June 14 Sermon and Announcements

June 14, 2020

AND THEY ALL LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER

Two weeks ago, we saw that just before Jesus went back to Heaven to be with God the Father, he encouraged the disciples to wait. Wait because the Holy Spirit would come after he left, and they would then understand things better. Last we saw the wait was over and seemed to be worth it to have stayed together and to have waited. For a few minutes this morning we are going to look at a few things that were happening after the Holy Spirit continued to be with the apostles. We are going to read from the 4th, 5^th, 6^th, and 7^th chapters of Acts. For our call to worship we saw some of what was happening in the 3^rd chapters of Acts. God through the Holy Spirit is using the apostles to continue confirming God’s incredible power. If we were to continue reading on in the 3^rd chapter, we would see how blunt Peter was with those who saw what had happened to the crippled beggar. In the 14^th thru 16^th verses we read, “You disowned the Holy and Righteous one and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. By faith in the name of Jesus this man whom you see and know was made strong.” He went on to say more to all who were listening. How was the message received? Was it the beginning of a happily ever after story? In verses 1-3 we see what the Sadducees had to say. The priests, the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But if we read verse 4, we see that those that received the message grew to about five thousand. We see while many accepted what the Holy Spirit was doing, not everyone did. But this was just an isolated case, right? Let us jump ahead to Chapter 5:17-18. “Then the high priest and all his associates who were members of the party of the Sadducees were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in jail.” (In the interest of time, we are skipping a lot of the details. I encourage you to read the 3^rd through the 7^th chapters to see everything that is going on and why.) Throughout all that is going on the apostles by the power of the Holy Spirit confidently spoke the truth of God’s word. Let us move ahead to the 6^th chapter and see what is going on with Stephen. Beginning with the 8^th verse, we read now Stephen, “a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the synagogue of the freed men-Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as their provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the spirit by whom he spoke. Then they secretly persuaded some men to say we have heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God. So, they stirred up the people, the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin.” How can this be? The Holy Spirit is supposed to change the hearts of God’s people. But at least finally things were about to change, right? In Chapter 7, Stephen spoke a great deal to these important Jewish leaders. At least when he had finished speaking the Holy Spirit changed their hearts, didn’t he? Let us pick it up at the 51^st verse and read through verse 60. But what was happening? After all Jesus said the Holy Spirit would change everything. I know it was the early stages of the Holy Spirit here on earth. It would take a while for the Holy Spirit to break through. We are now seeing the Holy Spirit changing everything in a positive way. After all those of you here this morning and those of you watching at home never have any problems, do you? You husbands and wives never disagree with one another and never have, do you? Moms and dads, your kids are perfect angels all the time. And kids, mom and dad are always easy to get along with, aren’t they? We never have had disagreements with bosses or employees. Every neighbor or person that we encounter in traffic are always kind and courteous. Are some of you saying that is not true? But the Holy Spirit is supposed to help us understand and get along. Well at least we have never had any conflicts in church, have we? What is going on? Jesus said the Holy Spirit would give power and make everything perfect, didn’t he? No, the reality is that was never promised. We were never told we would have Heaven on Earth. Remember what Jesus did say in John 16:3. He said, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE. But to take heart. I have overcome the world.” Jesus never promised the Holy Spirit would end all disagreements or even useless death. He never promised perfect health or finances. What he did promise is to provide peace in the middle of the storm. He promised the Holy Spirit would provide strength when we are running on short supply. And he promised there will come a day when all our pain and sorrow, all those difficulties we may feel will be gone. Just keep fighting the good fight. Try to see God’s hand in all the ups and downs of life. After all Jesus said, “Take heart, I have overcome the World.”

We will see you next week. Be safe. God loves you and we love you.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face sine on you, and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Larry



 Announcements

June: We will worship in the sanctuary at 10:00 for those who feel comfortable coming. Physical distancing must be maintained and the wearing of face masks, please. We will also continue the facebook live service for those who wish to stay home. We have not started Sunday School yet.

July 1: Denominational Worship Gathering will take place virtually at 7:00 pm Central. It will center around the theme: “New World Coming!”

July 2: an online Church of the Brethren concert, also at 7:00 p.m.

Links for both of these will be in future announcements.

Graduates:   Jordan Wright, Madison Warren, and Allena Vest graduate from CGHS.

                        Congratulations to all three and the rest of the graduates!

Daily Bread: June – August issue is available.

THANK YOU to the people who have been mowing!!! This chore is greatly appreciated.

**************************

First Sunday of the month: Food Banks

Food needs: boxes of cereal, boxes of prepared foods, such as soups, potatoes, rice, mac & cheese, peanut butter, jelly

This month please consider sending The Lord’s Storehouse a monetary donation. The address is PO Box 229, La Place, IL 61936.

Donation Box May and June: Vacation Bible School; we host in 2021.

Keep up on denominational happenings at www.brethren.org

Larry Traxler’s phone number: 217-454-2362   

Keep in Your Prayers

Arnold Schultz; Steve Fansler; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Shirley Clarkson; Mike Seidenstricker; Adiline Young; Barb Baker; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Liam Martina; Ali Bryant; Jeff Sawyer; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Gary Jesse; Norm & Marge Starr; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo Hanaver; Zola Copeland and family; Jennifer Like; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders; Joe Martina’s cousin who has COVID-19; the 113,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; protesters; Elizabeth Skaggs family

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

Prayers and cards of encouragement are requested for:

Zola Copeland – 214 E. Fitch St. Forsyth, IL 62535-9668

Anna Rose Larrick – C/O Evergreen Place #110

4825 E. Evergreen Ct. Decatur IL 62521

Shawn Cain – 208 West Wait St. Cerro Gordo IL 61818

Robert Cripe – 21 Park Street Danville IL 61832

June 7 Sermon and Announcements

THE WAIT IS OVER

ACTS 2:1-41

Jesus had promised the disciples the Holy Spirit would come after he left to go back to God the Father in heaven. As we read in the 2^nd chapter of Acts, something historic that had never happened before happened yet again. During Jesus’ time on this earth many new things happened, and God had one more amazing miracle to share with his creation at this time. First, the disciples literally were speaking in real languages they didn’t know. I am sure it would be like you and me right now saying words we thought were in English but when the words came out of our mouths, it was Spanish, French, or Japanese or something else. When people who were there from different countries or regions heard this, they were amazed. Some of them tried to make excuses, these guys are drunk and that is why it is happening. If you and I were drunk, I could pretty much guarantee we would not be speaking fluent Russian just out of the blue. Of course, Peter stepped up and tried to explain what was happening. Some tried to stop God’s message of salvation and hope, and we see they failed. Because once again God’s plan and ours are often different from one another. The Jewish leaders knew what they wanted God to do; even the disciples knew what they hoped God would do.  But God’s kingdom is not of this world. John 18:36 says my kingdom is not of this world, if it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place. The Holy Spirit had come to all who receive, and He will transform the hearts and minds of people in ways that had never happened before. A new way yet again was being ushered in by God and God’s eternal kingdom is going to be established his way, not anyone else’s. Going back again in John, we are reminded what the Holy Spirit will help us do and understand. Let us read John 16:5-11. Submitting to the Holy Spirit of God is the only way to true change that will last. Peter explained this to the crowd that heard the disciples and saw what was happening.   And when Peter got personal and truly helped them understand God’s plan, the Holy Spirit did great things in the lives of thousands of people right then and there.  And God’s way of changing lives and this world had begun. When we look at what is going on in America today, this is what we truly need as a Nation now. God’s healing and transforming Holy Spirit changing lives. God is on the Throne. He can and will change lives and attitudes. But he will not go where he isn’t invited. As much as we want to force change, it only truly happens with a change of the heart. All we can do is live lives that as best we can glorify God and His Word. Yes, we can and should speak out when we see injustice, but we must accept the fact only God through the Holy Spirit can truly change and transform lives. But that is still happening: God is not done working in men and women’s lives yet. What the Holy Spirit began with the disciples 2000 years ago is still available and happening today. But we must admit Satan is still alive and well as well. He is still deceiving and tragically destroying lives wherever he can. It is up to us, church, to share God’s transforming message of true salvation as best we can. God is NOT dead. He is still in the business of speaking truth and love. We need to stand strong and stand firm. We read in the 2^nd chapter of Acts the Holy spirit has come. God’s plans will be accomplished. We must not lose heart. God as overcome the world. We have the victory thru JESUS CHRIST, our Savior.

Larry

Announcements

June: We will worship in the sanctuary at 10:00 for those who feel comfortable coming. Physical distancing must be maintained and the wearing of face masks, please. We will also continue the facebook live service for those who wish to stay home. We will NOT start Sunday School yet.

June 10: Board Meeting: 6:15 executive comm; 7:00 commissions; 7:30 board meeting; physical distancing and face masks please.

June 13: We will need volunteers to wash and stem strawberries at 10:15 a.m. (Note change of time). We will practice physical distancing and face mask wearing while doing this. We will also need volunteers to put together the pies on Sunday morning before church time so people who come to church can take their pies and berries home with them. Donations will be accepted at the time you pick up your goodies.

Graduates:   Jordan Wright, Madison Warren, and Allena Vest graduate from CGHS.

                        Congratulations to all three and the rest of the graduates!

Upper Room: May/June issues are still available. You may also get a PDF copy of the May/June issue of UPPER ROOM on line at www.upperroom.org/covid-19

Daily Bread: June – August issue is available.

Offerings: Thanks to everyone for keeping up with your offerings! Please continue to either mail your offerings to the church at PO Box 45 or, if you have a key to the church, put it in the donation box at the back of the sanctuary in a properly marked envelope.

Please let Stacie Warren or Larry Traxler know of any supplies you need and are unable to get for yourself. Someone in the church will get them for you.

Let Carol Kussart or Kathy Gentry know if you need a mask.

**************************

First Sunday of the month: Food Banks

Food needs: boxes of cereal, boxes of prepared foods, such as soups, potatoes, rice, mac & cheese, peanut butter, jelly

This month please consider sending The Lord’s Storehouse a monetary donation. The address is PO Box 229, La Place, IL 61936.

Donation Box May and June: Vacation Bible School

Keep up on denominational happenings at www.brethren.org

Larry Traxler’s phone number: 217-454-2362   

Keep in Your Prayers

Arnold Schultz; Steve Fansler; Wilma Cable; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Shirley Clarkson; Mike Seidenstricker; Adiline Young; Barb Baker; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Liam Martina; Ali Bryant; Jeff Sawyer; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Gary Jesse; Norm & Marge Starr; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo Hanaver; Zola Copeland and family; Jennifer Like; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders; Joe Martina’s cousin who has COVID-19; the 110,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; protestors

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

Prayers and cards of encouragement are requested for:

Zola Copeland – 214 E. Fitch St. Forsyth, IL 62535-9668

Anna Rose Larrick – C/O Evergreen Place #110

4825 E. Evergreen Ct. Decatur IL 62521

Shawn Cain – 208 West Wait St. Cerro Gordo IL 61818

Robert Cripe – 21 Park Street Danville IL 61832

May 31 Sermon and Announcements

AND NOW WE WAIT

ACTS 1:1-14

It has been 49 days since Easter. Jesus spent 40 days continuing to teach his disciples. He knew the time that he would literally be with them was coming to an end. His time of face-to-face teaching was about to be over forever. He knew the Holy Spirit was going to come to take his place. But he knew he needed to keep them focused and together. Waiting can lead to distractions, disappointment and even despair. He knew God’s message was being entrusted to these, at this point, eleven men. So he wanted them to understand in just a little while things are again going to change forever. Just be patient and wait, it will happen. I would like us to read Acts 1:1-14. We see how Jesus appeared to the disciples over a 40-day period after he had risen from the grave. At one point, he clearly said wait in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit comes. The Holy Spirit is God’s special gift to the church. No entire group of God’s people had ever received this gift before. Jesus wanted them to know as important as it has been for him to be with them, the Holy Spirit is even more important in ways they could not understand. In John 16:7, we read “but I tell you the truth, it is good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the counselor will not come to you but if I go I will send him to you.” Jesus knew how it would ultimately be to all their advantage for him to leave and go back to the heavenly Father, but they needed to understand that they must wait. But in Acts 1:6, we can see they still did not understand. They still were thinking of an earthly kingdom that they believed Jesus should establish, but that was never God’s plan. It was always what the Israelites had wanted. In some ways, they had wanted all the nations of the world put in their place. Of course, Jesus knew God’s kingdom was never an earthly kingdom. Jesus knew if only they could wait a little longer, they too would understand. Waiting is always the hardest thing, isn’t it? As we look at what is going on in this nation, we see that it is true in more and more ways. As a nation and a world, we have been waiting for this Coronavirus to go away. The longer we wait the more it seems there are more questions than answers after all these months. This past week a tragic event happened in Minnesota. A man was senselessly killed by a police officer. People are unwilling to wait to see if justice will be done on behalf of this man and his family. As a result, chaos is spreading throughout this country. Waiting is such a hard thing to do, especially if you are not sure the wait will change anything. Jesus wanted to make sure his disciples understood the wait would be worth it. They seemingly got the message because we see in verse 14 that they joined together constantly in prayer after Jesus left them. Waiting and believing. God has good things in store for his people if we are willing to wait and believe. One other essential element we see is prayer. I hate to admit it but I am not as constant in prayer about the things God has laid on my heart as I should be. Jesus’ disciples understood the important fundamentals of faith in God. Prayer, unity, patience and love. If we allow God to help us grow in these, I am convinced we can and will make a difference in our piece of the world. But waiting on the Lord and his timing can be so hard. The disciples did exactly that though. Next Sunday we will continue in the second chapter of Acts and see how their wait was rewarded. I am convinced if we stay the course no matter what, we will see God moving in our lives as well.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine on you, and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Larry

Announcements

June 7: We will start worship in the sanctuary at 10:00 for those who feel comfortable coming. Physical distancing must be maintained and the wearing of face masks, please. We will also continue the facebook live service for those who wish to stay home. We will NOT start Sunday School yet.

June 10: Board Meeting: 6:15 executive comm; 7:00 commissions; 7:30 board meeting; physical distancing and face masks please.

June 14: Strawberry Festival, cancelled for the public, but we will fix for our own congregation. If you are part of our congregation and haven’t ordered yet, let Kathleen or Beth know what you want. We will still need volunteers to wash and stem strawberries on the 13^th at 10:15 a.m. (Note change of time). We will practice physical distancing and face mask wearing while doing this. We will also need volunteers to put together the pies on Sunday morning before church time so people who come to church can take their pies and berries home with them. Donations will be accepted at the time you pick up your goodies.

Graduates:   Jordan Wright, Madison Warren, and Allena Vest graduate from CGHS.

                        Congratulations to all three and the rest of the graduates!

Upper Room: May/June issues are still available in the copy room at church. You may also get a PDF copy of the May/June issue of UPPER ROOM on line at www.upperroom.org/covid-19

Daily Bread: June – August issue is available in the copy room.

Offerings: Thanks to everyone for keeping up with your offerings! Please continue to either mail your offerings to the church at PO Box 45 or, if you have a key to the church, put it in the donation box at the back of the sanctuary in a properly marked envelope. 

Cancelled: Vacation Bible School for 2020

Please let Stacie Warren or Larry Traxler know of any supplies you need and are unable to get for yourself. Someone in the church will get them for you.

Let Carol Kussart or Kathy Gentry know if you need a mask.

**************************

First Sunday of the month: Food Banks

Food needs: boxes of cereal, boxes of prepared foods, such as soups, potatoes, rice, mac & cheese, peanut butter, jelly

This month please consider sending The Lord’s Storehouse a monetary donation. The address is PO Box 229, La Place, IL 61936.

Donation Box May and June: Vacation Bible School

Keep up on denominational happenings at www.brethren.org

Larry Traxler’s phone number: 217-454-2362   

Keep in Your Prayers

Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Shirley Clarkson; Mike Seidenstricker; Adiline Young; Barb Baker; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Liam Martina; Ali Bryant; Jeff Sawyer; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Gary Jesse; Norm & Marge Starr; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo Hanaver; Zola Copeland and family; Jennifer Like; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders; Joe Martina’s cousin who has COVID-19; the 106,000+ people who have died from COVID-19

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

Prayers and cards of encouragement are requested for:

Zola Copeland – 214 E. Fitch St. Forsyth, IL 62535-9668

Anna Rose Larrick – C/O Evergreen Place #110

4825 E. Evergreen Ct. Decatur IL 62521

Shawn Cain – 208 West Wait St. Cerro Gordo IL 61818

Robert Cripe – 21 Park Street Danville IL 61832

May 24 Sermon and Announcements

WE REMEMBER

Hebrews 11:23-38

This weekend is traditionally, in America, the official beginning of summer. It is also Memorial weekend where America remembers all those who have given their all to help us continue to be a land of opportunity. Memorial weekend is also the weekend we remember our loved ones who have gone on ahead of us as well. Many families may have developed special ways to do all of this. Cookouts have become a tradition for many Americans on this holiday weekend. For those who enjoy boating, that is another way to celebrate this holiday as well. I am not sure if any of you, over the years, have created special ways to get together with friends or family to remember loved ones, to celebrate American’s fallen heroes, or just celebrate the start to summer. Cathy and I started a tradition the very first year we were married. Memorial weekend has almost always been the first weekend after our anniversary. As a kid, I always loved auto racing and the Herald and Review used to cover the Indy 500 really well when I was growing up. I always wanted to go see a race but never thought I would. As it turned out, my new in-laws always went to the Indy 500 and part of our wedding present from them was tickets to the Indy 500. We have only missed two races since 1975. This year was going to be our third time to miss because Cathy and I were planning on being gone to celebrate our anniversary the first Sunday in May and we were not going to miss another Sunday in May as well. Of course, that all changed. Things may have changed for many of you as well because of this virus that continues to limit what we are able to do. Memorial weekend should not be about where we are. Memorial weekend should be about remembering. Taking some time to reflect on the blessings we have in this Nation and why we have them. Remembering those special loved ones who are no longer with us. As Christians we should also spend some time reflecting on the goodness of our God. Remembering the special men and women of God that have changed our lives. Both those who have been a part of our growth within our church. As well as some of the great leaders of faith highlighted in God’s word. So, for a few minutes this morning in our time together, I hope we can take some time to truly reflect on all these different aspects of Memorial Day. I would like us to turn to the 11^th chapter of Hebrews. In this chapter, we are reminded of some of the great men and women of the Old Testament. Those who in many ways risked everything, including their lives, to stand up for God. We are going to pick up what is being said as it is talking about Moses. Let us read Hebrews 11:23-38. What an incredible list of men and women who refused to let their circumstances keep them from doing what God was calling them to do. None of them had any idea how things would turn out yet duty and a love for God compelled them to answer the call. In these verses, we read some paid the price for obedience with their lives. This Nation every Memorial weekend also remembers and celebrates. There are those who have answered their Nation’s call. There are a variety of options in America to do that. Some paid with their lives as well. As I said earlier, Cathy and I have gone to the Indy 500 almost every year since we have been married. As crazy as it might sound, the older I have gotten the most memorable and moving moment of the race is during the opening ceremony. Just before the race is to begin everyone is asked to have a moment of silence to remember all who have gone on before us. For a few moments, 400,000 people are in complete, respectful silence. You could almost literally hear a pin drop it is so quiet. I encourage each of you before this weekend is over to take some time to reflect on all these people I have mentioned. Remember God’s people, both those of Bible times and those God brought our way on this earth. Remember all the men and women who have sacrificed for us in this Nation, both past and present. Also remember those loved ones in your family, both past and present. We must always remember our God who has given us the opportunities we have. If we will take some time to reflect on all of these special people, I can’t help but think what is written in Hebrews 12 is truly for us today.  So, in closing, let us read Hebrews 12:1-3. What an incredible way God is talking to each and every one of us on this special weekend. God loves you and me. He has done everything for us including bringing special people into our lives. We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Let us keep pushing forward. God bless you, pray for this Nation and its leaders and God please continue to bless America. Have a blessed week. We will be with you again next week at 10:00.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, may the Lord make his face to shine on you, and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace.

Larry

Announcements

May 31: Worship with us on facebook live at 10:00 when Larry gives the message. You can also watch this any time after the session is over.

June 7: We will start worshipping in the sanctuary for those who feel comfortable coming. Physical distancing must be maintained and the wearing of face masks, please. We will also continue the facebook live service for those who wish to stay home. We will NOT start Sunday School yet.

June 10: Board Meeting: 6:15 executive comm; 7:00 commissions; 7:30 board meeting; physical distancing and face masks please.

June 14: 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. Strawberry Festival, with pre-orders and curbside delivery. We need volunteers to make pie shells. Please contact Carol by text or phone call to tell me how many you will make. Volunteers will be needed to wash and stem strawberries on the 13^th at 9:30 a.m. We will practice physical distancing and face mask wearing while doing this. We will also need volunteers to put together the pies on Sunday.

Graduates:   Jordan Wright, Madison Warren, and Allena Vest graduate from CGHS.

                        Congratulations to all three and the rest of the graduates!

Cancelled:    all May and June camps at Camp Emmanuel

                        Annual Conference in July

Upper Room: May/June issues are still available in the copy room at church. You may also get a PDF copy of the May/June issue of UPPER ROOM on line at www.upperroom.org/covid-19

Daily Bread: June – August issue is available in the copy room.

Offerings: Thanks to everyone for keeping up with your offerings! Please continue to either mail your offerings to the church at PO Box 45 or, if you have a key to the church, put it in the donation box at the back of the sanctuary in a properly marked envelope.

Please let Stacie Warren or Larry Traxler know of any supplies you need and are unable to get for yourself. Someone in the church will get them for you.

Let Carol Kussart or Kathy Gentry know if you need a mask.

**************************

First Sunday of the month: Food Banks

Food needs: boxes of cereal, boxes of prepared foods, such as soups, potatoes, rice, mac & cheese, peanut butter, jelly

This month please consider sending The Lord’s Storehouse a monetary donation. The address is PO Box 229, La Place, IL 61936.

Donation Box May and June: Vacation Bible School

--Don’t forget to check mailboxes when you are able.

Keep up on denominational happenings at www.brethren.org

Larry Traxler’s phone number: 217-454-2362   

Keep in Your Prayers

Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Shirley Clarkson; Mike Seidenstricker; Adiline Young; Barb Baker; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Liam Martina; Ali Bryant; Jeff Sawyer; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Gary Jesse; Norm & Marge Starr; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo Hanaver; Zola Copeland and family; Jennifer Like; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders; Joe Martina’s cousin who has COVID-19

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

Prayers and cards of encouragement are requested for:

Zola Copeland – 214 E. Fitch St. Forsyth, IL 62535-9668

Anna Rose Larrick – C/O Evergreen Place #110

4825 E. Evergreen Ct. Decatur IL 62521

Shawn Cain – 208 West Wait St. Cerro Gordo IL 61818

Robert Cripe – 21 Park Street Danville IL 61832

May 17 Sermon and Announcements

WHY DO YOU DOUBT?

JOHN 20:19-31

It has been 35 days since we celebrated Easter. In Acts 1:3, we can see after Jesus rose from the grave, he talked with his remaining disciples for 40 days. I would like us to go back to the first week after Jesus rose from the grave to see what was going on immediately after Jesus had risen. I would like to look at what John recorded in Chapter 20, verses 19-31. In the 19^th verse, we see what happened was on the very day Jesus had risen from the grave. The disciples that were gathered were afraid the Jews would be coming after them, so they hid away. They locked themselves in a room out of fear. Does that remind you of anything? While they had been told earlier Jesus was alive, they just did not believe it. They believed they understood what God had in mind but all that had changed on the cross. Even though Jesus had told them what would happen they did not really understand. So, as they were hiding out together Jesus suddenly appeared. Did he knock on the door and announce who he was? No, he just instantly appeared in the room with them. He showed them proof that it was really him alive and well. He continued to teach and encourage them while they were there together. When the disciples caught up with Thomas, who was not there with them when Jesus first appeared, they told him what they had seen and that they had talked to Jesus. He is alive. So how did Thomas react? Did he say I knew he would be back alive? Did he say I knew God had a plan? No because of his own disappointment, he did not believe. He may have told them you guys are dreaming or its wishful thinking, maybe he even said you are nuts. I saw him die on the cross just like you. No, until he saw him with his own eyes, the places on his hands and side that he had been wounded and killed, he would not believe. How often have we been disappointed and disillusioned to the point we refuse to believe there can be any good news? That we demand some proof before we will believe things can be different. Most of us have put our faith in someone we trusted only to have them let us down. This is what Thomas was feeling and nothing was going to change that until he saw the proof himself. So, we read in the 26^th verse all of them were together a week later when it happened. Once again, though the doors were locked, Jesus was there. Jesus knew what Thomas was thinking so he instantly invited him to touch his hands and side. Thomas then immediately responded to Jesus out of guilt for doubting his friends and his God. Probably many of the things Jesus had shared with him and the others during the three years they were together came rushing back to him. Why did he doubt? Why didn’t he have the faith in God he should have had is probably what he thought. What is faith? Some of the definitions are (1) a firm belief for something for which there is no proof and (2) simple: complete trust. I believe the biblical definition for faith is found in Hebrews 11:1. I like the King James version, which says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Can we blame Thomas for doubting, for not having enough faith? Would you and I have reacted any differently? We are confronted with questions virtually every day, especially lately. Why are things happening as they are? If there is a God, why? As the virus that is affecting our world, I hear the same responses Thomas made. We cannot go on with life as it was without a vaccine or a cure or until it has completely gone away. This is what the experts say and what we are told to believe. What are we as Christians to believe? What should we as Christians do? I wish I had an absolute answer to those questions. Many of us Christians in America seem to call on God only when we cannot do things on our own. We have been blessed by God to, in most cases, have a roof over our heads, food on the table, clothes on our backs, maybe even a car to drive. While we may not have everything we want, most of us would have to admit we pretty much have everything we need. Often times we call on God to help us out only when the situation is beyond our control. Like Thomas we can become disillusioned, even angry when we do not understand and lose control. We may say what’s the use? Am I going to be full of doubt and lacking faith when I do not see things happening the way I think they should? In Luke 18 in the last half of verse 8, a very pointed question is asked, “When the Son of Man comes will he find faith on the Earth?” We all will have doubts and fears from time to time for a variety of reasons. Our faith will be tested, not by God, but by our own doubts and fear Satan convinces us of. I do not know why this virus continues on in America and around the world. Going back to the verses we read in John, Jesus said something really interesting to Thomas in verse 29. “You believe because you have seen, blessed are those who have not seen, yet believe.” Jesus was talking to you and me if we are willing to put aside our doubts and fears and believe. Are we going to be like Thomas and only believe things will be alright if we see proof or are we willing to cast aside those doubts and fears and say “God I believe.” Will we step out in faith as Thomas finally did? Yes, it took some convincing for him but will we be those Jesus said “blessed are those who have not seen yet believe.” Will we say “my Lord and my God” and stop doubting our God?



May the Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to sine on you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.



Have a safe and blessed week. Remember God loves you and we love you. See you next week.
Larry

Announcements

May 24: Worship with us on facebook live at 10:00 when Larry gives the message. You can also watch this any time after the session is over. We will worship this way during the rest of May, or as long as the stay-at-home order is in effect.

Graduates:   Jordan Wright, Madison Warren, and Allena Vest graduate from CGHS.

                        Congratulations to all three and the rest of the graduates!

Cancelled:    all May and June camps at Camp Emmanuel

                        Annual Conference in July

Upper Room: May/June issues are still available in the copy room at church. Call Nancy Born-Martin if you are unable to get one, and she will be sure you get a copy. Large print and regular are available. You may also get a PDF copy of the May/June issue of UPPER ROOM on line at www.upperroom.org/covid-19

Offerings: Thanks to everyone for keeping up with your offerings! Please continue to either mail your offerings to the church at PO Box 45 or, if you have a key to the church, put it in the donation box at the back of the sanctuary in a properly marked envelope.

Please let Stacie Warren or Larry Traxler know of any supplies you need and are unable to get for yourself. Someone in the church will get them for you.

Let Carol Kussart or Kathy Gentry know if you need a mask.

June 7: tentative date for the Strawberry Festival, with pre-orders and curbside delivery; We hope to find out within a day or two if we can have it on the 7^th or the 14^th.

June 10: Board Meeting

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First Sunday of the month: Food Banks

Food needs: boxes of cereal, boxes of prepared foods, such as soups, potatoes, rice, mac & cheese, peanut butter, jelly

This month please consider sending The Lord’s Storehouse a monetary donation. The address is PO Box 229, La Place, IL 61936.

Donation Box May and June: Vacation Bible School

--Don’t forget to check mailboxes when you are able.

Keep up on denominational happenings at www.brethren.org

Larry Traxler’s phone number: 217-454-2362   

Robin and Chelle Shively have a new address: 5260 E. Harbour Ct, Decatur, IL 62521

Debbie Wilson no longer uses a PO box but her street address.

Here is a link to a very informative blog post by Dr. Erin Bromage. It tells how the coronavirus can spread. This is information everyone can use today. 

https://www.erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them

https://www.erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them

Keep in Your Prayers

Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Shirley Clarkson; Adiline Young; Barb Baker; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Liam Martina; Ali Bryant; Jeff Sawyer; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Mike Gentry; Gary Jesse; Norm & Marge Starr; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo Hanaver; Zola Copeland and family; Jennifer Like; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders; Joe Martina’s cousin who has COVID-19

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

Prayers and cards of encouragement are requested for:

Zola Copeland – 214 E. Fitch St. Forsyth, IL 62535-9668

Anna Rose Larrick – C/O Evergreen Place #110

4825 E. Evergreen Ct. Decatur IL 62521

Shawn Cain – 208 West Wait St. Cerro Gordo IL 61818

Robert Cripe – 21 Park Street Danville IL 61832