1. I come from a long line of US Veterans and Patriots -- War of Independence; War Between the States; WWII; Korea -- people who cared about the great experiment called, "America" -- My Grandmother was named America
2. Origin of Veterans Day
On May 13, 1938 the 11th of November of each year became a legal holiday - - a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as "Armistice Day."
Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen in the Nation's history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans."
With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars. And we are more than happy to honor all our armed service veterans. They deserve both recognition and honor. God bless all our veterans!
3. It Is the Veteran
Someone wrote:
It is the VETERAN, not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the VETERAN, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the VETERAN, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the VETERAN, not the campus [or community] organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the VETERAN, not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.
It is the VETERAN, who salutes the Flag,
Who serves under the Flag.
4. We know about the VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars). There is another type of veteran -- VSW (the veteran of spiritual wars).
5. We follow the lead of God, who is a Warrior, and engage the ENEMY (We are NOT the enemy! Galatians 4.16) -- Exodus 15.1-6
a. We think of the saints who are veterans of spiritual battles before us -- 2 Timothy 4.6-8
b. The spiritual battles in which we engage will make us veterans like those of whom we read in scripture
I. Our LORD is a Warrior in Battle
[LORD of Armies occurs 280+ times in Bible; LORD of Peace -- once in Judges 6.24
A. He Fights on Our Behalf for Our Good -- Exodus 14.13-14; 15.3
1. The Exodus
2. Our Redemption and daily care (intercession for us)
Always Interceding -- Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25
Menwith Hill, in a Yorkshire moor in the north of England, is the largest eavesdropping station in the world. There, American and British intelligence officers monitor worldwide electronic "chatter" coursing through the air, hoping to pick up clues to terrorist and other harmful activity before it happens. While terrorists talk on their cell phones, satellite dishes intercept their conversations.
Warfare is always going two ways--offense and defense. The same is true in spiritual warfare. While Satan is luring and tempting those he can (1 Peter 5:8), Jesus is in heaven interceding with the Father on our behalf. Luke 22 gives an example: Jesus knew that Satan wanted to trip up Peter and the disciples and "sift [them] as wheat." But Jesus said to Peter, "I have prayed for you [plural], that your faith should not fail" (Luke 22:31-32). While Satan was attacking, Jesus was interceding.
The next time you are tempted to sin, think about Jesus praying for you in heaven--praying "that your faith should not fail." And praise Him that He is your partner in prayer.
B. He Fights with Powerful Weapons at His Disposal
1. The Power of His Right Hand to turn raging seas to his advantage -- Exodus 15.4-10
2. His Power of Intimidation -- Edom-Moab-Philistia-Canaan -- Exodus 15.13-16
3. His Power is Opposed by the Adversary -- Mark 5.1-20 (Legion); 2 Timothy 1.7
a. Challenged Jesus -- three temptations +
b. Challenges the Church today -- the place where God's power is to be displayed
II. Our LORD Leads Us as Warriors into Battle
A. He Trains Us for War
Blessed be the LORD, my rock,
who trains my hands for war,
and my fingers for battle;
2 he is my steadfast love and my fortress,
my stronghold and my deliverer,
my shield and he in whom I take refuge,
who subdues peoples under me. Psalm 144.1-2
1. ABCs of Adversity
If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. Proverbs 24:10
Walt Disney made dreams come true, but he occasionally encountered some nightmares of his own--times when everything went wrong for him. Out of his struggles he developed an optimistic philosophy. "All the adversity I've had in my life," he said, "all my troubles and obstacles have strengthened me."
The strengthening power of adversity is universally true. Football teams don't win without opposition. Wisdom isn't gained without mistakes. Leaders don't rise to greatness without crises and tough times.
After reading several hundred biographies during his adult life, Andy Andrews said he came to one conclusion: Adversity builds emotional muscle, creates relatable leaders, and prepares us for greatness.
Don't faint in the day of adversity. Remember your ABCs--Adversity Builds Character. The Lord draws near to us in tough times and helps us trust Him in days of difficulty. Hardship is sometimes a help to holiness, and roadblocks are signposts directing us in a better way. Lean on the Lord in adversity, learn from Him, and let Him lead you through it.
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1.2-4
2. Intersections of Physical and Spiritual
a. Tabernacle/Temple/Sabbath
b. David vs. Goliath; Saul
3. Recognize Spiritual Warfare --
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6.10-20 (cf. Isaiah 59.17ff).
B. He Trains Us to Fight with Tenacity (2 Timothy 4.7)
1. To Advance the Kingdom of God -- Matthew 6.10
2. To Resist Evil -- James 4.7
a. First US Great Seal -- Rebellion to Tyrants is Obedience to God
b. Unjust laws are not laws -- Daniel and his prayers, etc.; Apostles and their preaching -- Acts 4.20
c. Resist evil in ways that glorify God
"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel." Philippians 1.27
1. War is Over
Several years ago, a man in Amsterdam was feeling guilty about something he had done, so he went and talked to his preacher.
He said, "I feel terrible because I've sinned. During World War II I hid a refugee in my attic."
The preacher said, "I don't believe that's a sin at all. I wouldn't feel bad about that if I were you."
"But I made him agree to pay me 20 Gulden for every week he stayed."
The preacher said, "Well, I admit that wasn't the most noble thing to do, but you did it for a good cause, so I still wouldn't worry about it."
The man said, "Oh thank you that eases my mind. I have only one more question to ask you -- Do I have to tell him the war is over?"
We as Christians are engaged in a spiritual warfare -- it's Christianity vs. the world, the forces of good vs. the forces of evil. And it's easy to get the idea (especially if you watch the news) that God's side is losing, and immorality is winning out!
2. John wrote the book of Revelation for Christians who must have been feeling the same way. After all, Rome certainly seemed to have the upper hand. Christians were losing! But, in reality, the war is over!
"These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful." (Revelation 17:14)
3. There are battles around us daily, and sometimes Satan does indeed seem to be winning, but looking ahead, the war is over and we know that those who are on God's side will be victorious! Keep that in mind today if you feel like you're fighting a losing battle!
4. There are veterans of spiritual wars watching us -- Hebrews 12.1 -- and one day we will join them and watch those to whom we have passed the baton. What kind of veterans will we be? Will we be worthy to walk with them?
