Thursday, May 26, 2011

Jesus' Answer to a Basic Question

We have many questions when it comes to the Christian faith. Those questions often invoke lively discussions. In this week’s sermon, Jesus is having a religious discussion with his disciples, and he answers an important question they faced: Is there life after death?


Scripture: John 14:1
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.


Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon A Peek Into Heaven delivered on Christian Crusaders November 7, 1999:

“For many of us, living is a great experience. Yet it is too much to expect that we will not have many sorrowful hours, for we live in a world described as "the great tribulation." However, one day we will live in a place where all is perfect. All our needs will be satisfied, and ‘God will wipe away every tear from our eyes. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water.’”


The Crusader Quarterly Newsletter
Christian Crusaders’ new quarterly newsletter is being mailed this month. The theme for this issue is light. Call or e-mail our office if you would like to be added to our mailing list and receive this special publication.


On the Light Side
Marvin was in the hospital on his death bed, so his family called the pastor to be with him in his final moments. As the preacher stood by his bed, Marvin’s condition seemed to deteriorate. Marvin motioned for someone to quickly pass him a pen and paper. The preacher quickly and lovingly handed a pen and paper to Marvin. However, before the pastor had a chance to read the note, Marvin died. Feeling that now was not the right time to read it, the preacher put the note in his jacket pocket.

While speaking at the funeral, the pastor suddenly remembered Marvin’s note. Reaching deep into his pocket, he said, “And you know what? I suddenly remember that right before Marvin died, he handed me a note. Knowing Marvin, I’m sure it was something inspiring that we can all gain from.” With that introduction the preacher ripped out the note and opened it.

It read, “HEY, YOU ARE STANDING ON MY OXYGEN TUBE!”

Friday, May 6, 2011

First Then I Met Him

Most of us first met Jesus Christ as a child in Sunday school and church. We learned the Bible stories and that God loves us. Now, as an adult, we still love Jesus and do not ever want to leave him; but is something missing? This week we will learn about a person whose doubts were replaced with assurance, peace, and comfort when he met Jesus Christ in a personal way.


Scripture: John 20:24-31
Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.”

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”



Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon More Than I Want to Know delivered on Christian Crusaders August 23, 2009:

We have many inventions to enjoy in this age of technology. However, when their many uses are explained to us, we often say, “That is more than I want to know.” Not so with Jesus. We live in his Word and let him lead us higher and higher. Let him blow a hole in your little world and lead you into his presence until, through faith in him, you stand in your heavenly home and see him face to face.


GEM Club Members
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On the Light Side
College Exam Plea
O Lord, hear my anxious plea –
Calculus is killing me
I do not know of “dx” or “dy”
And probably won’t ‘til the day I die.

Please, Lord, help me in this hour
as I take my case to the highest power.
I care not for fame or loot,
just help me find one square root.

And Lord, please let me see
a passing mark in chemistry.
Oh, such a thing I constantly dread
I'd rather join the Marines instead.

Lord, please give me a sign
that you've been listening all the time.
Lead me out of this constant coma,
and give me a shot at my diploma.