Remember The Alamo! Series

REMEMBER THE ALAMO!

Matthew 10:16-33

Sermon Objective: As followers of Christ loyalty at any price is expected.

Scripture support: Romans 1:17; 2 Timothy 2:3-4; 2 Timothy 3:12; Revelation 2:10

SUMMARY

We have begun a new series called “Lessons from the Wild West.” Last week we looked at: “Buffalo Bill Cody” (10:1-15) and discovered that he, just like the disciples of Jesus, was a common ordinary man who seized the opportunities given him and did memorable things. We learned that God wants to use us ordinary people in extraordinary ways too; that availability is more important than ability.

In coming weeks we will look at:

• “The Gunfight at OK Corral” (10:24-25)

• “Lessons from Sheriff Pat Garret” (10:34-42)

This week we will look at Matthew 10:16-33, “Remember the Alamo:

INTRODUCTION

You know the men who were there -- at least some of them. They were notable men like: Lieutenant Colonels Jim (“A knife is always loaded”) Bowie, William B. Travis, and former U.S. House of Representative (Tennessee) Davey Crockett. These three are representatives of the valiant 183 who gave their lives in the battle. Even though not one man survived the war they showed their mettle -- eight Mexican soldiers died at the Alamo for every one Texan. They gave their lives for something bigger than themselves – Texas’ liberation from Mexico. For them it was the ultimate sacrifice -- but it had long reaching rewards for others.

All of the United States was behind the effort. There were men fighting at the Alamo from New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Kentucky. Other countries had representatives too: Germany, England, and Ireland just to name a few. The reason is because this small little fort was a microcosm of the human spirit which refused to be oppressed and longed to be set free.

The slaughter at the Alamo on March 4, 1836 ushered a declaration from Texas to Mexico claiming independence and establishing Sam Houston as the commander in chief. The death of the valiant men incited the United States and, afterward, volunteers came from everywhere. The fight that would come weeks later was swift and certain. In less than 18 minutes the mighty Mexican army under Santa Anna which destroyed the Alamo was slaughtered at San Jacinto. THE BLOOD OF THE ALAMO WARRIORS PROVED TO BE THE SEEDS OF VICTORY. THE CHANT “REMEMBER THE ALAMO!” WAS THEIR BATTLE CRY.

THERE IS A STRIKING RESEMBLANCE BETWEEN THE VALOR AND THE VALUES OF THE MEN IN THE ALAMO AND THOSE WHO SERVE JESUS CHRIST.

1. Both saw a picture that was bigger than their own wants and needs

2. Both ascribed to a higher calling with more noble values to govern and guide them

3. Both recognized that life does not find its meaning through ease and comfort but through loyalty, obedience, commitment, and sacrifice.

Lieutenant Colonels Jim Bowie and William B. Travis often gave stirring speeches to their men while barricaded away in the little fort against formidable odds. So does our leader. Listen to His words:

THE TEXT

16 I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.

17 “Be on your guard against men; they will hand you over to the local councils and flog you in their synagogues.

18 On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles.

19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say,

20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

21 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.

22 All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

23 When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. I tell you the truth, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

24 “A student is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.

25 It is enough for the student to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebub, how much more the members of his household!

26 “So do not be afraid of them. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.

27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.

28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.