A True Hero

John 15:13; Romans 5:6-11

Growing up hero’s were those that wore capes

as we got older our heroes may have become our dads

or someone that we saw that stod for whats right and gave their all

but what is a hero? Websters defines hero as: 1. A man of distinguished valor, intrepidity or enterprise in danger; as a hero in arms.

Tomorrow our nation will observe Memorial Day,

a day which we set aside to reflect on the memory and sacrifices of those that died fighting for this country.

and I think we should take the time also to remember those that have died saving others here on the home front.

Sadly, Many people forget the reason for this day.

They see it as an opportunity to party, vacation, go to the beach, or BBQ

they don’t really reflect on the sacrifices that others have made

they dont take time to remember those that have given everything so they can enjoy their freedom.

The truth is that Freedom isn’t Free, it has been purchased by the highest cost that a man or woman can pay.

It was purchased with what God considers the most precious substances on the earth, blood.

This morning with it being Memorial Day weekend and of course our Hero’s Sunday, I want to look at what makes a Hero a Hero.

Now the only hero are not just dead ones, we have many in here this morning.

They may not say they are but they are. (Refer to definition)

So lets look at these three things that make a hero. As we consider the thought: A True Hero: Life, Love and Legacy

The Life of a Hero is Unaffected by the World

A hero does not conform to the worlds standards

“Me first” mentality

A hero does not coward down to the worlds demands

choose who does and does not live (Pilot)

The world will pressure you into making a choice

A true hero does not choose when to be a hero or who to save, he or she just does it. A true hero is unaffected by the world. His or her mind is set on doing what it takes to make sure others live.

There was a true hero 2000 years ago that was unaffected by the world.

Christ was not tainted by the world

He was a humble servant

He was a willing servant

He could have called 10,000 legions of angels if he would have been influenced by the world

If he would have alowed the world to affect HIm

His wrath would have been poured out upon all mankind if He would have been influenced by the world

He was not affected by the things of this world

His life was separated from the world and separated to His duty.

The Love of a Hero is Unconditional

When a hero is called into action it does not matter the situation, skin color or the sufferer, a true hero values all human life and will sacrifice his or her self so that another life is spared.

A true hero that loves unconditionally...

Will Sacrifice for a Friend

John 15:13 KJV 1900

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

The love for a friend is unconditional.

I Have had and do have friends that I would take a bullet for

I would even run into a burning building for

I say that, but when the time came, could I.

A true hero would not even have to think, he would just do it.

He loves unconditionally and will sacrifice for friends

He.....

Will Sacrifice for Family

Romans 5:7 KJV 1900

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

Most of us in here would give up our life so a family member could live.

Most of us in here love family unconditionally and would sacrifice our lives without second thought.

No question when it comes to wife, daughters, moms and dads.

regardless of what they have done or said

they are family and we love unconditionally

Here in this verse and in John 15:13, we see clearly that there are some individuals that are willing to lay down their lives for others.

these officers and firemen in here this morning.

these officers respond to calls for service not knowing what the situation may be

these firemen run into burning buildings not because they know the people inside, but because they have one thing on their mind save the person in danger.

These Marines in here this morning, they may have signed a contract when they entered service but when they signed they knew that there could be a chance they would have to place their selves between the enemy and the oppressed.

There is a Medal that is Awarded to the Military that is the highest Award of the Armed services.

The Medal of Honor

It is Awarded to those that have shown bravery in combat at the risk of their own life, going above and beyond the call of duty.

And is given to those who demonstrate Valor and Bravery without regard for their own life to save others.

This is an award that is sometimes awarded posthumously because the one that earned the award has done so with their life. This type of bravery is exceptional and rare.

But even these men, who rightfully earn this highest distinction for valor above and beyond the call of duty, did so because of the bond of brotherhood and commitment that they had as soldiers and countrymen.

Even as heroic as these men were, I am sure their was a limit to their heroism.

They would most likely would not have jumped on a grenade to save an enemy.

Now, This doesn’t diminish their selfless acts,

They did what was not required without any thought of their own safety

but is does show the limitations that mankind has on displaying a sacrificial love for mankind

so most of us in here have no problem with the truth about friends and family,

but a true hero is one that loves so unconditionally that they....

Will Sacrifice for a Foe

Romans 5:8 KJV 1900

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Now we all might give our lives for a friend

we all would most likely give our lives for family

But how many of us in here would give our lives for a foe?

How many in here would actually give their lives for those that dont deserve a second chance?

Loving unconditionally means Sacrificing ones life for those that dont deserve a second chance and that takes a very special person.

Many law enforcement officers have given there life while protecting those that in all reality did not deserve a second chance.

It was their duty

Many firefighters have died saving those that didnt deserve a second chance

It was their Job

Many soldiers/marines have died on forign battle fields fighting for a country that did not deserve our help

again it was their duty

But their was One man that gave His life for a world that hated Him because He simply loved them unconditionally.

That one man was Jesus.

Jesus gave His life for the Enemy’s life

He gave His life for Foe’s

These were truly enemies, deriding him in his hour of suffering,

The very ones that spit on him

The very ones that plucked the hair from His beard

The very ones that beat him with the Cat of Nine tails

The very ones that drove the nails into His hands and His feet

To those very ones He cried out, “Father forgive them, they know not what they do. This love for mankind that was displayed is greater than any love that had even been shown.

The Bible tells us

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,”

John 3:16–17 KJV 1900

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Christ loved like no other.

Christ is the true hero of the world.

Christ did not hesitate even though he know that it was certain death so that others might live.

Christ did not try to devise a plan where he and the enemy could still live

Christ knew that His sacrifice would cause some to laugh, some to cry and some to deny

but he did it anyways, why because he loves unconditionally

Lastly, we see that....

The Legacy of a Hero is Unforgettable

Romans 5:9–11 KJV 1900

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

When a man or woman gives up their life for yours, it would be very significant for you

It would impact the way you live

You would want to honor that person with your life

You would want that persons life to mean something

You would want that persons life to live on

you would say, whatever it takes I will be sure that person did not die in vain.

It would impact the way you think about life and death

You will not see your life the same and death will become a reality to you.

Christ has left a legacy that is unforgettable

Because of His action we are justified

Because of His action we are reconciled

Because of His action we are redeemed

What Christ did has impacted mans relationship with the Father all man has to do is realize He is the reason our true Hero gave His life, belive that He is the only way to the father, and recieve the gift that was paid for and given to us at Calvary.

When you do this, you will never be the same

His legacy will live on in you.

Conclusion

As we have seen a true hero is one that lives a life that is unaffected by the world, he loves unconditionally and he leaves a legacy that is unforgettable.

The many hero’s we have in here this morning, they live selfless lives, they love unconditionally and the people they rescue will be impacted for ages to come.

Their actions are unforgettable.

But, the hero’s that have gave their lives for freedom, the heroes that have given their life for the life of another are limited in their heroic deeds.

They only save one or a handful at best.

My true hero Jesus by His heroic deeds saves all those that come to Him.

Christ dying for the sins of the world, opened the door for anyone to be rescued from the flames of eternal torments.

But just like a victim in a fire, if they dont call out for help, they cant be found. (Most victims that are unresponsive when a firefighter gets to them in a fire have very little chance of survival. Most of Those that respond to the call from the rescuer have a hundred percent chance of survival.)

Christ our true hero is calling out to you today, the question is will you respond so you can be saved?