I Will Return

In 1942, General Douglas MacArthur told the Filipino people that he would return. His promise was met in 1945 when he presented himself to them as victor over the Japanese army. Our Lord Jesus likewise promised his disciples that he would return. We will discuss the fulfillment of that promise in our sermon this week.


Scripture: Matthew 24:36 - 42
“No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.

“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”


Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This thought is adapted from the sermon Watch! Be Ready! delivered on Christian Crusaders November 30, 2008.

Advent is going to be a busy season, as it is every year. Take the Bible, read the Gospels carefully, and meditate on what Jesus Christ has done. Take it seriously when the Savior tells you that you haven’t let the Holy Spirit work in your life. Listen once more to his words when he says, “Watch! I am coming again.” Don’t be so concerned about when he will come. Instead, be more concerned about the reality that Jesus Christ, who was born in Bethlehem’s manger and died on Calvary’s cross, is coming again.


Great Gift Ideas
Still searching for the perfect holiday gift for a friend or loved one? They might enjoy a copy of Rev. Larsen’s book, “You’ll Be Surprised . . . What the Lord Can Do.” This book is filled with great anecdotes and advice on Christian living by our radio speaker of almost fifty years. It is an economical choice, too, available for a suggested donation of any amount.

Or how about a custom set of sermons on CD? Simply use our online search tool to select several of your favorite sermons from as far back as 1999 and give them as a packaged gift set. You could choose several sermons on one topic, or Rev. Larsen’s Christmas sermon from each year. This would make a great introduction to our ministry for your friend or loved one and a unique gift as well.


The Origin of Some Best-Loved Christmas Carols
Go Tell It on the Mountain
For many people, another Christmas season is merely a rerun of the trivial and the sentimental. But for the devoted Christian, Christmas is much more than a once a year celebration. It is a fresh awareness that a Deliverer was sent from the ivory palaces of heaven to become personally involved in the redemption and affairs of the human race. The impact of this realization becomes a strong motivation to share the good news with needy and desperate people who need to know that there is an Emmanuel available who can meet their every need. Men everywhere must hear these glad tidings if they are to benefit from them. With absolute charity they must hear the message, “Here is your God!”

Negro spirituals had their roots in the late 18th and early 19th century camp meetings throughout the South as well as in the active evangelical ministry carried on among the black people during this time. However, few of their traditional songs were collected or published prior to about 1840. The stanzas for “Go Tell It on the Mountain” were written by John W. Work, Jr. He and his brother, Frederick J. Work, were early leaders in arranging and promoting the cause of Negro spirituals. This song was first published in Folk Songs of the American Negro in 1907. These traditional spirituals have since become an important part of the American folk and sacred music heritage and are greatly appreciated and enjoyed by all of God’s people.

Taken from “Amazing Grace” by Kenneth W. Osbeck.

On the Light Side

It was the Sunday after Christmas at St. Paul’s Church. Rev. Barker was looking at the nativity scene prior to packing away the figures when he noticed the baby Jesus was missing from the scene.

Immediately, Rev. Barker turned toward the office in order to call the police. However, just before he called, he saw little Harry pulling a red wagon with the figure of the little infant, Jesus.

Rev. Barker walked up to Harry and said, “Harry, where did you get the little infant?”

Harry replied honestly, “'I took him from the church, Rev. Barker.”

“And why did you take him?”

With a sheepish smile, Harry said, “Well, about a week before Christmas I prayed to little Lord Jesus. I told him if he would bring me a red wagon for Christmas, I would give him a ride around the block in it.”