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God's People, Start Your Engines...

To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:

Labour day has come and gone, and we are now into September.  This is an important month for us as a church as we kick off many of our missional ministries.  Please stay informed and as school begins, life re-engages after a great summer, let's be sure to engage spiritually with God's people.  Your commitment to the bride of Christ is one of the most important things about you!

I am sometimes asked if we are a conservative church.  I am not really sure what people mean by that...so it is hard to answer.  If they mean in how we dress, we are probably middle of the road, if they mean doctrine wise, I hope we are absolutely biblical, if they mean politically, we don't take a position on politics (parties), and if they mean in love, NO WE LONG TO BE VERY LIBERAL in our love for God and one another.  So, it is a hard label to define or own.  Our goal as a church family is to follow God's Word no matter what the cost and a part of this is to prefer one another (Romans 12:10), and ABOVE ALL, love one another (1 Peter 4:8).  So, it seems, we are very liberal, and very conservative, depending on your definitions.  Sometimes labels are used to set up straw men and knock them down with prideful joy, so lets seek to avoid the label and embrace the reality!

Baptism:  Not only are we preaching on Baptism this coming Sunday, we want to give people the opportunity to be baptized!  If this is something that you are considering in obedience to Jesus as a believer by immersion, please talk with one of our pastors.  Don't wait any longer, this SUNDAY, OBEY JESUS and be baptized!

Remember:  Kick Off Sunday, September 16...COME FOR THE STICKY BUNS, and connect with God's family and opportunities of ministry and service.  This is an exciting time of year, and we want you to be aware of all of the ministries available at CBC.  Take advantage of opportunities to grow in your walk with God and connection with one another.  This is one of the most important relational things we do as a church, so come excited, ready to exalt God and remember the greatness together of the Gospel!  9:30 start!

Remember:  To preach the Gospel to yourself every day.  Communion did this for us on Sunday, and it was a powerful relational experience in obedience.  Jesus is coming again, and if we want to be found ready, we must NEVER FORGET.  I long for His return, and to be found faithful proclaiming His death until He returns.  We are a Premill, pre-trib. leadership team, and this is an exciting anticipation for us in terms of the immanent return of Jesus (our statement of faith).  May we remember this year to live in light of His return!  Maranatha, EVEN SO LORD JESUS COME!  As you begin the new year, don't forget Jesus could come back at any moment and live in light of this as a people that are READY!

Remember:  JOIN A GROWTH GROUP!  I am so excited that we once again have an excellent work book (thank you Elias), as we work through our series on Romans.  I love the opportunity for our people to discuss the text that was preached on, and how to apply it to real life.  I believe that Growth Groups help us to connect with God, one another and our church in a way that helps us to actively live out our faith.  The books should arrive in the next few weeks, and we will get them into your hands before the series starts.  Plan on using these to make sure that the Word of God that is preached is also lived out in the world that God has placed us IN BUT NOT OF.  We would love every person in our church to be in a growth group, and if you can't for whatever reason, that you would take the books, and interact on them with your family, friends, co-workers, or anywhere where the living out of God's Word is important!

 

Sunday Is Coming:

Title:  Baptism:  A Symbol Of Surrender & Salvation

Text:  Matthew 28:16-20

  • What is baptism?
  • Why do you think that baptism was important to Jesus and the early church?
  • Why have you been baptized?  Or perhaps, not baptized?
  • How does baptism help us unify in our joy of what Jesus has done?
  • How can you become more Gospel oriented in your life as you reflect on the greatness of who God is and what He has done for you on the cross?

As you prepare your hearts for Sunday, and the upcoming year, where does God want you to serve?  What specific areas do you need to adjust in your life so you are more effective at conforming to His image?

  • Who can you encourage this week?

Thankful for you, and excited about the upcoming year, and thrilled to be a part of this family

Pastor Rob