19.5 million people have served our great country through military service. We appreciate and thank our military veterans for all they've done.

That's what it has taken to preserve the wonderful freedoms we enjoy today. But has this freedom, sustained by such great sacrifice, become a burden of sorts?

It's important for us as citizens of the U.S. of A. to remember exactly what we have. As we stand before the flag representing our great country, we pledge our allegiance. And the writers of our pledge were very specific as to what we give our allegiance to: "The Republic, for which it stands."

We also need to remind ourselves that "though we are in this world, we are not of it." This gives us a greater responsibility as Believers to protect what God has established here.

Today we discuss the service we give and the responsibilities we have as God's emissaries to this great nation.

En gardé - one of the few French phrases we know. Basically means, "defend yourself" or "be on the ready." And that's exactly what today's topic is all about.

Del Tackett from "The Truth Project" posed this question:

"Do you really believe what you say you believe is really real?"

If that's true, then the next step is to know as much as you can know about your faith, beginning with you. When did you make Jesus Christ Lord of your life? That's the foundation of your faith. When sharing with anyone about the Lord, it all begins there.

There are many famous apologists throughout the centuries who have stood in defense of the faith. Their brilliance in being able to defend the faith before skeptics and antagonists is amazing.

But are we equipped to do the same? Most of us aren't but we can put on the whole armor of God and, as in 1 Peter 3:15, "make a defense to anyone who asks for the reason for the hope that is in us."

In fact, we aren't called to argue religion. It's like the old saying: "We're just simple beggars telling other beggars where to find bread."

We share five essential truths that you can easily arm yourself with when God opens a door to share. Simple, to the point, and the truth.

When you look around at what's happening in the world, does it look to you like things are all falling apart or are they all falling together?

Your view depends upon what you know about what's often called "the End Times."

A few weeks ago, a ceasefire and hostage exchange was declared in the Middle East. This past year, the number of devastating earthquakes, famines, fires, volcanoes, and floods has becoming alarming. Depending upon the source, the numbers are either increasing or the devastation from the present occurrences has become catastrophic.

Matthew records Jesus telling about the "last days." Today, we see that some of the things have already taken place. And John's recording in Revelation reads like today's headlines. However, Matthew 24:6 says "See that you're not alarmed..."

So, what do we do when we recognize all of these things are happening?

Luke tells us of Jesus' words, "Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

Look up! Don't get all bent out of shape looking around. God is in control and is faithful to keep us in His care.