The Necessity of Friends

The pressures and temptations of this life are all around us, and can make it very difficult to be faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ. So where do we turn when we need someone to talk with about our trials? In this week’s sermon, we will talk about how a special command Jesus gave us can help fill a big need we have in our Christian life.

Scripture: John 15:9-17

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other.

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 Christian Friend delivered on Christian Crusaders July 22, 2007:

God created us as social beings. Some are more social than others, but most of us need to have a circle of friends. While we have a host of friends with whom we share many experiences, our friendships created within the Church have a depth that others do not have. Consider the conversations that we have with those who are not Christians. What do we talk about? Family, vacations, work, recipes, houses, health, sports, politics. With our Christian friends we discuss these same topics, but other questions such as forgiveness, the abundant life in Christ, and eternal life are a few that add depth to our conversations.

Happy Mother’s Day

A Mothers’ Day Prayer

Thank you, Creator of us all, for my mother. I thank you that she gave me life and nurtured me all those years. She showed me her faith in you, our Lord Jesus Christ, and helped me to know your ways. She taught me how to love and how to sacrifice for others. She taught me that it was okay to cry and that I should always tell the truth.

Bless her with the graces she needs and which you want to give her today. Help her to feel precious in your eyes today and to know that I love her. Give her strength and courage, compassion and peace.

Bless her this day with your love.

Radio Station Broadcasting Changes

Christian Crusaders is on a new station! WTMJ/AM620, a popular news/talk radio station in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, now broadcasts Christian Crusaders every Sunday at 5:00 a.m. Let your friends and family in the Milwaukee area know they can tune in for worship with us on this station.

On the Light SideTop Ten Momisms

10. This hurts you more than it hurts me.

 9. Stop crying or I’ll give you something to cry about!

 8. If I’ve told you once, I’ve told you a thousand times...

 7. What’s the magic word?

 6. I carried you for nine months . . . !

 5. Stop that before someone pokes an eye out.

 4. If mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.

 3. I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.

 2. I hope someday you have children just like you.

And number one . . . (Drumroll, please) . . .

 1. Because I’m your mother, that’s why!

Our Devotional Life

Do you want to do great things for the Lord and his Church, but don’t believe you are able? In the sermon this week, we will talk about a scripture passage that can help us become giants in God’s Kingdom.


Scripture: John 15:1-8
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be give you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”


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 One-on-One delivered on Christian Crusaders April 30, 2006:

How important it is for us to have those one-on-one times with Jesus as His Word explores the sin in our lives. How devastating it is when we let these sins separate us from our Heavenly Father and other people! . . . These meetings with Jesus and then with one another are a must for a happy, personal relationship. He will always forgive, however, we must come in repentance and faith before we hear Christ’s assuring words, “Your sins are forgiven. Go and sin no more.”

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


On the Light Side
HAPPY CINCO DE MAYO
Most people don't know that back in 1912, Hellmann's mayonnaise was manufactured in England. In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz, Mexico, which was to be the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in New York. This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico. But as we know, the great ship did not make it to New York. The ship hit an iceberg and sank, and the cargo was forever lost.


The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss. Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning, which they still observe to this day. The National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5, and is known, of course, as Sinko de Mayo.

One Flock and One Shepherd

What is the purpose of the Church? Do you suppose that, with all the pain and terrible events in our world today, life would be much better if the Church clearly understood its purpose? This week we will hear Christ describe his Church and its role as his undershepherd to the world.

Scripture: John 10:11-18

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd who owns the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep.

“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – just as the Father knows me and I know the Father – and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life – only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.”

Renewing Reflections

It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon The Hand That Holds Me delivered on Christian Crusaders April 29, 2007:
 
Sheep spend the summer in the high country. On their way back to the shepherd’s fold, they eagerly anticipate their homecoming, although they have to go through difficult terrain and storms that make them cold and wet. You can sense in the flock an excitement and enthusiasm as they come nearer and nearer to the shepherd’s fold. The same goes for Christians in the flock of Jesus Christ who know that we will dwell forever in the house of the Lord.
 
 
About Christian Crusaders.org
People are more likely to tune into a Christian radio program if it is suggested by a friend or relative. Perhaps you have an aunt in Phoenix, a granddaughter in Minneapolis, or a cousin in Portland who might enjoy listening to Christian Crusaders on their local radio station. A complete list where Christian Crusaders broadcasts its program is found on our Radio Station Listing page of ChristianCrusaders.org. Follow the link to find a station near you or someone you know, and suggest they listen.
 
 
On the Light Side
Two guys are walking through the woods and come across a big, deep hole. “Wow! That looks deep,” one of them says.

“Sure does. Toss a few pebbles in there and see how deep it is,” says the other one. So they pick up a few pebbles, throw them in and wait. . . No noise.

“Wow. That is really deep!” the first guy says. “Here, let’s throw one of these great big rocks down there. That should make a noise.” So they pick up a couple football-sized rocks and toss them into the hole. . . And wait. . . And wait. Nothing.

The two guys look at each other in amazement. One gets a determined look on his face and says, “Hey, over there in the weeds, there’s a railroad tie. Help me carry it over here. When we toss that in, it’s got to make some noise!” So the two men drag the heavy tie over to the hole and heave it in. Not a sound comes from the hole.

Suddenly, out of the nearby woods, a sheep appears, running like the wind. It rushes toward the two men, then right past them as fast as its legs will carry it. Suddenly it leaps in the air and into the hole. The two men are astonished with what they’ve just seen.

Then out of the woods comes a farmer who spots the men and ambles over. “Hey, have you two guys seen my sheep out here?”

“You bet we did!” they reply. “Craziest thing we’ve ever seen! It came running like crazy and just jumped into this hole!”

“Nah,” says the farmer. “That couldn’t have been my sheep. My sheep was chained to a railroad tie.”

Jesus' Patience

We have often heard it said, “You can do anything you put your mind to do.” But what about when we can’t do something, like forgive someone who has hurt us deeply, or give up control of our life to God? Please join us as we talk about the patience of Jesus during our times of weakness.

Scripture: Luke 24:36-45
While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”

They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.”

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.


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 Patience! A Sign of Maturity delivered on Christian Crusaders May 6, 2005 by Rev. Larsen:

When I am impatient with God, others, or myself, I look back and see how God has kept his promises, although his timetable does not have to be like mine. I claim the promise that he is faithful and will walk with me. When I see how some new converts to Christ are growing, I stop being impatient and rejoice in the work he is doing in so many hearts. And when I look into my own heart, I see that it is only the Holy Spirit who could have brought me as far as I have come. I still have a long way to go, but his promises are sure. There is no need for me to be impatient with my spiritual progress, as long as I do not become comfortable with my spiritual growth and not be attentive to where He wants me to be.


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


On the Light Side
Mrs. Leonard, the new kindergarten teacher, was instructing her students to put on their boots. When little Jacob asked for help, she could see why. With her pushing and him pulling, the boots still didn’t want to go on. Finally, when the second boot was on, Mrs. Leonard had worked up a sweat. She almost whimpered when Jacob said, “Teacher, they’re on the wrong feet.” Mrs. Leonard looked and sure enough, they were on the wrong feet.

It wasn’t any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on. However, she managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on – this time on the right feet. Jacob then announced, “These aren’t my boots.” Miraculously she bit her tongue rather than get right in his face and scream, “Why didn’t you say so?” like she wanted to.

Once again she struggled to help Jacob pull off the ill-fitting boots. He then said, “They’re my brother’s boots. My mom made me wear them.”

Mrs. Leonard didn’t know if she should laugh or cry. But she mustered up the grace and courage she had left to wrestle the boots on his feet again. Then she said, “Now, where are your mittens?”

Jacob replied, “I stuffed them in the toes of my boots.”

Christ the King

We love our country and enjoy the freedoms she provides. However, like other countries before her, the United States is temporal and will one day cease to exist. In this week’s sermon, we will learn of an eternal kingdom and its King who stands by our side and will one day take us to live with him.


Scripture: Mark 11:1-11
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!”

Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.


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 How Great Is Your Commitment? delivered on Christian Crusaders January 24, 2010 by Rev. Larsen:

We must ask ourselves how serious our commitment to Jesus is as he presents himself as our only Savior and God. He never would have been sent to the cross if he had only claimed to be a great teacher and a fine moral example. Many people, even some in our churches who sit in the pew or stand in the pulpit, deny his divinity. Jesus is a great religious leader, is as far as they will go. The rest is irrational. How great is our commitment? We all would like to admit that much growth is needed in our commitment to him, but as we examine our lives, we can say with Paul that God is at work in our lives. We have not arrived where we want to be, but we press on. We are not satisfied with our commitment to our Savior, but neither are we discouraged, for we feel his presence.


Prayer Warriors
Do you know someone who will be unable to attend church on Easter? It might be a member of your church who is homebound, or a relative who will be traveling that day. If so, consider telling them about Christian Crusaders, so they won’t miss hearing the important message of Easter and sharing in the joy of the Resurrection.


On the Light Side
A scientist gets on a train to go to New York. His cabin also has a farmer in it. To pass the time the scientist decides to play a game with the guy.

"You ask me a question, and if I get it wrong, you get 10 dollars. Then I will ask you a question and if you get it wrong, you have to pay me 1 dollar. You ask me a question first." The farmer thinks for a while.

"I know. What has three legs, takes 10 hours to climb up a palm tree, and 10 seconds to get back down?" The scientist is confused and thinks long and hard about the question. Finally, the train ride is coming to an end. As it pulls into the station, the scientist takes out 10 dollars and gives it to the farmer.

"I don't know. What has 3 legs, takes 10 hours to get up a palm tree and 10 seconds to get back down?" The farmer takes the 10 dollars and puts it into his pocket. He then takes out 1 dollar and hands it to the scientist.

"I don't know."

How Do You Define the Christian Faith?

We live in a very confusing world that continues to deny Jesus Christ. That confusion even extends to our faith. Christianity can be defined in many ways, but today we will examine what the Bible teaches is the real meaning of the Christian faith.


Scripture: John 12:20-36
Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told him.

Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it does, it produces many seeds. The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.

“Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!”

Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him.

Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.” He said this to show the kind of death he was going to die.

The crowd spoke up, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ will remain forever, so how can you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up?’ Who is this ‘Son of Man’?”

Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.” When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.


Renewing Reflections:
It is our prayer that Renewing Reflections will be a blessing in your life this coming week. This quote is taken from the sermon How Great Is Your Commitment? delivered on Christian Crusaders January 24, 2010 by Rev. Larsen:

We must ask ourselves how serious our commitment to Jesus is as he presents himself as our only Savior and God. He never would have been sent to the cross if he had only claimed to be a great teacher and a fine moral example. Many people, even some in our churches who sit in the pew or stand in the pulpit, deny his divinity. Jesus is a great religious leader, is as far as they will go. The rest is irrational. How great is our commitment? We all would like to admit that much growth is needed in our commitment to him, but as we examine our lives, we can say with Paul that God is at work in our lives. We have not arrived where we want to be, but we press on. We are not satisfied with our commitment to our Savior, but neither are we discouraged, for we feel his presence.


Prayer Warriors
Do you know someone who will be unable to attend church on Easter? It might be a member of your church who is homebound, or a relative who will be traveling that day. If so, consider telling them about Christian Crusaders, so they won’t miss hearing the important message of Easter and sharing in the joy of the Resurrection.


On the Light Side
Words that Don’t Exist, but Should

Aquadextrous (ak wa deks'trus) adj. Possessing the ability to turn the bathtub tap on and off with your toes.

Carperpetuation (kar'pur pet u a shun) n. The act, when vacuuming, of running over a string or a piece of lint at least a dozen times, reaching over and picking it up, examining it, then putting it back down to give the vacuum one more chance.

Disconfect (dis kon fekt') v. To sterilize the piece of confection (lollipop) you dropped on the floor by blowing on it, assuming this will somehow 'remove' all the germs.

Elbonics (el bon'iks) n. The actions of two people maneuvering for one armrest in a movie theater.

Frust (frust) n. The small line of debris that refuses to be swept onto the dust pan and keeps backing a person across the room until he finally decides to give up and sweep it under the rug.

Lactomangulation (lak' to man gyu lay' shun) n. Manhandling the "open here" spout on a milk container so badly that one has to resort to the 'illegal' side.

Phonesia (fo nee' zhuh) n. The affliction of dialing a phone number and forgetting whom you were calling just as they answer. Pupkus (pup'kus) n. The moist residue left on a window after a dog presses its nose to it.

A Christianity That Costs Nothing Is Worth Nothing

In many ways, life is much easier than it was years ago. It makes sense then, that we would want an easier faith. However, as a Bishop once said, “A Christianity that costs nothing is worth nothing.” In this week’s sermon, we will discuss what it can cost to remain faithful to the cause of Christ, and if that loyalty is truly worth the price.


Scripture: Mark 8:31-38
(Jesus) then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.

But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter, “Get behind me, Satan!” he said. “You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.


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 by Rev. Larsen:

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.


About Christian Crusaders
A memorial gift is a meaningful way to remember a loved one, whether relative or friend, when they die. Memorial gifts are sometimes given to remember a very special person on a birthday or some other occasion. For your convenience, online donations can be made through our secure Web site, ChristianCrusaders.org.


On the Light Side
Happy Spring Break!
Spring break is when kids work on their tans and teachers work on their sanity.
Spring break is when kids go wild someplace other than school.
Spring break is when the only thing kids study is each other.
College kids call it spring “break.” Their parents, however, call it spring “broke.”
Spring break is when teenagers give their swimsuits a dry run.