To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
This is the most special week of the year...and it helps us to refocus our lives on Jesus and the Gospel. Don't waste this week.
Spend time each day reflecting on the greatness of who God is, and as important, what He has done for us in the Gospel! You can follow the Passion Week Devotional Guide, to help you worship and praise. They are available at the church office, or you can find it on our website.
The amazing thing about Jesus death and resurrection is that when we believe, truly believe, our lives will never be the same! In fact understanding and experiencing the Gospel is the most important way to become who God wants us to become! Authentic Discipleship is not about what we do, it is about what Jesus has done, is doing, and our joy filled worship of life response to this. If you struggle in your Christian life with sin, STOP IT, if you struggle not rejoicing and living in constant gratitude, START IT, however you will never produce the right fruit unless the root is healthy. How do we help the root get healthy? We fix our eyes on Jesus, we experience His love afresh in the Gospel, and live our lives as an overflow of that!
- The Gospel motivate us to be a people who are Jesus very own possession, EAGER TO DO WHAT IS GOOD: Titus 2:11-14
- The Gospel frees us from all condemnation: Romans 8:1
- The Gospel motivates us to serve God with all we are and all we have: 2 Corinthians 5:14
- The Gospel gives us a proper self identity in confidence: Ephesians 2:8-10; 2 Corinthians 5:21
- The Gospel give us true humility: Matthew 5:3; Romans 5:6-11
- The Gospel gives us the model to love, and strength to love: Ephesians 5:1-2; 1 John 4:19
- The Gospel helps us to know we belong to a family: Ephesians 4:11-16
- The Gospel places us on mission for the glory of God and love of other people: Philippians 1:27
- The Gospel makes us generous with our gifts to God's church: 2 Corinthians 12:13
We cannot overestimate the power of the Gospel, or the impact it has on those who truly believe it and grow in their experience of it.
So, this week...take the time every day to praise God and refocus you mind and your heart on what Jesus has done for you. Watch Him walk to the cross with resolute purpose, weep with drops of blood in the Garden, walk with Him through the false trials, accusations and abuse. See Him nailed to the cross...and PRAISE! As He breathes His last and cries out IT IS FINISHED feel not only His pain, but also His love as the wrath of God is satisfied by Jesus dying in your place. Don't stop here as you weep and worship, journey to the tomb as faithful men place Him their, and faithful women find it empty! HE IS RISEN, JUST AS HE SAID! O that we would grasp this power, this love, this God, and exalt Him together!
We cannot overestimate the power of the Gospel, or the impact it has on those who truly believe it and grow in their experience of it. Look back over that list of Gospel Impact, look up each text, and pray that God would overwhelm you with His love so that you would live for lavishly for His glory (Luke 7:47). JESUS THANK YOU!
We celebrate together...join us on GOOD FRIDAY at 10:00, as we together worship in agony...and praise.
Invite someone for our pancake breakfast Sunday at 9:00, and join us looking for new people to love and welcome. Read this week that 86% of people are in church because of a friend. Be that friend who takes the time to invite someone to our weekend services, and trust that God through His Spirit and preached Word will help them take the next steps towards forgiveness and purpose in right relationship with God. Pray for those who have already invited, or are inviting and join us for food and a longing to see others trust in Jesus!
Please join me in praying this week for One Mile Mission, a ministry that my TGC partner Pastor Stephen Bray has began to see the Gospel flourish in Newfoundland. Pray that they would have church planters, resources, and that they would bear fruit in this place that is lost.
Friday Is Coming:
Reflect on John 19
Spend some time in praise!
Sunday Is Coming:
Text: John 11
Title: I AM The Resurrection and The Life
- Why is it important we know who Jesus is?
- What does the context (on either side) of this great statement of Jesus teach us about what Jesus was trying to get across?
- Do you believe?
I am thankful to belong to a church family that is seeking to grow deeper in Intimacy, and wider in Impact! Thank you for the part that each of you play in seeking God's glory with us. Keep your eyes fixed on Him and your heart filled with the JOY that transcends circumstance and can only be found IN CHRIST!
A Fellow Joy Filled Follower,
Pastor Rob