Friday, June 24, 2011

Let Your Weight Down

Some of us believe we are masters of our own destiny, and we live as if everything depends on us. Then life throws a curveball and we don’t know where to turn. Learn about a person who was helpless against the obstacles in his life, but knew where to turn in order to conquer them.
http://www.christiancrusaders.org/details_web.asp?ID=666

Scripture: Psalm 131
My heart is not proud, O LORD,
my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
or things too wonderful for me.
But I have stilled and quieted my soul;
like a weaned child with its mother,
like a weaned child is my soul within me.

O Israel, put your hope in the LORD
both now and forevermore.


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 Lord, I'm Struggling With the Blues delivered on Christian Crusaders December 14, 2008:

God does his best work in the darkness of caves. Much of this story takes place in a cave in the side of a mountain. This isn’t the only cave story in Scripture: the Savior was laid in another cave, and on the third day God rolled away the stone and raised him up. God does his best work in caves! If you are living in a cave these days – experiencing the blues – like Elijah did, you don’t have to sit alone in the darkness ever again. Call on him, open his Word, and let a still, small voice speak to you. You are not alone. God is with us, just as he was with Elijah.


Did You Know?
All Christian Crusaders sermons are listed by date under Sermon Search on the home page of ChristianCrusaders.org. These sermons are also listed by topic and Scripture text. Sermons date back to July 4, 1999 when we first launched our Web site. Hundreds of sermon transcripts are posted for your spiritual growth and are available to be printed.

Audio copies of the last few programs are also available to be heard or downloaded so they may be heard at a more convenient time.


On the Light Side
When a little church on the neighborhood corner suddenly stopped buying from its regular office supply dealer, the dealer telephoned the secretary to ask why.

“I’ll tell you why,” answered Ms. Brown. “Our church ordered some pencils from you to be used in the pews for visitors to register.”

“Well,” interrupted the dealer, “didn’t you receive them yet?”

“Oh, we received them all right,” replied Ms. Brown. “However, you sent us some golf pencils – each stamped with the words, “Play Golf Next Sunday.”

Thursday, June 16, 2011

A Powerful Witness

Our calendars remind us of some important holidays, which give us the opportunity to honor important people and events in our lives. One such event in the life of the Church included Jesus’ last words to his disciples. His words also describe the role of the Christian father. On this Father’s Day, we remember the opportunities and responsibilities associated with this important holiday.


Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go.

When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”


Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon Culture Can Be Renewed delivered on Christian Crusaders July 10, 2005:

Our home’s culture exists within the world’s culture. If we have a Christian home, our culture is different from what is practiced in the world. Imagine a family of mom, dad, and three children. All trust Jesus as their Savior. They experience his love, and while they are not perfect, they desire to reveal this love for him in their daily lives. So hatred is foreign in a home where people are taught to love even the unlovable, for all have been created by God.


About ChristianCrusaders.com
By scrolling to the bottom of our homepage, under Social Media you can now see all the online tools we offer together in one location – from our news blog to RSS feeds to podcasts. You can even click on a page that describes each of these services and how they can be used.


On the Light Side
A father, passing by his son's bedroom, was astonished to see the bed was nicely made and everything was picked up. Then he saw an envelope propped up prominently on the center of the bed. It was addressed, “Dad.” With the worst premonition, he opened the envelope and read the letter with trembling hands:

Dear Dad,

It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with mom and you. I've found real love with Joan, and she is so nice, even with all her piercings, tattoos, and her tight motorcycle clothes. But it's not only that, dad. She's pregnant, and Joan said that we will be very happy. Even though you don't care for her, as she is so much older than I, she already owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter.

She wants to have many more children with me, and that's now one of my dreams too. Joan taught me that marijuana doesn't really hurt anyone, and we'll be growing it for us and trading it with her friends for all the cocaine and ecstasy we want! In the meantime, we'll pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so Joan can get better; she sure deserves it!!

Don't worry, Dad. Someday I'm sure we'll be back to visit so you can get to know your grandchildren.

Your son,
Benjamin

P. S. Dad, none of the above is true. I'm actually over at the neighbor's house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than my report card that's in my center desk drawer. I love you! Call when it is safe for me to come home.

Friday, June 3, 2011

A Controversial Answer

How do you get to heaven? That question has been asked by people throughout history. Jesus gave his disciples the answer to that question, and that answer still stirs dissention in people today. We will talk about his provocative answer in this week’s sermon.


Scripture: John 14:5-6
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”


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 Children of the Resurrection delivered on Christian Crusaders November 11, 2007:

We know how to get to heaven – it is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. We do not earn nor deserve a place in this heavenly home. It is a gift purchased for us through Jesus Christ – who bore our sins when he died on the cross for us – and we received him as our Savior. We still have many questions that will not be answered in this age.


Your Support is Important
Many of our listeners are not aware that Christian Crusaders must purchase its own radio air time in order to broadcast biblical truth each and every week. The mission of Christian Crusaders is to provide a Sunday radio and Internet worship service proclaiming Jesus Christ as Redeemer of the world and personal Savior to all who receive Him. We cannot fulfill this mission without your help. Please consider, if you are in a position to do so, sending a financial gift. In this way, you become a partner in carrying out this mission.

For your convenience, we are able to accept Visa and MasterCard gifts by mail, telephone, or by visiting our online donation page.

God’s blessings to each of you.


On the Light Side
The Rev. Billy Graham tells of a time early in his career when he arrived in a small town to preach a sermon. Wanting to mail a letter, he asked a young boy where the post office was.

When the boy told him, Rev. Graham thanked him and said, “If you’ll come to the Baptist church this evening, you can hear me telling everyone how to get to Heaven.”

“I don’t think I’ll be there,” the boy said. “You don’t even know your way to the post office.”

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Jesus' Answer to a Basic Question

We have many questions when it comes to the Christian faith. Those questions often invoke lively discussions. In this week’s sermon, Jesus is having a religious discussion with his disciples, and he answers an important question they faced: Is there life after death?


Scripture: John 14:1
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.


Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon A Peek Into Heaven delivered on Christian Crusaders November 7, 1999:

“For many of us, living is a great experience. Yet it is too much to expect that we will not have many sorrowful hours, for we live in a world described as "the great tribulation." However, one day we will live in a place where all is perfect. All our needs will be satisfied, and ‘God will wipe away every tear from our eyes. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water.’”


The Crusader Quarterly Newsletter
Christian Crusaders’ new quarterly newsletter is being mailed this month. The theme for this issue is light. Call or e-mail our office if you would like to be added to our mailing list and receive this special publication.


On the Light Side
Marvin was in the hospital on his death bed, so his family called the pastor to be with him in his final moments. As the preacher stood by his bed, Marvin’s condition seemed to deteriorate. Marvin motioned for someone to quickly pass him a pen and paper. The preacher quickly and lovingly handed a pen and paper to Marvin. However, before the pastor had a chance to read the note, Marvin died. Feeling that now was not the right time to read it, the preacher put the note in his jacket pocket.

While speaking at the funeral, the pastor suddenly remembered Marvin’s note. Reaching deep into his pocket, he said, “And you know what? I suddenly remember that right before Marvin died, he handed me a note. Knowing Marvin, I’m sure it was something inspiring that we can all gain from.” With that introduction the preacher ripped out the note and opened it.

It read, “HEY, YOU ARE STANDING ON MY OXYGEN TUBE!”

Friday, May 6, 2011

First Then I Met Him

Most of us first met Jesus Christ as a child in Sunday school and church. We learned the Bible stories and that God loves us. Now, as an adult, we still love Jesus and do not ever want to leave him; but is something missing? This week we will learn about a person whose doubts were replaced with assurance, peace, and comfort when he met Jesus Christ in a personal way.


Scripture: John 20:24-31
Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.”

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”



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 More Than I Want to Know delivered on Christian Crusaders August 23, 2009:

We have many inventions to enjoy in this age of technology. However, when their many uses are explained to us, we often say, “That is more than I want to know.” Not so with Jesus. We live in his Word and let him lead us higher and higher. Let him blow a hole in your little world and lead you into his presence until, through faith in him, you stand in your heavenly home and see him face to face.


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


On the Light Side
College Exam Plea
O Lord, hear my anxious plea –
Calculus is killing me
I do not know of “dx” or “dy”
And probably won’t ‘til the day I die.

Please, Lord, help me in this hour
as I take my case to the highest power.
I care not for fame or loot,
just help me find one square root.

And Lord, please let me see
a passing mark in chemistry.
Oh, such a thing I constantly dread
I'd rather join the Marines instead.

Lord, please give me a sign
that you've been listening all the time.
Lead me out of this constant coma,
and give me a shot at my diploma.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

He Is Risen

The thought of a person dying without faith in the risen Christ is extremely humbling. Some, however, make light of rejecting eternal life in heaven. It is the Easter message that gives us a whole new understanding of the future. Join us this week as we learn of the glorious days to come through Jesus’ resurrection.


Scripture: Luke 24:1-12
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ Then they remembered his words.

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


Renewing Reflections
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon Because of Easter delivered on Christian Crusaders April 15, 2001:

God’s Word brings us strength for today. Stand beside a sick person and ask what portion of Scripture is meaningful them? Countless times I have been told, “Please read me the 23rd Psalm.” The verse, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me,” is one of its capturing thoughts in the Bible. What gives meaning to these words? It is the Easter story of Christ’s resurrection. He lives and walks with me. We know this is no sentimental thought, but an objective truth that God is God, and He uses this verse to comfort His children. Because He lives, we can face tomorrow with confidence.


Easter Gift
If you are looking for a meaningful Easter gift or simply want to hear the wonderful message again yourself, we are offering a CD set of four of Rev. Homer Larsen’s past sermons on the Easter story. This set of sermons comes wrapped in a lovely ribbon and gift tag and can be sent to you or directly to your loved one. This set is available for a suggested donation of $10. Please call us at 1-888-693-2484 or visit our Web site to order.


On the Light Side
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
What do you get when you cross a bunny with an onion? A bunion
How do you make a rabbit stew? Make it wait for three hours!
What is the difference between a crazy bunny and a counterfeit banknote? One is bad money and the other is a mad bunny!

Friday, April 15, 2011

He Did . . .

Have you ever wondered why Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a colt that first Palm Sunday knowing he would suffer and die on the cross? What reason would he have to willingly suffer such a horrible death at the hands of his enemies? Listen this week as we talk about the answer to those questions.


Scripture: Mark 11:1-10
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.’” They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, some people standing there asked, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted,

“Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!”

“Hosanna in the highest!”


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 Where Is Security? delivered on Christian Crusaders April 5, 2009:

We hear a lot about people looking for security in this world: national security and financial security within this economic crisis. I can’t claim to know the future in regard to those issues. But I do know the bigger picture. A songwriter once wrote: “I know not what the future holds. Lord, I have no way of knowing. But I know the one who holds my future. So I have no fear of where I’m going.” That is security!


Easter Gift

If you are looking for a meaningful Easter gift or simply want to hear the wonderful message again yourself, we are offering a CD set of four of Rev. Homer Larsen’s past sermons on the Easter story. This set of sermons comes wrapped in a lovely ribbon and gift tag and can be sent to you or directly to your loved one. This set is available for a suggested donation of $10. Please call us at 1-888-693-2484 or visit our Web site to order.


On the Light Side
RECALL NOTICE!
IMPORTANT!

The maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to the serious defect in the primary and central component or heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed, “Subsequential Internal Non-Morality,” or more commonly known as S-I-N, as it is primarily symptomized by loss of moral judgment. Some other symptoms are:
(a) Loss of direction
(b) Foul vocal emissions
(c) Amnesia of origin
(d) Lack of peace and joy
(e) Selfish, or violent, behavior
(f) Depression or confusion in the mental component

The manufacturer, who is neither liable or at fault for this defect, is providing factory authorized repair and service, free of charge to correct this SIN defect, at numerous locations throughout the world. The number to call for the recall station in your area is: P-R-A-Y-E-R.

WARNING: Continuing to operate the human unit without correction voids the manufacturer's warranty, exposing owner to dangers and problems too numerous to list. For free emergency service, call on J-E-S-U-S for prompt assistance at any location worldwide.