Can You Believe It?

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

April 24, 2022

Can You Believe It?

Luke 24:28-45

 

As we continue on in the 24^th chapter of Luke, we continue to see what happened that first day of the week. This, of course, is Resurrection Sunday, Easter Sunday. We see that the men who had been walking to Emmaus and had been joined by Jesus had asked Jesus to stay with them that night. The men still did not realize it was Jesus who had been walking with them. Before the evening was over, they were sitting around the table eating when it happened: Jesus did with these two disciples the same thing he had done hundreds of times before. He took the bread that was at the meal, gave thanks for it and broke a piece off of the loaf. The minute this happened, their eyes were opened and they finally realized it was Jesus who was with them. It all of a sudden clicked and they both agreed that what the three had talked about all made sense. Instead of staying the night in Emmaus as was originally planned, they instantly left and went back to Jerusalem to tell the other disciples what had happened. As these two were talking to the disciples, Jesus miraculously was standing in the room with them. In spite of what the women had told the disciples earlier in the day, even Peter saw that the tomb was empty. Then these two close associates of the disciples tell the 11 what they saw and heard. Even with Jesus there in the room with them talking with them, it was just too much to believe. They became frightened and thought Jesus actually was a ghost. Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked, “Why do you doubt even what you see with your eyes?” Then he invited those there to look at his hands and feet. They still showed the signs of his crucifixion. He then invited them to touch him, telling them, “You cannot do that with ghosts.”

 

After all this had happened, they still were having trouble believing it was really true. Then Jesus asked for some food, further proof that he was truly back to life as before. Jesus then reminded the disciples of everywhere in scripture that predicted what would happen to the Messiah, citing the Law of Moses, the prophets, as well as the Psalms. After all of this happened, we read that then he opened their mind so they could understand the scriptures. With everything that had happened in one day, they finally began to understand who Jesus truly is. After these three different encounters they kept saying, “Can you believe it?” But finally, Jesus caused it all to make sense and be real, which brings us to these questions. Have you ever had someone tell you something you just could not or would not believe? Did it take several people or things to happen before you were convinced?

 

As we looked at the question last week, “What’s it going to take?” Today the question is, “Can you believe it?” Would we have believed the women if it had been us there? Would we have believed two of our closest associates when they told us they had walked with Jesus? Would we believe our own eyes when Jesus was standing right in front of us? Again, remember you had seen Jesus tortured and crucified and knew Jesus had been put in a tomb. Would we have been like the others saying, “Can you believe it?”

 

We know that finally the eyes of the disciples were opened and finally it all incredibly made sense. The disciples went from skeptics to the most powerful witnesses to what God had done and is continuing to do for the world. What a transformation occurred! Everyone who has heard and read the story must answer the same question. Can you believe it? If we answer yes, I believe the fact is God is calling on us to continue to be his witnesses. What an incredible amount of trust God has placed in us! Also, what an incredible privilege it is for us to be part of what God is still doing in this world! May we take the challenge and confidently say, “Yes, we believe!”

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

 

Bible Study 9:30 Tuesday

 

Newsletter submissions due by Wed., April 27 please.

 

April 30 10:00 Annual Conference briefing, Springfield CoB

                  2:00 Centennial concert with Jonathan Shively

 

May 11 Board Meeting

 

May 18 12:00 Women’s Fellowship Luncheon, a salad potluck

 

May 18 7:00 p.m. via Zoom—Stepping Out of Covid, sponsored by the District potluck committee—info on bulletin board

 

Camp Emmanuel registration is open: www.campem.com

 

Offering plates are in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for your continued giving!

 

Donation Box: Camp Emmanuel

First Sundays: food donations for food banks

 

Pastor Larry Traxler- (217) 454-2362

 

To keep up on Church of the Brethren news:

Denomination: www.brethren.org/news Sign up for Newsline by clicking link on left side of page.

District: iwdcob.org (click on newsletter link) and on facebook

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

Keep in Your Prayers

Nancy Fansler & Family; Baby Gemma’s Family; Oren Wright; Devon Wright; Leah Flory; Joe Waltz; Doug Larrick; Anna Rose Larrick; Ron & Kathleen Petersen; Anna Gentry Thompson; Louis & Carol Sulwer; Maralyn Heckman; Debbie Leibrock; Dorthea Wood; Sonna Hall; Tina Wilhelm; Baby Tate; Bryce Ashenfelter; Mindy Sawyer; Marlene Schultz; Sarah Rudelick; Carl and Wilma Cable; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker;  Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Doug Fansler; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; 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 those who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren; Ukraine

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for the Springfield congregation

 

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.

 

Christ is Risen!

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

EASTER SUNDAY, April 17, 2022

 

WHAT’S IT GOING TO TAKE?

Luke 24:1-26

 

In Luke 24 we read that the women went to the tomb where Jesus had been laid. The 23^rd chapter tells of the final hours Jesus lived on this earth, ending with his crucifixion and death. The women had seen where Jesus had been taken with plans of coming back after the Sabbath to respectfully anoint his body, but something strange had happened. The stone that blocked the tomb had been rolled away and Jesus’ body was gone. Then suddenly they saw 2 men in the tomb and they asked the woman why they sought the living among the dead? Out of fear they bowed down before the men. The men immediately told the women, “He is not here, he is risen.” All the things Jesus had promised had happened just as he said. They then left the tomb looking for the apostles to tell them what they had found. We read they did not believe the women but, in this account, Peter had to go see for himself. He found things just as the women had said, but he still did not know what to believe.

 

We then read in the 13^th verse that 2 of the men headed to Emmaus. As they went, they were talking about everything that had happened the past several days. They were joined on their walk by a third man. It was Jesus. Jesus asked, “What are you discussing?” We see they were kept from recognizing Jesus, but let’s face it, the last person they expected to see walking with them was Jesus. When asked what they were talking about, they were in disbelief. “Are you the only one who does not know what just happened in Jerusalem? To which Jesus asked, “Why, what happened?” Then they went on to tell of Jesus of Nazareth and what an incredible man of God he was. And that in spite of all that he was crucified. They wanted to believe this Jesus would redeem Israel. They went on to tell this man, who they still did not know was Jesus, what the women had found at the tomb. They also briefly mentioned Jesus had promised to be raised on the third day after his death, but obviously the men just could not believe it. Then the stranger (Jesus) begins to speak and say things that should have seemed really strange to the apostles. In the 25^th verse Jesus says, “How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all the prophets have spoken. Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” It seems the 2 apostles did not even say to him or themselves, “I thought you did not know about Jesus or what had just happened in Jerusalem?” No instead they just kept walking.

 

Which leads me to ask myself this question. “What’s it going to take?” We all live in our own little worlds. That is understandable, but do we miss God’s blessings, his mercy, his grace, even his forgiveness because we just are not ready to see the risen Savior? That is where these 2 men were.

 

We are celebrating this morning because the eyes of the apostles were opened. The truth of God keeping his promises spread. As the angels told the women, “He is not here. He is risen.” That is the promise that continues to instill hope in our fallen world still today. Glory to the Risen Savior. I am redeemed. This is the truth for all who will receive and believe. What’s it going to take? I believe we have to all answer that question. More accurately, what did it take for your eyes and mine to be opened to the risen Savior? Christ Jesus is alive and as the Gaither song says, “Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.” Let us live in God’s victory. Death is defeated. He lives! That is the message of Easter. We not only have hope for tomorrow, we also have God’s promise fulfilled by Jesus Christ.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

 

Bible Study 9:30 Tuesday

 

April 23 9:00 Camp Emmanuel Work Day—info on bulletin board

 

April 30 10:00 Annual Conference briefing, Springfield CoB

 

April 30 & May 1 Springfield CoB centennial celebration

 

May 11 Board Meeting

 

May 18 12:00 Women’s Fellowship Luncheon, a salad potluck

 

May 18 7:00 p.m. via Zoom—Stepping Out of Covid, sponsored by the District potluck committee—info on bulletin board

 

Offering plates are in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for your continued giving!

 

Donation Box: Camp Emmanuel

First Sundays: food donations for food banks

 

Pastor Larry Traxler- (217) 454-2362

 

To keep up on Church of the Brethren news:

Denomination: www.brethren.org/news Sign up for Newsline by clicking link on left side of page.

District: iwdcob.org (click on newsletter link) and on facebook

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

Keep in Your Prayers

Nancy Fansler & Family; Baby Gemma’s Family; Oren Wright; Devon Wright; Leah Flory; Joe Waltz; Doug Larrick; Anna Rose Larrick; Ron & Kathleen Petersen; Anna Gentry Thompson; Louis & Carol Sulwer; Maralyn Heckman; Debbie Leibrock; Dorthea Wood; Sonna Hall; Tina Wilhelm; Baby Tate; Bryce Ashenfelter; Mindy Sawyer; Marlene Schultz; Sarah Rudelick; Sydney (Nancy Gorrell’s niece); Carl and Wilma Cable; Marge Starr; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker;  Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Doug Fansler; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; 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 those who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren; Ukraine

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for the Milledgeville congregation

 

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.

March 27 Sermon and Announcement

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

March 27, 2022

Don’t Give Up!

Luke 18:1-8

 

Jesus is continuing to teach his disciples as the time gets closer to when the perfect sacrifice will be made. This time we read Jesus is talking just to the disciples. The teaching moments are soon going to end, and then the disciples will have to stand on the their own. So here we see Jesus pointing out the most powerful tool God has made available to his people. Prayer.  Jesus gives a unique example of how they should go about it. Actually, first of all, this example was given to the disciples, but from the time this teaching moment was written down to today, it is available to all believers. Jesus is, in some ways, comparing God to the judge in this story. Obviously with a couple of big differences. First, Jesus said the judge in this parable did not fear God. Then he said the judge also did not care about what people were going through. Clearly, the exact opposite of the loving God we believe in.

 

In Jesus’ story there is a woman who apparently had been treated unfairly by someone. For the woman to bring it before a judge would seem to indicate it was definitely a legitimate complaint. The judge, to begin with, ignored the woman’s request for justice because as Jesus said the judge really did not care. In fact, it seems he was irritated that she was bothering him with the problem. Apparently, day after day, week after week, the woman came to the judge for help. Time after time the judge ignored her request. Finally, the judge said to himself, “The only way to get this woman to stop taking up my time is to agree to solve her problem.” So that is what the judge finally did.

 

Now in the 6^th verse Jesus tells how God the Father will listen and meet the needs of his people. Jesus is basically saying that if this uncaring, godless judge will rule in the favor of someone who keeps asking for help, how much more will our Heavenly Father meet the needs of his children? After all, God purposely created us because he wanted to have fellowship with us. Jesus then gave an important tip, if you will, of how we should make our request known to God in the 7^th verse. Jesus says God will bring justice to his “chosen ones” when they cry out to him day and night. Do you want to see God move in your life? Do you want to see prayers answered for yourself and loved ones? Do not make it a one and done request. Pray to God in the morning. Pray to God in the afternoon. Pray to God in the evening. Pray until you get an answer from God. Do not just pray once a day, once a week, once a month. Stay persistent until you undeniably hear from God. How many of us are that persistent? I also want to say what scripture also tells us; be specific. Do not offer generalized prayers. If there is a health problem, name the problem. If it is relationship problems, pour it out on God what exactly the problem is and how you think it can be resolved. Whatever the problem or concern is, be specific. And do not give up. I cannot say it enough. Jesus is giving us the green light to keep the pressure up on God. I wish I could honestly say I have done this in every situation I have faced or a loved one has faced that I was concerned about. Jesus is making it clear. You want to see God move in your life in this world, pray and do not give up.

 

Jesus closes out these verses with a promise and a question. The promise is if you are persistent in prayer, you will see results. The question Jesus presents to the disciples and to us today, however, is very sobering. When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth? Jesus asked this question because he knew if you are going to be persistent in prayer, that will show God you have faith that your prayers will be answered. Otherwise, you may say a one-time prayer and be done because you do not have faith that God will answer.

 

We are now 3 weeks from Easter, the single most important event that has ever happened on earth took place on the cross 2000 years ago. Do we have faith that it really happened as the Bible says? And do we believe it changed the direction of mankind forever? These are some of the questions you and I must answer for ourselves. I believe everything changed when Jesus died on the cross for my sins, for our sins. I believe Jesus gave the disciples valuable lessons that stayed with them the rest of their lives. The disciples clearly used the power of prayer to transform their lives and the lives of so many others. Clearly the majority of the disciples did not give up. I believe those of you here today and those joining us on Facebook also have not given up. My only question for you and, yes, for me is, are we using all the tools God has given us? Are we like the persistent widow? As we see things happening in this world that are oftentimes troubling, are we flooding heaven every morning, afternoon, and evening with our concerns? That is what Jesus is saying we have every right to do. Let us change our families, our community and our world by being persistent in prayer. Do not give up! The victory has already been won!

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

 

Bible Study 9:30 Tuesday

 

March 30 11:30 Women’s Fellowship luncheon and meeting;

Bring a covered dish; meat & drink provided; a time of visiting and reconnecting

 

April 10 – 17 Holy Week

 

April 13 Executive Committee

 

April 16 Food Bank Distribution at Kirby Medical Group, Cerro Gordo, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

 

Offering plates are in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for your continued giving!

 

Donation Box: Camp Emmanuel

First Sundays: food donations for food banks

 

Pastor Larry Traxler- (217) 454-2362

 

To keep up on Church of the Brethren news:

Denomination: www.brethren.org/news Sign up for Newsline by clicking link on left side of page.

District: iwdcob.org (click on newsletter link) and on facebook

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

Keep in Your Prayers

Oren Wright; Devon Wright; Leah Flory; Joe Waltz; Doug Larrick; Anna Rose Larrick; Ron Petersen; Anna Gentry Thompson; Louis & Carol Sulwer; Maralyn Heckman; Debbie Leibrock; Dorthea Wood; Sonna Hall; Tina Wilhelm; Baby Gemma; Baby Tate; Bryce Ashenfelter; Mindy Sawyer; Marlene Schultz; Sarah Rudelick; Sydney (Nancy Gorrell’s niece); Carl and Wilma Cable; Marge Starr; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Doug Fansler; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; 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 those who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren; Ukraine

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for the Canton congregation and their ministry in Fulton County. Also pray for Andrea Garnett, the district’s administrative assistant.

 

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.

March 20 Sermon and Announcements

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

March 20, 2022

What price are we asked to pay?

Luke 14:25-35

 

Jesus is seeing large crowds following him. As was mentioned before, many are following because of the incredible miracles that are occurring, sometimes on a daily basis. Either many have things they are hoping Jesus will take care of, or maybe some just want to see what happens next. Some truly recognize Jesus as a special man of God and, for that reason, want to see where it all leads. Jesus, sensing many may be following for the wrong reasons, has this very direct conversation with the large crowd that is there at the time. Jesus says something that seems to go way over the top. In verse 26 we read, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters –yes even his own life—he cannot be my disciple.” How many of those there in that place would agree that anything Jesus just said could be true? What would be our reaction if someone from behind this pulpit authoritatively said, “This is how you must think and behave.” If the person seemed to really mean it, some, maybe most, would get up and walk out. What kind of crazy man would say such things, let alone expect you to really live your life that way? Jesus completes the 27^th verse by saying, “Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” So, it seems to imply if you will not turn your back on our family and carry your own load, you will never be Jesus’ true follower.

 

In the next six verses Jesus goes on to explain further what he means. Jesus gives two totally different examples of what he means. The first talks of building a tower and how a person will understand what it will take and how much it will cost before they would ever start such a project. The next talks of a person actually about to wage war.  Jesus actually uses an example of when the one preparing to wage war has half the size of army as the one he is about to fight. In that case, you better know you can win before you start the war or you will be defeated and humiliated. Jesus even goes as far as to say if once you assess your chances, and if it looks like you probably will lose, you better make peace before anything ever happens. Jesus is explaining one must be willing to give up everything in order to be victorious.

 

So, what does it all mean? Jesus, once again, claims that you must be willing to hate everyone important to you in life, even yourself, if you want to be his disciple. Does that make any sense at all? As we now know, Jesus is getting closer and closer to his appointment with the cross. Jesus also knows lots of people that have been following him think everything is always going to be easy. After all, Jesus has made the lame walk, the blind to see, driven demons out of people, even raised people from the dead. As long as we stay close to Jesus, nothing can hurt us is what many were thinking. Jesus knows it is about to change. The cost of following Jesus is going to be going way up. The question is what are you prepared to do? What price are you willing to pay to be a full time, forever follower of Jesus?

 

Jesus closes out these verses by again comparing his followers to salt.  Jesus is saying that salt adds flavor or nutrients to life, but if it no longer is salty, it is good for nothing and is thrown out.” Jesus believes the time for honesty is here. The free and easy ride the people that have followed Jesus have been on is about to end. While they have seen some opposition, things have been good. It is time to begin thinking about just where you stand and what you are willing to do when it gets hard. Jesus gave as tough an example as he possibly could when he talked of the need to actually hate everyone near and dear to you if you are to be a disciple. Jesus wanted everyone to know that opposition is coming. It will come from all sides. Even your own family may not understand why you are staying loyal to God through Jesus. When you stand for God’s truth and his word, people will disagree with you. That is why it is so important to understand before the pressure comes. What are you willing to do for the cause of Christ? God wants us to have our priorities in the right order. Our faithfulness to God must be number 1 in our life. God does want us to love our families as well, but sometimes that may mean there will be disagreements, especially when it comes to our allegiance to Jesus Christ.

 

As we continue to get closer to Easter, we should continue to understand our relationship with God and with one another. Who truly has first place in our lives? That can be a tough question to answer. God wants us to be willing to honestly know the answer. We are sometimes challenged to know the answer to that question. What is the price God is asking us to be willing to pay? And are we willing to pay it? As disciples of the Living Savior, our life will be the best it can be and our families will reap the benefits as well if we are willing to surrender all to Jesus.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

 

Bible Study 9:30 Tuesday

 

March 20—One Great Hour of Sharing offering—envelopes are in the back.  Make checks out to our church.

 

March 30 11:30 Women’s Fellowship luncheon and meeting;

Bring a covered dish; meat & drink provided; a time of visiting and reconnecting

 

April 10 – 17 Holy Week

 

April 13 Executive Committee

 

April 16 Food Bank Distribution at Kirby Medical Group, Cerro Gordo, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

 

Offering plates are in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for your continued giving!

 

Donation Box: Camp Emmanuel

First Sundays: food donations for food banks

 

Pastor Larry Traxler- (217) 454-2362

 

To keep up on Church of the Brethren news:

Denomination: www.brethren.org/news Sign up for Newsline by clicking link on left side of page.

District: iwdcob.org (click on newsletter link) and on facebook

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

Keep in Your Prayers

Leah Flory; Joe Waltz; Doug Larrick; Anna Rose Larrick; Ron Petersen; Anna Gentry Thompson; Louis & Carol Sulwer; Maralyn Heckman; Debbie Leibrock; Dorthea Wood; Sonna Hall; Tina Wilhelm; Baby Gemma; Baby Tate; Bryce Ashenfelter; Mindy Sawyer; Marlene Schultz; Sarah Rudelick; Sydney (Nancy Gorrell’s niece); Carl and Wilma Cable; Marge Starr; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Doug Fansler; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; 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 those who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren; Ukraine

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for the District’s Church Revitalization & Development Team & other District teams.

 

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.

March 13 Sermon and Announcements

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

March 13, 2022

 

The Parable of the Great Banquet

Luke 14:15-24

Having finished our look at the Sermon on the Mount, we are now 5 weeks away from Easter. This morning we see Jesus is making his way toward Jerusalem. Jesus will soon have his appointment with destiny. On his way to Jerusalem, he stops off at many towns and villages and also finds himself eating with a variety of people. When we pick things up this morning, he is eating on the Sabbath at the home of a prominent Pharisee. Over the past several weeks Jesus has been sharing with the disciples as well as others in parables, telling short stories, one might say, to share the message that he feels needs to be told.

 

On this occasion he has already said some things that probably raised some eyebrows; now he shares the Parable of the Great Banquet. Someone in the group there sitting around the table said something that got Jesus’ attention, so Jesus began to tell of this Great Banquet. Jesus explains the banquet is ready so he sends a servant to invite all of this person’s friends to come and join in the meal and fellowship. (They had already been told the banquet would occur.) But something happened that caught those hosting the banquet by surprise. Friend after friend declined the offer to come! The first said he had bought some property and needed to go check it out. The next said he had bought some oxen and needed to go make sure they would work out. The next said, “I just got married so I am sorry but we are busy.” Friend after friend came up with excuse after excuse for why they could not come. The owner of the house was outraged and flat out angry. So, the servant was sent out again to bring people to the banquet. This time he was instructed to bring the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind. Bring basically whomever you can find that is willing to come. After the servant did this, there still was room. He sent the servant out again to bring whomever he could because he wanted his house full. There was one condition, none of those first invited were allowed to change their minds and join in the banquet.

 

As Jesus drew closer with his appointment with the cross, he was getting more and more blunt about what was about to happen. Jesus was at a meal being given by, as we read to begin with, a prominent Pharisee. Jesus came to first and foremost speak to what has been called the Lost Sheep of Israel. Most of the Pharisees rejected the fact Jesus was the Messiah, the Savior of the world promised in the Old Testament. The Pharisees knew God’s word better than anyone, yet they refused to accept Jesus as the one sent by God to redeem first of all the Jews but also all of God’s creation. Jesus understood the hearts of most of those at the meal he was sharing in. So, Jesus was predicting the outcome for most all who were listening to Jesus on that day. The Jewish people were the first invited to embrace what God was doing in the world then ultimately through Jesus. Yet he just did not look or act or match up with what they wanted the Messiah to be. So, like those invited to the Great Banquet in Jesus’ story, most of the Jewish people and definitely the Jewish leadership rejected Jesus. Jesus was predicting their fate. Soon they would be on the outside looking in and maybe wishing things could have turned out differently.

 

As we consider the parable does it have any meaning for us today? Jesus is the host of the Greatest Banquet ever given, and we are all invited to attend. The question for you and me is whether we too are too busy to make it. Are we saying to God, “If I can squeeze you in, I will be there, but I am just so busy!”

 

As we draw closer to Easter, God is asking us to his Banquet Table. He wants us to attend and enjoy all the benefits, but we must be willing to say, “Yes God you can count on me.” I pray we are like the ones who joyfully took advantage of the offer to come. The door is open, the invitation is there, come and enjoy!

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

 

Bible Study 9:30 Tuesday

 

March 20—One Great Hour of Sharing offering—envelopes will be provided. See this week’s insert.

 

March 30 11:30 Women’s Fellowship luncheon and meeting;

Bring a covered dish; meat & drink provided

 

April 10 – 17 Holy Week

 

April 13 Executive Committee

 

April 16 Food Bank Distribution at Kirby Medical Group, Cerro Gordo, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

 

Offering plates are in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for your continued giving!

 

Donation Box: Camp Emmanuel

First Sundays: food donations for food banks

 

Pastor Larry Traxler- (217) 454-2362

 

To keep up on Church of the Brethren news:

Denomination: www.brethren.org/news Sign up for Newsline by clicking link on left side of page.

District: iwdcob.org (click on newsletter link) and on facebook

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

Keep in Your Prayers

Maralyn Heckman; Debbie Leibrock; Dorthea Wood; Sonna Hall; Tina Wilhelm; Baby Gemma; Baby Tate; Bryce Ashenfelter; Mindy Sawyer; Marlene Schultz; Sarah Rudelick; Sydney (Nancy Gorrell’s niece); Carl and Wilma Cable; Marge Starr; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; 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 those who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren; Bridgewater community; Ukraine

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for Chicago First Church and their work in the city.

 

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.

February 13 Sermon and Announcements

 CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

February 13, 2022

Ask, Seek and Knock

Matthew 7:7-12

Jesus is winding down the message given on that mountain side so many years ago. He is giving practical things God’s people need to do. Next week we will see the final warning given as he ends the sermon, but for today Jesus is giving us a basic understanding of how to access God. Jesus begins by simply stating, “Ask and it will be given to you.” Next, “Seek and you will find.” And finally, “Knock and the door will be opened to you.” 

One of my favorite Christian singers is Michael W. Smith. It’s probably been 20 or maybe even 30 years ago that he wrote and performed a song that had in it a very simple statement. It said something like each journey begins with a first step. A simple statement that is obvious to everyone who hears it, yet before you or I can go or do anything, we have to start. That is what Jesus was reminding those gathered on that day, as well as the church today. Before we have any reason to believe we will receive from God, we must ask. I believe scripture emphasizes the need to be specific when we are asking God in our prayers for help or wisdom or whatever it might be. 

We read earlier in the Sermon on the Mount that God knows what we need before we ask, but God wants us to understand what it is we think we want or need. Jesus is simply stating the facts that before you can be assured God will answer our requests, we need to be willing to put in the effort to ask. Jesus then in conjunction with that says, “Seek and you will find.” Jesus is saying there will be some effort on our part that is necessary, and that God will often provide the things necessary, but we need to be willing to seek them out. We are expected to do more than sit back and say, “God I have asked for help or for an answer to the problem I am facing, now do a miracle for me.” No, God will provide us at times with the tools and the resources to be involved in solving what we are facing. 

Then Jesus says, “Knock and the door will be opened to you.” Once again God expects us to do our part. When we come before the Lord with a heart open to his will, he will provide the answers and/or the solutions to what we are facing. Jesus then gives a couple of examples of how we respond to our children when they specifically ask for things. When we are asked by friends or family of things they obviously need, do we say, “Well you may want this, but I will give you that?” No, in most cases, out of love and compassion, we try to help as best we can. 

Jesus then reminds us of our sinful roots and says something we may not really like to hear when Jesus says, “If you, being evil, give good gifts to your children, how much more will our Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him?” 

Then Jesus closes out this lesson with what we now call The Golden Rule. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” So as Jesus wrapped this part up, he was really reminding us that, yes, we can go to God with our concerns, our prayers, and we can be confident God will hear and answer. However, Jesus is showing us God also wants us to help each other through the ups and downs of life. We not only are to ask our God for help, but we should feel comfortable reaching out to one another as well. God did not create us to be hermits living somewhere all alone. God created us to need to be involved with one another. As we all gain different experiences in life, we should use those different life lessons to help one another through the ups and downs of life. God is there with open arms, but we are to be used by God to be his hands, his feet, his arms, his mouth, his ears, and his eyes to one another. These are the life lessons Jesus wants us to understand as we face the challenges of life. We are not to take God’s place in any way, but we are to be open to God to sometimes be used to help one another through this journey we all share on this earth. Yet at the same time, we need to humble ourselves before God and with friends and family to the point that we are willing to ask, seek and knock. We all face similar challenges and with God’s help we can all reach the finish line victoriously. Sometimes God sends you and me to help and sometimes God expects us to ask and seek help from one another as well as from our Heavenly Father. 

Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day in America. A day set apart to show love to one another. In many ways Valentine’s Day is about acknowledging the fact that we need one another. We continue to read from God’s love letter to us, and the more we read God’s word we continue to see how God loves us and how we are to show love to one another. When we ask, seek, and knock, whether we are doing that with God or with one another, we are acknowledging how much we need God and how much we need each other. That is not weakness, that is a way of saying, “I love you and need you.”

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day and remember that God loves you!

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

 

Bible Study 9:30 Tuesday

 

Messenger subscription forms are in the back. Please give them to Carol today if you wish to subscribe.

 

February 26—Calling the Called event, sponsored by the IL/WI District Ministry Team—flyer in the back—please participate if you are interested.

 

March 9—Board meeting

 

District prayer calendars are in the back. Also an update page for our directory.

 

Offering envelopes for 2022 are available by the copier.

Offering plates are in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for your continued giving!

 

Donation Box: Utilities

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

Family of Galen Heckman; Debbie Leibrock; Dorthea Wood; Sonna Hall; Larry & Luana Cripe; Tina Wilhelm;  Shirley Krall; Baby Gemma; Baby Tate; Bryce Ashenfelter; Mindy Sawyer; Marlene Schultz; Randy West; Sarah Rudelick; Sydney (Nancy Gorrell’s niece); Carl and Wilma Cable; Marge Starr; Mike Gentry; Larry Albro; Mike McCleery; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Brittany 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 those who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren; Bridgewater community

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for the Decatur congregation and their decision to close and for the ministry they’ve had there.

 

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.