How I Want To Be Remembered
By Senior Pastor Dr. Bill Rains | May 26, 2024 | Memorial Day
Open your Bibles to II Peter 1:12-15. Though we’ve been in an "Encounters with Angels" series, today’s Memorial Day message shifts focus. Let’s pray: Father, thank You for this host, choosing church over Memorial Weekend plans, and those online. Bless the teaching, singing, and fellowship. Give us attentive hearts as we face our looming death. Save the lost today, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Memorial Day honors those who died for our liberties, a sacrifice we’re indebted to. In II Peter 1, facing martyrdom, Peter writes, Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. He adds, Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance; Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle…Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance. We all leave something behind—how will you be remembered?
For My Salvation Experience
I want to be remembered as a saved man, bound for heaven. In II Peter 1:1, salvation is precious—more than worldly gains (Mark 8:36). Verse 3 calls it glory and virtue, verse 4, partaking of the divine nature, and verse 5, accessed by faith. I’m proud of my earthly family, but being God’s child by faith in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection is unmatched. If heaven could be reached any other way, why did Jesus suffer? I want my death to encourage others to trust Him, leaving no doubt of my eternal home.
For Sounding Out the Word of God
Peter, a servant and an apostle (1:1), aimed to remind believers of God’s Word, even after his decease (1:15). I want to be remembered lifting my voice, unashamedly sharing the gospel. My tombstone reads “Reverend Bill Rains,” tying me to preaching God’s Word. Isaiah 58:1 says, Lift up thy voice. People thirst for it, even if they resist. At funerals, I dread ambiguity about salvation—may no one wonder where I am. Tell others you’re redeemed, as Peter did (Acts 20:27), leaving a legacy of God’s truth.
For My Biblical Stand
Peter stood firm, warning of false teachers (1:16-17), not fables but truth. I want to be remembered for a biblical stand—on the King James Bible and traditional faith. In ’69, every church here used it; God preserved it (Psalm 12:6-7). Other versions chase profit—I jested about a “Righteous Rains Edition” for $100! I stick to hymns, not ashes, but fire preserved (1:19). Some may scoff, but I’ll stand for fundamentals, as Mission Baptist does, celebrating 45 years next Sunday.
For My Service Accomplishments
Recall the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with oil and her hair (Mark 14:3-9). Jesus said, “Wherever the gospel’s preached, tell her story as a memorial.” It’s okay to be remembered for serving Christ. Sports fade, but Revelation 4:10-11 shows elders casting crowns at Jesus’ feet—Thou art worthy…for thou hast redeemed us. I want my service to echo eternally, not forgotten like a home run. Only what’s done for Christ lasts—let’s leave that behind.
For My Stick-to-it-ness
Peter vowed, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir believers (1:13-14), sticking to it till death. I love “stick-to-it-ness”—quitters abound, but I refuse to be a “used-to-be” or backslider. I’ve had reasons to quit—church folks can wound—but Jesus didn’t quit on me. He bore the cross, nails, thorns, and spear, yet stayed for my salvation (Matthew 26:53-54). Old saints, frail yet faithful, shame the young who skip church. I’ll preach, love, and serve till my last breath—no quitting here!