We Remember
Notes
Transcript
And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—
who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.
Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life.
Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.
They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—
of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised,
since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military.
Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.
Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades.
Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.
Memorial Day is important because it we don’t just remember those who died; we remember WHY they died.
They gave their lives to stand for what they believed in.
They died protecting those who couldn’t defend themselves.
They died to ensure that those they left behind could live and have a hope of a better life.
But while, for most, Memorial Day is an American national holiday, it is so much more for me.
As an American, I honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to defend my freedoms.
As a Christian, Memorial Day is also about me remembering and honoring those who have given everything in service to God’s kingdom.
The Heroes of Hebrews
The author of Hebrews, in chapter 11, makes a list of the heroes of faith.
Abel’s sacrifice
Enoch was taken to heaven alive
Noah built the ark
Abraham made a covenant with God
Sarah conceived in her old age
Isaac blessed Jacob and declared him a father of nations
Jacob, as he was dying, blessed Joseph and his sons
Joseph prophesied the Israelites’ return to Canaan
Moses
Gideon
Barak
Samson
David
Samuel
The Prophets
He lists the things these heroes did
who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.
Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life.
Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.
They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—
of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised,
since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
But through the ages, there have been so many more heroes of the faith.
Most of the apostles were executed for spreading the gospel.
The apostle John was boiled in oil, but lived.
Nearly 1000 years later, St. Nicholas and St. Valentine.
In WW2, Dusty Miller was a POW in a Japanese prison who was literally crucified for leading his fellow prisoners to Christ.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German minister, was hanged for speaking out against Hitler and the Nazi regime and for admonishing the Church to follow God’s laws.
Jim Elliot was a Christian missionary, and was one of five killed during an attempt to evangelize the Huaorani people of Ecuador.
He left behind a quote, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”
Later, Jim’s wife, along with the wives the other men who died on that trip, led the entire Huaorani tribe to Christ.
Cassie Bernall, high school student killed at Columbine.
It is said that the shooter asked her if she believed in God, and she said yes.
Why We Remember
Why is it important to remember these heroes?
It’s not just about who they were.
It’s not just about what they did.
It’s about WHY they did it.
What were they working and fighting for?
In the case of our soldiers, they died defending the ideals of this country and to protect its citizens.
In the case of our Christian brothers and sisters, they lived and died defending the name of Jesus Christ and carrying the message of hope to a lost and dying world.
Through their actions, these men, women, and even children have shown us that there are some things worth dying for.
It’s easy to fight for something.
Have you ever had an argument?
Has an argument ever cost you a friendship or a relationship?
Which was the more important?
There are too many times when we ruin relationships over stupid arguments.
There are also times when it is better to walk away from people who would have you compromise what you know is right.
But it’s hard to sacrifice, especially when it means your life.
But that is exactly what these heroes did.
Honoring Our Heroes
So, as we remember these heroes, we want to honor them.
But how?
We build memorials.
We celebrate special days like tomorrow.
We name our streets after our heroes.
Sometimes we name our children after our heroes.
But the best way to honor them is to learn from and emulate their example.
I don’t remember whether or not I shared before about Victoria, a girl that was in my school while I was growing up.
Victoria was not popular.
She was not wealthy and didn’t have the best clothes.
She was physically awkward.
But she was a strong Christian—and was made fun of for her faith.
One day--I think I senior then—Victoria was walking home after school and she saw a small child step out in front of a speeding car.
She got there just in time to rescue the child.
But the car hit her instead and killed her.
Years later, I was visiting a church, sharing about Victoria’s example of selflessness. A young woman came to me afterward and told me she was the child Victoria saved.
She said that she lives every day knowing that my life is a gift that Victoria paid for. She is determined to live a life that would make Victoria proud.
One of the verses of Battle Hymn of the Republic says
In the beauty of the lilies, Christ was born across the sea
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me
As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free
While God is marching on
The author was using Christ’s mission as an inspiration for us to do our civic duty.
As important as it is to protect our liberties as a nation, there is something far more important.
Nations rise and fall.
Only the kingdom of God is eternal.
Our commitment, our passion, needs to be furthering God’s kingdom, even if it costs us our lives.
When I was on the mission field, I had someone come to me and threaten to kill me if I didn’t stop talking about Jesus.
I have driven up to Communist borders with Bibles in the back of my vehicle, willing to risk arrest.
Friends of mine who are missionaries to a Middle-Eastern country, had a bomb thrown into their church one Sunday morning. They were hospitalized for a time, but they are still preaching.
Why do we do these things?
It’s like Jim Elliot said.
He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.
There are souls out there who are lost. They are on their way to hell, unless we do something.
They don’t know Jesus. They might even think they hate Jesus.
Telling others about Jesus is a risk.
Others might laugh at you—make fun of you.
They might get offended or angry.
They might even try to harm you.
But maybe—just maybe—God will use you to bring them to Jesus.
Maybe you will be the one that helps them find eternal life.
We do it because it’s the right thing to do.
We know the truth, and now we are accountable to uphold that truth.
How do we accomplish all of this?
First and foremost, it is by the empowering of the Holy Spirit.
We can do nothing of real importance without the Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide us.
But we also find courage from the examples of those who have gone on before us.
And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.
Their testimonies show God’s power in the darkest situations.
They held on, in the midst of persecution and even death.
Their testimonies have helped others find salvation.
They have received their eternal reward.
In the same way, OUR testimonies have power.
Your testimony has the power to affect someone else’s eternity!
And we have this promise..
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Conclusion
Who are your heroes? Who inspires you?
What are they inspiring you to do or be?
What are you willing to fight for?
What are you willing to die for?
Are you following Jesus with all your heart?
Is helping someone else find Jesus more important than your own comfort?
Considering all the people who have literally sacrificed everything so that you can have the opportunity to know Jesus today, what are you willing to do?
If you are ready to give everything, then stand with me and sing, “I have decided to follow Jesus.”
I Have Decided To Follow Jesus
I Have Decided To Follow Jesus
Verse 1
Verse 1
I have decided to follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus
No turning back no turning back
Verse 2
Verse 2
The world behind me the cross before me
The world behind me the cross before me
The world behind me the cross before me
No turning back no turning back
Verse 3
Verse 3
Though none go with me I still will follow
Though none go with me I still will follow
Though none go with me I still will follow
No turning back no turning back