January 17 Sermon and Announcements

  

LET’S MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Romans 1:8-17

 

We are going to spend some time in the book of Romans. This is a letter Paul wrote to the church in Rome. In the verses we began with this morning, we see Paul is encouraging the church in Rome. The church in Rome, of course, was dealing with the Roman Empire and its leaders every day. It was a tough place to be a Christian because of the pressure put on them on a daily basis by the Emperor and his men. In spite of all that, the church has remained a witness for Christ under the most difficult conditions. Paul goes on to remind them he is praying for them on a regular basis. Paul has also pointed out how disappointed he is that he has not been able to meet with them face to face yet.

 

One of the reasons he wants to be with them in person is because he knows they can encourage one another in ways you just cannot do in a letter. Paul knows how important it is for brothers and sisters in Christ to meet on a regular basis. It gives you the chance to really know what is going on in one another’s life. Paul is also letting them know there is a lot of work to do in Rome. Paul went so far as to say there are those in Rome who are wise because they have received the gospel, but there also are those that do not have a clue. In the last two verses we read he gets right down to it. He did not want anyone to be unsure what the message of Christ really is. Paul says confidently and boldly in the 16^th verse that he is not ashamed of the gospel. He goes on to say the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. He is basically throwing the challenge down to the church in Rome. Paul is saying do not be distracted by what the government leaders are saying. They do not know Jesus Christ so all they are saying is foolishness. What God is promising through Jesus Christ is not some temporary feel-good moments. God is saying not only do I want to bless you now, but I also want to bless you for eternity. But you must not lose your focus and be distracted by the things the Roman Empire is dangling in front of you. You must stay strong. The 17^th verse then points out how it is possible to keep our eyes on God in spite of everything that is going on around you. If you refuse to give in to the pressure of the moment but instead realize and fully take hold of the fact that “in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith”. We must believe in and trust in God’s word. When we do that, we will grow in godly righteousness. A righteousness we can claim because of God’s love and commitment to us. The last part of the 17^th verse makes it clear whether you come to Christ early in life or late, it does not matter. The most important thing is the “the righteous of God will live by faith.” That was a challenge for the church in Rome and it is a challenge for us right here in America as well.

 

The most important thing for the church, whether it be in Rome 2000 years ago or right here in America today, is to realize we believe in a God that cares about his people. The points Paul made in these verses are reminding us what God cares about. The importance to pray for one another; the importance to gather together as a way to support and encourage each other. God wants to remind us there will always be things trying to pull us away from God. Satan will use a variety of ways to try to have us take our eyes from God. But most importantly, if we are truly holding onto these truths, we will be victorious. We must be willing to stand up for the Gospel of Jesus Christ because we know God will reward our faith with eternal life. May we recommit our lives to the God who loves us and cares about us. If we will go forward with faith in God, I believe 2021 will see us reach new heights, both individually and as his church.

Larry

Announcements

Every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. is Bible Study. All are invited to attend.

The church board met on January 13 to reorganize. New Executive Committee is Carol Kussart, board chair; Shirley Wright, nurture chair; Stacie Warren, stewards chair; Nora Hanaver, witness chair.

Messenger subscriptions are due January 31. Messenger is our church magazine, giving us information about our denomination, districts, and local congregations throughout our country and the world. For $14.50, you get 10 issues annually. Please let Carol know if you would like to be a new subscriber. If you now get Messenger, Carol will assume you want to continue unless you let her know otherwise.

Carl Cable and Evelyn Traxler are both at Hickory Point Christian Village--address is 565 West Marion Ave., Forsyth, IL 62535 

Carl is in Room 309.

To keep up on Church of the Brethren news:

Denomination: www.brethren.org/news Sign up for Newsline by clicking link on left side of page.

District: iwdcob.org (click on newsletter link)

Our pages: cerrogordocob.com (printed sermon, announcements, & calendar) and on facebook

Keep in Your Prayers

Betty Sue Laird; Carl and Wilma Cable; Carol & Mike Seidenstricker; Brittany Wright; Sonna Hall; Evelyn Eads; Mike Gentry; Anna Gentry Thompson; Arnold & Marlene Schultz; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Adiline Young; ; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Gary Jesse; Norm & Marge Starr; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo & Darlene Hanaver; Zola Copeland and family; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders; the families of the 340,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; all who are ill with the virus; the unemployed; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of the wildfires and hurricanes; District of IL/WI; nursing home residents; our nation's government

Families of Barb Baker, Jeff Sawyer, and Lonnie Miller 

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

 

January 10 Sermon and Announcements

 We did not have services on January 3. We are pleased that we were able to have worship again yesterday, January 10. 

GOODBYE 2020, WELCOME 2021!

Philippians 3:1-16

 

Another Christmas has come and gone. Praying the Lord brought you some good memories and blessings this holiday season. That being said, there is much to reflect on about the year 2020. As is the case, each of us has different memories and thoughts about the year that has just ended. Clearly this year had elements to it unlike any other year whether you are a young person or someone who has already been blessed with many years on this earth. We experienced things this year unlike any other year. 2020 started like most had in January. We had some snow off and on last year but if anything, we began the year as a nation in a pretty good place. Unemployment across all ages and races was at all-time lows. Most of us were simply dealing with the normal things that we always do. Here at the Cerro Gordo Church of the Brethren, you were dealing with what to do after Tim and Betty Sue returned to Pennsylvania. The Cerro Gordo High School and Jr. High was still getting settled into their new and improved buildings. We were dealing with our own personal ups and downs, just like always. January pretty much came and went as usual.

 

Then February arrived and during the course of that month there began to be reports of a potentially dangerous virus that was found in parts of China. It was something health leaders were keeping an eye on, but the belief still was, or maybe the hope was, it would not really affect us.

 

Then came March. At first in February and March flights between the US and China were stopped, other than Americans being allowed to come home. Then not long after that flights from Europe to the United States were stopped. The corona virus was spreading and, in an attempt, to stop it in the America, flights leaving the United States and returning from many regions of the world were stopped.

 

Then it happened. States, especially those with large cities in them, started seeing cases of the corona virus increase, as well as hospitalizations and deaths attributed to the virus. Nationwide limits were imposed during this time. If you recall it was called “15 days to stop the spread”. We obviously know now the 15 days to stop the spread did not. Restrictions were somewhat lifted in some states while other states began taking restrictions to higher levels. Illinois has been one of those states that imposed more and more restrictions during the spring.  Those of us with loved ones in retirement or nursing facilities, as well as hospitals, were not allowed to see or be with our family members, even for a brief face-to-face visit.

There was clearly legitimate reason for this. It had become clear the oldest and those with health issues were and are the most vulnerable. During all of this, in May a black man died during the course of an arrest that then sparked marches and vandalism all across this country. That continued off and on through much of the summer. Some of the other changes that happened to everyday life during this time was schools quit having students attend across the country for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Movie theatres closed, malls closed, restaurants closed, sporting events were cancelled. In other words, grocery stores and gas stations were about the only businesses allows to remain open during most of the spring. Even doctors and dentists did not see patients for much of the spring in a lot of the states in America. Finally, by summer some of the restrictions were eased. In much of the country, in more limited ways, many businesses were allowed to resume. Health issues of all kinds just did not stop because of the corona virus. Accidents still happened. Shootings, fires. In fact, some things have gotten worse because of this virus. Alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic violence and suicide have all increased during the corona virus, as well as unemployment. In many ways I hate to remind everyone of all of what 2020 represented, at least all the negative aspects.

 

Just to touch on a couple more things that were noteworthy, there was an election that took place in different ways than ever before. We celebrated birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Years Day as a nation much differently as well. Not everything was bad despite many of the negative things shared. Families found new ways to keep in touch with one another.  Our church chose to do services on Facebook that helped those unable to attend in person to keep up with their congregation. We saw babies welcomed into this world. There were marriages that took place. Under challenging circumstances, we as the church and we as a nation continue on.

 

We, as God’s people, need to continue to pray this nightmare and tragedy of coronavirus will soon end. There have been and there always will be difficult and challenging times in life. There is a saying that goes something like this. “Tough times do not last, tough people do.” God is calling us to continue to believe. God sees everything that has happened in the past and he sees what is going on today. The curse creation inherited when Adam and Eve ate the fruit they should not have is still in effect and will be until God says enough is enough. Never forget God loves you and knows what you are going through. God’s ultimate goal is for you and me to spend eternity with him. But we first go through the ups and downs this life provides before that day comes. Many of us have said goodbye to loved ones this year as they have gone ahead of to be with the Lord. The verses we read this morning to begin with tells that story. I pray we all humbly agree with what Paul was saying to the church in Philippi.

 

To close this morning, I hope each one of us takes to heart what Paul said in verses 13 and 14. As we leave behind 2020 and begin 2021, I pray we hold fast to these words and this message. “But one thing I do—Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

 

Happy New Year to each of you. God has great things in store for us. Just grab hold and believe. God loves you! Embrace the moment.

 

Announcements

Sundays: Sunday School 9:00; Worship 10: Please social distance and wear masks. We continue carrying our worship on facebook live. We are grateful that it reaches many people in and beyond our congregation.

January 13 New and old board members meet. Executive Committee 6:15; commissions 7:00; board 7:30

Donation Box: Utilities

 

First Sundays: food donations for food banks

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Thank you to all who helped with the candy sales! It was very successful! At last count, we brought in $1138. A special thanks goes out to Robin Shively for all his help with the purchase of candy supplies!

 

Offering envelopes are by the copier if you would like a box for the year.

 

It is time for Messenger renewals or new subscriptions. Messenger is our denominational magazine and helps us keep up with what is going on across our country and the world in the Church of the Brethren. Included are also Bible studies and other thoughtful articles. If you do not currently subscribe and would like to, let Carol know by the end of January. If you currently subscribe, you need to do nothing to continue. The cost is $14.50 annually for 10 issues. This goes through the church, so your subscription money needs to be given to the church.

 

To keep up on Church of the Brethren news:

Denomination: www.brethren.org/news Sign up for Newsline by clicking link on left side of page.

District: iwdcob.org (click on newsletter link)

Our pages: cerrogordocob.com (printed sermon, announcements, & calendar) and on facebook

Keep in Your Prayers

Carol & Mike Seidenstricker; Brittany Wright; Sonna Hall; Evelyn Eads; Mike Gentry; Anna Gentry Thompson; Arnold & Marlene Schultz; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Liam Martina; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Gary Jesse; Norm & Marge Starr; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo & Darlene Hanaver; Zola Copeland and family; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders; the families of the 340,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; all who are ill with the virus; the unemployed; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of the wildfires and hurricanes; District of IL/WI; nursing home residents

 Families of Barb Baker, Jeff Sawyer, and Lonnie Miller

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

Several Nigerian EYN (Church of the Brethren Nigeria) church buildings have been burned over the Christmas holidays, 12 people killed, and others kidnapped. Some of these church buildings had been rebuilt as recently as 3 years ago. Pray for the Nigerian people as they deal with these tragedies.

Our Mission Statement:

Love God, grow with others, serve faithfully, reach the lost, find peace.