To lay down one’s life

(Pastor Mitch Boese)

May 28, 2023

Main Scripture: John 15:13

Additional Scriptures: Exodus 20:13, Ecclesiastes 3:1-3, Genesis 4:1-10, 1 John 3:11-15, James 4:1-4, Ephesians 6:12, Luke 3:14, Joshua 5:13-14

POINTS:

• When asked why they served, most vets don’t say “For my country”, but “For my buddy next to me.

• If we hate, we are the offspring of Satan. Jesus’ offspring is id’ed by love.

• When soldiers are called on to take life, most often it is to help preserve the life of their comrades and by extension us.

• God knows we live in a fallen world of our own making. Nations must sometimes go to war to fight spiritual evil that has manifested itself in other nations.

• Trouble nations sometimes get into is thinking their cause is totally right and God’s on their side.

• No nation is always good or right. Nations sometimes think it is easier to kill your enemy than to love them

• Judgment of the Soldier is up to God. What they need from us is love, honor, and care for them.

• Our military has to walk a fine precarious line as fighters and ambassadors. It’s a higher calling. They need our prayers.