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.”
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
How Great Is Your Commitment?
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!
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!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
On the Way to Calvary
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The Day You Were Baptized
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.
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.
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