Sermon and Announcements May 25

 

May 25, 2025

THE DAILY DOUBLE

GALATIANS 5:22

 

This morning's message title is about the fact we are going to look at 2 of the fruits of the spirit today. I believe these 2 have some similar applications in our lives. The 2 we are looking at are kindness and goodness. When I got thinking about these two, I was led to think of it this way. Kindness is something you do or show to others and goodness is, ideally, what naturally flows out of you.

 

As I was thinking what it means to be kind or to exhibit kindness, I think of how we help each other in times of need. James 1:27 says this “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after widows and orphans in their distress.” In this verse we can see both the fruit of kindness and the fruit of goodness in action. It is truly an act of kindness when we act when we see others in need. What most often motivates some one to show kindness however is a goodness that is flowing out of that person as well.

 

I am sure that everyone of you can think of times when you showed kindness to someone who was going through tough times or could use some sort of encouragement. Each time you have done that it shows that the Holy Spirit led you to meet a need because it was the right thing to do. I’m sure you weren’t looking for anything in return just the joy of knowing you could help. When the fruit of the spirit, kindness, is flowing through us we find the most satisfaction when we realize God has led us to meet a need for others.

 

As we continue to grow in the Lord we are led to the understanding of what God needs us to do and be. In Colossians 3:12 we read this “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” To look at what we are considering today we are reminded to clothe ourselves with kindness. When you clothe yourself, you cover for the most part your entire body. That’s how much kindness is to be part of who we are in Christ.

 

Now let’s look closer at goodness. To begin with I said kindness is what we do and goodness is what we are. When the fruit of the spirit, goodness, is flowing through us as God intends that will be true. When we think about what it means to be good or to exhibit goodness what exactly is that like? We often describe someone as being good at this or that but what does it mean to be good as implied in Galatians 5:22? What makes a good person a good person?

 

Each of us may describe what a good person is like a little differently but we probably all have the same overall thought of what that person is like when we get right down to it. Being good and exhibiting goodness isn’t something you have to think about it just naturally flows from a man or woman of God.

 

When we recognize God for who he is he has even made a promise to us about goodness. In the 23^rd Psalm we are reminded of what God will do for us. We all know how the 23^rd starts out “The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want.” If we fast forward to the 6^th and last verse we are promised this “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” If we begin each day acknowledging the fact the Lord is my shepherd we are saying to God, we Love you and trust you, in return God is saying to us goodness and mercy are yours to claim.

 

Why should goodness be a part of who we are? Because God has shown us goodness in ways we can’t even comprehend in return, he has given us the ability to have goodness flowing through us by the Holy Spirit. When we consider kindness and goodness, we know we are to be Gods witnesses to a world in need. Jesus Christ has given us everything we need to experience Gods kindness and goodness for ourselves. He has also given us the ability to have kindness and goodness flowing through us to others. As we continue to look at all of the fruits of the spirit we have been given, may we look at more and more ways to share these with not only our families and friends but also with a hurting world in need of kindness and goodness.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

Sunday School 9:00

Tuesdays 9:30 Bible Study

 

May 31 9:30 Stem strawberries and then set up tables

June 1 Strawberry Festival 4:00 - 6:00

June 8 Heifer International special offering—to be matched by Witness Commission—more information next week.

 

Are you willing to be on a search committee for a pastor to succeed Larry? Please let Carol know if you feel called to be on this committee. It needs to get started soon.

 

First Sundays: Food Bank donations

Pastor Larry Traxler (217) 454-2362

 

 

Keep in Your Prayers

Vallen (Tracy’s granddaughter); Pat Creviston; Stacie Warren; 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; immigrants

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for all the historic cemeteries cared for by our churches, including the Coal Creek cemetery maintained by the Canton congregation.

 

 

Sermon and Announcements May 11

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

May 11, 2025

 

The story of the other Mary

John 12: 1-3

 

A couple of weeks ago I said on Mother’s Day we would take a look at Mary the mother of Jesus. I am not sure how good your memories are but as I was looking at Mary’s life, I came to the realization that I shared her story last year. So, this Mother’s Day we are going to look at Mary of Bethany instead.

 

In the verses we read today we see that 6 days before Passover, the Passover right before Jesus crucifixion, Jesus is in the  town near to Jerusalem of Bethany. We see that some of Jesus closest friends live there and they provide Jesus with a special dinner. In the 11^th chapter of John is where we see the story of Lazarus. For a little back ground, Mary and her sister Martha sent word to Jesus that their brother and Jesus good friend was dying, and Jesus needed to come immediately to save him. We all know the story, that Jesus stayed 2 more days where he was at before coming to Bethany, Lazarus’s home town. When Jesus had first reached the outskirts of Bethany he was meet by Martha who told him that Lazarus was dead. After talking to her for a while he sent Martha to get her sister, Mary. Ultimately Lazarus was raised from the dead and Mary’s thoughts about Jesus and his power and authority were forever changed.

 

So, getting back to what is happening in the verses we read this morning we see Jesus is having a meal with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus as well as others. During their time together Mary gets up and gets some expensive perfume that she had and proceeds to wash Jesus’ feet with the perfume and dry his feet with her hair. Judas, who was the money keeper for Jesus, thought this a waste of money implying the perfume could have been sold and could have helped a lot of people. Jesus said in the 7^th verse “leave her alone, it was intended that she should save this perfume for my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

 

Jesus was acknowledging the Love and respect Mary had for him as well as a spiritual understanding God had revealed to her of what was about  to happen to Jesus even though she didn’t really understand it at the time. Mary was always the one who would step out in faith and do things that at times others didn’t understand because she was open to the Holy Spirits leading.

 

In Luke the 10^th chapter beginning with the 38^th verse we read this, “as Jesus and his disciples were on their way, they came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to help me! Martha, Martha the Lord answered, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.”

 

So, we again see that Mary is feeling the need to be a part of what Jesus is doing at the time and even her sister isn’t happy about how things are going at this moment. Whether these 2 dinners mentioned in Luke and John are the same or different we don’t know. There are a couple of differences in what is going on. What we see in both is the fact that Mary has such love and desire to learn from Jesus that she is willing to risk the anger and frustration of her sister to be in the middle of what is happening.

 

Mary is one of the great women of the Bible because she knew what a life changing man Jesus was. In many ways her worship and commitment to the Savior of the world was more powerful and honest than the disciples, who had spent 3 years with Jesus. Mary is a powerful example to, first of all, every woman of how love and commitment is always going to be rewarded when your priorities are in the right things and the right places.

 

To the mothers here this morning the examples of sacrifice and love no matter the cost that Mary examples are obvious in virtually every one of you. It isn’t always easy or popular to stand up for your family and the values you hold dear but with our Savior on your side you have the power to do whatever the Lord inspires you to do.

 

There are many examples of great mothers and great women in the Bible. Whether it be Moses’ mother who loved her son so much she was willing to let him go so he could live. Or Ruth that we read about 2 weeks ago whose love and devotion to her mother-in-law was so undying she would leave her home to go to a new land and worship the God she had come to respect from Naomi. Or Mary, Jesus’ mother who answered the call God placed before her without hesitation saying let it be as you say.

 

Then we have today’s example of a woman who did things as she felt led and every time someone questioned what she was doing Jesus came to her rescue. May each of you women here today continue to find inspiration and courage from these women who stood for the Lord even when people questioned them. Your church needs you; your families need you and your God needs you. Thank you for everything you have done in the past and are

 

doing now in the present. God Bless you may it be said of you what Jesus said of Mary, you have chosen what is better and it will not be taken from you.

 

Thank you, may God continue to bless you and may all of you women have a great and blessed Mothers Day.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

Sunday School 9:00

Tuesdays 9:30 Bible Study

 

May 14 Women’s Fellowship lunch 12:00—baked potato bar—sign up sheet in the back

May 17 7:00 pm CGHS Graduation

May 18 Council meeting after worship

June 1 Strawberry Festival—sign up sheet in back for pie crusts and other food needs

 

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

 

 

Sermon and Announcements April 27, 2025

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

April 27, 2025

 

Ruth, a woman of honor and love

Ruth 1:3-18

 

Mother’s Day is just 2 weeks away. I was going to highlight a couple of the great women, mothers of the Bible starting next Sunday but with Walt being with us next week we will look at Ruth this week and Mary, Jesus’ mother on Mother’s Day.

 

We have looked at parts of the incredible story of Ruth before but this time we are going to look even closer at this amazing woman. We began this morning reading about Naomi. If we had begun with the first verse in chapter 1 we would have seen that Naomi and her husband Elimelech moved from Judah to Moab because of a famine. They also moved with their 2 sons. While in Moab Elimelech died leaving Naomi in a strange land with her 2 sons.

 

Naomi’s 2 sons married women from Moab during their time there. Unfortunately, Naomi’s sons died leaving Naomi with 2 daughters in laws in a land they called home but a foreign land to Naomi. Naomi decides to go back to Judah to be with family and friends that her and her husband had left behind. Naomi told her daughters in law to stay home in the land they knew and asked the Lord to grant them new husbands. Naomi Loved and respected both of these women and wanted nothing but the best for them. At first both resisted saying we will stay with you and go where you go. Eventually Orpah decided to stay in Moab but Ruth refused, promising to go with Naomi and that Naomi’s God would be her God.

 

Ruth loved and respected her mother-in-law and her deceased husband so much that she was going to go and be there for Naomi no matter where she went. At this time in history inheritance was passed down through men in Judah so Naomi wasn’t intitled to any of Elimelech’s property back in his home land. Naomi and Ruth had nothing so Naomi told Ruth to pick up the leftovers from the barley harvest that was going on telling her hopefully someone would look favorably on you.

 

A man of standing in the land noticed Ruth and asked around about who she was and what she was doing. Someone told him Naomi’s and Ruth’s story and he was impressed with Ruth’s integrity and commitment to Naomi. To the point Boaz told the field supervisors to leave some of the good stuff for Ruth to easily find. Ruth didn’t understand why Boaz was helping her so much so she asked him about it, this is what he said. In the 2^nd chapter the 12 verse Boaz said, “May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come in to take refuge.” Of course, Boaz was talking about Ruth’s willingness to leave everything she knew to go with her mother-in-law to a new land.

 

If we were to read the rest of this incredible story, we would see that eventually Boaz and Ruth married. They ultimately had a son whose name was Obed. Obed was the father of Jesse who was the father of a pretty important man, King David. Ruth was a woman of a different country and a different religious background before God lead her to marry a man originally from Judah. After the death of her first husband, her love and respect for her mother-in-law lead her to a new land a new culture and a new faith. Ruth is the only non-Jewish person to have a book in the Old Testament. Just as Boaz prayed, God did reward Ruth’s faithfulness with a place in history that is as important as anyone’s. Because she was willing to leave what was familiar and comfortable God forever Blessed her. She became the great grandmother of the greatest warrior and king Israel ever had. She is also in the direct lineage of Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

What an incredible example of Love, Faith, and Trust she was and continues to be all these thousands of years later. Ruth is also an example of the fact God just asks us to be willing to be available to his calling. Even if we don’t realize that’s what God is doing.

 

Ruth is a special woman and mother who inspires women and men alike. She will forever be remembered as a loving wife, daughter-in-law and mother may each of us find inspiration from this amazing woman of God. For you women, you mothers here this morning some of you might be like Naomi who made such an impact on Ruth that she refused to leave her mother in laws side. Or maybe you are like Ruth who faithfully did what she thought was right and God blessed her in incredible ways or maybe you have been to a degree like both of these women. For all you women who faithfully are making a difference I say and I know God says thank you. You may never know on this earth just what kind of an impact you are making. As best you can, just keep answering the call, as was true with Ruth, great will be your reward.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

Sunday School 9:00

Tuesdays 9:30 Bible Study

 

May 1 Board Meeting—6:00 Commissions; 6:30 Board

May 4 Walt Wiltschek will be with us for worship; we will have a potluck dinner afterwards for all.

May 14 Women’s Fellowship lunch 12:00—baked potato bar—sign up sheet in the back

May 18 Council meeting after worship

 

--May newsletter submissions due April 30

 

 

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 Ministry Leadership Development Team and all the clergy in the District.

Easter Sermon and Announcements

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

April 20, 2025

 

He Has Risen

 

Matthew 27: 62-66, 28:1-7

 

Today as we all know, is Easter Sunday. As I mentioned last week this comes at the conclusion of the most important week in the Christian world and clearly I believe the most important week in the history of the world.

 

I guess the only week that one could say would be as important is the one talked about in Genesis 1: 1-31,2: 1+2. That of course is the week of creation when God created this world. What we celebrate at Easter is God bringing

true salvation to all creation something that didn’t  happen when creation occurred.

 

Each of the gospels has a little bit different way of telling what happened that Sunday morning after Jesus was crucified and then laid in the tomb. The account that I have shared is the only one that tells of the concern the chief priests had that Jesus followers might steal Jesus body to make it look like he had risen from the grave. Obviously, they refused to believe Jesus was God in the flesh, in part because they would have to admit they were wrong. Most, however really just could not believe that Jesus was really the promised Messiah.

So, we read just how far the chief priests would go to secure Jesus body. Pilate allowed them to use Roman guards at the tomb and also to put a seal on the tomb so if someone could roll the stone away and then close the grave again to make it appear Jesus had supernaturally gotten out of the tomb it would be clear men had stolen the body since the seal would have been broken.

 

In the account we read the women went to the tomb early Sunday morning just to see the place Jesus lay. In Mark and Lukes account it says the women took spices with them in hopes of being able to embalm Jesus body while Matthew and John simply say they went to the tomb. Matthew and John also adds one important detail about Jesus’ resurrection the other two don’t mention an angel was there to tell them the story of what had happened. We don’t know why there are differences in the 4 gospels other than the fact that in many situations several people can see the same thing happen but have different memories of what happened.

 

As Matthew retells the story, he says not only was an angel there to greet the women he even had them come inside the tomb and walked them through exactly what had happened. The women had to be shocked and excited both at the same time when the angel said do not be afraid, I know why you are here you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here he has risen, just as he said.

 

That announcement made to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary still shocks, amazes and is transforming the world and peoples lives today. Jesus is alive and because of that truth our sins are forgiven and eternity awaits everyone who calls upon the name of Jesus. That is what Easter is all about. The perfect lamb was sacrificed in our place and we have been redeemed. God the Father raised Jesus from the grave showing all who believes the grave has been conquered. Jesus proved that death is not the end but only the beginning. This victory wasn’t for Jesus alone it is for you and me as well. This is the story of Easter that we celebrate.

 

Our closing song this morning is one performed by the group NewSong called Arise My Love. It tells this story as well as anyone can.

 

What God did for Jesus he will do for us as someday God will say to each of us arise my love.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

Sunday School 9:00

Tuesdays 9:30 Bible Study

 

May 1 Board Meeting—6:00 Commissions; 6:30 Board

May 4 Walt Wiltschek will be with us for worship; we will have a potluck dinner afterwards for all.

May 14 Women’s Fellowship lunch 12:00

 

--May newsletter submissions due April 30

 

First Sundays: Food Bank donations

Pastor Larry Traxler (217) 454-2362

 

 

 

Keep in Your Prayers

Family of Evelyn Eads; 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 Milledgeville (Dutchtown) congregation and for Heifer International, SERRV, and other organizations the CoB has birthed.

 

 

 

 

Sermon and Announcements April 13

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

April 13

 

It’s Sunday but Monday is Coming!

Mark 11: 1-11,15-19

 

Today is Palm Sunday, the first day of Holy Week. The most important week on the Christian calendar and I would say the most important week in the history of the world. This morning’s message is entitled “It’s Sunday, but Monday is Coming”. Cathy probably remembers this but the message title comes from something we heard on the radio program, Focus on the Family about 40 years ago.

 

On this episode James Dobson had a man by the name of Anthony Campolo on. He retold something that he had been a part of maybe earlier that year maybe years earlier. I believe it may have been at a Good Friday service at a black church. There were several speakers at this service and he was the next to the last speaker, by the way I believe he was the only White speaker at this service. He spoke for a while and when he stepped away from the microphone, he spoke to the Pastor who was going to close out the service and asked do you think you can top that?

 

Apparently at some Black Churches they aren’t bashful when they feel the Lord is really moving thru them. This Black minister told Tony Campolo to sit down and listen and for the next half hour to hour he repeatedly hit one message It’s Friday Sundays a comin. That’s a long-winded way of telling this is where the inspiration for this message title came from. Unlike the message Antony Campolo retold which tells the victory story for all who believe this one goes a completely different direction.

 

I believe everyone here this morning knows today is what all of Christianity calls Palm Sunday. I have told this story from the pulpit before and I am sure most all of you have heard and read the story of Palm Sunday many times before.

To briefly revisit it once more it is all about Jesus and his disciples going to Jerusalem to celebrate with thousands of other Jewish people, what was the most important day on their calendar at this time.

While the disciples didn’t know this Passover would be different than any they had celebrated before they soon realized this fact. Jesus was traveling into Jerusalem and the closer and closer they got more and more people lined the road. Many of them laid their coats on the road as Jesus drew near others cut branches from the trees and laid them on the road, a sort of red-carpet welcome.

 

We read that once Jesus arrived, he immediately went to the temple but because it was late he actually left Jerusalem and went to Bethany to spend the night. Bethany was only a short distance from Jerusalem and he had many friends there including Mary, Martha and possibly even Lazarus whom he had raised from the dead.

 

When he woke up the next day he went back to the temple in Jerusalem and was outraged at what he saw. In the outer courts of the temple people were selling animals and other things for people to provide the Priests for sacrifices. Leading up to the Passover celebration it would have been common for people to offer sacrifices for their sins to be in a right standing with God for the Passover celebration. What was completely wrong was the buying and selling within the temple grounds. I can’t help but think Jesus was mad at everyone involved. First of all, the Priests who not only allowed it to happen and probably were profiting from what was being sold. Next, he was mad at the sellers for, in all likelihood, ripping off the people by over charging them.

 

Finally, he was probably mad at the people buying because they should have known better than to be both lazy and casual in the way they got the sacrifices that were to be offered on their behalf. So, what did Jesus do when he saw this happening? He drove all of those involved out of his Father’s house. Saying this “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations, but you have made it a den of robbers.”

 

So, in a way, all of the excitement of Sunday changed to hatred in the matter of a few minutes. In many ways he angered most of the Jews in the city in one brief moment in time. None more than the chief priests and teachers of the temple. To the point that we read that they began to look for a way to kill Jesus.

 

From this point on events began to happen at lighting speed as more and more people were stirred up to not only be against Jesus but literally hate Jesus and want him dead. As we celebrate Holy Week, may we remember it was Palm Sunday but Monday was coming. This is an example of how good intentioned people can be deceived into doing things that they would never have believed could happen. In just a few short days the ones who lovingly welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem were calling for his death.

This would be a truly tragic event if it weren’t for the fact that God the Father had a plan to not only redeem those who participated in these tragic events but all of those for generations forward who will receive Jesus as Lord and Savior. In ways so much more than happened when Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery, we should be encouraged by the plan God had through Jesus where it says in Genesis 50:20 “what man intended for evil, God intended for good.” As we remember the events of Holy Week beginning with Palm Sunday, it is true that it is Sunday Monday is coming but more than that, by the end of the week we can celebrate what Anthony Campolo shared from his time at that black church 40 years ago. The truth that by the end of Holy Week it will be Friday but Sundays a comin.

 

May each of us in our own ways take some time to reflect on all of the life changing events that happened this most Holy Week. The most important week in the history of the world. May we praise God for offering the perfect sacrifice fulling realizing all the events allowed to happen before Easter Sunday, Resurrection Sunday to take place.

After all what Satan and man intended for God made sure ended for good.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

Sunday School 9:00

Tuesdays 9:30 Bible Study

 

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

April 17 6:00 pm Love Feast here

May 4 Walt Wiltschek wil be with us for worship; we will have a potluck dinner afterwards for all.

 

--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

Family of Evelyn Eads; 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: Spend time in quiet reflection and rejoice in the hope of resurrection.

 

 

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.

 

 

Sermon March 30

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

March 30, 2025

 

Peace

John 14:26-27

 

Today we are looking at the third fruit of the spirit. When we conclude today, we will be 1/3 of the way through these fruits of the spirit we have been given to help us face or enjoy the different things we all face in life. In the passage from John we read today we see Jesus promising the disciples that the Holy Spirit will come and provide several things that will make them able to accomplish everything God is about to entrust them with.

 

The Holy Spirit will remind the disciples of everything Jesus had said and taught. Jesus was trying to prepare them for what was about to happen. Jesus also promised they would have something that everyone wants but is so hard to have, Peace.

 

When you think of peace what is the first thing that comes to mind? If we took a few minutes and went around the room we might get several different answers. It probably has a lot to do what is going on in your life right now. For some it may have to do with what is going on at home or with your family. There may either be a special peace you are experiencing because the Lord has through the Holy Spirit given you a measure of that special peace Jesus promised as you deal with a health concern or and some loss that has left a huge void.

Perhaps when you think of peace you think of the condition of the world or our nation or even our community. At the most recent annual conference there were those voicing concern over the lack of peace between some congregations within our denomination and how we can get peace and unity back.

 

We will see a common theme that develops with each an every one of the fruits of the spirit. We will tie those all together after we have looked at all 9. Jesus knew there was 2 kinds of peace. The kind the world offers and the kind that God offers through the Holy Spirit. The peace Jesus was talking about wasn’t the kind nations seek for the world. It isn’t the kind that states or communities purse or the kind people seek with their own strength. What Jesus was offering and talking about is the peace each and every person longs to have and experience on a personal level. A peace that is unlike anything this world claims to offer. It is real because God is providing it.

 

If we can experience Gods peace on a personal level most of the other cares and concerns, we have on a weekly, monthly, even yearly basis will take care of themselves because we know the God who created the universe is the one really in charge.

 

So how often do we experience Gods peace on a regular basis? Are we to often overwhelmed by the things swirling around our lives, our nation, our world and do we allow those things to steal the peace Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would provide? If we answer yes this happens to often in my life, what will it take for us to allow Gods peace to be more dominant in our lives, to be real in our lives?

 

Jesus was telling the disciples don’t trust in the things of this world, trust in me. In 2 Thessalonians the 3^rd chapter the 16^th verse we see this encouragement being given to the church, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.”

 

Contentment and peace may not be the exact same thing but Paul had experienced about everything bad or negative a person could experience. In spite of this he says one of the most incredible statements I have ever heard or read. In the book of Philippians Paul says this “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.” Maybe you can honestly say you are in a place like Paul was when he made this statement but I must admit I’m not there as often as I should be or as often as God is telling me I could be. Paul concludes this statement, this encouragement with what has been one of my life verses for a long time. He says in the 4^th chapter the 13^th verse “ I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.’ I actually used the King James Version of the 13^th verse if you are looking at the NIV and see it’s a little different.

 

So, the 3^rd fruit of the spirit mentioned is peace. We have read that Jesus has promised the Holy Spirit will provide peace to all of his followers. We have seen in 2^nd Thessalonians that Paul says we can have peace at all times and in every way. And we see that Paul is living proof that the Holy Spirits peace is real and available by what he honestly said in Philippians 4: 13. So it’s up to you and me to allow the Holy Spirit the ability to give us this fruit of the spirit that will make our lives so much easier to deal with. The way to start living in this peace, if you aren’t already, is to ask the Holy Spirit to make it grow more and more every day in your heart and soul. As with all of the fruits of the spirit they are for us to receive and have flowing through us at all times and in every way. Claim Gods peace today and may God Bless you.