When Jesus said to the paralyzed man at the Pool of Bethesda, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk,” Jesus was asking him to respond in faith. The third sermon in this series will help us learn how we too can be healed when we respond to the gospel’s message. You won’t want to miss it!
Scripture: John 5:1-9a
Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie – the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked, “Do you want to get well?”
“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."
Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “A Living Faith” delivered on Christian Crusaders February 13, 2005 by Rev. Larsen:
I appreciate what J. A. Motyer said, “To Paul, the question was, ‘How is salvation experienced?’ The answer is, ‘by faith in Christ alone.’ To James the question was, ‘How is faith recognized?’ The answer is, ‘by its fruits.’” We are saved by faith in Jesus Christ alone, but a living faith produces good works.
New Issue of The Crusader
The latest issue of the Crusader, Christian Crusaders’ quarterly newsletter, is out now. The theme for this issue is forgiveness. To receive a free copy of this special publication, which features an article by both Rev. Larsen and Rev. Kramer as well as news about the ministry, call or e-mail the Christian Crusaders office.
On the Light Side
It was graduation day, and everybody was going to get their diploma except Jeffrey. At the assembly, the entire senior class stood up and shouted, “Let Jeffrey graduate! Let Jeffrey graduate!”
So the principal agreed to give Jeffrey one last chance. “If I have five apples in my right hand and five in my left hand, Jeffrey, how many apples do I have?” he asked.
Jeffrey thought long and hard and then said, “Ten.”
The entire senior class stood up and shouted, “Give Jeffrey another chance. Give Jeffrey another chance!”
We Want to Hear From You!
Share a time when God has worked in your life to heal you by posting in the "Comments" section of this blog.
The program "The Man is Healed" will air Sunday, May 23, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Indifferent Crowd
As the paralyzed man lay at the Pool of Bethesda, no doubt he was ministered to by many good-hearted people passing by. What does one say to a friend who is ill, such as those at the Pool, or those in our care centers and hospitals today? We will continue this sermon series this week by talking about how to minister to those who are ill or dying.
Scripture: John 5:1-9a
Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie – the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked, “Do you want to get well?”
“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."
Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer 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 by Rev. Larsen:
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. There is no CEO in the Kingdom of God. 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.
Facebook Fan Page
Christian Crusaders now has a FAN PAGE on Facebook! Search for “Christian Crusaders” and select the page with “Non-Profit Organization” beneath the name. Then click the “LIKE” button – that’s all you have to do to become a fan and receive our latest news and updates. This fan page will eventually become Christian Crusaders' only presence on Facebook, so click over and join today.
On the Light Side
Mother's Dictionary of Meanings
Pastor Helgens invited the children to come forward around the altar for an object lesson using squirrels as an example of industry and planning ahead. He requested that the boys and girls raise their hands when they knew what he was describing.
“This thing lives in trees [pause] and eats nuts [pause].” No hands went up. “It is gray [pause] and has a long bushy tail [pause].” The children looked at each other, but no hands were raised. “And it jumps from branch to branch [pause] and chatters when it gets excited [pause].”
Finally a little boy tentatively raised his hand. Pastor Helgens breathed a sigh of relief and called on him. “Well,” he said, “I know the answer must be Jesus, but it sure sounds like a squirrel to me.”
We Want to Hear From You!
When have you provided a word of comfort to someone in their darkest hour - when they were seriously ill or dying? Please share your story by posting in the "Comments" section of this blog.
The program "The Indifferent Crowd" will air Sunday, May 16, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.
Scripture: John 5:1-9a
Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie – the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked, “Do you want to get well?”
“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."
Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer 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 by Rev. Larsen:
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. There is no CEO in the Kingdom of God. 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.
Facebook Fan Page
Christian Crusaders now has a FAN PAGE on Facebook! Search for “Christian Crusaders” and select the page with “Non-Profit Organization” beneath the name. Then click the “LIKE” button – that’s all you have to do to become a fan and receive our latest news and updates. This fan page will eventually become Christian Crusaders' only presence on Facebook, so click over and join today.
On the Light Side
Mother's Dictionary of Meanings
Pastor Helgens invited the children to come forward around the altar for an object lesson using squirrels as an example of industry and planning ahead. He requested that the boys and girls raise their hands when they knew what he was describing.
“This thing lives in trees [pause] and eats nuts [pause].” No hands went up. “It is gray [pause] and has a long bushy tail [pause].” The children looked at each other, but no hands were raised. “And it jumps from branch to branch [pause] and chatters when it gets excited [pause].”
Finally a little boy tentatively raised his hand. Pastor Helgens breathed a sigh of relief and called on him. “Well,” he said, “I know the answer must be Jesus, but it sure sounds like a squirrel to me.”
We Want to Hear From You!
When have you provided a word of comfort to someone in their darkest hour - when they were seriously ill or dying? Please share your story by posting in the "Comments" section of this blog.
The program "The Indifferent Crowd" will air Sunday, May 16, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Do You Want to Be Healed?
Do you like the way you are, or would you like God to change you? Jesus asked that same question to a man who had been paralyzed for thirty-eight years. The answer would seem simple; however, the result could mean a huge change in one’s lifestyle. This week we begin a sermon series on the Pool of Bethesda and learn what can happen when we have the courage to allow God to heal our infirmities.
Scripture: John 5:1-9a
Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie – the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked, “Do you want to get well?”
“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."
Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “We Need a Savior” delivered on Christian Crusaders July 19, 2000, by Rev. Larsen:
We can point to certain leaders in our own land who served our land as temporal shepherds: Abraham Lincoln and F.D.R .We do not overlook such leadership. However, beyond these earthly problems no human can answer our true problems. Without Christ no matter how much of the material we possess, we are like sheep without a shepherd. We do not know how to live abundantly or die victoriously.
Mother's Day Gift Suggestion
If you’re still searching for a meaningful Mother’s Day gift for a special woman in your life, consider a set of five motherhood-themed sermons on audio CD from Christian Crusaders. This CD set comes attractively packaged and ready for giving—it can even be mailed directly to your recipient. Call the Christian Crusaders office to order the classic Mother’s Day gift set for a suggested donation of any amount.
On the Light Side
Mother's Dictionary of Meanings
Dumbwaiter: One who asks if the kids would care to order dessert.
Feedback: The inevitable result when the baby doesn’t appreciate the strained carrots.
Full Name: What you call your child when you’re mad at him.
Grandparents: The people who think your children are wonderful even though they’re sure you’re not raising them right.
Hearsay: What toddlers do when anyone mutters a dirty word.
Independent: How we want our children to be for as long as they do everything we say.
Puddle: A small body of water that draws other small bodies wearing dry shoes into it.
Show Off: A child who is more talented than yours.
Sterilize: What you do to your first baby’s pacifier by boiling it, and to your last baby’s pacifier by blowing on it and wiping it with saliva.
Top Bunk: Where you should never put a child wearing Superman jammies.
Two-Minute Warning: When the baby’s face turns red and begins to make those familiar grunting noises.
Whodunit: None of the kids who live in your house.
We Want to Hear From You!
What is something God has helped you change for the better in your life? Share your story by posting in the "Comments" section of this blog.
The program "Do You Want to Be Healed?" will air Sunday, May 9, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.
Scripture: John 5:1-9a
Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for a feast of the Jews. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie – the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked, “Do you want to get well?”
“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."
Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “We Need a Savior” delivered on Christian Crusaders July 19, 2000, by Rev. Larsen:
We can point to certain leaders in our own land who served our land as temporal shepherds: Abraham Lincoln and F.D.R .We do not overlook such leadership. However, beyond these earthly problems no human can answer our true problems. Without Christ no matter how much of the material we possess, we are like sheep without a shepherd. We do not know how to live abundantly or die victoriously.
Mother's Day Gift Suggestion
If you’re still searching for a meaningful Mother’s Day gift for a special woman in your life, consider a set of five motherhood-themed sermons on audio CD from Christian Crusaders. This CD set comes attractively packaged and ready for giving—it can even be mailed directly to your recipient. Call the Christian Crusaders office to order the classic Mother’s Day gift set for a suggested donation of any amount.
On the Light Side
Mother's Dictionary of Meanings
Dumbwaiter: One who asks if the kids would care to order dessert.
Feedback: The inevitable result when the baby doesn’t appreciate the strained carrots.
Full Name: What you call your child when you’re mad at him.
Grandparents: The people who think your children are wonderful even though they’re sure you’re not raising them right.
Hearsay: What toddlers do when anyone mutters a dirty word.
Independent: How we want our children to be for as long as they do everything we say.
Puddle: A small body of water that draws other small bodies wearing dry shoes into it.
Show Off: A child who is more talented than yours.
Sterilize: What you do to your first baby’s pacifier by boiling it, and to your last baby’s pacifier by blowing on it and wiping it with saliva.
Top Bunk: Where you should never put a child wearing Superman jammies.
Two-Minute Warning: When the baby’s face turns red and begins to make those familiar grunting noises.
Whodunit: None of the kids who live in your house.
We Want to Hear From You!
What is something God has helped you change for the better in your life? Share your story by posting in the "Comments" section of this blog.
The program "Do You Want to Be Healed?" will air Sunday, May 9, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
A Refreshing Offer
Something many of us desperately need is rest and refreshment from the fears, doubts, and issues plaguing our lives. In this week’s sermon, Rev. Kramer uses the Apostle Peter’s words to tell us what we need to do to receive this wonderful gift.
Scripture: Acts 3:11-20
While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.
“Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you – even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.”
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “Lord of the Second Chance” delivered on Christian Crusaders July 29, 2007, by Rev. Kramer:
All of us have run a long way in the wrong direction at times. Because of the forgiveness offered in Jesus Christ, however, remember – the game is only half over. . . According to this story, a new start is available. We have a second chance. Jesus does not write me off. Yes, dear friends, we still have our moments when we blow it as followers of Jesus Christ. But here is the good news: Jesus Christ, our risen Savior, is the Lord of the second chance.
Messages on DVD
Appropriate for Memorial Day, as we remember those who have passed, is volume three in Rev. Larsen’s DVD sermon series, Basic Biblical Truths. In this sermon, “Fear Not . . . I Am With You,” Rev. Larsen discusses Isaiah 43:1: “Fear not, I have redeemed you, I have called you by name.” What a comfort to know God is with us in times of fear, just as he was with those who walked with him in biblical times. In this video, we hear how having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ makes all the difference, for in times of trouble, we’ll know the One to whom we turn. Call 1-888-693-2484 1-888-693-2484 to order this DVD for a suggested donation of ten dollars, or order online at www.christiancrusaders.org.
On the Light Side
I am not hard of hearing but, sometimes . . . Well, sometimes the words I hear just don’t seem to register quite right.
A group of us were enjoying coffee together, and one of the ladies was excitedly sharing the fact she was getting a new microwave oven. But she didn’t say she was going to buy or purchase one – she used the word acquire. She was going to acquire a microwave oven.
The conversation wasn’t making a lick of sense to me and I blurted out, “What in the world are you talking about?!”
Startled and puzzled, she wondered what the problem was. I explained, “I’ve got this vision of a choir loft full of microwave ovens with the doors opening and closing, the lights going on and off, and the buzzers buzzing.”
We Want to Hear From You!
When was the last time you turned to God with an issue that was plaguing you? Share your story by posting in the "comments" section of this blog.
The program "A Refreshing Offer" will air Sunday, April 25, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.
Scripture: Acts 3:11-20
While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.
“Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Christ would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you – even Jesus. He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.”
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “Lord of the Second Chance” delivered on Christian Crusaders July 29, 2007, by Rev. Kramer:
All of us have run a long way in the wrong direction at times. Because of the forgiveness offered in Jesus Christ, however, remember – the game is only half over. . . According to this story, a new start is available. We have a second chance. Jesus does not write me off. Yes, dear friends, we still have our moments when we blow it as followers of Jesus Christ. But here is the good news: Jesus Christ, our risen Savior, is the Lord of the second chance.
Messages on DVD
Appropriate for Memorial Day, as we remember those who have passed, is volume three in Rev. Larsen’s DVD sermon series, Basic Biblical Truths. In this sermon, “Fear Not . . . I Am With You,” Rev. Larsen discusses Isaiah 43:1: “Fear not, I have redeemed you, I have called you by name.” What a comfort to know God is with us in times of fear, just as he was with those who walked with him in biblical times. In this video, we hear how having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ makes all the difference, for in times of trouble, we’ll know the One to whom we turn. Call 1-888-693-2484 1-888-693-2484 to order this DVD for a suggested donation of ten dollars, or order online at www.christiancrusaders.org.
On the Light Side
I am not hard of hearing but, sometimes . . . Well, sometimes the words I hear just don’t seem to register quite right.
A group of us were enjoying coffee together, and one of the ladies was excitedly sharing the fact she was getting a new microwave oven. But she didn’t say she was going to buy or purchase one – she used the word acquire. She was going to acquire a microwave oven.
The conversation wasn’t making a lick of sense to me and I blurted out, “What in the world are you talking about?!”
Startled and puzzled, she wondered what the problem was. I explained, “I’ve got this vision of a choir loft full of microwave ovens with the doors opening and closing, the lights going on and off, and the buzzers buzzing.”
We Want to Hear From You!
When was the last time you turned to God with an issue that was plaguing you? Share your story by posting in the "comments" section of this blog.
The program "A Refreshing Offer" will air Sunday, April 25, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Claim Your Forgiveness
How do you deal with your guilt? Some people deny their guilt because they believe right and wrong is subjective. Others believe God could never damn anyone. Still others try to work out their guilt with good works. In this week’s sermon we will learn how Peter, who denied Christ in his time of need, dealt with his guilt.
Scripture: John 21:1-19
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.”
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “But Christ Has Been Raised” delivered on Christian Crusaders April 16, 2006, by Rev. Larsen:
Think of the millions of people who live without the blessings of the resurrection. Think of those who believe something good is going to happen to them after they die, but they have no basis for these eternal thoughts, only what they feel – that God is loving and will reward their good lives. This is not adequate. It took a cross and an empty tomb to give us a basis for our salvation. It takes a divinely inspired word that says, Because He lives, I too shall live.
Messages on DVD
Do you still think about well-loved Bible stories you first heard as a child? Many of us remember the story of Zacchaeus, the dishonest tax collector whose life was changed when he met Jesus. In volume two of his DVD video sermon collection Basic Biblical Truths, Rev. Larsen uses this story to emphasize that we can become new people when Jesus comes into our lives and offers us the gift of forgiveness. If you’d like to consider this story’s impact on your own life, order “A Life is Changed” by calling our office at 1-888-693-2484 1-888-693-2484 or ordering online at www.christiancrusaders.org.
On the Light Side
I had spent the late winter months waiting impatiently for signs of spring. When the first warm, sunny Saturday arrived, I eagerly unlocked the storm door and stepped onto our patio deck. I was pleased by the sight of green sprouts and the sounds of singing birds. More than anything else, I delighted in the sweet aroma of the spring air.
Knocking on the kitchen window, I beckoned to my wife to join me in enjoying the pleasures of the season. She quietly brought me back to earth, however, when she reminded me that I was standing over the dryer vent, inhaling.
We Want to Hear From You!
Do you struggle with taking your guilt to God? Tell us your story by posting in the "Comments" section of this blog.
The program "Claim Your Forgiveness" will air Sunday, April 18, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.
Scripture: John 21:1-19
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.”
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “But Christ Has Been Raised” delivered on Christian Crusaders April 16, 2006, by Rev. Larsen:
Think of the millions of people who live without the blessings of the resurrection. Think of those who believe something good is going to happen to them after they die, but they have no basis for these eternal thoughts, only what they feel – that God is loving and will reward their good lives. This is not adequate. It took a cross and an empty tomb to give us a basis for our salvation. It takes a divinely inspired word that says, Because He lives, I too shall live.
Messages on DVD
Do you still think about well-loved Bible stories you first heard as a child? Many of us remember the story of Zacchaeus, the dishonest tax collector whose life was changed when he met Jesus. In volume two of his DVD video sermon collection Basic Biblical Truths, Rev. Larsen uses this story to emphasize that we can become new people when Jesus comes into our lives and offers us the gift of forgiveness. If you’d like to consider this story’s impact on your own life, order “A Life is Changed” by calling our office at 1-888-693-2484 1-888-693-2484 or ordering online at www.christiancrusaders.org.
On the Light Side
I had spent the late winter months waiting impatiently for signs of spring. When the first warm, sunny Saturday arrived, I eagerly unlocked the storm door and stepped onto our patio deck. I was pleased by the sight of green sprouts and the sounds of singing birds. More than anything else, I delighted in the sweet aroma of the spring air.
Knocking on the kitchen window, I beckoned to my wife to join me in enjoying the pleasures of the season. She quietly brought me back to earth, however, when she reminded me that I was standing over the dryer vent, inhaling.
We Want to Hear From You!
Do you struggle with taking your guilt to God? Tell us your story by posting in the "Comments" section of this blog.
The program "Claim Your Forgiveness" will air Sunday, April 18, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.
Friday, April 9, 2010
The Effect of Easter
According to a recent Gallup poll, trust levels of various institutions of our country are at an all-time low. We need a God we can trust – one who has come forth from the tomb, as he promised, to guide and direct us along the way. This week we will look at two men who were deeply affected by the Resurrection, and evaluate the effect this event has had on us.
Scripture: Acts 4:8-10
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is ’the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone’. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”
Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “But Christ Has Been Raised” delivered on Christian Crusaders April 16, 2006, by Rev. Larsen:
Think of the millions of people who live without the blessings of the resurrection. Think of those who believe something good is going to happen to them after they die, but they have no basis for these eternal thoughts, only what they feel – that God is loving and will reward their good lives. This is not adequate. It took a cross and an empty tomb to give us a basis for our salvation. It takes a divinely inspired word that says, Because He lives, I too shall live.
Message on DVD
What does it mean to be born again? Find out in the first volume of Basic Biblical Truths, the DVD video set of sermons by the Rev. Dr. Homer Larsen. In this video, Rev. Larsen discusses John 3:3: “No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” These words Jesus spoke have puzzled many—from Nicodemus, who first heard them, to many of us today. Hear Rev. Larsen talk about what it means to be born again, and how lives are transformed through the power of the Holy Spirit. Call our office at 1-888-693-2484 1-888-693-2484 to order “Born Again,” available for a suggested donation of ten dollars, or order online at www.christiancrusaders.org.
On the Light Side
One Sunday during the closing prayers, a loud whistle rang out from one of the back pews. Tommy’s mother was horrified. She hushed him into silence and, after church, asked, “Tommy, whatever made you do such a thing?”
Tommy answered soberly, “I asked God to teach me to whistle, and just then he did.”
We Want to Hear From You!
How do you wrestle with giving up control and putting your trust in God? Share your story by posting in the "comments" section of this blog.
The program "The Effect of Easter" will air Sunday, April 11, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.
Scripture: Acts 4:8-10
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. He is ’the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone’. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”
Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “But Christ Has Been Raised” delivered on Christian Crusaders April 16, 2006, by Rev. Larsen:
Think of the millions of people who live without the blessings of the resurrection. Think of those who believe something good is going to happen to them after they die, but they have no basis for these eternal thoughts, only what they feel – that God is loving and will reward their good lives. This is not adequate. It took a cross and an empty tomb to give us a basis for our salvation. It takes a divinely inspired word that says, Because He lives, I too shall live.
Message on DVD
What does it mean to be born again? Find out in the first volume of Basic Biblical Truths, the DVD video set of sermons by the Rev. Dr. Homer Larsen. In this video, Rev. Larsen discusses John 3:3: “No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” These words Jesus spoke have puzzled many—from Nicodemus, who first heard them, to many of us today. Hear Rev. Larsen talk about what it means to be born again, and how lives are transformed through the power of the Holy Spirit. Call our office at 1-888-693-2484 1-888-693-2484 to order “Born Again,” available for a suggested donation of ten dollars, or order online at www.christiancrusaders.org.
On the Light Side
One Sunday during the closing prayers, a loud whistle rang out from one of the back pews. Tommy’s mother was horrified. She hushed him into silence and, after church, asked, “Tommy, whatever made you do such a thing?”
Tommy answered soberly, “I asked God to teach me to whistle, and just then he did.”
We Want to Hear From You!
How do you wrestle with giving up control and putting your trust in God? Share your story by posting in the "comments" section of this blog.
The program "The Effect of Easter" will air Sunday, April 11, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Christ is Risen - An Epiphany Story
Do you wrestle with your belief in the resurrection? That is understandable, for even Jesus’ disciples struggled with it. Yet it is the foundation of the Christian faith. While Jesus rising from the dead may be difficult for our human minds to grasp, God reveals it in a unique and exciting way.
Scripture: Luke 24:1-32
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 the 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.
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.
He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
“What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.”
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “Christ Lives” delivered on Christian Crusaders April 11, 2004, by Rev. Larsen:
Jesus’ disciples had not fully comprehended all that had taken place. They were hiding behind closed doors for fear of the Jews. However, when Jesus stood in their midst and showed them His nail-pierced hands and sword-pierced side, they became fearless witnesses of the Savior. The Jesus of Nazareth, who had once walked beside them, now was the Risen Lord who lived in their hearts.
The same is true today. Nothing can change your life as drastically as having Jesus live in your heart. That is when we become new people. When temptation comes, we find power to resist. The Risen Lord provides the strength if we will call on Him. When guilt tears us apart, we hear the living Savior say, “I forgive you,” and we have peace. When we walk away from the grave of a loved one with a broken heart and tears rolling down our cheeks, we sing with St. Paul “Where, O death, is your victory?”
Happy Easter from Christian Crusaders
As you prepare to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ this week, Christian Crusaders would like to wish all of our listeners a blessed Easter season. We pray that you travel safely and rejoice fully in the hope of the Resurrection.
On the Light Side
When one crosses an angora rabbit with an Easter Bunny, do they get a cross hair?
Good Idea: Finding Easter eggs on Easter.
Bad Idea: Finding Easter eggs on Christmas.
Q. What do Easter Bunny helpers get for making a basket?
A. Two points, just like anyone else.
Q. What’s invisible and smells like carrots?
A. The Ether Bunny
Q. Why did the Easter Bunny hide his eggs?
A. He doesn’t want the other bunnies to know that he’d been hanging out with the chickens.
Q: What do you call a duck that just doesn’t fit in?
A: Mallardjusted.
We Want to Hear From You!
Tell us about the power of the Easter message in your life by posting in the "comments" section of this blog.
The program "Christ is Risen - An Epiphany Story" will air Sunday, April 4, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.
Scripture: Luke 24:1-32
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 the 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.
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.
He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”
They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
“What things?” he asked.
“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see.”
He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon “Christ Lives” delivered on Christian Crusaders April 11, 2004, by Rev. Larsen:
Jesus’ disciples had not fully comprehended all that had taken place. They were hiding behind closed doors for fear of the Jews. However, when Jesus stood in their midst and showed them His nail-pierced hands and sword-pierced side, they became fearless witnesses of the Savior. The Jesus of Nazareth, who had once walked beside them, now was the Risen Lord who lived in their hearts.
The same is true today. Nothing can change your life as drastically as having Jesus live in your heart. That is when we become new people. When temptation comes, we find power to resist. The Risen Lord provides the strength if we will call on Him. When guilt tears us apart, we hear the living Savior say, “I forgive you,” and we have peace. When we walk away from the grave of a loved one with a broken heart and tears rolling down our cheeks, we sing with St. Paul “Where, O death, is your victory?”
Happy Easter from Christian Crusaders
As you prepare to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ this week, Christian Crusaders would like to wish all of our listeners a blessed Easter season. We pray that you travel safely and rejoice fully in the hope of the Resurrection.
On the Light Side
When one crosses an angora rabbit with an Easter Bunny, do they get a cross hair?
Good Idea: Finding Easter eggs on Easter.
Bad Idea: Finding Easter eggs on Christmas.
Q. What do Easter Bunny helpers get for making a basket?
A. Two points, just like anyone else.
Q. What’s invisible and smells like carrots?
A. The Ether Bunny
Q. Why did the Easter Bunny hide his eggs?
A. He doesn’t want the other bunnies to know that he’d been hanging out with the chickens.
Q: What do you call a duck that just doesn’t fit in?
A: Mallardjusted.
We Want to Hear From You!
Tell us about the power of the Easter message in your life by posting in the "comments" section of this blog.
The program "Christ is Risen - An Epiphany Story" will air Sunday, April 4, 2010. Visit www.christiancrusaders.org for radio stations and times, or to listen online.
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