October 30 Sermon and Announcements

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

OCTOBER 30, 2022

 

 

What does God expect?

Colossians :1-15

 

I always marvel at how the Lord led Paul to speak to the churches in his letters. There is almost always a greeting that sets a positive tone. Then he moves into what is behind why the letter is sent. Oftentimes there is a blunt, honest discussion of what should be going on in that particular church. Other times it is an honest discussion about things that are happening in the church or churches. Then Paul always ends each letter with words that intend to pump the churches up to follow Christ in ways that will lead to eternal life, as well as successful life while on earth.

 

Today we are looking at Paul and Timothy explaining that there are certain things that cannot be a part of a true believer’s life. These they are acknowledging used to be part of many of the lives but should not be a regular part of their lives anymore.

 

Once again, I want to remind you that Paul and Timothy are speaking to a mainly Gentile church. A lot of things that did not go along with God’s teachings in the Old Testament or what Jesus taught while he was on the earth were part of their past life. They get real blunt beginning with verse 5 when they say, “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature; sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.” They continue on in the 8^th verse with more things to eliminate. “You must rid yourselves of all such things as these, anger, rage, malice, slander and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its creator.”

 

Let us stop for a minute and look at all theses things that are being mentioned. Quite a list, isn’t it? The question for you and me is how are we doing with this list? One of the points they are making is when you are born again things need to be changing. For some, overnight transformations happen. For others, it takes time. The point they are making is change needs to happen. Did you notice in verse 7 they acknowledged reality? Paul and Timothy understand many of these things used to be a normal part of their lives. That can be true in our world today as well. In America especially lifelong Christians sometimes believe everyone should understand the basic concepts God has established but that is not always true. Patience, love and mercy need to be a part of leading others to a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. In spite of their blunt talk, you can sense the love and mercy they are showing this church. To go back to those lists for a minute, some of them may be easy to stay away from for most Christians but some of the others maybe are not as easy. We might not be sure about what is meant by impurity and greed, but we understand the challenges of anger, rage, even filthy language. They want the church to know Christ has won the victory over all of those things.

 

Paul and Timothy as men of Jewish roots want to remind these churches God views all people the same now. Christ died and the victory has been won for everyone if you confess your sins and trust in the salvation God brought to everyone through the cross. They then remind the churches what should be flowing through every believer. Beginning with verse 12 we read, “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and early loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Once again, an amazing list of things we are free to do and experience as often as we can. Some are easier to make a part of our lives, but others are, at times, a challenge. Again, how are we doing? Are any of you struggling with patience, humility and forgiveness? They made a point of saying in verse 14 that over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. What a promise once again we are told to walk in! These churches are being reminded what separates them from receiving the full blessing of God. They are also point blank told what things leads to God’s blessing and victories flowing to believers. In other words, we are told still today what junk to rid ourselves of and also what good things will help us stay on the right track. Then notice what they close out the verses we looked at this morning with. In verse 15, we are encouraged to, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” While challenges are knocking at every door of life, God has given us the formula to the best life possible. It all begins with a real relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Then it is basically up to you and me. How much will we allow God’s Holy Spirit to lead us into the life changing truth that is at our fingertips. If we take advantage of what God has provided us with, we can live a life of peace and instead of being angry and bitter, we have the ability to live lives full of thankfulness. What a contrast that is once again available to us.

 

Paul and Timothy wanted these churches to take their faith to the next level and that is still the goal for God to see happening in His churches today. After all we looked at today what kind of grade do you and I honestly give ourselves? Is there still a lot of work to be done? Are we moving in the right direction? Or are we stuck in the mud? Depending on our answer, do we admit that we still need to be working really hard on some things or can we praise God we are really on the right track? God loves you and me. His mercy is never ending. Let us go forward clothed in God’s peace and thankfulness!

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

 

Tuesday 9:30 Bible Study

 

November 1—Deadline for newsletter submissions

 

November 4 and 5 District Conference at the Peoria church

 

November 9 Board meeting

 

November 13 Council Meeting immediately after worship

 

November 27 Decorate sanctuary after soup lunch for all.

 

 

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

 

Donation Box: CWS blankets

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

Jonah Martina; Jan Bower; Larry Traxler; Jill McBride; Cecil; Michelle West; Carolyn Hirsch; Eli Brunner; Nancy Fansler; 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; Tate Sawyer; Bryce Ashenfelter; Mindy Sawyer; Marlene Schultz; Sarah Rudelick; Carl and Wilma Cable; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker;  Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Doug Fansler; Candy Dobson; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo & Darlene Hanaver; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus; healthcare workers and first responders; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; shut-ins; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren; Ukraine; Hope Welty Library; Florida; Puerto Rico; La Place congregation

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for the Cherry Grove congregation, near Lanark, IL

 

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.

October 9 Sermon and Announcements

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

OCTOBER 9, 2022

 

THY WORD IS A LAMP UNTO MY FEET

Psalm 119:105

 

The psalmist understood how important God’s word was for living life, even though at the time Psalms was written there was not nearly as much recorded as we have today. David understood how important the word of God is for encouraging and guiding us through life’s ups and downs. A little later this morning we are going to dedicate a new altar Bible. For Christians the Bible is more than a book we know is important to have around. It is a book that when we open and read it, it allows the Holy Spirit to show us the heart of God for His people. The last I heard the Bible continues to be the best-selling book year after year. However, because of the fact it outsells every book year after year, it will never be found on any best seller list. Maybe part of the reason is because it is a book that has been around so long. Maybe also it is because many of the Bibles are not necessarily bought to be used or read as other books on those lists are.

 

Of course, God wants us to use the Bibles that we have and are most comfortable using. There are over 60 English language versions of the Bible and the Bible has been translated into at least 700 different languages. The Lord wants us to find a version that works best for us and one we will consistently use.

 

The verse we read in Psalm 119 points out that the Bible is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. In other words, the word of God helps us see where we are at and also where we are going or should be going. In Hebrews 4:12 God’s word gets even more specific. We read, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword; it penetrates even to the dividing of soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Wow, what a powerful resource God has given us! That very first statement in verse 12 sets the tone for what God’s word is and what it can be and should be in our lives. The word of God is living and active. God’s word wasn’t something that was given to people a long time ago that has no meaning today. No, the word of God is just as important and meaningful today as it ever was. When we allow God to use His word in our lives this 12^th verse also reminds us we will gain wisdom, understanding, instruction and correction. The Word will judge our thoughts and attitudes. God’s word takes only one side one might say. God’s perfect will for his creation is revealed. When we have trouble accepting things told straight from God’s word, it is our thoughts and attitudes that are out of touch with God’s will.

 

What is so nice about God giving us his written word is we do not have to rely on what a minister or some teacher might say. We can go directly to the source. This also is not some new message that has been recently written. The Bible has been around by some accounts for over 1800 years with very few changes having been made since it was recorded around 200 A.D. The Bible has stood the test of time. The word of God continues to guide and direct those who seek God still today.

 

We are, as earlier stated, going to dedicate a new altar Bible this morning. This Bible is in the most prominent place at the front of our church. It is our confirmation to all who enter and to God that this book is the source of our strength and trust in God the Father, Jesus our Lord and Savior and the Holy Spirit to guide our lives.

 

We are here this morning committing ourselves once again to God and His word. We acknowledge to one another and to God what is written about His word in 2 Timothy 3:16, “All scripture is God breathed, or inspired by God, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

We join together this morning to dedicate this Bible to God in this place today. Barb Baker loved God and lived her life guided by God’s word. Some of her memorial funds have been used to purchase this new altar Bible. Barb’s love for God and His word continues to guide and encourage so many of us still today. We commit this Bible to God realizing it is not just a symbol of God and His word but more than that it is our acknowledgement we need God and His word guiding us as individuals and as His church.

 

May God’s blessing continue to rest upon this church and its people for years to come. May this Bible be a reminder of God’s commitment to us and our commitment to Him. May we allow God to use His word in our lives as is spoken in 2 Timothy 3:16. God, we need you in our lives and in the life of this church. With the dedication of this Bible this morning we recommit this congregation to your service as well.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

 

Tuesday 9:30 Bible Study – studying Proverbs.

 

Today Bible Dedication in memory of Barb Baker

3:00 Gospel Sing at Hammond UMC

 

October 12 7:00 p.m. Executive Committee

 

October 22—Soup supper fundraiser—Sign up sheet for donations is in the back of the sanctuary

 

November 4 and 5 District Conference at the Peoria church

 

 

Dorthea Wood’s new room number is 317.

 

 

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

 

Donation Box: CWS blankets

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

Jonah Martina; Jill McBride; Cecil; Mike Nuding; Michelle West; Carolyn Hirsch; Eli Brunner; Nancy Fansler; 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; Tate Sawyer; Bryce Ashenfelter; Mindy Sawyer; Marlene Schultz; Sarah Rudelick; Carl and Wilma Cable; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker;  Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Doug Fansler; Candy Dobson; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo & Darlene Hanaver; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus; healthcare workers and first responders; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; shut-ins; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren; Ukraine; Hope Welty Library; Florida; Puerto Rico; La Place congregation

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for the denominational staff and the Mission and Ministry Board.

 

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.

 

October 2 Sermon and Announcements; World Communion Day

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

OCTOBER 2, 2022

 

COME TO THE TABLE

Luke 22:7-8, 14-16

 

Today is World Communion Sunday on the Christian calendar. All around the world Christians in a variety of ways will be celebrating the last meal Jesus shared with his disciples before the events that changed human history forever. In the verses we read this morning we see Jesus eagerly looking forward to sharing this time with his disciples. This meal had special meaning for a couple of different reasons. First of all, this was the most important celebration on the Jewish calendar. This was the celebration of Passover. Most of us know what this meal means to the Jewish people. This is the meal that remembers the bad and good of what happened to God’s people during their time in Egypt. At first because of God’s hand upon Joseph thousands of years before Jesus’ time, the Jewish people were welcomed in Egypt, but before long the number of God’s people grew and grew. The pharaohs forgot about Joseph and how God not only blessed his own people but also the Egyptians. They became afraid of the large number of Jews and made them slaves. It got to the point that the Egyptians were killing all the Jewish baby boys when they were born in order to stop the growth of the Jewish people. God ultimately heard the cries for help from His people, and Moses became God’s representative to speak to Pharoah. Plague after plague was sent by God to convince Pharoah to let the Jewish people go. Time after time Pharoah refused. In Exodus Chapters 11 and 12 where we read of this, finally God sent the angel of death to kill the first-born son in each of the Egyptians’ homes. The angel of death would spare any home who had blood over the doorpost and no harm would come to the boys in those homes. God told Moses to tell each Jewish family what they must do to remain safe. The time came and the angel of death “passed over” all of the Jewish homes but brought death to the home of the Egyptians. Finally, with the cries in the streets of the Egyptian people, Pharoh let the Jewish people leave.

 

Fast forward once again to Jesus and his disciples. The meal had such special meaning to Jesus. And soon it would have additional special meaning to all who would accept and receive. The traditional Jewish Passover meal includes bitter herbs to help each generation remember how difficult it was for their ancestors in Egypt. What was it that saved God’s people from the angel of death in Egypt? The blood of the lamb that was to be brushed over the doorposts where Jewish people lived. Jesus knew that another lamb was about to be sacrificed. This lamb’s blood would be shed to save the lives of all who would believe. Of course, that lamb was Jesus. Jesus so looked forward to gathering around the table one more time with his disciples. These were men Jesus had grown to love and trust. Jesus also was fully aware of what was going to happen before another day was over. The disciples, despite Jesus’ warnings and teachings, did not have any idea what would happen soon after they finished the Passover meal. Fellowship has always been an important part of the life of God’s people. The coming together, the breaking of bread, the sharing of life with one another.

 

This evening we will share in the Lord’s Supper. It is once again a time of celebration and remembrance. God’s blessing is upon each one who will share in that meal. Clearly, not everyone will be able to make it tonight, but I encourage all who can to come and share this important time together. During the course of that evening Jesus shared with his disciples he explained virtually everything we need to understand about God’s relationship with us, our relationship with God and how our relationship with one another should work. So, on this World Communion Sunday, God is saying, “Come to the table.” I look forward to meeting you afresh there. Some of the greatest moments in life are shared around the table. God bless you!

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

 

Tuesday 9:30 Bible Study – studying Proverbs.

 

Today—World Communion Sunday—6:00 p.m. Love Feast—all are invited

 

October 4 12:00 Women’s Fellowship luncheon—soup and sandwiches.

 

October 12 Executive Committee

 

October 22—Soup supper fundraiser—more details to come

 

November 4 and 5 District Conference at the Peoria church

 

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

 

Donation Box: CWS blankets

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

La Place congregation; Florida; Puerto Rico; Jill McBride; Cecil; Mike Nuding; Michelle West; Carolyn Hirsch; Eli Brunner; Nancy Fansler; 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; Candy Dobson; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo & Darlene Hanaver; 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; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren; Ukraine; Hope Welty Library

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for the Polo 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.