"Freedom Isn’t Free"

U.S. Army Chaplain (MAJ) Ken Harris, Jr.

West Fort Hood Chapel

Memorial Day Worship Service

Killeen, TX

30 May 2010

Big Idea: Soldiers (and family members of military members) should set aside time to commemorate those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom in which all Americans enjoy daily.

Scriptural References: EAI (Expository; Application; Illustration); Revelation: All Theologians seem to in agreement that Revelation is the “Hardness Book in the Bible”; Note: I’m inclined to believe that Revelation is both literal and figuratively;

Revelation 22:3 (NIV) No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him; Proverbs 30:5b (KJV) weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning; Isaiah 65:17-25 (ESV); Romans 4:1-12 (NIV); Memorial Day in History (This Day in History Channel); Revelation 21:4-27 (NIV); Revelation 21:4 (NIV) He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away; Isaiah 65:17 (NIV) “Behold, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind; 2 Peter 1:12-14 (NIV) So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me; Hebrews 11:10 (NV); For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God; 2 Peter 3:10-13 (Peter’s reference to the New Heaven and New Earth); Genesis 1:1 (NIV) In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth; Revelation 1:9-10 (NIV) I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet;

I. ANNOUNCE THE PERICOPE: Revelation 21:4-8 (ESV)

II. READ THE PERICOPE: Revelation 21:4-8 (ESV)

III. READ THE TEXT: Revelation 21:4 (ESV) He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

IV. PURPOSE: To motivate the hearers to affirm to others - while tears, pain, and death still exist – to set aside time to commemorate those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom in which all Americans enjoys.

V. SERMONIC THEME: "Freedom Isn’t Free”

VI. INTRODUCTION:

Memory and recall is important.

It’s my opinion that it’s important for us all to remember and NOT to forget certain things.

Every married man knows that it’s important to remember and be able to recall his Wedding Date.

And, of course, every man knows the importance of remembering his wife’s birthday.

On the other hand, every wife should be reminded that “SHE CAN’T CHANGE HER HUSBAND”.

It’s important for every wife to never forget that HER HUSBAND will never be perfect!

Memory is important!

******* Take 5 Beats *******

MOVE 1: Dictionary.com defines “memory” as the mental capacity … of retaining and reviving facts, events, impressions … or of recalling … and recognizing previous experiences.

a. As an American Soldier or family member serving at West Fort Hood and worshipping in the West Fort Hood Community Chapel, today, many of us are living witnesses

b. AND WE, ALSO, RECALL that there is a price, and a cost associated with the freedom that we - and our fellow Americans – around the world – enjoy.

c. **Therefore, Today, I stand here to remind everyone under the sounds of my voice that it’s important to remember that “Freedom Isn’t Free”!

d. The Apostle Peter says in 2 Peter 1:12-14 (NIV) and I quote: “So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.

e. I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me.”

f. Yes, my brothers and sisters, there is a price that is often paid for freedom!

g. This price that has to be paid … doesn’t arrive to us by way of our postal service or friendly mail carrier/mailman.

h. But, strangely enough this price has to be continuously paid in order for Americans to continue to enjoy freedom and liberty.