To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
On December 7, 1941 a date that has been labeled infamous in history, Pearl Harbour woke to battle (7:55). The devastation was massive, as most of the Pacific fleet (5 out of 7 battleships), was destroyed. Worse perhaps was the human loss, 2400 Americans dead, and 1400 wounded.
What is sad is that the surprise of this attack could have been avoided...at 7:02 am radars spotted the airplanes, but missed their significance, thinking they might be friendly and so no alarm was sounded as serviceman went to church off base. This event is thought by most to be the cause of America joining into the second world war (where 400, 000 more American lives were given) and one of the reasons for our freedom here in Canada today.
It is a good reminder for us that we are in a spiritual battle, and we must stay aware of the the attacks from our own flesh, the demonic realm, and the world around us. The more aware we are of the battle, the more prepared we can be for the attacks. We are called to die to self, to be transformed by the Word, and to put on our spiritual armour so that we can stand firm (Ephesians 6:10=18). We must do these things, or the devastation we, and the people we love could experience is massive. We must never forget that we have the Spirit of God in us (Galatians 5:15-21), that Jesus is in us (1 John 4:4), and He is greater than the world, and our worldview must be shaped by God's Word (Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 10:5). FIGHT ON! Keep your heart with all diligence, and let what overflows out of our mouths be pleasing to God, and build up His people.
The past few weeks I have praised God in the stories I have heard of the lavish love flowing out of our church. We have sent money from a special offering to Haiti, we put together 196 boxes for Samaritans pursue, 10 big boxes have gone to the Philippines and we have two more ready to go, and Pastor Thomas continues to serve us and those in need around us with the many Christmas Hampers that are going out. We have also blessed food banks to help those who are desperate for food at this time of year in Langley and Surrey. Thank you for your efforts and sacrifices to help us continue to grow in our active love for those around us! Exciting to see so much going on, may we continue on in this as we love in JESUS NAME!
Reminders:
Sunday School is stopping for Christmas break on December 11, and starting again on January 8.
Family Fun Day Is Friday, 6:30-9, December 9. All families are welcome, and there will be great fun had by all!
You are an Ambassador for Jesus, so please share His greatness with your life and lips as we seek to glorify His name together. Love to hear stories of new people coming to church because you are inviting them, and seeking to introduce them to Jesus with us! Exciting times!
We will worship Jesus together on Sunday, December 25...this is a special day we have set aside in the week and in the year to exalt our LORD!
Sunday Is Coming:
Title: Don't Miss Christmas: NO ROOM
Text: Luke 2:1-7
How can you see the Sovereignty of God in the midst of secular world leaders in this text?
How does this help you trust God in the midst of times that seem so out of control?
Why do you think that the Inn Keeper missed this opportunity to be a part of His story?
How can we make sure in our own lives that we don't miss the opportunities that are presented to us in God's Sovereign plan?
This Christmas, our theme is Don't Miss Christmas, meaning, don't miss the spiritual reality that we celebrate at Christmas. Take the time with family and friends, to reflect on the richness of what Jesus coming into the world actually means, and worship as you prepare to celebrate!
This Christmas, don't miss Christmas!
Privileged to be your pastor, as we battle for the glory of our God, the purity of our lives, and the love for one another we long to display,
Pastor Rob