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.