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.”
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Handling Temptation
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.”
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.”
Thursday, February 11, 2010
The Need for Affirmation
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.”
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.”
Friday, February 5, 2010
Stand!
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”
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”
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