Welcome to a very special Memorial Day broadcast as we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and the families they’ve left behind. We know what the Bible has to say about this: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”
* There are two sacraments we celebrate as the church. Those are baptism and the Lord’s Supper. The first thing we realize is that both of these start with the memory of sacrifice – Jesus’ death on the cross. It’s a time of celebration because of the freedom found through His sacrifice. It is a joyous occasion to remember all that Christ’s death accomplished for us. God remembers our sins no more. We have been set free from the law of sin and death. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ we have been made holy. We have been set apart for God’s use. Apart from Jesus’ sacrifice that would not be possible.

* Today, as you remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, think about what Jesus has done for you by His death.
* All of us look for a sense of purpose. What is our purpose in life? It is to be used by God. That’s what it means to be made holy – to be set apart by God for His use. Jesus made that possible. There is nothing more worthwhile than to make ourselves a “living sacrifice” for God’s work.
* Philippians 2:12, 13 “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”