To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
What does it mean to walk worth of the calling we have received? This is the theme of our Joint Servant Team (Elders and Deacons) that are gathering Tuesday night seeking to pursue excellence for God's glory together. Ephesians 4:1-16 is perhaps the most important passage in defining this, and one worth reading over and over again, including the difficult portions found in the middle. If we are to walk worth of the calling we have received, we must understand this calling (Gospel Focused), and allow it to impact every area of our lives (walk) in a way that points clearly to God and His grace. The way we do this together is in humility, gentleness and active sacrificial love and service to Jesus church. Take the time today to read Ephesians 4:1-16 and ask what changes you need to make in your life to be one who is obeying this great command that overflows from a powerful experience of God's love (Ephesians 3:14-21). When we see how Ephesians 1 values the local church as central in the purpose and plan of God, walking worthy of His calling is always in community, and using our gifts for His glory! Please pray for your elders and deacons as we gather to increase our excellence in serving Jesus by helping you use your gifts for His glory!
One of the areas we are constantly trying to grow in is love. We are to love as Christ loved us, and the way we do this is to actively look for opportunities to self sacrificially serve in God's strength. This week think of three people you can encourage. Write them a note, make a phone call, send a text, and engage. This coming Sunday look for two people you don't know well, and seek to express that you are glad they are there to worship God. Find someone sitting alone during our Connection Cafe, and help us to be who God wants us to be in this area...one person who works hard on this every week grabbed me Sunday and said he had met 10 new people! Well done, and may your kind increase!
Calendar Updates: Fathers Day Food Bank: As we seek to make an impact on the community around us, one of the ways that we would like to do that is through donating to a local food bank. Please pay attention to what they need and be a part of helping us as a church impact those in our community in need in the name of Jesus. Bring something this Sunday and on Father's Day! This week, bring canned veggies, snack and drinks.
Kid's Camp: Our Kids Camp is coming soon, please make sure you have invited your friends and signed up your kids and grandkids. Statistically the best time to impact people with the Gospel is between 4 an 14, and one of the great ways we serve God is by serving kids. Join us in this pursuit and serve, pray for, and invite.
Baptism: Baptisms are very precious, and we are having a baptism on June 23, if you desire to obey Jesus by being baptized in the local church as a believer by immersion, please contact one of our pastors.
Child Dedication: We will be having a family dedication of praise and dedication on June 16, which is Fathers Day. If you would like to join us in praise and whole hearted devotion to God, please contact Pastor Thomas.
Sunday Is Coming:
Title: The Struggle: Key Stone Habits
Text: Romans 7/Topical/Jude
- Why do you think that an authentic Christian has an intense struggle with sin in their own lives?
- How can we be those who are never content with our own holiness, but always pursuing it in the context of the Gospel?
- How does the Bible call for us to struggle in dependence?
- What are the habits that you think you need in your life to be in a pattern of growth as a Christian? Remember that the focus of the Bible is on the heart that overflows in behaviour, not in simple behaviour adjustment.
- How can you increase these disciplines in your life?
- If you are not struggling against sin, for holiness, what does that say about you?
Honoured to be your pastor,
Rob