Life can sometimes take us on some painful twists and turns. Often those who are closest to us can give us the greatest pain. So where do we turn during those times? This week we will study a song from the Bible written by a brokenhearted father. Learn his story and where he turned for help in the midst of his troubles.
Scripture: Psalm 3
O Lord, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; many are saying to me, “There is no help for you in God.”
But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head. I cry aloud to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy hill.
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the Lord sustains me. I am not afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.
Rise up, O Lord! Deliver me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked. Deliverance belongs to the Lord; may your blessing be on your people!
Hymns
“This Is My Father’s World”
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
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 Lord, I'm Struggling With the Blues delivered on Christian Crusaders December 14, 2008 by Rev. Kramer:
God does his best work in the darkness of caves. Much of (Elijah’s) story takes place in a cave in the side of a mountain. This isn’t the only cave story in Scripture: the Savior was laid in another cave, and on the third day God rolled away the stone and raised him up. God does his best work in caves! Are you living in a cave these days – experiencing the blues – like Elijah did? You don’t have to sit alone in the darkness ever again. Call on him, open his Word, and let a still, small voice speak to you. You are not alone. God is with us, just as he was with Elijah.
Sermons Podcasts now Available
Christian Crusaders sermons are now available as podcasts. Log onto the website and scroll to the bottom of the homepage, where you'll find a “Podcast Feed” icon. Podcasts can also be accessed by logging onto www.itunes.com and searching for “Christian Crusaders.” Podcast files can be downloaded directly to your iPod, where you can listen to them at your convenience and wherever you may be – while walking, sitting in your backyard, or running errands.
On the Light Side
Q: What did the kangaroo say when she found her baby missing?
A: Help! My pocket’s been picked!
Two atoms are talking:
“Help, somebody has stolen one of my electrons!”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I’m positive!”
Q: What do you call a bunch of guys who break into a music store and help themselves to the stringed instruments?
A: Luters.
Q: What is lemonade?
A: It’s when you help a little old lemon across the street.
We Want to Hear From You
This e-mail is designed to give you information about the upcoming broadcast that is not available anywhere else. The weekly letter also gives us a chance to share news about our site and our ministry. We’d love to hear any suggestions you might have for ways we can improve our site and e-newsletter.
Christian Crusaders is a radio and Internet ministry designed to serve the needs of those who are unable to attend church services. This program is available online in audio and printed forms at www.ChristianCrusaders.org.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
The Value of a Human Being
The Christian faith has taught us in western civilization the value of the human being. If we lose the power of this teaching, we see how cheap life really is. Examples of how insignificant people can be in the minds of those outside of Christ are slavery, the Holocaust, and terrorism. Join us this week as we learn about the importance Jesus placed on the human being.
Scripture Reference: Luke 13:10-17
On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.
Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue ruler said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.”
The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath days from what bound her?”
When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.
Hymns
“We Praise You, O God”
“No One Ever Cared for Me Like 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 The Importance of the Individual delivered on Christian Crusaders April 7, 2002 by Rev. Larsen:
You are created in the image of God and have not only a body, but a mind, will, and soul. You have sinned, but God has redeemed you in the person of Jesus Christ. As one of His redeemed children, your Father has called you to be one of His ambassadors in this world and makes His appeal to others through you. A person with this stature is the crowning work of God’s creation.
The Crusader Newsletter
The newest issue of Christian Crusaders’ quarterly newsletter, The Crusader, will be available soon. Call us at 1-888-693-2484 or email us at cc@naz.org to join our mailing list and receive this publication, where you can read a special feature article by Rev. Larsen, as well as thoughts on faith from other members of our staff. The theme of this issue is on doubts.
On the Lite Side
What kind of jokes do vegetables like best?
Corny ones, of course!
On which side does a leopard have the most spots?
The outside.
Where do cows go on a Saturday night?
To the mooooovies.
Why do baby pigs eat so much?
They want to make hogs out of themselves.
What can you wear anytime that never goes out of style?
A smile.
Please join us beginning Sunday, August 22, 2010 to hear this exciting message on www.ChristianCrusaders.org.
Scripture Reference: Luke 13:10-17
On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.
Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue ruler said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.”
The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath days from what bound her?”
When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing.
Hymns
“We Praise You, O God”
“No One Ever Cared for Me Like 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 The Importance of the Individual delivered on Christian Crusaders April 7, 2002 by Rev. Larsen:
You are created in the image of God and have not only a body, but a mind, will, and soul. You have sinned, but God has redeemed you in the person of Jesus Christ. As one of His redeemed children, your Father has called you to be one of His ambassadors in this world and makes His appeal to others through you. A person with this stature is the crowning work of God’s creation.
The Crusader Newsletter
The newest issue of Christian Crusaders’ quarterly newsletter, The Crusader, will be available soon. Call us at 1-888-693-2484 or email us at cc@naz.org to join our mailing list and receive this publication, where you can read a special feature article by Rev. Larsen, as well as thoughts on faith from other members of our staff. The theme of this issue is on doubts.
On the Lite Side
What kind of jokes do vegetables like best?
Corny ones, of course!
On which side does a leopard have the most spots?
The outside.
Where do cows go on a Saturday night?
To the mooooovies.
Why do baby pigs eat so much?
They want to make hogs out of themselves.
What can you wear anytime that never goes out of style?
A smile.
Please join us beginning Sunday, August 22, 2010 to hear this exciting message on www.ChristianCrusaders.org.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Making Christ Fit
Jesus described himself as the Good Shepherd, willing to give up his life for us, his flock. However, he also tells us that he came to bring fire on earth and division in a family. In this week’s sermon we will try to fit these words into a lifestyle designed to be positive and comforting.
Scripture: Luke 12:49-56
“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
He said to the crowd: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain, and it does. And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?”
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 Living a Full Life delivered on Christian Crusaders February 9, 2007 by Rev. Larsen:
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.
Sermons on YouTube Now Available
Log onto www.youtube.com, a free video-sharing Web site, where you can now view four full-length sermons on Christ’s death and resurrection by Rev. Larsen. Simply type “Rev. Larsen, Christian Crusaders” into the search box to find these sermon videos. You can also access YouTube videos on our homepage at www.ChristianCrusaders.org.
On the Light Side
At a church meeting a very wealthy man rose to tell the rest of those present about his Christian faith.
“I’m a millionaire,” he said, “and I attribute it all to the rich blessings of God in my life. I remember that turning point in my faith. I had just earned my first dollar and I went to a church meeting that night. The speaker was a missionary who told about his work. I knew that I only had a dollar bill and had to either give it all to God's work or nothing at all. So at that moment I decided to give my whole dollar to God. I believe that God blessed that decision, and that is why I am a rich man today.”
He finished and there was an awed silence at his testimony as he moved toward his seat. As he sat down a little old lady sitting in the same pew leaned over and said to him: “I dare you to do it again.”
To listen to this sermon, link to our Web site beginning Sunday, August 15:
www.ChristianCrusaders.org
Scripture: Luke 12:49-56
“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”
He said to the crowd: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain, and it does. And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?”
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 Living a Full Life delivered on Christian Crusaders February 9, 2007 by Rev. Larsen:
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.
Sermons on YouTube Now Available
Log onto www.youtube.com, a free video-sharing Web site, where you can now view four full-length sermons on Christ’s death and resurrection by Rev. Larsen. Simply type “Rev. Larsen, Christian Crusaders” into the search box to find these sermon videos. You can also access YouTube videos on our homepage at www.ChristianCrusaders.org.
On the Light Side
At a church meeting a very wealthy man rose to tell the rest of those present about his Christian faith.
“I’m a millionaire,” he said, “and I attribute it all to the rich blessings of God in my life. I remember that turning point in my faith. I had just earned my first dollar and I went to a church meeting that night. The speaker was a missionary who told about his work. I knew that I only had a dollar bill and had to either give it all to God's work or nothing at all. So at that moment I decided to give my whole dollar to God. I believe that God blessed that decision, and that is why I am a rich man today.”
He finished and there was an awed silence at his testimony as he moved toward his seat. As he sat down a little old lady sitting in the same pew leaned over and said to him: “I dare you to do it again.”
To listen to this sermon, link to our Web site beginning Sunday, August 15:
www.ChristianCrusaders.org
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
We Shape Our Eternal Destiny
We shape our own future. But what about our eternal destiny? What must we do to be ready to die? The kingdoms of this world will not last, and one day death will come to us all as well. In this week’s sermon, Jesus will help us understand how we should prepare to meet him in death.
Scripture: Luke 12:32-40
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. See your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Hymns
“Beautiful Savior”
“I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord”
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 History Has An End delivered on Christian Crusaders November 14, 2004 by Rev. Larsen:
While we must be vigilant in realizing that the terrorists will strike our land again, let us be even more watchful and prepared to meet our Lord when he returns. As the world ends, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Then God will set up his eternal Kingdom, and those who confess Jesus as Savior and Lord will reign with him forever.
Christian Crusaders on Facebook
If you are a member of the online social network Facebook, search for “Christian Crusaders” and add the ministry as one of your Friends on the site. By becoming a Facebook Friend of Christian Crusaders, you'll receive online invitations to each sermon. Also, you can send invitations to your other Facebook Friends, suggesting they become a Friend of Christian Crusaders as well.
On the Light Side
The Safest Place to Be
1. Avoid riding in automobiles, because they are responsible for 20% of all fatal accidents.
2. Do not stay home, because 17% of all accidents occur in the home.
3. Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks, because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians.
4. Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water, because 16% of all accidents involve these forms of transportation.
5. Of the remaining 33%, 32% of all deaths occur in hospitals. So, above all else, avoid hospitals.
You will be pleased to learn that only .01% of all deaths occur in worship services in church, and these are usually related to previous physical disorders. Therefore, logic tells us that the safest place to be at any given point in time is at church! And Bible study is safe too. The percentage of deaths during Bible study is even less.
So for safety’s sake, attend church and read your Bible.
IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!
Scripture: Luke 12:32-40
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. See your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Hymns
“Beautiful Savior”
“I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord”
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 History Has An End delivered on Christian Crusaders November 14, 2004 by Rev. Larsen:
While we must be vigilant in realizing that the terrorists will strike our land again, let us be even more watchful and prepared to meet our Lord when he returns. As the world ends, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Then God will set up his eternal Kingdom, and those who confess Jesus as Savior and Lord will reign with him forever.
Christian Crusaders on Facebook
If you are a member of the online social network Facebook, search for “Christian Crusaders” and add the ministry as one of your Friends on the site. By becoming a Facebook Friend of Christian Crusaders, you'll receive online invitations to each sermon. Also, you can send invitations to your other Facebook Friends, suggesting they become a Friend of Christian Crusaders as well.
On the Light Side
The Safest Place to Be
1. Avoid riding in automobiles, because they are responsible for 20% of all fatal accidents.
2. Do not stay home, because 17% of all accidents occur in the home.
3. Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks, because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians.
4. Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water, because 16% of all accidents involve these forms of transportation.
5. Of the remaining 33%, 32% of all deaths occur in hospitals. So, above all else, avoid hospitals.
You will be pleased to learn that only .01% of all deaths occur in worship services in church, and these are usually related to previous physical disorders. Therefore, logic tells us that the safest place to be at any given point in time is at church! And Bible study is safe too. The percentage of deaths during Bible study is even less.
So for safety’s sake, attend church and read your Bible.
IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE!
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