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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sermon and Announcements March 23

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

March 23, 2025

 

Joy

John 15:9-11

 

Today we are continuing on with the 2^nd fruit of the spirit, Joy. Depending on the translation the word Joy is mentioned as much as 300 times in the Bible. The New International version I use mentions, in one form or another, Joy 242 times. But what is Joy?

According to the dictionary the definition of Joy is “The emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something good or satisfying. A source of keen pleasure or delight.”

The Biblical definition for Joy is a feeling of good pleasure and happiness that is dependent on who Jesus is rather than on who we are or what is happening around us. Joy comes from the Holy Spirit, abiding in God’s presence and hope in His word.

So, you can see up to a point the definition most commonly found in a dictionary and the definition rooted in God’s word have some similarities but there is a very definite difference.

The use of the word Joy in the scripture we first read clearly shows Jesus was wanting his disciples to know what is available to them and how it can be flowing through them. When James was talking about Joy in James 1:2+3 he was describing a different way and reason the church can be experiencing Joy. There he says “consider it pure Joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. This encouragement from James makes it clear that the Joy a believer has comes from walking with the Lord in every situation.

 

The question for you and me is whether we are tapping into the Spirit lead Joy talked about in Galatians or is the Joy we more often have based on how things are going minute by minute or day by day like described in a normal dictionary. The reality is that no matter how much we try to walk with the Lord there will be times we allow circumstances to overwhelm us. I am reminded of the time that the disciples left Jesus on the shore and went on ahead in a boat. After a period of time Jesus walked on the water to catch up with them. When the disciples saw someone walking on the water toward them, we are told they were terrified. Makes sense no one expects to see someone or something walking toward you on the water. Jesus called to them to calm their fears and once Peter realized it was Jesus he said can I come out to you on the water? Jesus said go ahead and so there was Peter walking on the water toward Jesus. But before long he noticed the waves and the wind and said to himself what in the world am I doing I can’t walk on water and he began to sink.  This is found in Matthew 14:22-30. Do we lose the Joy the Holy Spirit has for us when we look less to God and more at storms of life going on around us?

 

Is it easy to always have Joy flowing through us as the Holy Spirit intends? No. Once again the question for you and me is are we allowing the things going on around us to dictate our Joy or are we allowing the Holy Spirit to help us to grow in this fruit of the spirit just like the good fruit grows on the good tree Jesus talked about?

 

Are we considering it pure joy when those difficulties of life come our way. Are we looking at them as opportunities to grow closer and more trusting in the Lord?

 

As we draw to a close our look at the fruit joy lets be reminded of what is said in Psalm 30:4+5 “Sing praise to the Lord you saints of his; praise his holy name. For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but Joy comes in the morning.

 

The second fruit of the spirit is Joy. The Holy Spirit has made it available to every believer in Christ. It is yours and mine to claim. There may be times that we lose that Joy that is there for us, but we can reclaim it just as quickly as Peter did when he was walking on the water. For a moment he took his eyes off of Jesus and he began to sink but just as quick as he turned back to Jesus his faith his confidence his Joy returned. That is what God is saying to you and me as well. Keep your eyes on me, allow the Holy Spirit to guide your path and you can live in the Joy I have made available to you no matter what the circumstance.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

Sunday School 9:00

Tuesdays 9:30 Bible Study

 

March 29 9:30-3:30 District Potluck Experience in Peoria

April 6 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

The families of Marianne Pittman, Cody Gentry, and Barb Wood; 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 Potluck Experience Team and for the potluck this coming Saturday. Also pray for Disaster workers and for Brethren Disaster Ministries.

 

 

      

 

                                          

Sermon March 16, 2025

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

March 16, 2025

 

The Fruit of Love

Galatians 5:22      

 

As mentioned last week we are going to look at Love which is the very first fruit of the spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22. Love is one of the most talked about attributes mentioned in scripture.

 

There are a number of different ways Love is described in scripture as well as in life in general. The Love we are seeing mentioned in Galatians 5 is what is called agape Love. The definition for agape Love is selfless, sacrificial love, which is Love that comes from the Holy Spirit, as opposed to the other types of Love that may be based on feeling or preference.

 

Let’s take a look at what this Love means to us, as individual Christians, as well as the church. There are countless examples of Love given to us in scripture. Jesus gave us real world examples of how Love should be flowing through believers, Gods people. Let’s take a look at a couple of those examples at this time.

 

Last week I shared with you about the good tree and the bad tree from the Sermon on the Mount. Let’s look at how Jesus showed Love should be working in the attitudes and the hearts of Gods people. We will find that also in Jesus’ message on the Sermon on the Mount.

 

There are 2 very blunt examples of Love and how this agape Love should be operating in the life of a believer. The first is found in Matthew 5: 38-42, there we read “You have heard that it was said Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth. But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone wants you to go with him one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”

 

We have all read these verses many times before but the Lord is showing us if we have true love in our hearts all these things we will willingly do. Let’s begin with the first, eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth that is clearly a reference to the Old Testament law that allowed Gods people to demand immediate justice when they had been wronged. Jesus however is acknowledging that an evil person may have done you wrong but we should be willing to turn the other cheek. What do think about that, how easy is that to do? But that is what agape Love looks like.

 

Let’s continue on in Matthew the 5^th chapter the 43^rd verse thru the 48^th verse. There we read “You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons and daughters of your Father in heaven. He causes the sun to shine on the evil and the good, and sends the rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect. You know Jesus was about to point out a flaw in the peoples thinking or about to clarify what God really means about things when he started things off by saying, you have heard that it was said.

 

Jesus gave a lot of specific examples of what love should look like in the lives of Gods people. When Paul was telling the church about the fruit of spirit that was to be a part of there lives do you think they realized the things mentioned by Jesus back in Matthew really applied to the fruit love? Some of the people Paul was writing to may have actually been there when Jesus delivered that message.

 

When the Holy Spirits fruit of Love is flowing thru us as God intends we will not “resist evil people, we will Love and pray for our enemies.” Jesus points out if we only love those who love us how are we any different from “tax collectors and pagans.

 

So how are we doing when it comes to putting this fruit of the spirit in to practice on a daily basis. I don’t know if any of you have people you run across from time to time that you just don’t get along with. Or whether there may be people in the news or in entertainment that you just don’t like. How do we get where the Lord is telling us we need to be? For you and me all by ourselves it is impossible that is why Jesus promised and God the Father gave us the Holy Spirit. What we can’t do in our own strength we can do with the Holy Spirits help.

 

God has promised through the Holy Spirit that true agape love can be ours. This first fruit of the spirit mentioned in Galatians 5 is for you and me.

As we wrap up our time together, I would like to leave you with these promises from what is entitled, by most, the Love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13. The 6^th, 7^th, and first part of the 8^th verse tells us this, Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. What a promise God has made to the church when we have the fruit, Love flowing thru us.  

 

At times we may fall short of what God has made available for us but we should do what is said in that 7^th verse in 1 Corinthians 13, persevere. God will always honor our efforts when we are seeking to walk with him. While I pointed out a couple of the more challenging examples of Love, there are many other positive examples of Love in scripture as well. The important thing for, us, Gods people is to have all aspects of Gods flowing thru us as much as possible. The fruit of Love is ours to enjoy and to experience in all of its wonderful ways.

Pastor Larry

 

Sermon March 9, 2025

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

March 9, 2025

 

The Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-25      

 

Last week we looked at the fact that the Holy Spirit that was promised by Jesus Christ gave gifts to believers. These gifts have multiple purposes from equipping the church to be able to resist the lies of Satan to gifts that help believers carry out all the things we should be doing for Gods kingdom. These gifts also make life more enjoyable to, not only us, but also can be a blessing to others in a number of ways.

 

Today we are going to begin a look at what Paul calls in Galatians the fruit of the spirit. There are 9 different “fruits of the spirit” that are mentioned in the 22^nd and 23^rd verses of the 5^th chapter of Galatians. Just prior to those verses in Galatians are 15 different attitudes or actions or sins that should not be part of a spirit filled Christian’s life. Over the next several weeks, and it will take much longer than that, we are going to look at the 9 positive characteristics of a spirit filled Christian.

 

We will be taking the “fruit” mentioned one at a time to really get an understanding of just how important each one is for the church as well as each individual believer. I mentioned it could take quite a while to cover these because we will officially begin next Sunday with the fruit Love, continue on with Joy then take a break for a few weeks as we approach Easter.

 

When we think about fruit what is the first thing that comes to mind? It is probably your personal favorite fruit that you enjoy eating. During the winter months finding your favorite fruit might be difficult depending on what it is. I personally like a lot of different fruits. In winter, however I simply will not buy certain fresh fruits. Peaches for example simply don’t seem to have as good of a flavor when you buy them now as they do in summer, at least that’s my opinion and I could go on and on about a number of other fresh fruits I simply won’t buy in winter.

 

During Jesus sermon on the mount, he used an easy-to-understand example to help the people understand the importance of Gods people being Faithful and productive during our time on this earth. In Matthew 7 the 17^th and 18^th verses he describes Gods people this way: Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.

 

So when we see Paul talking about the fruit of the spirit it is clearly a continuation of what Jesus was talking about in Matthew. In my Bible, the section beginning with the 16^th verse and going thru the 26^th verse of Galatians the 5^th chapter is called “Life by the Spirit. Theses verses cover both the “bad fruit” mentioned by Jesus and the “good fruit” he mentioned. I encourage you to read these verses this week as we begin our time together looking at the “good fruit” highlighted beginning once again with the 22^nd verse.

 

What a gracious and Loving God we have. He wants us to have everything we need to live a successful and abundant life. When the promised Holy Spirit was sent to the believers, he provided us with every tool we need to live a victorious life. As we go thru these fruits of the spirit it will give each one of us a chance to see just how much each one of these “fruits’ are flowing thru us the way the Holy Spirit intended.

 

The Lord is constantly reminding me that I have been given everything I need to live a joyful abundant life while I am here on this earth as I prepare to spend eternity with my Lord and Savior. So, let’s get encouraged together as the Lord reminds us of each one of the fruits of the spirit we have been provided with. Unlike the spiritual gifts that we have been given that may be different for each one of us, all of these fruits of the spirit are for each and every believer. So, one more reminder next Sunday we will begin with the first one listed which is Love. Is this one the most important or are all of the different fruits listed equally important for us? That will be for you and me to consider and decide.

 

May the Holy Spirit help each one of us to live the best life we can no matter what phase of life we may be in. We have all we need to do just that through Jesus Christ our Lord and the fruit of the spirit which has been given to each of us by the Holy Spirit so we can be successful in all we do.

Pastor Larry

 

       Announcements

March 16 One Great Hour of Sharing special offering

March 18 12:00 Women's fellowship lunch- meal provided- soups, etc.

March 29 District Potluck at the Peoria church