Sermon and Announcements April 6, 2025

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

April 6, 2025

 

It will be alright

John 16:16-24

 

Jesus knows his time with his disciples is about to come to an end. Over the past 2 Sundays we have been looking at some of the things Jesus was trying to teach his disciples because he was well aware of the fact he was about to bring victory to all who would receive Gods redemption through his sacrifice but to begin with his disciples are not going to understand.

 

During these final weeks and especially the final days Jesus was doing everything he could to prepare his disciples for this moment in time. The verses we read this morning really point to the fact Jesus is laying it out there as much as he could without truly saying how all the events would unfold. Jesus is well aware of the fact they will be afraid, they will be disillusioned, and they will be ready to give up. So, he is doing everything he can to help them understand God the Father is in control and it will be alright.

 

We don’t know if Jesus was allowed by God to know in advance just when his exact date with the cross would be. It is obvious that Jesus knew when he shared, what we call, the Last Supper with his disciples that things were going to begin to unfold quickly that evening but we don’t really know if Jesus really knew for days, weeks, or months in advance what the exact day would be when everything would happen. As I thought about this, I found myself asking the question if God somehow asked me, would you like to know what the exact day you will die what would I answer. I realize it is a strange question but what would be your answer to that question? It would clearly give us the chance to have everything in order. It would also, maybe, give you a chance to do some of what we call bucket list items before it is too late. To go back to the question, would you want to know the day and would you, would I, do things differently if we really knew when that day would be?

 

Jesus was using the time he had left with his disciples to prepare them in every way he could. In these verses he was telling them he was going to go away. When we say that to someone, they will think we are going on vacation or going out of town on business or maybe going to visit someone but they aren’t going to thinking about us dying, especially if we are in good health. Jesus disciples didn’t understand what he was saying any more than we would.

 

So, as we remember the time Jesus was with his disciples, especially the final weeks before his arrest and crucifixion, we see the Love and compassion Jesus had for those he had been working so closely with for three years. Jesus also knew that before long his disciples would be the ones God would use to keep the message of mercy, grace and forgiveness of sins alive.

 

That message is still alive today. Now it is up to people like you and me to share this message of salvation with a world that is in desperate need. Not everyone is called to do the same thing for Gods kingdom. We have talked about the fact that the Holy Spirit has given different gifts to us, Gods children. The disciples were average run of the mill people before they encountered Jesus. As the day approached for Jesus to leave them, he wanted to assure his disciples that you may not understand to begin with but it will be alright. God is saying the same thing to you and me today as well. We may not understand everything God is doing in our lives or in this world, but he is in control just trust and believe because it will be alright. Jesus is still the Savior of the world and he is still changing lives and is going to welcome everyone who believes into his eternal kingdom.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

Sunday School 9:00

Tuesdays 9:30 Bible Study

 

Today Blanket Sunday

Executive Committee after worship

April 13 Snacks due for college care packages—we know of 6.

April 17 6:00 pm Love Feast here

 

--Please sign up to give a children’s message during worship and/or in the nursery during the sermon.

 

First Sundays: Food Bank donations

Pastor Larry Traxler (217) 454-2362

 

 

Keep in Your Prayers

Vallen (Tracy’s granddaughter); Pat Creviston; Stacie Warren; Doris Morganthaler; Nancy Fansler; Ruth Siburt; Dorthea Wood; Mike and Kathy Gentry; Steve Needham; Larry Traxler; Nancy Gorrell; Nora Hanaver; Ron and Kathleen Petersen; Doug Larrick; Louis & Carol Sulwer; Shirley & Carroll Clarkson; David and Jan Bower; Debbie Garvey Leibrock; Adiline Young; Mayo and Darlene Hanaver; many unspoken requests; victims of shootings and of natural disasters; shut-ins; the Nigerian church; the Haitian church; the CoB in the Democratic Republic of Congo; those in the middle of war and violence; military and other services and their families; Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for the District’s Gifts Discernment and Call Committee as they call leaders for the work of the church.