We are taught to work hard all our lives to provide a good life for our family. Is this where we find our security? While Jesus does not speak against being a responsible citizen, he does warn us against covetousness and greed. In this week’s sermon we will talk about a security that continues even after our last breath has been drawn.
Scripture: Luke 12:13-21
Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”
Jesus replied, “Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?” Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed: a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
And he told them this parable: “The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. He thought to himself, ‘What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.’
“Then he said, ‘This is what I’ll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I’ll say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.”’
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’
This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.”
Hymns
“He’s Got the Whole World”
“I’d Rather Have Jesus”
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 Can Money Give You? delivered on Christian Crusaders February 20, 2005 by Rev. Larsen:
Money is God’s gift, and it brings us many blessings. However, it can also become a curse. Money can easily become our god. It supposedly gives us a feeling of security, which is not a lasting security. Only a personal relationship with God, made possible through Jesus Christ our Lord, his suffering, death, and resurrection, can restore us into fellowship with our Heavenly Father. He will guide us in the use of our money so that it may be a blessing and not a curse.
Basic Biblical Truths
Scripture tells us how Jesus’ message of salvation, first told to the twelve disciples, was spread to thousands hungering to hear the Good News of the living Christ. Rev. Larsen encourages us to follow this biblical example to carry the same message to those who need to hear His life-changing story. If you would like to learn more, order “How Does Christ Build His Church,” volume five in Rev. Larsen’s DVD video sermon collection Basic Biblical Truths. This DVD is available by calling our office at 1-888-693-2484, or by visiting our Web site at www.christiancrusaders.org.
On the Light Side
A tea manufacturer wanted a new advertising gimmick, so the senior creative man at the advertising agency decided to see if he could persuade a popular evangelist to make a TV commercial. We’ll give you one hundred thousand pounds for a ten second commercial, the ad man told the evangelist. All you have to say is, “Give us this day our daily tea.”
I’m sorry,” replied the evangelist, “but I can’t do that.”
“Five hundred thousand,” offered the ad man.
“I’m afraid not,” said the evangelist solemnly.
“All right. One million pounds. And that’s our very last offer.” But still the evangelist refused.
On his way back, the disappointed ad man turned to his secretary and said: “It’s odd that the evangelist refused to do a commercial for tea. I wonder how much the bread people are giving him.”
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Hearing the Word
Do you set aside time each day to speak to God and let him speak to you in his Word? In this week’s sermon we will talk about two women whom Jesus visited, their differing reactions to his visit, and how we can apply this story to our lives.
Scripture: Luke 10:38-41
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered. “You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Hymns
“His Eye Is on the Sparrow”
“Jesus, Priceless Treasure”
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 Speak, Lord. Your Servant Is Listening delivered on Christian Crusaders January 14, 2001 by Rev. Larsen:
It is my prayer that, in people’s personal lives, Christ may be heard. If the person lives outside of a relationship with God and is not saved, he may hear the voice of the Savior calling him. May those who are contemplating marriage hear the voice of the Lord telling them not to be yoked to unbelievers. May those young people wondering what to do with their lives hear God’s voice counseling them to serve Him in whatever they decide to do. And for those of us who are the retirees, let us remember that God speaks to us also. These are years when great things can be done for Him, or they can be wasted in self-centered living. God has more in mind for us than golf and bridge.
Basic Biblical Truths
Scripture tells us how Jesus’ message of salvation, first told to the twelve disciples, was spread to thousands hungering to hear the Good News of the living Christ. Rev. Larsen encourages us to follow this biblical example to carry the same message to those who need to hear His life-changing story. If you would like to learn more, order “How Does Christ Build His Church,” volume five in Rev. Larsen’s DVD video sermon collection Basic Biblical Truths. This DVD is available by calling our office at 1-888-693-2484, or by visiting our Web site at www.christiancrusaders.org.
On the Light Side
During a sermon one Sunday, two teenage girls were heard in the back giggling and disturbing people. The pastor interrupted his sermon and announced sternly, “There are two of you here who have not heard a word I’ve said!” That quieted them down.
When the service was over, the pastor went to greet people at the front door. Three adults apologized for going to sleep in church, promising it would never happen again.
Scripture: Luke 10:38-41
As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered. “You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Hymns
“His Eye Is on the Sparrow”
“Jesus, Priceless Treasure”
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 Speak, Lord. Your Servant Is Listening delivered on Christian Crusaders January 14, 2001 by Rev. Larsen:
It is my prayer that, in people’s personal lives, Christ may be heard. If the person lives outside of a relationship with God and is not saved, he may hear the voice of the Savior calling him. May those who are contemplating marriage hear the voice of the Lord telling them not to be yoked to unbelievers. May those young people wondering what to do with their lives hear God’s voice counseling them to serve Him in whatever they decide to do. And for those of us who are the retirees, let us remember that God speaks to us also. These are years when great things can be done for Him, or they can be wasted in self-centered living. God has more in mind for us than golf and bridge.
Basic Biblical Truths
Scripture tells us how Jesus’ message of salvation, first told to the twelve disciples, was spread to thousands hungering to hear the Good News of the living Christ. Rev. Larsen encourages us to follow this biblical example to carry the same message to those who need to hear His life-changing story. If you would like to learn more, order “How Does Christ Build His Church,” volume five in Rev. Larsen’s DVD video sermon collection Basic Biblical Truths. This DVD is available by calling our office at 1-888-693-2484, or by visiting our Web site at www.christiancrusaders.org.
On the Light Side
During a sermon one Sunday, two teenage girls were heard in the back giggling and disturbing people. The pastor interrupted his sermon and announced sternly, “There are two of you here who have not heard a word I’ve said!” That quieted them down.
When the service was over, the pastor went to greet people at the front door. Three adults apologized for going to sleep in church, promising it would never happen again.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
God Is . . . Life
Life is made up of good choices and not-so-good choices. Some lead to life, while others lead to dead ends. In this week’s sermon, we’re going to look at a Psalm our Heavenly Father composed to help us make good, life-giving choices. Find out what wisdom God’s Word offers us.
Scripture: Psalm 1
Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
Hymns
“Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
“He Leadeth Me”
“Be Thou My Vision”
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 Wise Living Starts With a Right Relationship With God delivered on Christian Crusaders November 15, 2009 by Rev. Kramer:
It’s in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that God’s wisdom is made available. Christ has made a saving relationship with God available through his death on the cross. There he paid the penalty for our sins and opened the way for a relationship with God as we entrust our lives to Jesus Christ. When a person enters into that relationship with Christ, Paul tells us, the treasures of wisdom and knowledge become available to us.
Basic Biblical Truths
What part do emotions play in your relationship with Jesus Christ? Rev. Dr. Homer Larsen asserts that, while emotions may indeed be a part of our faith, basing our faith on emotions can be dangerous. Instead, faith must be built on Jesus Christ. If you would like to learn more, order “Emotions and Our Christian Faith,” volume four in Rev. Larsen’s DVD video sermon collection Basic Biblical Truths. This DVD is available for a suggested donation of ten dollars by calling our office at 1-888-693-2484, or by visiting our Web site at www.christiancrusaders.org.
On the Light Side
A married couple was celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. At the party everybody wanted to know how they managed to stay married so long in this day and age. The husband responded, “When we were first married we came to an agreement. I would make all the major decisions and my wife would make all the minor decisions. And in 60 years of marriage we have never needed to make a major decision.”
Scripture: Psalm 1
Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.
Not so the wicked!
They are like chaff
that the wind blows away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
Hymns
“Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise”
“He Leadeth Me”
“Be Thou My Vision”
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 Wise Living Starts With a Right Relationship With God delivered on Christian Crusaders November 15, 2009 by Rev. Kramer:
It’s in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that God’s wisdom is made available. Christ has made a saving relationship with God available through his death on the cross. There he paid the penalty for our sins and opened the way for a relationship with God as we entrust our lives to Jesus Christ. When a person enters into that relationship with Christ, Paul tells us, the treasures of wisdom and knowledge become available to us.
Basic Biblical Truths
What part do emotions play in your relationship with Jesus Christ? Rev. Dr. Homer Larsen asserts that, while emotions may indeed be a part of our faith, basing our faith on emotions can be dangerous. Instead, faith must be built on Jesus Christ. If you would like to learn more, order “Emotions and Our Christian Faith,” volume four in Rev. Larsen’s DVD video sermon collection Basic Biblical Truths. This DVD is available for a suggested donation of ten dollars by calling our office at 1-888-693-2484, or by visiting our Web site at www.christiancrusaders.org.
On the Light Side
A married couple was celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary. At the party everybody wanted to know how they managed to stay married so long in this day and age. The husband responded, “When we were first married we came to an agreement. I would make all the major decisions and my wife would make all the minor decisions. And in 60 years of marriage we have never needed to make a major decision.”
Thursday, July 8, 2010
A People Person
Many people are concerned about life after death and wonder what they must do to be saved. This was a common concern in Jesus' day as well, and we will learn Jesus' answer to it in this week's sermon
Scripture: Luke 10:25-37
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"
"He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."
But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
In reply Jesus said, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A preist happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"
The expert in the law replied, "the one who had mercy on him."
Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."
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 Sacrifice, delivered on Christian Crusaders February 22, 2009 by Rev. Larsen:
Through Christ's suffering and death at the cross, he made full atonement for the sins of the world. This is the Gospel. Those who receive him have passed from death into life. Their sins are forgiven. Christ becomes our mediator, the one making intercession for our sins. He did this by giving his life as a ransom for many. We should never forget that Christ's atoning death is the only way to the Father. His sacrifice is sufficient.
Basic Biblical Truths
The sermon title of volume three in Rev. Larsen's DVD sermon series, Basic Biblical Truths, is "Fear Not . . . I am With You." In it 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 will know the One to whom we turn. Call 1-888-693-2484 to order this DVD for a suggested donation of ten dollars, or order online at http://www.christiancrusaders.org/.
On the Light Side
If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale, and gave all my money to the church, would that get me into heaven?" I asked the children in my Sunday school class.
"NO!" the children all answered.
"If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard, and kept everything neat and tidy, would that get me into heaven?"
Once more they all answered, "NO!"
"Well, then, if I was kind to animals and gave candy to all the children and loved my wife, would that get me into heaven?" I asked them again.
Once more they all answered, "NO!"
"Well," I continued, thinking they were a good bit more theologically sophisticated than I had given them credit for, "Then how can I get into heaven?"
A five-year-old boy shouted, "'YOU GOTTA BE DEAD!"
Scripture: Luke 10:25-37
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"
"He answered: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."
But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
In reply Jesus said, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A preist happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"
The expert in the law replied, "the one who had mercy on him."
Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."
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 Sacrifice, delivered on Christian Crusaders February 22, 2009 by Rev. Larsen:
Through Christ's suffering and death at the cross, he made full atonement for the sins of the world. This is the Gospel. Those who receive him have passed from death into life. Their sins are forgiven. Christ becomes our mediator, the one making intercession for our sins. He did this by giving his life as a ransom for many. We should never forget that Christ's atoning death is the only way to the Father. His sacrifice is sufficient.
Basic Biblical Truths
The sermon title of volume three in Rev. Larsen's DVD sermon series, Basic Biblical Truths, is "Fear Not . . . I am With You." In it 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 will know the One to whom we turn. Call 1-888-693-2484 to order this DVD for a suggested donation of ten dollars, or order online at http://www.christiancrusaders.org/.
On the Light Side
If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale, and gave all my money to the church, would that get me into heaven?" I asked the children in my Sunday school class.
"NO!" the children all answered.
"If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard, and kept everything neat and tidy, would that get me into heaven?"
Once more they all answered, "NO!"
"Well, then, if I was kind to animals and gave candy to all the children and loved my wife, would that get me into heaven?" I asked them again.
Once more they all answered, "NO!"
"Well," I continued, thinking they were a good bit more theologically sophisticated than I had given them credit for, "Then how can I get into heaven?"
A five-year-old boy shouted, "'YOU GOTTA BE DEAD!"
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