Christian Crusaders

Father Or Higher Power

2012-01-27T13:44:00.000-08:00

At times we will hear a person, after having narrowly escaped danger, refer to a “higher power” that saved them from harm. We must then wonder how they pray to that higher power when other needs arise. In this Sunday's (January 29, 2012), sermon, we will talk about how Jesus wants to be more than some obscure force in our life; he wants to be our Father. www.christiancrusaders.org

Scripture: Galatians 4:4-7
But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.

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 Personal Relationship With Christ delivered on Christian Crusaders June 20, 2010 by Rev. Larsen:

Can you really have this personal relationship with God? Yes, you can, and it’s a relationship that grows the longer we are in daily conversation with him. This is the gift God offers to our world, and he has chosen us to take this message to people who are living apart from their Creator.

News About ChristianCrusaders.org
People are more likely to tune into a Christian radio program if it is suggested by a friend or relative. Perhaps you have an aunt in Phoenix, a granddaughter in Minneapolis, or a cousin in Portland who might enjoy listening to Christian Crusaders on their local radio station. A complete list where Christian Crusaders broadcasts its program is found on our Radio Station Listing page of ChristianCrusaders.org. Follow the link to find a station near you or someone you know, and suggest they listen.

On the Light Side
A young boy had just gotten his driving permit. He asked his father, who was a minister, if they could discuss the use of the car. His father took him to his study and said to him, “I’ll make a deal with you. You bring your grades up, study your Bible a little, and get your hair cut, and we’ll talk about it.”

After about a month the boy came back and again asked his father if they could discuss use of the car. They again went to the father’s study where his father said, “Son, I’ve been real proud of you. You have brought your grades up and you’ve studied your Bible diligently, but you didn’t get your hair cut!”

The young man waited a moment and replied, “You know Dad, I’ve been thinking about that. You know, Samson had long hair, Moses had long hair, Noah had long hair, and even Jesus had long hair . . .” To which his father replied, “Yes, and they walked everywhere they went!”

God's Word in My Heart

2012-01-18T11:26:00.000-08:00

Who guides and directs you in making decisions? The Old Testament Psalmist also asked that question when he said, “How can a young man keep his way pure?” We will discover his answer in sermon beginning this Sunday on http://www.christiancrusaders.org/

Scripture: Psalm 119:9-16
How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
Praise be to you, O Lord;
teach me your decrees.
With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.

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 Is It Biblical? delivered on Christian Crusaders July 23, 2000 by Rev. Larsen:

If our faith is to have meaning, it must go beyond our feelings and what we think is true. There must be an authority that speaks and to which we will listen. That authority for the Christian is God's Holy Word. You can deny it, but you cannot change it and remain honest. Therefore, we are called on by Scripture to keep our heads in all situations, endure hardship if necessary for the faith, and point wandering, searching people to Christ, who has clearly taught what to believe and do.

About ChristianCrusaders.org
Did you know Christian Crusaders’ Web site features a daily devotion from Our Daily Bread? If you are looking for a meaningful start to your day, visit the front page of our Web site, http://www.christiancrusaders.org/, where you’ll find an uplifting and thought-provoking passage to help you along on your spiritual journey.

On the Light Side
Jack was single and decided life would be more fun if he had a pet. So he went to the pet store and told the owner that he wanted to buy an unusual pet. After some discussion, he finally bought a talking centipede, which came in a little white box to use for his house.

Jack took the box home, found a good location it, and decided he would start off by taking his new pet to church. So he asked the centipede in the box, “Would you like to go to church with me today? We will have a good time.” But there was no answer from his new pet.

This bothered Jack a bit, so after a few minutes he asked him again. “How about going to church with me and receive blessings?” But, again, there was no answer from his new friend and pet.

So he waited a few minutes more, thinking about the situation. He decided to ask him one more time; this time putting his face up against the centipede’s house and shouting, “Hey in there! Would you like to go to church with me and learn about the Lord???”

A little voice came out of the box, “I heard you the first time! I'm putting on my shoes.”

He Brought His Brother to Jesus

2012-01-14T09:09:00.000-08:00

Have you ever met someone who made such a great impression on you that you wanted others to meet him? This was Andrew’s experience. When he met Jesus, he then led his brother John to meet him too. In this week’s sermon, we are going to talk about who led you to Christ and who you will introduce to Him.

Scripture: John 1: 35-51
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?”

They said, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?”

“Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”

So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent the day with him. It was about the tenth hour.

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.

Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).

The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.”

Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked.

“Come and see,” said Philip.

When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said to him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.”

“How do you know me?” Nathanael asked.

Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”

Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”

Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that.” He then added, “I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

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 Out Recruiting delivered on Christian Crusaders January 19, 2003 by Rev. Larsen:

. . . there is a place for us in carrying the Gospel to the world. There is someone in this world with whom you can share the Gospel better than any other person. We never know what some of the people will accomplish as witnesses for Jesus. . . . It takes commitment to be a disciple of Jesus. Doubts come to the lives of all disciples, but the Holy Spirit will see us through those difficult hours.

About Christian Crusaders
Christian Crusaders publishes a quarterly newsletter called the Crusader. The theme of the upcoming issue, to be published in February, is Commitment. The Crusader is mailed free of charge to all friends of the ministry who desire to learn more about Christian Crusaders and receive spiritual inspiration. If you are not currently receiving this mailing and would like to, contact our office at cc@naz.org. You may also call the office toll-free at 1-888 My Faith (1-888-693-2484).

On the Light Side
A four-year-old boy and his father went to the beach where they found a dead seagull lying on the sand. The boy asked his father, “Dad, what happened to the birdie?”

His dad told him, “Son, the bird died and went to heaven.”"

Then the boy asked, “And God threw him back down?”

You're Covered

2011-12-30T13:27:00.000-08:00

Do you have a trusted friend on whom you can always count to cover for you when you need it? The people of Israel needed help as they faced some giant enemy nations in battle. That help is also there for us, and beginning Sunday, January 1, we will look at a beautiful song written about it. Read or listen to the message at www.ChristianCrusaders.org.

Scripture: Psalm 115
Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.

Why do the nations say, “Where is their God?” Our God is in heaven; he does whatever pleases him. But their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, noses, but cannot smell. They have hands, but cannot feel, feet, but cannot walk, nor can they utter a sound with their throats. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.

All you Israelites, trust in the Lord — he is their help and shield. House of Aaron, trust in the Lord — he is their help and shield. You who fear him, trust in the Lord— he is their help and shield.

The Lord remembers us and will bless us: He will bless his people Israel, he will bless the house of Aaron, he will bless those who fear the Lord— small and great alike.

May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children. May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

The highest heavens belong to the Lord, but the earth he has given to mankind. It is not the dead who praise the Lord, those who go down to the place of silence; it is we who extol the Lord, both now and forevermore.

Praise the Lord.

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 The Hand That Holds Me delivered on Christian Crusaders April 29, 2007 by Rev. Kramer:

Life has its question marks and scary moments that can cause us anxiety and make us feel insecure. However, we have a wonderful Shepherd who laid down his life for you, rose again, and lives to walk with you. He knows you and wants to hold you close in all circumstances. He promises that no one and nothing will snatch you from his nail-pierced, loving, strong hands.

Let Us Hear From You
Christian Crusaders receives several letters a month from listeners across the country. These letters are often sent to thank Christian Crusaders or to comment on a sermon that particularly touched them. Sometimes we receive prayer requests. Listeners have even sent postcards from their vacations! A handwritten note is much appreciated; don’t hesitate to put your thoughts down on paper and mail it our way.

On the Light Side
Jenny was taking an afternoon nap on New Year’s Eve before the festivities. After she woke up, she confided to her husband Max, “I just dreamed you gave me a diamond ring for a New Year’s present. What do you think it all means?”

“Aha, you’ll know tonight,” answered Max smiling broadly.

At midnight, as the New Year was chiming, Max approached Jenny and handed her a small package. Delighted and excited she opened it quickly. There in her hand rested a book entitled: The Meaning of Dreams.

Awakened to the Message of Christmas

2011-12-23T09:47:00.000-08:00

What does the message of Christmas mean to you? It is just the story of a baby who was born in crude circumstances, or more than that? As we celebrate the holiday with our families, may our eyes be opened to the true meaning of Christmas.

Scripture: Luke 2:1-7:36-42
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

John 10:2-13
He was in the world, and though the world was made through him the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This thought is adapted from the sermon Why Did He Come? delivered on Christian Crusaders December 18, 2005.

Christmas can be such a fun time! You meet Christ through the words of the Prophets who wrote, “For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be upon his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). The angels talk about Him and say, “He will save his people from their sins.” Jesus himself says, “I came to seek and to save that which is lost.” I pray this message may become very personal for each one of us, for then it is Christmas.

The Origin of Some Best-Loved Christmas Carols
Silent Night
When this beloved hymn was written by two humble church leaders for their own mountain village parishioners, little did they realize how universal its influence would eventually be.

Joseph Mohr, assistant priest in the Church of St. Nicholas in the region of Tyrol, high in the beautiful Alps, and Franz Gruber, the village schoolmaster and church organist, had often talked about the fact that the perfect Christmas hymn had never been written. So Father Mohr had this goal in mind when he received word that the church organ would not function. He decided that he must write his own Christmas hymn immediately in order to have music for the special Christmas Eve mass. He did not want to disappoint his faithful flock. Upon completing the text, he took his words to Franz Gruber, who exclaimed when he saw them, “Friend Mohr, you have found it – the right song – God be praised!”

Soon Gruber completed his task of composing an appropriate tune for the new text. His simple but beautiful music blended perfectly with the spirit of Father Mohr’s words. The carol was completed in time for the Christmas Eve mass, and Father Mohr and Franz Gruber sang their new hymn to the accompaniment of Gruber’s guitar. The hymn made a deep impact upon the parishioners even as it has on succeeding generations.

When the organ repairman came to the little village church, he was impressed by a copy of the Christmas carol and decided to spread it all around the region of Tyrol. Today it is sung in all major languages of the world and is a favorite wherever songs of the Christmas message are enjoyed.

(Taken from “Amazing Grace” by Kenneth W. Osbeck.)

Christmas Greetings
“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” Luke 2:11. The staff of Christian Crusaders wishes all our listeners and supporters a blessed Christmas. May the hope that is ours in Christ Jesus fill your heart and home as you open your soul to the love of our Lord, the Christ Jesus. We pray your life will be filled with peace, prosperity, and God’s richest blessings in the coming year.

On the Light Side
Actual children's versions of Christmas Carols
“. . . sleep in heavenly peas”
“Joy to the world, the Savior rains”
“This is he whom Sears of old . . .”
“Angels we have heard on high, sweetly singing o’er the plane”
“While shepherds washed their socks by night”

I Will Return

2011-12-13T07:35:00.000-08:00

In 1942, General Douglas MacArthur told the Filipino people that he would return. His promise was met in 1945 when he presented himself to them as victor over the Japanese army. Our Lord Jesus likewise promised his disciples that he would return. We will discuss the fulfillment of that promise in our sermon this week.

Scripture: Matthew 24:36 - 42
“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This thought is adapted from the sermon Watch! Be Ready! delivered on Christian Crusaders November 30, 2008.

Advent is going to be a busy season, as it is every year. Take the Bible, read the Gospels carefully, and meditate on what Jesus Christ has done. Take it seriously when the Savior tells you that you haven’t let the Holy Spirit work in your life. Listen once more to his words when he says, “Watch! I am coming again.” Don’t be so concerned about when he will come. Instead, be more concerned about the reality that Jesus Christ, who was born in Bethlehem’s manger and died on Calvary’s cross, is coming again.

Great Gift Ideas
Still searching for the perfect holiday gift for a friend or loved one? They might enjoy a copy of Rev. Larsen’s book, “You’ll Be Surprised . . . What the Lord Can Do.” This book is filled with great anecdotes and advice on Christian living by our radio speaker of almost fifty years. It is an economical choice, too, available for a suggested donation of any amount.

Or how about a custom set of sermons on CD? Simply use our online search tool to select several of your favorite sermons from as far back as 1999 and give them as a packaged gift set. You could choose several sermons on one topic, or Rev. Larsen’s Christmas sermon from each year. This would make a great introduction to our ministry for your friend or loved one and a unique gift as well.

The Origin of Some Best-Loved Christmas Carols
Go Tell It on the Mountain
For many people, another Christmas season is merely a rerun of the trivial and the sentimental. But for the devoted Christian, Christmas is much more than a once a year celebration. It is a fresh awareness that a Deliverer was sent from the ivory palaces of heaven to become personally involved in the redemption and affairs of the human race. The impact of this realization becomes a strong motivation to share the good news with needy and desperate people who need to know that there is an Emmanuel available who can meet their every need. Men everywhere must hear these glad tidings if they are to benefit from them. With absolute charity they must hear the message, “Here is your God!”

Negro spirituals had their roots in the late 18th and early 19th century camp meetings throughout the South as well as in the active evangelical ministry carried on among the black people during this time. However, few of their traditional songs were collected or published prior to about 1840. The stanzas for “Go Tell It on the Mountain” were written by John W. Work, Jr. He and his brother, Frederick J. Work, were early leaders in arranging and promoting the cause of Negro spirituals. This song was first published in Folk Songs of the American Negro in 1907. These traditional spirituals have since become an important part of the American folk and sacred music heritage and are greatly appreciated and enjoyed by all of God’s people.

Taken from “Amazing Grace” by Kenneth W. Osbeck.

On the Light Side

It was the Sunday after Christmas at St. Paul’s Church. Rev. Barker was looking at the nativity scene prior to packing away the figures when he noticed the baby Jesus was missing from the scene.

Immediately, Rev. Barker turned toward the office in order to call the police. However, just before he called, he saw little Harry pulling a red wagon with the figure of the little infant, Jesus.

Rev. Barker walked up to Harry and said, “Harry, where did you get the little infant?”

Harry replied honestly, “'I took him from the church, Rev. Barker.”

“And why did you take him?”

With a sheepish smile, Harry said, “Well, about a week before Christmas I prayed to little Lord Jesus. I told him if he would bring me a red wagon for Christmas, I would give him a ride around the block in it.”

Take the Mystery Out of Christmas and What Do You Have?

2011-12-09T13:32:00.000-08:00

We remember national leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King with a holiday in their honor. Christmas is another of those occasions when we close our businesses, schools, and post offices. However, Jesus was more than just another great leader. His birth is surrounded with mystery, and we will talk about it in this week’s sermon.

Scripture: Luke 1:26-31
In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end.”

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.”

”I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.

Matthew 1:18-24
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”– which means, “God with us.”

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This thought is adapted from the sermon Don't Stop at the Crib delivered on Christian Crusaders December 20, 2009.

Television brings some terrible things into our homes on a daily basis. We see the results of the drug culture. We learn about a mother who decides to kill herself and her two small children. The depravity of man is all around us. Many of us live on into our 80s and some into their 90s. Often we spend those last days in a home for the aged. Does that thought make you afraid? In the middle of all this, Jesus says to us, “Don’t be afraid. I will take care of you. I will take care of your loved one. I will not remove these tedious days, but I will be with you.” That is the Christmas gospel. It comes from the lips of that little child who was born in Bethlehem’s manger. And so we can join with the angels of old and say, “Glory be to God in the highest.” Our life may not be exactly what we want on this earth, but it can be mighty good for we have a Savior who walks with us.

Christmas Sermons on CD
It's not too late to order a last-minute gift – copies of Christian Crusaders’ gift set of Christmas sermons are still available! This audio CD set of sermons based on Isaiah 9:6 is available for a gift of any amount. Call 1-888-My Faith or visit ChristianCrusa-ders.org to order. It might be a meaningful gift for a faraway friend, a next-door neighbor, or someone from your church who is lonely around the holidays.

The Origin of Some Best-Loved Christmas Carols
Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne
This hymn was written by Emily Elliott to teach children the truths of the advent and nativity seasons. Emily’s life was filled with benevolent activities in rescue missions and in the work of the Sunday school movement of that time. She wrote the text for the children of her father’s church, St. Mark’s Anglican Church in Brighton, England.

The clear message of each verse is accentuated by the use of contrasting sentences, each beginning with the word, “but.” Then in the fifth stanza, the contrast is reversed with the rejoicing at Christ’s return and the prospects of being at his side throughout eternity. The refrain after each verse effectively personalizes the truth presented. This fine hymn has proved to be an inspiration not only to children but to adults as well, during the Christmas season and throughout the entire year.

Taken from “Amazing Grace” by Kenneth W. Osbeck.

On the Light Side
Jack was coming out of church one day, and the preacher was standing at the door, as he always is, to shake hands. The preacher grabbed Jack by the hand and pulled him aside. “You need to join the Army of the Lord!”

Jack replied, “I’m already in the Army of the Lord, Pastor.”

Pastor questioned, “How come I don’t see you except at Christmas and Easter?”

He whispered back, “I’m in the secret service.”

Finishing Strong

2011-11-22T08:47:00.000-08:00

Have you ever known someone who is very enthused about their work in the church and often talks about their faith, but years later barely even shows evidence of being a Christian? The Bible compares the Christian walk to running a race, and one biblical writer has good advice for a strong finish.

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This thought is adapted from the sermon The Apprentice: High-Risk Ventures delivered on Christian Crusaders February 27, 2005.

When Peter got slapped in the face by the wind and waves a little bit, he remembered who to call for in the midst of his sinking feeling. He called out to the Lord, “Save me!” and he found that the Lord is faithful. Those strong hands of Jesus were ready to pull him up out of the water and put him back into the boat for another day to be called out to walk with Jesus. Those same strong hands, waiting to grab you, have nail holes in them. For that Savior loves you and he allowed himself to be nailed to a cross for your sins. He is the leader whom you truly can trust. He went all the way to the cross for you.

Great Gift Ideas
If you’re searching for the perfect gift for someone special, consider a donation in their name to Christian Crusaders. An honorarium gift can be made in any amount and will allow you both to be part of this vitally important mission of bringing Jesus Christ to those unable to attend worship services.

You might also wish to give Rev. Larsen’s five-volume DVD video series as a gift. Entitled Basic Biblical Truths, this sermon series is available for a donation of any amount.

On the Light Side
Q: What do you get when you mix Peter Pan with pumpkins?
A: Peter Pie Pan.

Q: What do arithmetic teachers do on Thanksgiving?
A: They count their blessings.

Q: What does a dizzy turkey say?
A: Wobble, Wobble.

Q: What Thanksgiving fruit is served on a UFO?
A: Cranberry Saucer!

Q: Why did the Thanksgiving basket get in trouble at school?
A: It was cornu-copying.

The Devil Made Me Do It

2011-11-04T14:49:00.000-07:00

How much of what we do wrong is our own doing and how much is Satan’s fault? The devil tempted Jesus in the desert, our first parents in the Garden of Eden, and he tempts us in our times of trial. In this week’s sermon, we will ponder the idea of a personal devil.

Scripture: I Peter 5:8-9
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This thought is adapted from the sermon Handling Temptation delivered on Christian Crusaders February 21, 2010.

How do we face our temptations? We cannot escape them. But the Holy Spirit, working through the Word, will guide and strengthen us that we might resist Satan. Yet if we in our weakness fall, he will forgive us through Jesus Christ and give us the strength to overcome our sins.

ChristianCrusaders.org
Miss a week on Christian Crusaders? You don’t have to miss a sermon! Log on to http://www.christiancrusaders.org/sermonsearch.asp and find sermons going back more than ten years. This easy sermon search tool can be used to find a sermon you missed or to relive one you particularly liked again. Or, call 1-888-My Faith and request a copy of any sermon on CD or in print to be mailed to you.

On the Light Side
The Devil’s Beatitudes
Blessed are those who are too tired, too busy, too distracted to spend an hour once a week with their fellow Christians in Church ~ they are my best workers.
Blessed are those who wait to be asked and expect to be thanked ~ I can use them in my business.
Blessed are those who are touchy. Soon they will stop going to church ~ verily, they shall be my missionaries.
Blessed are those who sow gossip and trouble ~ they are my beloved children.
Blessed are those who have no time to pray ~ for they are MY prey.
Blessed are those who gossip ~ for they are my secret agents.
Blessed are you when you read this and think it has everything to do with other people, and nothing to do with you. ~ I've got room for YOU at my inn.

Describe Your Relationship With God

2011-10-28T13:07:00.000-07:00

Last month we relived some of the terrible events on September 11, 2001. Our nation was attacked, and 3,000 people were killed. Many of those caught in these attacks, finding themselves inadequate to handle the situation, turned to God for help. It is true that we do live in a fallen world and will all have our 9-11’s. Where do we turn when we are crushed?

Scripture: I Peter 5:6-7, 10-11
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This thought is adapted from the sermon The Evening That Faith Grew delivered on Christian Crusaders June 21, 2009.

Peter’s sermon at Pentecost was also a wild sea, but the fear was gone. He had come a long way in his relationship with Jesus. His experience of being tossed around on a wild sea in a small boat taught him that Jesus was able to deliver on the promises He had made to the disciples. It has brought me great encouragement in my ministry to watch people grow spiritually as they live with their problems; some of those being big problems. The storms of life come into every life. They can either destroy us or make us strong people of God. Christ alone can empower us to face the storms as we encounter them.

ChristianCrusaders.org
Check out our new online store! Christian Crusaders’ Web site offers a place to shop for materials that will uplift and inspire you. Browse among Rev. Larsen’s five-volume DVD video sermon series; his book You’ll Be Surprised What the Lord Can Do, filled with anecdotes and advice on Christian living; or even request an audio copy of a past sermon. These resources, an extension of our radio program, make great gifts, too.

On the Light Side
A little boy was overhead praying: “Lord, if you can’t make me a better boy, don’t worry about it. I’m having a real good time like I am.”

Christians' Lives Are Different

2011-10-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

The Bible teaches that if we are committed to Jesus Christ, our lives will be different. In the past, some have interpreted this thought by banning card playing and dancing. In today’s culture, it seems that anything goes. So which is correct? We will study St. Peter’s words this week to learn the answer.

Scripture: I Peter 4:1-11
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do – living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to men in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This thought is adapted from the sermon Life Is Shaped by Our Choices delivered on Christian Crusaders July 24, 2005.

Look around in your church on a Sunday morning and see how hundreds of people . . . are living exciting lives with Christ as their Lord. They are worshiping as a family. Many of their friends are members of the congregation with similar interests in life. Dad and Mom are considered important employees where they work because of their faithfulness and work ethic. They are a fun family, not because they are better than others, but because they have made a decision to let God's Word be their governing authority and they experience His presence with them each day. They believe you reap what you sow.

Want a Regular Reminder About Christian Crusaders’ Upcoming Sermons?
By joining the ministry's Facebook page, you will receive a weekly reminder about the upcoming sermon. You can also use the page to connect with other Christian Crusaders listeners and post messages about events and information they might be interested in knowing.

On the Light Side
An elderly man went to the doctor complaining of a terrible pain in his leg.

“I am afraid it’s just old age,” replied the doctor. “There is nothing we can do about it.”

“That can’t be,” fumed the old man. “You don’t know what you are doing!”

“How can you possibly know I am wrong?” countered the doctor.

“Well it’s quite obvious,” the old man replied. “My other leg is fine, and it’s the exact same age!”

Do Not Erase

2011-10-13T13:27:00.000-07:00

Life can get real complicated at times. Disappointments and fears challenge our sense of security. However, God’s Word has a simple, but profound bit of counsel to sustain us as we face those moments in our lives. We will consider that counsel in this week’s sermon.

Scripture: II Timothy 2:8
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David—that is my gospel, for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal.

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This thought is adapted from the sermon When Your World Stops delivered on Christian Crusaders November 21, 2004.

We hear Paul the Apostle say in the book of Romans, “What are we to say then about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not also with him give us everything else?” Then he goes on to say, “I believe that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Jesus Christ.” He was willing to lay down his life for us. God was willing to say, “Go and rescue my people, I love them.” Surely you and I can count upon Him to hear our prayers and lift us up when our world gets stopped.

About ChristianCrusaders.org
Help Christian Crusaders spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ by posting a link to ChristianCrusaders.org from your own personal or business website! Encourage your church to post a link as well. In this way, you can also become a part of the mission to proclaim Jesus Christ and enable Christian Crusaders’ listeners to hear the most important message in the world!

On the Light Side
During the worship service, Rev. Brown asked for parishioners to write their prayer concerns down and hand them to the usher. When they were brought forward, the nearsighted minister glanced at the note that Mrs. Jones sent. The note read, “Bill Jones having gone to sea, his wife desires the prayers of the congregation for his safety.

Failing to note the punctuation, Rev. Brown startled his audience by announcing, “Bill Jones, having gone to see his wife, desires the prayers of the congregation for his safety.”

What If?

2011-10-07T12:34:00.000-07:00

Christians often talk about peace, joy, comfort, and forgiveness. However, having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ can also cause suffering and hardship. In this week’s sermon, we will discuss what it means to suffer for our Christian faith, and how to prepare for that suffering.

Scripture: I Peter 3:13-18
Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to given an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit . . .

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This thought is adapted from the sermon Stress delivered on Christian Crusaders March 21, 2004.

To be faithful in our Christian witness can often cause stress, but Jesus teaches us how to handle this stress. He does not tell us to work at adopting more moderate views in our Christian witness. No, instead we are to remain strong, and when those hours of stress come, listen to what he says in his Word.

A Quick Way to Start Your Day on an Uplifting Note
ChristianCrusaders.org features a daily devotion, front and center on the site’s home page, where you can immediately find food for spiritual thought anytime you need it. Then visit the Faith Links page for further Bible helps!

On the Light Side
A young woman went to her doctor complaining of pain. “Where are you hurting?” asked the doctor.

“You have to help me, I hurt all over,” said the woman.

“What do you mean all over?” asked the doctor, “You must be a little more specific.”

The woman touched her right knee with her index finger and yelled, “Ouch! That hurts.” Then she touched her left cheek and again yelled, “Ouch! That hurts, too.” Then she touched her right earlobe, “Ouch! Even THAT hurts,” she cried.

The doctor checked her thoughtfully for a moment and then gave her his diagnosis, “You have a broken finger.”

Respect for Authority

2011-09-23T09:44:00.000-07:00

We enjoy our freedom. However, we can take our freedom too far and lose respect for authority and our leaders. In this week’s sermon, the book of I Peter will help us learn about living in submission to our rulers, even when they are unjust, and how it also applies to our homes.

Scripture: I Peter 2:13-17
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This thought is adapted from the sermon The Voice of Authority delivered on Christian Crusaders January 30, 2000.

Our impression of the authoritative voice is often wrong. We feel that it takes something away from our freedom. Let me assure you that God's voice of authority enriches our lives by giving us security, peace and hope. Think of His promises. He will forgive us our sins and restore us into a living relationship with our Heavenly Father. He will strengthen us when we need help for difficult tasks. Those words that He speaks to us are words of authority. They are sure.

Christian Crusaders 75th Anniversary Celebration
You are cordially invited to attend Christian Crusaders’ 75th anniversary celebration on Sunday, September 25 from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Emcee for the afternoon will be former KWWL meteorologist Craig Johnson, and speakers will include our radio pastors: Rev. Homer Larsen and Rev. Steve Kramer. The afternoon will also include special music. A reception will follow.

Help celebrate a milestone in the history of this ministry if you are able. We look forward to seeing you there!

On the Light Side
Since all the kids have all their little codes, like BFF, AFK, and LOL, here are some codes for seniors:
ATD – At the Doctor's
BFF – Best Friend’s Funeral
BTW – Bring the Wheelchair
BYOT¬ Bring Your Own Teeth
CBM – Covered by Medicare
CUATSC – See You at the Senior Center
FWIW – Forgot Where I Was
FYI – Found Your Insulin
GGPBL - Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low
GHA – Got Heartburn Again
HGBM – Had Good Bowel Movement
IMHO – Is My Hearing-Aid On?
LMDO – Laughing My Dentures Out
LOL – Living on Lipitor
LWO – Lawrence Welk’s On
ROFL . . . CGU – Rolling on the Floor Laughing . . . Can't get Up!
WAITT – Who Am I Talking To?
WWNO – Walker Wheels Need Oil
WTP – Where’s the Prunes
GGLKI – Gotta Go, Laxative Kicking in!

Don't Worry

2011-09-16T09:28:00.000-07:00

Are you a worry wart? Most of us have our moments of worry. We worry about our children, our parents, our health, and our finances, thinking of the worst possible scenarios. Worry does not help us escape evil, but instead makes us ill prepared to cope when evil comes. In this week’s sermon, we will talk about what Jesus taught regarding our concerns for the future.

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This thought is adapted from the sermon A Favorite for When You Can't Sleep delivered on Christian Crusaders August 26, 2007.

God loves you. If you have trouble believing that, look at the cross. We were lost in our sins, far from God. God loved you so much he gave his Son Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for your sins, so that the relationship that was broken might be mended, and you could become a child of your heavenly Father. You are loved. God loves you. Paul discovered that, and millions of others have since, as they have come to know Christ and place their trust in him. Are you lying awake at night? Hand it over. Hand over that list. Take your worries list, turn it into your prayer list, and empty your heart to God.

Christian Crusaders 75th Anniversary Celebration
You are cordially invited to attend Christian Crusaders’ 75th anniversary event on Sunday, September 25 from 2:00 to 4:30 p.m. at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Emcee for the afternoon will be former KWWL meteorologist Craig Johnson, and speakers will include our radio pastors: Rev. Homer Larsen and Rev. Steve Kramer. The afternoon will also include special music. A reception will follow.

Help celebrate a milestone in the history of this ministry if you are able. We look forward to seeing you there!

On the Light Side
Fresh out of business school, a young man answered a want ad for an accountant. Now he was being interviewed by a very nervous man who ran a small business that he had started himself. “I need someone with an accounting degree,” the man said. “But mainly, I'm looking for someone to do my worrying for me.”

“Excuse me?” the accountant said.

“I worry about a lot of things,” the man said. “But I don’t want to have to worry about money. Your job will be to take all the money worries off my back.”

“I see,” the accountant said. “And how much does the job pay?”

“I’ll start you at eighty thousand.”

“Eighty thousand dollars!” the accountant exclaimed. “How can such a small business afford a sum that large?”

“That,” the owner said, “is your first worry.”

God's People

2011-09-09T07:34:00.000-07:00

Since the fall into sin, this world has lived in rebellion to its Creator. Our Bibles tell how spiritually bankrupt human nature was in that day, and today’s media tells us that it basically has not changed. However, St. Peter delivers a message that is a breath of fresh air on this subject. Please join us this Sunday.

Scripture: I Peter 2:9-11
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This thought is adapted from the sermon Spiritual Wisdom delivered on Christian Crusaders June 22, 2003.

In the midst of strife the Lord calls His peacemakers to make a difference. The person with this type of spiritual wisdom offers our world the same things Christ has offered him or her: forgiveness, a loving spirit, and the ability to listen to the concerns of others and rise above their emotions in an intense discussion. Peacemakers have experienced what human nature is, and the Holy Spirit gives them insights to deal with that nature when tempers flare and humans get out of control.

From ChristianCrusaders.org
If you missed a sermon, visit Christian Crusaders’ Web site where you can read or listen to hundreds of archived sermons organized by date and topic. You can also find a daily devotion, links to Bible study tools, and a detailed description of Christian Crusaders' many new online services and how you can use them.

On the Light Side
Somebody has said there are only two kinds of people in the world – those who wake up in the morning and say, “Good morning, Lord,” and those who say, “Good Lord, it’s morning!”

Living Stones in a Spiritual House

2011-09-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

It seems every day we hear news of terrible events happening in our world. We have to wonder where the church is in all this. We’ll talk about the community of faith in this week’s sermon.

Scripture: I Peter 2:4-8
As you come to him, the living Stone – rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him – you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says:

“See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame.”

Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,

“The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone.”

and,

“A stone that causes men to stumble,
and a rock that makes them fall.”

They stumble because they disobey the message – which is also what they were destined for.

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This thought is adapted from the sermon Is This a Description of Your Church? delivered on Christian Crusaders March 13, 2005.

Is your congregation the kind of church that wants to be involved in the lives of its members? Take the first step in seeing what your congregation has to offer. Take the initiative to make your congregation one that reaches out to the hurting and introduces others to Christ, who offers genuine happiness. Try to make your church the kind of congregation that others need.

The Crusader Newsletter
Christian Crusaders’ quarterly newsletter, the Crusader, is available now. The topic for this issue is “Celebrate.”

If you would like to receive a copy of this printed newsletter with special articles written by Rev. Larsen and Rev. Kramer, call us at 888-693-2484 or email us at crusaderweekly@gmail.com.

On the Light Side
A clergyman walking down a country lane sees a young farmer struggling to load hay back onto a cart after it had fallen off.

“You look hot, my son,” said the cleric. “Why don’t you rest a moment, and I’ll give you a hand.”

“No thanks,” said the young man. “My father wouldn’t like it.”

“Don’t be silly,” the minister said. “Everyone is entitled to a break. Come and have a drink of water.”

Again the young man protested that his father would be upset. Losing his patience, the clergyman said, “Your father must be a real slave driver. Tell me where I can find him, and I’ll give him a piece of my mind!”

“Well,” replied the young farmer, “he’s under the load of hay.”

How Much Time Do We Have for Christ?

2011-08-26T10:09:00.000-07:00

If a relationship between two people is to grow, they must have time for each other. This is true of a relationship between a husband and wife, parents and children, and close friends. This truth also applies to our relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus has a lot of time for us; do we have time for Him?

Scripture: I Peter 2:2-3 and Hebrews 5:11-14
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.

We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

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 Meditation delivered on Christian Crusaders July 14, 2002.

Do we know what it is to meditate? Meditation plays a vital role in the Christian’s spiritual growth. The Bible counsels us to meditate on God’s Word. The Psalmist writes, “On my bed I remember you. I think of you through the watches of the night.” (Psalm 63:9) Let us meditate on Psalm 65. . . . God has a word for us. He says, “Take some time every day to be alone with me and meditate on my Word. Then you will be adequately prepared to face life in a broken world.”

About Christian Crusaders
Christian Crusaders publishes a quarterly newsletter called the Crusader. The theme of the upcoming issue, to be published in August, is Celebrate. The Crusader is mailed free of charge to all friends of the ministry who desire to learn more about the Christian Crusaders and receive spiritual inspiration. If you are not currently receiving this mailing and would like to, contact our office at cc@naz.org. You may also call the office toll-free at 1-888 My Faith (1-888-693-2484).

On the Light Side
Time Management
The church wanted to help their congregation cope better with the stresses of modern life, so it decided to offer a course in time management.

Soon after the course was announced, a member telephoned the pastor. “What time does the course start, Pastor?”

Oh, six-ish, seven-ish.”

God's Word Is Creative

2011-08-18T12:55:00.000-07:00

Is the Church a power to be dealt with in our day, or does it not matter much? Imagine spending an hour with one of the builders of the early Church and learning what their greatest power was as they mingled with people of their day. We will talk about that power in this week’s sermon.

Scripture: I Peter 1:24-25
For,
“All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of the Lord stands forever.”

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 What Do We Do With the Bible? delivered on Christian Crusaders January 9, 2000.

When you are led by the Holy Spirit to say the Bible is God's Word, you have direction for living and stability in your life that you would not otherwise have. You sense the presence of Jesus Christ walking with you through life, and you await a victorious death as Christ welcomes you to your heavenly home.

Christian Crusaders Speakers
Would you like to know more about our speakers – Rev. Homer Larsen, who has been Christian Crusaders’ speaker since 1961, and our associate speaker, Rev. Steve Kramer? On our Web site, www.christiancrusaders.org, you will find information in the left-hand navigational bar under About Us, About Our Ministry. You can also find news from the latest issue of our quarterly newsletter, the Crusader. The theme of our next issue is Celebrate. Rev. Larsen writes the lead article for the newsletter.

On the Light Side
ENERGY PUNS & JOKES
• A barefooted man stepped on an electric wire and received a pair of shocks.
• A silly old man is a fossil fool.
• Did you hear about the foolish gardener who planted a light bulb? He thought he would get a power plant.
• A successful politician is a power transformer.
• Wind power is very popular because it has a lot of fans.
• A fuel cell is where the jail keeps gas guzzlers.
• Give me a home where electric buffalo roam, and I'll show you an “ohm” on the range.
• Have you heard about the nuclear physicist who went fission (fishing)?
• The best way to charge a car battery is with a credit card.
• What would you call a power failure? A current event.

Trust and Obey

2011-08-11T12:49:00.000-07:00

Can Christians expect to live the same type of life as those who have never met the Savior? St. Peter tells believers in Christ they should not be conformed to evil desires, but live a holy life instead. However, he has some encouragement for unbelievers as well. We find out what he says in this week’s sermon.

Scripture: I Peter 1:13-21
Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Since you call on a Father who judges each man’s work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truths so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For,

“All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of the Lord stands forever.”

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 I Came to Bring Hope delivered on Christian Crusaders December 9, 2007.

This mission has been going on now for 2,000 years and will continue until it has been proclaimed around the world and millions of people have come to confess Jesus as Savior and Lord. That is what is going on today. In this hopeless old world, there is a message of hope for those who trust Jesus Christ. God loves them. He wants all people to be saved. He has established a kingdom, which begins here on this earth and climaxes in the kingdom of heaven. You enter this kingdom by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The carriers of this Gospel are people like you and me who trust Jesus Christ and tell others about him.

ChristianCrusaders.org
Check out our new online store! Christian Crusaders’ Web site offers a place to shop for materials that will uplift and inspire you. Browse among Rev. Larsen’s five-volume DVD video sermon series; his book You’ll Be Surprised What the Lord Can Do, filled with anecdotes and advice on Christian living; or even request an audio copy of a past sermon. These resources, an extension of our radio program, make great gifts, too.

On the Light Side
AS SEEN ON CHURCH BULLETIN BOARDS:
• People are like tea bags - you have to put them in hot water before you know how strong they are.
• Dusty Bibles lead to dirty lives.
• God so loved the world that He did NOT send a committee.
• How will you spend eternity - Smoking or Non-smoking?
• Come work for the Lord. The work is hard, the hours are long, and the pay is low, but the retirement benefits are out of this world!
• Do not wait for the hearse to take you to church.
• Forbidden fruit creates many jams.

Living With Christian Hope

2011-08-04T14:16:00.000-07:00

On what do you base your security for the future? Our families give us security in knowing that, when things go wrong, they will be with us as quickly as can be. Yet, as good as that family is, it can be taken away in death. In this week’s sermon, St. Peter describes a security that can never pass away or be taken from us.

Scripture: I Peter 1:1-9
To God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood:
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope that can never perish, spoil or fade – kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

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 I Came to Bring Hope delivered on Christian Crusaders December 9, 2007.

This mission has been going on now for 2,000 years and will continue until it has been proclaimed around the world and millions of people have come to confess Jesus as Savior and Lord. That is what is going on today. In this hopeless old world, there is a message of hope for those who trust Jesus Christ. God loves them. He wants all people to be saved. He has established a kingdom, which begins here on this earth and climaxes in the kingdom of heaven. You enter this kingdom by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The carriers of this Gospel are people like you and me who trust Jesus Christ and tell others about him.

Christian Crusaders on Facebook
If you are a member of the online social network Facebook, search for “Christian Crusaders” and add the ministry as one of your Friends on the site. By becoming a Facebook Friend of Christian Crusaders, you'll receive online invitations to each sermon. Also, you can send invitations to your other Facebook Friends, suggesting they become a Friend of Christian Crusaders too.

On the Light Side
According to an old time radio historian, Bob Hope traveled to frontline war zones to entertain American troops during five wars, from WWII through Desert Storm in 1991. Speaking to our troops in the Persian Gulf, the 87-year-old entertainer questioned all the attention being given to America’s new radar-invisible bomber: “The stealth bomber is supposed to be a big deal. It flies in undetected, bombs, then flies away. I've been doing that all my life!”

Hang On

2011-07-28T13:41:00.001-07:00

During dark times in our lives, we may wonder how long we must endure the trial. As Christians, we ask that question with our eyes turned upward to God. In this week’s sermon, we will look at some words by King David who, in his hour of trial, asked some heart-wrenching questions of God, but learned to trust the Lord’s steadfast love.

Scripture: Psalm 13
How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts
and every day have sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?

Look on me and answer, O Lord my God.
Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;
my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”
and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

But I trust in your unfailing love;
my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
for he has been good to 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 Lord, I'm Struggling With the Blues delivered on Christian Crusaders December 14, 2008.

God does his best work in the darkness of caves. Much of this story takes place in a cave in the side of a mountain. This isn’t the only cave story in Scripture: the Savior was laid in another cave, and on the third day God rolled away the stone and raised him up. God does his best work in caves! Are you living in a cave these days – experiencing the blues – like Elijah did? You don’t have to sit alone in the darkness ever again. Call on him, open his word, and let a still, small voice speak to you. You are not alone.

Giving Clubs
Christian Crusaders is a nonprofit ministry dependent upon gifts from you, our listening audience. Many people choose to contribute a $100 Broadcast Sponsor gift. ($100 is the average cost of one half-hour broadcast on one radio station.) Others provide a GEM Club Gift (Gift Every Month). All gifts are tax deductible.

Christian Crusaders is thankful for the blessing of all gifts and your partnership in sharing the Gospel.

On the Light Side
The short fortuneteller who escaped from prison: a small medium at large.
Those who get too big for their britches will be exposed in the end.
When you've seen one shopping center, you've seen a mall.
If you jump off a Paris bridge, you are in Seine.
When she saw her first strands of gray hair, she thought she'd dye.
Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis.
Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.
Acupuncture: a jab well done.
Marathon runners with bad shoes suffer the agony of de feet.
The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.

Help Them Understand

2011-07-22T08:49:00.000-07:00

The Gospel is so simple that a child can understand and yet so profound that the greatest mind cannot penetrate its truth. Our Lord Jesus explained the Kingdom of God by using parables. In this week’s sermon, we will talk about one of his more difficult parables explaining who will inherit the Kingdom of God.

Scripture: Matthew 13:47-51
“Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

“Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked.

“Yes,” they replied.

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 We Shape Our Eternal Destiny delivered on Christian Crusaders August 8, 2010:

Jesus has spoken clearly to us when he says the end is coming. We are going to die. Be ready to meet him by receiving Jesus as our Savior. Then we will meet our Lord clothed in his righteousness as spotless and clean. Some of you might ask, “Is there nothing that I do in getting ready to die? All I need to do is to trust Jesus and claim him as my Savior and Lord.” That is true. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. However, when that faith is in our hearts, God will create a will and desire to free ourselves from those things that are contrary to his will.

About ChristianCrusaders.org
Christian Crusaders is now on Twitter! Twitter.com is a free site that allows users to communicate with others by posting brief, frequent messages. By joining, you will directly receive Christian Crusaders’ updates on upcoming sermon topics and more from our ministry, though you need not be a member to view our page and updates.

By going to the bottom of our homepage and clicking Crusader Headlines, you will be able to view our Twitter updates.

On the Light Side
The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine was fully recovered.
A grenade fell onto a kitchen floor in France and resulted in Linoleum Blownapart.
You are stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.
Local Area Network in Australia : The LAN down under.
He broke into song because he couldn't find the key.
A calendar's days are numbered.
A lot of money is tainted: 'Taint yours, and 'taint mine.
A boiled egg is hard to beat.
He had a photographic memory which was never developed.
A plateau is a high form of flattery.

The Day of Grace Will End

2011-07-13T07:13:00.000-07:00

We often call this day “the day of grace.” People are free to turn their backs on Jesus. God freely forgives them if they repent and accepts them into the Kingdom. However, Jesus told a parable about a day when His grace will end and the judgement will come. We will discuss that day in this week’s sermon.

Scripture: Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.
“The owner’s servants came to him and said, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?’

“‘An enemy did this,’ he replied.

“The servants asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and pull them up?’

“‘No,’ he answered,’ because you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.’”
Then he left the crowd and went into the house. His disciples came to him and said, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds in the field.”

He answered, “The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels.

“As the weeds are pulled up and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will weed out of his kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.”

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 Even the Righteous Fall delivered on Christian Crusaders June 1, 2003:

From the role of a saint, to the depth of an immoral murderer, to the height of a spiritual leader describes David’s life quite well. How could God use him? All I know is that He did. While we may not have lived in the same open sins, are we not also on some kind of spiritual roller coaster? One hour we can bring a strong witness for Jesus to some of our friends; the next hour we can be tyrants at home. One time we use our tongue to sing praises to God; and the next time the same tongue is used profanely or to speak ill of others. St. Paul writes, “There is no one righteous, no not even one.” Even the righteous fall. Yet then God, who is our Savior, is there, ready to pick us up and send us on our way again, not to condone our sins, but to forgive them. Does any other religion have a message such as this with which to confront our world?

Did You Know?
Christian Crusaders is a nonprofit ministry dependent upon gifts from you, our listening audience. Many people choose to contribute a $100 Broadcast Sponsor gift. ($100 is the average cost of one half-hour broadcast on one radio station.) Others provide a GEM Club Gift (Gift Every Month). All gifts are tax deductible.

On the Light Side
A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired.
A will is a dead giveaway.
Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.
A backward poet writes inverse.
In a democracy it's your vote that counts; in feudalism, it's your Count that votes.
A chicken crossing the road: poultry in motion.
If you don't pay your exorcist, you can get repossessed.
With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.
Show me a piano falling down a mine shaft and I'll show you A-flat miner.
When a clock is hungry, it goes back four seconds.

Why Do We Go to Church?

2011-07-08T06:20:00.000-07:00

We have numerous reasons for attending church. Some go because it is a habit; others want to visit with old friends. These are both good reasons. However, there is a more important reason, which we will talk about in this week’s sermon.

Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the lake. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore. Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop – a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. He who has ears, let him hear.”

“Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path. The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since he has no root, he lasts only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away. The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. But the one who received the seed that fell on good soil is the man who hears the words and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown."

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 Four Types of Ears delivered on Christian Crusaders February 24, 2002:

The Christian ear, which hears the message brought to Nicodemus, is the old story that never grows old. It brings us assurance and security. If you are old and shut-in and wonder if anyone cares anymore, Jesus says, “I love you. You are mine. I have bought you with a price.” If Satan is tempting you and making your life miserable, Jesus reminds us that God is our refuge and strength. Through Him we receive power to overcome even Satan. The glorious Gospel has a message for all types of ears. Let our prayer be simple and to the point: “Lord, wherever we are in our relationship with you, open our ears. For until you open them, we are deaf to the glorious message of God’s love in Christ.”

Did You Know?
In addition to broadcasting over traditional radio stations and the Internet, Christian Crusaders also beams its message across North America and much of Europe on shortwave radio. Through World Harvest Radio – WHRI – and their 100,000 watt, Angel 2, transmitter, we are able to reach many households that are otherwise unreachable.

World Harvest Radio’s parent company, LeSEA Broadcasting, has a long history of working in the mission field and with shortwave radio. Its founder, Dr. Lester Sumrall, had his first experience with shortwave radio in the 1940s. Since that time, LeSEA has expanded to three stations and five transmitters that reach the entire earth with the Gospel. Christian Crusaders is privileged to be a part of the World Harvest Radio network.

On the Light Side
Bob Hope once said, “Whenever I play golf with Gerald Ford, I usually try to make it a foursome – the President, myself, a paramedic, and a faith healer.”
Pity the man who told his boss he was going to church for a funeral, but went instead to the golf course and shot his first hole-in-one.

They say it’s no sin to play golf on Sunday, but the way some golfers play, it’s a crime.

You can always tell a golfer in church. He is the one who uses an interlocking grip when he puts his hands together to pray.

What's Going On Inside?

2011-07-01T08:31:00.000-07:00

Do you ever wonder why we sometimes act in ways that later grieve our hearts? People have been asking themselves that question since the beginning of time. Beginning Sunday, July 3, we will attempt to understand the reasons we wrestle with those inner battles.

Scripture: Romans 7:21-25
So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God – through Jesus Christ our Lord!

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 You Will Be Free delivered on Christian Crusaders October 31, 1999.

Jesus is not looking for short term followers. Note Jesus' word, abiding. This means we faithfully read and obey the Bible for it is our authority in matters of faith and life. These quiet moments with God's Word are our daily visits with God through which He speaks to us. He will not only teach us the truth but will empower us to live according to the truth, which in turn will make us free. In Christ we become new people and a part of that newness is freedom.

GEM Club Members
Christian Crusaders is a nonprofit ministry dependent upon gifts from you, our listening audience. Some of you are members of our GEM Club “Gift Every Month.” No matter the size of the gift, this faithful, regular giving provides Christian Crusaders with a steady income to pay monthly radio expenses. We warmly thank each of our GEM donors. You are truly jewels in this important ministry.

On the Light Side
The Fourth of July weekend was approaching, and Miss Pelham, the nursery school teacher, took the opportunity to tell her class about patriotism. “We live in a great country,” she announced. “One of the things we should be happy about is that, in this country, we are all free.”

Trevor, a little boy in her class, came walking up to her from the back of the room. He stood with his hands on his hips and said loudly, “I'm not free. I'm four.”

Let Your Weight Down

2011-06-24T12:44:00.000-07:00

Some of us believe we are masters of our own destiny, and we live as if everything depends on us. Then life throws a curveball and we don’t know where to turn. Learn about a person who was helpless against the obstacles in his life, but knew where to turn in order to conquer them.
http://www.christiancrusaders.org/details_web.asp?ID=666

Scripture: Psalm 131
My heart is not proud, O LORD,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
But I have stilled and quieted my soul;
like a weaned child with its mother,
like a weaned child is my soul within me.

O Israel, put your hope in the LORD
both now and forevermore.

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 Lord, I'm Struggling With the Blues delivered on Christian Crusaders December 14, 2008:

God does his best work in the darkness of caves. Much of this story takes place in a cave in the side of a mountain. This isn’t the only cave story in Scripture: the Savior was laid in another cave, and on the third day God rolled away the stone and raised him up. God does his best work in caves! If you are living in a cave these days – experiencing the blues – like Elijah did, you don’t have to sit alone in the darkness ever again. Call on him, open his Word, and let a still, small voice speak to you. You are not alone. God is with us, just as he was with Elijah.

Did You Know?
All Christian Crusaders sermons are listed by date under Sermon Search on the home page of ChristianCrusaders.org. These sermons are also listed by topic and Scripture text. Sermons date back to July 4, 1999 when we first launched our Web site. Hundreds of sermon transcripts are posted for your spiritual growth and are available to be printed.

Audio copies of the last few programs are also available to be heard or downloaded so they may be heard at a more convenient time.

On the Light Side
When a little church on the neighborhood corner suddenly stopped buying from its regular office supply dealer, the dealer telephoned the secretary to ask why.

“I’ll tell you why,” answered Ms. Brown. “Our church ordered some pencils from you to be used in the pews for visitors to register.”

“Well,” interrupted the dealer, “didn’t you receive them yet?”

“Oh, we received them all right,” replied Ms. Brown. “However, you sent us some golf pencils – each stamped with the words, “Play Golf Next Sunday.”

A Powerful Witness

2011-06-16T11:16:00.000-07:00

Our calendars remind us of some important holidays, which give us the opportunity to honor important people and events in our lives. One such event in the life of the Church included Jesus’ last words to his disciples. His words also describe the role of the Christian father. On this Father’s Day, we remember the opportunities and responsibilities associated with this important holiday.

Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.

When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

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 Culture Can Be Renewed delivered on Christian Crusaders July 10, 2005:

Our home’s culture exists within the world’s culture. If we have a Christian home, our culture is different from what is practiced in the world. Imagine a family of mom, dad, and three children. All trust Jesus as their Savior. They experience his love, and while they are not perfect, they desire to reveal this love for him in their daily lives. So hatred is foreign in a home where people are taught to love even the unlovable, for all have been created by God.

About ChristianCrusaders.com
By scrolling to the bottom of our homepage, under Social Media you can now see all the online tools we offer together in one location – from our news blog to RSS feeds to podcasts. You can even click on a page that describes each of these services and how they can be used.

On the Light Side
A father, passing by his son's bedroom, was astonished to see the bed was nicely made and everything was picked up. Then he saw an envelope propped up prominently on the center of the bed. It was addressed, “Dad.” With the worst premonition, he opened the envelope and read the letter with trembling hands:

Dear Dad,

It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with mom and you. I've found real love with Joan, and she is so nice, even with all her piercings, tattoos, and her tight motorcycle clothes. But it's not only that, dad. She's pregnant, and Joan said that we will be very happy. Even though you don't care for her, as she is so much older than I, she already owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter.

She wants to have many more children with me, and that's now one of my dreams too. Joan taught me that marijuana doesn't really hurt anyone, and we'll be growing it for us and trading it with her friends for all the cocaine and ecstasy we want! In the meantime, we'll pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so Joan can get better; she sure deserves it!!

Don't worry, Dad. Someday I'm sure we'll be back to visit so you can get to know your grandchildren.

Your son,
Benjamin

P. S. Dad, none of the above is true. I'm actually over at the neighbor's house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than my report card that's in my center desk drawer. I love you! Call when it is safe for me to come home.

A Controversial Answer

2011-06-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

How do you get to heaven? That question has been asked by people throughout history. Jesus gave his disciples the answer to that question, and that answer still stirs dissention in people today. We will talk about his provocative answer in this week’s sermon.

Scripture: John 14:5-6
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through 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 Children of the Resurrection delivered on Christian Crusaders November 11, 2007:

We know how to get to heaven – it is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. We do not earn nor deserve a place in this heavenly home. It is a gift purchased for us through Jesus Christ – who bore our sins when he died on the cross for us – and we received him as our Savior. We still have many questions that will not be answered in this age.

Your Support is Important
Many of our listeners are not aware that Christian Crusaders must purchase its own radio air time in order to broadcast biblical truth each and every week. The mission of Christian Crusaders is to provide a Sunday radio and Internet worship service proclaiming Jesus Christ as Redeemer of the world and personal Savior to all who receive Him. We cannot fulfill this mission without your help. Please consider, if you are in a position to do so, sending a financial gift. In this way, you become a partner in carrying out this mission.

For your convenience, we are able to accept Visa and MasterCard gifts by mail, telephone, or by visiting our online donation page.

God’s blessings to each of you.

On the Light Side
The Rev. Billy Graham tells of a time early in his career when he arrived in a small town to preach a sermon. Wanting to mail a letter, he asked a young boy where the post office was.

When the boy told him, Rev. Graham thanked him and said, “If you’ll come to the Baptist church this evening, you can hear me telling everyone how to get to Heaven.”

“I don’t think I’ll be there,” the boy said. “You don’t even know your way to the post office.”

Jesus' Answer to a Basic Question

2011-05-26T07:09:00.000-07:00

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!”

First Then I Met Him

2011-05-06T11:27:00.001-07:00

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
Christian Crusaders is a nonprofit ministry dependent upon gifts from you, our listening audience. Some of you are members of our GEM Club “Gift Every Month.” No matter the size of the gift, this faithful, regular giving provides Christian Crusaders with a steady income to pay monthly radio expenses. We warmly thank each of our GEM donors. You are truly jewels in this important ministry.

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.

He Is Risen

2011-04-21T11:49:00.000-07:00

The thought of a person dying without faith in the risen Christ is extremely humbling. Some, however, make light of rejecting eternal life in heaven. It is the Easter message that gives us a whole new understanding of the future. Join us this week as we learn of the glorious days to come through Jesus’ resurrection.

Scripture: Luke 24:1-12
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ Then they remembered his words.

When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

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 Because of Easter delivered on Christian Crusaders April 15, 2001:

God’s Word brings us strength for today. Stand beside a sick person and ask what portion of Scripture is meaningful them? Countless times I have been told, “Please read me the 23rd Psalm.” The verse, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me,” is one of its capturing thoughts in the Bible. What gives meaning to these words? It is the Easter story of Christ’s resurrection. He lives and walks with me. We know this is no sentimental thought, but an objective truth that God is God, and He uses this verse to comfort His children. Because He lives, we can face tomorrow with confidence.

Easter Gift
If you are looking for a meaningful Easter gift or simply want to hear the wonderful message again yourself, we are offering a CD set of four of Rev. Homer Larsen’s past sermons on the Easter story. This set of sermons comes wrapped in a lovely ribbon and gift tag and can be sent to you or directly to your loved one. This set is available for a suggested donation of $10. Please call us at 1-888-693-2484 or visit our Web site to order.

On the Light Side
Good Idea: Finding Easter eggs on Easter.
Bad Idea: Finding Easter eggs on Christmas.
Q. What do Easter bunny helpers get for making a basket?
A. Two points, just like anyone else.
Q. What's invisible and smells like carrots?
A. The Ether Bunny
What do you get when you cross a bunny with an onion? A bunion
How do you make a rabbit stew? Make it wait for three hours!
What is the difference between a crazy bunny and a counterfeit banknote? One is bad money and the other is a mad bunny!

He Did . . .

2011-04-15T13:30:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered why Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a colt that first Palm Sunday knowing he would suffer and die on the cross? What reason would he have to willingly suffer such a horrible death at the hands of his enemies? Listen this week as we talk about the answer to those questions.

Scripture: Mark 11:1-10
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’” They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,

“Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”

“Hosanna in the highest!”

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 Where Is Security? delivered on Christian Crusaders April 5, 2009:

We hear a lot about people looking for security in this world: national security and financial security within this economic crisis. I can’t claim to know the future in regard to those issues. But I do know the bigger picture. A songwriter once wrote: “I know not what the future holds. Lord, I have no way of knowing. But I know the one who holds my future. So I have no fear of where I’m going.” That is security!

Easter Gift
If you are looking for a meaningful Easter gift or simply want to hear the wonderful message again yourself, we are offering a CD set of four of Rev. Homer Larsen’s past sermons on the Easter story. This set of sermons comes wrapped in a lovely ribbon and gift tag and can be sent to you or directly to your loved one. This set is available for a suggested donation of $10. Please call us at 1-888-693-2484 or visit our Web site to order.

On the Light Side
RECALL NOTICE!
IMPORTANT!
The maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to the serious defect in the primary and central component or heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed, “Subsequential Internal Non-Morality,” or more commonly known as S-I-N, as it is primarily symptomized by loss of moral judgment. Some other symptoms are:
(a) Loss of direction
(b) Foul vocal emissions
(c) Amnesia of origin
(d) Lack of peace and joy
(e) Selfish, or violent, behavior
(f) Depression or confusion in the mental component

The manufacturer, who is neither liable or at fault for this defect, is providing factory authorized repair and service, free of charge to correct this SIN defect, at numerous locations throughout the world. The number to call for the recall station in your area is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.

WARNING: Continuing to operate the human unit without correction voids the manufacturer's warranty, exposing owner to dangers and problems too numerous to list. For free emergency service, call on J-E-S-U-S for prompt assistance at any location worldwide.

Capture Our Hearts, Lord

2011-04-06T09:58:00.000-07:00

Has the Gospel message affected your life in any way? In order for the Lord to work miracles in your life, something very important must first happen. This week we will look at three persons whose lives were changed by their meeting with the Lord and how our lives can also be changed during this Lenten season.

Scripture: John 9:35-41
Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”

“Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.”

Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.”

Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.

Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”

Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?” Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.”

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 Two Religious Men Spiritually Awakened delivered on Christian Crusaders April 1, 2001:

The Bible defines Christians as those who have not only experienced the fact that they are sinners, but have also been redeemed through faith in Jesus Christ. They know Him as the one who suffered and died on the cross as a payment for their sins and was raised to give them victory over sin, death, and the devil. . . . Awakenings come in different forms. However, one thing is certain: the life of that person shows much evidence of their awakening when he or she has met the Savior.

Sermons on YouTube Now Available
Log onto www.youtube.com, a free video sharing website where you can now view four full-length sermons on Christ’s death and resurrection by Rev. Larsen. Simply type “Rev. Larsen, Christian Crusaders” into the search box to find these sermon videos. You can also access YouTube videos on our homepage at www.Christian Crusaders.org. These videos are available to order on DVD by calling our office (1-888-My Faith).

On the Light Side
A teenage boy had just passed his driving test and inquired of his father as to when they could discuss his use of the car. His father said he’d make a deal with his son: “You bring your grades up from a C to a B average, study your Bible, and get your hair cut. Then we’ll talk about the car.” The boy thought about that for a moment, decided he’d settle for the offer, and they agreed on it.

After about six weeks his father said, “Son, you’ve brought your grades up, and I’ve observed that you have been studying your Bible, but I’m disappointed you haven’t had your hair cut.”

The boy said, “You know, Dad, I’ve been thinking about that, and I’ve noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair – and there’s even strong evidence that Jesus had long hair.”

His father replied, “But did you also notice that they all walked everywhere they went?”

Age Doesn't Count

2011-03-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

Can a Christian ever retire from being God’s servant? When our days are almost over and our strength wanes, what can we do for the Kingdom of God? Find out what one person did to further the Kingdom - beginning Sunday, March 27 @ www.ChristianCrusaders.org.

Sermon
Age Doesn’t Count

Scripture: I Timothy 4:12
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

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 Rahab – Make Yourself Available delivered on Christian Crusaders February 11, 2001:

Long ago in Jericho, God entered the life of Rahab who was going nowhere. She was a prostitute. God changed her heart and made her His servant. Hundreds of years later, He entered the life of a very ordinary person with only average talent and used him to tell the story of Christ and the way of salvation to thousands of people. I know that, if we will make ourselves available, God will use us and life will be so exciting we will not like to leave it, not even to go to heaven.

Enjoy Christian Crusaders on the Run
Spring is here! Did you know you can download Christian Crusaders’ sermons to your iPod, so you can listen to them on the go? Maybe even when you’re out walking and enjoying the beautiful spring weather. Simply click on “Sermon Audio Archive” on the homepage, and then scroll through the list to find the sermon you would like to hear. Sermon downloads are available back to January 2010.

On the Light Side
God, grant me the Senility
To forget the people
I never liked anyway,
The good fortune
To run into the ones I do,
And the eyesight
To tell the difference.

Pass It On

2011-03-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

Industry, business, athletics, and academia are all out recruiting gifted people to labor in their institutions. What about the Church? Are we to recruit workers, and if so, who do we recruit? Find out what the Bible tells us in this week’s sermon.

Sermon
Pass It On

Scripture: II Timothy 2:1-7
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs – he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

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 Out Recruiting delivered on Christian Crusaders January 15, 2006:

From a study of the early Church, it is evident that people became Christians through the personal witness of those who were Christians. That is still true today. We go into the working world as Jesus’ disciples. We let our lights shine and listen carefully to our coworkers’ needs. Then comes that exciting day when we can share what Christ has done in our lives. We plant the seed of God’s Word and leave the Holy Spirit to do His work.

News About Christian Crusaders
CDs of actual Christian Crusaders programs and printed copies of the sermons are mailed to interested listeners each month at no charge to the recipient. If you would like to receive a printed copy or CD of the program on a regular basis, or even just one program that has been especially meaningful to you, please send us an email at info@ChristianCrusaders.org . You may also call our office at 319-277-0924 or toll-free at 1-888-693-2484 to request this special service.

On the Light Side
An Irishman, by the name of O’Malley, proposed to his girl on St. Patrick’s Day. He gave her a ring with a synthetic diamond. The excited young lass showed it to her father, a jeweler. He took one look at it and saw it wasn’t real.

The young lass, upon learning it wasn’t real, returned to her future husband. She protested vehemently about his cheapness.

“It was in honor of St. Patrick's Day,” he smiled. “I gave you a sham rock.”

The Joy of Giving

2010-11-12T14:42:00.000-08:00

Congregations often struggle to meet their annual budgets so use fundraisers to help pay the bills. But does God have a better plan? Listen beginning Sunday, November 14 on http://www.christiancrusaders.org/ to hear what Scripture has to say about financing His kingdom.

Scripture: II Corinthians 8:1-5, 9:6-11
And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:

“He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.”

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

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 The Wake-Up Call delivered on Christian Crusaders November 11, 2001 by Rev. Larsen:

Christianity places great emphasis on giving. It starts with God giving His Son, and Jesus giving His life as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. Paul writes, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” Those who have received God’s gift of salvation in Christ receive this giving spirit and are anxious to give themselves to the Lord. Dr. Chafin says that giving is a “heart matter.” We have to give.

Christian Crusaders Speakers
Since 1936 when Christian Crusaders first began broadcasting Sunday worship services, there have been only three speakers: Rev. G. E. Melchert, Rev. Bruno Schlachtenhaufen, and, since 1962, Rev. Homer Larsen. With an eye to the future, the Board of Directors has chosen Pastor Steven Kramer to be the Associate Speaker on Christian Crusaders. When Rev. Larsen is no longer able to preach on the program, Pastor Kramer will become our next speaker. Pastor Kramer will speak ten times in 2011 so our listeners can become better acquainted with his voice and style of preaching.

We thank God for his faithfulness to Christian Crusaders and its radio and Internet audience, and we pray you will join us in asking God’s blessings upon Pastors Larsen and Kramer.

On the Light Side
Everybody knew the roof was leaking, but the church kept putting off replacement. Finally, some areas of the ceiling in the sanctuary began to sag, so they called a congregational meeting. A very wealthy member rose and pledged $300 toward fixing the roof. Just then a small piece of the ceiling fell and hit him on the head. Somebody in the back of the church said, “Hit him again, Lord!”

Living and Dying

2010-11-05T15:03:00.000-07:00

If you heard a person say, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain,” you might think that person never experienced real life. Beginning Sunday, November 7, we will look at the stories of several persons who learned to accept hardship with the knowledge that God was right beside them. Join us at www.ChristianCrusaders.org.

Scripture: Philippians 1:21-26
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of 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 Simon the Cross Bearer delivered on Christian Crusaders March 4, 2001 by Rev. Larsen:
We learn that Christ has the answer to life’s more serious problems. When our souls are filled with guilt, He offers us forgiveness. When life draws to a close, He assures us of a Heavenly home. When humans fail us, He promises never to fail or forsake us. When we have made mistakes, He tells us it’s never too late to start over. When life is boring, He gives us new challenges. Many crosses can be added to our life’s journey, but Jesus has promised, “Cast all of your cares on me, I care for you.” If you are a Christian, live with that promise. If you are not a Christian, receive Christ as your Savior."

Share the Good News
If you know anyone who might benefit from the Gospel-based messages available on Christian Crusaders, let them know about the ministry. Anyone in the country can listen anytime on ChristianCrusaders.org. Members of a church small group, a relative in a nursing home, a neighbor going through a difficult time . . . inviting any of them to listen might be a real blessing in their lives.

On the Light Side
Letters to God
Dear God,
Instead of letting people die and make new ones. Why don’t you just keep the ones you got now? – Jane

Dear God,
I think about you sometimes, even when I’m not praying. – Elliott

Dear God,
I am American. What are you? – Robert

Dear God,
Thank you for the baby brother, but what I prayed for was a puppy. – Joyce

Dear God,
I bet it is very hard for you to keep track of everybody in the whole world. There are only 4 in my family, and I can never do it. – Nan

Dear God,
If you watch in church Sunday, I will show you my new shoes. – Mickey D.

Another Reformation??

2010-10-28T07:12:00.000-07:00

The culture of our day walks further and further away from a serious relationship with Jesus Christ, and the church continues to question some basic teachings of Scripture. This Sunday we will ask you to consider this statement: If God were to raise up another Martin Luther today, do you believe the United States could experience a Reformation? Listen to Christian Crusaders beginning Sunday, October 31, 2010 at www.ChristianCrusaders.org.

Scripture: Romans 1:16-17
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

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 You Will Be Free delivered on Christian Crusaders October 31, 1999 by Rev. Larsen:

Martin Luther was a spiritual captive. As a German citizen he was politically free to go about his business. As a member of the Roman Catholic Church of his day, he was bound to the laws of the Church which could be found nowhere in the Bible. Was he free as an Augustinian monk seeking to appease an angry god? It is clear that wrong religion has put many people in captivity. Spiritual freedom knows no geographical boundaries. You could be a spiritually free man in Hitler's Germany and a slave in Clinton's America. How then are we set free spiritually? Here is the answer: "If you will abide in my words, you are my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."

Share the Good News
If you know anyone who might benefit from the Gospel-based messages available on Christian Crusaders, let them know about the ministry. Anyone in the country can listen anytime on ChristianCrusaders.org. Members of a church small group, a relative in a nursing home, a neighbor going through a difficult time . . . inviting any of them to listen might be a real blessing in their lives.

On the Light Side
A three-year-old went with his dad to see a litter of kittens. On returning home, he breathlessly informed his mother that there were two boy kittens and two girl kittens.

“How did you know?” his mother asked.

“Daddy picked them up and looked underneath,” he replied. “I think it’s printed on the bottom.”

Do You Believe God Is in Debt to You?

2010-10-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought to yourself, “I may not be perfect, but at least I am better than a lot of people. I am basically a good person. Shouldn’t God reward my obedience?” We look to others’ faults to sometimes build a case for ourselves. Beginning Sunday October 24, a tax collector’s prayer will help us find the true meaning of righteousness.

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men – robbers, evildoers, adulterers – or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

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 Who Is the Greatest? delivered on Christian Crusaders July 29, 2001 by Rev. Larsen:

It is difficult for us to humbly bow and confess our need for God’s help. There is a common attitude that says verbally or in behavior, “I don’t need Christ. I can control my own behavior. I can live a good enough life that, at the end, God will say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter your heavenly home.’ I have a good mind and an adequate education to work out my own salvation. I don’t need a Savior. I am my own savior. I am a strong person and will face difficulties as they come, without any crutches offered by religion.” Replying to this attitude, Jesus speaks, “Unless you change (be converted) and become as a child, you can’t enter the kingdom of Heaven.”

On ChristianCrusaders.org
Would you like to know more about our speakers – Rev. Homer Larsen, who has been Christian Crusaders’ speaker since 1961, and our associate speaker, Rev. Steve Kramer? On our Web site, www.christiancrusaders.org, you will find information in the navigational bar under “About”. You can also find news from the latest issue of our quarterly newsletter, the Crusader. Just click “Newsletter” and “Crusader Bulletin” in the navigational bar. The theme of our next issue is Relationships. Rev. Larsen writes the lead article for the newsletter.

On the Light Side
An elderly gentleman was strolling through the park one beautiful day when he came upon a child sitting on a bench busily saying his ABCs. The old man waited until the child was through, then said, “I see you’re practicing your alphabet.”

“No,” replied the child. “I was praying. I don’t know how to pray very well, so I just give God the letters, and he puts them into the right words!”

Don't Give Up

2010-10-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

How do we react when we ask God in prayer for something and do not get an answer? Are we disappointed with him and feel we don’t need him anymore? Do we become so angry with God that we discard him in unbelief? Tune into www.ChristianCrusaders.org beginning Sunday, October 17 to hear a parable of Jesus that will both comfort and challenge those facing an injustice in their life.

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’

“For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually wear me out with her coming?’

And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”

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 Why I Keep on Praying delivered on Christian Crusaders July 30, 2006 by Rev. Larsen:

Keep on praying. Keep the faith. Be constant in prayer, for when you’re constant in prayer, there are wonderful surprises in store for you. One of the most wonderful surprises that is in store for us as we live a life of prayer is a promise that Jesus gives in Luke 11. He’s telling his disciples to, ask, seek, and knock. He says that the end of his little talk, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” What’s the surprise he’s promising? God himself, the Holy Spirit! You soon learn that your relationship is growing, and you experience His presence in your life.

On ChristianCrusaders.org
Wish you could relive last week’s particularly inspiring sermon? Can’t quite remember the name of a book Rev. Larsen mentioned sometime in August? Want to give a friend some comforting words on death?

You can find what you’re looking for with Christian Crusaders’ online sermon search tool. With this user-friendly feature, you can instantly access hundreds of archived sermons, as far back as 1999, searching by topic, date, or Scripture passage.

Listen to the sermon right at your computer, read it online, print it at home, or order it on a CD or cassette tape. Get the Good News of Jesus Christ twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week!

On the Light Side
A man had a habit of grumbling at the food his wife placed before him at family meals. Then he would ask the blessing.

One day after his usual combination complaint/prayer, his little girl asked, “Daddy, does God hear us when we pray?”

“Why, of course,” he replied. “He hears us every time we pray.”

She paused on this a moment, and asked, “Does he hear everything we say the rest of the time?”

“Yes, dear, every word,” he replied, encouraged that he had inspired his daughter to be curious about spiritual matters.

However, his pride was quickly turned to humility. “Then which does God believe?”

Hidden Heresies

2010-09-30T13:54:00.000-07:00

Even from the days of the Apostles, the Christian faith has been plagued with heresies. Today is no exception. Communication between major faiths is much closer today than ever before making it even more difficult to remain faithful to Jesus Christ. In this week’s sermon we will talk about the most dangerous of heresies – those that are hidden. Listen beginning Sunday, October 3, 2010 on www.ChristianCrusaders.org.

Scripture: Luke 17:5-6
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

The Lord replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.”

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 His Message Has Authority delivered on Christian Crusaders February 19, 2006 by Rev. Larsen:

In the minds of many people, religion is up for grabs. You can take it or leave it. It’s your opinion versus my opinion. So why don’t we respect each other’s convictions, and go our respective ways? The Church has a problem with this suggestion. In our Lutheran Church, we have a confessional that says, “We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and the only authority in matters of faith and life.” I am thankful for this statement. Without such a confession, I have no authority to which I can turn for answers to the puzzling problems of the day.

Seventy-Four Years of Broadcasting Biblical Truth
In 2005, the Board of Directors of Christian Crusaders asked Rev. Steven Kramer to serve as Associate Speaker. In this capacity, Rev. Kramer will preach eight times this year, and eventually will succeed Rev. Larsen upon his retirement. Rev. Kramer is currently serving as the senior pastor of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Afton, Minnesota.

A staff of an Executive Director, an Administrative Assistant, and a Financial/Office Assistant take care of the daily functions and responsibilities of the ministry. Volunteers help with mailings and other tasks.

Totally supported by donations from its beginning, Christian Crusaders relies on the gifts of listeners – through GEM Club (Gift Every Month) members, Broadcast Sponsors, memorial gifts and bequests from estates – to keep the program on the air. Because of these many contributions, this ministry is now in its seventy-fourth year and is the seventh longest-running Christian radio program in the United States.

On the Light Side
A boy is writing a paper on childbirth and asks his parents, “How was I born?”

His mother awkwardly answers, “The stork brought you.”

“Oh,” says the boy. “Well, how were you and daddy born?”

“Oh, the stork brought us, too, and grandpa and grandma.”

The boy begins his paper, “This report has been very difficult to write due to the fact that there hasn’t been a natural childbirth in my family for three generations.”

A Divine Appointment

2010-09-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

Witnessing can be very frustrating for Christians, especially when it seems no one is converted. If you’ve ever asked yourself some of these questions – “How do I witness?” “When is the right time to witness?” “Should I speak up or keep silent and wait for a better time?” “Am I being too overbearing?” – then this week’s sermon will speak to you.

Scripture: Acts 8:26-38
Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road – the desert road – that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”

Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.

“How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture:

“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
and as a lamb before the shearer is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
In his humiliation he was deprived of justice,
Who can speak of his descendants?
For his life was taken from the earth.”

The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.

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 Consistent Witness delivered on Christian Crusaders March 2, 2008 by Rev. Larsen:

If Christ has met you and changed your life, even if it is only in some small way, you have a story to tell about Jesus. In your story, you tell others that Christ has forgiven your sins. You live in a personal relationship with your Savior and have the assurance that he walks with you in this life. When you die, you will receive the place he has prepared for you in heaven. This is your witness, and it must be consistent. You tell it whenever you have an opportunity at work or at worship, with Christians or with unbelievers, in all kinds of circumstances and conditions in your life. The world needs to hear your consistent Christian witness.

Seventy-Four Years of Broadcasting Biblical Truth
Following Rev. Melchert’s retirement in 1956, Rev. Bruno Schlachtenhaufen, pastor of First Lutheran Church, Waterloo, became the second Christian Crusaders radio speaker. He served faithfully in this role until 1962, when he was elected the Iowa District President of the American Lutheran Church.

Rev. Homer Larsen, senior pastor of Nazareth Lutheran Church, Cedar Falls, Iowa, succeeded Rev. Schlachtenhaufen as radio speaker in 1962, and has been preaching over the airwaves since that time. Because of the longevity of his service and his powerful messages, he has become the voice of Christian Crusaders to thousands of listeners across the country.

On the Light Side
A barber, who was a Christian, thought he should share his faith with his customers more than he had been doing lately. So the next morning, as he got out of bed, he said to himself, “Today I am going to witness to the first man who walks through my door.”

Soon after he opened his shop, his first customer came in and said, “I want a shave!” The barber said, “Sure, just sit in the seat and I’ll be with you in a moment.”

The barber went in the back and prayed a quick desperate prayer saying, “God, the first customer came in and I’m going to witness to him. So give me the wisdom to know just the right thing to say to him. Amen.”

Then, quickly, the barber came out with his razor knife in one hand and a Bible in the other. “Good morning sir. I have a question for you – Are you ready to die?”

When All Else Fails, Try a Little Honesty

2010-09-16T11:54:00.000-07:00

Dishonesty is so rampant in our world that it has almost become a way of life. We learn of those, even in the highest positions of our government, who gain their position and/or wealth through fraudulent means. Dishonesty is a disease that threatens to destroy us and our nation. Is there any hope it can be changed, or will it continue until we decay from within? Listen beginning Sunday, September 19 on www.ChristianCrusaders.org as we talk about the dangers of dishonesty.

Scripture: Luke 16:1-13
Jesus told his disciples: “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. So he called him in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.’

“The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg – I know what I’ll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.’

“So he called in each one of his master’s debtors. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’

“’Eight hundred gallons of olive oil,’ he replied.

“The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred.’

“Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe?’

“’A thousand bushels of wheat,’ he replied.

“He told him, ‘Take your bill and make it eight hundred.’

“The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own.

“No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.”

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 Truth Is Liberating delivered on Christian Crusaders October 27, 2002 by Rev. Larsen:

There are many mysteries in life we cannot understand. However, God has clearly revealed to us in His Word the truth about our salvation. It is so simple. I am a sinner. Christ Jesus has died for me. If I will receive Him as my Savior and Lord, he will forgive me and I will be his. I will experience this freedom. Humans can teach us this Gospel, but only through experiencing this truth can we know what freedom really is.

Seventy-Four Years of Broadcasting Biblical Truth
Christian Crusaders’ first radio worship service was broadcast over the airwaves on September 6, 1936. Rev. G. E. Melchert, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Iowa, and the Brotherhood of Trinity were concerned that a large number of the elderly and homebound were unable to enjoy the blessings of a Sunday worship service. Wanting to spread the Gospel message to the unchurched, as well, they felt called to start a radio ministry.

Seventy-four years later, this ministry continues to bring the message of salvation through Jesus Christ to those who tune in to our program on one of twenty radio stations around the country and worldwide on the Internet.

On the Light Side
In a small town were two brothers who, over the course of many years, cheated, swindled, robbed, and generally stole from everyone with whom they ever did business. The entire town and surrounding community reviled and despised these two brothers, and everyone was aware of just how disreputable and dishonest they were.

One day, one of the brothers mysteriously died. Although they had never attended church, the remaining brother went to the local pastor and offered vast sums of money if he would come to the funeral and say the appropriate words. He also offered a large bonus, but ONLY if he would – during the course of the eulogy – refer to his brother as a saint.

The pastor was troubled by the request. However, it was a very poor church desperately needed repairs.

When the parishioners heard about the pastor’s dilemma, they were curious about what he would do. The funeral began, and the church was packed. The pastor started with the usual prayers and followed the rites and traditions as required by the church’s teachings. In closing, after referring to the man in the casket, he paused and turned to face the remaining brother.
He began, “As you all know, the departed was an awful individual who robbed, cheated, swindled, and stole from every one he ever did business with. However, compared to his brother, he was a saint!”

The Power of a Story

2010-09-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

A popular lecturer once said, “We live in a story-telling world.” His point was that, in order to reach the audience, a preacher has to use stories. Join us beginning Sunday, September 12, 2010 on http://www.christiancrusaders.org/ as we talk about how the use of story-telling can have a lasting effect on a child’s spiritual life.

Scripture: Luke 15:1-7
Now the tax collectors and “sinners” were all gathering around to hear him. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

Then Jesus told them this parable: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”

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 What Makes God Happy? delivered on Christian Crusaders September 16, 2001 by Rev. Larsen:

God’s Word tells us that those who live outside of a relationship with Jesus Christ are lost. When Jesus sees this mass of people who are lost, He describes them as “sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). Without God, only our vacillating emotions and limited intellects serve us to find solutions for the problems of life, which are far beyond human comprehension.

From ChristianCrusaders.org
If you missed a sermon, visit Christian Crusaders’ Web site where you can read or listen to hundreds of archived sermons organized by date and topic. You can also find a daily devotion, links to Bible study tools, and a detailed description of Christian Crusaders’ many new online services and how you can use them.

On the Light Side
Some Ewephemisms
What do you call a sheep without legs?
A cloud.

What happened to the clock that fell into the sheep dip?
It lost all its ticks.

What did one sheep say to the other sheep?
After ewe.

What would you get if you crossed a goat and a sheep?
An animal that eats tin cans and gives back steel wool.

What is a sheep’s favorite newspaper?
The Wool Street Journal.

Why did the lamb call the police?
He had been fleeced.

What do you get if you cross a boa and a sheep?
A wrap-around sweater.

Salvation Is Free, but Discipleship Can Cost Everything

2010-09-02T12:22:00.000-07:00

Being part of a rapidly-growing congregation is very exciting. Larger attendance means updated programs and new buildings. However, unless the members are faithful in their spiritual life, the growth means little. In this week’s sermon we will talk about the cost of discipleship. Listen beginning Sunday, September 5, 2010 at www.ChristianCrusaders.org or one of our fine radio station. (A complete list of our radio listening family can be found at www.christiancrusaders.com/stations/asp.

Scripture: Luke 14:25-33
Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters – yes, even his own life – he cannot be my disciple. Any anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’

“Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still along way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.”

Hymns
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus”
“Jesus Calls Us”

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 The Importance of the Individual delivered on Christian Crusaders April 7, 2002 by Rev. Larsen:

You are created in the image of God and have not only a body, but also a mind, will, and soul. You have sinned, but God has redeemed you in the person of Jesus Christ. As one of His redeemed children, your Father has called you to be one of His ambassadors in this world and makes His appeal to others through you. A person with this stature is the crowning work of God’s creation.

Seventy-Four Years of Broadcasting Biblical Truth
Christian Crusaders’ first radio worship service was broadcast over the airwaves on September 6, 1936. Rev. G. E. Melchert, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Iowa, and the Brotherhood of Trinity were concerned that a large number of the elderly and homebound were unable to enjoy the blessings of a Sunday worship service. Wanting to spread the Gospel message to the unchurched, as well, they felt called to start a radio ministry.

Seventy-four years later, this ministry continues to bring the message of salvation through Jesus Christ to those who tune in to our program on one of twenty radio stations around the country and worldwide on the Internet.

On the Light Side
Crossing the Road
Why did the frogs cross the road?
To get a croak-a-cola.

Why did the pigs cross the road with their laundry?
They wanted to do their hogwash.

Why did the rabbit cross the road?
To get to the hopping mall.

Why did the sheep cross the road?
He needed to go to the baa baa shop.

Why did the turtle cross the road?
To get to the shell station.

We Want to Hear From You
This e-mail is designed to give you information about the upcoming broadcast that is not available anywhere else. The weekly letter also gives us a chance to share news about our site and our ministry. We’d love to hear any suggestions you might have for ways we can improve our site and e-newsletter.

Christian Crusaders is a radio and Internet ministry designed to serve the needs of those who are unable to attend church services. This program is available online in audio and printed forms at www.ChristianCrusaders.org.

God Is . . . My Help

2010-08-23T13:40:00.000-07:00

Life can sometimes take us on some painful twists and turns. Often those who are closest to us can give us the greatest pain. So where do we turn during those times? This week we will study a song from the Bible written by a brokenhearted father. Learn his story and where he turned for help in the midst of his troubles.

Scripture: Psalm 3
O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying to me, “There is no help for you in God.”

But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. I cry aloud to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy hill.

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the Lord sustains me. I am not afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.

Rise up, O Lord! Deliver me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked. Deliverance belongs to the Lord; may your blessing be on your people!

Hymns
“This Is My Father’s World”
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”

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 Lord, I'm Struggling With the Blues delivered on Christian Crusaders December 14, 2008 by Rev. Kramer:
God does his best work in the darkness of caves. Much of (Elijah’s) story takes place in a cave in the side of a mountain. This isn’t the only cave story in Scripture: the Savior was laid in another cave, and on the third day God rolled away the stone and raised him up. God does his best work in caves! Are you living in a cave these days – experiencing the blues – like Elijah did? You don’t have to sit alone in the darkness ever again. Call on him, open his Word, and let a still, small voice speak to you. You are not alone. God is with us, just as he was with Elijah.

Sermons Podcasts now Available
Christian Crusaders sermons are now available as podcasts. Log onto the website and scroll to the bottom of the homepage, where you'll find a “Podcast Feed” icon. Podcasts can also be accessed by logging onto www.itunes.com and searching for “Christian Crusaders.” Podcast files can be downloaded directly to your iPod, where you can listen to them at your convenience and wherever you may be – while walking, sitting in your backyard, or running errands.

On the Light Side
Q: What did the kangaroo say when she found her baby missing?
A: Help! My pocket’s been picked!

Two atoms are talking:
“Help, somebody has stolen one of my electrons!”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m positive!”

Q: What do you call a bunch of guys who break into a music store and help themselves to the stringed instruments?
A: Luters.

Q: What is lemonade?
A: It’s when you help a little old lemon across the street.

We Want to Hear From You
This e-mail is designed to give you information about the upcoming broadcast that is not available anywhere else. The weekly letter also gives us a chance to share news about our site and our ministry. We’d love to hear any suggestions you might have for ways we can improve our site and e-newsletter.
Christian Crusaders is a radio and Internet ministry designed to serve the needs of those who are unable to attend church services. This program is available online in audio and printed forms at www.ChristianCrusaders.org.

The Value of a Human Being

2010-08-18T12:54:00.000-07:00

The Christian faith has taught us in western civilization the value of the human being. If we lose the power of this teaching, we see how cheap life really is. Examples of how insignificant people can be in the minds of those outside of Christ are slavery, the Holocaust, and terrorism. Join us this week as we learn about the importance Jesus placed on the human being.

Scripture Reference: Luke 13:10-17
On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.

Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue ruler said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.”
The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath days from what bound her?”

When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.

Hymns
“We Praise You, O God”
“No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus”

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 The Importance of the Individual delivered on Christian Crusaders April 7, 2002 by Rev. Larsen:

You are created in the image of God and have not only a body, but a mind, will, and soul. You have sinned, but God has redeemed you in the person of Jesus Christ. As one of His redeemed children, your Father has called you to be one of His ambassadors in this world and makes His appeal to others through you. A person with this stature is the crowning work of God’s creation.

The Crusader Newsletter
The newest issue of Christian Crusaders’ quarterly newsletter, The Crusader, will be available soon. Call us at 1-888-693-2484 or email us at cc@naz.org to join our mailing list and receive this publication, where you can read a special feature article by Rev. Larsen, as well as thoughts on faith from other members of our staff. The theme of this issue is on doubts.

On the Lite Side
What kind of jokes do vegetables like best?
Corny ones, of course!

On which side does a leopard have the most spots?
The outside.

Where do cows go on a Saturday night?
To the mooooovies.

Why do baby pigs eat so much?
They want to make hogs out of themselves.

What can you wear anytime that never goes out of style?
A smile.

Please join us beginning Sunday, August 22, 2010 to hear this exciting message on www.ChristianCrusaders.org.

Making Christ Fit

2010-08-12T09:29:00.001-07:00

Jesus described himself as the Good Shepherd, willing to give up his life for us, his flock. However, he also tells us that he came to bring fire on earth and division in a family. In this week’s sermon we will try to fit these words into a lifestyle designed to be positive and comforting.

Scripture: Luke 12:49-56
“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
He said to the crowd: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain, and it does. And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?”

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 Living a Full Life delivered on Christian Crusaders February 9, 2007 by Rev. Larsen:

Life presents its anxious moments. However, if we build our lives on Christ and His Word, we will have a sure foundation. The Savior says to us, “Fear not. I am with you. I will comfort you and strengthen you. I will direct you.” Then you can say with St. Paul, “I have learned in whatever state I am in to be content.” That is the secret of living a full life.

Sermons on YouTube Now Available
Log onto www.youtube.com, a free video-sharing Web site, where you can now view four full-length sermons on Christ’s death and resurrection by Rev. Larsen. Simply type “Rev. Larsen, Christian Crusaders” into the search box to find these sermon videos. You can also access YouTube videos on our homepage at www.ChristianCrusaders.org.

On the Light Side
At a church meeting a very wealthy man rose to tell the rest of those present about his Christian faith.

“I’m a millionaire,” he said, “and I attribute it all to the rich blessings of God in my life. I remember that turning point in my faith. I had just earned my first dollar and I went to a church meeting that night. The speaker was a missionary who told about his work. I knew that I only had a dollar bill and had to either give it all to God's work or nothing at all. So at that moment I decided to give my whole dollar to God. I believe that God blessed that decision, and that is why I am a rich man today.”

He finished and there was an awed silence at his testimony as he moved toward his seat. As he sat down a little old lady sitting in the same pew leaned over and said to him: “I dare you to do it again.”

To listen to this sermon, link to our Web site beginning Sunday, August 15:
www.ChristianCrusaders.org

We Shape Our Eternal Destiny

2010-08-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

We shape our own future. But what about our eternal destiny? What must we do to be ready to die? The kingdoms of this world will not last, and one day death will come to us all as well. In this week’s sermon, Jesus will help us understand how we should prepare to meet him in death.

Scripture: Luke 12:32-40
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. See your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Hymns
“Beautiful Savior”
“I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord”

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 History Has An End delivered on Christian Crusaders November 14, 2004 by Rev. Larsen:

While we must be vigilant in realizing that the terrorists will strike our land again, let us be even more watchful and prepared to meet our Lord when he returns. As the world ends, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Then God will set up his eternal Kingdom, and those who confess Jesus as Savior and Lord will reign with him forever.

Christian Crusaders on Facebook
If you are a member of the online social network Facebook, search for “Christian Crusaders” and add the ministry as one of your Friends on the site. By becoming a Facebook Friend of Christian Crusaders, you'll receive online invitations to each sermon. Also, you can send invitations to your other Facebook Friends, suggesting they become a Friend of Christian Crusaders as well.

On the Light Side
The Safest Place to Be
1. Avoid riding in automobiles, because they are responsible for 20% of all fatal accidents.
2. Do not stay home, because 17% of all accidents occur in the home.
3. Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks, because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians.
4. Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water, because 16% of all accidents involve these forms of transportation.
5. Of the remaining 33%, 32% of all deaths occur in hospitals. So, above all else, avoid hospitals.
You will be pleased to learn that only .01% of all deaths occur in worship services in church, and these are usually related to previous physical disorders. Therefore, logic tells us that the safest place to be at any given point in time is at church! And Bible study is safe too. The percentage of deaths during Bible study is even less.
So for safety’s sake, attend church and read your Bible.
IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!

Beware of Greed! It Can Destroy You!

2010-07-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

We are taught to work hard all our lives to provide a good life for our family. Is this where we find our security? While Jesus does not speak against being a responsible citizen, he does warn us against covetousness and greed. In this week’s sermon we will talk about a security that continues even after our last breath has been drawn.

Scripture: Luke 12:13-21
Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”

Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed: a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’

“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’

“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’

This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.”

Hymns
“He’s Got the Whole World”
“I’d Rather Have Jesus”

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 What Can Money Give You? delivered on Christian Crusaders February 20, 2005 by Rev. Larsen:
Money is God’s gift, and it brings us many blessings. However, it can also become a curse. Money can easily become our god. It supposedly gives us a feeling of security, which is not a lasting security. Only a personal relationship with God, made possible through Jesus Christ our Lord, his suffering, death, and resurrection, can restore us into fellowship with our Heavenly Father. He will guide us in the use of our money so that it may be a blessing and not a curse.

Basic Biblical Truths
Scripture tells us how Jesus’ message of salvation, first told to the twelve disciples, was spread to thousands hungering to hear the Good News of the living Christ. Rev. Larsen encourages us to follow this biblical example to carry the same message to those who need to hear His life-changing story. If you would like to learn more, order “How Does Christ Build His Church,” volume five in Rev. Larsen’s DVD video sermon collection Basic Biblical Truths. This DVD is available by calling our office at 1-888-693-2484, or by visiting our Web site at www.christiancrusaders.org.

On the Light Side
A tea manufacturer wanted a new advertising gimmick, so the senior creative man at the advertising agency decided to see if he could persuade a popular evangelist to make a TV commercial. We’ll give you one hundred thousand pounds for a ten second commercial, the ad man told the evangelist. All you have to say is, “Give us this day our daily tea.”

I’m sorry,” replied the evangelist, “but I can’t do that.”

“Five hundred thousand,” offered the ad man.

“I’m afraid not,” said the evangelist solemnly.

“All right. One million pounds. And that’s our very last offer.” But still the evangelist refused.

On his way back, the disappointed ad man turned to his secretary and said: “It’s odd that the evangelist refused to do a commercial for tea. I wonder how much the bread people are giving him.”

Hearing the Word

2010-07-21T13:05:00.000-07:00

Do you set aside time each day to speak to God and let him speak to you in his Word? In this week’s sermon we will talk about two women whom Jesus visited, their differing reactions to his visit, and how we can apply this story to our lives.

Scripture: Luke 10:38-41
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered. “You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Hymns
“His Eye Is on the Sparrow”
“Jesus, Priceless Treasure”

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 Speak, Lord. Your Servant Is Listening delivered on Christian Crusaders January 14, 2001 by Rev. Larsen:
It is my prayer that, in people’s personal lives, Christ may be heard. If the person lives outside of a relationship with God and is not saved, he may hear the voice of the Savior calling him. May those who are contemplating marriage hear the voice of the Lord telling them not to be yoked to unbelievers. May those young people wondering what to do with their lives hear God’s voice counseling them to serve Him in whatever they decide to do. And for those of us who are the retirees, let us remember that God speaks to us also. These are years when great things can be done for Him, or they can be wasted in self-centered living. God has more in mind for us than golf and bridge.

Basic Biblical Truths
Scripture tells us how Jesus’ message of salvation, first told to the twelve disciples, was spread to thousands hungering to hear the Good News of the living Christ. Rev. Larsen encourages us to follow this biblical example to carry the same message to those who need to hear His life-changing story. If you would like to learn more, order “How Does Christ Build His Church,” volume five in Rev. Larsen’s DVD video sermon collection Basic Biblical Truths. This DVD is available by calling our office at 1-888-693-2484, or by visiting our Web site at www.christiancrusaders.org.

On the Light Side
During a sermon one Sunday, two teenage girls were heard in the back giggling and disturbing people. The pastor interrupted his sermon and announced sternly, “There are two of you here who have not heard a word I’ve said!” That quieted them down.

When the service was over, the pastor went to greet people at the front door. Three adults apologized for going to sleep in church, promising it would never happen again.

God Is . . . Life

2010-07-14T12:18:00.000-07:00

Life is made up of good choices and not-so-good choices. Some lead to life, while others lead to dead ends. In this week’s sermon, we’re going to look at a Psalm our Heavenly Father composed to help us make good, life-giving choices. Find out what wisdom God’s Word offers us.

Scripture: Psalm 1
Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.

Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.

For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.

Hymns
“Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
“He Leadeth Me”
“Be Thou My Vision”

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 Wise Living Starts With a Right Relationship With God delivered on Christian Crusaders November 15, 2009 by Rev. Kramer:

It’s in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that God’s wisdom is made available. Christ has made a saving relationship with God available through his death on the cross. There he paid the penalty for our sins and opened the way for a relationship with God as we entrust our lives to Jesus Christ. When a person enters into that relationship with Christ, Paul tells us, the treasures of wisdom and knowledge become available to us.

Basic Biblical Truths
What part do emotions play in your relationship with Jesus Christ? Rev. Dr. Homer Larsen asserts that, while emotions may indeed be a part of our faith, basing our faith on emotions can be dangerous. Instead, faith must be built on Jesus Christ. If you would like to learn more, order “Emotions and Our Christian Faith,” volume four in Rev. Larsen’s DVD video sermon collection Basic Biblical Truths. This DVD is available for a suggested donation of ten dollars by calling our office at 1-888-693-2484, or by visiting our Web site at www.christiancrusaders.org.

On the Light Side
A married couple was celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. At the party everybody wanted to know how they managed to stay married so long in this day and age. The husband responded, “When we were first married we came to an agreement. I would make all the major decisions and my wife would make all the minor decisions. And in 60 years of marriage we have never needed to make a major decision.”

A People Person

2010-07-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

Many people are concerned about life after death and wonder what they must do to be saved. This was a common concern in Jesus' day as well, and we will learn Jesus' answer to it in this week's sermon

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"
"He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."
But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
In reply Jesus said, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A preist happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"
The expert in the law replied, "the one who had mercy on him."
Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

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, The Sacrifice, delivered on Christian Crusaders February 22, 2009 by Rev. Larsen:
Through Christ's suffering and death at the cross, he made full atonement for the sins of the world. This is the Gospel. Those who receive him have passed from death into life. Their sins are forgiven. Christ becomes our mediator, the one making intercession for our sins. He did this by giving his life as a ransom for many. We should never forget that Christ's atoning death is the only way to the Father. His sacrifice is sufficient.

Basic Biblical Truths
The sermon title of volume three in Rev. Larsen's DVD sermon series, Basic Biblical Truths, is "Fear Not . . . I am With You." In it Rev. Larsen discusses Isaiah 43:1: "Fear not, I have redeemed you, I have called you by name." What a comfort to know God is with us in times of fear, just as he was with those who walked with him in biblical times. In this video, we hear how having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ makes all the difference, for in times of trouble, we will know the One to whom we turn. Call 1-888-693-2484 to order this DVD for a suggested donation of ten dollars, or order online at http://www.christiancrusaders.org/.

On the Light Side
If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale, and gave all my money to the church, would that get me into heaven?" I asked the children in my Sunday school class.
"NO!" the children all answered.
"If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard, and kept everything neat and tidy, would that get me into heaven?"
Once more they all answered, "NO!"
"Well, then, if I was kind to animals and gave candy to all the children and loved my wife, would that get me into heaven?" I asked them again.
Once more they all answered, "NO!"
"Well," I continued, thinking they were a good bit more theologically sophisticated than I had given them credit for, "Then how can I get into heaven?"
A five-year-old boy shouted, "'YOU GOTTA BE DEAD!"

How Do Christians Live With People Who Do Not Like Them?

2010-06-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt the need to get even with a person who has wronged you? When Jesus was treated poorly in his time of need, his disciples asked if they should call down fire from heaven to destroy the people. However, Jesus taught them a better way to deal with opposition, and we will talk about it in this week's sermon.

SCRIPTURE: Luke 9:51-56
As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, "Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?" But Jesus turned and rebuked them, and they went to another village.

HYMNS:
"Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee"
"Blessed Be the Tie that Binds"

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 Stress delivered on Christian Crusaders March 21, 2004 by Rev. Larsen:
To be faithful in our Christian witness can often cause stress, but Jesus teaches us how to handle this stress. He does not tell us to work at adopting more moderate views in our Christian witness. No, instead we are to remain strong, and when those hours of stress come, listen to what He says in his Word: "Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

BASIC BIBLICAL TRUTHS
Do you still think about well-loved Bible stories you first heard as a child? Many of us remember the story of Zacchaeus, the dishonest tax collector whose life was changed when he met Jesus. In volume two of his DVD video sermon collection Basic Biblical Truths, Rev. Larsen uses this story to emphasize that we can become new people when Jesus comes into our life and offers us the gift of forgiveness. If you'd like to considerthis story's impact on your own life, order "A Life Is Changed" by calling our office at 1-888-693-2484 or ordering online at www.ChristianCrusaders.org.

ON THE LIGHT SIDE
After a firery, Old Testament sermon one Sunday, Pastor Bender was greeting his congregation after church. Little Jeffy stepped up, shook his hand, and whispered, "My mom is a pagan."

"A pagan!" Pastor Bender replied, recalling Jeffy's mother's active roles on the altar guild and in Sunday school. Thinking that she surely must be a fine Christian woman, he whispered back, "How do you know that?"

"Because my dad says she serves burnt offerings for dinner."

The New Man

2010-05-28T11:57:00.000-07:00

Can a person be trustworthy, moral, and kind without first knowing Jesus Christ? When Jesus healed the man at the Pool of Bethesda, he later told him to stop sinning lest something worse happened to him. This week we will explor how living a good life differs between a Christian and a nonChristian. Join us Sunday at http://www.christiancrusaders.org.

The Man is Healed

2010-05-20T12:38:00.000-07:00

When Jesus said to the paralyzed man at the Pool of Bethesda, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk,” Jesus was asking him to respond in faith. The third sermon in this series will help us learn how we too can be healed when we respond to the gospel’s message. You won’t want to miss it!

Scripture: John 5:1-9a
Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie – the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked, “Do you want to get well?”

“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."

Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “A Living Faith” delivered on Christian Crusaders February 13, 2005 by Rev. Larsen:

I appreciate what J. A. Motyer said, “To Paul, the question was, ‘How is salvation experienced?’ The answer is, ‘by faith in Christ alone.’ To James the question was, ‘How is faith recognized?’ The answer is, ‘by its fruits.’” We are saved by faith in Jesus Christ alone, but a living faith produces good works.

New Issue of The Crusader
The latest issue of the Crusader, Christian Crusaders’ quarterly newsletter, is out now. The theme for this issue is forgiveness. To receive a free copy of this special publication, which features an article by both Rev. Larsen and Rev. Kramer as well as news about the ministry, call or e-mail the Christian Crusaders office.

On the Light Side
It was graduation day, and everybody was going to get their diploma except Jeffrey. At the assembly, the entire senior class stood up and shouted, “Let Jeffrey graduate! Let Jeffrey graduate!”

So the principal agreed to give Jeffrey one last chance. “If I have five apples in my right hand and five in my left hand, Jeffrey, how many apples do I have?” he asked.

Jeffrey thought long and hard and then said, “Ten.”

The entire senior class stood up and shouted, “Give Jeffrey another chance. Give Jeffrey another chance!”

We Want to Hear From You!
Share a time when God has worked in your life to heal you by posting in the "Comments" section of this blog.

The program "The Man is Healed" will air Sunday, May 23, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

The Indifferent Crowd

2010-05-12T14:41:00.000-07:00

As the paralyzed man lay at the Pool of Bethesda, no doubt he was ministered to by many good-hearted people passing by. What does one say to a friend who is ill, such as those at the Pool, or those in our care centers and hospitals today? We will continue this sermon series this week by talking about how to minister to those who are ill or dying.

Scripture: John 5:1-9a
Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie – the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked, “Do you want to get well?”

“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."

Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “Servants” delivered on Christian Crusaders October 18, 2009 by Rev. Larsen:

We cannot have Christ without a cross. The Kingdom of God turns the world’s idea of power and glory upside down and inside out. There is no CEO in the Kingdom of God. The agenda is not how to refrain from being offensive to the culture in which we live. The agenda is how to tell the story of Christ, for without Him we are helpless. This is a message the humanist cannot stand to hear, and sooner or later our lives will sense the world’s displeasure with us.

Facebook Fan Page
Christian Crusaders now has a FAN PAGE on Facebook! Search for “Christian Crusaders” and select the page with “Non-Profit Organization” beneath the name. Then click the “LIKE” button – that’s all you have to do to become a fan and receive our latest news and updates. This fan page will eventually become Christian Crusaders' only presence on Facebook, so click over and join today.

On the Light Side
Mother's Dictionary of Meanings
Pastor Helgens invited the children to come forward around the altar for an object lesson using squirrels as an example of industry and planning ahead. He requested that the boys and girls raise their hands when they knew what he was describing.

“This thing lives in trees [pause] and eats nuts [pause].” No hands went up. “It is gray [pause] and has a long bushy tail [pause].” The children looked at each other, but no hands were raised. “And it jumps from branch to branch [pause] and chatters when it gets excited [pause].”

Finally a little boy tentatively raised his hand. Pastor Helgens breathed a sigh of relief and called on him. “Well,” he said, “I know the answer must be Jesus, but it sure sounds like a squirrel to me.”

We Want to Hear From You!
When have you provided a word of comfort to someone in their darkest hour - when they were seriously ill or dying? Please share your story by posting in the "Comments" section of this blog.

The program "The Indifferent Crowd" will air Sunday, May 16, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

Do You Want to Be Healed?

2010-05-07T17:55:00.000-07:00

Do you like the way you are, or would you like God to change you? Jesus asked that same question to a man who had been paralyzed for thirty-eight years. The answer would seem simple; however, the result could mean a huge change in one’s lifestyle. This week we begin a sermon series on the Pool of Bethesda and learn what can happen when we have the courage to allow God to heal our infirmities.

Scripture: John 5:1-9a
Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie – the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked, “Do you want to get well?”

“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."

Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “We Need a Savior” delivered on Christian Crusaders July 19, 2000, by Rev. Larsen:

We can point to certain leaders in our own land who served our land as temporal shepherds: Abraham Lincoln and F.D.R .We do not overlook such leadership. However, beyond these earthly problems no human can answer our true problems. Without Christ no matter how much of the material we possess, we are like sheep without a shepherd. We do not know how to live abundantly or die victoriously.

Mother's Day Gift Suggestion
If you’re still searching for a meaningful Mother’s Day gift for a special woman in your life, consider a set of five motherhood-themed sermons on audio CD from Christian Crusaders. This CD set comes attractively packaged and ready for giving—it can even be mailed directly to your recipient. Call the Christian Crusaders office to order the classic Mother’s Day gift set for a suggested donation of any amount.

On the Light Side
Mother's Dictionary of Meanings

Dumbwaiter: One who asks if the kids would care to order dessert.

Feedback: The inevitable result when the baby doesn’t appreciate the strained carrots.

Full Name: What you call your child when you’re mad at him.

Grandparents: The people who think your children are wonderful even though they’re sure you’re not raising them right.

Hearsay: What toddlers do when anyone mutters a dirty word.

Independent: How we want our children to be for as long as they do everything we say.

Puddle: A small body of water that draws other small bodies wearing dry shoes into it.

Show Off: A child who is more talented than yours.

Sterilize: What you do to your first baby’s pacifier by boiling it, and to your last baby’s pacifier by blowing on it and wiping it with saliva.

Top Bunk: Where you should never put a child wearing Superman jammies.

Two-Minute Warning: When the baby’s face turns red and begins to make those familiar grunting noises.

Whodunit: None of the kids who live in your house.

We Want to Hear From You!
What is something God has helped you change for the better in your life? Share your story by posting in the "Comments" section of this blog.

The program "Do You Want to Be Healed?" will air Sunday, May 9, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

A Refreshing Offer

2010-04-21T13:32:00.000-07:00

Something many of us desperately need is rest and refreshment from the fears, doubts, and issues plaguing our lives. In this week’s sermon, Rev. Kramer uses the Apostle Peter’s words to tell us what we need to do to receive this wonderful gift.

Scripture: Acts 3:11-20
While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.

“Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you – even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.”

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “Lord of the Second Chance” delivered on Christian Crusaders July 29, 2007, by Rev. Kramer:

All of us have run a long way in the wrong direction at times. Because of the forgiveness offered in Jesus Christ, however, remember – the game is only half over. . . According to this story, a new start is available. We have a second chance. Jesus does not write me off. Yes, dear friends, we still have our moments when we blow it as followers of Jesus Christ. But here is the good news: Jesus Christ, our risen Savior, is the Lord of the second chance.

Messages on DVD
Appropriate for Memorial Day, as we remember those who have passed, is volume three in Rev. Larsen’s DVD sermon series, Basic Biblical Truths. In this sermon, “Fear Not . . . I Am With You,” Rev. Larsen discusses Isaiah 43:1: “Fear not, I have redeemed you, I have called you by name.” What a comfort to know God is with us in times of fear, just as he was with those who walked with him in biblical times. In this video, we hear how having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ makes all the difference, for in times of trouble, we’ll know the One to whom we turn. Call 1-888-693-2484 1-888-693-2484 to order this DVD for a suggested donation of ten dollars, or order online at www.christiancrusaders.org.

On the Light Side
I am not hard of hearing but, sometimes . . . Well, sometimes the words I hear just don’t seem to register quite right.

A group of us were enjoying coffee together, and one of the ladies was excitedly sharing the fact she was getting a new microwave oven. But she didn’t say she was going to buy or purchase one – she used the word acquire. She was going to acquire a microwave oven.

The conversation wasn’t making a lick of sense to me and I blurted out, “What in the world are you talking about?!”

Startled and puzzled, she wondered what the problem was. I explained, “I’ve got this vision of a choir loft full of microwave ovens with the doors opening and closing, the lights going on and off, and the buzzers buzzing.”

We Want to Hear From You!
When was the last time you turned to God with an issue that was plaguing you? Share your story by posting in the "comments" section of this blog.

The program "A Refreshing Offer" will air Sunday, April 25, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

Claim Your Forgiveness

2010-04-15T20:13:00.000-07:00

How do you deal with your guilt? Some people deny their guilt because they believe right and wrong is subjective. Others believe God could never damn anyone. Still others try to work out their guilt with good works. In this week’s sermon we will learn how Peter, who denied Christ in his time of need, dealt with his guilt.

Scripture: John 21:1-19
Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”

“No,” they answered.

He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”

Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “But Christ Has Been Raised” delivered on Christian Crusaders April 16, 2006, by Rev. Larsen:

Think of the millions of people who live without the blessings of the resurrection. Think of those who believe something good is going to happen to them after they die, but they have no basis for these eternal thoughts, only what they feel – that God is loving and will reward their good lives. This is not adequate. It took a cross and an empty tomb to give us a basis for our salvation. It takes a divinely inspired word that says, Because He lives, I too shall live.

Messages on DVD
Do you still think about well-loved Bible stories you first heard as a child? Many of us remember the story of Zacchaeus, the dishonest tax collector whose life was changed when he met Jesus. In volume two of his DVD video sermon collection Basic Biblical Truths, Rev. Larsen uses this story to emphasize that we can become new people when Jesus comes into our lives and offers us the gift of forgiveness. If you’d like to consider this story’s impact on your own life, order “A Life is Changed” by calling our office at 1-888-693-2484 1-888-693-2484 or ordering online at www.christiancrusaders.org.

On the Light Side
I had spent the late winter months waiting impatiently for signs of spring. When the first warm, sunny Saturday arrived, I eagerly unlocked the storm door and stepped onto our patio deck. I was pleased by the sight of green sprouts and the sounds of singing birds. More than anything else, I delighted in the sweet aroma of the spring air.

Knocking on the kitchen window, I beckoned to my wife to join me in enjoying the pleasures of the season. She quietly brought me back to earth, however, when she reminded me that I was standing over the dryer vent, inhaling.

We Want to Hear From You!
Do you struggle with taking your guilt to God? Tell us your story by posting in the "Comments" section of this blog.

The program "Claim Your Forgiveness" will air Sunday, April 18, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

The Effect of Easter

2010-04-09T15:48:00.000-07:00

According to a recent Gallup poll, trust levels of various institutions of our country are at an all-time low. We need a God we can trust – one who has come forth from the tomb, as he promised, to guide and direct us along the way. This week we will look at two men who were deeply affected by the Resurrection, and evaluate the effect this event has had on us.

Scripture: Acts 4:8-10
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is ’the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone’. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “But Christ Has Been Raised” delivered on Christian Crusaders April 16, 2006, by Rev. Larsen:

Think of the millions of people who live without the blessings of the resurrection. Think of those who believe something good is going to happen to them after they die, but they have no basis for these eternal thoughts, only what they feel – that God is loving and will reward their good lives. This is not adequate. It took a cross and an empty tomb to give us a basis for our salvation. It takes a divinely inspired word that says, Because He lives, I too shall live.

Message on DVD
What does it mean to be born again? Find out in the first volume of Basic Biblical Truths, the DVD video set of sermons by the Rev. Dr. Homer Larsen. In this video, Rev. Larsen discusses John 3:3: “No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” These words Jesus spoke have puzzled many—from Nicodemus, who first heard them, to many of us today. Hear Rev. Larsen talk about what it means to be born again, and how lives are transformed through the power of the Holy Spirit. Call our office at 1-888-693-2484 1-888-693-2484 to order “Born Again,” available for a suggested donation of ten dollars, or order online at www.christiancrusaders.org.

On the Light Side
One Sunday during the closing prayers, a loud whistle rang out from one of the back pews. Tommy’s mother was horrified. She hushed him into silence and, after church, asked, “Tommy, whatever made you do such a thing?”

Tommy answered soberly, “I asked God to teach me to whistle, and just then he did.”

We Want to Hear From You!
How do you wrestle with giving up control and putting your trust in God? Share your story by posting in the "comments" section of this blog.

The program "The Effect of Easter" will air Sunday, April 11, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

Christ is Risen - An Epiphany Story

2010-04-01T17:17:00.000-07:00

Do you wrestle with your belief in the resurrection? That is understandable, for even Jesus’ disciples struggled with it. Yet it is the foundation of the Christian faith. While Jesus rising from the dead may be difficult for our human minds to grasp, God reveals it in a unique and exciting way.

Scripture: Luke 24:1-32
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with the faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here: he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” Then they remembered his words.

When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.

He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

“What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.”
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “Christ Lives” delivered on Christian Crusaders April 11, 2004, by Rev. Larsen:

Jesus’ disciples had not fully comprehended all that had taken place. They were hiding behind closed doors for fear of the Jews. However, when Jesus stood in their midst and showed them His nail-pierced hands and sword-pierced side, they became fearless witnesses of the Savior. The Jesus of Nazareth, who had once walked beside them, now was the Risen Lord who lived in their hearts.

The same is true today. Nothing can change your life as drastically as having Jesus live in your heart. That is when we become new people. When temptation comes, we find power to resist. The Risen Lord provides the strength if we will call on Him. When guilt tears us apart, we hear the living Savior say, “I forgive you,” and we have peace. When we walk away from the grave of a loved one with a broken heart and tears rolling down our cheeks, we sing with St. Paul “Where, O death, is your victory?”

Happy Easter from Christian Crusaders
As you prepare to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ this week, Christian Crusaders would like to wish all of our listeners a blessed Easter season. We pray that you travel safely and rejoice fully in the hope of the Resurrection.

On the Light Side
When one crosses an angora rabbit with an Easter Bunny, do they get a cross hair?

Good Idea: Finding Easter eggs on Easter.
Bad Idea: Finding Easter eggs on Christmas.

Q. What do Easter Bunny helpers get for making a basket?
A. Two points, just like anyone else.

Q. What’s invisible and smells like carrots?
A. The Ether Bunny

Q. Why did the Easter Bunny hide his eggs?
A. He doesn’t want the other bunnies to know that he’d been hanging out with the chickens.

Q: What do you call a duck that just doesn’t fit in?
A: Mallardjusted.

We Want to Hear From You!
Tell us about the power of the Easter message in your life by posting in the "comments" section of this blog.

The program "Christ is Risen - An Epiphany Story" will air Sunday, April 4, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

They Know Not What They Do

2010-03-25T13:26:00.000-07:00

During his ministry, Jesus taught some wonderful ethics about loving others as ourselves and loving God above all else. So what offended the people so much that they decided to crucify him? In this week’s sermon we will discuss that question and how Jesus responded to them turning their backs on him.

Scripture: Luke 23:26-27, 32-34
As they led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him.

Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him along with the criminals – one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

Hymns
“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”
“Were You There?”

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 “The Jeers and Assaults of the Crowd” delivered on Christian Crusaders March 11, 2001, by Rev. Larsen:

(Jesus) also said, “I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30) These words serve as a basis for the Church’s teaching that Jesus is God. Here again this teaching is too strong for popular acceptance in our culture. Why not say, Jesus is our Master or Jesus is our role model. That leaves room for others like Moses, Mohammed, Buddha. But Jesus claims to be God, and Christians receive Him as the Lord of their lives. Teachings like these sent Jesus to the cross. . . Take away these inspired truths and there is no basis for our faith.

Christian Crusaders Is Now on Facebook!
If you are a member of this social networking site, search for Christian Crusaders and add the ministry as your Facebook “friend.” As a friend of this ministry, you will receive news and updates from Christian Crusaders, have the ability to connect and share with other Christian Crusaders fans, and receive an online invitation to each sermon.

On the Light Side
Karen Phillips sang high soprano in the church choir. However, for several services she sat in the congregation and not in the loft. When asked why she no longer sat with the choir, Karen explained, “One Sunday when I was home sick with a cold, several folks asked if the organ had been repaired.”

We Want to Hear From You!
Share a time in your life when, by standing up for what you believed in, you were ostracized. How did you respond when others turned their backs on you? Please respond by posting in the "Comments" section of this blog.

The program "They Know Not What They Do" will air Sunday, March 28, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

In Your Hour of Trial, What Will You Do?

2010-03-18T13:47:00.000-07:00

Most of us have had some tough times in our lives. It is a part of our fallen world. So where do you turn for strength during days of trial? In this week’s sermon we will look at an event in Jesus’ life as an example of how to handle those tough moments.

Scripture: John 19:25-27
Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “A Voice in the Storm” delivered on Christian Crusaders September 26, 2004 by Rev. Larsen:

"Your son has enlisted in the Marine Corps and is about to be sent to Iraq. You have read that more than 1,000 young men and women from our country have died in this war. Thousands have been wounded. Could this be the fate of your son, whom you love so much? That is an emotional hurricane. You need an anchor, and that anchor is the promise of God’s Word. The Lord has not promised that your son would return home. However, He has said he would walk with him."

An Easy Way to Help Spread the Gospel
Christian Crusaders would like to thank all those who help carry out the mission of this ministry through their gifts and prayers. One way you can help Christian Crusaders reach out is to add a link to www.ChristianCrusaders.org on your church or organization’s Web site. This is a simple way you can introduce others to a source of biblical truth over the radio and Internet.

On the Light Side
Mr. Jones loved the outdoors. Because of his passion for hunting and fishing, his family ate a considerable amount of wild game.

One evening, as Mrs. Jones sat a platter of broiled venison steaks on the dinner table, ten-year-old Chloe Jones looked up and said: “Boy, it sure would be nice if pizzas lived in the woods.”

We Want to Hear From You!
Share a story about a Christian friend who has walked along with you and your Savior during one of life's tough moments by posting in the "comments" section of this blog.

The program "In Your Hour of Trial, What Will You Do?" will air Sunday, March 21, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

Why He Died

2010-03-10T20:10:00.000-08:00

After Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, the people were excited about all the good Jesus had done. Yet some believed he must be put to death. Have you ever wondered why Jesus really had to die? We will talk about it in this week’s sermon.

Scripture: John 11:45-52
Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what he had done. So the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the council, and said, "What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation.”

But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! You do not understand that it is better for you to have one man die for the people than to have the whole nation destroyed.”

He did not say this on his own, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was about to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but to gather into one the dispersed children of God.

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “Where Is Security?” delivered on Christian Crusaders April 5, 2009 by Rev. Kramer:

All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. There is no way human beings can fix that relationship with God. We need a Savior. On the cross Jesus took upon himself the punishment and wrath for your sins and mine. He took our place and announced, “It is finished,” meaning, paid in full; mission accomplished. And on Sunday God raised him up and said, Yes!

Basic Biblical Truths CDs
Christian Crusaders is pleased to offer a five-volume set of original sermons on DVD video by our radio speaker, Rev. Dr. Homer Larsen. Each of these engaging Gospel messages is twenty minutes in length and perfect for pulpit supply, small group or individual use. The set would also make a great gift or donation to a church library! Each volume is available for a suggested donation of ten dollars, or fifty dollars for the complete set. Call or visit our Web site to order.

On the Light Side
On my way home one day, I stopped to watch a Little League baseball game that was being played in a park near my home. As I sat down behind the bench on the first base line, I asked one of the boys what the score was. “We’re behind 14 to nothing,’ he answered with a smile.

“Really,” I said. “I have to say, you don’t look very discouraged.”

“Discouraged?” the boy asked with a puzzled look on his face. “Why should we be discouraged? We haven’t been up to bat yet.”

The program "Why He Died" will air Sunday, March 14, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

Faith in Whom?

2010-03-04T13:05:00.000-08:00

We often hear people referred to as men or women of faith. But the question left unanswered is, Faith in whom or what? Scriptures clearly reveal to us that Jesus Christ is the object of our faith. Then why do we often hesitate to mention his name? In this week’s sermon we will learn the importance of clearly confessing our faith in Jesus Christ.

Scripture: Romans 10:8-10
“The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.”

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “Two Religious Men Spiritually Awakened“ delivered on Christian Crusaders April 1, 2001.

Those who are spiritually awakened and confess this in word and deed, not only on Sunday but throughout the week, are the people in the congregation who can be counted on to carry the message of Christ to the world. Nicodemus and Joseph make a strong witness for Christ before an unbelieving world. John, Jesus’ beloved disciple, really describes Nicodemus and Joseph well when he said that they loved Christ because they experienced that Jesus first loved them.

Christian Crusaders Now on Facebook
Want a regular reminder about Christian Crusaders’ upcoming sermons? By joining the ministry’s Facebook group, you’ll receive a weekly email reminder about the upcoming sermon. You can also use the group page to connect with other Christian Crusaders listeners and post messages about other events or information they might be interested in.

On the Light Side
"A Lesson for Life"

Little Jamie Scott was trying out for a part in the school play. He set his heart on being in the play, though his mother feared he would not be chosen.

On the day the parts were awarded, Jamie’s mother went to collect him after school. Jamie rushed up to her, eyes shining with pride and excitement. “Guess what, Mom,’’ he shouted, “I’ve been chosen to clap and cheer.”

Let's Hear From You!
Was there a time in your life when it was challenging for you to voice your faith clearly? Share your response in the "comments" section of this blog!

"Faith in Whom?" will air Sunday, March 7, 2010. Visit http://www.christiancrusaders.org/ for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

Jesus, Why Don't You Get Lost?

2010-02-25T11:13:00.000-08:00

Jesus’ ministry was personal and to the point. He reminded the Pharisees that their self-righteous attitudes stood in the way of a personal relationship with God. Our Lord likewise pleads with us to turn from our sin – our immorality, dishonesty, profanity, and neglect of his Word. Will we receive him or tell him to get lost?

Sermon
Jesus, Why Don’t You Get Lost?

Scripture: Luke 13:31-35
At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and said to him, “Leave this place and go somewhere else. Herod wants to kill you.”
He replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I will drive out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach my goal.’ In any case, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day – for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!
“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

Hymns
“Lamb of God Most Holy”
“The Old Rugged Cross”

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 “What Shall I Do With Jesus?“ delivered on Christian Crusaders January 13, 2008.
We will have hundreds of important questions to answer in our lifetime: questions regarding health issues, such as dementia and cancer. We need to be united in order to learn the answers to these perplexing problems. We face political issues. Who will we vote for? Who can best lead us? Yet none of these questions are as important as this one: What shall I do with Jesus? If we will let him into our lives, he will turn us around and affect our lives in such a way that we will find the answers to most of the other questions.

National Religious Broadcasters in Convention
National Religious Broadcasters is a non-partisan, international association of Christian communicators whose mission is to keep the doors of electronic media open for the spread of the Gospel. The following is adapted from the article, “Engaging the Quiet Revolution,” by Craig L. Parshall, Sr. VP and General Counsel, in their February 22, 2010 newsletter to Christian Crusaders and other NRB members.

“As the National Religious Broadcasters prepare for their annual convention in Nashville this week, they are readying for a kind of revolution. It is a revolution of a clash of worldviews and a media upheaval of Titanic proportions. Where this revolution will end, at least in the short-term view, is uncertain.
“First, there is the explosion of legislative and regulatory proposals coming from Capitol Hill – some already passed – which represent the most direct challenge to the Church and to Christian communicators we can remember. Second, we are witnessing a moral, cultural and spiritual revolution in America, where biblical confusion is rampant, and where there is a soul hungry for the Good News of Jesus Christ, but it is too often ensnared in vague, pagan ideas of spirituality or “politically correct” religion. Third, a technological tidal wave of change is hitting every aspect of media, and the Christian media is not exempt. Attendees will be exposed to two very different belief systems about the future of religious liberty, and what it means for you and your ministry.”

Please pray for the National Religious Broadcasters this week as they confront anew the need for a global Great Commission strategy.

On the Light Side
Fore!
The 16th tee featured a fairway that ran along a road. The first golfer in a foursome teed off and hooked the ball. It soared over the fence, bounced onto the street, and hit the tire of a moving bus, then ricocheted back onto the fairway.

As they all stood in amazement, one of the golfer’s friends asked, “How did you do that?”

The golfer shrugged. “You have to know the bus schedule.”

Handling Temptation

2010-02-17T14:02:00.000-08:00

Life is filled with all kinds of temptations and there is no question that the devil is alive and well. How do we handle our temptations? In this week’s sermon we will look at how this sly enemy worked unsuccessfully in the life of our Lord and how we can use the same approach against the devil in our lives.

Sermon
Handling Temptation

Scripture: Luke 4:1-13
Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.
The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone.’”
The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. And he said to him, “I will give you all their authority and splendor, for it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. So if you worship me, it will all be yours.”
Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”
The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. For it is written:
“’He will command his angels concerning you
to guard you carefully;
They will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”
Jesus answered, “It says: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.

Hymns
“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”
“Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us”

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 “Temptation“ delivered on Christian Crusaders March 14, 2004.
It is well for us to note that Jesus resisted each of Satan’s temptations by quoting Scripture. Satan is defeated in the presence of God’s Word. We should be so well acquainted with the Bible that, when the hour of temptation comes, we, too, can use God’s Word to defeat the enemy. Unlike our Savior, we know that, because of our sinful nature, we will sometimes fall when tempted by Satan. Then our Lord will forgive us, pick us up, strengthen us, and send us away by saying, “Go, and sin no more.”

ChristianCrusaders.org
Miss a week on Christian Crusaders? You don’t have to miss a sermon! Log on to http://www.christiancrusaders.org/sermonsearch.asp and find sermons going back ten years. This easy sermon search tool can be used to find a sermon you missed or to relive one you particularly liked again. Or, call 1-888-My Faith and request a copy of any sermon on CD, cassette tape, or in print to be mailed to you.

On the Light Side
A minister parked his car in a no-parking zone in a large city because he was short of time and couldn’t find a space with a meter. Then he put a note under the windshield wiper that read: “I have circled the block 10 times. If I don’t park here, I’ll miss my appointment. Forgive us our trespasses.”

When he returned, he found a citation from a police officer along with this note “I’ve circled this block for 10 years. If I don’t give you a ticket I’ll lose my job. Lead us not into temptation.”

The Need for Affirmation

2010-02-11T13:48:00.000-08:00

There are many times when we face the future with fear and trembling, and we do not know where to turn. Jesus faced those days and needed affirmation as well. However, God is ready to affirm and strengthen us, no matter how difficult the assignment might be.

Sermon
The Need for Affirmation

Scripture: Luke 9:28-36
About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him. As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.)

While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.” When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone. The disciples kept this to themselves, and told no one at that time what they had seen.

Hymns
“Dear Lord and Father of Mankind”
“Dearest Jesus, Draw Thou Near 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 Favorite for When You’re Discouraged“ delivered on Christian Crusaders September 30, 2007.

Isaiah . . . say(s), “They shall run and not grow weary, walk and never faint.” You are going to be able to keep going and face all things in Him. As the Apostle Paul says, ““I can do all things in him who strengthens me.” This passage is so much more than beautiful poetry. Isaiah is attempting to give his people an adequate theology to face their life’s situation; to restore the magnificence of God in the minds of the people; to give them a renewed perspective of that magnificence; to face discouraged moments with confidence. He is trying to give them this great picture and help them by saying, “Don’t give up. Don’t cave in. Keep your eyes on the magnificence of God.”

Christian Crusaders on Facebook
Want a regular reminder about Christian Crusaders’ upcoming sermons? By joining the ministry’s Facebook group, you’ll receive a weekly email reminder about the upcoming sermon. You can also use the group page to connect with other Christian Crusaders listeners and post messages about other events or information they might be interested in.

On the Light Side
A young woman was taking an afternoon nap. After she woke up, she told her husband, “I just dreamed that you gave me a pearl necklace for Valentine’s Day. What do you think it means?”

“You’ll know tonight,” he said.

That evening, the man came home with a small package and gave it to his wife. Delighted, she opened it – only to find a book entitled “The Meaning of Dreams.”

Stand!

2010-02-05T11:54:00.000-08:00

The church today is experiencing great tribulation. With scandals rocking its foundations, membership numbers shrinking, worship attendance sagging, basic doctrines being questioned, and its impact on our culture disappearing, we have to wonder what is wrong. In this week’s sermon, we will look to the Apostle Paul for encouragement and answers.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints.

Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.

Hymns
“Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus”
“Lead On, O King Eternal”
“Onward, Christian Soldiers”

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 “Really Old Hymns: God Is With Us“ delivered on Christian Crusaders August 2, 2009.
Emmanuel, God with us, who has done battle with the power of sin, death and the devil, staked his claim. On the cross he experienced the exact opposite of this psalm (46) – God not with him – so that we could have a restored relationship with God and his promise. God raised him on the third day. Listen to Emmanuel’s promise: “Lo, I am with you always, till the end of time.” Why is he with us? To be our refuge as we withstand the attacks. Attacks from whom? Peter knew it: “Like a roaring lion your adversary - the devil - prowls around looking for someone to devour (I Peter 5:8).

Christian Crusaders’ Newsletter
The newest issue of Christian Crusaders' quarterly print newsletter, The Crusader, will be out soon! Its theme is on anger. This newsletter features an article by Rev. Larsen, as well as news about the ministry and thoughts on faith from other members of the staff. Call our office at 1-888-My Faith or email info@christiancrusaders.org to join the mailing list and receive this special publication.

On the Light Side
Leading Papers’ Coverage of the Battle of the Little Bighorn
Variety: “Custer Closes Out of Town”
Pravda: “Big Red Victory”
Sports Illustrated: “Indians Win Series”
Women's Wear Daily: “Feathers Make Comeback”
Reader's Digest: “Sitting Bull Reveals New Cure for Dandruff”
The Washington Post: “Custer Loses Rural Vote”

The Power of the Pulpit

2010-01-29T13:22:00.000-08:00

The word of God, spoken from the pulpit, has great authority. We see that in the ministries of John the Baptist, Jesus, and the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah. In this week’s sermon, we will look at ways in which we can use our “pulpit” to express our Christian convictions to change our world.

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:4-10
The word of the Lord came to me, saying,
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
“Ah, Sovereign Lord,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am only a child.”
But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child. You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.
Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “Now I have put my words in your mouth. See, today, I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant.”

Hymns
“We Praise You, O God”
“Children of the Heavenly Father”

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 “Moses – God's Word Is Our Authority“ delivered on Christian Crusaders February 4, 2001.
When God’s Law has brought us to this confession, it has done its work. . . . In our helpless condition we come to the cross of Christ. There we confess our sins and place our faith in Jesus who has died to take away our sins. Through faith in Him we are forgiven and restored into fellowship with God. . . . We have become new people and live out of love for Christ who has made us His forever. That’s why Jesus could say, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31, 32). The authoritative voice of the Gospel brings us out of bondage, and the authoritative voice of God’s Law always reminds us how much we need our Savior.

On ChristianCrusaders.org
Remember that if your church cancels services due to inclement winter weather, you don't have to miss out on the chance to worship. Tune into your local Christian Crusaders radio station instead, or log onto christiancrusaders.org to hear an uplifting Gospel message right from home. Tell others who might be snowbound about the opportunity to worship from home as well!

On the Light Side
A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five- and six-year olds. After explaining the commandment to honor thy father and thy mother, she asked, “Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?”

Without missing a beat one little boy answered, “Thou shall not kill.”

How Great Is Your Commitment?

2010-01-21T09:52:00.000-08:00

People react differently to Jesus’ statement that he is God and the only way by we can be assured of a heavenly home. Often times it is not even the primary message being proclaimed in church. In this week’s sermon, we will evaluate the seriousness of our commitment to Jesus as our only Savior.

Scripture: Luke 4:14-30
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.

He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. And he stood up to read. The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to release the oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”

All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked.

Jesus said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to me: ‘Physician, heal yourself! Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.’”

“I tell you the truth,” he continued, “no prophet is accepted in his hometown. I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah’s time, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and there was a severe famine throughout the region of Sidon. And there were many in Israel with leprosy in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them were cleansed – only Naaman the Syrian.”

All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him down the cliff. But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.

Hymns
“Hail to the Brightness”
“The Church’s One Foundation”

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 “Compelled to Act“ delivered on Christian Crusaders April 8, 2001.
Two people look at the cross. One can tell the story and have great respect for Jesus and what He did for the world. The other turns his life over to Christ. Jesus is more than a biblical character described on the pages of the Bible. His suffering, death, and resurrection is more than a dogma to which he gives lip service when confessing his faith in the words of the Apostles’ Creed. Christ is a living person who raps at my heart’s door and offers me the forgiveness of my sins. I receive Him. He is mine and I am His for all eternity. We live in a personal relationship with Him.

On ChristianCrusaders.org
Want to share a Christian Crusaders sermon? Log onto http://www.christiancrusaders. org/sermonsearch.asp and use this easy search tool to find every message going back ten years, sorted by topic, date, and Scripture passage. Then e-mail the link to a friend, neighbor, or loved one to instantly share a sermon that spoke to you. Or call 1-888-My Faith and ask us to send a copy of any sermon on CD, cassette tape, or in print to someone in your life who needs to hear the Word of God.

On the Light Side
What is a Week Without God?
Without God our week would be:
Sinday
Mournday
Tearsday
Wasteday
Thirstday
Fightday and
Shatterday
Seven days without God makes one Weak!

On the Way to Calvary

2010-01-13T11:32:00.000-08:00

How is Jesus working in your life? In this week’s sermon, we hear about Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding feast in Cana. This story illustrates a truth much deeper than turning water into wine. When we consider its implications, we can live our life with new meaning and purpose.

Scripture: John 2:1-11
On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”
“Dear woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.”
His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.
Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”
This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.

Hymns
“Holy God, We Praise Thy Name”
“O How Shall I Receive Thee?”

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 “Are We Ready to Move on With Christ?“ delivered on Christian Crusaders April 29, 2001.
Many Christians trust Christ for their salvation, but are not disciples in the Biblical sense of the word. That’s why we talk about “making disciples” which means taking the next step toward becoming a mature witness for Christ. Christ calls for disciples in the great commission, “Go and make disciples.” He is asking for people who will carry the faith and not count the cost of doing it. Therefore, He is continually asking the Christian, “Isn’t it time to move onto a deeper relationship with Him? Isn’t it time to not only enjoy all the blessings we receive from Him, but to become a blessing to others who do not know Christ by sharing Him with them?”

On ChristianCrusaders.org
Missed a week on Christian Crusaders? You don’t have to miss a sermon! Log on to ChristianCrusaders.org/sermonsearch.asp and find sermons going back ten years. This easy sermon search tool can be used to find a sermon you missed, or to relive one you particularly liked. Or, call 1-888-My Faith and request a copy of any sermon on CD, cassette tape, or in print to be mailed to you.

On the Light Side
Differences Between a Man and a Woman
1. A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he wants. A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn’t want.
2. A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband. A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.
3. A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend. A successful woman is one who can find such a man.
4. To be happy with a man you must understand him a lot and love him a little. To be happy with a woman you must love her a lot and not try to understand her at all.
5. Any married man should forget his mistakes – there’s no use in two people remembering the same thing.
6. Men wake up as good looking as they went to bed. Women somehow deteriorate during the night.
7. A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn’t. A man marries a woman expecting that she won’t change and she does.
8. A woman has the last word in any argument. Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.
9. There are two times when a man doesn’t understand a woman: before marriage and after marriage.

Let's hear from you!
Has your life been changed signifcantly since you came to know Jesus Christ? Share your faith story with us by posting in the "Comments" section of this blog.

The program, "On the Way to Calvary" will air Sunday, January 17, 2010. Visit www.ChristianCrusaders.org for radio station locations and times, or to listen online.

The Day You Were Baptized

2010-01-06T09:37:00.000-08:00

The day you were baptized is an important part of your Christian faith story. Christians may not agree on how baptism is to be done, or when it should take place; however there is general agreement that it has an important place in our salvation. In this week’s sermon we will discuss the distinction between a Christian baptism and John the Baptist’s baptism.

Scripture: Luke 3:15-16, 21-22
The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Christ. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.”
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized tool. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am will pleased.”

Hymns
“Borning Cry”
“Children of the Heavenly Father”

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 “The Day Jesus Made a Decision“ delivered on Christian Crusaders January 12, 2003.
The Spirit anointed Jesus (at his baptism), and His work to redeem the world began. What can this mean for us? It identified whom we can become – the adopted children of God. Paul picks up on this thought when he writes, “But when the time had fully come, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4). Jesus was the natural-born child of God; He knew no sin. We are the adopted children of God. When our sin is taken away by grace through faith in Christ, God makes us his. Because we are his sons and daughters, we can call God our Father. This was offered to us because, on the day of His baptism, Jesus made a decision for us.

On ChristianCrusaders.org
Visit Christian Crusaders' online store to find Rev. Larsen's book, his DVD sermon series Basic Biblical Truths, and copies of past sermons on CD, cassette, or in print. All of these items are available at http://www.christiancrusaders.org/store.asp and make great gifts, donations to your church library, or additions to your personal collection.

On the Light Side
I was working in a parochial preschool when one little boy's family was blessed with triplets. Soon afterward the little boy excitedly ran into class one morning telling us his grandma, grandpa and all his cousins were coming to visit. When I asked him why they were coming, he said with all conviction and excitement, “MY BABIES ARE BEING CAPSIZED!”

Let's Hear From You!
What is your favorite baptism story? Please share your favorite baptism story by posting in the "Comments" section of this blog.

The program "The Day You Were Baptized" will air Sunday, January 10, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

Where is Jesus?

2009-12-24T07:42:00.000-08:00

Jesus’ parents, after leaving the Passover Feast, could not find him and asked, “Where is Jesus?” for three days before finding him in the temple. Had they looked in the temple first, they would have found him right away. As we encounter rough patches in our lives, we also find ourselves asking, Where is Jesus? We find him by looking in the right place.

Scripture: Luke 2:41-52
Every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the Feast, according to the custom. After the Feast was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”

“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “A Perplexed Parent“ delivered on Christian Crusaders January 4, 2004.

The life of Jesus is not a fairy tale, nor is it simply a legend. It is the story of God coming to this world. It is full of mystery that is revealed in part by the Holy Spirit to the Christian while he or she is here on this earth. It will be fully revealed only when we have come to our heavenly home. It is the mystery that adds to the joy of living with the Gospel and experiencing His love for us.

New on ChristianCrusaders.org
The Christian Crusaders website has a new faith link! Visit the Faith Links page and click on Words of Strength, a weekly devotion written by the Rev. Dick Bieber and based on scriptural events. Check back every Monday for a new uplifting message!

On the Light Side
Christmas Carol Quiz

1. Boulder of the Tinkling Metal Spheres
2. Castaneous-Colored Seed Vesicated in a Conflagration
3. Singular Yearning for the Twin Anterior Incisors
4. Righteous Darkness
5. Arrival Time: 2400 Hours. Weather: Cloudless
6. Loyal Followers Advance
7. Far Off in a Feeder
8. Array the Corridor
9. Bantam Male Percussionist
10. Monarchial Triad
11. Nocturnal Noiselessness
12. Jehoval Deactivate Blithe Chevaliers
13. Red Man En Route to Borough
14. Frozen Precipitation Commence
15. Proceed and Enlighten on the Pinnacle
16. The Quadruped with the Vermilion Proboscis
17. Query Regarding Identity of Descendant
18. Delight for This Planet
19. Give Attention to the Melodious Celestial Beings
20. The Dozen Festive 24 Hour Intervals

The program "Where is Jesus?" will air Sunday, December 27, 2009. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

Don't Stop at the Crib

2009-12-18T13:24:00.000-08:00

Christmastime can be very emotional – it carries both happy and sad memories for us. However, the story of Jesus’ birth has a message that still speaks to our emotions during this season. In this week’s sermon, we will talk about what that message is and what it says to us in both our good and our not-so-good days.

Scripture: Luke 2:1-10
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angels said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “Why Did He Come?“ delivered on Christian Crusaders December 18, 2005.

We who are Christians experience this feeling of being lost also. This does not mean we are not God’s redeemed children. Our sins are forgiven, and we are assured of our heavenly home, but as Christians we often find ourselves walking away from our Lord. Christians? Yes! But in need of help from our Lord. When we have an unforgiving spirit. . . When we fail to tell people of the Savior in a loving way. . . When we pick and choose what we accept in the Bible so it suits us in addressing social issues of the day. That is why Jesus came.

Christmas Gift Idea
It's not too late to order a last-minute gift – copies of Christian Crusaders’ gift set of Christmas sermons are still available! This audio CD set of sermons based on Isaiah 9:6 is available for $10 and can be mailed directly to your recipient. Call 1-888-My Faith or visit ChristianCrusaders.org to order. It might be a meaningful gift for a faraway friend, a next-door neighbor, or someone from your church who is lonely around the holidays.

On the Light Side
Every Christmas morning when her children were little, Patty read them the nativity story out of the big family Bible.

When her youngest son was old enough to talk, he asked what a stable was.

Patty thought for a moment about how to explain it to him in terms he could understand. Then she told him, “It’s something like your sister’s room, but without a stereo.”

The program "Don't Stop at the Crib" will air Sunday, December 20, 2009. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

I Came to Give You an Abundant Life

2009-12-10T16:05:00.000-08:00

Jesus once said he had come that we might have life, and have it to the full. What did he mean by that statement? In this week’s sermon we will discuss Jesus’ intention when he referred to us having an abundant life.

Scripture: John 10:1-1
“I tell you the truth, the man who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” Jesus used this figure of speech, but they did not understand what he was telling them.

Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate: whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “Living a Full Life“ delivered on Christian Crusaders September 9, 2007.

"Life presents its anxious moments. However, if we build our lives on Christ and his Word, we will have a sure foundation. The Savior says to us, 'Fear not. I am with you. I will comfort you and strengthen you. I will direct you.' Then you can say with St. Paul, 'I have learned in whatever state I am in to be content.' That is the secret of living a full life."

Christmas Gift Idea
If you are looking for a meaningful gift for a loved one, you might try a boxed set of holiday sermons on audio CD from Christian Crusaders. These sermons are a series taken from Isaiah 9:6 and come attractively packaged, ready for Christmas giving. This gift set, available for a suggested donation of ten dollars, is a gift that celebrates the true meaning of the season, the birth of Jesus. You can call our office at 1-888-My Faith (1-888-693-2484) to order, or visit our Web site at ChristianCrusaders.org.

On the Light Side
It was the last school day before Christmas. The school bus driver, who had high school riders, was thrilled to receive cards and presents from all his students.

“Man,” he thought, “I must be a good driver. All the kids like me." That is, until he arrived home and began opening the cards. On the inside of one card he read, "Thanks for not killing us yet. We really appreciate it."

The program "I Came to Give You an Abundant Life" will air Sunday, December 13, 2009. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

Why Did I Come?

2009-12-03T20:40:00.000-08:00

Many people reduce Christmas to building or celebrating traditions. Little is said about Jesus and his birth. However, as Christians, we need to explore the answers to some very important questions that we deal with during this season. In this week’s sermon we will explore the answer Jesus gives to a question often asked at Christmastime.

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10
Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.
When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a ‘sinner.’”
But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”
Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “Watch and Be Ready“ delivered on Christian Crusaders December 2, 2001.

As we take time to sit with God’s Word, He makes it powerfully clear why Jesus had to come. That’s why it is necessary to receive Christ if we want to be restored into a personal relationship with God. The manger was only the beginning. Thirty-three years later it was the cross and the empty tomb that provided full atonement for the sins of all those who would receive Him as their Savior and Lord.

On the Light Side
A rural church began the lovely Christmas tradition of staging a living Nativity scene on the front lawn. It became the talk of that small community. A visitor driving through town stopped and admired the performance, but one feature troubled him. The three wise men were carrying heavy canvas hoses, and they wore fire helmets. Unable to come up with an explanation on his own, the tourist went to one of the church members who stood by.

“Why the fire hoses and helmets on the three wise men?” he asked.

The church lady shook her head in disgust and replied, “You Yankees never do read the Bible!”

He assured her he did, but couldn’t recall anything about firemen in the Bible.

The lady indignantly pulled her Bible out from under her arm and riffled through the pages, finally jabbing her finger at one particular passage. Putting the Good Book right up in his face, she said, “See, Yankee, it says right here: ‘The three wise men came from afar!’”

The program "Why Did I Come?" will air Sunday, December 6, 2009. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

What is Truth?

2009-11-18T22:15:00.000-08:00

Pilate once asked Jesus, “What is truth?” It is a question that has been asked for thousands of years. Today we believe truth is subjective – what is truth for you may not be truth for me. Will there ever be an answer we can depend on?

Scripture: John 18:33-37
Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
“Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about me?”
“Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “It was your people and your chief priests who handed you over to me. What is it you have done?”
“Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.”
“You are a king, then!” said Pilate.
Jesus answered, “You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.”
“What is truth?” Pilate asked.

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “What Will It Take to Satisfy Me?" delivered on Christian Crusaders August 13, 2000.

The hunger and thirst of the soul can only be satisfied by Jesus. This is one of Jesus’ basic teachings. When he said, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry and he who believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:36), his meaning was very clear. Jesus alone can satisfy the deep needs of our souls. What is this bread and wine to which Jesus refers? It is his Word with the promises found therein which satisfies the soul’s needs.

On the Light Side
A fisherman was getting a terrible reputation for stretching the truth. So he decided to buy a pair of scales and thereafter insisted on weighing every fish he caught in front of a witness.

All went well until one day a doctor borrowed the scales to weigh a newborn baby. The baby weighed forty-seven pounds!

The program "What is Truth?" will air Sunday, November 22, 2009. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

Wise Living Starts With a Right Relationship With God

2009-11-11T11:08:00.000-08:00

We love our children and want them to be people of character who do what is right and just. So we impart them with wisdom and practical skills for living this life. In fact, we want this for ourselves as well! In this week’s sermon, we will look at where we can find such wisdom.

Scripture: Proverbs 1:1-7
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
for attaining wisdom and discipline;
for understanding words of insight;
for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life,
doing what is right and just and fair;
for giving prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young –
let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance –
for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “A Spiritual Checkup: How's the Diet? “ delivered on Christian Crusaders October 19, 2008.

(Jesus) told his disciples, “Seek first the kingdom of God and all these other things that you worry so much about shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). . . Some scholars believe that Jesus was referring to everything he ever said to his disciples, his whole message, about totally trusting him with their lives. Jesus said spiritual help comes to a person who not only reads and hears his commandments, but actually lives by them. . . Jesus said, “I’ve said all these things so that you can have joy!” He wants us to have joy – the sense of well-being in any and all circumstances.

Christian Crusaders' Blog
Find this e-newsletter online at http://crusaderweekly.blogspot.com/. You can read about the upcoming sermon, find past e-newsletters, and leave comments on aired or upcoming Christian Crusaders sermons.

On the Light Side

Words of Wisdom:

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and a leaky tire.

Never test the depth of the water with both feet.

If at first you don’t succeed, skydiving is not for you.

If you lend someone $20 and never see them again, it was probably worth it.

If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.

Good judgment comes from bad experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.

The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it in your pocket.

A closed mouth gathers no foot.

There are two theories to arguing with women. Neither one works.

Always remember you’re unique. Just like everyone else.

The program "Wise Living Starts With a Right Relationship with God" will air Sunday, November 15, 2009. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

Hypocrisy

2009-11-06T14:15:00.001-08:00

In the eyes of this world, some sins – such as theft and murder – are punishable by a prison sentence. However, these are not the sins that received the sternest words from Jesus. In this week’s sermon, we will discuss the seriousness of living a lifestyle that contradicts what we believe and confess.

Scripture: Mark 12:38-40
As he taught, Jesus said, “Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely.”

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “The Call to Faithfulness“ delivered on Christian Crusaders September 19, 2004.
I believe that as Christians we are reading the world wrong when we think they want us to adjust the teachings of God’s Word to be more palatable to their way of life. The unbeliever comes to the Christian for help with his or her way of life. At that point, we are tempted to condone the way they are living – a lifestyle very much contrary to God’s revealed will. Now they are hearing from me, a Christian, what they are hearing from some of their friends who are not Christians. I truly believe some of them cry out, “I need someone to tell me the truth about my lifestyle!” It is at this point that Christians have a marvelous opportunity to share what God’s Word has to say about the way this person is living and what he believes.

the Crusader Newsletter
The new issue of the Crusader, Christian Crusaders' quarterly newsletter, will soon be printed. The theme for this issue is “goodness,” a fruit of the Spirit. Contact Christian Crusaders by phone, email, or via the sign-up form on the website, to receive your copy of this special publication.

On the Light Side
A big, burly man visited the pastor's home and asked to see the minister's wife, a woman well known for her charitable impulses.

“Madam,” he said in a broken voice, “I wish to draw your attention to the terrible plight of a poor family in this district. The father is dead, the mother is too ill to work, and the nine children are starving. They are about to be turned into the cold, empty streets unless someone pays their rent, which amounts to $400.”

“How terrible!” exclaimed the preacher's wife. “May I ask who you are?”

The sympathetic visitor applied his handkerchief to his eyes. “I’m the landlord,” he sobbed.

The program "Hypocrisy" will air Sunday, November 8, 2009. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

An Ongoing Reformation

2009-10-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday we talked about the Reformation, when Martin Luther exposed heresies being taught by the church and reintroduced people to the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in Christ Jesus. Hundreds of years have since passed and biblical teachings have again been made to accommodate the culture of a particular generation. Thus we ask, is it time for an ongoing reformation in the church?

Scripture: II Timothy 4:1-5
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “The Reformation Event: How Can It Affect Our Lives Today?“ delivered on Christian Crusaders October 26, 2008.
The Gospel – that we are saved by grace – is so far above our human reasoning that we cannot comprehend it. We hear people say there is no free lunch. Many believe this is also true when it comes to their eternal salvation. So they hope they will be saved, but have no assurance. Others believe there is nothing to worry about. A gracious and loving God will save us all. The Reformation event gave us back the clear biblical teaching that we are saved by God’s grace through faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus. This is the core of the Christian faith, which is eternal. God grant that it may be proclaimed faithfully until he comes again.

The Crusader Newsletter
The new issue of the Crusader, Christian Crusaders' quarterly newsletter, will soon be printed. The theme for this issue is “goodness,” a fruit of the Spirit. Contact Christian Crusaders by phone, email, or via the sign-up form on the website, to receive your copy of this special publication.

On the Light Side
What do skeletons say before they dine?
Bone appetite!

When is it bad to meet a black cat?
When you’re a mouse.

What do you call a fat Jack-o-lantern?
A plumpkin

What do birds sing on Halloween?
Twick or Tweet.

Why are there fences around the cemeteries?
Because people are dying to get in.

The program "An Ongoing Reformation" will air Sunday, November 1, 2009. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

God's Son Has Made us Free

2009-10-22T12:33:00.000-07:00

We as a nation cherish our freedom. The Israelites likewise were tremendously proud that they were Abraham’s children. However, Jesus wants us all to know that we have a freedom more basic than this. In this week’s sermon we ask, when are we really free?

Scripture: John 8:31-36
To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”
Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if a Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “You Will Be Free“ delivered on Christian Crusaders October 31, 1999.

Jesus is not looking for short term followers. Note Jesus' word, abiding. This means we faithfully read and obey the Bible for it is our authority in matters of faith and life. These quiet moments with God’s Word are our daily visits with God through which He speaks to us. He will not only teach us the truth but will also empower us to live according to the truth, which in turn will make us free. In Christ we become new people, and a part of that newness is freedom.

Sharing the Good News
If you know anyone who might benefit from the Gospel-based messages available on Christian Crusaders, let them know about the ministry. Anyone in the country can listen anytime on ChristianCrusaders.org. Members of a church small group, a relative in a nursing home, a neighbor going through a difficult time . . . inviting any of them to listen might be a real blessing in their lives.

On the Light Side
Few people outside the military know what a Navy Quartermaster does (several duties include the watch-to-watch navigation and the maintenance of nautical charts and navigational instruments as well as duties that used to be part of the Signalman rating: visual communications).

So during my aircraft carrier’s Family Day, I demonstrated a procedure called semaphore. I grabbed my flags and signaled an imaginary boat. When finished, I pointed to a little girl in front and asked, “Now do you know what I do?”

“Yes,” she answered. “You’re a cheerleader.”

The program "God's Son Has Made us Free" will air Sunday, October 25, 2009. Visit http://www.christiancrusaders.org/ for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

Servants

2009-10-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

Most of us would enjoy having our moment of greatness when we are recognized for our accomplishments. Jesus’ disciples felt the same way. However, when several of them asked to be recognized for their service, Jesus gave them an unexpected answer. In this week’s sermon, we will discover what it takes to be great in God’s eyes.

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”

“What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

“They replied, “let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”

“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with?”

“We can,” they answered.

Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”

When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “Rahab - Make Yourself Available“ delivered on Christian Crusaders February 11, 2001.

Long ago in Jericho, God entered the life of Rahab who was going nowhere. Although she was a prostitute, God changed her heart and made her His servant. Hundreds of years later, He entered the life of a very ordinary person with only average talent and used him to tell the story of Christ and the way of salvation to thousands of people. If we make ourselves available, God will use us and life will be so exciting we will not like to leave it, even to go to heaven.

Use Facebook to Connect with Christian Crusaders
By joining the ministry’s Facebook group, you’ll receive a weekly email reminder about the upcoming sermon. You can also use the group page to connect with other Christian Crusaders listeners and post messages about other events or information they might be interested in.

On the Light Side
Nine-year-old Joey was asked by his mother what he had learned in Sunday School.

“Well, Mom, our teacher told us how God sent Moses behind enemy lines on a rescue mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. When he got to the Red Sea, he had his engineers build a pontoon bridge, and all the people walked across safely. He then used his walkie-talkie to radio headquarters and call in an air strike. They sent in bombers to blow up the bridge and all the Israelites were saved.”

“Now, Joey, is that REALLY what your teacher taught you?” his mother asked.

“Well, no, Mom, but if I told it the way the teacher did, you’d never believe it!”

The program "Servants" will air Sunday, October 18, 2009. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

The Achiever

2009-10-07T16:32:00.000-07:00

Would you be willing to give up all your possessions in order to go to heaven? When a man once asked Jesus how to inherit eternal life, Jesus told him to sell everything he had. However, he was unwilling to go that far. How many of us would also be reluctant to give away everything we own? How, then, is it possible for us to enter the kingdom of heaven?

Scripture: Mark 10:17-31
As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good – except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”

“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”

Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.

Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”

The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

Peter said to him, “We have left everything to follow you!”

“I tell you the truth,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age (homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields – and with them, persecutions) and in the age to come, eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “The Danger of Success“ delivered on Christian Crusaders August 5, 2001.

In this parable, God has not spoken against success. He just warns us of it’s dangers unless our plans fit into the plans He has for us. Success can inflate our ego to the point that we are obnoxious and no one will care to be around us. Or it can distort our sense of values so that we fail to hear Jesus saying, “Your salvation rests in knowing me personally as your Savior and Lord.”

A Quick Way to Start Your Day on an Uplifting Note
ChristianCrusaders.org features a daily devotion, front and center on the site’s home page, where you can immediately find food for spiritual thought anytime you need it. Then visit the Faith Links page for further Bible helps!

On the Light Side
Roger had recently begun waiting tables in a busy restaurant. One Friday night the owner suddenly emerged from the kitchen and handed Roger some money. “We're in trouble!” He said. “We’re out of quarters, and customers are waiting. Go next door and get me $40 worth.”

Roger ran to the supermarket next door, but the cashier said she wasn’t allowed to give out that many quarters. Determined, he sprinted to a convenience store two blocks away, but it was closed. At a gas station farther down the road, the clerk took pity and gave him the four rolls of quarters.

Twenty minutes after he’d left, Roger handed the coin rolls to his boss. “Where are the quarters?” he asked.

“Right here,” Roger said breathlessly.

His face sank. “I meant chicken hindquarters.”

The program "The Achiever" will air Sunday, October 11, 2009. Visit http://www.christiancrusaders.org/ for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

Who Are Our Leaders?

2009-09-25T13:34:00.000-07:00

If you were starting your life’s work over, are there certain things you would do differently? In this week’s sermon, Rev. Larsen will use Jesus’ example to tell what he would change in his parish ministry in order to build better church leaders.

Scripture: Mark 9:30-37
They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it.

They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon, “Meditation,” delivered on Christian Crusaders July 14, 2002.
“. . . turn to the Scriptures. There you will learn that your Heavenly Father is the Creator. . . Realize that only after you get to heaven will the answers come, and the only way you can get to heaven is through trusting in God’s Son Jesus Christ. . . God has a word for us. He says to take some time every day to be alone with him and meditate on his Word. Then you will be adequately prepared to face life in a broken world.”

From a Recent Sermon:
In his August 30 sermon, Rev. Larsen referred to the book An Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner’s Semester at America’s Holiest University by Kevin Roose. The book describes an experiment Roose undertakes, transitioning from the progressive Brown University to a large fundamentalist school – Liberty University – built by Jerry Falwell. “Here, right in my own time zone, was a culture more foreign to me than any European capital,” Roose writes. Struggling to control his penchant for cursing, he makes friends and is surprised to find guidance in an unlikely – and foreign – source as his time spent among evangelicals changes his way of looking at the world.

On the Light Side
Bob couldn’t believe it – he’d made it to the last round of his favorite game show.

“Congratulations, Bob,” said the emcee. “Answer correctly and you go home with five million dollars!

“This is a two-part question on American history,” he continued. “The second half of the question is always easier. Which part would you like first?”

Bob figured he’d play it safe. “I think I’ll try the second part of the question first.”

The emcee nodded approvingly, while the audience was silent with anticipation.

“Okay, Bob, here is your question: And in what year did it happen?”

The program "Who Are Our Leaders?" will air Sunday, September 27, 2009. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

The Word Makes a Difference

2009-09-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

Every day we have to make many decisions. Often times we wish we could erase the bad ones and make decisions that are more prudent and god-pleasing. In this week’s sermon, Rev. Kramer will share the thoughts of a Psalmist and where he found insight.

Scripture: Psalm 119:97-104
Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all day long.

Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is always with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your decrees are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts.

I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word.

I do not turn away from your ordinances, for you have taught me.

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.

Renewing Reflections
We hope Renewing Reflections will strengthen you in the week ahead. These quotes are taken from the sermon “Why Not Turn on the Light?“ delivered on Christian Crusaders September 15, 2002.

"God’s Word is our revelation. He has given it to us so that we do not walk in darkness. Colin Smith has said it well, “The Bible is a revelation and not an explanation. It does not answer all of our questions. In fact, at times it can make us quite confused and frustrated. But God’s Word one day will be made clear for us, and our eyes will no longer be blinded.”

On ChristianCrusaders.org
If you missed a sermon, visit Christian Crusaders’ Web site where you can read or listen to hundreds of archived sermons organized by date and topic. You can also find a daily devotion, links to Bible study tools, and a detailed description of Christian Crusaders' many new online services and how you can use them.

On the Light Side
Joe decides to go ice fishing one day, so he gets up at 2 a.m. to have an early start. When he arrives, Joe gets out his saw and begins carving away at the ice when all of a sudden he hears an echoing voice, “There are no fish under the ice there.”

Well, Joe panics, but as he looks around he sees no one. So he waits a few minutes, then decides to keep carving. Soon the voice comes back, “There are no fish under the ice there!”

“Wow!” thinks Joe to himself, “God is giving me guidance.”

So he once again starts to carve away, only this time at another part of the ice. Then he hears the bellowing voice once more: “Sir, this is the rink manager, and there are no fish under the ice anywhere.”

The program "The Word Makes a Difference" will air Sunday, September 20, 2009. Visit http://www.christiancrusaders.org/ for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

Are You Confused?

2009-09-10T17:14:00.000-07:00

People seem to be very confused about life nowadays. This statement is also true about Christendom. Missionaries question their purpose; church members wonder what happened to their worship style. Will we ever find complete agreement in the Church? Jesus will help us learn the answer in this week’s sermon.

Scripture: Mark 8:27-38
Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”

Peter answered, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.”

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered, “You are the Christ.”

Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him.

He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.

But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels."

Renewing Reflections
We hope Renewing Reflections will strengthen you in the week ahead. These quotes are taken from the sermon “Introduce Your Child to Jesus“ delivered on Christian Crusaders May 14, 2006.

“. . . let your children hear the basic teachings of the Christian faith from your lips. Field the questions regarding their relationship with Jesus Christ as they surface. Give them biblical answers. Who knows, these children you love may walk away from the faith, and this will be heartbreaking for you. Just remember God’s promise: “My Word will not return void.” It is not that you have failed if you have witnessed in your home by word and action that Jesus is your Lord. Where there is great concern is when our children venture out into a world filled with temptation and have not been taught what the Word of God has to say."

The Crusader Quarterly Newsletter
The latest issue of Christian Crusaders' quarterly newsletter is out now. The theme of this issue is perfection. To receive a copy of the Crusader newsletter, with a special article by Rev. Larsen, as well as news about the ministry, call our office.

On the Light Side
CHURCH SIGNS:

· Free Trip to heaven. Details Inside!

· Try our Sundays. They are better than Baskin-Robbins.

· Searching for a new look? Have your faith lifted here!

· An ad for a Church has a picture of two hands holding stone tablets on which the Ten Commandments are inscribed and a headline that reads, "For fast, fast, fast relief, take two tablets.

· When the restaurant next to the Church put out a big sign that said, "Open Sundays," the church reciprocated with its own message: "We are open on Sundays, too."

· Have trouble sleeping? We have sermons -- come hear one!

· Come in and pray today. Beat the Christmas rush!

· Sign broken. Message inside this Sunday.

· Come work for the Lord. The work is hard, the hours are long and the pay is low. But the retirement benefits are out of this world.

· If you're headed in the wrong direction, God allows U-turns.

The program "Are You Confused?" will air Sunday, September 13, 2009. Visit http://www.christiancrusaders.org/ for radio stations and times, or to listen online.

The Praying Mother

2009-09-04T12:30:00.000-07:00

Do you pray daily for your children? Throughout history the kingdom of God has been strengthened by millions of praying mothers. In this week’s sermon we will talk about a woman who prayed for her daughter to be healed, and Jesus’ answer to that prayer.

Sermon
The Praying Mother

Scripture: Mark 7:24-30
Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an evil spirit came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phonicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter.
“First let the children eat all they want,” he told her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to their dogs.”
“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “but even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.”
“Then he told her, “For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.”
She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.

Hymns
“We Praise You”
“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”

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 “Introduce Your Child to Jesus“ delivered on Christian Crusaders May 14, 2006.
“. . . let your children hear the basic teachings of the Christian faith from your lips. Field the questions regarding their relationship with Jesus Christ as they surface. Give them biblical answers. Who knows, these children you love may walk away from the faith, and this will be heart-breaking for you. Just remember God’s promise: “My Word will not return void.” It is not that you have failed if you have witnessed in your home by word and action that Jesus is your Lord. Where there is great concern is when our children venture out into a world filled with temptation and have not been taught what the Word of God has to say."

New Crusader Now Available
The latest issue of Christian Crusaders' quarterly newsletter is out now. The theme for this issue is perfection. To receive a copy of The Crusader newsletter, with a special article by Rev. Larsen, as well as news about the ministry, visit our website.

On the Light Side
A six-year-old boy called his mother from his friend Charlie’s house and confessed he had broken a lamp when he threw a football in their living room.
“But, Mom,” he said, brightening, “you don’t have to worry about buying another one. Charlie’s mother said it was irreplaceable.”

This program, "The Praying Mother," will air Sunday, September 6, 2009. Please visit www.ChristianCrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.