Sacrifice, Courage, and the Power of the Holy Spirit

Introduction:

A. Greeting and today is a special day as it is Pentecost Sunday and tomorrow is memorial day.

B. Explanation of the significance of Memorial Day and Pentecost Sunday

Memorial Day: originally known as Decoration Day, is a federal holiday in the United States for honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces.

Pentecost Sunday: “Fiftieth,” a name for the harvest feast which occurred fifty days after Passover. On the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Jesus the Holy Spirit was poured out on 120 believers to empower them.

As I was praying and thinking about what the Lord wanted to share with us this morning, I believe He has something to show us from the themes in Memorial Day and Pentecost.

Transition: This morning I would like to focus on three themes if you will. Those themes are: sacrifice, courage and the power of the Holy Spirit. Let’s dive in!

Body:

I. The Example of Sacrifice (John 15:13)

A. Sacrifice defined:

B. Reflection on the sacrifice of the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country

C. Explanation of the connection between sacrifice and our Christian faith

D. Reading of John 15:13

John 15:13 NASB95

13“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.

Transition:

II. The Call to Courage (Acts 4:31)

A. Courage defined:

B. Reflection on the courage of the apostles in the face of persecution and hardship

C. Explanation of the importance of courage in our Christian walk

D. Reading of Acts 4:31

Acts 4:31 NASB95

31And when they had prayed, the place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God with boldness.

Transition:

III. The Power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4)

A. Power defined:

B. Reflection on the significance of Pentecost Sunday and the power of the Holy Spirit

C. Explanation of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives

D. Reading of Acts 2:1-4

Acts 2:1–4 NASB95

1When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.

Transition:

Conclusion:

A. Recap of the themes of sacrifice, courage, and the power of the Holy Spirit

B. Challenge to live lives of sacrifice and courage, empowered by the Holy Spirit

C. Invitation to respond in prayer and commitment to follow Jesus with courage and faith

Closing prayer