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.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
Don't Stop at the Crib
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.
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.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
I Came to Give You an Abundant Life
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.
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.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Why Did I Come?
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.
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.
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