MEMORIAL DAY 2012
Some of you remember the movie “Saving Private Ryan”. In that movie, set in World War II, a family has 4 sons serving in the military. The defense department receives word that 3 of the brothers have been killed, and it is decided that no mother should have to lose 4 sons; so a team is sent to France to save the 4th son.
When the team finally finds Ryan, he and his unit are attempting to defend a bridge against some German tanks until air support arrives. Ryan, the 4th son, has a sense of honor himself. He feels that he cannot leave his unit until this mission is completed and the bridge taken care of. The entire unit sent to rescue him is killed in defending that bridge.
As Ryan goes to leave, one of the last defenders of the bridge turns to him and says, “Earn this”.
We, as Americans, have a responsibility to “earn” the freedoms we enjoy today, that have come to us at such great cost to others as well. We do that in several ways.
I. EARNING THE FREEDOMS WE ENJOY
1. By respecting and honoring those who have fought to give us those liberties.
- Recognize veterans.
2. By never taking for granted the freedom and liberties and way of life others have died protecting and to provide for us.
3. By being willing to defend those freedoms and liberties ourselves.
a. In voting – by voting for people who protect and respect those freedoms
b. In speech – by standing up for those freedoms
c. By prayer – praying for those in authority
Prayer for service men & women & leaders.
II. EARNING THE BADGE, OF “CHRISTIAN”, “CHRIST-FOLLOWER”, “AMBASSADOR”, OR “CHILD-OF-GOD”
- Philippians 1:21-30
1. By living for Christ – v21
Making pleasing Him a priority in this life.
“Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and then all these things shall be added unto you.”
- v22 – Being engaged in fruitful work for the kingdom.
What are you doing for the kingdom of God? How are you serving to help it grow, minister to others, …
2. By living for others – vv 24-26
Helping others’ confidence in Christ.
What are you doing to help others grow as Christians? What are you doing to help others’ confidence in Christ grow?
Do you point out to them the love of Christ? Do you remind them of God’s love? Do you remind them of God’s provision? Do you teach them the Word of God?
3. By living out a good witness – v27
In business, in language, conversation, etc.
Bob Harrington tells of a man who came to his pastor one day and asked if he remembered hearing about the man who had died down at the plant that week …
“Won’t someone tell me about Jesus? You can’t help me. I’m dying. Won’t someone tell me about Jesus?”
Because the life I had lived in front of that man, closed my mouth to that man when he needed me most.
Bobby Taylor, the man with the tent.
4. By standing firm – v27
The Gospel does not change, neither does our teaching or our doctrine.
Everyone without a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ is lost and condemned to an eternity cut off from God …
We do not change God’s Word, we do not change the Bible or the Gospel in order to make people feel better. We tell the truth.
Jesus said, “I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes unto the Father, but by Me”.
5. By working with one mind in one spirit – v27
Our enemies are not other Christians. Our enemies are not others in this church nor others in other Christian churches. We are different and we can either fight because we are different or we can celebrate that fact and use our differences as a strength.
Gladys and I are different in many ways …
She is neat and orderly, I am not. She enjoys bookkeeping and records, and I took just enough accounting in college to discover that was not for me. I enjoy dreaming and looking for opportunities, she deals with the details and the follow up.
Now, we can either emphasize and bicker over those differences, or we can celebrate them and see them as a strength.
Some are evangelists, others better equipped for waiting tables. Some build, some mow, some teach, and some are great prayer warriors.
Paul said that we all have different gifts, but that we are all part of one body. We cannot say we don’t need each other, just because one is an eye, or an ear, and not a hand.
We are to work together with one mind and one spirit, with one goal in mind; pleasing the Lord Jesus Christ.
6. By refusing to be frightened – v28
Things are happening that I do not like.
Government website for children on handling finances. The web site provides some good advice, but it is advice that our own government and leadership seems unwilling to follow.
Our trade deficit is increasing, our national debt is growing astronomically, and our military is being undermined and weakened. I will stand and say that these things are not right, but I refuse to be frightened.
I serve the Lord Who was here before the Americas were discovered and the United States was formed. I serve the God Who, hundreds of years before Israel was formed, told Abraham He was going to do it. I serve the God Who told the prophets He was going to bring the captives out of Babylon; and Who, in the Garden of Eden, announced what was going to happen at Calvary and in the days that followed.
I refuse to be frightened because I serve the God Who w/a word can summon 10,000 angels, each capable of handling anything Iran, North Korea, or China can send against us.
My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus Name. On Christ the solid Rock I stand; All other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.
I will bear the name of Christian, by refusing to be frightened.
7. By recognizing and appreciating the gift given to us. – v29
It is our gift to be born in this country. It is our gift to enjoy the freedoms God has provided for us and some have died defending.
As a Christian, I will recognize and appreciate the gift given to us. The gift of salvation, purchased at such a high price.
The gift of the scriptures, that many have given their lives providing for us.
The gift of religious freedom and speech, that so many have died defending.
I will recognize and appreciate the gift that’s been given to us.
8. By living and standing as a Christian in the midst of persecution and suffering. – v29
Chan – more Christians and pastors arrested in Laos.
I’ll be hanged if I’ll let the comments and criticism of a godless media, conviction-compromising Christians, and God-forgetting populace cause me to back down from what I believe.
I will put on the armor of God. I will study to show myself approved. I will be a witness and a testimony. I will be a light in a dark place. I will love the unloving. I will pray for my enemies, and I will trust God.
III. WHAT SHALL WE DO?
1. Prepare for arrival – keep the most important the most important
2. Pray for revival – Not dependant on Washington, or Tallahassee. He sent an angel for Peter in Prison. He sent a vision to John on Patmos, …
3. Teach for survival -
