August 28 Sermon and Announcements

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

August 28, 2022

 

What does it take?

1 Thessalonians 1:4-10

 

When we were gone last Sunday, we went by several churches that were either finishing services, I would guess, or had recently concluded services. Yes, I must admit, in all honesty, we did not go and worship at any church last Sunday. With that confession being made, as we went by some churches on the highway we were traveling, I noticed some did not have many cars in their lots. A few others were seemingly clear full. My first thought was “Good for them”. (The full ones.) But my second thought was what makes one church have a few cars in their parking lot while another is bursting at the seams? One church even had their lots full and people parking along the road in the grass! So, I wondered, what does it take for people to want to come that badly to a place to worship that they will park a ways a way to be able to join in that worship. I do not know how many of you have attended a place of worship that had not just a hundred people there but a thousand or more on a normal Sunday morning or in some cases Saturday evening service.

 

There was a radio ministry Cathy and I really enjoyed listening to that was based in a western suburb of Chicago, and we attended a few times when we visited our son when he lived not terribly far away from this church. What was the first shock to the senses was that the local police were helping get cars into their parking lot to reduce congestion. The same reason we enjoyed listening to this pastor on the radio, I am sure, is why the church was virtually full at every service. The pastor made the Bible come alive with real down to earth, easy to understand messages. Yet the messages were Bible based and faithful to scripture. Word of mouth I am sure is why that church went from a home church to a church with thousands of members. Have any of you attended equally well attended churches? If so, what do you think made them so successful?

 

We need to be careful to understand that having a lot of members does not automatically mean the church is successful in God’s eyes. When we think of the scripture, we looked at this morning from 1 Thessalonians, we see Paul, Silas and Timothy bragging a little bit about the church in Thessalonica. How the believers in this church have become well known throughout the entire region. But why did they brag about this group of believers? Because once they heard the message, they grabbed ahold of the message of salvation and, in spite of everything, did not let go. And this was not a group of people raised in church, so to speak. In the 9^th verse we read how these Gentiles turned from worshiping idols to believing in the true and living God. How they also realized what Jesus had done to bring about their salvation on this earth and looked forward to God’s coming eternal kingdom. So, in the verses we have looked at today we can see a glimpse of what makes a congregation successful in the eyes of God. But what does it take to make one congregation burst at its seams and another just get by? Is it a charismatic pastor? Is it an engaged congregation? Is it the message that is at the heart of worship? Is it the music ministry? Is it the programs that are available? Is it a combination of all of these?

 

What is our vision here in Cerro Gordo at this church? Over the next few Sundays, we are going to bounce back and forth between the Old Testament and the New Testament to see what God expects of His church and His people. I believe if we are honoring God with our worship, He will bless His church. The challenge for the church today is to understand that we are in the world but are not to be changed by the world. I am also convinced we must all acknowledge that Satan is real and is trying to deceive as many people as he can.

 

I am pretty sure virtually everyone would love to see this sanctuary clear full every Sunday. What does it take to make that happen? What would we have to do differently to make it happen? Is there anything we can do to make that happen? Are there things we can do while we understand it is all about simply being faithful to God? These are some of the things we are going to look at in the next few weeks as we seek to grow in the Lord personally. While at the same time ask God: “What can we, as your people, do to keep doing the work you have called us to do right here in Cerro Gordo?” In other words, “Lord, if you want us to grow as a congregation ‘What does it take?’ ”

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

 

 

Tuesday 9:30 Bible Study

 

August 31—deadline for Sept newsletter submissions

 

September 10 8:00 a.m. Work Day—meal provided by Women’s Fellowship

 

September 14 Board Meeting

 

September 30 – October 1—The Lord’s Storehouse rummage sale at the Brethren Church. Drop off times for clean, boxed items: 4-7 p.m. Sept. 1, 6, 8, 13, 15 (north door)

 

The sound system is fixed; electrical breakers are repaired; the clavinova is awaiting repair, as is the screen. Thanks, Ron!

Shirley and Oren Wright trimmed many of the bushes. Thank you! And to all who help in any way!

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

 

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

Oren Wright; Cecil; Devon Wright; Mike Nuding; Michelle West; Tom West; Carolyn Hirsch; Eli Brunner; Nancy Fansler; Joe Waltz; Doug Larrick; Anna Rose Larrick; Ron & Kathleen Petersen; Anna Gentry Thompson; Louis & Carol Sulwer; Maralyn Heckman; Debbie Leibrock; Dorthea Wood; Sonna Hall; Tina Wilhelm; Baby Tate; Bryce Ashenfelter; Mindy Sawyer; Marlene Schultz; Sarah Rudelick; Carl and Wilma Cable; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker;  Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Doug Fansler; Candy Dobson; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo & Darlene Hanaver; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders; the families of those who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren; Ukraine; Hope Welty Library

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for the Charismatic Christian Center, a Filipino ministry in the Chicago area.

 

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 14 Sermon and Announcements

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

August 14, 2022

 

Walk Humbly with the Lord

Romans 12:3-18, 21

 

I am going to start this morning by sharing very briefly what I shared in more detail at executive committee meeting Wednesday night. We have not had an in-depth discussion about what truly is the main driving force for the faith and beliefs I have. The only church, the only denomination I have ever been a part of is The Church of the Brethren, so one might believe I am in agreement with most all that The Church of the Brethren from top to bottom believes. The fact of the matter is I have never been guided by what this or any denomination believes or advocates.

 

What has been the motivation for what I believe is plainly and simply the understanding I have been led to by the Holy Sirit from the Bible itself. I have been challenged by the teaching of this denomination and the events happening in this nation and world to find answers and understanding from the Bible and only the Bible. You and I can read books about the Bible and faith but the final reason for any of us to believe what we believe should be confirmed in God’s holy guide book, the Bible. You should not go by what I say or what any other Bible scholar of theology says if it cannot be backed up in scripture.

 

I wanted to start this morning by pointing out that there are some things that the leadership in The Church of the Brethren currently advocate that I do not agree with, and my reason for that is not because I just do not like it. It is because I do not see a basis in scripture for what is being said or advocated. This morning’s scripture tells us what we as God’s people should have as the driving force and motivation for everything we believe and do and these verses are what I try to live up to. Verse 3 encourages us to be always looking at what we believe and how we live our lives. We must be careful not to be full of ourselves, to be honest with ourselves first of all and our motivations. Then to understand how we need each other within the church. God has called us all to do something, but not everyone is necessarily called to do the same things. We must understand there is no one role in the church that is more important than another. We are simply called to embrace what God is calling us to do and support one another so God’s word goes forward. We are then encouraged to have love that is sincere. None of us would want to admit insincerity but in verse 9 we are warned about that possibility simply because it is stated to that love be sincere. Then we are told to hate evil, but to cling to what is good. There is evil in the world and we sometimes hate to be so blunt as to say it, but we are told it is ok to hate, if it is evil we hate. We are encouraged to grab hold of what is good as tightly as we can. In others words, stand up with Godly confidence on what is right and true that the Bible clearly states.

 

Throughout these verses we have read this morning, on at least three occasions we are told to live humbly before God and our fellow believers. In verse 3, verse 10, and verse 16 we are being told to watch out for what motivates us. As we walk humbly before the Lord, we are at the same time encouraged to never be lacking in zeal, but to keep our, as it says, spiritual fervor. All of this under the banner of serving the Lord.

 

Then we are given a checklist of things that should be flowing through us as God’s children:

1.                 Be joyful in hope.

2.                 Be patient in affliction.

3.                 Be faithful in Prayer.

4.                 Share with God’s people, practice hospitality.

5.                 Bless those who persecute.

6.                 Rejoice with those who rejoice.

7.                 Mourn with those who mourn.

8.                 Live in harmony with one another.

9.                 Associate with everyone.

10.      Do not be conceited.

11.      Do not repay anyone evil for evil.

12.      As much as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

13.      Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome with good.

 

Wow! What a list! How are you doing with that?

 

I encourage you to mark these verses in your Bible and

refer to them from time to time to do the self-evaluation we are encouraged to do. I skipped the warning of verse 19 to not take revenge ourselves but to leave it to God.

 

So, what is the point to this morning’s message? The title is “Walk humbly with the Lord.” I may say things from the pulpit that not everyone agrees with. I will do my best to explain what I feel led me to share and back it up from the Bible itself.

 

These verses remind us how much God needs all of us doing what God has and is calling us to do. We are all equally important in God’s eyes. Walking humbly before God should always be a characteristic of a Christian. At the same time, if we are being led by the Holy Spirit and using the Bible in an honest and accurate way to share God’s truth, we cannot allow the world to lead us to compromise.

 

Thank you for your faithfulness and your commitment to the Lord. We may not always agree on everything but may God’s spirit always guide and direct us as we seek to share God’s love, mercy, grace and righteousness as we are encouraged to do. To keep us on the right track, we have been given no less than 13 different guiding principles here in Romans 12 to refer to as we live out our lives for Christ.

 

God loves you and I also love and appreciate what this congregation has meant to this community in the past and look forward to what God will do through you and me in the future. God bless you all.

Pastor Larry

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

August 14, 2022

 

Walk Humbly with the Lord

Romans 12:3-18, 21

 

I am going to start this morning by sharing very briefly what I shared in more detail at executive committee meeting Wednesday night. We have not had an in-depth discussion about what truly is the main driving force for the faith and beliefs I have. The only church, the only denomination I have ever been a part of is The Church of the Brethren, so one might believe I am in agreement with most all that The Church of the Brethren from top to bottom believes. The fact of the matter is I have never been guided by what this or any denomination believes or advocates.

 

What has been the motivation for what I believe is plainly and simply the understanding I have been led to by the Holy Sirit from the Bible itself. I have been challenged by the teaching of this denomination and the events happening in this nation and world to find answers and understanding from the Bible and only the Bible. You and I can read books about the Bible and faith but the final reason for any of us to believe what we believe should be confirmed in God’s holy guide book, the Bible. You should not go by what I say or what any other Bible scholar of theology says if it cannot be backed up in scripture.

 

I wanted to start this morning by pointing out there is much in what the leadership in The Church of the Brethren currently advocates that I do not agree with and my reason for that is not because I just do not like it. It is because I do not see a basis in scripture for what is being said or advocated. This morning’s scripture tells us what we as God’s people should have as the driving force and motivation for everything we believe and do and these verses are what I try to live up to. Verse 3 encourages us to be always looking at what we believe and how we live our lives. We must be careful not to be full of ourselves, to be honest with ourselves first of all and our motivations. Then to understand how we need each other within the church. God has called us all to do something, but not everyone is necessarily called to do the same things. We must understand there is no one role in the church that is more important than another. We are simply called to embrace what God is calling us to do and support one another so God’s word goes forward. We are then encouraged to have love that is sincere. None of us would want to admit insincerity but in verse 9 we are warned about that possibility simply because it is stated to that love be sincere. Then we are told to hate evil, but to cling to what is good. There is evil in the world and we sometimes hate to be so blunt as to say it, but we are told it is ok to hate, if it is evil we hate. We are encouraged to grab hold of what is good as tightly as we can. In others words, stand up with Godly confidence on what is right and true that the Bible clearly states.

 

Throughout these verses we have read this morning, on at least three occasions we are told to live humbly before God and our fellow believers. In verse 3, verse 10, and verse 16 we are being told to watch out for what motivates us. As we walk humbly before the Lord, we are at the same time encouraged to never be lacking in zeal, but to keep our, as it says, spiritual fervor. All of this under the banner of serving the Lord.

 

Then we are given a checklist of things that should be flowing through us as God’s children:

1.                 Be joyful in hope.

2.                 Be patient in affliction.

3.                 Be faithful in Prayer.

4.                 Share with God’s people, practice hospitality.

5.                 Bless those who persecute.

6.                 Rejoice with those who rejoice.

7.                 Mourn with those who mourn.

8.                 Live in harmony with one another.

9.                 Associate with everyone.

10.      Do not be conceited.

11.      Do not repay anyone evil for evil.

12.      As much as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

13.      Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome with good.

 

Wow! What a list! How are you doing with that?

 

I encourage you to mark these verses in your Bible and

refer to them from time to time to do the self-evaluation we are encouraged to do. I skipped the warning of verse 19 to not take revenge ourselves but to leave it to God.

 

So, what is the point to this morning’s message? The title is “Walk humbly with the Lord.” I may say things from the pulpit that not everyone agrees with. I will do my best to explain what I feel led me to share and back it up from the Bible itself.

 

These verses remind us how much God needs all of us doing what God has and is calling us to do. We are all equally important in God’s eyes. Walking humbly before God should always be a characteristic of a Christian. At the same time, if we are being led by the Holy Spirit and using the Bible in an honest and accurate way to share God’s truth, we cannot allow the world to lead us to compromise.

 

Thank you for your faithfulness and your commitment to the Lord. We may not always agree on everything but may God’s spirit always guide and direct us as we seek to share God’s love, mercy, grace and righteousness as we are encouraged to do. To keep us on the right track, we have been given no less than 13 different guiding principles here in Romans 12 to refer to as we live out our lives for Christ.

 

God loves you and I also love and appreciate what this congregation has meant to this community in the past and look forward to what God will do through you and me in the future. God bless you all.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

 

 

 

Tuesday 9:30 Bible Study

 

September 10 Work Day—meal provided by Women’s Fellowship

 

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

 

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

Duane Born family; Judy Tuvall and family; Devon Wright; Mike Nuding; Michelle West; Carolyn Hirsch; Eli Brunner; Nancy Fansler; Joe Waltz; Doug Larrick; Anna Rose Larrick; Ron & Kathleen Petersen; Anna Gentry Thompson; Louis & Carol Sulwer; Maralyn Heckman; Debbie Leibrock; Dorthea Wood; Sonna Hall; Tina Wilhelm; Baby Tate; Bryce Ashenfelter; Mindy Sawyer; Marlene Schultz; Sarah Rudelick; Carl and Wilma Cable; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker;  Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Doug Fansler; Candy Dobson; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo & Darlene Hanaver; Zola Copeland; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders; the families of those who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren; Ukraine; Hope Welty Library

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for the Peoria congregation

 

Church of the Brethren vision statement:

Together, as the Church of the Brethren, we will passionately live and share the radical transformation and holistic peace of Jesus Christ through relationship-based neighborhood engagement. To move us forward, we will develop a culture of calling and equipping disciples who are innovative, adaptable, and fearless.

                       

Our Mission Statement:

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 24 Sermon

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

July 24, 2022

 

Be On Guard

Romans 16:17-20

 

Last week we looked at the verse at the heart of this year’s Annual Conference, Romans 15:7. We looked at that verse and also verses 6-13. Since we were in Romans 15 last week, I have felt led to continue to look at what Paul was being encouraged to say to the largely Gentile part of the church in Rome. Before we go further, I want to point out that Romans may be the most controversial book of the New Testament for a variety of reasons.

 

Paul wanted to sound the warning alarm that there are those who either intentionally or unintentionally may not be giving the accurate gospel to the new believers, which is largely, at this point, the Gentiles in Rome. In verse 17 Paul is bluntly saying to watch out for those who may cause divisions within the church. Some of the divisions may be caused by putting obstacles in their way. In other words, some are telling these new Christians there are certain things you have to do before they can be followers of Christ. Paul clearly believes the truth has already been told to them so they should not be tricked into believing something else. Paul even goes as far as to say when they encounter such people, stay away from them. Paul is pointing out that these people have their own agenda that does not match God’s plan. He is also pointing out they know exactly what they are doing. Paul is implying what some may tell you will sound good or seem to make some sense, but it is really not agreeing with the teachings of Christ. Then Paul goes on to give these “new” Christians a little bit of a pep talk saying everyone has heard of their obedience. In other words, we all know their desire to learn and to be faithful to the Lord, but they must be on their guard to carefully consider those teachers who first brought the true, honest gospel to them. Match that up with the others who may be telling them something else. Paul goes as far as to say some who share a false view of the gospel are evil.

 

In the first half of verse 20, Paul tells what God will do to those who deceive His people. He first reminds them that God is a God of peace yet, he then goes on to say, the God of righteousness and justice will soon crush Satan under your feet. In other words, Satan and those who share Satan’s lies will pay the ultimate price and the day is coming when that will happen. Paul finishes verse 20 with the encouragement “the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.”

 So as is the case with everything that has been recorded in God’s word, what is the Lord reminding us of and what is he telling us today in these verses? II Timothy 2:15 says we should, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” So how do we do that? Tomorrow, we begin Bible School. One of the songs I remember is, “Read your Bible, pray every day, if you love the Lord.” Now I am not saying God does not love us or that he won’t allow us in his eternal kingdom if we do not literally do those things every day, but the song is a reminder of how we can know God’s word and draw close to Him. These verses in chapter 16 of Romans are a reminder that we must be careful of what we are doing. Some will claim to be God’s people, but they have actually been deceived and are spreading Satan’s lies. The best way for us to be able to overcome Satan’s evil is to know God’s word, continue to study God’s word, pray that the Holy Spirit will lead us into God’s truth, and make sure those we are listening to are proclaiming the true and honest word of God.

 

Just as we were encouraged to be in unity within the church last week, Paul is making it clear: do not have unity just for the sake of unity, by diluting the word of God so what we are following is no longer the true message that the Lord Jesus Christ brought to those who will believe. No one is perfect or will ever get everything right all the time. No pastor will ever have everything exactly right all the time. No congregation or denomination will get everything God wants us to know exactly right either, but the important thing is to be able to point to God’s word for why we believe what we believe. Not pick and choose a verse here and a verse there that may seem to make sense when in fact the whole meaning may have been changed by how we piece the scriptures together. The great thing is, is that we have God’s Word now to refer to. They did not have the New Testament when Paul shared this truth with the Christians in Rome.

 

The next thing is, however, we know God wins! In fact, God has already defeated Satan, he just won’t admit it. And we His people will win as well when we stay true to God and His Word. I know I am preaching to the choir. However, I must continue to sound the alarm that Satan is alive and well and he wants to destroy every professing believer he can. But Jesus has won the victory for us. As Paul said to the church in Rome, I say the same to you here today. “I am full of joy for each and every one of you.” Do not give up, do not let Satan lie to you. The victory is ours through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Pastor Larry

 

 

 

                                                      

July 3 Sermon and Announcements

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

July 3, 2022

 

Praying for a Happy Birthday!

Romans 13:5-12

 

Tomorrow, July 4th, America will celebrate yet another birthday. There have been a lot of things happen in the past 246 years. This nation has grown from 13 states to 50 states. Going from mainly the east coast all the way west to the Pacific, as well as an island state and a state north of Canada. There have been many changes and challenges that have faced this nation and its people. The nation first declared its independence from England in 1776 but did not get an official guiding document that outlined our laws until 1787.

 

The first thing those gathered working on our Constitution agreed on was the mission statement for our country. It is called as most all of you know, the Preamble of the Constitution. It states these goals, these beliefs. “We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

 

The Constitution then went on to outline how America would work. There were provisions built into the Constitution to make changes as, in time, it became clear they should be made. It was a system put in place that allowed for all the things that would be necessary to make changes as this nation grew. The framers also thought it was a good idea to have three different branches of government as well that were intended to function together yet independently. Nothing quite like this form of government had ever been tried before.

 

Here we are almost 250 years later. This nation has had a series of challenges during its history. A little over 160 years ago, a war that literally led families to go to war against one another occurred. It would have been easy to have seen this nation come to an end at this time but it did not. This nation continues to face serious challenges to its core promise stated in the Preamble. What was stated is a goal to create a more perfect union. You notice they understood it would never be possible to create a perfect union. The goals and dreams of the original framers is what lives on today. There continues to be people in this nation that believe those goals are still worthy and worth striving to achieve.

While there is some disagreement on just how the framers lived out their faith, all of the framers had a belief and a faith in God guiding them as this nation was formed. They believed with God’s help these goals of the Preamble might be achieved, which leads us back to today and the birthday we about to celebrate. There are problems facing this nation, it seems, on every front. I am not going to highlight them. You can come to your own conclusions.

 

The verses we read this morning from Romans highlight what God is calling us as Christians to do. First, we are to obey the laws. We are to pay taxes. The 6^th verse goes as far as to say our leaders are God’s servants. Verse 7 says to give to everyone what is owed them. Verse 8 makes it clear what debt we are allowed to owe. That debt is to love one another. A brief checklist of some of the Ten Commandments is then stated with the concluding thought that love is the fulfillment of the law. Just as there were challenges to the Christians during the Roman Empire when these words were spoken, we Christians clearly have challenges today as well. Paul wrote this encouragement and warning to the church in Rome, but it could just as easily be written last week to Christians in America. “Understanding the present time, the hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.”

 

As America celebrates another birthday, it is time for us as Christians to make our voices heard. That can take many different forms, but we need to lift up God’s holy standards. We need to try to draw others to God’s redeeming power and his forgiveness. And most of all, we must do all of that out of love for one another. That is what God is calling us to do as his children and as citizens of this still great beacon of hope, which is the United States of America.

 

May God’s blessing continue to rest upon this imperfect union. Remember the sacrifice first of all that Jesus Christ made for you and me. Also remember those who have tried to do their best for the people of this nation throughout our nation’s history. May God’s guiding hand still lead us today and may God bless America.

Pastor Larry

Announcements:

 

Tuesday 9:30 Bible Study

 

July 10 Guest speaker Jim Helton of Prison Ministries

 

July 10 – 14 Annual Conference in Omaha—Pastor Larry is our delegate

 

July 13 Board meeting—6:15 Exec Comm; 7:00 Commissions; 7:30 Board

 

July 23 9:30 – 10:30 Food bank distribution at Kirby Medical Group, Cerro Gordo

 

July 25-29 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. VBS here at our church

August 3 12:00 noon Women's Fellowship Luncheon--salad potluck

 

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

 

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

Janet James and family; Mike Nuding; Michelle West; Tom West; Carolyn Hirsch; Eli Brunner; Nancy Fansler; Joe Waltz; Doug Larrick; Anna Rose Larrick; Ron & Kathleen Petersen; Anna Gentry Thompson; Louis & Carol Sulwer; Maralyn Heckman; Debbie Leibrock; Dorthea Wood; Sonna Hall; Tina Wilhelm; Baby Tate; Bryce Ashenfelter; Mindy Sawyer; Marlene Schultz; Sarah Rudelick; Carl and Wilma Cable; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker;  Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Doug Fansler; Candy Dobson; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo & Darlene Hanaver; Zola Copeland; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders; the families of those who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren; Ukraine; Hope Welty Library

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for Camp Emmaus and camp managers Bill and Betty Hare

 

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.

June 26 Sermon and Announcements

 

CERRO GORDO CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN

June 26, 2022

 

Give Me My Daily Bread

Provers 30:5-9

 

One of the reasons we gather together is our hope the Lord shows us more of himself. I know I need more and more understanding of what God is calling me to do with the days I am given on this earth. The older I get I have found myself reflecting more on what God is wanting to do with the opportunities he gives me.

 

At Walt Morgenthaler’s funeral, the Lord led me to share some verses from the Psalm 90. One of the verses was verse 12, which says “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” When we think about how we are to consider our days and match that with the words we read in Proverbs this morning, we can see how God is encouraging us to trust him with our lives. In these verses from Proverbs, we are given a few warnings about how we should treat God and His word. It also warns about adding or changing his word.

 

There is also the simple request on how to live out life. One of the things that can bring honor from both God and man is to, as verse 8 says, “Keep lies and falsehood far from me.” Most Christians do not purposely say falsehoods, but there are times things happen that cause people to stretch the truth a little. The first part of verse 8 does not say, “Help me not to lie.”  It says “Keep lies far from me.” I was told by my dad long ago a saying many of you have probably heard as well. “Tell a lie and you can never forget; tell the truth and you don’t have to remember.” In other words, if a person tells a lie, you better keep it straight and consistent, but if you have told the truth, it will just naturally come out without any special effort.

 

In verse 7 of Proverbs we read, the writer is asking two things of God. The first is to keep falsehoods and lies far from himself and secondly give him neither poverty nor riches, just give him his daily bread. The writer goes on in verse 9 to explain the second part.

 

We read the Lord’s Prayer for our Call to Worship this morning. Long after Solomon was encouraged to write these Proverbs, Jesus shared an example prayer that says much the same thing these verses in Proverbs say. In the brief verses we have read in Proverbs there is an incredible amount of wisdom. It basically tells us to make sure we know what is important. As Christians, being honest and trustworthy are at the top of the list. We all will stumble from time to time, but as Christians we are to own up to our mistakes, our sins, as quickly as we can.

 

The fact is that Solomon had it all. He was the most powerful man in Israel at the time he wrote these Proverbs. He had wealth and prestige, but he came to understand the only thing that really matters is to have faith in God and put your trust in Him. Solomon was not badmouthing wealth: elsewhere in the Old Testament it says it is a good thing to leave an inheritance to your children when that is possible. Obviously, without some surplus that would not be possible. No, for all Solomon had gained in life he understood what is really important. He had come to understand the meaning of the verse in Psalms about numbering our days aright.

 

When it is all said and done, what really matters is our relationship with God and how we share God’s love with others. None of us are, or ever will be perfect; that is why we need a savior. God wants to give each one of us the wisdom to know what is important. I would like to share my top ten list that is all about godly wisdom.

1.    Loving and honoring God.

2.   Lifting up God’s Holy Word.

3.   Being honest and true with ourselves and others.

4.   To the point that at times we are willing to say,” I don’t know the answer.”

5.   As best we can to be there for one another.

6.   To not have too high of expectations but also to not have too low of expectations.

7.   To be willing to forgive as we have been forgiven (you cannot have one without the other).

8.   To never give up, never lose hope, God has already won the war.

9.   To love one another, once again, just as God loves us.

10.And when it is all said and done, to ask and expect God

     to simply give us our daily bread.

 

God loves you and me; he created us for a reason. Your greatest victories may still be to come. So, God, I simply ask you to give me my daily bread, because I know you have and will continue to take care of the rest.

Pastor Larry

 

 Announcements:

 

 Tuesday 9:30 Bible Study

 

June 29 Submissions for July newsletter due

 

July 13 Board meeting

 

Late July VBS here at our church

 

 Thanks to all helpers and participants in our Strawberry Festival! It was a huge success.

 

 

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

 

 

Donation Box: VBS

First Sundays: food donations for food banks

 

Pastor Larry Traxler- (217) 454-2362

 

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Keep in Your Prayers

Doris Morganthaler and family; Mike Nuding; Michelle West; Tom West; Stuart James; Carolyn Hirsch; Eli Brunner; Susan Gentry; Nancy Fansler; Joe Waltz; Doug Larrick; Anna Rose Larrick; Ron & Kathleen Petersen; Anna Gentry Thompson; Louis & Carol Sulwer; Maralyn Heckman; Debbie Leibrock; Dorthea Wood; Sonna Hall; Tina Wilhelm; Baby Tate; Bryce Ashenfelter; Mindy Sawyer; Marlene Schultz; Sarah Rudelick; Carl and Wilma Cable; Mike and Carol Seidenstricker;  Adiline Young; Kim Lehmann; Doug Fansler; Candy Dobson; Shawn Cain; Robert Cripe; Mayo & Darlene Hanaver; Zola Copeland; Patty Cripe; Lauren Gross; Stacie Warren; Nancy Gorrell; many unspoken requests; Coronavirus crisis; healthcare workers and first responders; the families of those who have died from COVID-19; those who are ill from the virus; school teachers, staff, and students; victims of disasters; victims of shootings; nursing home residents; the Nigerian church; Haitian Brethren; Ukraine; Hope Welty Library situation

Military and Other Services and their families

Brethren Volunteer Service workers; Disaster project workers

District Prayer Calendar: Pray for the Panther Creek congregation

 

Church of the Brethren vision statement:

Together, as the Church of the Brethren, we will passionately live and share the radical transformation and holistic peace of Jesus Christ through relationship-based neighborhood engagement. To move us forward, we will develop a culture of calling and equipping disciples who are innovative, adaptable, and fearless.

                       

Our Mission Statement:

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