Sermon Central
-
On May 23, 1863, Nearly 30,000 Union Soldiers ...
Contributed by Sermon Central on Jun 18, 2007 (message contributor)
On May 23, 1863, nearly 30,000 Union soldiers were camped in a semi-circle around one of the most unlikely places in the country. Just 35 miles north of where we are right now there was a fort built on a high bluff overlooking a sharp bend in the Mississippi River. From the earthen walls of that fort bristled a multitude of cannon, most of them aimed at the river itself. Nearly 7000 men called that fort home. Their mission and purpose was to keep the river open for the Confederacy. The river was the main artery into the heart of the South and it must remain free at all costs.
For 48 days the siege went on. Day after day, artillery would rain down on the defenders. Time and again waves of blue uniformed men would throw themselves against the defenders of Port Hudson, but they never penetrated the walls.
After many days, the defenders became weak because of lack of food. They were forced to eat anything that they could find including dogs, horses, mules, cats and even rats.
Their last stand was made at a point of the defenses called Fort Desperate.
Finally, the siege came to an end as Vicksburg fell. The defense of Port Hudson was no longer important.
I know that not all of you like Civil War history and perhaps you tire of hearing about it but I went to that area this week with my grandson’s class from school. I was reminded of the price that many have paid as they made their last stand for what they believed.
The soldiers, from both sides of this siege, knew what their objective was and they were prepared to pay the price.
There are stories of men who made their last stand throughout history and nearly every one of them have given us the names of heroes that live on beyond their lifetime. Men like Davy Crocket at the siege of the Alamo and General McAuliffe at the siege of Bastogne in World War II. When the German’s surrounding the 101st Airborne in that little French town demanded that the American’s either surrender or die, McAuliffe’s answer was short but pointed. All he said was, “Nuts”. That “eloquent speech” forever wrote his name in history.
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
An American Missionary Was Traveling Across Korea ... PRO
Contributed by George Rennau on Aug 25, 2003
An American missionary was traveling across Korea by train. At a busy station an old man boarded and sat across from Him. The man was Korean and he addressed the American in his native tongue. The Missionary responded in the only Korean phrase that he knew which was "I DON’T UNDERSTAND". A ...read more
-
The Bible Tells The Story Of Absalom. He Was ... PRO
Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Aug 28, 2005
The Bible tells the story of Absalom. He was the son of King David — Israel’s greatest king. Through a series of circumstances, Absalom began to despise his father and made plans to become king in his father’s place. He surreptitiously sowed seeds of division and rebellion in his father’s ...read more
-
Jim Cymbala Stated This About Unlocking God's ... PRO
Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Feb 9, 2005
Jim Cymbala stated this about unlocking God’s blessing from his book Break Through Prayer: According to Scripture, God’s blessing can rest on both men and women, because with God there is no gender bias. His blessing can rest on a family, a child, or even unborn offspring. It can prosper a local ...read more
-
The Political Convention Was In Chaos. Each ... PRO
Contributed by George Rennau on Aug 25, 2003
The political convention was in chaos. Each delegation wanted something different. Some favored states rights, others wanted a stronger central government. Larger states wanted greater representation, and small states wanted an equal voice. Debate dragged on and on. Finally the committee ...read more
-
Whenever I'm Tempted To Whine About The Demands ...
Contributed by Curtis Deming on Apr 16, 2005
Whenever I’m tempted to whine about the demands of leadership, I think of the story of Timothy. He had just heard Paul deliver the report of the Jerusalem Council that circumcision was unnecessary for Gentile converts. Yet Paul circumcised Timothy to avoid offending the Jews in the area. Timothy ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Almost Drowned By Life’s Distractions
Contributed by Spencer Miller on Apr 27, 2013
One of the worst and most serious of all life’s distractions is our fears which may momentarily cause us to take our eyes off of Jesus.
-
Persecution - Are My Hands Clean? Series
Contributed by Rev. Saeed Richardson on Sep 9, 2007
What comes to your mind when you think of persecution? What are some of the thoughts and images? What are some of the actions and deeds?
-
Where Ravens Fly
Contributed by Donnie Martin on Dec 4, 2010
Using experiences from the life of Elijah the prophet, this message seeks to show that the ravens of God’s provision fly in the worst of conditions, and the direst of circumstances.
-
When Life Isn't Fair Series
Contributed by C. Philip Green on Sep 1, 2011
When life is unfair, put your faith in the Lord; be faithful to Him; and if things get worse, keep your faith in the Lord. Don’t stop trusting the One, the only One, who is absolutely trustworthy.
-
Dragon Slayer
Contributed by Doane Brubaker on Jun 29, 2007
Jesus has the authority, power and desire to help us overcome the problems that overwhelm us.
