October 25 Sermon and Announcements

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

October 24, 2021

 

Just Wait a Minute

Matthew 5:17-20

 

As Jesus’ ministry gets going in high gear Jesus uses the Sermon on the Mount to make sure everyone has a better understanding of God and what he expects. When we look at what Jesus said in the verses we read this morning, maybe Christians today need more understanding than the people he was talking to on that day did. We often times want to believe the Old Testament law is no longer in effect. Jesus is giving everyone something brand new. However, we see Jesus saying right off the bat, don’t think I have come to abolish the law. Instead, Jesus clearly states that no, I have come to fulfill the law. The law explained in detail what God expects of his people. However, because we are all weighted down by sin, none of us can keep every aspect of the law so Jesus came to do what we could not do for ourselves: keep every single one of the requirements of the law. Every single one of the laws from the most significant to the least difficult will remain intact--10 Commandments and 613 Levitical laws.

 

The Pharisees loved putting on a good show emphasizing the laws they felt were important or that they were more capable of keeping and yet held over the people some of the laws most people struggled with. They tried to make it look like they had it all together but to the common people, the less informed people, they would lie and deceive to keep them in their place. Jesus saw all of this early on and was calling them out on it. By saying every aspect of the law must be observed and if you fail to do that you have no advantage over anyone else, Jesus is warning to be careful what you say and do, God is watching. Jesus did point out that some believe certain laws to be more important than others and seemingly would say by their actions it is alright to break some of the less important laws. Jesus then goes on to point out those who say some laws are more important to keep than others and teach people it is okay to let them slide will be called least in the kingdom of God. However, those who remain faithful to God, remain consistent on teaching the importance of all of God’s laws, will be called great in the kingdom of God. God knows we are not capable of keeping all of the laws. God knows we will all fall short at different times, but if you acknowledge your shortcomings and are honest about your limitations you will be viewed as great in God’s kingdom. The important thing is do not try to say that, just because you struggle with some of God’s laws, they do not matter or that God does not really believe they are important.

 

Jesus reminds us all until he returns for his church, his bride, God meant everything he said about the Old Testament law and its importance as a guiding light to us that are in darkness. Jesus also made one more very direct statement. Jesus knew the Pharisees were hypocrites that often times basically lived life by the one old saying, “Do what I say, not what I do.” Yet Jesus also acknowledged they were very serious about their version of how to worship and live for God. Jesus closed out the verses we read this morning by saying, “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. The Pharisees were really sincere about what they believed. Unfortunately, they had convinced themselves that certain things were important and others not so much. In the process they had deceived themselves and were teaching others the same wrong stuff.

 

So where does that leave us today? Jesus is saying to us, “Just wait a minute.” The Old Testament law that is very detailed was given for a reason. For one thing even back in the Old Testament days some wanted to believe they could be good enough to earn their salvation. Jesus is reminding us all if you want to earn your salvation apart from grace, you have to keep every one of the laws every minute of every day for the rest of your life. Something that is totally and absolutely impossible. Jesus is also telling us that he is doing what we cannot do, which is live a perfect life. Because of that, when we turn over our lives to God by recognizing Jesus lived and died for us, we can have confidence we are saved by God’s grace. Jesus is reminding us to simply live an honest life, which recognizes God’s holy and righteous word. Do the best we can to follow God’s laws knowing we will at times fall short. Be willing to admit we need a Savior because we cannot do it on our own. That is all God asks of us. Maybe, just maybe, others will see our honest love for God and will want what we have. Do not try to be something you are not, while at the same time you seek to accomplish everything God is calling you to do.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

 

Bible Study 9:30 Tuesday

 

Submissions for November newsletter due Nov. 3.

 

November 5, 6 District Conference—One delegate still needed

November 10—Board Meeting

November 21—Council meeting after worship

 

November 28—Walt Wiltschek, our new DE, will preach. Afterwards, we’ll have a soup luncheon, and then we will decorate the sanctuary for Christmas.

 

College care package snacks due by Nov 14. Let Carol know of any college students. Sadie S., Jordan W., Michelle W. Others?

 

The women will be taking orders for candy soon. Watch for details.

 

Offering plates are in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you!

 

Donation Box: Pastor’s Assistance Fund

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

Shirley Krall; Jema; Andy Flenner and family; Mindy Sawyer; Jim (Buck) West; Marlene Schultz; Randy West; Jen Durst; Sarah Rudelick; Sydney (Nancy Gorrell’s niece); Tera Runyan; Carl and Wilma Cable; Marge Starr; Mike Gentry; Larry Albro; Mike McCleery; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Sonna Hall; Brittany Wright; Owen Wright; Anna Gentry Thompson; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Doug Fansler; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; 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 700,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; the unemployed; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren

 

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

 

Church of the Brethren vision statement:

Together, as the Church of the Brethren, we will passionately live and share the radical transformation and holistic peace of Jesus Christ through relationship-based neighborhood engagement. To move us forward, we will develop a culture of calling and equipping disciples who are innovative, adaptable, and fearless.

                       

Our Mission Statement:

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

October 17 Sermon and Announcements

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

October 17, 2021

 

CAN YOU SEE ME NOW?

Matthews 5:13-16

 

The verses we read this morning are pretty easy to understand. They talk about things we all either use on a daily basis or, at least when it comes to salt, used to use all the time. We all use lights in our homes. Jesus is comparing us to salt and light. In Jesus’ time, even more than today, salt was important for two reasons. Salt was the primary thing used to make meat especially last for quite a while. There were not restaurants or fast-food places along the roads they travelled every few miles. In addition, you, of course, did not hop into your car, SUV or pickup and drive from town to town. Every trip had its own challenges, so making sure you had enough supplies to make it from town to town was essential. Then, as today, salt also was something used to give vegetables and other foods flavor. So, when Jesus was talking to his disciples, as well as to the others gathered, he was explaining how important we are not only to God and what he is seeking to accomplish, but to society in general. We are being called to lift God’s holy standard up to our world and to those we come into contact with, as well as do the things that need to be done as an example to others. If we will not do that, how will God’s message ever go forward? If the church sits on the sidelines, how will anyone even know what God’s plans or standard for his people will be?

 

Jesus then says very bluntly that if we are not adding flavor to our world, we are basically useless to God, ourselves, as well as others around us. Once again, what does the 13^th verse say? It says “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” When we look at the very last part of the 13^th verse, Jesus seems to be saying that if God’s people will not lift up His holy standard and help others understand it, we may very well be run over by the world. No one will believe anything we say or do. What is motivating us to be the flavor of our world is the question. The Beatitudes reminded us that God’s righteousness is what gives purpose and brings blessings. The 14^th verse says, “You are the light of the world.” Jesus then goes on to show real world things that help us understand what he means. Those living in a city use light to see their way and its effects show beyond one’s own home or business. Anyone travelling close to a town knows it is there. Also why do we have lights in our homes? So, we can see what we are doing, to safely do things we would not be able to do otherwise. At times lights also make it so others can find their way to our businesses as well. Jesus is pointing out that God’s people should not be hiding from the world but instead should be visible to all who are lost and need to find their way. We should confidently show all who will see what we believe and why. Our lives have been transformed by God’s love, mercy and grace and we should be willing to let our lives show how we have been changed. Jesus is saying to raise the shades of your life so everyone sees you. Do not try to hide who you are but, in spite of our shortcomings, know we serve a God who loves us and forgives us when we are honest about ourselves. The world, as well as people in our communities are looking to see people who live honest lives and also people who know there is victory through our Savior, which of course is Jesus Christ. In these verses we read today, Jesus is issuing a challenge. God needs men and women who will live honest lives but also lives that show we can have victory over the things that seek to destroy us. We need to honestly point out the source of our strength and that our victory is through Jesus Christ. The title of the message is, “Can you see me now?” Am I the salt and light God needs me to be? Is our church the place of comfort and healing? The place of victory we have been encouraged to be? We must always remember it must always be our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, that is our example as we will continue to see in the Sermon on the Mount. At the center of everything is God and His holy and righteous standard. That is the source of our strength. Our love for our Savior and the people in our lives is what should motivate us to fulfill this call. You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. Wow! What faith, what trust God gives right back to us. Is that expecting too much of us? Remember Philippians 4:13 which says, “I can do all things through Christ who give me strength.”

Announcements:

 

Bible Study 9:30 Tuesday

 

 

November 5, 6 District Conference—One delegate still needed

 

November 10—Board Meeting

 

November 21—Council meeting after worship

 

Offering plates are in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you!

 

Donation Box: Pastor’s Assistance Fund

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

Andy Flenner and family; Mindy Sawyer; Jim (Buck) West; Marlene Schultz; Randy West; Jen Durst; Sarah Rudelick; Sydney (Nancy Gorrell’s niece); Tera Runyan; Carl and Wilma Cable; Marge Starr; Mike Gentry; Larry Albro; Mike McCleery; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Sonna Hall; Brittany Wright; Owen Wright; Anna Gentry Thompson; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Doug Fansler; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; 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 700,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; the unemployed; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren

 

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

 

Church of the Brethren vision statement:

Together, as the Church of the Brethren, we will passionately live and share the radical transformation and holistic peace of Jesus Christ through relationship-based neighborhood engagement. To move us forward, we will develop a culture of calling and equipping disciples who are innovative, adaptable, and fearless.

                       

Our Mission Statement:

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

 

 

 

October 10 Sermon and Announcements

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

October 10, 2021

 

THE BEATITUDES Part 3

How Far Will We Go?

Matthews 5:10-12

 

The past two Sunday we have looked at the first 7 of the Beatitudes. Two weeks ago, we discussed the first three and, last Sunday, the next four. The first three Beatitudes are about how everyday life affects us and then how we react to some of those disappointments and challenges as well as what God promises us when we remain faithful. The four we looked at last week are about choices we have made, both to life as well as to God’s call in our lives. The Beatitudes are all about choices and attitudes that drive us or about how life challenges us and what our reactions and responses are.

 

The last two Beatitudes that we read this morning are different yet from the others. These Beatitudes warn us about how others may react to the choices and attitudes we have made, especially our stand on God’s word and our relationship with God because of Jesus Christ. The first we read this morning says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” We are being warned by Jesus that if you stand up for God’s holy standard not everyone is going to agree. As Jesus got more and more into his ministry, we see the Jewish leaders of the day were constantly opposing him. When we looked at Acts and the early church proclaiming the good news of salvation through Jesus, it cost many everything, including their lives. Jesus is warning the people, standing up for God and his holy standard will not always be easy, but once again look at the reward. The kingdom of heaven awaits those who will stand up for God’s righteousness. What is interesting is Jesus said the exact same thing of those who are beaten up by life in the very first Beatitude. The reward for both is the kingdom of heaven awaits. Many who may feel poor in spirit may feel that way because of what had happened to them for doing the right thing for pursuing God’s righteousness and encouraging others to do the same thing.

 

The final Beatitude read in verse 11 really warns Jesus’ followers the reality of serving God in an honest yet visible way. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil again you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.” This morning’s message title is “How far will you go?” If we are really willing to put it all out there. If we are unafraid, unashamed and willing to boldly proclaim the truth, be ready. People very well may insult you, persecute you and spread lies about you to stop you. Notice one important thing Jesus said. Sometimes sin can get us into trouble and these same things can happen because in many ways we deserve it. Jesus made a point in telling everyone if people insult you, persecute you and lie about you because you are firmly in God’s hands doing his work, do not be surprised. Jesus wanted to make sure everyone knew if these things happen because of your belief in him, be ready. But if these things happen because of him, great is your reward in heaven.

 

The Beatitudes remind us that things will happen to us while we are in these bodies on this earth. Sometimes it is because of what we have brought on ourselves because of sin. Sometimes it is because we live in a world that is stained by sin. Sometimes it is because we purposely took a stand with Jesus for God and his righteous, his holy standard. When things happen to us, especially because of our faith in God, Jesus wanted to make sure we all know God is watching. When God created us, He always intended for us to spend eternity with him, not live forever in this body as it currently is. Jesus was telling his disciples, the ones gathered on that mountainside and us today, that being one of God’s children can and will be difficult at times.

 

The last Beatitude Jesus shared really makes it very clear that if you truly pursue a righteous godly life, not everyone is going to be excited about it. And if you dare share your faith with others, you really better get ready.

 

We will continue with the more specific details of a godly life Jesus shared on the Sermon on the Mount starting next week. The Beatitudes gave an overview to us all of what we can expect not only from people and from the world, but also from our God. God is there ready to bless us, and Jesus has just given us the recipe for blessings. The question for you and me is will we follow it or try to create our own? Sometimes altering a recipe works in cooking, but it is not a good plan to change God’s recipe if we want to spend eternity with our heavenly Father and Jesus Christ our Savior when our time is up on this earth.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

 

Bible Study 9:30 Tuesday

 

October 13 7:00 Executive Committee

 

November 5, 6 District Conference—One delegate still needed

November 10—Board Meeting

November 14—Council meeting after worship

 

Offering plates are in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you!

 

Donation Box: Pastor’s Assistance Fund

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

Matt & Jill Reed and family; Andy Flenner and family; Mindy Sawyer; Jim (Buck) West; Marlene Schultz; Randy West; Jen Durst; Sarah Rudelick; Sydney (Nancy Gorrell’s niece); Tera Runyan; Carl and Wilma Cable; Marge Starr; Mike Gentry; Larry Albro; Mike McCleery; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Sonna Hall; Brittany Wright; Owen Wright; Anna Gentry Thompson; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Doug Fansler; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; 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 700,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; the unemployed; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren

 

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

 

Church of the Brethren vision statement:

Together, as the Church of the Brethren, we will passionately live and share the radical transformation and holistic peace of Jesus Christ through relationship-based neighborhood engagement. To move us forward, we will develop a culture of calling and equipping disciples who are innovative, adaptable, and fearless.

                       

Our Mission Statement:

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

 

October 3 Sermon and Announcements

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

October 3, 2021

 

THE BEATITUDES Part 2

Matthews 5:6-9

 

This morning, first of all, let us look at what the word “beatitude” means. It simply means “supreme blessedness.” Today we are going to look at four more of The Beatitudes. Jesus is continuing to show his disciples and those gathered what God’s recipe of godliness and blessing is. In the 6^th verse we read, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” If we want God’s supreme blessing, we not only should seek righteousness it should be so powerful a desire that we view our need for righteousness as important as food and water. Of course, without enough food and water, we will die. We are told here there are supreme blessings in store for anyone whose desire for God’s righteousness is that important. For all of God’s people who have that hunger and thirst, not only will you have enough to be satisfied, you will be filled.

 

Next, we read, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Jesus is reminding us all not only can we expect mercy from a loving God but we must be ready to show the same level of mercy to others that we hope to receive from God. Being merciful means we are willing to recognize others around us will make mistakes or may have a different point of view about things than we have, and we have an obligation to understand and at times be willing to accept those opinions. If we are willing to show mercy to others, we will be blessed by God for that expression of love.

 

In verse 8 we read, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” God looks at our attitudes and what motivates us to do the things we do. A pure heart is a really high standard for us to achieve. The question Jesus is really asking is why do we do and says the things we do? Are we wanting to make ourselves look good and make someone else look bad? Or are we really wanting to be a part of God’s answers to the problems that happen to us and others? The pure heart Jesus is talking about is truly motivated by a desire to see everyone become the best they can be, not to have people simply agree with us. The most important thing is that we all want to do God’s will and that is the motivation for everything we do. Is that an impossible attitude to achieve? Is it possible to have a pure heart guiding every single thing we say and do? Probably not, but Jesus is saying if that is our true, honest goal, we will see God. What a promise!

 

The last of The Beatitudes we read today is, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called Sons of God.” Jesus knew that, then just as now, there is a need for peacemakers, for fence menders. To achieve true unity in our church, our community, our nation we need people who are willing to set aside their own agenda and get a real discussion started. Sometimes an issue is so important or a principle so essential there can be no compromise. God expects us to hold the line on those occasions, but there should always be a desire to understand where someone with a different view point is coming from. On those occasions with God’s help, a gentle loving discussion could make all the difference in the world. Those who honestly pursue the only peace that can ever last, which is one rooted in God and his word, for those who honestly seek that peace, we will be called God’s sons and daughters. Recognize what is also being said if that is not our desire, our motivation. We will not be God’s sons and daughters. It is clear that eternal blessing awaits everyone who is truly a peacemaker.

 

Upon looking at these four Beatitudes this morning, we see they are all rooted in attitudes and what motivates us. If we have an undeniable desire to seek God and his will for our lives, blessings await.

 Pastor Larry

Announcements:

 

Bible Study 9:30 Tuesday

 

October 9 Rummage sale at Brethren Church to benefit the Lord’s Storehouse.

 

October 13 7:00 Executive Committee

 

November 5, 6 District Conference—One delegate still needed

November 14—Council meeting after worship

Nominating committee will be calling for volunteers to serve on the church board. Four people are concluding their 2^nd terms on the board and need to be replaced.

 

Offering plates are in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you!

Offering received to date: $47,034 ($1206 per week)

Expenses to date: $40, 421

Thank you for blessing Christ and his church with your giving!

 

Donation Box: Pastor’s Assistance Fund

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

Andy Flenner and family; Missy Wright and family; Mindy Sawyer; Jim (Buck) West; family of Kres Lipscomb; Marlene Schultz; Randy West; Jen Durst; Sarah Rudelick; Sydney (Nancy Gorrell’s niece); Tera Runyan; Carl and Wilma Cable; Marge Starr; Mike Gentry; Larry Albro; Mike McCleery; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Sonna Hall; Brittany Wright; Owen Wright; Anna Gentry Thompson; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Doug Fansler; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; 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 700,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; the unemployed; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren

 

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

 

Church of the Brethren vision statement:

Together, as the Church of the Brethren, we will passionately live and share the radical transformation and holistic peace of Jesus Christ through relationship-based neighborhood engagement. To move us forward, we will develop a culture of calling and equipping disciples who are innovative, adaptable, and fearless.

                       

Our Mission Statement:

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