When Trials Come

Some days when life is not going the way we like, people will say, “This is really testing my faith.” So what are we supposed to do during those times? James has an answer for us today. Please join us.

 

Scripture: James 1:1-8

            James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings.

            Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways, will receive anything from the Lord. 

 

Renewing Reflections

It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon The Evening that Faith Grew delivered on Christian Crusaders September 12, 2010:

            It has brought me great encouragement to watch people grow spiritually as they live with their problems, some of those being big problems. As I preach this sermon, I can name seven people in their 40s and 50s who, within the last few months, have learned they have cancers that could well be terminal. When I asked one of them last Sunday how she was handling the news, she squeezed my cheeks and said, “I’m hanging in there. I’m taking my treatments and they are making me sick, but I leave it in the hands of the Lord. I really want to live, but if He has other plans, so be it. ‘All things work together for good to them who love the Lord.’ And believe me, I love Him.”

 

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

HAPPY AUTUMNAL EQUINOX!

Autumn is a season for big decisions – like whether or not it's too late to start spring cleaning.

Autumn – time to drag out your winter clothes and see what kind of summer fun the moths had.

The autumn leaves are a lot like raising kids. First they turn on you, and then they fly away. And next thing you know, you look out the window and they're back!

Keep on Praying

Jesus’ public ministry was three years in length – a very short time. Yet Scripture tells us that He invested many hours in prayer. Prayer was the foundation of all He did. His disciples seeing this practice, recognized the power of prayer and asked Jesus to teach them to pray. In this week’s sermon, we will talk about the power of prayer in the life of each of us today, as disciples of Christ.


Scripure: Luke 11:1-13
He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.”

He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us. And do not bring us to the time of trial.’”

And he said to them, "Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, "Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.'

And he answers from within, "Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.' I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.

"So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask 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 Questions Are Natural delivered on Christian Crusaders December 16, 2001:

How do I handle the problems of tomorrow? God’s Word says, “I will comfort you. I will strengthen you. I will uphold you with my glorious right hand. God is your refuge and strength. Be still, and know that I am God.” The problems of life are too big for any individual to handle alone.


Funding Christian Crusaders
Christian Crusaders is a nonprofit ministry dependent upon gifts from you, our listeners. Many people choose to contribute a $100 Broadcast Sponsor gift. ($100 is the average cost of one half-hour broadcast on one radio station.) Others provide a GEM Club (Gift-Every-Month). All gifts are tax-deductible. Christian Crusaders is thankful for the blessing of all gifts and your partnership in sharing the Gospel.


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.”

What Were They Talking About?

Do you have questions you would like to ask Jesus? Questions for which there seems to be no earthly answer? Most of us struggle with unresolved issues for which it seems only Jesus can explain. Please listen this Sunday when we will talk about a pair of sisters who hosted Jesus in their home, how they reacted to his visit, and how we can find answers right now.  

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”



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 Growing Involves Making Wise Choices delivered on Christian Crusaders March 13, 2011:

I have learned that I need to listen to and learn from the One who really knows what makes my life work, and his name is Jesus Christ. I find it interesting that a favorite quote people memorize is Jesus’ invitation to listen to him. “Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke.” The yoke back in those days sometimes referred to the teaching of the rabbis. Take my wise teaching upon you and learn from me, Jesus says, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light. He wants us to be hearers of his Word. It is a choice we make.



Funding Christian Crusaders
Christian Crusaders is a nonprofit ministry dependent upon gifts from you, our listeners. Many people choose to contribute a $100 Broadcast Sponsor gift. ($100 is the average cost of one half-hour broadcast on one radio station.) Others provide a GEM Club (Gift-Every-Month). All gifts are tax-deductible. Christian Crusaders is thankful for the blessing of all gifts and your partnership in sharing the Gospel.



On the Light Side
Efficiency

An efficiency expert concluded his lecture with a note of caution. "You don't want to try these techniques at home."

"Why not?" asked somebody from the audience.

"I watched my wife's routine at breakfast for years," the expert explained. "She made lots of trips between the refrigerator, stove, table and cabinets, often carrying a single item at a time. One day I told her, 'Hon, why don't you try carrying several things at once?'”

"Did it save time?" the guy in the audience asked.

"Actually, yes," replied the expert. "It used to take her twenty minutes to make breakfast. Now I do it in seven."

Jesus' Evangelism Program

As we look back over our lives, most of us have fond memories of happy, prosperous days when life was good and times were plentiful. How much happier those memories would be if they include those with whom we shared the Gospel and helped lead to a saving faith in Jesus Christ. Join us this week as we talk sharing the way of salvation with others.

Scripture: Luke 10:1-12, 17

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.

“When you enter a house, first say, 'Peace to this house.' If a man of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; if not, it will return to you. Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move around from house to house.

“When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is set before you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, 'The kingdom of God is near you.' But when you enter a town and are not welcomed, go into its streets and say, 'Even the dust of your town that sticks to our feet we wipe off against you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God is near.' I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.”

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”


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 All Is Ready – Now Go! delivered on Christian Crusaders May 21, 2006:

Now it is your commissioning service that Christ wants to preside over. As He challenged the early disciples, so today Jesus challenges us to tell others what He can do for them. All He asks you to do is to share with others what it means to live each day free of guilt because Christ has taken it away. Think of the encouragement it can be for a single mother to know that she has a Savior who will strengthen her to face the future. She will have brothers and sisters in Christ who will be there to help when the hours are long and difficult. I was visiting with such a mother recently. Her children were small, and her husband was sent to prison. “Had it not been for the Lord Jesus and my Christian friends, I would never have made it,” she told me. But what if those friends had not surrounded her with that redeeming love?


How to Help Christian Crusaders Grow
Do you have a person on your gift list who is difficult to buy for? Does this person have an upcoming special event? An Honorarium Gift given to Christian Crusaders is an excellent way to remember that friend or loved one. These gifts are most often given in honor of a birthday or anniversary. However, any special day in the life of a loved one can be remembered with a gift. If desired, our office will then send a card to the honoree(s) acknowledging the gift. Each of these gifts is published in our quarterly newsletter, the Crusader, which is mailed to listeners and friends of this ministry. We thank each of our listeners who remember Christian Crusaders with their gifts and prayers.

For your convenience, we are able to take credit card donations by phone or mail. You can also access our Web site on our Online Donations Page to make a donation on our secure site.


On the Light Side
A missionary working in Brazil was visiting a parishioner and was offered a beverage. Because caffeine had been causing him some health problems, he refused first her offer of coffee and then tea because it could have been made from any type of disparaging leaf. He also refused water because he wasn't sure it would be pure. Deciding he should not press his luck by refusing anything else, he accepted a glass of lukewarm milk with thick cream at the top.

As he began to drink, he noticed something swimming in the milk and underneath the cream discovered a large cockroach doing the backstroke. That was too much. He quickly threw the milk out a large, open window behind him, relieved to have been able to save face.

The problem wasn’t solved that easily, however, for in through the door came a little boy with milk running down his face and crying, “Mommy, mommy, that big man threw milk all over me.”

Carriers of the Gospel

Jesus chose seemingly ordinary men to be his apostles, yet those very men were given a great mission to accomplish for Christ’s Church. Is today’s church as effective in today’s society as it once was? What is necessary in order for us to continue spreading the gospel message? Please join us as we talk about these questions in this week’s message.

Scripture: Luke 6:12-16

One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles: Simon (whom he named Peter), his brother Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Simon who was called the Zealot, Judas son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

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 Call to Faithfulness delivered on Christian Crusaders August 12, 2001:

I heard a man say one day, “I have purchased a million dollars worth of term life insurance. Now my family will be taken care of if I die.” He was a good provider, concerned about his family. Was he frightened into making this financial provision for his family? I don’t think so. It was love for that wife and children that motivated him to act. It is God’s love in Christ, reaching into our hearts and pleading with us to receive Him that we might be His for all eternity, that makes us His faithful children. He loves us, and He wants us to be His forever. This calls for faithfulness on God’s part and ours. God is faithful. All is ready for us to be His forever. He has been faithful. Are we?

Funding Christian Crusaders

Many people are surprised to learn that Christian Crusaders must purchase radio air time and Internet space in order to broadcast the program. Willed bequests have become an important source of income for Christian Crusaders. Donations enable us to buy time on radio stations throughout the U.S. and on the Internet. For more information on how to remember Christian Crusaders with a final gift, contact our office at 1-888-693-2484 or click the Contact Us link.


On the Light Side
First Grade Homework
Miss Flynn, a first-grade parochial school teacher, had a great deal of difficulty keeping her composure as she read the answers on her test about the Apostles:
 Name the people who followed the Lord. – The Twelve Decibels.
 What are the Epistles? – The wives of the Apostles.
 Who was St. Matthew? – He was one of the opossums. He was also a taxi man.
 Who was St. Paul? – He cavorted to Christianity and preached Holy Acrimony, which is another name for marriage.

Jesus Can Fix People

Is your life broken and in need of being fixed? A certain man in the Bible was possessed by evil spirits and desperately needed to be fixed by Jesus. We may not have the same issues, but our lives can still be possessed by evil spirits such as bitterness, anger, or self-pity. Join us as we learn how Jesus can fix our broken lives. http://christiancrusaders.org/audiostream/ccr20130623.mp3

Scripture: Luke 8:26-39

Then they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is opposite Galilee. As he stepped out on land, a man of the city who had demons met him. For a long time he had worn no clothes, and he did not live in a house but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he fell down before him and shouted at the top of his voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me”— for Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many times it had seized him; he was kept under guard and bound with chains and shackles, but he would break the bonds and be driven by the demon into the wilds.)

Jesus then asked him, “What is your name?”
He said, “Legion”; for many demons had entered him. They begged him not to order them to go back into the abyss.

Now there on the hillside a large herd of swine was feeding; and the demons begged Jesus to let them enter these. So he gave them permission. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and was drowned. When the swineherds saw what had happened, they ran off and told it in the city and in the country. Then people came out to see what had happened, and when they came to Jesus, they found the man from whom the demons had gone sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. Those who had seen it told them how the one who had been possessed by demons had been healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them; for they were seized with great fear. So he got into the boat and returned.

The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” So he went away, proclaiming throughout the city how much Jesus had done for 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 . . . In Charge delivered on Christian Crusaders October 10, 2010:

. . . people of God face persecution in places around the world, and sometimes even in our own land, (but) we have this assurance from our God – from our king – that one day this song will be fully realized when he returns – not in a manger, but in power and in glory upon the clouds. Every knee will then bow to him and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. The Lord is in charge. God is faithful to his own. God has given us a King. His name is Jesus, the Christ. Bow your knee, kiss his feet in worship, and surrender your heart to him, for this king promises, “Take my yoke upon you, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”


Interesting Information Concerning Christian Crusaders
Christian Crusaders is governed by an eighteen-member Board of Directors. Each one of our directors serves on at least one of nine committees.

One of these committees is the Broadcast Committee. This committee decides if we should renew a contract with a radio station. It reviews how much listener response each station has had the past year. Although financial gifts are important, the committee also looks at letters and calls from listeners, and the number of listeners in that geographical area on our mailing list.

Christian Crusaders strives to be responsible in all of our spending.


On the Light Side
Biblical Songs
Noah: “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head”
Adam and Eve: “Strangers in Paradise”
Lazarus: “The Second Time Around”
Esther: “I Feel Pretty”
Job: “I’ve Got a Right to Sing the Blues”
Moses: “The Wanderer”
Jezebel: “The Lady is a Tramp”
Samson: “Hair”
Salome: “I Could Have Danced Al Night”
Daniel: “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”
Joshua: “Good Vibrations”
Peter: “I’m Sorry”
Esau: “Born To Be Wild”
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: “Great Balls of Fire!”
The Three Kings: “When You Wish Upon a Star”
Jonah: “Got a Whale of a Tale”
Elijah: “Up, Up, and Away”
Methuselah: “Stayin’ Alive”
Nebuchadnezzar: “Crazy”

The Wow Factor

What do you suppose surprises Jesus? Does anything wow him? In this week’s message we will look at the story of a man who was considered unclean, but had an astonishing faith that amazed Jesus. We will also learn how we can also have the same kind of wondrous faith that makes Jesus say, “WOW! Never have I seen such faith!” www.christiancrusaders.org/audiostream/ccr20130616.mp3

Scripture: Luke 7:1-10

After Jesus had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly, and who was ill and close to death. When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, asking him to come and heal his slave. When they came to Jesus, they appealed to him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy of having you do this for him, for he loves our people, and it is he who built our synagogue for us.”

And Jesus went with them, but when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; therefore I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed. For I also am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, ‘Go,' and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,' and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and the slave does it.”

When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, he said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.


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 . . . Life delivered on Christian Crusaders July 18, 2010:

God wants you to choose HIM, for to choose him is to choose life. You see, this God, who wants you to choose him, went to great lengths to make you his own. He gave his only Son at the cross to restore that broken relationship between God and you. So his song cries out to those of us who listen this day: Choose me! I know what makes life work. After all, I invented it and designed it, didn’t I? I ought to know what makes it work for you. Draw near to me. Open my Word, read and reflect on it, and you will have life. I will change your life for the better and you will find real happiness.


Funding Christian Crusaders
Many people are surprised to learn that Christian Crusaders must purchase radio air time and Internet space in order to broadcast the program. Willed bequests have become an important source of income for Christian Crusaders. Donations enable us to buy time on radio stations throughout the U.S. and on the Internet. For more information on how to remember Christian Crusaders with a final gift, contact our office at 1-888-693-2484 or click the Contact Us link.

God Can Use Us

How is God working through your life? When we open ourselves to God’s will, his power can accomplish some great things. Join us as we talk about three persons who allowed God to do some amazing things with their lives and examine how God is using our lives. http://christiancrusaders.org/audiostrream/ccr.20130609.mp3


Scripture: Romans 1:16-17
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”


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 An Attitude Change delivered on Christian Crusaders June 15, 2003:

God loves His children. His desire is that we might walk in this world of spiritual darkness as shining lights. Only then can He point the world toward us and say the words: These are my sons and daughters. Let me tell you about them. The first step was for them to enter a Father-child relationship. When they experienced my love for them, their love for me began to grow, and there were great changes in their life. They are not perfect, nor will they be while they live on this planet. Nevertheless, I have begun the good work in them and will continue to perform and perfect it until that glorious meeting when we will begin our journey together in the heavenly home. Until then I will continue to prune those twigs so that they become what I want them to be.


Did You Know?
Radio waves can even penetrate prison walls. Letters have come from prisoners who have listened to Christian Crusaders’ broadcasts in Iowa, Florida, South Dakota, and Minnesota. Timothy writes from a prison in Iowa, “I think Pastor Larsen does a wonderful job. I enjoy his messages. Keep up the good work of preaching God’s Word. You are greatly appreciated by my family and myself.” (We had taken the time to send him some devotional materials.)


On the Light Side
A young preacher recently came upon a farmer working in his field. Being concerned about the farmer’s soul, the preacher asked the man, “Are you laboring in the vineyard of the Lord my good man?”

Not even looking at the preacher and continuing his work the farmer replied, “Naw, these are soybeans.”

“You don’t understand,” said the preacher. “Are you lost?”

“Naw! I’ve lived here all my life,” answered the farmer.

“Are you prepared for the resurrection?” the frustrated preacher asked.

This caught the farmer’s attention and he asked, “When’s it gonna be?”

Thinking he had accomplished something the young preacher replied, “It could be today, tomorrow, or the next day.”

Taking a handkerchief from his back pocket and wiping his brow, the farmer remarked, “Well, don’t mention it to my wife. She don’t get out much and she’ll wanna go all three days.”

A Weakened Gospel

Is it important to go to a church where the Law and Gospel is preached every Sunday, or can churches use that time to talk about the issues of the day? Join us as we talk about this subject and its effect on church membership.

Scripture: Romans 5:1-8

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.


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 Why Not Turn on the Light delivered on Christian Crusaders September 15, 2002: 

Pluralism has captured the minds of many people who often say, “We are all after the same thing. There are many ways to heaven.” Then comes the light from Jesus, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me.” (John 14:6) Suddenly we stand in the bright light of Jesus’ words. God’s Word is our revelation. He has given it to us so that we do not walk in darkness. Colin Smith has said it well, “The Bible is a revelation and not an explanation. It does not answer all of our questions. In fact, at times it can make us quite confused and frustrated. But God’s Word one day will be made clear for us, and our eyes will no longer be blinded.”


Did You Know?
In addition to this e-newsletter, Christian Crusaders also publishes a quarterly newsletter called the Crusader. Our speakers write the feature articles. It also has an interesting article written by our Executive Director along with current news about the ministry. Each issue centers around a specific theme that we feel would be useful to our readers/listeners. The next issue of the Crusader carries the theme, Trust. If you would like to receive our newsletter, email us at cc@naz.org.


On the Light Side
A retired pastor was visiting his 100 year-old mother in the care center one day. Since she suffered from some memory loss, she would ask the same questions about his life at each visit. This time was no different, and so he carefully explained that although he no longer works fulltime, he fills in for area pastors when they are out of town and need someone to lead the congregation on Sunday mornings. Therefore, he gets to travel around a bit, meet a lot of people, and do a lot of things. Not missing a beat, she turned to him and stated in a matter-of-fact manner, “You really don’t know what you do, do you?”

Start Praying

Our lives and our communities are filled with problems in need of being corrected. Do we sit around and complain about them or wait for someone else to take to do something about it? Nehemiah was a man who saw a problem and took action to fix it in spite of the many obstacles standing in his way. Learn how he accomplished this task and how we can do the same, in this week’s program.

Scripture: Nehemiah 6-15-16

So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around us were afraid and fell greatly in their own esteem; for they perceived that this work had been accomplished with the help of our 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 Why I Keep On Praying delivered on Christian Crusaders July 30, 2006.

As you are constant in prayer, you discover in looking back, that, though you may not have felt it, you never were alone. God was there to carry you all along. It’s like that old story about the footprints in the sand. Looking back, we see only one set of prints. But God reminds us, “Those were the days when you weren’t alone; I was carrying you.” Sometimes, when we are constantly in prayer, God not only can change things, but change us in some wonderful ways. Mother Theresa said one time, “Prayer enlarges the heart until it is capable of containing God’s gift of himself.” Keep on praying. Keep on praying.


Happy Memorial Day
On this special weekend, we pause to remember and give thanks for those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom while serving in our nation’s service.

The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us – that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion – that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain – that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom – and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

– Abraham Lincoln’s address at the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery November 19, 1863.


On the Light Side
When Emilie Ann was about three years old, her mother took her to bed one night and asked what she would like to pray about. Promptly the child answered, onions. So they prayed about onions.

The next morning, when Emily’s mother asked why she wanted to pray about onions, she quickly answered, “Because our Sunday school teacher told us we should pray for things we don’t like.”

Show Us the Father

How well do you, as a Christian, know Jesus? We can be good, church-going Christians and still not know him as closely as he would like.  Please join us as we will look at how the lives of various people changed when they were drawn into a close relationship with Jesus Christ.  http://www.christiancrusaders.org/audiostream/ccr20130519.mp3

Scripture: John 14:1-11

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”

Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.”


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 Moves in Mysterious Ways delivered on Christian Crusaders May 19, 2002.

God moves in mysterious ways. That’s exciting! And what’s even more exciting for His children is to observe that He uses us. Without the Holy Spirit’s presence, little will be accomplished for Christ in this world, but the Holy Spirit, speaking through His Word, which is often carried by His disciples, can change lives and make people new creatures in Jesus Christ.


Did You Know?
In addition to broadcasting over traditional radio stations and the Internet, Christian Crusaders also beams its message across North America and much of Europe on shortwave radio. Through World Harvest Radio – WHRI – and their 100,000 watt, Angel 2, transmitter, we are able to reach many households that are otherwise unreachable. World Harvest Radio’s parent company, LeSEA Broadcasting, has a long history of working in the mission field and with shortwave radio. Its founder, Dr. Lester Sumrall, had his first experience with shortwave radio in the 1940s. Since that time, LeSEA has expanded to three stations and five transmitters that reach the entire earth with the Gospel. Christian Crusaders is privileged to be a part of the World Harvest Radio network.


On the Light Side

Who is the Winner?
The father of five children had won the grand prize in a drawing at a toy store. Not knowing which child to give the toy to, he decided to play a game with them and let them decide which one should have the present. He called his children together and asked,

“Who is the most obedient?”

No response. He asked again,

“Who never talks back to mother?”

Five little faces just stared back at him with a blank look on their faces.

“Who does everything mother says?”

All of a sudden, five small voices replied in unison. “Okay Daddy! You get the toy."

I'll Be Praying for You

Jesus prayed for his disciples in his High Priestly Prayer. Two thousand years later, he is still praying for us, minute by minute, hour by hour. In this week’s sermon, we will learn what Jesus is asking for us, and what we should ask for others in prayer.


Scripture: John 17:20-26
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.

“Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”


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 Persistent in Prayer delivered on Christian Crusaders October 21, 2001.

Any person, who has done a lot of praying during his or her lifetime, will agree that many mysteries surround our prayers. Satan doesn’t lose any time in tempting us to question the value of praying, since sometimes we do not get what we ask to receive. But our Heavenly Father has told us to pray, and today He says, “Be persistent in your prayer life. Continue to pray.” Your Heavenly Father is listening and will grant your prayer, if it is according to His will. Isn’t that reason enough to keep on praying?


Happy Mother's Day
As we grow older and more mature, we begin to better realize the sacrifices our mothers have made for us when we were children and as adults. A short verse in I Peter speaks volumes as we reflect on our mother’s love this Mother’s Day. In essence it says that love doesn’t make a mockery of our foolishness, immaturity, mistakes, bad decisions, or sin. Instead, love, without trying to hide the truth, gently puts issues to rest in the love and forgiveness of Christ.

We thank our mothers for letting go of the past and loving us through life using Peter’s words:

“Keep your love for one another at full strength,

because love covers a multitude of sins” (I Peter 4:8).

On the Light Side

An elderly gentleman passed his granddaughter’s room one night and overheard her repeating the alphabet in an oddly reverent way. “What on earth are you up to?” he asked.

“I’m saying my prayers,” explained the little girl. “But I can’t think of exactly the right words tonight, so I’m just saying all the letters. God will put them together for me, because he knows what I’m thinking.”

Peace to You

As we face the trials and failures that come with life, we long for peace to solve our problems. People through the centuries have looked for the same thing, even in Jesus’ day. However, his peace wasn’t what they expected. In this week’s message, we will talk about the peace of Jesus Christ and how it helps us face whatever comes our way.

Scripture: Luke 19:29-48

When he had come near Bethphage and Bethany, at the place called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of the disciples, saying, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as you enter it you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ just say this, ‘The Lord needs it.’“

So those who were sent departed and found it as he had told them. As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”

They said, “The Lord needs it.”

Then they brought it to Jesus; and after throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it. As he rode along, people kept spreading their cloaks on the road.

As he was now approaching the path down from the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the deeds of power that they had seen, saying,

“Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!

Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!”

Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, order your disciples to stop.”

He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the stones would shout out.”

As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. Indeed, the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up ramparts around you and surround you, and hem you in on every side. They will crush you to the ground, you and your children within you, and they will not leave within you one stone upon another; because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God.”

Then he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling things there; and he said, “It is written, “My house shall be a house of prayer’; but you have made it a den of robbers.”

Every day he was teaching in the temple. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people kept looking for a way to kill him; but they did not find anything they could do, for all the people were spellbound by what they heard.


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.
(John) uses the word we when he says: “From his fullness we have all received grace upon grace.” He seems to be making a proclamation, an announcement. 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.


Memorial Gifts
Christian Crusaders is a nonprofit ministry funded entirely through freewill 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 at http://www.christiancrusaders.org/onlinedonations.asp and make a donation on our secure site. We thank each of our listeners who have remembered Christian Crusaders with their gifts and prayers.


On the Light Side
Mitchell, who was in kindergarten, practiced spelling with magnetic letters on the refrigerator: cat, dog, dad, and mom. His parents proudly left them displayed there, undisturbed, for all to see.

One morning while getting ready for the day, Mitchell bounded into the living room with his arms outstretched. In his hands were three magnetic letters: G—O – D. “Look what I spelled, Mom!” Mitchell exclaimed with a proud smile on his face.

“That’s wonderful!” his mother praised. “Now put them on the fridge so Dad can see when he gets home tonight.”

Just then, a little voice called from the kitchen.

“Mom? How do you spell ‘zilla’?”

Important Last Words

A person’s dying words can be very precious to their loved ones. Words about one’s faith can bring comfort or extreme disappointment. Join us as we look at St. Paul’s final words to find comfort and peace.

Scripture: II Timothy 4:7-8

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

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 He Knows What He is Talking About delivered on Christian Crusaders March 11, 2012.

If you’ve experienced the power of his promises in your life and been a follower of his for some time, the message is the same. Listen to him and learn. Jesus really does know what he is talking about when it comes to living out the days of your life. Trust him with your life. Instead of trying to correct him, let him correct you. Instead of trying to direct him with your steps, let him direct your steps. Keep listening and keep learning. That is the encouragement of God today.


GEM Club Members
Christian Crusaders is a nonprofit ministry dependent upon gifts from you, our listening audience. Some of you are members of our GEM Club “Gift Every Month.” No matter the size of the gift, this faithful, regular giving provides Christian Crusaders with a steady income to pay monthly radio expenses. We warmly thank each of our GEM donors. You are truly jewels in this important ministry.


On the Light Side
Last Words of Some Famous People

“Pardon me, sir. I did not do it on purpose.” – Queen Marie Antoinette after she accidentally stepped on the foot of her executioner as she went to the guillotine.

“I can’t sleep.” – J. M. Barrie, author of Peter Pan.

“I am about to — or I am going to — die: either expression is correct.” – Dominique Bouhours, famous French grammarian.

“I live!” – Roman Emperor Caligula, as he was being murdered by his own soldiers.

“I am perplexed. Satan Get Out.” – Aleister Crowley, famous occultist.

“Now why did I do that?” – General William Erskine, after he jumped from a window in Lisbon, Portugal in 1813.

“It’s stopped.” – Joseph Henry Green, upon checking his own pulse.

“You have won, O Galilean.” – Emperor Julian, having attempted to reverse the official endorsement of Christianity by the Roman Empire.

No, you certainly can’t.” – John F. Kennedy to Nellie Connally, wife of Governor John Connelly, in reply to comment, “You certainly can’t say that the people of Dallas haven’t given you a nice welcome, Mr. President.”

“Put out the cigarette!!” – Saki to a fellow officer while in a trench during World War I for fear the smoke would give away their positions. He was then shot by a German sniper who heard the remark.

Unfinished Business

Do you have any unfinished business with God? We say we love Jesus and want to follow him, but then we fail to witness for him when it is not the popular thought among our friends. Join us this week as we look at the lives of two people who also had unfinished business with Jesus and see how they took care of that business.  '

Scripture: John 20:1-19

“Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Tiberias. It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?”

“No,” they answered.

He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”

Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish.

This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead.

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me?”

He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”

Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”


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 Consistent Witness delivered on Christian Crusaders March 2, 2008.

If Christ has met you and changed your life, even if it is only in some small way, you have a story to tell about Jesus. In your story, you tell others that Christ has forgiven your sins. You live in a personal relationship with your Savior and have the assurance that he walks with you in this life. When you die, you will receive the place He has prepared for you in heaven. This is your witness, and it must be consistent. You tell it whenever you have an opportunity at work or at worship, with Christians or with unbelievers, in all kinds of circumstances and conditions in your life. The world needs to hear your consistent Christian witness.


How to Help Christian Crusaders Grow

A memorial gift is a meaningful way to remember a loved one, whether relative or friend, when they die. Memorial gifts are sometimes given to remember a very special person on a birthday or some other occasion. For your convenience, online donations can be made through our secure Web site at http://www.christiancrusaders.org/online_donations.asp.


On the Light Side

A lady wanted to go ice fishing, but since she had never gone before, she read some books on the subject first. Finally, after getting all the necessary tools together, she headed for the nearest frozen lake.

After positioning her comfy footstool, she started to make a circular cut in the ice. Suddenly – from the sky – a voice boomed, “THERE ARE NO FISH IN THERE!” Startled, she moved further down the ice, poured a Thermos of cappuccino, and began to cut yet another hole.

Again, from the heavens, the voice bellowed, “THERE ARE NO FISH IN THERE!” The lady, now quite worried, moved way down to the opposite end of the ice, set up her stool, and tried again to cut her hole. The voice came a third time: “THERE ARE NO FISH IN THERE!”

She stopped, looked skyward, and asked, “Who are you – God?”

The voice replied, “NO, I OWN THE ICE RINK!"

Jesus' Autobiography

Who really is Jesus Christ? We can read about him in the many books written about him through the years. We can also visit with others who claim to know him. But who is he really? Listen this week as we learn about Jesus from his autobiography.

Scripture: John 10:22-30

Then came the Feast of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple area walking in Solomon's Colonnade. The Jews gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."

Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one."


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 He Knows What He is Talking About delivered on Christian Crusaders March 11, 2012.

If you’ve experienced the power of his promises in your life and been a follower of his for some time, the message is the same. Listen to him and learn. Jesus really does know what he is talking about when it comes to living out the days of your life. Trust him with your life. Instead of trying to correct him, let him correct you. Instead of trying to direct him with your steps, let him direct your steps. Keep listening and keep learning. That is the encouragement of God today.


Taken From the Message

In the sermon, Rev. Larsen refers to a book he received from his parents while in seminary. The book, written by Alfred Edersheim, is entitled, The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah.

Albert Edersheim was born in Vienna of Jewish parents, educated in the Talmud and Torah at a Hebrew school. In 1841 he entered the University of Vienna, and later emigrated to Hungary where he was converted to Christianity under the influence of John Duncan, a visiting chaplain from the Church of Scotland. Edersheim accompanied Duncan back to Scotland and studied theology at New College, Edinburgh and at the University of Berlin. He was later ordained to the ministry in the Free Church of Scotland and served as a missionary to the Jews at Iaşi, Romania for a year.

Eventually Edersheim was appointed to ministry at the Free Church, Old Aberdeen Scotland. When health issues forced him to resign in 1861, the Church of St. Andrew was built for him at Torquay. He was later ordained in the Church of England and served at various churches and universities until his death in 1989.

The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah, written in 1883, is considered to be one of the best known and most important references on the life of Christ ever written. It contains a storehouse of information on the background of the New Testament and successfully portrays the streets, marketplaces, religious conflicts, people, and places of Jesus’ earthly ministry.

An updated edition was published in 1993.


On the Light Side

Mary had a little lamb,
Whose fleece was black as soot,
Wherever little Mary went,
His sooty foot he put.

Mary had a little lamb,
Its feet were full of lard.
Every step the lamb did take,
it slipped back half a yard.

Believe It

John wrote in his Gospel about the many miracles Jesus did after his resurrection. John also tells us why he recorded these signs, and we will talk about that reason in this week’s message. Please join us.


Scripture: John 20:30-31
“Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.”


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 He Knows What He is Talking About delivered on Christian Crusaders March 11, 2012.

If you’ve experienced the power of his promises in your life and have been a follower of his for some time, the message is the same. Listen to him and learn. Jesus really does know what he is talking about when it comes to living out the days of your life. Trust him with your life. Instead of trying to correct him, let him correct you. Instead of trying to direct him with your steps, let him direct your steps. Keep listening and keep learning. That is the encouragement of God today.


Mother’s Day Gift Idea
Are you looking for a meaningful Mother's Day gift? Perhaps the special mother in your life might like a limited-edition set of audio CDs from Christian Crusaders. This unique five-disc set of sermons, appropriately centered on motherhood, comes wrapped in a pretty ribbon and gift tag. This gift set is available for a suggested donation of $10. Please call us at 1-888-693-2484 or visit our Web site to order.


On the Light Side
On a spring break trip to Italy, my friends and I were standing just inside St. Peter’s Basilica, the second largest church in the world.

The tour guide explained, “This church is so large that no man on earth could hit a baseball from one end to the other, not Lou Gehrig, Babe Ruth, or even Mark McGuire.”

The group stared in silence at the beautiful marble sculptures, intricate paintings, and glorious mosaics all around the enormous building.

Then one girl interrupted the silence with an astonished question: “You mean, they actually let them hit baseballs in here?"

Frowns Changed to Smiles

What can put a smile on your face during times of difficulty? Do you try to get away for a while or buy yourself something new? While these may be good options, they cannot give us lasting peace. Please listen as we discover the secret to wearing a lasting smile, even during our most challenging days.

Scripture

Luke 24:1-12

            On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’” Then they remembered his words.

            When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

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 New Day delivered on Christian Crusaders March 23, 2008.

A moment that I will carry with me to my grave all began when I asked, “What did you read in your Bible this week that will give us something to talk about?” With a smile on his face, my friend told me that he did his Bible reading at 5:00 a.m. and afterward he had a time of meditation. On this particular day, he had read about Jesus’ conversation with Martha after her brother Lazarus had died. Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” This announcement was followed with our Savior saying to the heartbroken sister, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” Then my friend said with emotion in his voice, “Pastor, Jesus Christ is alive. I have read these words before, but now they take on new meaning. Jesus Christ is alive!” I wiped a tear away and said through the glass window that separated us, “And think of it! He is right here with us now.” It was Easter, not on Sunday, but on Thursday; not in a beautiful worship center with lilies all around, but in a county jail. The remaining visits with my friend at the jail before he was taken away to prison centered in this truth: Christ lives, and He will go with you.

About Christian Crusaders

Christian Crusaders is the seventh-oldest Christian radio program in the country. Originally called “Your Hour of Worship,” it was begun at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waterloo, Iowa. Christian Crusaders has continuously broadcast the Gospel message since 1936. It has had only three radio speakers in its long history. Our associate speaker, Rev. Steve Kramer, senior pastor of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Afton, Minnesota, will succeed Rev. Larsen when he retires.

On the Light Side

One Easter Sunday morning as the pastor was preaching a children's sermon, he reached into his bag of props and pulled out an egg. He pointed at the egg and asked the children, “What's in here?”

“I know, I know!” a little boy exclaimed, “Pantyhose!”

No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus

Life can be so difficult. Our world is filled with people who are sorrowing, suffering, and dying. Sometimes it seems like God is not being fair to us. But God has a promise to carry us through both our good and bad days, and we will talk about it in this week’s message.

Scripture: Hebrews 2:14-18

Since the children have flesh and blood (that is, we have flesh and blood), Jesus too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham’s descendants. For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

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 Evening That Faith Grew delivered on Christian Crusaders June 21, 2009.

It has brought great encouragement in my ministry to watch people grow spiritually as they live with their problems; some of those being big problems. I can name seven people in their 40s and 50s who, within the last few months, have learned they have cancers that could well be terminal. When I asked one of them last Sunday how she was handling the news, she said, “I’m hanging in there. I’m taking my treatments and they are making me sick, but I leave it in the hands of the Lord. I really want to live, but if He has other plans, so be it. ‘All things work together for good to them who love the Lord.’ And believe me, I love Him.” An older woman told a group of us, “I have buried a husband and a child. Another of my children has served time in prison. But God has been my comfort.” And I sometimes complain! The storms of life come into every life. They can either destroy us or make us strong people of God. Christ alone can empower us to face the storms as we encounter them. He is in the boat.


Did You Know?
All Christian Crusaders sermons are listed by date under Sermon Archive beginning with the latest one. Sermons date back to July 4, 1999 when we first launched our Web site.

Printed copies of sermons are available online. Hundreds of sermon transcripts are posted for your spiritual growth. Remember that the same sermons are also listed by topic and Scripture text.

Audio copies of the past programs are also available to be heard or downloaded and heard at a more convenient time.


On the Light Side
Happy Valentine’s Day

Two antennae met on a roof, fell in love,and got married. Their wedding ceremony wasn’t fancy. The reception, however, was excellent.

Q: What do squirrels give for Valentine's Day?
A: Forget-me-nuts.

A book never written: Avoiding Valentine’s Day by I.M.N. Love.

Q: Why did the banana go out with the prune?
A: Because it couldn't get a date.

A Cub Scout found a frog that said, “Kiss me and I will become a beautiful princess.” The boy studied the frog, then put it in his pocket. “Hey,” the frog croaked, “how come you didn’t kiss me?”

“I’d rather have a talking frog than a princess any day!” replied the Cub Scout.

Q: What is a ram's favorite song on February 14th?
A: I only have eyes for ewe, dear

Holy Week

This is Palm Sunday, the first day of Holy Week. Many events occurred in Jesus’ life during this week, and it is important for us to remember them in order that we may sufficiently appreciate the meaning of Christ’s resurrection. So, in this week’s message, we will center our thoughts on Jesus’ suffering and death as a payment for the sins of the world.

Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider quality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death –
even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.


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 Why We Need a Savior delivered on Christian Crusaders April 16, 2001.

We need a Savior to motivate and empower us to accept challenges. We know all too well how difficult it can be to be Christ's ambassadors. Our society will not be offended when our conversation is limited to religion in general, but let us begin to talk about our need for a Savior and what Christ has done for us, and we can expect some strong negative reactions. We do not want to be offensive. We want to be the nice guys and gals. It is at this time that we need to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to do what God wants regardless of what the consequences will be. In other words, we can know the answers, we can be well-schooled in knowing how to share the Gospel, but when God has opened the door and we have an opportunity to point people to Christ, we need strength from the Savior to be faithful.


ChristianCrusaders. org
Have you ever wished you could listen to a recent Christian Crusaders sermon that was of particular interest to you? You have that opportunity on our home page. Under the Read/Listen buttons for This Week’s Sermon, the Sermon Audio Archive link will lead you to an audio archive of our 2013 sermons. We hope this will be helpful to you.


On the Light Side
Palm Sunday
It was Palm Sunday, but because of a sore throat, five-year-old Sammy stayed home from church with a babysitter. When the family returned home, they were carrying several palm fronds. Sammy inquired as to what they were for. “People held them over Jesus’ head as he walked by,” his father responded.

“Wouldn’t you just know it?” Sammy complained, “The one Sunday I don’t go, and he shows up.”

Days of Joy and Days of Sorrow

Which is more appropriate for church, celebrating or listening quietly?  The worship service can provide both an opportunity to rejoice and feel sorrowful. In this week’s message, we will talk about Jesus’ thoughts regarding these matters.

Scripture: John 12:1-11

Six days before the Passover Jesus came to Bethany, the home of Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. There they gave a dinner for him. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at the table with him. Mary took a pound of costly perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus' feet, and wiped them with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (the one who was about to betray him), said, “Why was this perfume not sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” (He said this not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the common purse and used to steal what was put into it.)

Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial. You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came not only because of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus to death as well, since it was on account of him that many of the Jews were deserting and were believing in Jesus.


Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon Do You Enjoy Going to Church? delivered on Christian Crusaders April 22, 2001.

The Psalmist expressed his love for the Temple when he wrote, “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty. My soul yearns, even faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God” (Psalm 84:1-2). Isn’t that the feeling of the committed Christian today? Whether it is the cathedral in the city, or the small wooden building in the country, this place, known as the church, is precious to the believer. It plays a major role in his or her life. It is God’s house. He is present.


Funding Christian Crusaders
Christian Crusaders is a nonprofit ministry dependent upon gifts from you, our listeners. Many people choose to contribute a $100 Broadcast Sponsor gift. ($100 is the average cost of one half-hour broadcast on one radio station.) Others provide a GEM Club (Gift-Every-Month). All gifts are tax-deductible. Christian Crusaders is thankful for the blessing of all gifts and your partnership in sharing the Gospel.


On the Light Side
After a church service on Sunday morning, a young boy suddenly announced to his mother, “Mom, I’ve decided to become a minister when I grow up.”

“That’s wonderful! But what made you decide that?”

“Well,” said the little boy, “I’ll have to go to church on Sunday anyway, and I figure it will be more fun to stand up and yell than to sit and listen.”