Bread Crumbs

MessageOfTheCross · May 4, 2018

Bread Crumbs “Learning to Lean” 5-4-18

Learning to rely on God is a most difficult proposition. Just about the time you think that you are, God brings a circumstance into your life that requires a deeper trust, a mightier resolve to believe, and a stronger sense of dependence upon Him. If given half a chance, most of us will rely on our selves, what we know, what we can do, our methods of manipulation, or even our ability to argue our way through to a supposed mastery of a situation. But true victory can only come when we willingly lay down the weapons we’ve forged in the process of fighting and learn to rest quietly for the mighty hand of God to move miraculously on our behalf. When will we realize that our only true help comes from above and not from the tawdry elements we attempt to muster through human talents, will, or human mechanics. I am ever learning how to reign by resting. I am still learning how to cast all my cares upon Him. I am even now learning how to wait on His provision. I am still being educated to an escalation of patient endurance. Help me Lord as I learn to release all faith in self and embrace from the heart the process of learning to solely lean upon you!

1 Peter 4:12 - Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

Pastor Loren Larson

MessageOfTheCross · May 5, 2018

Bread Crumbs “A Strategy of Silence” 5-5-18

The strategy of silence is a tactic in life that we all must learn to apply. It is nearly impossible to put into practice, especially when we are sure that we have the answer to every question, the solution to the current argument, or the cure-all for every conflict. The idea of retreating into the corner and practicing one's “shut ups” is not the direction of the mind for most of us. Sadly, we are usually the last one to realize just how insufficient or lacking some of our counsel can be. Pride has a way of making fools of all of us. As in all things, the Scriptures help guide us if we’ll but read and implement what lies therein. If not, we are doomed to continually improve upon the art of being pedi-dexterous; that is the astounding ability of putting both feet in the same mouth at the same time, specifically our own. As quickly as possible we must learn to live out our lives experiencing the benefits that can come our way through the implementation of silence and humility.

Proverbs 29:11 - A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

Pastor Loren Larson

MessageOfTheCross · May 6, 2018

Bread Crumbs “Justification by Faith” 5-6-18

Those who truly understand and love justification do not use it as a means to live in sin. The self righteous cry out and say that we who preach righteousness by faith alone are too easy on sin. But the truth is that the self-righteous are failing to see their own need for the ongoing status of justification. They are blind to the faults, sins, evil discrepancies, and hypocrisies that are existing in their own heart. I don't understand how a person can become so blind to the imperfections in themselves and be so malevolent toward the imperfections of others around them. The status of justification never justifies living in sin. It is the only basis upon which the true supernatural phenomenon of progressive sanctification can be experienced. When the believer places their faith in Christ and what He did for us at Calvary, the Holy Spirit will constantly be at work on the sanctification needs of the believer. “Thank you, Lord, that despite my imperfections you are still willing to work in me your never ending labor of love of conforming me into the image of Jesus, based solely on my faith in Him and His finished work.”

Romans 5:1 - Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

Pastor Loren Larson

MessageOfTheCross · May 8, 2018

Bread Crumbs “Remember His Works!” 5-7-18

Put yourself in remembrance of what God has done in your past and it will secure the steps of your future!

Psalm 106:13 - They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel:

Loren Larson

MessageOfTheCross · May 8, 2018

Bread Crumbs “Wait” 5-8-18

Wait! That little four letter word that we all love to hate! Who likes the idea of waiting? No One! When was the last time you heard someone talking about the enjoyment of waiting? However, those who wait on the Lord are doing far more than just enduring the passing of time. If the Lord has orchestrated a delay, its always for a divine purpose with an eternal value. Waiting can be frustrating, gut-wrenching, exasperating, and downright miserable. But be encouraged Saint of God! The promise of the Lord stands sure! Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength! In simple terms, “The wait will be worth it!” Wait, I say, on the Lord!

Isaiah 40:31 - But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Pastor Loren Larson

AuntieAnt · May 8, 2018

MessageOfTheCross said:

Bread Crumbs “Learning to Lean” 5-4-18

Learning to rely on God is a most difficult proposition. Just about the time you think that you are, God brings a circumstance into your life that requires a deeper trust, a mightier resolve to believe, and a stronger sense of dependence upon Him. If given half a chance, most of us will rely on our selves, what we know, what we can do, our methods of manipulation, or even our ability to argue our way through to a supposed mastery of a situation. But true victory can only come when we willingly lay down the weapons we’ve forged in the process of fighting and learn to rest quietly for the mighty hand of God to move miraculously on our behalf. When will we realize that our only true help comes from above and not from the tawdry elements we attempt to muster through human talents, will, or human mechanics. I am ever learning how to reign by resting. I am still learning how to cast all my cares upon Him. I am even now learning how to wait on His provision. I am still being educated to an escalation of patient endurance. Help me Lord as I learn to release all faith in self and embrace from the heart the process of learning to solely lean upon you!

1 Peter 4:12 - Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

Pastor Loren Larson

Hallelujah! Powerful truth. Praise You, Jesus! \

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MessageOfTheCross · May 9, 2018

Bread Crumbs “First Things First” 5-9-18

As believers it is important that we keep “first things first.” Without the Cross, there is no resurrection! Without the death of Jesus on Calvary there would be no need for His resurrection. Common sense would tell us that if a man never dies there is never a need for a resurrection. The Cross always precedes resurrection life and resurrection life is impossible without first experiencing the Cross. The sacrifice of Jesus’ life preceded the resurrection in order to establish His victory. The resurrection is magnificent and marvelous, a totally unique event that gives evidence to the victory won at the Cross. The Cross stands alone as the means of victory. The resurrection stands alone as the evidence of that victory. The resurrection never produced victory. The resurrection was God’s way of announcing Christ’s victory. Both events are needful. Both events were required. Both are forever connected. But the resurrection remains dependent upon the Cross. The Cross is never dependent upon the resurrection! Therefore, It is impossible to experience resurrection life unless you first embrace the crucified life. So let us die to self and thereby experience resurrection life, just as God intended.

Romans 6:5 - For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Loren Larson

MessageOfTheCross · May 10, 2018

Bread Crumbs “Genuine Faith” 5-10-18

To move your faith from the position of knowledge to the reality of experience is absolutely necessary. This means that just having the knowledge of a truth doesn’t mean that we have properly applied that truth to our hearts. The trial of your faith is what accurately gauges the authenticity or genuineness of that faith. When you read in the Bible that God will supply all your need, you have knowledge. When God comes through with a financial miracle at the last moment, you have experience. When you read and believe that God still heals the sick, you have knowledge. But when God’s mighty hand raises you up from a physical affliction, you have experience. When you hear the preacher proclaim that victory over sin is accomplished through faith in the Cross, you have knowledge. But when the grace of God removes that “thorn in your side” that works could never dislodge, then you have experience. The portion of our faith that is truly genuine is that which has been verified through the test. A word of encouragement for those in the midst of the trial; it came to pass, it didn’t come to stay!

1 Peter 1:6-7 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: (7) That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Pastor Loren Larson

MessageOfTheCross · May 11, 2018

Bread Crumbs “Prepared to be Perfected” 5-11-18

Christians aren't perfect. However, we are by the grace of God equipped to be perfected. Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid. We must never use our mortality and our fleshly state of vulnerability, even our state of spiritual inefficiency as an excuse for not pursuing righteousness. While I daily need to thank the good Lord for having mercy and extending compassion, I must continually believe that His grace has the ability to furnish the power needed to rise above my failings. So, admitting that I can’t does’t mean that God can’t. Just because I don’t have the means to a victory in and of myself doesn’t mean that God does not have the ability I need to live right. So, no more excuses! No more blaming my current state. No more using my humanity as a license for accepting failure. God has supplied me with a route of victory. Faith in the finished work of Christ can cause my inabilities to be swept away in His strength. In Him I trust and by Him I will be changed.

Romans 6:15 - What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

Pastor Loren Larson

MessageOfTheCross · May 12, 2018

Bread Crumbs “Contentment” 5-12-18

Contentment is a settled disposition of the heart and mind that lays claim to the peace of God in a unique way. When a believer knows and believes that he or she is in the designated place chosen by God alone, then desires to be elsewhere begin to crumble. It can take a long time for a Christian to settle down and accept the place in life that God has called him to. Ego bruises the heart and stimulates wayward thinking that attacks the satisfied soul that God wants us to have. Man likes to think that there is always something better right around the corner. Surely there’s a place where the grass is greener, the air is clearer, and life’s troubles wouldn’t affect me so. But when we venture out of the place and position that God has designated specifically for us, we will find no peace, no joy, no sustained satisfaction. God has far greater plans than what we know in regard to our present state. But until we express satisfaction and contentment in the field of life where God has planted us we can never grow into something more. Be still my foolish heart and embrace the ilife that God has given. He knows what is best for me.

Romans 12:3 - For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Pastor Loren Larson

MessageOfTheCross · May 29, 2018

Bread Crumbs “Bring Forth Fruit” 5-29-18

Every believer is called to bring forth fruit. The idea of fruit includes the development of Christian character, a Holy lifestyle, operating in good works, a life of praise, sharing our possessions with others, and ultimately, sharing our faith in an effort to win the lost to Christ. These, and other evidences, are all the visible proof of cultured fruit. There is only one way to bring forth fruit and that is by “abiding in Christ.” Abiding is not accomplished by laboring for or earning the right to bear fruit through works. Rather, as we trust in Christ and His Finished Work (abiding), we grow in the Grace and the Knowledge of the Lord and as a result we begin to bring forth fruit. Our role in the process calls for us to rest, trust, and abide in Christ by ever keeping the Cross as our singular object of faith. His role is to produce the fruit. Without Him we can do nothing!

John 15:16 - Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

Pastor Loren Larson

MessageOfTheCross · May 29, 2018

Bread Crumbs “A True Disciple” 5-27-18

It is the Christian’s personal responsibility to make the study of the Word of God a priority in his life. As believers we should be daily searching out the Word to enhance our relationship with God. In order to learn the Word of God we are going to need to discipline ourselves to spend time learning that Word. Not only must we learn the content of God's Word but we are also to apply that Word to our everyday life. For example, the knowledge of the Message of the Cross is found in the contents of God's Word. So when I see that faith in Christ’s finished work is required, and that faith and grace is the only true process of how God works in a life, I endeavor to walk in that truth consistently. After I have observed the Word, I am to apply it to my own heart and life. Then I am to look for the opportunity to share what I have learned and applied to those whom I come in contact with. Read the Word! Apply that Word to your heart! Share the Word of God with others!

Ezra 7:10 - For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.

Pastor Loren Larson

MessageOfTheCross · May 29, 2018

Bread Crumbs “My Supply” 5-26-18

When I consider the Cross of Jesus Christ, I see both the event that actually took place as well as the results of that event in regard to my person and my life. Not only was I saved from the penalty of sin as a result of Calvary, but the benefits earned by Christ’s sacrifice were placed ”in His riches in glory” and became the sum total of my inheritance. On the cross Jesus provided for me treasures both physical and spiritual. These blessing are of such magnitude that no man or earthly father could have ever granted them or made available the like to his natural descendants. Jesus went to Calvary once to establish these benefits. I travel to Calvary time and again, day after day, and need upon need. By faith I can lay claim to the blessed results of His Finished Work. Let me boast in nothing but the Cross!

Philippians 4:19 - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Pastor Loren Larson

MessageOfTheCross · May 29, 2018

Bread Crumbs “The Journey of Faith” 5-25-18

Faith must make its journey from the head to the heart. The truths that we hear and initially believe must be tested for their genuineness. If they pass the test then we have faith that can be put to use in our everyday life. If it is not genuine it will not endure the rigors of the test and will fade away under the pressure brought against it. To the believer this is known as the trial of our faith. The test usually comes as a gut wrenching, heart crumpling, mind blowing event, or even a series of events, that seems both impossible to bear up under and more than just a little unfair. But as always, God is working something together for our good. He's building something that will last, something that will assist us through our long and difficult journey here below. If need be, if He deems it best, this trial may be lengthy and exhausting. But as the song says, in the end, it will be worth it all. So hold out and hang on! God is doing something great! Always remember, the greatest opposition always comes right before the greatest blessing.

1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

PastorLoren Larson

MessageOfTheCross · May 31, 2018

Bread Crumbs “A Gospel of Power” 5-31-18

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of power. The supernatural surge and work of the Holy Spirit becomes an active entity when the truth is proclaimed. When men rely on manipulation through fancy phrases or emotional displays empty of the truth, no true spiritual work is done. When ministers move the people by a well timed phrase and drummed up visions that promise the moon and don’t have the power to cross the street, no lives are changed. But when men or women get down to work and lift up the Lord and His sacrifice on Calvary, the miraculous begins to happen. Sinners chains are efficiently broken, the bruised of body, soul, and spirit are set free, demons tremble as God sweeps on the scene with healing, salvation, deliverance, and life changing dynamic power. Preaching under the anointing of the Holy Spirit is still God’s premiere method (not concerts, talk shows, or psychologists) and the Cross of Christ is still God’s message. Paul determined to preach Jesus Christ and Him Crucified because he knew that this was the only message that would enable the faith of the people of God to stand in and experience all of the power of God. If we truly desire God's people to walk in victorious power, we will do the same!

1 Corinthians 2:4-5 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: (5) That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Pastor Loren Larson

MessageOfTheCross · May 31, 2018

Bread Crumbs “The Straight Gate” 5-30-18

There are not many roads or ways that lead to a relationship with God. In fact, there is no other name given under heaven whereby men can be saved but one. That is the precious name of Jesus, who gave His life that all humanity might be saved, at least for those who will believe. The way to God is therefore through a narrow gate, a small door, open to all, but only one person at a time may pass through. Once through that straight gate there lies before the new believer a glorious but difficult road. Nothing could be more magnificent but no road or way will ever demand more from those who choose to travel upon it. It is the way of the Cross. On this path self must be denied, sin must be overcome, the cross is to be embraced daily, and all trust in personal strengths must be laid aside. This is a difficult way, a narrow way, the way less traveled. But the pleasure and strength that is found along the path is joy unspeakable and the grace freely given for the journey is outstandingly awesome. The sad fact remains that there are precious few that will choose this road. Are you one?

Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: (14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Pastor Loren Larson

MessageOfTheCross · Jun 1, 2018

Bread Crumbs “Cross-Eyed” 6-1-18

While most look at the verses below as a promise to the believer regarding one’s future in heaven, context declares that the main thought is what God wants to reveal to you today about Himself. The greatest revelation that a man can receive in this life is the understanding of Christ and Him Crucified. For in that revelation / illumination comes all the benefits of God for every circumstance or situation. The Lord is opening the eyes of the Church to the simple truth that He has provided for us all that we need in Christ. He has not asked us to earn our salvation or to labor for our sanctification. Instead, He is asking us from a grateful heart to receive, rest, and rely upon what He has provided. The sacrifice of His Son prepared such magnificent benefits for the entirety of the human race that there has never been eyes that have yet seen what God has prepared nor an ear that has yet heard what God has prepared for them that love Him. Do you hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches? Thank you Lord for revealing truth to me today!

Galatians 1:12 - For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Pastor Loren Larson

MessageOfTheCross · Jun 19, 2018

Bead Crumbs “Theology vs Faith” 6-18-18

What men know about God is given the term theology. The definition of theology is simply the study of God. The best source to learn about God is the Bible, the vehicle through which God has chosen to reveal Himself to man. We should dedicate much of our thinking to the content of the Word which reveals to us the nature and workings of God. We are to study God's redemption plan and learn what it provides for those who believe. While the study of a subject produces the groundwork for faith, it is the application of that subject that truly profits the believer. Knowledge in itself has the ability to “puff up” those educated. But it is the trial or the test that God provides for us that cements truth into the heart. If we believe that God supplies our needs because of what Christ did for us Calvary, God just might place us in a situation where only He can meet our need. As we hold to His Word and we watch God supply the need, the theology in the head becomes the reality of the heart. Until you've learned to hold to the Cross in the midst of the battle your faith is nothing but theology."

Hebrews 10:22 - Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Pastor Loren Larson

MessageOfTheCross · Jun 24, 2018

Bread Crumbs “Dealing With Burdens” 6-23-18

Burdens are a fact of life. As much as we might wish that this was not so, it is so. Some burdens are light. They are noticeable but not suffocating. Some burdens are irritating but not overly strenuous. Other burdens are so heavy they become unbearable. They steal joy, confidence, hope, faith and the peace of the believer. Often, coupled with the agony of this enormous load, comes the back breaking addition of demonic oppression. These two opponents combined are so debilitating that most human beings find the dilemma overwhelming and are crushed beneath a cumbersome load of despair. But, my friend, there is an answer to the burden you face. His name is Jesus. When you by faith look to Him, He is able to come alongside you and lift the load from your shoulders, setting your soul and spirit free. He has walked where you walk. He understands the feebleness of the human form and the inabilities that exist in His highest creation. Trust Him and He will draw near. Call on His name and He will answer. Wait for Him and in due season, He will deliver. He is the believer's burden bearer and a true balm for the wearied soul.

Matthew 11:28 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Pastor Loren Larson

MessageOfTheCross · Jul 15, 2018

Bread Crumbs “Justification is a Legal Work” 7-13-18

Justification is the process that God uses to be able to have a relationship with fallen humanity. Justification is God's legal decree of man's innocence. He doesn't look at us as though we were guilty and then forgiven, He looks at us as perfect. Jesus died on Calvary to make justification available to mankind. When the believing sinner places his or her faith in who Jesus Christ is and what Jesus’ death on Calvary accomplished for them, God then imputes the righteousness of Christ, His righteous sinless life, into their spiritual account. By this legal means alone man is granted relationship with God. Since no single action can provide for one’s salvation then it must also be true that no single action can cause one to lose that salvation. Since salvation is a legal work offered by God to those who will believe, then the only way to lose this precious gift is to stop believing. No matter how good or bad your day has been, if at days end you still believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died for your sin and rose again, then you win! You win!

Romans 3:28 - Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

Pastor Loren Larson

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