To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
One of the great privileges of being your pastor is getting to lead our church in communion. It is an overwhelming joy to serve the worship teams, as well as the men at the front, and move us to deeper intimacy with one another and our LORD through this celebration as an entire church family. Communion, especially on Good Friday, is one of the most sacred occasions we have as a family. I love how Paul expresses at the conclusion of the time of remembrance, "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until He returns". Jesus is coming again, and we are called on as His family to be ready for His return, even as we proclaim His death! We are ready by believing (conversion), and living lives of faith. Resurrection Sunday was a joy to celebrate with you as God's people, the greatness of our Risen LORD. It was amazing to gather together, to worship, and to BOAST TOGETHER IN THE CROSS. My prayer is that this celebration and all that it meant to us on this weekend will deepen our resolve to live lives ready for His return! Jesus is coming again, oh the joy of waiting, MARANATHA, even so LORD JESUS COME!
Mark you calendars for our baptism service on April 30. If you have not yet been baptized as a believer, please talk to one of your elders or pastors and we would love to help you in this step of obedience! Being baptized is one of the great steps of faith for followers of Jesus, and one that He commands!
We are entering into short term missions season again, and I encourage you to pray for, and support those heading out from our church family. On Sunday it was announced that the team that is going to Sunnybrae will be selling flowers for mothers day, please make sure to place your orders. I will also be making some, limited edition wood pens (one of a kind), that will be available to people who are willing to donate above and beyond the cost of the pen to a missions fund for short termers (focused on Sunnybrae and Jeff). If you would like one of these, and are willing to donate beyond the cost of the pen, please let me or Jeff Godard know.
We have been talking about becoming a CULTURE OF EVANGELISM and all that this means...
- Know & Experience The Gospel
- See People Through The Eyes Of Faith
- Pray
- Invest
What does it mean to invest? It means that each person that calls CBC home not only realizes the richness of our own salvation but also sees where we are placed as a part of the plan of God. One of my Biblical heroes is a beautiful orphan girl named Esther. In the midst of a horrific culture, horrible circumstances and certain death for all of the people she knew as extended family, God had a purpose for her. Esther 4:14 is a reminder for every follower of Jesus that Ephesians 2:10 is true. So look around at your placement by God, who is close to you, who is your neighbour, what family of yours needs to hear the Gospel in a fresh way...and see yourself as God's chosen instrument for His purpose. He has chosen to use you to share His Gospel, He has placed you around people He loves so that you will be His conduit of grace, YOU MATTER in God's eternal plan! So today, choose to invest your life in the life of people around you. Find a way to serve them selflessly, and quietly, and when they ask you the reason for the hope that you have in you, be ready with your story and a clear presentation of God's Gospel. Jesus saves, and He has chose us to make His appeal to those who need Him. What a privilege, and "who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this"...I know, and your life matters for God's eternal plan!
Sunday Is Coming:
Title: The Normal Christian Life
Text: Galatians 5:16-26
Life in the Spirit is the "normal life" for Christians. Agree or disagree and why?
How can we produce this kind of fruit?
Work through the list of spiritual fruit, and hold up to your life as a check list. Are you living life in the Spirit? Remember that none of us is perfect and that the pathway to fruitfulness is relational.
We have an amazing opportunity to be different in the world, but not of the world. Encourage each of us to keep in step with the Spirit as we seek to live our, "every day", lives.
Have a great week!
Can't wait for Sunday!
Seeking to live the NORMAL CHRISTIAN LIFE WITH YOU,
Pastor Rob