Has the Gospel message affected your life in any way? In order for the Lord to work miracles in your life, something very important must first happen. This week we will look at three persons whose lives were changed by their meeting with the Lord and how our lives can also be changed during this Lenten season.
Scripture: John 9:35-41
Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?”
“Who is he, sir?” the man asked. “Tell me so that I may believe in him.”
Jesus said, “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.”
Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped him.
Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.”
Some Pharisees who were with him heard him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?” Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.”
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 Two Religious Men Spiritually Awakened delivered on Christian Crusaders April 1, 2001:
The Bible defines Christians as those who have not only experienced the fact that they are sinners, but have also been redeemed through faith in Jesus Christ. They know Him as the one who suffered and died on the cross as a payment for their sins and was raised to give them victory over sin, death, and the devil. . . . Awakenings come in different forms. However, one thing is certain: the life of that person shows much evidence of their awakening when he or she has met the Savior.
Sermons on YouTube Now Available
Log onto www.youtube.com, a free video sharing website where you can now view four full-length sermons on Christ’s death and resurrection by Rev. Larsen. Simply type “Rev. Larsen, Christian Crusaders” into the search box to find these sermon videos. You can also access YouTube videos on our homepage at www.Christian Crusaders.org. These videos are available to order on DVD by calling our office (1-888-My Faith).
On the Light Side
A teenage boy had just passed his driving test and inquired of his father as to when they could discuss his use of the car. His father said he’d make a deal with his son: “You bring your grades up from a C to a B average, study your Bible, and get your hair cut. Then we’ll talk about the car.” The boy thought about that for a moment, decided he’d settle for the offer, and they agreed on it.
After about six weeks his father said, “Son, you’ve brought your grades up, and I’ve observed that you have been studying your Bible, but I’m disappointed you haven’t had your hair cut.”
The boy said, “You know, Dad, I’ve been thinking about that, and I’ve noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair – and there’s even strong evidence that Jesus had long hair.”
His father replied, “But did you also notice that they all walked everywhere they went?”
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Age Doesn't Count
Can a Christian ever retire from being God’s servant? When our days are almost over and our strength wanes, what can we do for the Kingdom of God? Find out what one person did to further the Kingdom - beginning Sunday, March 27 @ www.ChristianCrusaders.org.
Sermon
Age Doesn’t Count
Scripture: I Timothy 4:12
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
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 Rahab – Make Yourself Available delivered on Christian Crusaders February 11, 2001:
Long ago in Jericho, God entered the life of Rahab who was going nowhere. She was a prostitute. God changed her heart and made her His servant. Hundreds of years later, He entered the life of a very ordinary person with only average talent and used him to tell the story of Christ and the way of salvation to thousands of people. I know that, if we will make ourselves available, God will use us and life will be so exciting we will not like to leave it, not even to go to heaven.
Enjoy Christian Crusaders on the Run
Spring is here! Did you know you can download Christian Crusaders’ sermons to your iPod, so you can listen to them on the go? Maybe even when you’re out walking and enjoying the beautiful spring weather. Simply click on “Sermon Audio Archive” on the homepage, and then scroll through the list to find the sermon you would like to hear. Sermon downloads are available back to January 2010.
On the Light Side
God, grant me the Senility
To forget the people
I never liked anyway,
The good fortune
To run into the ones I do,
And the eyesight
To tell the difference.
Sermon
Age Doesn’t Count
Scripture: I Timothy 4:12
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.
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 Rahab – Make Yourself Available delivered on Christian Crusaders February 11, 2001:
Long ago in Jericho, God entered the life of Rahab who was going nowhere. She was a prostitute. God changed her heart and made her His servant. Hundreds of years later, He entered the life of a very ordinary person with only average talent and used him to tell the story of Christ and the way of salvation to thousands of people. I know that, if we will make ourselves available, God will use us and life will be so exciting we will not like to leave it, not even to go to heaven.
Enjoy Christian Crusaders on the Run
Spring is here! Did you know you can download Christian Crusaders’ sermons to your iPod, so you can listen to them on the go? Maybe even when you’re out walking and enjoying the beautiful spring weather. Simply click on “Sermon Audio Archive” on the homepage, and then scroll through the list to find the sermon you would like to hear. Sermon downloads are available back to January 2010.
On the Light Side
God, grant me the Senility
To forget the people
I never liked anyway,
The good fortune
To run into the ones I do,
And the eyesight
To tell the difference.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Pass It On
Industry, business, athletics, and academia are all out recruiting gifted people to labor in their institutions. What about the Church? Are we to recruit workers, and if so, who do we recruit? Find out what the Bible tells us in this week’s sermon.
Sermon
Pass It On
Scripture: II Timothy 2:1-7
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs – he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
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 Out Recruiting delivered on Christian Crusaders January 15, 2006:
From a study of the early Church, it is evident that people became Christians through the personal witness of those who were Christians. That is still true today. We go into the working world as Jesus’ disciples. We let our lights shine and listen carefully to our coworkers’ needs. Then comes that exciting day when we can share what Christ has done in our lives. We plant the seed of God’s Word and leave the Holy Spirit to do His work.
News About Christian Crusaders
CDs of actual Christian Crusaders programs and printed copies of the sermons are mailed to interested listeners each month at no charge to the recipient. If you would like to receive a printed copy or CD of the program on a regular basis, or even just one program that has been especially meaningful to you, please send us an email at info@ChristianCrusaders.org . You may also call our office at 319-277-0924 or toll-free at 1-888-693-2484 to request this special service.
On the Light Side
An Irishman, by the name of O’Malley, proposed to his girl on St. Patrick’s Day. He gave her a ring with a synthetic diamond. The excited young lass showed it to her father, a jeweler. He took one look at it and saw it wasn’t real.
The young lass, upon learning it wasn’t real, returned to her future husband. She protested vehemently about his cheapness.
“It was in honor of St. Patrick's Day,” he smiled. “I gave you a sham rock.”
Sermon
Pass It On
Scripture: II Timothy 2:1-7
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs – he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
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 Out Recruiting delivered on Christian Crusaders January 15, 2006:
From a study of the early Church, it is evident that people became Christians through the personal witness of those who were Christians. That is still true today. We go into the working world as Jesus’ disciples. We let our lights shine and listen carefully to our coworkers’ needs. Then comes that exciting day when we can share what Christ has done in our lives. We plant the seed of God’s Word and leave the Holy Spirit to do His work.
News About Christian Crusaders
CDs of actual Christian Crusaders programs and printed copies of the sermons are mailed to interested listeners each month at no charge to the recipient. If you would like to receive a printed copy or CD of the program on a regular basis, or even just one program that has been especially meaningful to you, please send us an email at info@ChristianCrusaders.org . You may also call our office at 319-277-0924 or toll-free at 1-888-693-2484 to request this special service.
On the Light Side
An Irishman, by the name of O’Malley, proposed to his girl on St. Patrick’s Day. He gave her a ring with a synthetic diamond. The excited young lass showed it to her father, a jeweler. He took one look at it and saw it wasn’t real.
The young lass, upon learning it wasn’t real, returned to her future husband. She protested vehemently about his cheapness.
“It was in honor of St. Patrick's Day,” he smiled. “I gave you a sham rock.”
Friday, November 12, 2010
The Joy of Giving
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!”
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 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!”
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