To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
This week we find ourselves on sacred ground. Those who would argue that every week is sacred given the impact that God is to have on every square inch of life is true, but this week is one in which the entire world will talk about what Jesus did. Some of that will be negative, like what Cadbury has done in pulling Easter off of their eggs in England so that all people can partake in their, "seasonal treats", some will be curious, but for us, an opportunity to deepen the depth of our appreciation of what Jesus has done for us and invite others to worship Him!
May each day this week be one that we seek to understand fresh, and deeper way God's lavish love. The Gospels spend most of their time on this week, and I encourage you to read John 12-19; Matthew 21-27; Mark 11-15 and Luke 19-23 as a pathway for worship in your own devotions. Try to share with at least five people this week why you so deeply appreciate what Jesus has done, and how this celebration, and what it celebrates impacts you. I would like us as a church to be aware of the secularization of our society as seen by removing Easter from eggs, but way more importantly, to have as our focus, awe at what Jesus has done for us and let this reality overwhelm our hearts, minds and actions. The Gospel when understood and believed changes everything...the more mature our understanding of the Gospel, the greater our lives will be centred on Jesus, and the more we will walk in the Spirit.
This week we celebrate the event that changed our lives, and will deepen that change in authenticity as we exalt our Saviour throughout this week and beyond. May our God grant us the heart to go deeper, and the life that is free and full, as we seek to use every opportunity given to us to lift up His holy name!
JOIN US Good Friday for a service at 10:30 a.m., we will be celebrating communion and focusing on Jesus and our salvation together. This is our greatest joy, as we cling to the blood stained cross and are overwhelmed that He saves and uses people like us! Fix your eyes on Him this week, and as your grasp of His love deepens, your life will never be the same! There will be no childcare/discipleship during this service, but our nursery will be open, and people are welcome to use it if needed.
Last week Lori and I enjoyed great sermons, and the opportunity to meet with the TGC National Counsel, and Canadian Counsel. It is exciting to belong to this network of churches, and to hear how God is at work around our great nation and world! You can listen to the sermons online, and hear again the greatness of Galatians, and its impact on history and our world today.
We have been talking about growing a Culture Of Evangelism at Cloverdale Baptist Church...will fill in more next week, but for this special week in the Christian culture, invite someone to service on Sunday, and look for new people to welcome and love. Your invitation to our family Easter service, or inclusion with love of new people could impact eternity!
Sunday Is Coming:
This is a very special week for us as Christians, as we focus on Jesus, and through fixing our eyes on Him, have our lives enriched as we grow deeper in intimacy with Him!
Text: Galatians 6:11-18
Title: The Cross Centred Life: BOASTING IN THE CROSS
Why is the cross so significant to Christians?
How can we make sure that we are a people who BOAST in the cross?
What does this look like in every day life?
Why does a proper understanding of the cross help us to be humble?
How does a proper understanding of the cross help us to be courageous?
How does a proper understanding of the cross give us a longing to obey God's Word?
Have an amazing week, and focus on the greatness of what Jesus has done!
Pastor Rob