Well, this is Memorial Day weekend.
And it’s an important holiday.
Not just because people get off work.
not because we get to see so many family and friends.
Even though those things are nice. It’s important because of what it’s all about.
Memorial Day began after the Civil War, as a day to recognize the fallen soldiers who died fighting for what they believed in. It was originally called Decoration Day as families would decorate the graves of the fallen soldiers with flowers, flags, and ribbons. It didn’t become an official holiday until 1967. And it’s important that we don’t forget those who have given their lives in the service to their country.
In the American Revolution we lost around 8,000 men. In the Civil War, over 490,000 men died. In WWI – 53,402. In WWII – 291,557. The Korean War – 30,880. Vietnam – around 58,000. And in wars and conflicts since Vietnam we’ve lost over 30,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. And so we have Memorial Day to remind us of all those lives lost. Each one of those men and women wanted to live their lives just as badly as you or I want to. They probably wanted to raise families, live in nice homes, with 2.5 kids and a dog. They had dreams and plans, and hopes for their futures. So we should remember them and honor them, and that’s why Memorial Day was created. To help us remember the high cost of freedom. The high cost of fighting for freedom. But unfortunately; a lot of folks don’t remember… even though we have this national holiday. For many, of us Memorial Day is it’s not about the lost lives, it’s about getting a day off of work, a day of school, and backyard bar-b-ques. The purpose of the holiday seems to be forgotten. But I guess that shouldn’t be surprising… because a lot of people forget about Jesus as well.
I want you to take your Bibles and open them up to Deuteronomy 8, and I’m going to read to you a passage that talks about what happens when we forget. Deuteronomy 8:11 – 19 (READ).
Deuteronomy 8:11-19
(English Standard Version) 11 “Take care lest you forget the Lord your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statutes, which I command you today, 12 lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, 13 and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, 15 who led you through the great and terrifying wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water, who brought you water out of the flinty rock, 16 who fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers did not know, that he might humble you and test you, to do you good in the end. 17 Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ 18 You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day. 19 And if you forget the Lord your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them, I solemnly warn you today that you shall surely perish. 20As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God.
I really think that one of the biggest problems the modern day Church faces is that we forget. Our current society has forget that God is God. Thet have forgetton that He is sovereign, that He is Almighty, and Jesus is in control. The world has forgotten that Jesus is Lord, and that He alone is the way, the truth, and the life. Many Americans have forgotten that God’s Word is authoritative and that it’s through His Word that God saves us, The Holy Ghost changes us, Jesus sanctifies us, The Holy Spirit matures us, and the Holy Spirit has transformed us.
“The majority of American’s claim to be Christian, and only a small percentage claim to be actual atheists. But the truth is – many within the Church are functional atheists. In other words; they would never say that they do not believe in God, but they live their lives like there is no God. Truly, they profess Christ with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him.”
Now think about this for a second: Atheists do not pray, and neither do functional atheists and many Christians say there’s a God, but they don’t pray. Their behavior doesn’t line up with their profession of Faith.
Atheists don’t believe in the authority of God’s Word, and neither do functional atheists. Even the coach Christian, might say that they believe it’s God’s Word, but it doesn’t rule their lives. Atheists don’t believe in laying up treasures in heaven, and neither do functional atheists – Worldly Christians profess God, but are too busy seeking all their treasures here on earth. Atheists only live for themselves and live for today. Functional atheists are no different. On this Memorial Day let’s remember the fallen soldiers, but let us all return our focus to the Lord and re- sanctify lives. Ones who walk the walk and talk the talk.
Now here’s the difference: Atheists believe that there is no God… functional atheists say they believe in God, but their lives show that they really don’t. Basically; the functional atheist is trying to hedge his bets, just in case. He’s become aware of the possibility that there is a God, and he’s aware of the possibility that God is real, and so he’s trying to play the odds and cover all his bases. But the problem is – it doesn’t work that way. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus doesn’t give us the option of riding the fence. He says, “Those who are not with Me, are against Me.” In Revelation 3:15-16 He says, “If you’re lukewarm, I’ll spit you out of My mouth.” He says, “You can’t love two masters.”
All through Matt. 25: 31-46 He makes this distinction. He separates the sheep and the goats. In Luke 3:17 He separates the wheat and the chaff. He says, “This is My Church, My Body… and this over here isn’t.” -Like Romans 12:2 which instructs us to conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of their minds.
So, a functional atheist is someone who has forgotten God. But what does it mean to forget something—or someone? Simply put, it means that person or thing is no longer on your mind. And that happens when something else takes its place in your thoughts.
People can become satisfied with the weak substitutes this world provides, and their focus begins to drift. Instead of making disciples, they prioritize comfort and security. Instead of their goal being; to see more disciples made, their goal is maintaining what they’ve got. Instead of their goal being to strive towards living for Christ, they live for themselves.
You see; here’s the thing. All of us, as fallen human beings are born with atheistic hearts. We are born with a tendency to forget God. But if you go back to our text and look at what the Lord has Moses write in verses 14 – 16 you’ll notice that He reminds them of what He has done for them.
This is the second way God helps us TO NOT forget… first – He told us to keep His commands… Second, we need to remind ourselves of what He’s done in our lives. You know, one of the best ways you can talk to someone about God, and even share the Gospel with them is by sharing your testimony and by telling them what God has done in your life. It doesn’t have to have a whole lot of theological jargon… it’s as simple as saying, “This is what God has done for me!” “I was blind, but now I see.” “I was an alcoholic, but now I’m free.” “I was an angry, violent person, but now I have love and peace in my heart.” “I was promiscuous, but now I’m faithful.” “I was an idolater, but now I love Jesus.” “I once was lost, but now I’m found.”
WHAT HAS GOD DONE FOR YOU?
Has He forgiven you? Has He delivered you? Has He changed you? Has He set you free from sin? We need to remind ourselves of those things. And we need to share those things with others.
So The Lord is telling us… the way we don’t forget about God is – We keep His commands, and we continually remind ourselves of what He’s done in our lives, and what He’s done in history. But then you go on to verse 17 and He gives us another warning. He says, “Beware, lest you say in your heart…” So it doesn’t even have to be with words… you can say this in your heat… “Beware, lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’” Now that’s the sin of pride… that’s the sin of saying, “I don’t need God. I can do it on my own.
Or I can make it on my own.” And again; most people would probably never verbalize that. But they can say it in their heart… and our lives display what’s in our heart.
Did you know; that in the New Testament, when it talks about Jesus, it refers to Him 24 times as Savior. But it refers to Him over 600 times as Lord. Functional atheism comes from putting yourself on the throne. You are not the lord… JESUS IS LORD!
That means He’s our master. He’s the one who is to have control of us. He is our ruler. He’s our boss. He owns us. He bought us with a price. And here’s what Jesus says to us… Matthew 16:24
“If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.”
The Cross serves one purpose – death. Jesus is saying that we have to die to sin, and die to self, take ourselves off the throne and acknowledge that He is Lord.
Church – the purpose of Memorial Day is so that we don’t forget what it costs to be free. It’s different than the 4th of July… on Independence Day we celebrate our freedom, but on Memorial Day we remember what our freedom cost.
But don’t think that taking one day out of the year is enough to adequately remember.
It’s not enough… one day out of the year is not enough for anything.
If you eat one day out of the year – you’ll die. If you work at a job, one day out of the year, you’ll be homeless and have nothing.
If you mow your yard one day out of the year, it’s going to be an overgrown mess.
If you bathe one day out of the year – you’ll be one nasty, stinky dude. We know, one day is not enough.
We have to continually remember; we have to remind ourselves.
We have to diligently maintain what we have. This nation is the greatest nation on earth, but it’s not what it used to be.
And what’s really interesting is that if our nation is going to get back to what it once was… it’s about what our text says… it’s about remembering God. It’s about remember Jesus Christ. It’s about following Him, and obeying Him, and living for Him. God tells us – in the very last verse of our text, “If you forget the Lord your God and go after other gods and serve them and worship them… YOU WILL SURELY PERISH.”
“The Cost of Freedom”
Freedom rings because they fought,
A price so high, yet never bought.
They stood in courage, hearts so true,
With a strength that only heroes knew.
They left behind their dreams, their lives,
So liberty could still survive.
Their voices echo in the air,
Reminding us how much they cared.
So on this day, we bow and pray,
For those who gave their lives away.
“We Remember”
We remember, we give our thanks,
To those who stood in fearless ranks.
Through storm and battle, fire and rain,
They bore the cost, they felt the pain.
A flag now waves where heroes rest,
A tribute to their selfless quest.
Their sacrifice we won’t forget,
A debt we owe, unpaid as yet.
So let us live with hearts held high,
Honoring them with every sky.
“Flags and Footsteps”
Footsteps faded, voices still,
Yet echoes of their will fulfill.
The banners wave in red and white,
Their stories dance in morning light.
We gather here with grateful hearts,
For those who played the bravest parts.
They gave their lives, they gave their all,
To answer duty’s honored call.
So as the stars and stripes ascend,
We vow their memories won’t end.
“The Price They Paid”
The battlefield now silent lies,
Beneath the vast and endless skies.
Yet echoes of their courage stay,
A price they paid, but not in vain.
With every right that we hold dear,
Their sacrifice remains so clear.
They gave us more than we can see,
They paved the way for liberty.
So on this day, with heads held high,
We honor them with grateful sighs.
Scripture Readings on Sacrifice and Service
Highlight passages that reflect on courage, remembrance, and sacrificial love:
- John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this…”
- Isaiah 6:8 – “Here am I. Send me!”
- Romans 13:7 – “Give honor to whom honor is due.”
- 2 Timothy 2:3 – “Endure hardship like a good soldier
Memorial
Day
Program
1. Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
This verse offers deep comfort during times of grief. In memorial services, when sorrow is tangible and hearts are heavy, it reminds us that God draws near to those in pain. His presence isn’t distant or detached—He is intimately involved in our suffering, offering healing and hope to the brokenhearted.
2. John 14:1-2
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms… I am going there to prepare a place for you.”
Jesus’ words to His disciples are filled with assurance and peace. In the context of a memorial, this verse reminds mourners that heaven is real and that Jesus Himself has prepared a place for those who believe. It shifts the focus from loss to the promise of eternal reunion.
3. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
“Praise be to the God… who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
This passage emphasizes God as a source of comfort in difficult times. Memorial services not only commemorate a loved one’s life but also offer a time for collective healing. As God comforts us, we are also empowered to be a source of comfort to others.
4. Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…”
In moments of loss, this verse points us forward to a glorious future where sorrow is no more. It assures grieving hearts that pain and death are temporary and will be replaced by eternal peace in God’s presence.
5. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die…”
These poetic words affirm that life and death are part of a divine rhythm. During a memorial, they encourage us to reflect on the fullness of life and the sovereignty of God in all seasons, including our final one.
6. Romans 8:38-39
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life… will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
This passage assures us that even in death, the bond between God and His children remains unbroken. At a memorial service, this truth brings peace—our loved ones are not lost to the void, but embraced in the eternal love of God.
7. Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”
This powerful reminder of God’s presence gives strength in times of sorrow. Memorial services are moments when fear and uncertainty can surface, but this verse reaffirms that God remains constant, offering courage and help.
8. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
“We do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death… we believe that Jesus died and rose again…”
Paul writes to comfort believers about those who have died in Christ. This scripture brings hope, teaching that death is not the end but a passage to resurrection life with Jesus. It’s a cornerstone message for any Christian memorial.
9. Psalm 116:15
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants.”
This verse reminds us that the passing of a believer is not a tragedy to God but a significant and sacred moment. In memorial services, it assures mourners that God honors the life and death of His faithful children.
10. Matthew 5:4
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
These words from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount affirm that God sees our mourning and promises comfort. They are ideal for a memorial, reassuring attendees that sorrow is met with divine compassion.
