Congregations often struggle to meet their annual budgets so use fundraisers to help pay the bills. But does God have a better plan? Listen beginning Sunday, November 14 on http://www.christiancrusaders.org/ to hear what Scripture has to say about financing His kingdom.
Scripture: II Corinthians 8:1-5, 9:6-11
And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God’s will.
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:
“He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.”
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to 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 The Wake-Up Call delivered on Christian Crusaders November 11, 2001 by Rev. Larsen:
Christianity places great emphasis on giving. It starts with God giving His Son, and Jesus giving His life as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. Paul writes, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” Those who have received God’s gift of salvation in Christ receive this giving spirit and are anxious to give themselves to the Lord. Dr. Chafin says that giving is a “heart matter.” We have to give.
Christian Crusaders Speakers
Since 1936 when Christian Crusaders first began broadcasting Sunday worship services, there have been only three speakers: Rev. G. E. Melchert, Rev. Bruno Schlachtenhaufen, and, since 1962, Rev. Homer Larsen. With an eye to the future, the Board of Directors has chosen Pastor Steven Kramer to be the Associate Speaker on Christian Crusaders. When Rev. Larsen is no longer able to preach on the program, Pastor Kramer will become our next speaker. Pastor Kramer will speak ten times in 2011 so our listeners can become better acquainted with his voice and style of preaching.
We thank God for his faithfulness to Christian Crusaders and its radio and Internet audience, and we pray you will join us in asking God’s blessings upon Pastors Larsen and Kramer.
On the Light Side
Everybody knew the roof was leaking, but the church kept putting off replacement. Finally, some areas of the ceiling in the sanctuary began to sag, so they called a congregational meeting. A very wealthy member rose and pledged $300 toward fixing the roof. Just then a small piece of the ceiling fell and hit him on the head. Somebody in the back of the church said, “Hit him again, Lord!”
Friday, November 12, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
Living and Dying
If you heard a person say, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain,” you might think that person never experienced real life. Beginning Sunday, November 7, we will look at the stories of several persons who learned to accept hardship with the knowledge that God was right beside them. Join us at www.ChristianCrusaders.org.
Scripture: Philippians 1:21-26
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of 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 Simon the Cross Bearer delivered on Christian Crusaders March 4, 2001 by Rev. Larsen:
We learn that Christ has the answer to life’s more serious problems. When our souls are filled with guilt, He offers us forgiveness. When life draws to a close, He assures us of a Heavenly home. When humans fail us, He promises never to fail or forsake us. When we have made mistakes, He tells us it’s never too late to start over. When life is boring, He gives us new challenges. Many crosses can be added to our life’s journey, but Jesus has promised, “Cast all of your cares on me, I care for you.” If you are a Christian, live with that promise. If you are not a Christian, receive Christ as your Savior."
Share the Good News
If you know anyone who might benefit from the Gospel-based messages available on Christian Crusaders, let them know about the ministry. Anyone in the country can listen anytime on ChristianCrusaders.org. Members of a church small group, a relative in a nursing home, a neighbor going through a difficult time . . . inviting any of them to listen might be a real blessing in their lives.
On the Light Side
Letters to God
Dear God,
Instead of letting people die and make new ones. Why don’t you just keep the ones you got now? – Jane
Dear God,
I think about you sometimes, even when I’m not praying. – Elliott
Dear God,
I am American. What are you? – Robert
Dear God,
Thank you for the baby brother, but what I prayed for was a puppy. – Joyce
Dear God,
I bet it is very hard for you to keep track of everybody in the whole world. There are only 4 in my family, and I can never do it. – Nan
Dear God,
If you watch in church Sunday, I will show you my new shoes. – Mickey D.
Scripture: Philippians 1:21-26
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of 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 Simon the Cross Bearer delivered on Christian Crusaders March 4, 2001 by Rev. Larsen:
We learn that Christ has the answer to life’s more serious problems. When our souls are filled with guilt, He offers us forgiveness. When life draws to a close, He assures us of a Heavenly home. When humans fail us, He promises never to fail or forsake us. When we have made mistakes, He tells us it’s never too late to start over. When life is boring, He gives us new challenges. Many crosses can be added to our life’s journey, but Jesus has promised, “Cast all of your cares on me, I care for you.” If you are a Christian, live with that promise. If you are not a Christian, receive Christ as your Savior."
Share the Good News
If you know anyone who might benefit from the Gospel-based messages available on Christian Crusaders, let them know about the ministry. Anyone in the country can listen anytime on ChristianCrusaders.org. Members of a church small group, a relative in a nursing home, a neighbor going through a difficult time . . . inviting any of them to listen might be a real blessing in their lives.
On the Light Side
Letters to God
Dear God,
Instead of letting people die and make new ones. Why don’t you just keep the ones you got now? – Jane
Dear God,
I think about you sometimes, even when I’m not praying. – Elliott
Dear God,
I am American. What are you? – Robert
Dear God,
Thank you for the baby brother, but what I prayed for was a puppy. – Joyce
Dear God,
I bet it is very hard for you to keep track of everybody in the whole world. There are only 4 in my family, and I can never do it. – Nan
Dear God,
If you watch in church Sunday, I will show you my new shoes. – Mickey D.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Another Reformation??
The culture of our day walks further and further away from a serious relationship with Jesus Christ, and the church continues to question some basic teachings of Scripture. This Sunday we will ask you to consider this statement: If God were to raise up another Martin Luther today, do you believe the United States could experience a Reformation? Listen to Christian Crusaders beginning Sunday, October 31, 2010 at www.ChristianCrusaders.org.
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 You Will Be Free delivered on Christian Crusaders October 31, 1999 by Rev. Larsen:
Martin Luther was a spiritual captive. As a German citizen he was politically free to go about his business. As a member of the Roman Catholic Church of his day, he was bound to the laws of the Church which could be found nowhere in the Bible. Was he free as an Augustinian monk seeking to appease an angry god? It is clear that wrong religion has put many people in captivity. Spiritual freedom knows no geographical boundaries. You could be a spiritually free man in Hitler's Germany and a slave in Clinton's America. How then are we set free spiritually? Here is the answer: "If you will abide in my words, you are my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."
Share the Good News
If you know anyone who might benefit from the Gospel-based messages available on Christian Crusaders, let them know about the ministry. Anyone in the country can listen anytime on ChristianCrusaders.org. Members of a church small group, a relative in a nursing home, a neighbor going through a difficult time . . . inviting any of them to listen might be a real blessing in their lives.
On the Light Side
A three-year-old went with his dad to see a litter of kittens. On returning home, he breathlessly informed his mother that there were two boy kittens and two girl kittens.
“How did you know?” his mother asked.
“Daddy picked them up and looked underneath,” he replied. “I think it’s printed on the bottom.”
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 You Will Be Free delivered on Christian Crusaders October 31, 1999 by Rev. Larsen:
Martin Luther was a spiritual captive. As a German citizen he was politically free to go about his business. As a member of the Roman Catholic Church of his day, he was bound to the laws of the Church which could be found nowhere in the Bible. Was he free as an Augustinian monk seeking to appease an angry god? It is clear that wrong religion has put many people in captivity. Spiritual freedom knows no geographical boundaries. You could be a spiritually free man in Hitler's Germany and a slave in Clinton's America. How then are we set free spiritually? Here is the answer: "If you will abide in my words, you are my disciples, and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free."
Share the Good News
If you know anyone who might benefit from the Gospel-based messages available on Christian Crusaders, let them know about the ministry. Anyone in the country can listen anytime on ChristianCrusaders.org. Members of a church small group, a relative in a nursing home, a neighbor going through a difficult time . . . inviting any of them to listen might be a real blessing in their lives.
On the Light Side
A three-year-old went with his dad to see a litter of kittens. On returning home, he breathlessly informed his mother that there were two boy kittens and two girl kittens.
“How did you know?” his mother asked.
“Daddy picked them up and looked underneath,” he replied. “I think it’s printed on the bottom.”
Friday, October 22, 2010
Do You Believe God Is in Debt to You?
Have you ever thought to yourself, “I may not be perfect, but at least I am better than a lot of people. I am basically a good person. Shouldn’t God reward my obedience?” We look to others’ faults to sometimes build a case for ourselves. Beginning Sunday October 24, a tax collector’s prayer will help us find the true meaning of righteousness.
Scripture: Luke 18:9-14
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men – robbers, evildoers, adulterers – or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
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 Who Is the Greatest? delivered on Christian Crusaders July 29, 2001 by Rev. Larsen:
It is difficult for us to humbly bow and confess our need for God’s help. There is a common attitude that says verbally or in behavior, “I don’t need Christ. I can control my own behavior. I can live a good enough life that, at the end, God will say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter your heavenly home.’ I have a good mind and an adequate education to work out my own salvation. I don’t need a Savior. I am my own savior. I am a strong person and will face difficulties as they come, without any crutches offered by religion.” Replying to this attitude, Jesus speaks, “Unless you change (be converted) and become as a child, you can’t enter the kingdom of Heaven.”
On ChristianCrusaders.org
Would you like to know more about our speakers – Rev. Homer Larsen, who has been Christian Crusaders’ speaker since 1961, and our associate speaker, Rev. Steve Kramer? On our Web site, www.christiancrusaders.org, you will find information in the navigational bar under “About”. You can also find news from the latest issue of our quarterly newsletter, the Crusader. Just click “Newsletter” and “Crusader Bulletin” in the navigational bar. The theme of our next issue is Relationships. Rev. Larsen writes the lead article for the newsletter.
On the Light Side
An elderly gentleman was strolling through the park one beautiful day when he came upon a child sitting on a bench busily saying his ABCs. The old man waited until the child was through, then said, “I see you’re practicing your alphabet.”
“No,” replied the child. “I was praying. I don’t know how to pray very well, so I just give God the letters, and he puts them into the right words!”
Scripture: Luke 18:9-14
To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men – robbers, evildoers, adulterers – or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’
“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’
“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
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 Who Is the Greatest? delivered on Christian Crusaders July 29, 2001 by Rev. Larsen:
It is difficult for us to humbly bow and confess our need for God’s help. There is a common attitude that says verbally or in behavior, “I don’t need Christ. I can control my own behavior. I can live a good enough life that, at the end, God will say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter your heavenly home.’ I have a good mind and an adequate education to work out my own salvation. I don’t need a Savior. I am my own savior. I am a strong person and will face difficulties as they come, without any crutches offered by religion.” Replying to this attitude, Jesus speaks, “Unless you change (be converted) and become as a child, you can’t enter the kingdom of Heaven.”
On ChristianCrusaders.org
Would you like to know more about our speakers – Rev. Homer Larsen, who has been Christian Crusaders’ speaker since 1961, and our associate speaker, Rev. Steve Kramer? On our Web site, www.christiancrusaders.org, you will find information in the navigational bar under “About”. You can also find news from the latest issue of our quarterly newsletter, the Crusader. Just click “Newsletter” and “Crusader Bulletin” in the navigational bar. The theme of our next issue is Relationships. Rev. Larsen writes the lead article for the newsletter.
On the Light Side
An elderly gentleman was strolling through the park one beautiful day when he came upon a child sitting on a bench busily saying his ABCs. The old man waited until the child was through, then said, “I see you’re practicing your alphabet.”
“No,” replied the child. “I was praying. I don’t know how to pray very well, so I just give God the letters, and he puts them into the right words!”
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Don't Give Up
How do we react when we ask God in prayer for something and do not get an answer? Are we disappointed with him and feel we don’t need him anymore? Do we become so angry with God that we discard him in unbelief? Tune into www.ChristianCrusaders.org beginning Sunday, October 17 to hear a parable of Jesus that will both comfort and challenge those facing an injustice in their life.
Scripture: Luke 18:1-8
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’
“For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually wear me out with her coming?’
And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon Why I Keep on Praying delivered on Christian Crusaders July 30, 2006 by Rev. Larsen:
Keep on praying. Keep the faith. Be constant in prayer, for when you’re constant in prayer, there are wonderful surprises in store for you. One of the most wonderful surprises that is in store for us as we live a life of prayer is a promise that Jesus gives in Luke 11. He’s telling his disciples to, ask, seek, and knock. He says that the end of his little talk, “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?” What’s the surprise he’s promising? God himself, the Holy Spirit! You soon learn that your relationship is growing, and you experience His presence in your life.
On ChristianCrusaders.org
Wish you could relive last week’s particularly inspiring sermon? Can’t quite remember the name of a book Rev. Larsen mentioned sometime in August? Want to give a friend some comforting words on death?
You can find what you’re looking for with Christian Crusaders’ online sermon search tool. With this user-friendly feature, you can instantly access hundreds of archived sermons, as far back as 1999, searching by topic, date, or Scripture passage.
Listen to the sermon right at your computer, read it online, print it at home, or order it on a CD or cassette tape. Get the Good News of Jesus Christ twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week!
On the Light Side
A man had a habit of grumbling at the food his wife placed before him at family meals. Then he would ask the blessing.
One day after his usual combination complaint/prayer, his little girl asked, “Daddy, does God hear us when we pray?”
“Why, of course,” he replied. “He hears us every time we pray.”
She paused on this a moment, and asked, “Does he hear everything we say the rest of the time?”
“Yes, dear, every word,” he replied, encouraged that he had inspired his daughter to be curious about spiritual matters.
However, his pride was quickly turned to humility. “Then which does God believe?”
Scripture: Luke 18:1-8
Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’
“For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually wear me out with her coming?’
And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?”
Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon Why I Keep on Praying delivered on Christian Crusaders July 30, 2006 by Rev. Larsen:
Keep on praying. Keep the faith. Be constant in prayer, for when you’re constant in prayer, there are wonderful surprises in store for you. One of the most wonderful surprises that is in store for us as we live a life of prayer is a promise that Jesus gives in Luke 11. He’s telling his disciples to, ask, seek, and knock. He says that the end of his little talk, “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?” What’s the surprise he’s promising? God himself, the Holy Spirit! You soon learn that your relationship is growing, and you experience His presence in your life.
On ChristianCrusaders.org
Wish you could relive last week’s particularly inspiring sermon? Can’t quite remember the name of a book Rev. Larsen mentioned sometime in August? Want to give a friend some comforting words on death?
You can find what you’re looking for with Christian Crusaders’ online sermon search tool. With this user-friendly feature, you can instantly access hundreds of archived sermons, as far back as 1999, searching by topic, date, or Scripture passage.
Listen to the sermon right at your computer, read it online, print it at home, or order it on a CD or cassette tape. Get the Good News of Jesus Christ twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week!
On the Light Side
A man had a habit of grumbling at the food his wife placed before him at family meals. Then he would ask the blessing.
One day after his usual combination complaint/prayer, his little girl asked, “Daddy, does God hear us when we pray?”
“Why, of course,” he replied. “He hears us every time we pray.”
She paused on this a moment, and asked, “Does he hear everything we say the rest of the time?”
“Yes, dear, every word,” he replied, encouraged that he had inspired his daughter to be curious about spiritual matters.
However, his pride was quickly turned to humility. “Then which does God believe?”
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Hidden Heresies
Even from the days of the Apostles, the Christian faith has been plagued with heresies. Today is no exception. Communication between major faiths is much closer today than ever before making it even more difficult to remain faithful to Jesus Christ. In this week’s sermon we will talk about the most dangerous of heresies – those that are hidden. Listen beginning Sunday, October 3, 2010 on www.ChristianCrusaders.org.
Scripture: Luke 17:5-6
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”
The Lord replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.”
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 His Message Has Authority delivered on Christian Crusaders February 19, 2006 by Rev. Larsen:
In the minds of many people, religion is up for grabs. You can take it or leave it. It’s your opinion versus my opinion. So why don’t we respect each other’s convictions, and go our respective ways? The Church has a problem with this suggestion. In our Lutheran Church, we have a confessional that says, “We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and the only authority in matters of faith and life.” I am thankful for this statement. Without such a confession, I have no authority to which I can turn for answers to the puzzling problems of the day.
Seventy-Four Years of Broadcasting Biblical Truth
In 2005, the Board of Directors of Christian Crusaders asked Rev. Steven Kramer to serve as Associate Speaker. In this capacity, Rev. Kramer will preach eight times this year, and eventually will succeed Rev. Larsen upon his retirement. Rev. Kramer is currently serving as the senior pastor of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Afton, Minnesota.
A staff of an Executive Director, an Administrative Assistant, and a Financial/Office Assistant take care of the daily functions and responsibilities of the ministry. Volunteers help with mailings and other tasks.
Totally supported by donations from its beginning, Christian Crusaders relies on the gifts of listeners – through GEM Club (Gift Every Month) members, Broadcast Sponsors, memorial gifts and bequests from estates – to keep the program on the air. Because of these many contributions, this ministry is now in its seventy-fourth year and is the seventh longest-running Christian radio program in the United States.
On the Light Side
A boy is writing a paper on childbirth and asks his parents, “How was I born?”
His mother awkwardly answers, “The stork brought you.”
“Oh,” says the boy. “Well, how were you and daddy born?”
“Oh, the stork brought us, too, and grandpa and grandma.”
The boy begins his paper, “This report has been very difficult to write due to the fact that there hasn’t been a natural childbirth in my family for three generations.”
Scripture: Luke 17:5-6
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”
The Lord replied, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.”
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 His Message Has Authority delivered on Christian Crusaders February 19, 2006 by Rev. Larsen:
In the minds of many people, religion is up for grabs. You can take it or leave it. It’s your opinion versus my opinion. So why don’t we respect each other’s convictions, and go our respective ways? The Church has a problem with this suggestion. In our Lutheran Church, we have a confessional that says, “We believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God and the only authority in matters of faith and life.” I am thankful for this statement. Without such a confession, I have no authority to which I can turn for answers to the puzzling problems of the day.
Seventy-Four Years of Broadcasting Biblical Truth
In 2005, the Board of Directors of Christian Crusaders asked Rev. Steven Kramer to serve as Associate Speaker. In this capacity, Rev. Kramer will preach eight times this year, and eventually will succeed Rev. Larsen upon his retirement. Rev. Kramer is currently serving as the senior pastor of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in Afton, Minnesota.
A staff of an Executive Director, an Administrative Assistant, and a Financial/Office Assistant take care of the daily functions and responsibilities of the ministry. Volunteers help with mailings and other tasks.
Totally supported by donations from its beginning, Christian Crusaders relies on the gifts of listeners – through GEM Club (Gift Every Month) members, Broadcast Sponsors, memorial gifts and bequests from estates – to keep the program on the air. Because of these many contributions, this ministry is now in its seventy-fourth year and is the seventh longest-running Christian radio program in the United States.
On the Light Side
A boy is writing a paper on childbirth and asks his parents, “How was I born?”
His mother awkwardly answers, “The stork brought you.”
“Oh,” says the boy. “Well, how were you and daddy born?”
“Oh, the stork brought us, too, and grandpa and grandma.”
The boy begins his paper, “This report has been very difficult to write due to the fact that there hasn’t been a natural childbirth in my family for three generations.”
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
A Divine Appointment
Witnessing can be very frustrating for Christians, especially when it seems no one is converted. If you’ve ever asked yourself some of these questions – “How do I witness?” “When is the right time to witness?” “Should I speak up or keep silent and wait for a better time?” “Am I being too overbearing?” – then this week’s sermon will speak to you.
Scripture: Acts 8:26-38
Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road – the desert road – that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”
Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.
“How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture:
“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
and as a lamb before the shearer is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
In his humiliation he was deprived of justice,
Who can speak of his descendants?
For his life was taken from the earth.”
The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized 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 A Consistent Witness delivered on Christian Crusaders March 2, 2008 by Rev. Larsen:
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.
Seventy-Four Years of Broadcasting Biblical Truth
Following Rev. Melchert’s retirement in 1956, Rev. Bruno Schlachtenhaufen, pastor of First Lutheran Church, Waterloo, became the second Christian Crusaders radio speaker. He served faithfully in this role until 1962, when he was elected the Iowa District President of the American Lutheran Church.
Rev. Homer Larsen, senior pastor of Nazareth Lutheran Church, Cedar Falls, Iowa, succeeded Rev. Schlachtenhaufen as radio speaker in 1962, and has been preaching over the airwaves since that time. Because of the longevity of his service and his powerful messages, he has become the voice of Christian Crusaders to thousands of listeners across the country.
On the Light Side
A barber, who was a Christian, thought he should share his faith with his customers more than he had been doing lately. So the next morning, as he got out of bed, he said to himself, “Today I am going to witness to the first man who walks through my door.”
Soon after he opened his shop, his first customer came in and said, “I want a shave!” The barber said, “Sure, just sit in the seat and I’ll be with you in a moment.”
The barber went in the back and prayed a quick desperate prayer saying, “God, the first customer came in and I’m going to witness to him. So give me the wisdom to know just the right thing to say to him. Amen.”
Then, quickly, the barber came out with his razor knife in one hand and a Bible in the other. “Good morning sir. I have a question for you – Are you ready to die?”
Scripture: Acts 8:26-38
Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Go south to the road – the desert road – that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.”
Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked.
“How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture:
“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
and as a lamb before the shearer is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
In his humiliation he was deprived of justice,
Who can speak of his descendants?
For his life was taken from the earth.”
The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?” Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized 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 A Consistent Witness delivered on Christian Crusaders March 2, 2008 by Rev. Larsen:
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.
Seventy-Four Years of Broadcasting Biblical Truth
Following Rev. Melchert’s retirement in 1956, Rev. Bruno Schlachtenhaufen, pastor of First Lutheran Church, Waterloo, became the second Christian Crusaders radio speaker. He served faithfully in this role until 1962, when he was elected the Iowa District President of the American Lutheran Church.
Rev. Homer Larsen, senior pastor of Nazareth Lutheran Church, Cedar Falls, Iowa, succeeded Rev. Schlachtenhaufen as radio speaker in 1962, and has been preaching over the airwaves since that time. Because of the longevity of his service and his powerful messages, he has become the voice of Christian Crusaders to thousands of listeners across the country.
On the Light Side
A barber, who was a Christian, thought he should share his faith with his customers more than he had been doing lately. So the next morning, as he got out of bed, he said to himself, “Today I am going to witness to the first man who walks through my door.”
Soon after he opened his shop, his first customer came in and said, “I want a shave!” The barber said, “Sure, just sit in the seat and I’ll be with you in a moment.”
The barber went in the back and prayed a quick desperate prayer saying, “God, the first customer came in and I’m going to witness to him. So give me the wisdom to know just the right thing to say to him. Amen.”
Then, quickly, the barber came out with his razor knife in one hand and a Bible in the other. “Good morning sir. I have a question for you – Are you ready to die?”
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