September 12 Sermon and Announcements

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

September 12, 2021

 

Can We Get an Amen?

ACTS 15:1-14, 19-20, 36-41

 

As we begin looking at what is happening among the believers this morning, we see there are some of the Jewish converts that believe the way to follow Christ has two basic steps to it. The first step is you must accept the Law of Moses and all that involves; then you will be ready to accept the teachings of Christ. There once again is a dispute that has arisen that basically says to be a Christian you must do things that way. All of the first to receive God’s message of salvation through what Jesus Christ did on the cross were of the Jewish faith. It would seem some were clinging to the belief you must become a Jew before you can become a Christian. We first saw Peter have the vision from God about the kingdom being made available to the Gentiles. It has been reinforced in every chapter ever since. Actually, the first reference of God opening the kingdom to everyone began with Saul’s conversion in chapter 9. We read in the first verse this morning that some point blank stated that if you are not circumcised as was the custom starting back in Moses time, you could not be saved. To this point, in the previous chapters, not a lot was said about what the requirements for the Gentiles should be. Paul and Barnabas as well as some of the other believers left to go to Jerusalem to address this latest controversy. As they made their way back to Jerusalem, they stopped at each church along the way to remind the churches how God was working in the lives of the Gentiles. When Paul and Barnabas first arrived back in Jerusalem, they reported on all the great things God was doing building churches in every town. Then some of the Jewish believers who had been part of the very rigid group called Pharisees stood up and said all that is well and good but these Gentiles must be circumcised and obey the Law of Moses.

 

After what was certainly considerable debate, Peter stood up and reminded everyone of the fact that God had confirmed the message with the Gentiles the same way as with the Jewish converts. Peter turned the tables by asking the question, “Why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of these disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear?” Peter made it not a debate between men but a debate or a dispute with God. Peter reminded them we are saved by grace through Jesus Christ. In other words, we have never been able to earn our salvation and we never will. Then it seems Paul and Barnabas jumped back in to describe all the incredible things God was doing among the Gentiles in the church.

 

Then yet another apostle, James, quoted the Old Testament in verses 16—18, which we did not read, to show this day was foretold long ago through the prophets. After James listened carefully to all the different points that were made, the Holy Spirit led him to add his opinion. James said there are a few things we might want to have the Gentile believers avoid, but otherwise we must trust the same Holy Spirit that is guiding us to guide them as well.

 

We again skipped verses 21-35 but they basically tell us the church in Jersusalem agreed with what Paul, Barnabas, Peter and James said. Afterwards the church sent not only Paul and Barnabas but also Silas and Judas (called Barsabas) back to Antioch. After a while they felt led to check in with many of the churches they had helped start. We see, though, that this dynamic duo had a major disagreement. All through the years together they were seemingly always on the same page. But apparently John Mark was there in Antioch, and Barnabas wanted him to go out with them on that next missionary trip. If you recall, though, back in the 13^th chapter John Mark abruptly left Paul and Barnabas. We can see now Paul was not happy with him abandoning the work that God was doing.

 

Barnabas was ready to give John another chance, but clearly Paul did not believe it was worth the risk. So, we read after Paul and Barnabas had what I am sure was a very intense heart to heart, they came to the conclusion Barnabas would take John Mark and they would go to the churches in Cyprus, and Paul would take Silas and go the churches in Syria and Cilicia. We can see even the most committed believers can, on occasions, have disagreements.

 

We started off the 15^th chapter with a debate of what should be called the right way to be obedient and faithful to God, and we closed out the chapter with a sharp disagreement between two of the most important apostles for especially the Gentile believers. What is so encouraging in both cases was a way was found to keep moving forward for God. When believers are truly willing to seek God’s wisdom and guidance, there will always be a way. With the first disagreement, God through the power of the Holy Spirit got everyone to agree with the right way to share the word of God and receive salvation. The second disagreement found Paul and Barnabas in some ways agreeing to disagree. We are led to believe God did not allow this disagreement to stand in the way of the message of salvation to continue to go forward.

 

The title today is “Can we get an amen?” It should always be an exciting time when disputes or disagreements occur and yet we do not let it destroy the relationship God has established. God wants his church to emphasize the things we can agree on without compromising on the true message of Christ for our church, our community, our world, our lives.

 

God is continuing to show us valuable lessons of how to work with one another to achieve God’s purpose of reaching our world with the lifesaving message of Christ that should always be the most important focus. May we here in this church be examples of love, mercy and grace to our community. There will be times we do not always agree on everything in our church, as well as our families and elsewhere. If we follow the example shown us in the 15^th chapter of Acts, we will see God’s love and it will win the day. To which will lead us to say in our own ways when it comes to serving God and sharing the message of Christ’s love, mercy and righteousness: Can I get an Amen?

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

 

Bible Study 9:30 Tuesday

 

October 2 All church wiener roast 4:00 at Shirley & Oren’s. Sign up sheet for food in the back. Women’s Fellowship will provide hotdogs, buns, tableware. Beverages will also be provided.

 

October 3 World Communion Sunday—bread and cup communion during worship

 

October 9 Rummage sale at Brethren Church to benefit the Lord’s Storehouse. Take items to Katie or Amy.

 

November 5, 6 District Conference--Delegates are still needed

 

Offering plates are in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you!

 

Donation Box: Pastor’s Assistance Fund

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

Betty Sue Laird and family; family of Sherry Wright; Kres Lipscomb; Marlene Schultz; Randy West; Jen Durst; Sarah Rudelick; Sydney (Nancy Gorrell’s niece); Tera Runyan; Carl and Wilma Cable; Marge Starr; Mike Gentry; Larry Albro; Mike McCleery; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Sonna Hall; Brittany Wright; Anna Gentry Thompson; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Gary Jesse; 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 660,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; the unemployed; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren

 

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

 

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.

September 5 Sermon and Announcements

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

September 5, 2021

 

The gods have come to earth!

ACTS 14:8-20

Chapter 14 begins with Paul and Barnabas at Iconium. They went to the Jewish synagogue there and a great number of both Jews and Gentiles believed their message. They again angered the Jews who did not believe and actually, in spite of everything Paul and Barnabas had done, some of the Jews and Gentiles were convinced Paul and Barnabas were wrong. Because of that, they spent a considerable amount of time with the people of Iconium. God even enabled them to perform miraculous signs and wonders while they were there. Eventually the city broke into two groups: those who believed the Jews who opposed Paul and Barnabas, and those who believed and supported God’s message. Ultimately, among the unbelievers a plot developed to stone Paul and Barnabas. However, Paul and Barnabas learned of their plans and left the city before they could cause them harm.

 

This is what was happening int the first 7 verses of Chapter 14 of Acts. We now see Paul and Barnabas have come to the town of Lystra. As soon as they get there, they encounter a man lame from birth. This man was in a position to hear what Paul was teaching, and obviously Paul took notice of him. Something about the man led Paul to believe his faith was so strong that healing was possible for the lame man. Without hesitation Paul looked at this man and boldly said to him, “Stand up on your feet.” Immediately the man jumped up and began to walk. Can you imagine? We all either know of people who could use this kind of miracle or have seen people who have serious physical limitations that would love to have God’s power displayed in such a way for them. When the crowd in this place realized what just had happened before their eyes they said, “gods have come down to us in human form!” They even knew who they were. They called Barnabas, Zeus and Paul, Hermes. These were two gods who were historically viewed in a positive way in Lystra. There was even a temple there in honor of Zeus. So when they saw this unbelievable miracle happen right before their eyes, some of the people were convinced the gods they had honored for generations had come to earth and had done this miracle. Once Barnabas and Paul realized what was happening, they immediately shouted, “Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. We bring you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God who made Heaven and Earth and sea and everything in them.” They then went on to show how God had allowed nations to go their own way even though his mercy and grace was always on display. Even though Paul and Barnabas tried to convince them they were men entrusted with the message of hope and salvation, many still wanted to treat them as gods. Apparently, many ultimately believe Paul and Barnabas were just men because some of the Jewish leaders from Antioch and Iconium found out they were in Lystra. They came to town and convinced many in the town to turn against Paul. They actually stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city to die. As it turned out, some of Paul and Barnabas’ supporters went to Paul and gathered around him. Paul got up, went back into the city, and the next day left for the city of Derbe.

 

Chapter 14 closes out by telling us they preached for a while in Derbe with good success. They then left and went back to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch--places that Paul and Barnabas saw the Lord move in a powerful way and yet also saw Satan deceive many who lived in those cities as well. Their main focus while in each of those cities was to strengthen the existing church and its leaders.

 

Paul and Barnabas had experienced the incredible power of God in all these places and extreme trials in each of these places as well. They honestly shared what had been happening and gave the churches a dose of reality. Those of us who are believers will go through many hardships before we enter the ultimate kingdom of God. At each church before they left, they appointed elders to continue God’s work. They prayed with the elders and laid hands on them, seeking God’s power and blessing before they moved to the next town. Paul and Barnabas finally returned back to what had become home. Back to Antioch and the support of the church God used as a safe haven for both Paul and Barnabas. They loved telling their home church what God was doing among the Gentiles throughout the region. The chapter ends by saying Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch a long time.

 

We can see in these verses today that we should not let the highs get too high or the lows too low. Unlike Herod who we read about a couple weeks ago that loved being viewed as a god, Paul and Barnabas quickly pointed out “we are men just like you.” It would have been easy to give in to the praise that was coming their way, but they never lost sight of the fact that everything that was happening should be used to point people to God through what Jesus Christ did on the cross. In spite of lots of successes there were many things that God used to keep Paul and Barnabas humble and focused. We also see the importance of having a place you can rest and feel safe. Antioch had become that place for Paul and Barnabas. I am convinced Antioch was a place they could move about in safety among believers who loved them and gave them support.

 

As we look at what this chapter is telling us as believers today, I am convinced we are being reminded there will be good days and there will be bad days. At times we may feel like we are on top of the world and times we are in the deepest pit there could ever be. The same God that is with you on the mountaintop will sustain you when you are in the pit. Sometimes we may eventually understand why things are happen the way they do and other times we may never understand. The important thing is, no, the essential thing is, to keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus Christ our Lord. He is our refuge in times of trouble and our biggest cheerleader when things are going well. Also, we are reminded that our church family should be that safe place we can turn for encouragement and safety. Our safe haven when the storms of life come our way, the place we can turn to, to get our batteries recharged. That is one of the most important reasons God has caused the church to exist. May our Church be that place where we can find peace and encouragement. Yes, when it comes to the word of God, we do have an obligation from time to time to speak the truth in love to one another. But God wants our Church to be that place where we can be honest about who we are. Our goal, God’s goal, is to help one another be whatever God is calling us to be. The 14th chapter once again shows how God wants us as the Church to be there for one another. When that happens God can do great things through us, His Church, His people. And NO the gods have not come to earth, but the creator God is living in us and through us as the Holy Spirit moves and empowers us every day, if we will let him.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

 

Bible Study 9:30 Tuesday

 

September 8 Church Board—6:15 Exec Comm; 7:00 Commissions; 7:30 Board

 

September 11 4:30 – 7:00 United Methodist Women’s fall dinner

 

October 2 All church wiener roast

October 9 Rummage sale at Brethren Church to benefit the Lord’s Storehouse. Take items to Katie or Amy.

 

November 5, 6 District Conference--Delegates are still needed

 

Offering plates are in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you!

 

Donation Box: Pastor’s Assistance Fund

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

Marlene Schultz; Randy West; Jen Durst; Sarah Rudelick; Sydney (Nancy Gorrell’s niece); Tera Runyan; Tim and Betty Sue Laird; Carl and Wilma Cable; Marge Starr; Mike Gentry; Larry Albro; Mike McCleery; Sherry Wright; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Sonna Hall; Brittany Wright; Anna Gentry Thompson; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Gary Jesse; 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 660,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; the unemployed; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren

 

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

 

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.

August 29 Sermon and Announcements

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

August 29, 2021

 

PAUL IS ON THE JOB!

ACTS 13:1-12, 26-51

 

Last week we saw on the one hand Barnabas and Saul had returned from Antioch to do 2 things: report what had been happening in Antioch and to also bring food and other things to the church leaders in Jerusalem so they could distribute those to the believers in the region. If you recall Agabus, a prophet of the Lord, had come to Antioch when Barnabas and Saul were there and he predicted a famine that was coming to the region. The last verse of Chapter 12 has been interpreted two ways. Both could be right and it may have been meant to tell the 2 different things Barnabas and Saul were doing. One version is that Barnabas and Saul had returned to Jerusalem after their year in Antioch. The other is to say after Barnabas and Saul had checked in the with church in Jerusalem, they left again to check in with the church in Antioch, this time taking John Mark with them. Chapter 13 begins with Barnabas and Saul in Antioch. We see the leaders of the church in Antioch being listed and if you noticed the first name mentioned is Barnabas, the last name mentioned is Saul. Some suggest this order is not an accident or random but listed in the order of most important to the least important on this very small list. I am sorry to share all these details but it helps us understand how the early Church was doing things.

 

After Barnabas and Saul had returned to Antioch the church was praying, and the Holy Spirit revealed it was time for Barnabas and Saul to continue the mission the Lord had for them. After fasting, praying, and the laying on of hands, they were sent on their way. This time John Mark was also helping in the ministry God had in mind for them. They ultimately travelled to the Island of Cyprus and took the word of God all over that island. After they had been there awhile a very important man name Sergius Paulus wanted to hear what Barnabas and Saul had to say. But there was a sorcerer who was very close to this man who tried to prevent Sergius from talking to Barnabas and Saul. We see at this time another transition happens to the church in that, for the first time, while Barnabas and Saul were at Cyprus, Saul is now being called Paul. Tired of the road blocks this sorcerer was trying to create, Paul boldly takes a stand. Paul looks Elymas straight in the eye and says, “You are a child of the devil and an enemy of everything that is right!” What would be the reaction if we in the church took that kind of no excuses stand as we stand up for the word of God? Sometimes some will do this when you are talking baseball or politics, but what is really important and truly life changing is God’s word. How likely are we to take a stand like that for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Not only did Paul take Elymas on about what he was trying to do by deceiving the people, but Paul had the confidence in the Lord to say there would be at least a short-term attention-getter for him as well, telling him that for a time he would be unable to see. When this all happened just as Paul said, Sergius was amazed and believed what Paul and Barnabas had been saying about the Lord. We did not read verses 13-25 in this chapter, but if we did, we would see a couple of things of note. We see the three left Cyprus and ultimately ended up in a city called Pisidian Antioch. Before Paul and Barnabas arrived there John Mark left and went back to Jerusalem. Sometimes we may look at what that all means but I do not believe Paul was happy John Mark left them.

 

When Paul and Barnabas had settled in at Pisidian Antioch, on the Sabbath they went to the synagogue. After they sat quietly listening to the reading of the word, they were asked by the rulers of the synagogue if they had something to say to them. Immediately Paul got up and started talking to all who were gathered and gave them a history lesson.

 

Going back to the time of Moses and going forward from there, this gets us back to the second half of what we read this morning. Paul addresses the group as children of Abraham and as Gentiles. Paul then fast forwards to what happened with Jesus. Paul points out scripture from old that many are familiar with to show Jesus was foretold long ago through King David, pointing out how Jesus was different from all of us including David. When we all die, we will face decay but it was foretold the Savior will never face decay in spite of dying a physical death just like everyone else does.

 

We see so many were impressed with what Paul had to say they invited Paul and Barnabas to come back and tell them more on the next Sabbath. The next week a huge crowd gathered, and that fact did not go unnoticed. The leaders of the Jewish synagogue were jealous with how many wanted to hear about Jesus the Messiah. They talked badly about Paul and Barnabas, but with a unified voice Paul and Barnabas responded. They told the Jewish leadership in a rather sarcastic way that since you reject this message and do not want eternal life, we will now take our message to the Gentiles. If you recall earlier in Acts when Saul had his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, Jesus stated, “You will be my messenger to the Gentiles.” Because of God’s love for Israel and Jewish people he felt obligated to once more give the Jewish people another chance and they yet again rejected Jesus as Lord and Savior. The Jewish peoples’ loss was the Gentiles gain. The Jewish leaders were so mad, they again stirred up men and women alike against Paul and Barnabas so much so that Paul and Barnabas literally shook the dust from their feet as they left town as a way of saying we tried all we could but now we are done with you. In many ways you know that had to hurt Paul and Barnabas because both were of Jewish heritage but yet we read that they were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. They knew they had done everything in their power to draw people to Christ and, as much as they would have loved for the Jewish leadership to embrace Jesus as Lord and Savior, they knew they had nothing to feel badly about, and the Holy Spirit had given them peace about it all.

 

In closing this morning, let’s touch on a few things we as God’s Church today can learn from what we read today. For one thing we are reminded how important it is to have a common vision in the church. We see the importance of some things we may do regularly and some that are not as common. The importance of prayer, fasting and the laying on of hands empowers us as the church to see God’s plans fulfilled. Next, we see the importance of doing what is written in Ephesians 4:15, “To speak the truth in love.” Paul was being very blunt with the man who was trying to block God’s word from going forward. He was even empowered to announce there would be a short-term penalty for what he was doing. Next, we see there is a time and place to confront our brothers and sisters when there is a disagreement. Paul was not happy that John Mark was leaving the work God had called the three of them to do, but that was not the time to deal with it. Finally, we see there is just so much God expects us to do when are dealing with one another. We can push hard as long as we can but then know when enough is enough. If we have honestly done all we can, it is time to release it to God and if we allow it, God will bring peace to us. There is one more subtle change that has happened. For the last couple of chapters Barnabas was mentioned first, then Saul. Half way through the 13^th chapter Paul is mentioned ahead of Barnabas. To God a change of roles has officially occurred. Stay tuned.  

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

 

Bible Study 9:30 Tuesday

Sept 1 Newsletter submissions deadline

Sept 5 Bring backpack school supplies by this date and put them in the container at the back of the sanctuary.

Sept 3 – 6 Family Camp at Camp Emmanuel

September 8 Church Board

 

We can still use 2 more delegates for District Conference, November 5 (worship) and 6 (business). It is virtual this year, so you won’t have to leave your arm chair. Talk to Carol or Larry if you are willing.

 

October 2 All church wiener roast sponsored by Women’s Fellowship

October 9 Rummage sale at Brethren Church to benefit the Lord’s Storehouse. Take items to Katie or Amy.

 

Offering plates are in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you!

 

Donation Box: AC Bills

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

Mike Martin family; Marge Starr and family; Jen Durst; Sarah Rudelick; Sydney (Nancy Gorrell’s niece); Tera Runyan; Tim and Betty Sue Laird; Carl and Wilma Cable; Mike Gentry; Larry Albro; Mike McCleery; Sherry Wright; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Sonna Hall; Brittany Wright; Anna Gentry Thompson; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Gary Jesse; 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 635,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; the unemployed; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren

 

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

 

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.

August 22 Sermon and Announcements

 We are sorry about the brief break in posting sermons and announcements. Life happens and we just didn't get them posted. Back to the routine now.

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

August 22, 2021

 

IT IS UP TO GOD

ACTS 12:1-25

 

As we see what is now happening to the Christians in Acts, almost a year has gone by since Jesus’ death on the cross. To get an understanding of the timing, we can simply see that in verses 3 and 4. In the 3^rd verse we can see that James had just been killed by King Herod and King Herod decided to arrest Peter. It happened to be during the Feast of the Unleavened Bread. In the 4^th verse, we can see this happened just before Passover. Of course, Passover was going on when Jesus was arrested and ultimately crucified.

 

Now to go back to the verses 1 and 2 in the 12^th chapter, we see it is now King Herod that is taking the lead in arresting and persecuting the Church. He even had James, one of Jesus’ original disciples, killed by the sword in execution manner. King Herod saw how happy the Jewish leadership was about the killing of James, so he went after possibly the most outspoken and effective apostle of them all, Peter. We see he arrested Peter and made him so secure you would have thought he had an army at his disposal or was Harry Houdini. How many of you know who Harry Houdini was? He was probably the greatest escape artists of all time. King Herod put Peter in jail and had him guarded by four squads of soldiers with four soldiers in each squad, 16 men were to guard this one man. King Herod did not want to ruffle too many feathers so he had decided to wait until after Passover to have the public spectacle of a trial. We read the day before the trial, actually during the night, something absolutely amazing happened. In verse 5 we read while Peter was in prison the church was praying earnestly to God on his behalf. Clearly, the prayer chain had been activated and someone or groups of people were praying nonstop around the clock for Peter’s release or escape, or looking for something good to happen. Then it happened! Peter was guarded in the cell by two guards. He was in chains and the other guards were posted throughout the prison to prevent Peter from somehow getting away. But what is it that can stop God and his plans for our lives? NOTHING!

 

In spite of everything King Herod had done to prevent Peter from having any chance of getting away, an angel sent from the Lord changed everything. If you notice what was said in these verses, Peter was simply told to get up, put your clothes and sandals on, wrap a cloak around yourself and follow me. The chains had fallen off. Peter and the angel simply walked by every guard who was there watching. It does not say they were asleep or in a trance. The angel and Peter just walked by as if they could not even see them. Once on the street and out of the prison, the angel left Peter. Peter promptly went to where he knew the apostles and others were. Peter gets there, knocks on the door and a girl answers the door. She is so stunned by who is knocking on the door, she does not even open the door but tells those in the house that Peter is there. They told her, “You are out of your mind!” Yet she insisted. They went as far as to come up with the crazy answer that it must be Peter’s ghost. These are men and women of faith and yet they came up with this crazy way to explain what this girl thought she had seen. Peter kept on knocking, probably thinking what in the world are you doing in there. Someone may see me standing out here and I am a sitting duck. Open the stupid door! That is probably what I would have been thinking. They finally opened the door and sure enough it was Peter in the flesh. Peter ultimately decided not to endanger those staying there but told the people there to tell James and the other apostles who were not there that he is all right and will catch up with them later.

 

Once King Herod found out what happened, he ordered the men who had been in charge of guarding Peter to be executed as well because he felt they had made him look bad in the eyes of the public. King Herod was apparently going around to the surrounding towns doing damage control and some of the people from Trye and Sidon wanted to talk to the King about keeping supply lines open for themselves. When they went in to talk to King Herod, he was all decked out and they started laying it on good saying that King Herod was the voice of a god. Instead of correcting them, he soaked it all in and then it happened. An angel of the Lord struck him down and he did not just die. He was even eaten by worms. Looks like what goes around, come around. We do not know if this was the same angel that led Peter’s escape or not but somehow, I believe it was.

 

Though all of this, we see the church continues to grow and spread throughout the region. The chapter concludes by telling us when Barnabas and Saul’s year in Antioch was over, they returned to Jerusalem bringing with them a man by the name of John Mark. There is a lot going on here in this chapter. We see that James was killed by King Herod and yet Peter is led by an angel to escape what would have been almost certain death. Why? Did the church care more about Peter than James? Did God care more about Peter than James? Of course, the answer is no. God loves and cares about all of his sons and daughters just the same. Then why did it have to happen this way? As much as I hate this answer, the fact is, we just sometimes do not have all the answers. We have seen similar things happen in our own lives and our loved ones’ lives as well. God answers a prayer we have been praying for on this occasion, but we do not see the answer so many have prayed for over here. There are not easy answers sometimes. That is just the way it is. Should we give up on our faith in God if things do not work out like we want? Boy, I hope we won’t. Sometimes God is simply asking us, “Do you trust me?”

 

Later in this chapter we are reminded God sees what is happening in the life of his believers and his Church. King Herod ultimately paid an earthly price for his arrogance. I guarantee you everyone knew how things ended for him. We read once again that through it all the Church keeps on moving forward. It seems like God is bringing me back to that theme over and over again lately, but I am convinced God is saying the same thing to us today.

 

There are a list of things going on in America and the world today that could have the Church and its people saying, “What the use? What is the point? Does God really see what is going on? What are you waiting for God?” Just like with the early Christians, at times it would have been understandable if they gave up, but they did not and we should be thankful that God kept encouraging them and moving them forward. That message is as valid and real today as it was 2000 years ago. Jesus is still on the throne at the right hand of the Father. We will be victorious. We simply must understand that everything is up to God and his timing.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

 

 

Bible Study 9:30 Tuesday

 

Backpack school supplies are needed by Sunday, Sept. 5. Please put them in the container at the back of the sanctuary.

 

District Conference is November 5 and 6 and is virtual this year. We need 2 more delegates (Carol & Larry are delegates). Talk to Carol or Larry if you are willing.

 

Sept 3 – 6 Family Camp at Camp Emmanuel

September 8 Church Board

 

October 2 All church wiener roast sponsored by Women’s Fellowship

October 9 Rummage sale at Brethren Church to benefit the Lord’s Storehouse. Take items to Katie or Amy.

 

Offering plates are in the back of the sanctuary. Thank you!

 

Donation Box: AC Bills

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

Marge Starr and family; Linda Martin and family, Andy Black and family; Jen Durst and family; Sarah Rudelick; Sydney (Nancy Gorrell’s niece); Tera Runyan; Tim and Betty Sue Laird; Carl and Wilma Cable; Mike Gentry; Larry Albro; Mike McCleery; Sherry Wright; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Sonna Hall; Brittany Wright; Anna Gentry Thompson; Clyde and Nancy Fansler; Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Dylan Junior; Doug Fansler; Liza Yore; Candy Dobson; Anna Rose Larrick; Gary Jesse; 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 621,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; the unemployed; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren; the situation in Afghanistan

 

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

 

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.

August 1 Sermon and Announcements

 

August 1, 2021

 

WHAT HAS CHANGED YOUR LIFE?

ACTS 9:1-31

 

Starting a couple of weeks ago we saw a man by the name of Saul emerge as one of those who is seeking to destroy the early church. Saul gave his approval for the stoning of Stephen. Saul then turned his attention to the church that remained in Jerusalem, even going door to door rounding up both men and women to throw them in jail or even worse. We read this morning that Saul is determined to follow these Christians wherever they go with the intention of arresting them and throwing them in jail, just like in Jerusalem. Saul asked the high priest for papers that would allow him to go to Damascus with the plan to terrorize the men and women who were followers of Jesus Christ there. Clearly, Saul got what he wanted, so off to Damascus he went, but something happened to Saul while he was still a little bit from getting to Damascus. Saul had an encounter with Jesus the risen Savior. There was a light that flashed that I believe was so bright it blinded him and then he heard a voice calling out to him. As we saw from what we read this morning, it was Jesus talking directly to Saul. Jesus point blank asked Saul, “Why are you persecuting me?” Saul did not want to believe it could have anything to do with what he was doing to the church so he asked the very simple question. “Who are you, Lord?” You have to believe he really was not ready for the answer. “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.” Then Jesus gave him instructions on what he was supposed to do. “Go on in to Damascus and you will be told what to do."

 

We read others were traveling with Saul and while they heard noises, they were not allowed to understand what was going on or where the sound came from. Saul told his travelling companions to lead him to Damascus and that is what they did. In the meantime, Jesus spoke to one of his followers, Ananias, who lived in Damascus. Ananias was told exactly where to go and that he would find Saul of Tarsus there. Saul was well known among the believers by now and Ananias asked Jesus, “Do you really want me to go there? He is out to arrest all of us believers.” Jesus assured Ananias that it would be alright and that he had a plan for Saul. Ananias faithfully did as Jesus asked, went to the house Saul was staying, placed his hands on Saul’s eyes, prayed for his healing and Jesus honored Ananias’ faithfulness by healing Saul right then and there. Immediately Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit, got up, and was baptized and in more ways than one Saul could see lots of things more clearly.

 

Saul then moved about with some of Jesus’ other followers in Damascus preaching about Jesus in of all places, the synagogues. While many in the church in Damascus were skeptical of Saul more and more, they could see the commitment and power Saul displayed and they began to accept him. In fact, in a very short space of time Saul went from being the most feared man the church had to deal with, to the man the Jewish leadership most hated and wanted to get rid of. The Jews in fact plotted to kill Saul because he was beginning to persuade Jews about who Jesus was. All of a sudden Saul became public enemy number 1 to the priests and Jewish leadership. Closing out what we read this morning, we see at this time the church experienced a degree of peace from persecution and their numbers continued to increase. 

 

Saul had a truly life-changing encounter with the risen Savior on the road to Damascus. This morning the question I would like each of us to answer is what was that moment like that changed your life and mine? Many of us may have grown up going to church from an early age. Others though may not have started attending a church until later in life. I believe the fact remains that at some point we each went from attending church to truly accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. You cannot speak for me and I cannot speak for you. This is a very personal decision and moment that may be different for each one of us. Is it possible some of us here today or some of you watching on Facebook have never officially taken that leap of faith and accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior? I would have to say yes that could be possible. You and you alone, as well as the Lord, are the only ones who really know. I am not claiming to know with absolute certainty where anyone of you stand in relation to the Lord, just as you do not know for absolute certain about me. Some of us may have had just about as dramatic an encounter with the risen Savior as Saul did. For others of us, maybe not quite as dramatic.

 

The thing that is exciting to me is that God is still transforming lives. Bringing hope to the hopeless, joy to those who at times struggle to find joy and bringing healing to those who need God’s special touch. Saul’s story is like many others who have come after him. In Saul’s case, he did not really know he was headed down the wrong path, but Jesus came and helped to change him at just the right time. What that shows us is God knows what we need at times long before we realize it. I hope God has used Saul’s example this morning to get us to look at what it is, and what it was, that brought us to the point of realizing we needed a Savior. Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, is still meeting all who will welcome him in to that place where we are changed forever.

 

Thank you, Father God, for loving us enough to still change lives and to help us be the best husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, moms, dads, children, we possibly can be. To God be all praise, honor and glory. Amen.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

 

 

Bible Study 9:30 Tuesday

 

We are looking for help with the regular adult Sunday School class. If you are willing to take a turn teaching, please sign the sheet on the east bulletin board.

 

August 11 7:00 p.m. Executive Committee

 

August 14 4:30 Oakley Brick Church Pork Chop Supper

 

October 2 All church wiener roast sponsored by Women’s Fellowship—stay tuned for details.

 

Offering plates are in the back of the sanctuary. Thanks to everyone for your faithful giving!

 

Thanks to those who are keeping our church lawn mowed!

 

Donation Box: AC Bills

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

 

Sarah Rudelick; Sydney (Nancy Gorrell’s niece); David Roe; Tera Runyan; Tim and Betty Sue Laird; Carl and Wilma Cable; Mike Gentry; Larry Albro; Mike McCleery; Sherry Wright; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker; Sonna Hall; Brittany Wright; Evelyn Eads; Anna Gentry Thompson; 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 600,000+ people who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; the unemployed; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; victims of the volcano in Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda

 

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

 

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