Things Not To Be Forgotten

Sermon for 11/11/2007- Veteran’s Day

Psalm 144:1

Introduction:

Play video called Iraq: A Soldier’s Story of Faith from Bluefish.com

WBTU:

A. Our Scripture this morning comes from Psalm 144:1. Read it.

B. What does this have to do with us? (2 Tim 2:3 NIV) Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

B. We are all soldiers in a war. (Rev 12:7 NIV) And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.

C. Song by Petra- This means war--and the battle’s still raging

War--and though both sides are waging; The Victor is sure and the victory secure

But till judgment we all must endure; This Means War!

D. (2 Cor 10:3 NIV) For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.(2 Cor 10:4 NIV) The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world.

E. This captain and private talked about things before a battle. Things not to be forgotten

Thesis: Things not to be forgotten by the Christian soldier

For instances:

I. The true source of his strength. Psalm 144:1 Amplified Version- BLESSED BE the Lord, my Rock and my keen and firm Strength. King James- Blessed be the Lord my strength. (Psa 29:11 NIV) The LORD gives strength to his people. If remembered:

1. He will not be found trusting in self. (John 5:30 NIV) By myself I can do nothing. Quote from preacher in Hoosiers: With God of heaven, it is all one: To deliver with a great multitude, or a small company. For the victory at battle standeth not in the multitude of hosts, but strength cometh from heaven.

2. He will never be lacking in courage. (Acts 4:13 NIV) When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. Only the best physically, mentally, and morally are called to war. The tragedy of war is that only the best are fit to be killed, only the brave are selected.

3. He will always anticipate victory. (1 Cor 15:57 NIV) But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. An excited Army recruit asked his company commander for a furlough. His wife was going to have a baby. Permission was granted, and when the furlough papers were drawn up and the soldier was leaving, the officer asked exactly when the baby was due. “About nine months after I get home, sir” replied the recruit. Now that anticipating victory, that’s being positive.

4. He will never be defeated in the conflict.

A. (2 Cor 4:8 NIV) We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;(2 Cor 4:9 NIV) persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

B. (Rom 8:37 NIV) we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

C. More than 25 million American veterans are living today. Many of these courageous men and women, like those who went before them, have faced death and suffered unimaginable hardships while fighting to protect our freedoms and safeguard our inalienable rights of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

II. His need of instruction, and the teacher who never forgets him. Psalm 144:1 who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle. If remembered:

1. He will put on the armor provided by God. (Eph 6:13 NIV) Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

Leila Morris- The fight is on, arouse, ye soldiers brave and true!

Jehovah leads, and victory will assure; Go buckle on the armor God has given you,

And in His strength unto the end endure.

2. Select for his weapon the sword of the Spirit. (Eph 6:17 NIV) Take the…sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. The only offensive weapon of the Christian is the Word of God. In modern warfare there are many offensive weapons but the only offensive weapon of the Christian is the Word of God.

3. He will study the divinely given text book of military tactics and discipline. (2 Tim 2:15) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. The veteran must be mentally alert. He must be able to read and write. We need to know the Word of God because without it we are not effective soldiers. That he may learn:

A. The tactics of the enemy. (2 Cor 2:11 NIV) in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.