

This Memorial Day, Pastor brought a timely message from Joshua 4 and John 8:33, reminding us of the importance of remembering—not only as citizens of our country, but more importantly, as followers of Christ.

“That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? Then ye shall answer them…”(Joshua 4:6–7, KJV)

God didn’t tell His people to build a memorial just to mark a victory—but to stir a conversation. To spark remembrance. Because the greatest danger after deliverance is forgetfulness.

Memorials Are Meant to Speak

When the children of Israel crossed over the Jordan River, God commanded them to take twelve stones from the midst of the river and build a memorial.

Why?

So that “when your children ask…” the story would be retold. The victories of the Lord would not be lost in silence.

“That all the people of the earth might know the hand of the LORD, that it is mighty: that ye might fear the LORD your God for ever.”(Joshua 4:24, KJV)

Forgetting the Price of Freedom Leads to Neglect

In John 8:33, the people answered Jesus:

“We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man.”(John 8:33, KJV)

But that wasn’t true.

They had been slaves in Egypt. Captives in Babylon. Conquered under Roman rule. And beyond physical bondage—they were in spiritual bondage to sin.

“Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.”(John 8:34, KJV)

Pastor warned: when we forget the price that was paid, we begin to neglect the gift.

We Are Commanded to Teach

God didn’t just command Israel to remember—He commanded them to teach.

“We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD…”(Psalm 78:4, KJV)

As parents, grandparents, church leaders, and believers, we are responsible to tell the next generation about the mighty hand of God.

Even when our children are grown, our example should still speak.

Honor the Sacrifice

Pastor reminded us of the value in honoring those who gave their lives—both in military service and in faith. From soldiers who died in battle, to saints who laid down their lives for the gospel, we must not forget.

“Render therefore to all their dues… honour to whom honour.”(Romans 13:7, KJV)

He shared the story of a young man who died before his high school graduation. The school gave his mother an honorary diploma, a small but powerful way to say: We remember.

The Greatest Sacrifice of All

At the heart of the message was this truth: Jesus Christ died for us.

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”(Romans 5:8, KJV)

Like the soldier in the song at the beginning of the service—Jesus gave His life before we even asked for help. We did nothing to deserve it.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”(Romans 6:23, KJV)

But here’s the difference: a gift must be received.

A Call to Remember—and Respond

As Pastor closed, he offered this challenge:

• Have you forgotten what God has brought you out of?

• Are you teaching the next generation what He’s done?

• Do you live each day with gratitude for the sacrifice of Christ?

“How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation…”(Hebrews 2:3, KJV)

Let us be a people who remember, who honor, and who tell.Let us never forget the price of freedom—both earthly and eternal.And above all, let us live in light of the greatest memorial of all: an empty tomb.

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”(2 Corinthians 9:15, KJV)

Attend Harvest Baptist Church