A Refreshing Offer

Something many of us desperately need is rest and refreshment from the fears, doubts, and issues plaguing our lives. In this week’s sermon, Rev. Kramer uses the Apostle Peter’s words to tell us what we need to do to receive this wonderful gift.

Scripture: Acts 3:11-20
While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.

“Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you – even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.”

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 “Lord of the Second Chance” delivered on Christian Crusaders July 29, 2007, by Rev. Kramer:

All of us have run a long way in the wrong direction at times. Because of the forgiveness offered in Jesus Christ, however, remember – the game is only half over. . . According to this story, a new start is available. We have a second chance. Jesus does not write me off. Yes, dear friends, we still have our moments when we blow it as followers of Jesus Christ. But here is the good news: Jesus Christ, our risen Savior, is the Lord of the second chance.

Messages on DVD
Appropriate for Memorial Day, as we remember those who have passed, is volume three in Rev. Larsen’s DVD sermon series, Basic Biblical Truths. In this sermon, “Fear Not . . . I Am With You,” Rev. Larsen discusses Isaiah 43:1: “Fear not, I have redeemed you, I have called you by name.” What a comfort to know God is with us in times of fear, just as he was with those who walked with him in biblical times. In this video, we hear how having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ makes all the difference, for in times of trouble, we’ll know the One to whom we turn. Call 1-888-693-2484 1-888-693-2484 to order this DVD for a suggested donation of ten dollars, or order online at www.christiancrusaders.org.

On the Light Side
I am not hard of hearing but, sometimes . . . Well, sometimes the words I hear just don’t seem to register quite right.

A group of us were enjoying coffee together, and one of the ladies was excitedly sharing the fact she was getting a new microwave oven. But she didn’t say she was going to buy or purchase one – she used the word acquire. She was going to acquire a microwave oven.

The conversation wasn’t making a lick of sense to me and I blurted out, “What in the world are you talking about?!”

Startled and puzzled, she wondered what the problem was. I explained, “I’ve got this vision of a choir loft full of microwave ovens with the doors opening and closing, the lights going on and off, and the buzzers buzzing.”

We Want to Hear From You!
When was the last time you turned to God with an issue that was plaguing you? Share your story by posting in the "comments" section of this blog.

The program "A Refreshing Offer" will air Sunday, April 25, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.