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.