To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
When we moved to the lower mainland, they promised us it would rarely snow. For 11 years, we believed this to be the truth...but now we are not so sure! The snow is nice, but the ice not so much! Looking forward to spring, and the signs of life that it brings! In fact in just a few weeks we will be reminded of the coming spring by its impact on our clocks...more on that soon, but TIME IS RUNNING OUT.
Time for what you say? The Bible's answer, to please Jesus, to serve Him, and share of His greatness with others. In the realization of this, this week, do not put off doing the things that you know God wants you to do. Sharing the Gospel, turning your back on a bad habit, choosing to bring healing and forgiveness to a relationship, and so many more things. None of us know how long we have personally, nor how soon Jesus return is, but we do know this...TIME IS RUNNING OUT.
This weekend Franklin Graham is in Vancouver. Please pray that the message would be clear, the conversions authentic, and the opportunity taken advantage of. Please join this group in their struggle by praying for them! There has been a lot of noise that has threatened to distract from their goal, the clear Gospel Message, so please be in PRAYER!
This Friday, we have a movie night at the church. We encourage you to bring friends, and join us 5:45 - 8:15. There is no cost to you, and we will not only have a movie, but also games, hotdogs, popcorn and bouncy houses...our target is families with children up to grade 6, although all are welcome. Join us for food and fun!
It is good to spend a lot of time in the Bible, and a little time in other books. This week, I finished a book describing Generation Z, the new generation of children who are born from 1996 - 2010. Many people who study generations feel that this might be the last time we can actually mark a generation like this as change is happening so rapidly. What stood out to me in this book was the incredible lack of biblical conviction that this generation has. Many flounder as they seek to find safe ground for the moral compass they have lost. The church is a strange place to this generation as they mark themselves as Christian (without following Christ), or none...as in no religion. Key to helping this generation in our family, or reaching this generation with the Gospel is to know God's Word well, and live it out with consistency to show who we are as Christians is different than what they think. So close to Christ (Galatians 4:19) that we show who He is by how we interact with each other and them. A holiness, that leads to evangelism. As we look around at the world we live in, may we be encouraged to be IN THE WORLD, BUT NOT OF THE WORLD!
Sunday Is Coming...an opportunity to be growing in our WORD orientation in our lives...please prepare your hearts to love those you see, and to listen for the voice of God as His Word is preached (1 Peter 4:11-12). A new person to our church, who would not yet define themselves as a believer told me Sunday how much they appreciate our love for one another, our giving attitude, and our loyalty to what we believe in the Bible. Praise God for this, and please keep seeking to honour Jesus in our family as we continue to grow together! As you come to receive from God, lift up His name in worship, also come to give to those around you as an overflow of your relationship with Him!
Praise God...Pastor Thomas and Julie-Ann had a beautiful baby girl, Zoey Ann Calamunce, born on the morning of February 28th, at 2:11 am. She was 8lbs and 8oz. PRAISE GOD, and a huge congratulations to this family!
Title: No Turning Back
Text: Galatians 4:8-20
Why is a good understanding of the past helpful for our freedom in the future?
Why do you think that sometimes humans, like dogs, return to their vomit (Proverbs 26:11)?
What are some ways we can pursue Galatians 4:19 as a church?
What does this practically look like in your life?
How can you grow in your freedom in Christ, and conformity to Christ over the next few weeks?
You are becoming who you will be...what you put off to tomorrow will always be a day away, SO, TODAY choose to obey and follow Jesus!
THE TIME IS RUNNING OUT
A Fellow Pilgrim
Pastor Rob