MEMORIAL DAY IN 3 WORDS

 

Pastor Rick Jackson

There is some ambiguity concerning the exact origin of Memorial Day. Most historians agree it started during or shortly after the War Between the States. On Memorial Day we honor those that gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. They gave their all and we all benefit from the freedom their sacrifice made possible.

What powerful words: SACRIFICE, HONOR, FREEDOM.

The ultimate meaning of these words goes back farther than an American War. There would be no America had there not been a Bible, and the Christ of the Bible. If Americans forget their Christian heritage, they lose a large part or what made America what she is.

I. SACRIFICE [John 15:13]

1. The Great Sacrifice [1 Cor. 5:7, Heb. 9:26, 10:12-14]

- Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

- but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

- But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified

2. The Great Motive [Jn. 15:13, Eph. 5:2]

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

- Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

3. The Great Response [Ps. 116:12-13, Rm. 12:1-2, Heb. 13:15-16]

- What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.

- I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God

- By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

 

II. FREEDOM

1. True freedom is "free from something" [Rm. 6:22-23, 8:2, Gal. 5:1]

- But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

- For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.

- Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

2. True freedom isn't free [Rm. 3:24, 5:18-21] Christ paid for it!

- Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

 - Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

3. True freedom is freely given [Rev. 21:6, 22:17]

- And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

- And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

 

III. HONOR

1. Honor should be honestly heartfelt [Mt. 15:8, Rev. 19:7]

- This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

- Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

2. Honor should perceive position [Jn. 5:23, 1 Tm. 1:17, 1 Pt. 3:7, Rev. 4:11, 5:12-13)

- That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

- Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

3. Honor should surround service [Jn. 12:26, 2 Tm. 2:20-21]

- If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.

- But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.