Veteran’s Day 2019

2 Samuel 22:30–37 KJV 1900

30 For by thee I have run through a troop: By my God have I leaped over a wall. 31 As for God, his way is perfect; The word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all them that trust in him. 32 For who is God, save the Lord? And who is a rock, save our God? 33 God is my strength and power: And he maketh my way perfect. 34 He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet: And setteth me upon my high places. 35 He teacheth my hands to war; So that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. 36 Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: And thy gentleness hath made me great. 37 Thou hast enlarged my steps under me; So that my feet did not slip.

2 Samuel 22:30–35 KJV 1900

30 For by thee I have run through a troop: By my God have I leaped over a wall. 31 As for God, his way is perfect; The word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all them that trust in him. 32 For who is God, save the Lord? And who is a rock, save our God? 33 God is my strength and power: And he maketh my way perfect. 34 He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet: And setteth me upon my high places. 35 He teacheth my hands to war; So that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.

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2 Samuel 22:30-35

According to history.com as of 2018:

16.1 million living veterans served during at least one war

5.2 million veterans served in peacetime

2 million veterans are women

7 million veterans served during the Vietnam War

5.5 million veterans served during the Persian Gulf War

Of the 16 million Americans who served during World War II, about 558,000 are still alive

2 million veterans served during the Korean War

6 million veterans served in peacetime

We honor our veterans this morning. There are those who have gone out to war, and not everyone has made it back, unfortunately. If they are going to have to go into a dangerous place, we want them protected. My brother is in Afghanistan right now and I want him to be protected. We want all our soldiers to have the right armour that is working correctly and have the correct knowledge on how to use it. We would not hand a gun to someone and tell them this could save their life and teach them how to use it. The life of a military veteran mirrors the Christian walk.

2 Corinthians 10:3–5 KJV 1900

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

It is very important that we teach others this truth and beyond that , we live it out. This is called discipleship. Jesus spent 3 years discipling 12 men. We are in a war. Our war is actually more serious than the war on terror. We, as Christians, are not fighting for land or even for our very life, we are fighting for souls. We are not fighting for something temporary, but eternal. We must know our weapons and how to use the them.

A battalion, when walking from one location to another location in possible enemy territory, is always on guard. They keep their guard up and are constantly aware of their surroundings.

1 Peter 5:8 ESV

8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

1 Peter 5:8

We have a friend who is retired from the Air Force, but once had a tour in Afghanistan. Anytime he left the compound, he had to wear his full combat uniform. Even when he went to church. He never knew when his life would be in danger. Are you wearing all your armour?

The Apostolic polyglot translation, which is a translation which combines Hebrew-based and Greek- based text of the bible in one language reads like this:

2 Samuel 22:33 KJV 1900

33 God is my strength and power: And he maketh my way perfect.

2 Samuel 22:

God is the one who strengthens us.

Philippians 4:13 ESV

13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

He is power.

When Jesus was confronted by 600 soldiers, and they asked for Jesus, He said “I AM”, and all 600 fell backwards from the sound of His voice alone. Can you only imagine the power that is embodied in the God we serve? He chooses to use us.

2 Samuel 22:35 ESV

35 He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

2 Samuel 22:

I can not bend this steel pipe.

Without the Lord, I am a failed creation destined for hell. Why are we a failed creation? Did God make a mistake? No. God gave free will and Adam choose poorly for us. But Praise God, that is not the end. Jesus Christ is the second Adam come to make a bridge between God and mankind. Jesus Christ came to earth in the form of a servant to die on a cruel cross so we could have this choice. Free choice. It is a powerful thing. Now we have a choice and God wants to work through us.

2 Chronicles 16:9 ESV

9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.”

2 Chronicles

Conclusion:

When He decides to make Himself strong in us there is nothing we can not do. The battle is very real. We are in a real war. From the moment we accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, we joined he army of God. But He gives us armour and the power to be victorious.

There is a song we used to sing in children’s church. If I read my bible and pray everyday, then I will grow, grow, grow. But if I do not read my bible and pray everyday, then I will shrink, shrink, shrink.

We need to choose to learn about the weapons and how use them. Live victorious. Live like you already have the crown of righteousness. Live like you are full of power. Live out the love of God with power of the Holy Spirit and then you will be unstoppable.