To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
Don't forget that this Sunday we have to set our clocks forward one hour. We would not want you to miss what is going on, and so encourage you to make sure that you are ready for what is coming! Don't miss a great time in Sunday School, or church, because you are LEFT BEHIND.
We had an exciting few weeks, as we look back with many comments about our church! Pastor Stewart did a great family night, and the reports are fantastic. So exciting to see many serving, to hear of the joy that our children (and families had), and to see the impact Pastor Stu is having on our children's ministry. Heard a report that our youth were fantastic in serving (well done Pastor Thomas) as well, so feel very encouraged by a great night! Please continue to pray for our pastors, and the ministry to children (Stewart), and youth and C and C (Thomas) as they seek to reach and teach these next generations for the glory of God! While you are praying for those two, certainly keep praying for Pastor Les and I :)
Continue to covet your prayers of TGC Canada, and the BC chapter. We are starting to form up our purpose and plan for influence in our world. We believe we are on the Precipice of Renewal, as the world around us shifts in its foundations. Much like 500 years ago, our world is in desperate need of men and women filled with grace and courage who will seek to reach out with the Gospel of Jesus to impact their community. I long for us to see this renewal in our own church family, in our province, and in our nation!
A year ago this week, one of my heroes in the faith went home to be with the Lord. Jerry Bridges has impacted me more than any other author in terms of, Trusting God and Practicing Godliness. Each of his books I have read, and re-read, and his personal touch of humility and power in preaching at CBC were greatly appreciated. His death reminds me of the impact of our ministry, as well as the importance of preparing for eternity. Encourage you to read anything that he has written, and this week, PREACH THE GOSPEL TO YOURSELF EVERY DAY (a phrase I borrowed from him.)
This week another, "christian", movie was released that seeks to teach about the character and care of God. I would encourage you to show some discernment in taking in the teaching of our entertainment culture on some of these issues, with this one beings specifically dangerous in its teaching on who God is (The Shack). Not many years ago, all evangelicals would have found its presentation of God concerning, and yet now so many not only accept, but pursue. There has been much written that is helpful from a Biblical perspective, so encourage you to read and think before you accept.
- www.desiringgod.org/articles/
what-does-the-shack-say-about- your-pain - www.albertmohler.com/2017/03/
06/shack-missing-art- evangelical-discernment/ - www.challies.com/book-reviews/
the-shack-by-william-p-young
Discernment in the age we are in is absolutely essential to our long term health as a church, and as Christians!
Sunday Is Coming:
It is helpful to get a good nights sleep, and prepare your heart to give and receive. Lately I have heard incredible stories of the love that our church reflects to new people who come to check us out! Thank you to all who are seeking to do this through Connection Cafe, and other ministries. Please keep it up! We long to be known for our love (we are), and to grow in this (we always will have a long way to go). So WELL DONE, KEEP IT UP!
Title: Learning Grace Through Leaving Legalism:
Text: Galatians 4:21-31
What do we learn from the OT about being set free?
Why is legalism an enemy of grace?
What mistake did Abraham make with Hagar, and what does this teach us about grace and law?
How does our view of God influence the way we seek to please Him?
Excited to be a part of this family, and all that God is doing!
Pastor Rob