We face many perplexing problems in our world today, and in response we often just set them aside assuming someone with greater knowledge will have the answers. Well, the Bible can present the same dilemma. However, in this week’s sermon we will attempt to answer one of those puzzles: What will our bodies be like in heaven?
Sermon
“The Resurrected Body”
Scripture: I Corinthians 15:42-44
So it will be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.
Hymns
“Dearest Jesus, Draw Thou Near Me”
“Borning Cry”
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will bless your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “Our Heavenly Home,” delivered on Christian Crusaders November 5, 2000.
The Bible tells us that only in the heavenly home will we come to know the meaning of perfection. “Those who live in the heavenly home will hunger no more, and thirst no more; the sun will not strike them, nor any scorching heat; for the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of the water of life, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” (16-17). Our neighbors, whose beautiful little girl is suffering from a brain tumor, will not have to wonder why she should be afflicted in this way for there will be no disease and imperfections that we live with while here on earth. We will not see bodies dying of malnutrition, and no more tears will be shed. How freely they have flowed here on earth when the bad news was given to us telling how a loved one has met with disaster or pain. Is it no wonder that St. Paul, knowing the heavenly home awaited him, said, “For me to live is Christ, but to die is gain.”
Mother’s Day Gift Idea
Are you looking for a meaningful Mother's Day gift? Perhaps the special mother in your life might like a limited-edition set of audio CDs from Christian Crusaders. This unique five-disc set of sermons, appropriately centered on motherhood, comes wrapped in a pretty ribbon and gift tag. This gift set is available for a suggested donation of $10. Please call us at 1-888-693-2484 or visit our Web site to order.
Christian Crusaders Outreach Posters
Would you help us spread the Word? New Christian Crusaders posters are ready for distribution to care centers and senior living communities. If you or someone you know lives in such a facility and you’d be willing to take a poster to be displayed, simply call us toll-free at 1-888-693-2484. We will be happy to mail a poster to you or to the senior center of your choice. Thank you for your help!
On the Light Side
Mr. & Mrs. Johnson, having been married almost 60 years, spent most of their years together in good health mainly due to her interest in health food and exercise. However, one fateful day, they both died in a car crash.
When they reached the pearly gates, St. Peter took them to their mansion, which was decked out with a beautiful kitchen, master bath suite, and jacuzzi. As they oohed and aahed, Mr. Johnson asked Peter how much all this was going to cost.
“It’s free,” Peter replied. “This is heaven.”
Next they went out back to survey the championship golf course the home backed up to. They would have golfing privileges everyday, and each week the course changed to a new one representing the great golf courses on earth. Mr. Johnson asked, “What are the green fees?”
Peter’s reply, “This is heaven, you play for free.”
Next they went to the club house and saw the lavish buffet lunch with the cuisines of the world laid out. “How much to eat?” asked Mr. Johnson.
“Don’t you understand yet? This is heaven, it is free!” Peter replied with some exasperation.
“Well, where are the low fat and low cholesterol tables?” Mr. Johnson asked timidly.
Peter lectured, “That’s the best part! You can eat as much as you like of whatever you like; you never get fat, and you never get sick. This is heaven.”
With that Mr. Johnson went into a fit of anger, throwing down his hat, stomping on it, and shrieking wildly. Peter and Mrs. Johnson both tried to calm him down, asking him what was wrong. Mr. Johnson looked at his wife and said, “This is all your fault! If it weren’t for your bran muffins, I could have been here ten years ago!”
Friday, April 24, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Christian Crusaders Weekly E-Preview
April 19, 2009
Did you ever wonder what life would be like if you had been born in a different place? “What if I had been born in the slums? Or in a rich family?” In this week’s sermon, Paul asks a what-if question and takes it a bit further as he addresses some concerns surrounding Jesus’ resurrection.
Sermon
“What if Christ Had Not Been Raised?”
Scripture: I Corinthians 15:12-34
But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he “has put everything under his feet.” Now when it says that "everything" has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.
Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? I die every day – I mean that, brothers – just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord. If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for merely human reasons, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised,
“Let us eat and drink,
for tomorrow we die.”
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God – I say this to your shame.
Hymns
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus”
“Children of the Heavenly Father”
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will bless your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “But Christ Has Been Raised,” delivered on Christian Crusaders April 16, 2006.
We have a story to tell. Your loved ones who died trusting Christ are at home with the Lord. They have been moved from poverty-stricken lives to be possessors of a wealth that cannot be measured. We too can know that as the years fly by, we have an eternity before us that knows no end. . . . 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.” This is the message of Easter.
New Feature on ChristianCrusaders.org
Coming soon to Christian Crusaders' website – a new slideshow! Learn more about the current endeavors of our ministry through little-known facts and never-before-seen photos in this new feature.
On the Light Side
Never Fade Away
Old accountants never die, they just lose their balance.
Old musicians never die, they just get played out.
Old lawyers never die, they just lose their appeal.
Old daredevils never die, they just get discouraged.
Walt Disney didn’t die. He’s in suspended animation.
Did you ever wonder what life would be like if you had been born in a different place? “What if I had been born in the slums? Or in a rich family?” In this week’s sermon, Paul asks a what-if question and takes it a bit further as he addresses some concerns surrounding Jesus’ resurrection.
Sermon
“What if Christ Had Not Been Raised?”
Scripture: I Corinthians 15:12-34
But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.
But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For he “has put everything under his feet.” Now when it says that "everything" has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ. When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, so that God may be all in all.
Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them? And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour? I die every day – I mean that, brothers – just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord. If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus for merely human reasons, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised,
“Let us eat and drink,
for tomorrow we die.”
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God – I say this to your shame.
Hymns
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus”
“Children of the Heavenly Father”
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will bless your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “But Christ Has Been Raised,” delivered on Christian Crusaders April 16, 2006.
We have a story to tell. Your loved ones who died trusting Christ are at home with the Lord. They have been moved from poverty-stricken lives to be possessors of a wealth that cannot be measured. We too can know that as the years fly by, we have an eternity before us that knows no end. . . . 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.” This is the message of Easter.
New Feature on ChristianCrusaders.org
Coming soon to Christian Crusaders' website – a new slideshow! Learn more about the current endeavors of our ministry through little-known facts and never-before-seen photos in this new feature.
On the Light Side
Never Fade Away
Old accountants never die, they just lose their balance.
Old musicians never die, they just get played out.
Old lawyers never die, they just lose their appeal.
Old daredevils never die, they just get discouraged.
Walt Disney didn’t die. He’s in suspended animation.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Christian Crusaders Weekly E-Preview – April 12, 2009
On Easter Sunday we once again have the opportunity to celebrate the greatest message ever heard by humans. It comes from God and reveals his love to all people. This week we will hear this story from a person who is no longer with us, but has nevertheless left his inspired commentary on Jesus’ resurrection. Please join us.
Sermon
“He Has Risen! He Is Not Here”
Scripture
Mark 16:1-8
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they have laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”
Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
I Corinthians 15:1-4
Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, . . .
Hymns
“Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”
“I Know that My Redeemer Lives”
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will influence your life in a positive way this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “Because of Easter,” delivered on Christian Crusaders April 15, 2001.
Because He lives, we have assurance for eternity. Listen to these promises, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25). “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Corinthians 15:56-57). These promises are ours because of Christ’s resurrection. The future is uncertain, but eternity is sure.
Easter Blessings
All of us at Christian Crusaders extend to you and your family a special Easter greeting during this glorious holiday season. May God’s hand of blessing be upon you now and throughout the year. Christ is risen; He is risen indeed. Halleluiah!
Sermon Series Recorded on Video
Christian Crusaders sermons are now on DVD! Beginning with this Sunday’s Easter message, a series of Christian Crusaders sermons – the Resurrection Series – will be made available on DVD. This four-sermon series is based on I Corinthians 15. In it Rev. Larsen will explore Paul’s commentary on the Resurrection, the most fundamental tenet of our Christian faith. Call to reserve a copy of this week’s sermon. You can also order the sermon DVDs on our Web site.
On the Light Side
A Sunday school teacher was attempting to teach her young students the true meaning of Easter. “Why do we celebrate Easter?” she asked.
When the children replied because of the Easter bunny, Easter eggs, candy, spring, etc., she said, “No, those are Easter traditions and symbols, but what is the REASON why we celebrate Easter? What happened at the very first Easter?”
A little girl raised her hand and said, “Easter celebrates Jesus coming out of the tomb.”
“Yes!” said the teacher excited and relieved that finally the correct answer had surfaced. Encouraged, she prompted, “Jesus arose from the tomb, and what does He do for us?”
The youngster replied, “He looks to see if he can see his shadow; and if he can, he goes back in for another six weeks.”
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 (cassette tape and CD) and printed forms at www.ChristianCrusaders.org.
On The Radio
Christian Crusaders is also heard each Sunday on these radio stations:
Iowa
Des Moines – 6:06 a.m.
WHO / AM 1040
Decorah – 7:00 a.m.
KWLC / AM 1240
Davenport – 8:00 a.m.
WOC / AM 1420
Fort Dodge – 8:30 a.m.
KWMT / AM 540
Waterloo – 9:06 a.m.
KWLO / AM 1330
Waterloo – 10:30 a.m.
KXEL / AM 1540
Waterloo – 3:00 p.m.
KNWS / AM 1090
Cedar Rapids – 9:00 p.m.
WMT / AM 600
Arizona
Phoenix – 8:30 a.m.
KXEG / AM 1280
Florida
St. Petersburg – 4:00 p.m.
WTIS / AM 1110
Maine
Portland – 5:30 a.m.
WGAN / AM 560
Portland – 7:30 a.m.
WZAN/ AM 970
Minnesota
Minneapolis – 7:30 a.m.
KKMS / AM 980
Stillwater – 8:00 a.m.
KLBB / AM 1220
Nebraska
Blair – 3:00 p.m.
KDCV / FM 91.1
South Dakota
Yankton – 10:30 a.m.
WNAX / AM 570
Texas
Edinburg – 8:00 a.m.
KURV / AM 710
Wisconsin
Milwaukee – 6:30 a.m.
WOKY / AM 920
North America / Europe
12:30 p.m. Eastern Time
16:30 UTC/GMT
13:760 MHz Shortwave
Thank you for visiting http://www.christiancrusaders.org/.
In Christ’s Name,
Crystal Gooding Smith
Administrative Assistant
Anne Wilmoth
Marketing Specialist
1-888-693-2484
cc@naz.org
P.S. If you’d like to be removed from our e-mail list, just reply to this e-mail with “Remove from mailing list” in the subject header. E-mail addresses are used for the sole purpose of Christian Crusaders and our internal marketing. We do not share this information with any outside parties.
Sermon
“He Has Risen! He Is Not Here”
Scripture
Mark 16:1-8
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they have laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’”
Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
I Corinthians 15:1-4
Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, . . .
Hymns
“Christ the Lord Is Risen Today”
“I Know that My Redeemer Lives”
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will influence your life in a positive way this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “Because of Easter,” delivered on Christian Crusaders April 15, 2001.
Because He lives, we have assurance for eternity. Listen to these promises, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die” (John 11:25). “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Corinthians 15:56-57). These promises are ours because of Christ’s resurrection. The future is uncertain, but eternity is sure.
Easter Blessings
All of us at Christian Crusaders extend to you and your family a special Easter greeting during this glorious holiday season. May God’s hand of blessing be upon you now and throughout the year. Christ is risen; He is risen indeed. Halleluiah!
Sermon Series Recorded on Video
Christian Crusaders sermons are now on DVD! Beginning with this Sunday’s Easter message, a series of Christian Crusaders sermons – the Resurrection Series – will be made available on DVD. This four-sermon series is based on I Corinthians 15. In it Rev. Larsen will explore Paul’s commentary on the Resurrection, the most fundamental tenet of our Christian faith. Call to reserve a copy of this week’s sermon. You can also order the sermon DVDs on our Web site.
On the Light Side
A Sunday school teacher was attempting to teach her young students the true meaning of Easter. “Why do we celebrate Easter?” she asked.
When the children replied because of the Easter bunny, Easter eggs, candy, spring, etc., she said, “No, those are Easter traditions and symbols, but what is the REASON why we celebrate Easter? What happened at the very first Easter?”
A little girl raised her hand and said, “Easter celebrates Jesus coming out of the tomb.”
“Yes!” said the teacher excited and relieved that finally the correct answer had surfaced. Encouraged, she prompted, “Jesus arose from the tomb, and what does He do for us?”
The youngster replied, “He looks to see if he can see his shadow; and if he can, he goes back in for another six weeks.”
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 (cassette tape and CD) and printed forms at www.ChristianCrusaders.org.
On The Radio
Christian Crusaders is also heard each Sunday on these radio stations:
Iowa
Des Moines – 6:06 a.m.
WHO / AM 1040
Decorah – 7:00 a.m.
KWLC / AM 1240
Davenport – 8:00 a.m.
WOC / AM 1420
Fort Dodge – 8:30 a.m.
KWMT / AM 540
Waterloo – 9:06 a.m.
KWLO / AM 1330
Waterloo – 10:30 a.m.
KXEL / AM 1540
Waterloo – 3:00 p.m.
KNWS / AM 1090
Cedar Rapids – 9:00 p.m.
WMT / AM 600
Arizona
Phoenix – 8:30 a.m.
KXEG / AM 1280
Florida
St. Petersburg – 4:00 p.m.
WTIS / AM 1110
Maine
Portland – 5:30 a.m.
WGAN / AM 560
Portland – 7:30 a.m.
WZAN/ AM 970
Minnesota
Minneapolis – 7:30 a.m.
KKMS / AM 980
Stillwater – 8:00 a.m.
KLBB / AM 1220
Nebraska
Blair – 3:00 p.m.
KDCV / FM 91.1
South Dakota
Yankton – 10:30 a.m.
WNAX / AM 570
Texas
Edinburg – 8:00 a.m.
KURV / AM 710
Wisconsin
Milwaukee – 6:30 a.m.
WOKY / AM 920
North America / Europe
12:30 p.m. Eastern Time
16:30 UTC/GMT
13:760 MHz Shortwave
Thank you for visiting http://www.christiancrusaders.org/.
In Christ’s Name,
Crystal Gooding Smith
Administrative Assistant
Anne Wilmoth
Marketing Specialist
1-888-693-2484
cc@naz.org
P.S. If you’d like to be removed from our e-mail list, just reply to this e-mail with “Remove from mailing list” in the subject header. E-mail addresses are used for the sole purpose of Christian Crusaders and our internal marketing. We do not share this information with any outside parties.
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