February 14 Sermon and Announcements

 

February 14, 2021

 

THE GREATEST LOVE STORY!

John 3:16-17

 

Today is Valentine’s Day! Husbands and boyfriends out there, I hope you did not forget. We are going to take a Sunday off from Romans and we will pick it up again next Sunday.

We are going to take a little time this morning to talk about the greatest love story of all time. The verses we read this morning help us to understand what true love is. We have all read these verses many times and have heard them discussed just as often. Especially verse 16. Four thousand years after God had created man, God recognized there was a big problem with his creation and the meaningful relationship he wanted to have. In spite of everything God had done for his people, there seemed to be something missing. God gave into the demands his people made, which included a desire to have rules spelled out that if the people obeyed would make them right with God. This was never what God wanted from his people, but he gave in during the time of Moses by giving a whole lot of rules, including the Ten Commandments.

God has always wanted to have a relationship with his people like he had in the very beginning with Adam and Eve. God has always wanted his people to share all their hopes and dreams, as well as questions and sorrows but that got shattered when Adam and Eve chose to listen to Satan rather than the God who had created them.

All throughout the Old Testament there were glimpses of what God wanted to do with the men and women he had created, but there was never the consistent relationship with a large number of people on an ongoing basis. The relationship became so broken between God and man he knew he had to do something different. So, the love story God always wanted to have with anyone who recognized just who he was and what he wanted took a new turn and went a direction that had never occurred before.

In John 3:16 we read, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” This new chapter in God’s love story with the people he created has now taken an unusual and unexpected turn. God became a man and came to Earth for two basic reasons.

(1) To help everyone understand what is available and how to live a life that not only is pleasing to God but also brings each person the most abundant life possible.

(2) And even more important, God in the flesh, Jesus Christ, came to once and for all to get us, God’s people, back in a right relationship with God.

Who was it that God was pouring out his love on? Was it a special group of people? No, we read “for God so loved the world.” God was making the same opportunity available to everyone. We see in the 17^th verse what God’s goal was. “God did not send Jesus to earth to condemn it, but to save all who would believe.”

I would like us to look at what Paul is saying to the church in Ephesus in Ephesians 5, verses 1 and 2. In these verses, we are encouraged to “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”  The example of sacrificial love God showed through Jesus should cause us to share that love not only with God but also those we come into contact with.

Paul is inspired by God to give another example of love and how it should work with us. Staying in Ephesians Chapter 5, verses 25-27, we read “Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her to make her holy. Cleansing her by washing with water through the word and to present her to himself as a radiant church without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.” What an incredible example of what God’s love can do for us. Because of God’s sacrifice out of love for us, his goal is for us to be holy and blameless. In these verses we also see God does not want us to believe this is only a love story between God and us, as individual believers. No, God expects us to share that love with our husbands and wives, our children, as well as other people God brings our way.

God has given us everything he can, even to the point of dying for our sins. In return, God wants us to make his love story for us a love story for all of his creation. God did not have to do what he has done for all of us. Sometimes showing love is hard. There are those who are not so lovable in the world, but that did not stop God. If we want others to understand what a great love story God has shared with us, we must share that same kind of selfless love God first showed us.

This Valentine’s Day God wants us to not only share his love with our families, but God also wants us to share his love story wherever and whenever we have the chance to. Happy Valentine’s Day and always remember—God loves you and no matter what, he will never stop loving you. Remember for God so loved the world. In other words, for God so loved you that he gave his only begotten son. The love story continues and always will. Have a blessed week!

Larry

Announcements

Every Tuesday 9:30 Bible Study. All are invited to attend. Cancellations happen sometimes because of the weather. Check with Nancy Born-Martin for more information.

Lenten Devotionals are available in the back of the sanctuary.

Remember to pick up Upper Room and Daily Bread issues, if you don’t have yours.

February 17 Ash Wednesday

New directories are in your mailbox.

Copies of the February newsletter are in the back of the sanctuary.

February 28 is a Q&A Session with Annual Conference Moderator Paul Mundey. The Illinois & Wisconsin District is excited to announce an upcoming Zoom Q&A Session with Paul Mundey on Sunday, February 28, from 2:30pm-4pm. This Zoom session will focus on the ‘state of the church.’ Both laity and clergy are urged to participate. The Zoom session will use a Q+A format; ‘any and all’ questions are invited. Joining Paul Mundey will be the other Annual Conference Officers: Dave Sollenberger, Moderator Elect, and Jim Beckwith, Annual Conference Secretary. A zoom link will be provided later. If you are interested, let Carol know and she will forward the zoom link to you. The last one we had was interesting and informative.

 

March 16 – 20 is the District Potluck via Zoom. There is worship and there are workshops. A description of workshops is on the bulletin board. More information will come soon.

 

Remember to check your mailboxes if you are at church.

 

Donation Box: Utilities

 

First Sundays: food donations for food banks

 

Prayer List

Holly Flenner; Carl and Wilma Cable; Larry Albro; Mike McCleery (Michelle Wright’s brother); Sherry Wright; Tim and Betty Sue Laird; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Sonna Hall; Brittany Wright; Evelyn Eads; Mike Gentry; Anna Gentry Thompson; Marlene & Arnold Schultz; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Gary Jesse; Norm & Marge Starr; 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 the 450,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; the unemployed; school teachers, staff, and students; wildfire and hurricane victims; District of IL/WI search committee; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; our nation’s government

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

Praise: A number of the girls abducted from the school in Chibok, Nigeria, escaped from their captors. Most of these girls belong to EYN, the CoB of Nigeria. However, at least 100 girls remain in captivity.

February 7 Sermon and Announcements

 

DO WE NEED A SPANKING?

Romans 2:1-11

 

Before we begin, I apologize for the title. I wasn’t thinking. After all, we need to realize spanking is a form of abuse and I would never condone that and of course neither would God, or would he? Today’s message again gets us wondering what in the world is Paul talking about.

 

Paul starts off in the first chapter of Romans saying what model Christians they are in the church at Rome, but then his message takes a drastic turn and just keeps on going. Paul is apparently hearing of some trends in the church that is causing him concern and he wants everyone on the same page before things get out of hand. Paul wants the church to be as honest and consistent as it can be. Just like there are those watching us Christians today, they were watching the church at Rome as well.

 

Paul had apparently not only heard the good reports about the church in Rome, but also some things that concerned Paul a great deal. Paul knew if the church was going to make a difference in Rome, the Christians had to be honest and believable. There was, it would seem, hypocrisy that had moved into some places in the church. We may have heard it said, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Some of this attitude had apparently crept into the church at Rome. Paul did not pull any punches. He made it clear what God’s attitude is about people who say one thing and do another. In the first four verses of the 2^nd chapter of Romans, Paul is warning about two different things. Paul is cautioning about passing judgement on others. As mere humans we better be careful how we view others. We may be getting a little ahead ourselves by looking at Romans 3:23 but it says, “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” As we said last week, we are to speak the truth in love as written in Ephesians 4:15. There may be a fine line between being judgmental and speaking the truth in love.

 

That being said, the second thing Paul was saying in those first four verses was do not be a hypocrite. Some in the church were not only telling people what is not acceptable to God, but the very things they were criticizing others about they themselves were doing. God does not expect us to be perfect, but God does want us to be honest about ourselves to others. Paul was reminding them just because you go to church and do some good things does not mean you can do things that are wrong in God’s eyes and pretend God does not see or care. The remaining verses we looked at this morning simply remind all who will pay attention that God is watching. God cannot accept unrepentant hypocrites. The truth is we all slip and stumble. The question for you and me as well as for the church in Rome is when we realize what we have done is wrong, do we confess to what happened? We do not necessarily have to confess to the church unless God calls us to do that, but we must be honest with God. If we have done something that may cause others to stumble, maybe God would want us to tell those affected we were wrong.

 

 

Paul was reminding the church that you and you alone will determine what happens when you breathe your last breath. Eternal judgement or eternal life. When you get right down to it, Paul was telling the church in Rome as well as us today to leave the judging to God. Your life can and will go much more smoothly if you leave it in God’s hands. God’s number one desire for his people is to love. In John 13:35 Jesus says they will know you are my disciples if you love one another. In the Romans 2:7 we are reminded—“to those who by persistence in doing good, seek glory, honor and immortality he will give eternal life.” What a promise!

 

God wants us to share love with all we come into contact with whether at the grocery store, Casey’s, or Dollar General. God wants us to show love and compassion with our families, friends and those we encounter in life. We are God’s hands, feet, mouth, and ears. We not only need to continue to encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ but allow God to show us how to be the best men and women of God we can be. While it looks like Paul is really hammering the church in Rome, he is just wanting to help them be the best they can be. We must share Jesus, the risen Savior, as often as we can. There is a community and a world that needs to see and hear from honest as well as humble Christians. The message is entitled, “Do we need a spanking?” I hope we do not but if we need to be reminded sometimes to take a look at where we are, that is okay. There is a contemporary artist, Steve Camp, from many years ago who had a song called “Shake Me to Wake Me.” I need that from time to time. If God did not love us, he would not care what we do. I believe God is ready to move right here in Cerro Gordo and he wants us to be right in the middle of it all.

Larry

Every Tuesday 9:30 Bible Study. All are invited to attend.

 

February 10 Executive Committee 7:00

 

Lenten Devotionals are available in the back of the sanctuary.

Remember to pick up Upper Room and Daily Bread issues, if you don’t have yours.

 

February 17 Ash Wednesday

 

New directories are in your mailbox.

 

Copies of the February newsletter are in the back of the sanctuary.

 

March 16 – 20 is the District Potluck via Zoom. There is worship and there are workshops. A description of workshops is on the bulletin board. More information will come soon.

 

Please place your offering in the plates at the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for your continued giving!

 

Remember to check your mailboxes.

 

Thank you for wearing masks and helping contain the spread of the virus. Extra masks are at the back of the sanctuary.

 

Donation Box: Utilities

 

First Sundays: food donations for food banks

 

Prayer List

Carl and Wilma Cable; Larry Albro; Mike McCleery (Michelle Wright’s brother); Sherry Wright; Tim and Betty Sue Laird; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Sonna Hall; Brittany Wright; Evelyn Eads; Mike Gentry; Anna Gentry Thompson; Marlene & Arnold Schultz; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Gary Jesse; Norm & Marge Starr; 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 the 450,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; the unemployed; school teachers, staff, and students; wildfire and hurricane victims; District of IL/WI search committee; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; our nation’s government

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

 

Praise: A number of the girls abducted from the school in Chibok, Nigeria, escaped from their captors. Most of these girls belong to EYN, the CoB of Nigeria. However, at least 100 girls remain in captivity.

January 31 Sermon and Announcements

 

ARE WE READY?

Romans 1:18-32

 

If you remember a couple weeks ago, we read in the first chapter of Romans that Paul wanted to visit the church in Rome but had been unable to get there so far. There is a distinct contrast between what was read two weeks ago and what we read today. Why would that be? What we read in verses 8-17 was all positive and empowering, but as Paul continued to speak to the church in Rome his message took a complete turn from what he had just been telling the church. In the 8^th verse Paul told the church how their faith had been reported all over the world. So why would he be suddenly telling the church in Rome God’s wrath is about to be revealed? While the church in Rome was apparently an active and vibrant place to worship, there are things going on in Rome that can potentially test their faith. Satan was alive and well in Rome 2000 years ago and he is alive and well in Illinois today as well. Paul was reminding them that a higher power is obvious to everyone and yet there are those who are intentionally ignoring the truth. Paul was reminding the church also about the fact that some people believe they are smarter than God or they believe God simply does not exist so you can forget about those religious nuts. Paul felt compelled to go down a list of things that are contrary to God’s will and desire for God’s people. Paul warns there are those who have chosen to worship what has been created by God rather than the God who created everything.

Paul further talks of how men and women are no longer being faithful to God by marrying a man and woman but have engaged in inappropriate behavior, men with men and women with women. Paul continues his warning since there are those who have totally rejected God and he has allowed them to do whatever they feel is right.

 

When we look at the examples Paul gave in verses 29-31, we see just how far from God some are willing to go. Throughout it all Paul reminds the church that deep down in their hearts they know what God expects but purposely and willing chose to do what they want to do instead. In fact, in verse 32 we read “Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death. They not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them. After Paul has said all of this to the church in Rome, I will ask the question one more time. Why was Paul throwing all of this out there to the church? After all, earlier in the 1^st chapter he was praising the church for its faith, so why would Paul do this? The reason is very simple. Paul knew what the Christians in Rome was exposed to every day of their lives. Rome was a booming center of everything at this time in history. You could see and do virtually everything under the sun. Paul knew even the strongest of Christians may have trouble resisting all the things Satan is throwing at them in Rome on a daily basis. Paul wanted to make sure the Christians in Rome truly knew what was in agreement with God and what was not. Paul felt compelled to write this letter because he had not been able to share with the church in person yet.

 

I am afraid sometimes we are mistaken and believe the early church just grew and grew and there were no distractions for them at all, which leads us to the church right here and now. Is there anything for us to learn from what Paul was telling the church in Rome? If Paul were here right now, would Paul be warning this church about anything to be on the lookout for? As we think about the variety of things Paul warned the church about how many are still valid problems facing the world today? There is one saying that goes, “The more things change, the more they stay the same.” Is that true when we look at what Rome was facing and look at what Christians in America are facing today? When I look at those of you here this morning and think of those who are watching elsewhere, I am not sure if many of you would struggle with any of the things mentioned by Paul. However, these are still examples of what the church is still dealing with in society. There are so many things that are competing for the heart and soul of everyone. It is your responsibility and mine to lift up God’s standards for all to see. Not because we believe we are better than anyone else, but because we want to see everyone have an honest opportunity at eternal life. We have a new generation that is being pulled in ways that is making a relationship with Jesus Christ very difficult to achieve. We as the church must find ways to break through the lies and share God’s truth and God’s love. Virtually everything mentioned by Paul are problems in today’s world as well as several others.

 

In Ephesians 4:15 we are encouraged to speak the truth in love. That is our goal; that is our mission. I am so thankful for each one of you faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. May we seek the Lord for wisdom and guidance. Through Christ we will prevail! To God be all glory, honor and praise!

 Larry

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Every Tuesday 9:30 Bible Study. All are invited to attend.

 

February 10 Executive Committee 7:00

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

 

Larry Albro; Carl and Wilma Cable; Sherry Wright; Tim and Betty Sue Laird; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Sonna Hall; Brittany Wright; Evelyn Eads; Mike Gentry; Anna Gentry Thompson; Marlene & Arnold Schultz; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Gary Jesse; Norm & Marge Starr; 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 the 435,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; the unemployed; school teachers, staff, and students; wildfire and hurricane victims; District of IL/WI search committee; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; our nation’s government

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

 

                       

Our Mission Statement:

Love God, grow with others, serve faithfully, reach the lost, find peace.

 

 

January 17 Sermon and Announcements

  

LET’S MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Romans 1:8-17

 

We are going to spend some time in the book of Romans. This is a letter Paul wrote to the church in Rome. In the verses we began with this morning, we see Paul is encouraging the church in Rome. The church in Rome, of course, was dealing with the Roman Empire and its leaders every day. It was a tough place to be a Christian because of the pressure put on them on a daily basis by the Emperor and his men. In spite of all that, the church has remained a witness for Christ under the most difficult conditions. Paul goes on to remind them he is praying for them on a regular basis. Paul has also pointed out how disappointed he is that he has not been able to meet with them face to face yet.

 

One of the reasons he wants to be with them in person is because he knows they can encourage one another in ways you just cannot do in a letter. Paul knows how important it is for brothers and sisters in Christ to meet on a regular basis. It gives you the chance to really know what is going on in one another’s life. Paul is also letting them know there is a lot of work to do in Rome. Paul went so far as to say there are those in Rome who are wise because they have received the gospel, but there also are those that do not have a clue. In the last two verses we read he gets right down to it. He did not want anyone to be unsure what the message of Christ really is. Paul says confidently and boldly in the 16^th verse that he is not ashamed of the gospel. He goes on to say the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. He is basically throwing the challenge down to the church in Rome. Paul is saying do not be distracted by what the government leaders are saying. They do not know Jesus Christ so all they are saying is foolishness. What God is promising through Jesus Christ is not some temporary feel-good moments. God is saying not only do I want to bless you now, but I also want to bless you for eternity. But you must not lose your focus and be distracted by the things the Roman Empire is dangling in front of you. You must stay strong. The 17^th verse then points out how it is possible to keep our eyes on God in spite of everything that is going on around you. If you refuse to give in to the pressure of the moment but instead realize and fully take hold of the fact that “in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith”. We must believe in and trust in God’s word. When we do that, we will grow in godly righteousness. A righteousness we can claim because of God’s love and commitment to us. The last part of the 17^th verse makes it clear whether you come to Christ early in life or late, it does not matter. The most important thing is the “the righteous of God will live by faith.” That was a challenge for the church in Rome and it is a challenge for us right here in America as well.

 

The most important thing for the church, whether it be in Rome 2000 years ago or right here in America today, is to realize we believe in a God that cares about his people. The points Paul made in these verses are reminding us what God cares about. The importance to pray for one another; the importance to gather together as a way to support and encourage each other. God wants to remind us there will always be things trying to pull us away from God. Satan will use a variety of ways to try to have us take our eyes from God. But most importantly, if we are truly holding onto these truths, we will be victorious. We must be willing to stand up for the Gospel of Jesus Christ because we know God will reward our faith with eternal life. May we recommit our lives to the God who loves us and cares about us. If we will go forward with faith in God, I believe 2021 will see us reach new heights, both individually and as his church.

Larry

Announcements

Every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. is Bible Study. All are invited to attend.

The church board met on January 13 to reorganize. New Executive Committee is Carol Kussart, board chair; Shirley Wright, nurture chair; Stacie Warren, stewards chair; Nora Hanaver, witness chair.

Messenger subscriptions are due January 31. Messenger is our church magazine, giving us information about our denomination, districts, and local congregations throughout our country and the world. For $14.50, you get 10 issues annually. Please let Carol know if you would like to be a new subscriber. If you now get Messenger, Carol will assume you want to continue unless you let her know otherwise.

Carl Cable and Evelyn Traxler are both at Hickory Point Christian Village--address is 565 West Marion Ave., Forsyth, IL 62535 

Carl is in Room 309.

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)

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

Keep in Your Prayers

Betty Sue Laird; Carl and Wilma Cable; Carol & Mike Seidenstricker; Brittany Wright; Sonna Hall; Evelyn Eads; Mike Gentry; Anna Gentry Thompson; Arnold & Marlene Schultz; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Adiline Young; ; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Gary Jesse; Norm & Marge Starr; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo & Darlene Hanaver; Zola Copeland and family; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders; the families of the 340,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; all who are ill with the virus; the unemployed; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of the wildfires and hurricanes; District of IL/WI; nursing home residents; our nation's government

Families of Barb Baker, Jeff Sawyer, and Lonnie Miller 

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

 

January 10 Sermon and Announcements

 We did not have services on January 3. We are pleased that we were able to have worship again yesterday, January 10. 

GOODBYE 2020, WELCOME 2021!

Philippians 3:1-16

 

Another Christmas has come and gone. Praying the Lord brought you some good memories and blessings this holiday season. That being said, there is much to reflect on about the year 2020. As is the case, each of us has different memories and thoughts about the year that has just ended. Clearly this year had elements to it unlike any other year whether you are a young person or someone who has already been blessed with many years on this earth. We experienced things this year unlike any other year. 2020 started like most had in January. We had some snow off and on last year but if anything, we began the year as a nation in a pretty good place. Unemployment across all ages and races was at all-time lows. Most of us were simply dealing with the normal things that we always do. Here at the Cerro Gordo Church of the Brethren, you were dealing with what to do after Tim and Betty Sue returned to Pennsylvania. The Cerro Gordo High School and Jr. High was still getting settled into their new and improved buildings. We were dealing with our own personal ups and downs, just like always. January pretty much came and went as usual.

 

Then February arrived and during the course of that month there began to be reports of a potentially dangerous virus that was found in parts of China. It was something health leaders were keeping an eye on, but the belief still was, or maybe the hope was, it would not really affect us.

 

Then came March. At first in February and March flights between the US and China were stopped, other than Americans being allowed to come home. Then not long after that flights from Europe to the United States were stopped. The corona virus was spreading and, in an attempt, to stop it in the America, flights leaving the United States and returning from many regions of the world were stopped.

 

Then it happened. States, especially those with large cities in them, started seeing cases of the corona virus increase, as well as hospitalizations and deaths attributed to the virus. Nationwide limits were imposed during this time. If you recall it was called “15 days to stop the spread”. We obviously know now the 15 days to stop the spread did not. Restrictions were somewhat lifted in some states while other states began taking restrictions to higher levels. Illinois has been one of those states that imposed more and more restrictions during the spring.  Those of us with loved ones in retirement or nursing facilities, as well as hospitals, were not allowed to see or be with our family members, even for a brief face-to-face visit.

There was clearly legitimate reason for this. It had become clear the oldest and those with health issues were and are the most vulnerable. During all of this, in May a black man died during the course of an arrest that then sparked marches and vandalism all across this country. That continued off and on through much of the summer. Some of the other changes that happened to everyday life during this time was schools quit having students attend across the country for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. Movie theatres closed, malls closed, restaurants closed, sporting events were cancelled. In other words, grocery stores and gas stations were about the only businesses allows to remain open during most of the spring. Even doctors and dentists did not see patients for much of the spring in a lot of the states in America. Finally, by summer some of the restrictions were eased. In much of the country, in more limited ways, many businesses were allowed to resume. Health issues of all kinds just did not stop because of the corona virus. Accidents still happened. Shootings, fires. In fact, some things have gotten worse because of this virus. Alcoholism, drug abuse, domestic violence and suicide have all increased during the corona virus, as well as unemployment. In many ways I hate to remind everyone of all of what 2020 represented, at least all the negative aspects.

 

Just to touch on a couple more things that were noteworthy, there was an election that took place in different ways than ever before. We celebrated birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and New Years Day as a nation much differently as well. Not everything was bad despite many of the negative things shared. Families found new ways to keep in touch with one another.  Our church chose to do services on Facebook that helped those unable to attend in person to keep up with their congregation. We saw babies welcomed into this world. There were marriages that took place. Under challenging circumstances, we as the church and we as a nation continue on.

 

We, as God’s people, need to continue to pray this nightmare and tragedy of coronavirus will soon end. There have been and there always will be difficult and challenging times in life. There is a saying that goes something like this. “Tough times do not last, tough people do.” God is calling us to continue to believe. God sees everything that has happened in the past and he sees what is going on today. The curse creation inherited when Adam and Eve ate the fruit they should not have is still in effect and will be until God says enough is enough. Never forget God loves you and knows what you are going through. God’s ultimate goal is for you and me to spend eternity with him. But we first go through the ups and downs this life provides before that day comes. Many of us have said goodbye to loved ones this year as they have gone ahead of to be with the Lord. The verses we read this morning to begin with tells that story. I pray we all humbly agree with what Paul was saying to the church in Philippi.

 

To close this morning, I hope each one of us takes to heart what Paul said in verses 13 and 14. As we leave behind 2020 and begin 2021, I pray we hold fast to these words and this message. “But one thing I do—Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

 

Happy New Year to each of you. God has great things in store for us. Just grab hold and believe. God loves you! Embrace the moment.

 

Announcements

Sundays: Sunday School 9:00; Worship 10: Please social distance and wear masks. We continue carrying our worship on facebook live. We are grateful that it reaches many people in and beyond our congregation.

January 13 New and old board members meet. Executive Committee 6:15; commissions 7:00; board 7:30

Donation Box: Utilities

 

First Sundays: food donations for food banks

******

 

 

Thank you to all who helped with the candy sales! It was very successful! At last count, we brought in $1138. A special thanks goes out to Robin Shively for all his help with the purchase of candy supplies!

 

Offering envelopes are by the copier if you would like a box for the year.

 

It is time for Messenger renewals or new subscriptions. Messenger is our denominational magazine and helps us keep up with what is going on across our country and the world in the Church of the Brethren. Included are also Bible studies and other thoughtful articles. If you do not currently subscribe and would like to, let Carol know by the end of January. If you currently subscribe, you need to do nothing to continue. The cost is $14.50 annually for 10 issues. This goes through the church, so your subscription money needs to be given to the church.

 

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)

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

Keep in Your Prayers

Carol & Mike Seidenstricker; Brittany Wright; Sonna Hall; Evelyn Eads; Mike Gentry; Anna Gentry Thompson; Arnold & Marlene Schultz; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Liam Martina; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Gary Jesse; Norm & Marge Starr; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo & Darlene Hanaver; Zola Copeland and family; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders; the families of the 340,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; all who are ill with the virus; the unemployed; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of the wildfires and hurricanes; District of IL/WI; nursing home residents

 Families of Barb Baker, Jeff Sawyer, and Lonnie Miller

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

Several Nigerian EYN (Church of the Brethren Nigeria) church buildings have been burned over the Christmas holidays, 12 people killed, and others kidnapped. Some of these church buildings had been rebuilt as recently as 3 years ago. Pray for the Nigerian people as they deal with these tragedies.

Our Mission Statement:

Love God, grow with others, serve faithfully, reach the lost, find peace.

 

Sermon and Announcements December 27, 2020

 

THEY FOLLOWED THE STAR

Matthew 2:1-15

 

For one more Sunday we will continue to look at the amazing things that happened when Jesus was born. Today we read about the Magi that came looking for the future king who they knew was to be born. They came to Jerusalem looking for the newborn king, knowing that was the center of the Jewish world. They obviously believed this newborn king probably was born to someone in a position of leadership. Of course when Herod heard of this, he was alarmed that men had come from so far away to pay their respects to this newborn king. He knew this must be a big deal and could present a problem to his leadership in the region. Herod called on the Jewish scholars to find out what these men from the east were talking about.

 

We looked at the question last week of whether any of the Jewish leaders still believed in the promises made thru Isaiah 700 years earlier. It would appear the answer to that question is no. It took the Magi from the east to remind the Jewish leaders of that promise from so long ago. But once they heard about the possibility they knew where to look to find the answer that the Magi and King Herod was looking for. It was King Herod who sought out the Jewish scholars to see what the Magi was talking about. When King Herod got the answer he was looking for, he called the Magi in and told them, “You will find the child in Bethlehem. Go and find him. Then send word back to me so I too can worship this newborn king.”

 

We do not know for sure how much time elapsed from when the shepherds celebrated the birth of Jesus until the wise men arrived. We do see Mary, Joseph and Jesus are now living in a house in Bethlehem. The wise men did not find him still in a manger. I cannot help but think Jesus is still a small baby. Otherwise, they probably would have gone back to Nazareth. Nazareth was obviously where Joseph and Mary’s family were from. The wise men brought three gifts to the newborn king. Each one had an important meaning.

(1)  Gold for, no doubt, a king.

(2)  Incense is often used to celebrate those who are of royalty.

(3)  Myrrh was used often for embalming, symbolizing what the Messiah would do for the people. 

 

Once the wise men paid their respects, God warned them not to go back and tell Herod where this new king was, so they went back to their country a different way. God also warned Joseph in a dream what King Herod was up to. So almost the minute the Magi left, Joseph loaded up Mary and Jesus and left for Egypt.

 

Matthew recognized, as he recorded all these events, that Hosea 11:1 talked of God’s son being called out of Egypt. God once again proved that he is in control, even when things may seem out of control. We again also see Joseph being the man called on to care for both Mary and the future Savior of the world. We see Joseph took the responsibility he had been given very seriously. No one was going to harm this boy whom God was going to use to do amazing things. One must wonder though just how Joseph felt about this boy that many would think was his boy throughout the early years of Jesus’ life. I can only imagine both the sense of pride and responsibility he had to feel. God had given Joseph the important job of being the man that would help to mold Jesus during those early years. And while Joseph knew Jesus was a special man that had come from God, he still felt early on, “Jesus is my boy, my responsibility”. Joseph probably wanted to simply enjoy the moment. We know how much Mary stored up all the things she was told and how a mother has a special bond with her child, but I cannot help but think that this was a special time for Joseph also. After all, God chose Joseph for this special world-changing moment. With all that, Joseph probably still wanted some time just to enjoy his son he has been blessed to raise.

 

There is a song by Mercy Me called “Joseph’s Lullaby” that may tell how Joseph felt about everything happening surrounding the birth of the Messiah. As we close the service today, I would like you to listen to what this song says and for those who are parents, see if you can relate to everything that is said in the song.

Larry

Announcements

Every Tuesday at 9:30--Bible Study--all are welcome to attend.

New offering envelopes are available by the copy machine.

Please check your mail boxes.

January 10, after worship--Council Meeting

January 13--board meeting with old and new board members

Please place your offering in the locked box at the back of the sanctuary or mail to the church at PO Box 45, Cerro Gordo. Thanks you for your continued giving!

December 31--New Year's Eve

January 1, 2021--New Year's Day

Have a blessed New Year! 

Sermon December 20

 

 

I AM DOING A NEW THING.

WILL YOU MAKE ROOM?

Isaiah 43:18-19; Luke 2:1-20

 

For several weeks now we have used Isaiah as the starting point for our scripture and our message. We have read in Isaiah God’s people were told someone would come to prepare the people for what was about to happen. Then they were told the unbelievable way God would bring things about to change the world. Of all things Isaiah told them a virgin would have a child and this is how it would all begin. Continuing in Isaiah today, we see God is warning and encouraging his people to forget the past, He is going to do a new thing. God said, “I am going to change everything.” God asks the question, “Do you believe it?”

 

We move ahead to the 2^nd chapter of Luke. After 700 years God is fulfilling the promises made so long ago. After 700 years though, it is hard to tell how many had still held onto the promise made through Isaiah to God’s people. Had it been lost through the years? Had the people simply conceded that God is never going to change the way things are? What is the use believing anything will ever change?

 

So now here we are in Luke seeing how God’s timing is at work. First the Savior is to come from Bethlehem as written hundreds of years earlier in Micah 5:2. God has to see to it Joseph and Mary leave Nazareth where they lived and are at Bethlehem at just the right time. After all, God keeps his promises. Then God wanted to make sure it was recorded for all time the Savior of the world did not enter this world in the most comfortable setting. The way Jesus came into the world was a preview of how many would not make room for the Savior of the world, not just in their homes but their hearts.

 

The first to greet Jesus into the world were not kings and queens. It was not priests or other important Jewish leaders. No, it was those who maybe were not the most admired or respected in their world. The first to greet the Savior of the world were shepherds who were in a nearby field. The shepherds first had to overcome their doubts and fears of what they said and heard.

 

We at times think what some experienced in the Bible was not that hard to accept. Many of us have read or heard these stories so many times they just become easy to accept. But just as you and I would be asking ourselves, “Am I really seeing and hearing what I think or am I dreaming or what?” On this occasion, in spite of how powerful this experience was for the shepherds, this was a lot to take in. First an angel appears out of nowhere. Then, as if that were not enough, a choir of angels appear and start singing a song proclaiming what was happening. To say this is not something the shepherds experienced everyday would be an understatement. Once the angels left the shepherds, you can bet they began to talk to one another making sure they all agreed they had seen the same thing. Then once they calmed down, they probably said to each other, “Well there is one way to prove whether we have been out with the sheep too long and simply need a break or whether something really special is happening that we were the first to learn about.”

 

Not many babies are going to be born in a manger and the odds of a baby being in a manger like they were told is going to be about zero unless God is behind this. So off they go to Bethlehem. When the shepherds got there, they found everything to be just like they were told. They were so excited they told Mary and Joseph everything they had seen and heard that evening. We see that Mary stored all those things in her heart. Even though we do not know Joseph’s reaction, you have to know once again it was confirmed to him this is where God wanted him. How blessed both Mary and Joseph had to feel to be part of what God was about to do.

 

When Jesus came to the world, the world was lost in spiritual darkness, even God’s people had mostly lost their way. How much different is our world today? It would be easy to say, “What’s the use? Nothing is going to get better or change.” But the Savior of the world did come to shine light in the darkness. Jesus is still changing lives. The baby born over 2,000 years ago in that manger is still transforming lives. As we close this morning, I would like to ask two basic questions.

1.)   Do we believe God did and is still doing a new thing?

2.)   Will we, have we, made room in our hearts for the Savior of the world?

 

I pray each and every one of us is able to answer these questions yes I do and yes I have. This is the message we need to pray for the world to receive as well. Nothing will ever truly change in our lives or in our world until we make room in our hearts for Jesus.

 Larry