April 26, 2009

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!”