March 21 Sermon and Announcements

  

IT IS ALMOST TIME!

Matthew 20:17-34

 

The first 16 verses of Matthew 20, which we did not read, contain the parable of the workers in the vineyard. This parable can teach us of more than one application. We are not going to go into this parable today. We will leave it for another time, but I will point out Jesus is continuing the theme of the first being last and the last being first. Jesus closed out what we read in the 19^th chapter of Matthew with that statement and he repeats it again in the 16^th verse of Matthew 20. Let us move on to what Jesus is trying to prepare the disciples for in verses 17-19. Jesus is getting really specific with describing what is about to happen to himself. Whether the disciples really understood Jesus was telling them real details of how he would die and how he would be treated we do not know. Jesus was being this detailed so they would ultimately have their faith strengthened.

 

Moving ahead in the 20^th chapter, we see what my Bible entitles “A Mother’s Request.” Jesus’ disciples, James and John, were brothers. They were called the “sons of thunder.” Their mother made a bold request. The request she made when they first became disciples was that when Jesus came into his kingdom that one son would sit on his right and the other son would sit on his left. The interesting thing about this request is that whether the disciples understood fully who Jesus was and what he would be doing in the future. James and John’s mother seemed to understand what Jesus would ultimately be doing. Going back to the request, Jesus is reminding their mom and James and John as well that you really do not know what you are asking. Things are going to get bad really soon and there is no way any of you realize what it will be like. James and John quickly spoke up. “We can do whatever it takes, Jesus!” (This is my paraphrased version.) Whether James and John realized it or not, Jesus did warn them, you will pay a heavy price for following me. Jesus ultimately told James, John and their mother whoever sits on the left or right of me is not going to be my decision. It will be God the Father’s decision. While all of this is going on, the other 10 disciples hear about it. They are not happy with James and John or their mother. They apparently made sure Jesus knew they did not think what had happened was right. Jesus then proceeded to tell them what anyone that wants to be part of his kingdom should do. Jesus pointed out that the Gentile rulers make sure everyone knows who is in charge and that they must show proper respect and pay homage to the leaders. Jesus then went on to say that in God’s kingdom those who want to be great must be willing to be a servant. Jesus also reminded the disciples that the Son of Man did not come to the world to be served but came into the world to serve others. Jesus once again pointed out he was going to give his life to pay for not only the disciples sins but also the sins of everyone past, present and future who believes. Jesus knows it is almost time and he is using every teaching moment he can to not only help them understand what is about to happen but also what their role would be in the not-so-distant future.

 

In the 20^th chapter of Matthew, there is one more teaching moment that occurs. Beginning with verse 29, two blind men were sitting along the road Jesus was traveling on. When they heard the commotion, they realized Jesus, whom they had heard about, was passing by. They cried out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us.” The crowd was mad these men were bothering Jesus. They probably were wanting to get something from Jesus themselves. Jesus stopped in front of the men and asked a very direct question. “What do you want me to do for you?” Two men quickly responded, “We want to be able to see.” We read Jesus had compassion on them, touched their eyes and immediately they had their sight. Once this happened, these men followed Jesus.

 

What can we learn from all these things that we read about in Chapter 20? First of all, the verses we did not read of the parable of the workers in the vineyard, one of the things Jesus is telling whoever will listen is that while it is in your best interests to receive God’s mercy and love as early in life as possible, the fact is whether you receive Jesus Christ as Savior early in life or whether it happens to be later in life, all who accept God’s gift of forgiveness will be welcomed in God’s kingdom. Jesus also reminds us all of how much God loves us by taking the punishment for us. We should also realize that if we are followers of Jesus Christ, we will be expected to make sacrifices and we should not complain when we are asked to sacrifice. The last thing we are reminded of is God is never too busy to listen to what is going on in our lives. God is willing to provide us with what we need when we need it. God may not always give us what we want, but he will give us what we need. God also wants us to be specific with our requests. It is almost the time that Jesus will accomplish what he came to this earth to do. What God is asking us to do is put as many of Jesus’ teachings into practice as we can. We will be better for it, our church will be better for it, and our community will be better for it. All the things we have been reading simply reminds us how much God loves us.

Larry

Announcements:

Every Tuesday 9:30 Bible Study. All are invited to attend.

 

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) special offering will be collected on March 28. We will have envelopes at the back of the sanctuary for you to use. Denominations across the country support OGHS.

 

March 28 Palm Sunday

April 4 Easter 7:00 Sonrise Service at Veteran’s Park

            10:00 Worship here with bread and cup communion

 

April 14 7:00 Executive Committee

 Mowing volunteer sign up sheet is on the bulletin board.

Submissions for April newsletter due March 30 to Carol.

 

Care packages: bring snack items by the end of March please. We know of 6: Madison Warren, Michelle Wright, Jordan Wright, Sadie Sawyer; Robert Cripe; Shawn Cain (sugar free goodies for him)

Donation Box: Camp Emmanuel

First Sundays: food donations for food banks

 

Pastor Larry Traxler- (217) 454-2362

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) and on facebook

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

 

Keep in Your Prayers

Oren Wright; Terry Marvin; Tera Runyan; Holly Flenner; Carl and Wilma Cable; Larry Albro; Mike McCleery; Sherry Wright; Tim and Betty Sue Laird; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Sonna Hall; Brittany Wright; Evelyn Eads; Anna Gentry Thompson; Marlene & Arnold 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; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders; the families of the 540,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; the unemployed; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of natural disasters; District of IL/WI search committee; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; our nation’s government

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

 

Families of Richard Chenoweth and Harold Phelps

 

                       

Our Mission Statement:

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

March 14 Sermon and Announcements

 

IT IS GETTING CLOSER!

Matthew 10:1-2, 16-30

 

What we read this morning is a direct continuation of what we looked at last Sunday. In the first two verses we are told Jesus had been teaching in Galilee and now has gone to the region of Judea. We also see not only were the disciples following him and learning everything they could from Jesus but we also see that a large crowd is following him as well. Some may be following because of what Jesus is teaching, but we see in the second verse there may be another reason. When they got on the other side of the Jordan, Jesus healed those who had problems as well. What would we do if we knew there was a man in the area that without exception could heal your illness every time? We would probably seek him out if we had a health or emotional problem, wouldn’t we?

 

As the time was getting closer to Jesus’ appointment with destiny. Jesus was continuing to not only be with the disciples but also with anyone who sought him out. As we see in the 16^th verse, a man asked Jesus the question, “What good thing must I do to get eternal life?” Jesus asked the man why he used the word “good” in his question. Jesus then proceeded to tell him there is only one who is good. Jesus’ response to the question was that if you want eternal life you need to obey the commandments. The man then asks Jesus a strange question, “Which ones?” To which Jesus stated 7 of the 10 commandments. The man confidently answered, “All of these I have kept, so what do I lack?” To which Jesus gave his answer. He said, “If you want to be perfect, sell all that you have, give it to the poor and follow me.” If you notice, Jesus never questioned the young man’s heart about the commandments. He simply said “If you want to be perfect, this is what you have to do.” The young man left Jesus, disillusioned, because he had great wealth. The disciples were stunned by everything that had happened to the point of asking Jesus who can be saved. Obviously, they were impressed with the young man. Jesus said “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Peter then boldly said, “We have left everything to follow you. What then will there be for us?” Jesus’ answer gave a hint of things to come when he said, “At the renewal of all things, when the son of man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on the twelve thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel.” He goes on to say everyone who has sacrificed for him and for God’s kingdom will receive 100 times as much as they have given up. Jesus closes out the 19^th chapter by saying, “Many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” In these verses we read this morning, what is Jesus saying to his disciples, to those who had been following wherever he went, and to us today?  On the one hand, Jesus is pointing out the futility of trying to earn your own salvation. The young man who asked Jesus the question of what it takes had apparently lived a very faithful life for God. Yet he wanted to be certain of this salvation through his own efforts. Jesus knew in a very short time from that moment, he was going to make a way for all of us to get right with God. At the same time Jesus assured the disciples that your love and commitment have not gone unnoticed. Something special will be reserved for us at the time of judgment. Jesus also went on to say those who have given up much will also reap a great reward.

 

I feel so blessed by God to have the opportunity to be a Christian in America. Much of the sacrifice and persecution that happens to Christians in other parts of the world have not really reached us. Yet there can be a price to pay, even in America, for the cause of Christ. How far have you and I been willing to go in our faith for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? As Jesus continues to teach his disciples, he also reminds them to be careful about judging people. Things are not always what they seem. When man tries to decide who is worthy and who is not, we have our own prejudices and opinions that can get in the way, but Jesus is pointing out God looks at the heart. God sees and understands things in ways we simply cannot. That is why his answer to the disciples about who is worthy to be saved, stated with man it would be impossible but with God all things are possible.

 

Aren’t we so thankful God can see things as they really are, not how some may think they are? Jesus is wanting the disciples to realize no one can earn their salvation through good works as nice as that might be. Jesus also wants the disciples and the church to realize with God all things are possible. Jesus also wanted all of us to know some who may appear to be first in God’s kingdom may actually be towards the back of the pack. And those we may think are going to be at the back of the line will actually be at the front. Jesus wants us to know, do not worry about where you fit in, just do your best during your lifetime and God will take care of the rest. Jesus knows it is getting closer and the hard work that we cannot do for ourselves is about to be done. To God Be All the Glory, Honor and Praise!

Larry

Announcements:

Every Tuesday 9:30 Bible Study. All are invited to attend.

 

March 16-20 District “Potluck” via Zoom. See details on bulletin board--worship and workshops. Carol will send you the links if you are interested in attending any or all of the sessions.

 

One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) special offering will be collected on March 28. We will envelopes at the back of the sanctuary for you to use. Denominations across the country support OGHS. You may have received a brochure in the mail.

 

Copies of the March newsletter are in the back.

 

Care packages: bring snack items by the end of March please. We know of these 6: Madison Warren, Michelle Wright, Jordan Wright, Sadie Sawyer, Shawn Cain, Robert Cripe

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) and on facebook

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

 

Keep in Your Prayers

Terry Marvin; Tera Runyan; Holly Flenner; Carl and Wilma Cable; Larry Albro; Mike McCleery; Sherry Wright; Tim and Betty Sue Laird; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Sonna Hall; Brittany Wright; Evelyn Eads; Anna Gentry Thompson; Marlene & Arnold 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; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders; the families of the 530,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; the unemployed; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of natural disasters; District of IL/WI search committee; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; our nation’s government

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

 

  Pastor Larry Traxler- (217) 454-2362

                    

Our Mission Statement:

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

March 7 Sermon and Announcements

 

March 7, 2021

 

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS!

Matthew 18:1-9

 

We are four weeks from Easter. The day that marks the most important event of human history. The next three Sundays we will look at some of the things that happened in the life of Jesus and his disciples leading up to what we celebrate as Easter. At this point Jesus knows the clock is ticking and the countdown is truly underway. Jesus is trying his hardest to prepare the disciples for what is about to happen. There is still much he wants to teach his disciples. The verses we read this morning show the disciples are also wanting to learn everything they can from Jesus. They are not asking because they know the time is short. They are asking questions because they know there has never been anyone like Jesus before and they want to learn what he is about as well as get a better understanding of who he is.

 

In the first verse of Chapter 18 they ask a very simple question, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” They probably were not ready for the way Jesus would answer their question. Jesus called a little child over and said to the disciples, “unless you change and become like little children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven”. The disciples wanted to know who the greatest in heaven is and Jesus was telling them before you think about that you better know what it takes to get to heaven. Are you sure you will make it to heaven? Then Jesus goes on to say what will happen if anyone causes one of his children to sin. Jesus was not just talking about this child. He was talking about all of God’s creation because we have all been created to be God’s children. Whether you are as young as Presley Born or as old as me, God cares about all of us and no one had better mess with God’s kids.

 

In the 7^th verse, Jesus says, “Woe to the world because of the things that cause men to sin!” Jesus acknowledges that people will lead people astray but woe to the man that causes people to sin. In the Bible when the word is written “woe” it is not a good thing to those caught in that situation. Jesus closes out the verses we read with some unique encouragements. Jesus said if your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off. If your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out. Jesus goes on to say that you will be better off lame or blind in heaven than “whole going to hell.”

 

In the remaining verses of Chapter 18 Jesus uses illustrations to tell how God’s people should deal with one another. We are not going to read them, but I will give you the headings of three different things Jesus was teaching his disciples.

 

First the parable of the lost sheep—An example of God’s love for you and me in such a powerful, yet simple story. Next is entitled “A brother who sins against you.” Jesus is showing how Christians should resolve disagreements that arise between believers. Jesus goes on to explain that when brothers and sisters agree in the Lord the power of God is released in that place. He also says when two come together and agree in prayer God listens and can do great things. Jesus goes on to say, “When two or three are gathered in my name, I am there with you.”

The final thing Jesus is sharing with his disciples in the 18^th chapter is the parable of the unmerciful servant. In this parable Jesus is sharing about forgiveness, mercy and hypocrisy. It talks about two different servants that owed money. The first asks for mercy in regard to his debt and asks the master for more time to pay. Not only is he given more time but the fact is the master told him he did not have to pay him back. Just so you know, this man owed a lot of money to the man that forgave the debt. As we continue on, the man who just had his debt forgiven ran into a man that owed him a little bit of money. This man also asked for more time. Not only was he not given more time, he was thrown in prison for not paying. When the first master who forgave the large amount heard what this man had done, he ordered this man tortured by the jailer. Jesus closed out the 18th chapter with these words, “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from you heart.”

 

Jesus knows the countdown has begun. He wants to teach his disciples as many of God the Father’s principles as he can in the time he has left. As I thought about all the things Jesus was sharing with his disciples, I thought about the role you and I have in God’s plan today. For those of you who are moms and dads, we are given a period of time to help the children we have been blest with be ready to go out on their own. Those influences are not limited just to moms and dads. Aunts and uncles can play important roles in helping the next generation be ready for what lies ahead as well. Jesus and his disciples had, to this point, experienced both good times and difficult times. Jesus knew the disciples were soon going to be challenged in ways they have never experienced before. We may come back at a later time and go over these teaching moments Jesus had with his disciples again.

 

Just as parents want to do as much as they can to help their children be ready to go out on their own, Jesus wanted his disciples to be ready for the time he would no longer be with them in person. Jesus was not candy coating what God wants from his people. The time for honest and sometimes blunt teaching was at hand. Jesus knew if the disciples were to continue to share the message Jesus had given them, they would need to have the right mix of blunt, honest truth about who God is and what he expects and yet at the same time an understanding of God’s patience, love and mercy. All these years later it is yours and my turn to keep the message alive. A message of faith, hope and love. That does not ignore God’s call for justice and warning of future judgment. This is why we gather together. This is why the message of Easter and what it means to all who will believe is just as important today as it was 2000 years ago. Over the next couple of weeks, we will continue to see what Jesus is saying to the disciples and what Jesus wants the church of 2021 to know as well.

 

May God reveal to us even more this Easter season what he wants us to know. Not only now but how we can be more victorious in our personal life and be more effective as God’s church right here in Cerro Gordo.

Larry

Announcements:

Every Tuesday 9:30 Bible Study. All are invited to attend.

 

March10 Full board meeting—6:15 Executive Committee, 7:00 Commissions, 7:30 Board meeting

 

March 16-20 District “Potluck” via Zoom. See details on bulletin board--worship and workshops. Carol will send you the links if you are interested in attending any or all of the sessions.

 

Care packages for college students et al: bring snack items by the end of March please. We know of 4: Madison Warren, Michelle Wright, Jordan Wright, Sadie Sawyer

 

Please place your offering in the plates at the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for your continued giving!

 

Thank you for wearing masks and helping contain the spread of the virus. Extra masks are at the back of the sanctuary.

 

Donation Box: Camp Emmanuel

First Sundays: food donations for food banks

 

Pastor Larry Traxler- (217) 454-2362

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) and on facebook

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

 

Keep in Your Prayers

Tera Runyan; Holly Flenner; Carl and Wilma Cable; Larry Albro; Mike McCleery; Sherry Wright; Tim and Betty Sue Laird; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Sonna Hall; Brittany Wright; Evelyn Eads; Anna Gentry Thompson; Marlene & Arnold 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; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders; the families of the 520,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; the unemployed; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of natural disasters; District of IL/WI search committee; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; our nation’s government

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

 

                       

Our Mission Statement:

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