I am ready to die. This is a statement often made in our later years of life, as our bodies grow weak and our spirits grow weary. Two thousand years ago, another man told the Lord that he was ready to die, and in this week’s message we will try to understand what he meant by this statement.
Scripture: Luke 2:25-35
Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: ”This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
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 Fulfillment of a Promise delivered on Christian Crusaders December 26, 2004.
I pray that the messages from God’s Word in this Christmas season will give us courage to go forth in the name of Christ to stand for what is right. We hear the argument: What is right? What is right for you might not be right for another person. Right is right. These words have no place in the life of a committed Christian. Our Father, in His Word, has taught us the absolutes. One of these great truths is that the Lord Jesus, who once was held in the arms of Simeon, now offers to hold us in his arms where we are safe forevermore. . . God never told us we would not have crushing blows in our lives. However, He did assure us that he could use these blows to bring us great blessings.
Happy New Year
The staff of Christian Crusaders — Homer Larsen, Steve Kramer, Janet Mennen, Crystal Gooding Smith, Janet Freed, Jerry Easter, and Matthew Hundley — wish our Web site visitors, listeners, and supporters a blessed new year. God grant that 2013 may bring you and your family peace, happiness, and good health. We thank you for your generous support throughout the year.
On the Light Side
Report From the Doctor’s Office:
Good News: “Well, well. It seems your weight is perfect.”
Bad News: “Unfortunately, you just happen to be eleven feet too short!”
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Why Am I So Blessed?
We have so much to be thankful for at this time of the church year. It is good to take a moment to examine those blessings and appreciate their purpose in our lives. In this Sunday’s message, we will join with another person who, when she learned of a special blessing in her life, exclaimed in a loud voice, “Why am I so blessed?”
Scripture: Luke 1:39-45
At that time Mary got read and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”
Luke 2:1-7
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.
So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and the line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Hymns
“Away in a Manger”
“Silent Night”
“Joy to the World”
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 Thankful Spirit delivered on Christian Crusaders November 21, 1999.
During my years in the ministry it has been a joy to see how God has created a thankful spirit in many lives. The thought that God owes me these blessings I enjoy are no longer a part of the thinking. Let me tell you about Sonya who died when only 15 years of age. In my last visit with Sonya, and only a few hours before her death, I asked Sonya, "Sonya, do you ever get angry because this illness has come to you?"
Sonya replied with words like these, "No, because then I would have a bigger question to answer. Why did God give me such a wonderful family, parents, a brother and two sisters, my horse, and a place to ride it on our family farm?” This statement reveals a thankful spirit. Yes, God had blessed her with caring parents. They wanted their children to grow up and be well mannered. They taught them to be polite and say thank you. But they were also Christian parents who introduced Sonya and their other children to Christ. He was the One who gave her this thankful spirit.
Are we not blessed to have a Heavenly Father who loved us so much that he gave his Son for us? Through him we have the forgiveness of our sins. He is the Father who wants to take us deeper in our relationship with him and create within us a thankful spirit.
Sonya replied with words like these, "No, because then I would have a bigger question to answer. Why did God give me such a wonderful family, parents, a brother and two sisters, my horse, and a place to ride it on our family farm?” This statement reveals a thankful spirit. Yes, God had blessed her with caring parents. They wanted their children to grow up and be well mannered. They taught them to be polite and say thank you. But they were also Christian parents who introduced Sonya and their other children to Christ. He was the One who gave her this thankful spirit.
Are we not blessed to have a Heavenly Father who loved us so much that he gave his Son for us? Through him we have the forgiveness of our sins. He is the Father who wants to take us deeper in our relationship with him and create within us a thankful spirit.
We Want to Hear From You
Christian Crusaders receives many letters each month from listeners across the country. These letters are frequently sent to simply thank us for delivering the Gospel to the sender’s home over the airwaves or to comment on a particular message that touched them. Sometimes, we receive prayer requests. Listeners have even sent postcards from their vacation destinations! A handwritten note is much appreciated and helps us to know our listening audience better. Don’t hesitate to put your thoughts down on paper and mail it or email it our way.
The Origin of Some Best-Loved Christmas Hymns
Away in a Manger
No Christmas song is more loved than this tender children’s carol. It’s simply worded expression of love for the Lord Jesus and trust in his faithful care appeals to young and old alike.
For some time “Away in a Manger” was titled “Luther’s Cradle Hymn.” However, stanzas one and two (author unknown) first appeared in the Little Children’s Book, published in 1885.The third verse was written by Dr. John T. McFarland, a Methodist minister, in the early 1900s when an additional stanza was desired for use at a church children’s day program. (Taken from “Amazing Grace” by Kenneth W. Osbeck.)
As the number of sons of our friends, Marge and Dick Hitt increased, their Christmas cards carried the signature, “Dick and Marge and the Three Hitts” or “Four Hitts” or “Five Hitts” depending on the score. Finally a long-awaited baby girl arrived and the signature changed to: “Dick and Marge, Five Hitts and a Miss.”
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Just a Closer Walk: Stick Together
The Bible teaches that we are to live in close, personal communion with the Lord Jesus Christ. So does that mean we can ask for his help with our everyday affairs? In this week’s sermon, we will discover how we can have a relationship with Jesus that is as intimate as with our dearest friends.
Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-25
Therefore, my friends, since we have confidence to enter the sanctuary by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain (that is, through his flesh), and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Repent
When we think of all that is wrong in this world, we like to think of ourselves as basically good people. We do what is right, try to keep from doing wrong, go to church, give to the poor, etc. However, in this week’s sermon, we ask the question, What are we going to do about our own sin? Join us as we hear a stern warning from an outspoken and interesting New Testament prophet.
Scripture: Luke 3:1-14
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar – when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene – during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:
“A voice of one calling in the desert,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.
Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.
And all mankind will see God’s salvation.’”
John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
“What should we do then?” the crowd asked.
John answered, “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.”
Tax collectors also came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?”
“Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them.
Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?”
He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely – be content with your pay.”
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 Stop Trying to Kid Him delivered on Christian Crusaders October 20, 2002.
The Word says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive our sins.” We do not have to lie. We do not have to project our guilt onto another person. We do not have to rationalize our sins. We do not have to be a Pharisee. All we have to do is confess these sinful motives to our Savior, and he will forgive us. How relaxing. Why continue to live all tied up in our hypocrisy? Listen to these inspired words: “Let the wicked forsake his ways and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and he will abundantly pardon him.” That is the Gospel.
Christmas Sermons on CD
It’s not too late to order a last-minute gift – copies of Christian Crusaders’ gift set of Christmas sermons are still available! This audio CD set of sermons based on Isaiah 9:6 is available for a gift of any amount. Call 1-888-My Faith or visit ChristianCrusa-ders.org to order. It might be a meaningful gift for a faraway friend, a next-door neighbor, or someone from your church who is lonely around the holidays.
The Origin of Some Best-Loved Christmas Hymns
O Little Town of Bethlehem
This beautiful, well-phrased hymn was written by Phillips Brooks, one of America’s most outstanding ministers of the nineteenth century. It is based upon Luke 2:4, and tells the glorious message of Christmas.
During a trip to the Holy Land in 1965, Brooks was deeply moved when he worshiped at the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve. Three years later, while pastoring the Holy Trinity Church in Philadelphia, Brooks desired to have a special carol for the children to sing in their Sunday school Christmas program. Recalling the peaceful scene in the little town of Bethlehem, Brooks completed the writing of the text in just one evening. He gave a copy of the words to his organist, Lewis R. Redner, and requested him to compose a melody that would be easy for the children to sing. On the evening just before the program was to be given, Redner awakened suddenly from his sleep with the present melody in his mind – and he quickly wrote it out. “O Little Town of Bethlehem” has been a favorite with children and adults around the world since that time. (Taken from “Amazing Grace” by Kenneth W. Osbeck.)
On the Light Side
Our family-owned restaurant is the setting for many of our family discussions about how to handle the customer who asks, “What’s good tonight?” Obviously, we would never serve anything we didn’t think was good.
I braced myself one Saturday night when I heard the dreaded question posed to my husband.
He calmly replied, “Anything over $13.95.”
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
He Will Come Again
The Bible teaches that Jesus will return to this earth again. However, it will be much different from when he was born a baby in Bethlehem’s manger. With his second coming, he will destroy sin, death, and the devil. Join us this week as we talk about three situations in which death would have been a real enemy were it not for Jesus returning to this earth.
Scripture: John 8:31-32
Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples. And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
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 Watch and Be Ready delivered on Christian Crusaders December 2, 2001.
As we have been made ready to meet the Lord when he comes, enjoy life and serve Him. Jesus mentions Noah in our text. Noah lived in a wicked generation and was often ridiculed and made fun of as he continued to build the ark as commanded by God. But Noah was ready to meet God, and so life went on as usual. It is only when we are ready to meet the Savior, either in his second coming or in death, that we are ready to live and enjoy each day. What a comfort to know that we are ready. Our fears, though they come, are under control. Our values, though influenced by the world, are corrected as we live with the Savior and learn what is really important in life.
The Origin of Some Best-Loved Christmas Hymns
Wake, Awake
Many songs have been inspired by happy times, but this song was inspired by the worst of times. Philip Nicolai was a Lutheran pastor in Unna, a small town near Dortmund, Germany during the plague of winter 1597-1598 taking the lives of more than 1,300 people in his community. He kept busy all winter conducting funerals, as many as thirty a day, and comforting the sick and grieving. He wrote this hymn as an encouragement –– a statement of faith in the coming of the Christ who overcame death on the cross –– and who overcomes death for us as well.
Nicolai wrote both the words and the music of this hymn. When Johann Sebastian Bach came across Nicolai's hymn, he made some small changes to make it more singable. In the process, Bach also helped to popularize it.
The hymn begins with watchmen crying, "Wake, awake!" Watchmen would be on guard against disaster, such as enemy soldiers or fire or flood. In this case, however, they rejoice as they awaken the town to greet the Bridegroom –– Jesus Christ –– who has come to redeem them. The hymn pictures the hosts of heaven and earth singing to the accompaniment of harp and cymbal –– singing joyfully to welcome Jesus.
All too often, we think of the Second Coming (if we think of it at all) as the view of religious fundamentalists whose proclamation of the Second Coming casts an ominous rather than a joyful tone. To be faithful, we need to recover the joyful character of the Second Coming –– of the great banquet that Jesus has prepared for us. Joy is the true meaning of the Second Coming –– and joy is the message of this hymn.
Holly
- Holly who ?
Holly-days are here again !
Knock Knock
- Who's there ?
Wayne
- Wayne who ?
Wayne in a manger!
Knock Knock
- Who's there ?
Oakham
- Oakham who ?
Oakham all ye faithful . . . !
Knock, knock.
- Who's there?
Wenceslas.
- Wenceslas who?
Wenceslas bus home on Christmas Eve?
Scripture: John 8:31-32
Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples. And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
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 Watch and Be Ready delivered on Christian Crusaders December 2, 2001.
As we have been made ready to meet the Lord when he comes, enjoy life and serve Him. Jesus mentions Noah in our text. Noah lived in a wicked generation and was often ridiculed and made fun of as he continued to build the ark as commanded by God. But Noah was ready to meet God, and so life went on as usual. It is only when we are ready to meet the Savior, either in his second coming or in death, that we are ready to live and enjoy each day. What a comfort to know that we are ready. Our fears, though they come, are under control. Our values, though influenced by the world, are corrected as we live with the Savior and learn what is really important in life.
The Origin of Some Best-Loved Christmas Hymns
Wake, Awake
Many songs have been inspired by happy times, but this song was inspired by the worst of times. Philip Nicolai was a Lutheran pastor in Unna, a small town near Dortmund, Germany during the plague of winter 1597-1598 taking the lives of more than 1,300 people in his community. He kept busy all winter conducting funerals, as many as thirty a day, and comforting the sick and grieving. He wrote this hymn as an encouragement –– a statement of faith in the coming of the Christ who overcame death on the cross –– and who overcomes death for us as well.
Nicolai wrote both the words and the music of this hymn. When Johann Sebastian Bach came across Nicolai's hymn, he made some small changes to make it more singable. In the process, Bach also helped to popularize it.
The hymn begins with watchmen crying, "Wake, awake!" Watchmen would be on guard against disaster, such as enemy soldiers or fire or flood. In this case, however, they rejoice as they awaken the town to greet the Bridegroom –– Jesus Christ –– who has come to redeem them. The hymn pictures the hosts of heaven and earth singing to the accompaniment of harp and cymbal –– singing joyfully to welcome Jesus.
All too often, we think of the Second Coming (if we think of it at all) as the view of religious fundamentalists whose proclamation of the Second Coming casts an ominous rather than a joyful tone. To be faithful, we need to recover the joyful character of the Second Coming –– of the great banquet that Jesus has prepared for us. Joy is the true meaning of the Second Coming –– and joy is the message of this hymn.
(Written by Richard Nieli Donovan, Copyright 2007, www.lectionary.org)
Donations
As the year comes to an end, Christian Crusaders would like to thank all our listeners and donors for their prayerful and financial gifts. All donations to Christian Crusaders are completely tax-deductible. You can also make a contribution online instantly at ChristianCrusaders.org.
On the Light Side
Knock Knock
- Who's there ?Holly
- Holly who ?
Holly-days are here again !
Knock Knock
- Who's there ?
Wayne
- Wayne who ?
Wayne in a manger!
Knock Knock
- Who's there ?
Oakham
- Oakham who ?
Oakham all ye faithful . . . !
Knock, knock.
- Who's there?
Wenceslas.
- Wenceslas who?
Wenceslas bus home on Christmas Eve?
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
God's Word Is Relevant in Every Day
Do you know a couple who is living together without the benefit of marriage? It happens often in today’s world, and has for many generations all the way back to the Old Testament. So if it is so common, can it really be so wrong? Join us this Sunday as we discuss the relevance of God’s Word for our day. http://www.christiancrusaders.org
Scripture: Hebrews 13:1-3
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
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 Culture Can Be Renewed delivered on Christian Crusaders July 10, 2005.
Our homes mold the people who live within its walls. Love, self-control, faithfulness, and thankfulness produce different kinds of people than those who are raised in an environment of hatred, fits of anger, immorality, and jealousy. In our Christian homes, there is joy and peace that is not known in the world. It is to the Christian home that God’s Word speaks telling those who are fortunate enough to live in this environment to share their values. They are contagious. People will ask what makes you so different. If they don’t ask, they will wonder what the difference is. God can use your family’s witness to build a new creation. Imagine what differences there could be in our society if the Christian home would make its witness felt. Remember, culture can be changed, and we can have a part in changing it. Isn’t that exciting and challenging?
Happy Thanksgiving
Christian Crusaders would like to wish all our listeners a very happy Thanksgiving! It is our prayer that you and your family remain safe while traveling this week and enjoy a blessed holiday, giving thanks for all God has given us.
On the Light Side
Eve: Where would you be without me?
Adam: In the Garden of Eden.
When did God create Adam?
Well, it had to be close to midday because he was created before Eve.
God made Adam and then He rested. Then he made Eve. Since then, no one’s rested!
I wonder if Adam ever said to Eve, “Watch it! There are plenty more ribs where you came from!”
Adam and Eve must have had a great marriage. Adam couldn’t talk about his mother’s cooking, and Eve couldn’t mention all the men she could/should have married.
Scripture: Hebrews 13:1-3
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
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 Culture Can Be Renewed delivered on Christian Crusaders July 10, 2005.
Our homes mold the people who live within its walls. Love, self-control, faithfulness, and thankfulness produce different kinds of people than those who are raised in an environment of hatred, fits of anger, immorality, and jealousy. In our Christian homes, there is joy and peace that is not known in the world. It is to the Christian home that God’s Word speaks telling those who are fortunate enough to live in this environment to share their values. They are contagious. People will ask what makes you so different. If they don’t ask, they will wonder what the difference is. God can use your family’s witness to build a new creation. Imagine what differences there could be in our society if the Christian home would make its witness felt. Remember, culture can be changed, and we can have a part in changing it. Isn’t that exciting and challenging?
Happy Thanksgiving
Christian Crusaders would like to wish all our listeners a very happy Thanksgiving! It is our prayer that you and your family remain safe while traveling this week and enjoy a blessed holiday, giving thanks for all God has given us.
On the Light Side
Eve: Where would you be without me?
Adam: In the Garden of Eden.
When did God create Adam?
Well, it had to be close to midday because he was created before Eve.
God made Adam and then He rested. Then he made Eve. Since then, no one’s rested!
I wonder if Adam ever said to Eve, “Watch it! There are plenty more ribs where you came from!”
Adam and Eve must have had a great marriage. Adam couldn’t talk about his mother’s cooking, and Eve couldn’t mention all the men she could/should have married.
Friday, November 16, 2012
The Door Is Open. Welcome!
The Christmas holidays are filled with thoughts of family gatherings and tradition, and we love to spend time with loved ones and those who mean the most to us. However, in this week’s sermon, we will talk about a new idea for celebrating the holidays, and how it can be used to bring real meaning to the matter of having a happy holiday.
Scripture: Hebrews 13:1-3
Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.
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 Word Makes a Difference delivered on Christian Crusaders September 20, 2009.
Many people are missing out on the wisdom and understanding that our psalmist describes for us today. The Word of God will make a big difference in the lives of those who will give themselves over to the endeavor of studying it and applying it to their decision-making. We need the Word in our lives! Martin Luther wrote, “Nothing is more perilous than to be weary of the Word of God. Thinking they know enough, a person begins little by little to despise the Word until they have lost Christ and the Gospel.” Losing the Word means losing Christ entirely.
Christian Crusaders’ Blog
You can find this e-newsletter online at http://crusaderweekly.blogspot.com/. Our blog enables readers to learn about the upcoming sermon, find past e-newsletters, and leave comments on aired or upcoming Christian Crusaders sermons.
On the Light Side
You Know You Are a Missionary’s Kid When . . .
• You know there is no such thing as an international language.
• You know the difference between patriotism and nationalism.
• You realize what a small world it is, after all.
• You never take anything for granted.
• You watch a movie set in a foreign country, and you know what the nationals are really saying into the camera.
• You know how to pack.
• All preaching sounds better under a corrugated tin roof.
• Having four distinct seasons other than dry, very dry, rainy, and very rainy, is a new experience.
• After a couple of years in one spot, you’re ready to move again.
• You feel uncomfortable in school without a uniform.
• School gets cancelled due to flash flooding.
• Tropical fruits aren’t imported.
• Walking miles to and from school is normal.
• If someone asks what school you went to, you reply, “Depends on the year.”
• You are afraid to ask what you are eating, but munch away with a smile on your face.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Just a Closer Walk Means Continuing in His Word
As humans born in sin, we are trapped in patterns of thought and behavior that lead to death. Christians, however, look to Jesus for a way out of this condition. In today’s sermon, we will hear some practical advice on getting to know Jesus in a more personal and intimate way by using a single, seemingly unimportant, word found in scripture.
Scripture: John 8:31-32
Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples. And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
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 Word Makes a Difference delivered on Christian Crusaders September 20, 2009
Many people are missing out on the wisdom and understanding that our psalmist describes for us today. The Word of God will make a big difference in the lives of those who will give themselves over to the endeavor of studying it and applying it to their decision-making. We need the Word in our lives! Martin Luther wrote, “Nothing is more perilous than to be weary of the Word of God. Thinking they know enough, a person begins little by little to despise the Word until they have lost Christ and the Gospel.” Losing the Word means losing Christ entirely.
From the Message
G. K. Chesterton, a well-known twentieth-century English writer, published works on philosophy, ontology, poetry, Christian apologetics, fiction, and many other subjects. He is often referred to as the “Prince of Paradox,” making his point whenever possible with popular sayings, proverbs, and allegories. While attending college to become an illustrator, he began working as a freelance art and literary critic. He later wrote a weekly opinion column in a daily newspaper and a weekly column in The Illustrated London News. Altogether, Chesterton wrote around 80 books, several hundred poems, 200 short stories, 4,000 essays, and several plays. He even wrote articles for the “Encyclopedia Britannica,” including the entry on Charles Dickens and part of the entry on Humor in the 14th edition.
As a young man, Chesterton was fascinated with the occult. As he grew older, however, he increasingly grew orthodox, using Christian themes and symbolism in much of his writings. He converted to Roman Catholicism in 1922, and near the end of his life was invested by Pope Pius XI as Knight Commander with Star of the Papal Order of St. Gregory the Great. Chesterton died in 1936, and the homily contained these words: “All of this generation has grown up under Chesterton’s influence so completely that we do not even know when we are thinking Chesterton.” (Parts taken from Wikipedia – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G._K._Chesterton)
On the Light Side
IF . . .
If April showers bring May flowers then what do May flowers bring?
Pilgrims!
If you crossed a cocker spaniel, poodle, and a rooster what would you get?
A cockapoodledoo!
If a dictionary goes from A to Z, what goes from Z to A?
A zebra
If you drop a white hat into the Red Sea, what does it become?
Wet.
If the #2 pencil is the most popular, why is it still #2?
If you ate pasta and antipasta, would you still be hungry?
If you try to fail and succeed, which have you done?
Scripture: John 8:31-32
Then Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, “If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples. And you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
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 Word Makes a Difference delivered on Christian Crusaders September 20, 2009
Many people are missing out on the wisdom and understanding that our psalmist describes for us today. The Word of God will make a big difference in the lives of those who will give themselves over to the endeavor of studying it and applying it to their decision-making. We need the Word in our lives! Martin Luther wrote, “Nothing is more perilous than to be weary of the Word of God. Thinking they know enough, a person begins little by little to despise the Word until they have lost Christ and the Gospel.” Losing the Word means losing Christ entirely.
From the Message
G. K. Chesterton, a well-known twentieth-century English writer, published works on philosophy, ontology, poetry, Christian apologetics, fiction, and many other subjects. He is often referred to as the “Prince of Paradox,” making his point whenever possible with popular sayings, proverbs, and allegories. While attending college to become an illustrator, he began working as a freelance art and literary critic. He later wrote a weekly opinion column in a daily newspaper and a weekly column in The Illustrated London News. Altogether, Chesterton wrote around 80 books, several hundred poems, 200 short stories, 4,000 essays, and several plays. He even wrote articles for the “Encyclopedia Britannica,” including the entry on Charles Dickens and part of the entry on Humor in the 14th edition.
As a young man, Chesterton was fascinated with the occult. As he grew older, however, he increasingly grew orthodox, using Christian themes and symbolism in much of his writings. He converted to Roman Catholicism in 1922, and near the end of his life was invested by Pope Pius XI as Knight Commander with Star of the Papal Order of St. Gregory the Great. Chesterton died in 1936, and the homily contained these words: “All of this generation has grown up under Chesterton’s influence so completely that we do not even know when we are thinking Chesterton.” (Parts taken from Wikipedia – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G._K._Chesterton)
On the Light Side
IF . . .
If April showers bring May flowers then what do May flowers bring?
Pilgrims!
If you crossed a cocker spaniel, poodle, and a rooster what would you get?
A cockapoodledoo!
If a dictionary goes from A to Z, what goes from Z to A?
A zebra
If you drop a white hat into the Red Sea, what does it become?
Wet.
If the #2 pencil is the most popular, why is it still #2?
If you ate pasta and antipasta, would you still be hungry?
If you try to fail and succeed, which have you done?
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Do You Have a Favorite Saint?
Do you have a favorite saint? We can describe saints in different ways, but in all cases they serve as spiritual role models in our faith walk. In this week’s sermon, we will talk about the saints who Paul mentions in his New Testament letters, as well as some modern-day saints, and how they’ve enriched our spiritual journey.
Scripture:
Romans 1:7
“To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints . . .”
I Corinthians 1:1
“To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout
Achaia . . .”
Ephesians 1:1
“To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus . . .”
Philippians 1:1
“To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers
and deacons . . .”
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 Our Heavenly Home delivered on Christian Crusaders November 5, 2000:
“. . . how did all these millions of people enter their heavenly home? The text tells us they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the lamb. Christ has atoned for the sins of the world. All is now ready. Salvation is free. However, this statement tells us that those who hear the Gospel must receive Christ to be cleansed from their sin. We have to appropriate this gift which Christ offers us.”
Christian Crusaders’ Newsletter
The new issue of the Crusader, Christian Crusaders' quarterly newsletter, will soon be printed. The theme for this issue is “Opportunity.” Contact Christian Crusaders by phone, email, or via the sign-up form on the website, to receive your copy of this special publication.
A little country church received a new pastor fresh out of seminary. As was usually the case, several of the great old saints in the church waited to die until after he arrived. Consequently, in four weeks he had eight funerals. Not having time to write his regular Sunday sermons, the new pastor used the sermon from the Sunday before – three more times.
The church council did not like this at all and complained to the Bishop that their new pastor used the same sermon four Sundays in a row. However, when the Bishop asked what the sermon was about, the council scratched their heads and hemmed and hawed, but couldn’t really remember. So the Bishop told them, “Let him use it one more time.”
Friday, October 26, 2012
When Jesus Opens Your Eyes, Life Is Different
What would it be like to be able to see after living one’s entire life in darkness? Life would be dramatically different. In this week’s message, we will look at the lives of two people whose lives were drastically changed when Jesus opened their eyes to a dynamic spiritual truth.
Scripture: Mark 10:46-52
They came to Jericho. As he and his disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.”
And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, he is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus.
Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
The blind man said to him, “My teacher, let me see again.”
Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Can You Really Follow Me?
What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus Christ? Several of Jesus’ disciples wanted to serve in a prestigious place in his kingdom. However, Jesus had a different thought in mind when he asked people to follow him. Listen this week as we talk about what it really means to serve Christ in his kingdom.
Scripture: Matthew 20:20-28
Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.
“What is it you want?” he asked.
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”
“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”
“We can,” they answered.
Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”
When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
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 Servants delivered on Christian Crusaders October 18, 2009:
We cannot have Christ without a cross. The Kingdom of God turns the world’s idea of power and glory upside down and inside out. The agenda is not how to refrain from being offensive to the culture in which we live. The agenda is how to tell the story of Christ, for without Him we are helpless. This is a message the humanist cannot stand to hear, and sooner or later our lives will sense the world’s displeasure with us. This is the suffering we will experience in sundry ways.
On ChristianCrusaders.org
Wish you could relive last week’s particularly inspiring sermon? Can’t quite remember the name of a book Rev. Larsen mentioned sometime in August? Want to give a friend some comforting words on death?
You can find what you’re looking for with Christian Crusaders’ online sermon search tool. With this user-friendly feature, you can instantly access hundreds of archived sermons, as far back as 1999, searching by topic, date, or Scripture passage.
Listen to the sermon right at your computer, read it online, print it at home, or order it on a CD. Get the Good News of Jesus Christ twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week!
On the Light Side
Feeling it was time for a shakeup, a company hires a new CEO. This new boss is determined to rid the company of all slackers.
On a tour of the facilities, the CEO notices a guy leaning on a wall. The room is full of workers, and he wants to let them know he means business! So he walks up to the guy and asks, “And how much money do you make a week?”
Undaunted, the young fellow looks at him and replies, “I make $300.00 a week. Why?” The CEO then hands the guy $300 in cash and screams, "Here's a week's pay, now GET OUT, and don't come back!"
Feeling pretty good about his first firing, the CEO looks around the room and asks "Does anyone want to tell me what that goof-off did here?"
With a sheepish grin, one of the other workers mutters, "Pizza delivery from Domino's."
Scripture: Matthew 20:20-28
Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him.
“What is it you want?” he asked.
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.”
“You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?”
“We can,” they answered.
Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.”
When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
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 Servants delivered on Christian Crusaders October 18, 2009:
We cannot have Christ without a cross. The Kingdom of God turns the world’s idea of power and glory upside down and inside out. The agenda is not how to refrain from being offensive to the culture in which we live. The agenda is how to tell the story of Christ, for without Him we are helpless. This is a message the humanist cannot stand to hear, and sooner or later our lives will sense the world’s displeasure with us. This is the suffering we will experience in sundry ways.
On ChristianCrusaders.org
Wish you could relive last week’s particularly inspiring sermon? Can’t quite remember the name of a book Rev. Larsen mentioned sometime in August? Want to give a friend some comforting words on death?
You can find what you’re looking for with Christian Crusaders’ online sermon search tool. With this user-friendly feature, you can instantly access hundreds of archived sermons, as far back as 1999, searching by topic, date, or Scripture passage.
Listen to the sermon right at your computer, read it online, print it at home, or order it on a CD. Get the Good News of Jesus Christ twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week!
On the Light Side
Feeling it was time for a shakeup, a company hires a new CEO. This new boss is determined to rid the company of all slackers.
On a tour of the facilities, the CEO notices a guy leaning on a wall. The room is full of workers, and he wants to let them know he means business! So he walks up to the guy and asks, “And how much money do you make a week?”
Undaunted, the young fellow looks at him and replies, “I make $300.00 a week. Why?” The CEO then hands the guy $300 in cash and screams, "Here's a week's pay, now GET OUT, and don't come back!"
Feeling pretty good about his first firing, the CEO looks around the room and asks "Does anyone want to tell me what that goof-off did here?"
With a sheepish grin, one of the other workers mutters, "Pizza delivery from Domino's."
Friday, October 12, 2012
Jesus First
We place great value on our family, our intellect, and our money. All these things are meant to enrich our lives and help us find our place in the world. But Jesus said that we must be willing to give all those things up in order to be saved. Impossible to do? So how then can we be saved?
Scripture: Mark 10:17-27
As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knee before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good – except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”
“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”
Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”
The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
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 Walking Through Life With Jesus delivered on Christian Crusaders April 9, 2008:
Life is changed when we walk with Jesus. If you do not believe it, ask St. Paul in Rome as he is awaiting martyrdom, Martin Luther in Wittenberg as he is waiting to be tried, or George Washington at Valley Forge in the midst of battle. Ask Clarence Thomas, who wrote while waiting to be confirmed by the United States Senate, “The more hopeless things appeared, the more vulnerable I felt, the more I turned to God’s comforting embrace. Over time my focus became primarily God centered.”
A Quick Way to Start Your Day on an Uplifting Note
ChristianCrusaders.org features a daily devotion, front and center on the site’s home page, where you can immediately find food for spiritual thought anytime you need it. Then visit the Faith Links page for further Bible helps!
On the Light Side
Moving On
A rich man was near death, and he felt very grieved, because he had worked so hard for his money and wanted to take it with him to heaven. So he began to pray that he might be able to take some of his wealth with him. An angel heard his plea and appeared to him, “Sorry, but you can’t take your wealth with you.”
The man implored the angel to speak to God to see if He might bend the rules. The man continued to pray that his wealth could follow him. The angel reappeared and informed the man that God decided to allow him to take one suitcase with him. Overjoyed, the man gathered his largest suitcase, filled it with pure gold bars, and placed it beside his bed.
Soon afterward the man died and showed up at the Gates of Heaven to greet St. Peter. Seeing the suitcase Peter said, “Hold on. You can’t bring that in here!” But the man explained to him that he had permission and asked him to verify his story with the Lord.
Sure enough, Peter checked and came back saying, “You’re right. You are allowed one carry-on bag, but I’m supposed to check its contents before letting it through.”
Peter opened the suitcase to inspect the worldly items the man found too precious to leave behind and exclaimed, “You brought pavement?!!!”
Scripture: Mark 10:17-27
As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knee before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good – except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, do not defraud, honor your father and mother.’”
“Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”
Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!”
The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
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 Walking Through Life With Jesus delivered on Christian Crusaders April 9, 2008:
Life is changed when we walk with Jesus. If you do not believe it, ask St. Paul in Rome as he is awaiting martyrdom, Martin Luther in Wittenberg as he is waiting to be tried, or George Washington at Valley Forge in the midst of battle. Ask Clarence Thomas, who wrote while waiting to be confirmed by the United States Senate, “The more hopeless things appeared, the more vulnerable I felt, the more I turned to God’s comforting embrace. Over time my focus became primarily God centered.”
A Quick Way to Start Your Day on an Uplifting Note
ChristianCrusaders.org features a daily devotion, front and center on the site’s home page, where you can immediately find food for spiritual thought anytime you need it. Then visit the Faith Links page for further Bible helps!
On the Light Side
Moving On
A rich man was near death, and he felt very grieved, because he had worked so hard for his money and wanted to take it with him to heaven. So he began to pray that he might be able to take some of his wealth with him. An angel heard his plea and appeared to him, “Sorry, but you can’t take your wealth with you.”
The man implored the angel to speak to God to see if He might bend the rules. The man continued to pray that his wealth could follow him. The angel reappeared and informed the man that God decided to allow him to take one suitcase with him. Overjoyed, the man gathered his largest suitcase, filled it with pure gold bars, and placed it beside his bed.
Soon afterward the man died and showed up at the Gates of Heaven to greet St. Peter. Seeing the suitcase Peter said, “Hold on. You can’t bring that in here!” But the man explained to him that he had permission and asked him to verify his story with the Lord.
Sure enough, Peter checked and came back saying, “You’re right. You are allowed one carry-on bag, but I’m supposed to check its contents before letting it through.”
Peter opened the suitcase to inspect the worldly items the man found too precious to leave behind and exclaimed, “You brought pavement?!!!”
Friday, October 5, 2012
Just a Closer Walk
How would people describe you? Would they say you are kind, trust-worthy, and generous, or would they describe you as self-serving, angry, and unreliable? If you long for a greater sense of nearness and intimacy, you may find it surprising to learn that it all begins with surrendering yourself. Please join us this Sunday as we talk about how to grow in our love for others and for our heavenly Father.
Scripture: John 15:1-8
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”
Hymns
“All Hail the Power”
“I Surrender All”
“Just a Closer Walk”
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 Shine! delivered on Christian Crusaders February 24, 2008:
Go on the offensive, children of light! Expose fruitless deeds of darkness with your actions. Treat people with kindness, fairness, humility. Refuse to participate in unfruitful works, exercise values of light, and walk in integrity. This exposes evil. Expose them with your words by speaking up. If you see something that is not in accordance with what is pleasing to God and is destroying lives, then speak up. Not only negatively, but also speaking positively, pointing to the better way of Jesus Christ. It’s not always the comfortable thing to do, but as children of light, we play for an audience of One.
Memorial Gifts
Christian Crusaders is a nonprofit ministry funded entirely through free-will gifts and donations from individuals and congregations. A memorial gift is a meaningful way to remember a loved one. Memorial gifts are sometimes given to remember a very special person on their birthday or some other occasion.
For your convenience, we can take credit card donations by phone or mail. You can also access our Web site on our Donations Page. This is a secure site.
We thank each of our listeners who have remembered Christian Crusaders with their gifts and prayers.
On the Light Side
Top Ten Funny Electrical Shorts
What is the definition of a shock absorber?
A careless electrician.
Do you know how an electrician tells if he’s working with AC or DC power?
If it’s AC, his teeth chatter when he grabs the conductors. If it’s DC, they just clamp together.
What did the light bulb say to the generator?
I really get a charge out of you.
What Thomas Edison’s mother might have said to her son: “Of course I’m proud that you invented the electric light bulb. Now turn it off and get to bed!”
Sign on the side of the electrician’s van: Let Us Get Rid of Your Shorts.
Two atoms were walking down the street one day, when one of them exclaimed, “Oh no – I’ve lost an electron!”
“Are you sure?” the other one asked.
“Yes,” replied the first one. “I’m positive.”
Why are electricians always up to date?
Because they are “current” specialists.
What would you call a power failure?
A current event.
Did you hear about the silly gardener?
He planted a light bulb and thought he would get a power plant.
How do you pick out a dead battery from a pile of good ones?
It’s got no spark.
Scripture: John 15:1-8
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.”
Hymns
“All Hail the Power”
“I Surrender All”
“Just a Closer Walk”
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 Shine! delivered on Christian Crusaders February 24, 2008:
Go on the offensive, children of light! Expose fruitless deeds of darkness with your actions. Treat people with kindness, fairness, humility. Refuse to participate in unfruitful works, exercise values of light, and walk in integrity. This exposes evil. Expose them with your words by speaking up. If you see something that is not in accordance with what is pleasing to God and is destroying lives, then speak up. Not only negatively, but also speaking positively, pointing to the better way of Jesus Christ. It’s not always the comfortable thing to do, but as children of light, we play for an audience of One.
Memorial Gifts
Christian Crusaders is a nonprofit ministry funded entirely through free-will gifts and donations from individuals and congregations. A memorial gift is a meaningful way to remember a loved one. Memorial gifts are sometimes given to remember a very special person on their birthday or some other occasion.
For your convenience, we can take credit card donations by phone or mail. You can also access our Web site on our Donations Page. This is a secure site.
We thank each of our listeners who have remembered Christian Crusaders with their gifts and prayers.
On the Light Side
Top Ten Funny Electrical Shorts
What is the definition of a shock absorber?
A careless electrician.
Do you know how an electrician tells if he’s working with AC or DC power?
If it’s AC, his teeth chatter when he grabs the conductors. If it’s DC, they just clamp together.
What did the light bulb say to the generator?
I really get a charge out of you.
What Thomas Edison’s mother might have said to her son: “Of course I’m proud that you invented the electric light bulb. Now turn it off and get to bed!”
Sign on the side of the electrician’s van: Let Us Get Rid of Your Shorts.
Two atoms were walking down the street one day, when one of them exclaimed, “Oh no – I’ve lost an electron!”
“Are you sure?” the other one asked.
“Yes,” replied the first one. “I’m positive.”
Why are electricians always up to date?
Because they are “current” specialists.
What would you call a power failure?
A current event.
Did you hear about the silly gardener?
He planted a light bulb and thought he would get a power plant.
How do you pick out a dead battery from a pile of good ones?
It’s got no spark.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Take Up Your Cross and Follow Me
Have you ever had to suffer for Christ? The Word of God clearly tells us that Jesus came to give us peace, joy, and assurance, but it also tells us that we are to take up our cross and follow Him. This can be a confusing thought. In this week’s sermon – the second message on the theme, A Mature Witness – we will talk about persecution and suffering in our day.
Scripture: Matthew 16:21-26
From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!"
Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
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 How Great Is Your Commitment? Delivered on Christian Crusaders January 24, 2010:
How great is your commitment? We all would like to admit that much growth is needed in our commitment to him, but as we examine our lives, we can say with Paul that God is at work in our lives. We have not arrived where we want to be, but we press on. Neither are we satisfied with our commitment to our Savior, but neither are we discouraged for we feel his presence.
Seventy-Six Years of Broadcasting Biblical Truth
In 2005, the Board of Directors of Christian Crusaders asked Rev. Steven Kramer to serve as Associate Speaker. In this capacity, Rev. Kramer will preach eleven times this year, and eventually will succeed Rev. Larsen upon his retirement. Rev. Kramer is currently serving as the senior pastor of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Afton, Minnesota.
A staff of three employees, the Executive Director, Administrative Assistant, and Financial/Office Assistant, take care of the daily functions and responsibilities of the ministry. Volunteers help with mailings and other tasks.
Totally supported by donations from its beginning, Christian Crusaders relies on the gifts of listeners – through GEM Club (Gift Every Month) members, Broadcast Sponsors, memorial gifts and bequests from estates – to keep the program on the air. Because of these many contributions, this ministry is now in its seventy-sixth year and is the seventh longest-running Christian radio program in the United States.
Dietrick Bonhoeffer Quotes
• To endure the cross is not tragedy; it is the suffering which is the fruit of an exclusive allegiance to Jesus Christ.
• We must learn to regard people less in light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer.
• A Christian is someone who shares the sufferings of God in the world.
• Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ.
• It matters little what form of prayer we adopt or how many words we use. What matters is the faith which lays hold on God, knowing that He knows our needs before we even ask Him. That is what gives Christian prayer its boundless confidence and its joyous certainty.
Scripture: Matthew 16:21-26
From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This shall never happen to you!"
Jesus turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?
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 How Great Is Your Commitment? Delivered on Christian Crusaders January 24, 2010:
How great is your commitment? We all would like to admit that much growth is needed in our commitment to him, but as we examine our lives, we can say with Paul that God is at work in our lives. We have not arrived where we want to be, but we press on. Neither are we satisfied with our commitment to our Savior, but neither are we discouraged for we feel his presence.
Seventy-Six Years of Broadcasting Biblical Truth
In 2005, the Board of Directors of Christian Crusaders asked Rev. Steven Kramer to serve as Associate Speaker. In this capacity, Rev. Kramer will preach eleven times this year, and eventually will succeed Rev. Larsen upon his retirement. Rev. Kramer is currently serving as the senior pastor of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Afton, Minnesota.
A staff of three employees, the Executive Director, Administrative Assistant, and Financial/Office Assistant, take care of the daily functions and responsibilities of the ministry. Volunteers help with mailings and other tasks.
Totally supported by donations from its beginning, Christian Crusaders relies on the gifts of listeners – through GEM Club (Gift Every Month) members, Broadcast Sponsors, memorial gifts and bequests from estates – to keep the program on the air. Because of these many contributions, this ministry is now in its seventy-sixth year and is the seventh longest-running Christian radio program in the United States.
Dietrick Bonhoeffer Quotes
• To endure the cross is not tragedy; it is the suffering which is the fruit of an exclusive allegiance to Jesus Christ.
• We must learn to regard people less in light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer.
• A Christian is someone who shares the sufferings of God in the world.
• Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ.
• It matters little what form of prayer we adopt or how many words we use. What matters is the faith which lays hold on God, knowing that He knows our needs before we even ask Him. That is what gives Christian prayer its boundless confidence and its joyous certainty.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Peter Passed the Test
What does it take to become a mature witness for the Lord. Jesus discovered Peter had what it took to become a disciple. But do we? Find out what we must first know before we can be responsible for teaching the word of God to others.
Scripture: Matthew 16:21-26
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"
They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." Then he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
Friday, August 31, 2012
Just Give Me Jesus
Work hard to get what you want in life. This philosophy has been taught to us since early on, and logic tells us that if it’s to be, it’s up to me. But Paul had a different message for Christians. Join us as we talk about how to be right with God. http://www.christiancrusaders.org
Scripture: Philippians 3:4-11
If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.
Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
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 Grace Has a Face delivered on Christian Crusaders December 31, 2006:
Grace has been made available to everyone. It is offered to everyone. God invites us to come and hold out our empty hands so that he might pour his unmerited love and favor into our lives as we entrust ourselves to his care and leadership. He wants to give you a grace testimony like John's. Grace is available and it has a face - the face of Jesus Christ. So . . . turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Christian Crusaders’ 76th Anniversary
Christian Crusaders is pleased to celebrate 76 years of broadcasting biblical truth! On September 6, 1936, Christian Crusaders – then called “Your Hour of Worship” – sent its first broadcast out over the airwaves. Since then, the ministry has expanded to include the Internet and continues to bring the Gospel message to thousands of listeners every Sunday.
On the Light Side
A preacher went into the pulpit one Sunday morning wearing a pair of new bifocals. The reading portion of the glasses improved his vision considerably, but the top portion of the glasses didn't work so well. In fact, he was experiencing dizziness every time he looked through them.
He explained to the congregation that the new glasses were causing problems. “I hope you will excuse my continually removing my glasses,” he said. “You see, when I look down I can see fine, but when I look at you, it makes me sick.”
Scripture: Philippians 3:4-11
If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.
Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
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 Grace Has a Face delivered on Christian Crusaders December 31, 2006:
Grace has been made available to everyone. It is offered to everyone. God invites us to come and hold out our empty hands so that he might pour his unmerited love and favor into our lives as we entrust ourselves to his care and leadership. He wants to give you a grace testimony like John's. Grace is available and it has a face - the face of Jesus Christ. So . . . turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Christian Crusaders’ 76th Anniversary
Christian Crusaders is pleased to celebrate 76 years of broadcasting biblical truth! On September 6, 1936, Christian Crusaders – then called “Your Hour of Worship” – sent its first broadcast out over the airwaves. Since then, the ministry has expanded to include the Internet and continues to bring the Gospel message to thousands of listeners every Sunday.
On the Light Side
A preacher went into the pulpit one Sunday morning wearing a pair of new bifocals. The reading portion of the glasses improved his vision considerably, but the top portion of the glasses didn't work so well. In fact, he was experiencing dizziness every time he looked through them.
He explained to the congregation that the new glasses were causing problems. “I hope you will excuse my continually removing my glasses,” he said. “You see, when I look down I can see fine, but when I look at you, it makes me sick.”
Friday, August 24, 2012
God's Intentional Plan for Humankind
God had great plans for us when he created us, but we turned our backs on him and became our own little gods. As a result, we live in a world today filled with chaos, sin, heartaches. This was never God’s plan, and it still isn’t today. In this week’s sermon, we will talk about God’s intentional plan for humankind.
Scripture: Psalm 8:3-9
When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
“You made him ruler over the work of your hands;
you put everything under his feet;
all flocks and herds,
and the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
“O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
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 Day Our Home Changed delivered on Christian Crusaders May 13, 2007:
Many friends tell me how different their homes are today from when Jesus Christ did not have a place in their families. The day He assumed the role of head of the home, life was different. One small child sensed that things had changed in her home, and at devotional time she prayed, "Thank you God for giving me a new mommy and daddy."
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
Two pastors are standing by the side of the road with a sign that reads, “The End is Near! Turn around before it's too late!” They hold up the sign to each passing car.
"Leave us alone you religious nuts!" yelled the first driver as he sped by. From around the curve they heard screeching tires & a big splash.
“Do you think,” said one clergy to the other, “we should put up a sign that says ‘Bridge Out’ instead?”
Scripture: Psalm 8:3-9
When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
the son of man that you care for him?
You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
“You made him ruler over the work of your hands;
you put everything under his feet;
all flocks and herds,
and the beasts of the field,
the birds of the air,
and the fish of the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
“O Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
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 Day Our Home Changed delivered on Christian Crusaders May 13, 2007:
Many friends tell me how different their homes are today from when Jesus Christ did not have a place in their families. The day He assumed the role of head of the home, life was different. One small child sensed that things had changed in her home, and at devotional time she prayed, "Thank you God for giving me a new mommy and daddy."
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
Two pastors are standing by the side of the road with a sign that reads, “The End is Near! Turn around before it's too late!” They hold up the sign to each passing car.
"Leave us alone you religious nuts!" yelled the first driver as he sped by. From around the curve they heard screeching tires & a big splash.
“Do you think,” said one clergy to the other, “we should put up a sign that says ‘Bridge Out’ instead?”
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Take Heart! God Is Still at Work
Were you raised in the church, but stopped reading your Bible and strayed from the Holy Spirit as an adult? If this describes your life, we have some encouraging advice for you in this week’s sermon. Please join us as we study the life of a young man who had strayed far from the Lord.
Scripture: John 3:1-17
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. “
“How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!”
Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
“How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.
“You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven – the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
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 God Is the Encourager delivered on Christian Crusaders January 6, 2008:
Jesus has given us an encouraging word. He says, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18). He does not say where the Church will be standing when he returns, but it will exist. That promise is not given to any single denomination, but to those who trust him. He will be with them. God is the encourager! (When) we start a new year, it can be exciting. It can be frightening. Just remember – God is the encourager!
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
TOP TEN SIGNS YOU MAY NOT BE READING YOUR BIBLE ENOUGH:
10) The preacher announces the sermon is from Galatians, and you check the table of contents.
9) You think Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob may have had a few hit songs during the 60s.
8) You open to the Gospel of Luke and a WWII savings bond falls out.
7) Your favorite Old Testament patriarch is Hercules.
6) A small family of woodchucks has taken up residence in the Psalms of your Bible.
5) You become frustrated because Charlton Heston isn’t listed in either the concordance or the table of contents.
4) Catching the kids reading the Song of Solomon, you demand: “Who gave you this stuff?”
3) You think the Minor Prophets worked in the quarries.
2) You keep falling for it every time when pastor tells you to turn to First Condominiums.
And the number one sign you may not be reading your Bible enough:
1) The kids keep asking too many questions about your usual bedtime story: “Jonah the Shepherd Boy and His Ark of Many Colors.”
Scripture: John 3:1-17
Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.”
In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. “
“How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!”
Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
“How can this be?” Nicodemus asked.
“You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things? I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven – the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
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 God Is the Encourager delivered on Christian Crusaders January 6, 2008:
Jesus has given us an encouraging word. He says, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18). He does not say where the Church will be standing when he returns, but it will exist. That promise is not given to any single denomination, but to those who trust him. He will be with them. God is the encourager! (When) we start a new year, it can be exciting. It can be frightening. Just remember – God is the encourager!
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
TOP TEN SIGNS YOU MAY NOT BE READING YOUR BIBLE ENOUGH:
10) The preacher announces the sermon is from Galatians, and you check the table of contents.
9) You think Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob may have had a few hit songs during the 60s.
8) You open to the Gospel of Luke and a WWII savings bond falls out.
7) Your favorite Old Testament patriarch is Hercules.
6) A small family of woodchucks has taken up residence in the Psalms of your Bible.
5) You become frustrated because Charlton Heston isn’t listed in either the concordance or the table of contents.
4) Catching the kids reading the Song of Solomon, you demand: “Who gave you this stuff?”
3) You think the Minor Prophets worked in the quarries.
2) You keep falling for it every time when pastor tells you to turn to First Condominiums.
And the number one sign you may not be reading your Bible enough:
1) The kids keep asking too many questions about your usual bedtime story: “Jonah the Shepherd Boy and His Ark of Many Colors.”
Friday, August 10, 2012
Who Is Feeding Your Soul?
The human being is made up of a body and a soul. We know how to feed our bodies, but where do we find food for our souls? In this week’s sermon, we will look at how we can find answers in the Scriptures during our times of uncertainty.
Scripture: John 6:35
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.
Jesus has given us an encouraging word. He says, “I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18). He does not say where the Church will be standing when he returns, but it will exist. That promise is not given to any single denomination, but to those who trust him. He will be with them. God is the encourager! (When) we start a new year, it can be exciting. It can be frightening. Just remember – God is the encourager!
Christian Crusaders Speakers
Would you like to know more about our speakers – Rev. Homer Larsen, who has been Christian Crusaders’ speaker since 1961, and our associate speaker, Rev. Steve Kramer? On our Web site, www.christiancrusaders.org, you will find information about them when you click on About in the top navigational bar. You can also find information about our mission, our rich history, and other staff persons.
On the Light Side
One day after church, little Colton went to the kitchen to get some bread. He went to his mother and, with a concerned look on his face, asked, “Mom, will I die if I eat bread and nobody’s here?” Colton’s mother didn't understand what he meant so she asked him what he was talking about. He repeated the question and added, “The preacher said we couldn’t live if we ate bread alone.” It was then that she realized what he meant. The sermon topic of the day was “Man cannot live by bread alone.”
We Want to Hear From You
This posting 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.
Friday, August 3, 2012
First Things First
As human beings, we often look for concrete answers to questions in life. Even in matters of faith, people ask God to first give them a sign of his existence before they will believe in him. Is this wrong? In this week’s sermon we will talk about what it takes to build faith in the heart of an unbeliever.
Scripture: John 6:24-35
Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus.
When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”
Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”
Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”
Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
So they asked him, “What miraculous sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ “
Jesus said to them, “I tell you the truth, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
“Sir,” they said, “from now on give us this bread.”
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.
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 God, You Owe Me One delivered on Christian Crusaders October 7, 2001:
Is it not true that the human attitude shows a lack of understanding of what Jesus is teaching in the parable? Do we not sometimes feel like saying, “God, I think you owe me a favor”? You could present your case. “Lord, I believe that Jesus is my Savior. I try to do Your will. I am a faithful member of the Church. I run my affairs in a Christ-like manner. Isn’t this worth a favor? My wife is terminally ill. She is such a good person. How about making her well? My son has made a mess out of his life, but don’t you owe him another chance to make up for all of his mistakes?” . . . However, not out of obligation, or even out of fairness, but out of love, God says in His Word, “I want to give you everything that will make your life abundant . . .
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 too.
On the Light Side
A newly converted Christian was sitting on a bench one day waiting on a bus and reading his Bible while he was waiting. Every now and then he would exclaim, “Alleluia! Praise the Lord!” A skeptic overheard his comments and came over to ask him what he was reading. He answered, “I’m reading how God parted the Red Sea and led the Israelites through. What a miracle!”
The skeptic explained, “Don’t believe everything the Bible tells you, son; for example, that sea is only six inches deep, so it really wasn’t a miracle.” The Christian nodded his head in disappointment and kept on reading as the skeptic walked away feeling kind of proud of himself for setting the Christian straight.
All of a sudden the skeptic heard the Christian let out a huge “ALLELUIA! PRAISE THE LORD!” At this the skeptic walked back to him and asked, “What is it this time?” The Christian said excitedly in one breath, “This time it IS a miracle! God just drowned the entire Egyptian army in six inches of water!”
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