Easter Message, April 12

Below is Larry's Easter morning message.

You may also watch it on facebook, Cerro Gordo Church of the Brethren.

Larry will be delivering another message on facebook live next Sunday,

April 19, at 10:00 a.m.

Join us in worship there.

WHO DO YOU SAY I AM? JOHN 20:1-9

I encouraged those of you watching last week to read John chapters 13-20. We aren’t going to read much, if any, of the verses from these chapters but I will refer to some of the events mentioned in these chapters. After the triumphal entry to Jerusalem, Jesus wanted to celebrate the Passover meal with his disciples. So, just a few days after entering Jerusalem was Passover. Jesus celebrated and commemorated Passover and used that evening to continue to teach several important things the disciples would need to know. After some intensive teaching, they left the place where they had the Passover and went to a place Jesus would often go to pray. It was there Jesus was arrested. Seemingly things were spiraling out of control. But the truth is Jesus was in total control of everything that was happening. Jesus was taken to the Jewish leaders of the day, then to the Roman officials. He was finally sentenced to die on a cross. But not until he had been beaten so severely, he was already close to death. Jesus was then ultimately hung on the cross to die. Each of the four gospels has its own unique story to tell of these events. In John we read as Jesus was dying, he wanted to make sure his mother was looked after so he gave John this task. From the very beginning of creation, God’s people have complained, God, it is not fair how you do things. We are constantly having to do things to make up for our sins. We can’t help it so why is it so hard, it is just not fair. So, after hearing thousands of years of complaining God said, okay here is what I will do. Even though Jesus had never committed a sin (unlike you and me) he was beaten, cursed at, made fun of and hung on a cross to die. God in the flesh paying the ultimate price for your sin and mine once and for all. Through all Jesus’ teachings, one of the things he kept telling all who would listen is, our time on this earth is really very short and there is life after we breathe our last. He even proved it through what he did with Lazarus, which leads us to the scripture we looked at to begin with this morning. We celebrate Easter for several reasons. Not just because God became flesh and lived on this earth just like you and me, experiencing lots of ups and downs just like us. We don’t celebrate Easter just because God paid the ultimate price for you and me on the cross he didn’t deserve. We don’t just celebrate Easter because the grave could not hold him back. Jesus rose from the grave. We read in God’s word he is currently seated at the right hand of God Almighty. Arguing your case and mine before the Father in Heaven. No, we celebrate Easter today because of all of these. God chose to make a way for you and me to be made right forever with him, which leads us to the title of this morning’s message. A very simple question for you and me, “Who do you say that I am?” In Matthew 16, verses 13-15 that question was asked of Jesus’ disciples. They gave some generic answers, but Jesus made it personal. But who do you say that I am? All these centuries later, God is still asking his creation that same question. As we close this morning, I believe Jesus is again asking you and me this question. Who do you say that I am? As we celebrate Easter today, the question remains the same, “Who do you say Jesus is?” God has made a way for you and me. He didn’t have to do it, but he chose to. Because he loves us and wants us to understand Jesus (God’s son) experienced everything and more than you and I ever will. He is reaching out this morning to us all. If you already know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, continue to stand strong and stand firm. If you have never let Jesus into your life, no is the time. He loves you and me and knows what you are going thru and will always be there for you. Let him into your heart today.

Next Sunday, we are going to take a different look at the COVID-19 and I will share some perspectives I have on it. As we close this morning, I would like to share Numbers 6:24-26  “May the Lord bless you and keep you; may the Lord make his face to shine upon  you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” God bless you. Remember God loves you and I love you. Happy Easter! Have a blessed week and I will see you next Sunday morning at 10:00.

Announcements for April 12

Offerings: Thanks to everyone for keeping up with your offerings! They are coming in. 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.

The mowing schedule has been emailed to those who have email addresses and snail mailed to those who don’t. It is also posted on the bulletin boards at church. Please let Carol know if you signed up but didn’t receive a schedule.

Let Stacie know of any supplies you need and are unable to get for yourself. Someone in the church will get them for you.

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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

Donation Box through April: Camp Emmanuel

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

--Women’s Fellowship is looking for a strawberry festival chair or co-chairs.

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

Keep in Your Prayers

Adiline Young; Barb Baker; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Liam Martina; Ali Bryant; Jeff Sawyer; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Mike Gentry; Gary Jesse; Robert & Laurie Morr; Norm & Marge Starr; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo Hanaver; Zola Copeland and family; Tim and Betty Sue Laird; Larry Nall; Leslie Lake; Jennifer Like; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; many unspoken requests; traveling mercies for those on the road; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

Prayers and cards of encouragement are requested for our Shut-ins:

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

                                    217-871-5179

Robert Cripe – 21 Park Street Danville IL. 61832