Today, as we think of Memorial Day, we are all reminded of the great sacrifices that have been made, and are being made by our men in the military, and I am reminded of Lincoln’s words, “that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom.”
This morning, I submit to you that America has an urgent need today to return to the God Who made America great. It is urgent that we involve ourselves in doing God’s will and encouraging others to serve Him, and seek His face. We also want to consider some other things we need to remember.
Body
I. God will help the righteous nation.
A. God will exalt the righteous nation.
(Prov 14:34) Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.
B. Solomon recognized the connection of God with government.
(2 Chr 7:14 NKJV) "if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
1. will humble themselves, -- There is a lot of pride and arrogance in people we know .
2. and pray – God loves a praying people.
3. and seek My face-- Seek to do God’s will. Seek His approval.
4. turn from their wicked ways, -- cease to do evil, and learn to do well.
II. God’s will is that we pray for our government and leaders.
(1 Tim 2:1-4 NKJV) Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, {2} for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. {3} For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, {4} who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
III. As Christians, our first allegiance must always be to God.
A. It was the message of Peter when on trial.
(Acts 4:18-20 NKJV) And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. {19} But Peter and John answered and said to them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. {20} "For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard."
1. We are living under a president who has said this is not a Christian nation and who fails to honor our God.
2. We must remember to honor and thank God for all He has done for us.
3. We need to remember those whom we need to honor/
B. Troublesome times may be coming for many of us.
(John 16:1-3 NKJV) "These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. {2} "They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. {3} "And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me.
IV. Are we ready for the Lord’s return?
A. Last Sunday, one of our Midlothian brethren said that he had a problem with the prayer that some pray that the Lord come quickly.
1. Peter told us the Lord is giving us time to get ready.
(2 Pet 3:9 NASB) The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.
2. We need to all be ready.
(Mat 24:35-44 NKJV) "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. {36} "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. {37} "But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. {38} "For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, {39} "and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. {40} "Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. {41} "Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. {42} "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. {43} "But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. {44} "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
V. God gave us memories.
We need to remember those who gave their lives for our country.
We need to honor those to whom honor is due.
We need to remember the Lord our God.
(Deu 8:18 NKJV) "And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
We need to remember what the Lord has done for us.
(1 Cor 11:23-26 NKJV) For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; {24} and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, "Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me." {25} In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me." {26} For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death till He comes.
We need to remember those who are out of Christ, and seek to save them while there is time.
Conclusion
I. It is appropriate that we honor, and remember those who have given their lives for our country.
II. It is even more appropriate that we honor God by obeying Him.
III. We need each week to remember our Lord and His death for us.
Scripture quotations marked "NKJV™" are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Sermons I have Preached Welcome to my Web site