Going once, going twice, gone

November 12, 2006am Going once, Going Twice, Gone Hebrews 9:24-28

A Veteran’s day sermon. By Ronald E. George Jr. at the Fayetteville Baptist Church

Some Gave all: *POMEROY, RALPH E.

Rank and organization: Private First Class, U.S. Army, Company E, 31st Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. Place and date: Near Kumhwa , Korea , 15 October 1952. Entered service at: Quinwood, W. Va. Born: 26 March 1930, Quinwood, W. Va. G.O. No.: 97, 30 December 1953. Citation: Pfc. Pomeroy, a machine gunner with Company E, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and indomitable courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. While his comrades were consolidating on a key terrain feature, he manned a machine gun at the end of a communication trench on the forward slope to protect the platoon flank and prevent a surprise attack. When the enemy attacked through a ravine leading directly to his firing position, he immediately opened fire on the advancing troops inflicting a heavy toll in casualties and blunting the assault. At this juncture the enemy directed intense concentrations of artillery and mortar fire on his position in an attempt to neutralize his gun. Despite withering fire and bursting shells, he maintained his heroic stand and poured crippling fire into the ranks of the hostile force until a mortar burst severely wounded him and rendered the gun mount inoperable. Quickly removing the hot, heavy weapon, he cradled it in his arms and, moving forward with grim determination, raked the attacking forces with a hail of fire. Although wounded a second time he pursued his relentless course until his ammunition was expended within 10 feet of the foe and then, using the machine gun as a club, he courageously closed with the enemy in hand-to-hand combat until mortally wounded. Pfc. Pomeroy's consummate valor, inspirational actions and supreme sacrifice enabled the platoon to contain the attack and maintain the integrity of the perimeter, reflecting lasting glory upon himself and upholding the noble traditions of the military service . From congressional medal of honor website. http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/mohkor2.htm

Scripture text: Hebrews 9:24-28 24 For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made by human hands, a mere copy of the true one, but he entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. 25 Nor was it to offer himself again and again, as the high priest enters the Holy Place year after year with blood that is not his own; 26 for then he would have had to suffer again and again since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the age to remove sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And just as it is appointed for mortals to die once, and after that the judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

Going once: Christ came on our behalf. He battled sin and gave his life to set us free from the power and penalty of sin. Our soldiers have gone on our behalf.

· He appeared on our behalf in heaven. They (veterans) have appeared on our behalf.

· He offered his own blood on our behalf. Veterans have offered their blood in our behalf.

· He removed sin by erasing it. He has forgiven us and cast our sin into the sea. He has given us freedom to live and live abundantly. Veterans have given us freedom to live and live abundantly by removing the threat of evil.

· He took away the power of sin and death, because we all have to die once, but not twice. Sin still exists but now it is limited in the control it can have. Evil is still in the world but our veterans have given us the ability to be free.

· Sin, evil, and death do not stop its constant progression to take away the life of people. Evil will succeed if Good does not rise up to stop it. Our soldiers have risen to the task once again and will continue to stand up on our behalf.

· This is the test and the judgement is coming. How have you used your freedom? What have you done with your opportunity to be free? How have you chosen?

Going Twice: Jesus will come the second time to set us completely free. These enemies came upon us all through the sin of one man Adam, but by the sacrifice of one man Jesus we will be eternally set free.

Gone: We will have no more sin, death, hell, and the grave. Look forward to that day with hope. We will be gone from this world of sin and death. He will take us away.

Our Response: This is a spiritual war. Set the captives free.

Believe in those who gave.

Receive the free gift of life and freedom.

Recognize where it came from.

Use your freedom to set others free.