To God’s Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
How can we help brothers and sisters around the world that are being persecuted for their faith? A friend pointed out that this is his passion, and it lines up with mine, so was good food for further thought, especially during Ramadan, as much of the persecution comes from people who celebrate this event!
Our missions committee values ministry to the persecuted church with support for Tony, and sponsoring conferences for church leaders from a persecuted country. Pastor Ray serves on a board that has a passion for the persecuted church, and each year as you know we pray corporately and privately for these precious people.
Can we do more? YES!
The most you can do is pray consistently and passionately for those who are being persecuted for their faith! What should you pray?
- Pray for a strength of faith in God that will hold them firm.
- Pray for wisdom as they seek to walk for God in dangerous places.
- Pray for relief from persecution, as well as the Gospel going forward in these countries.
- Pray for Christian leaders in these countries that will be able to teach sound doctrine.
- Pray for peace and assurance of salvation.
There are many other ways that you can pray for the persecuted church, and if you do this consistently you will partner in the Gospel with them.
Support our missional activity towards these precious people, including in how we love our refugees, and how we sponsor training for pastors and leaders in other countries. Strengthening the church is key to long term health anywhere, but especially where the Gospel in under such attack.
I am so thankful for our passion for the persecuted church, and ask that you join us in seeking God’s best for those under such horrific attacks!
There are great ministries that are seeking to make Christians more aware of what is happening, take the time to learn and engage!
https://www.opendoorscanada.org
We have valued our partnership with TWR and their stories of baptisms and life change are such a blessing and encouragement!
Looking forward to Sunday with you!
Text: Colossians 2:8-15
Title: Believer Beware...Of Kidnapping
Take the time to read the text a few times and ask the following questions to prepare your hearts:
1. What is he warning them about?
2. What is the solution to being kept safe?
3. What are distractions you face that could cause you to be caught up in traditionalism, or mysticism, and how can you fight them in your life?
Privileged to be your servant,
Pastor Rob
Bulletin
Holy Week at Cloverdale Baptist
- Palm Sunday Service Mar. 24th at 10:30am
- Good Friday Service Mar 29th at 10:30am
- Pancake Breakfast Mar 31st at 9:30am
- Resurrection Sunday Mar 31st at 10:30am
30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World
A guide to pray for Muslims "here, there, and everywhere" from March 10th–April 8th. Pick up a copy at the Missions table in the foyer or download it now:
Women's Retreat Save the Date
November 1st–3rd / Cedar Springs The Women's Ministry is planning a retreat this November at Cedar Springs Christian Retreat Center in Sumas, Washington. Stay tuned for more details like registration, schedule, and more!
New Discipleship Classes for Adults
Preparing Our Hearts for Easter with Pastor Ray: We will be taking a look at items of “The Seder” and how they tell the story of the Passover to the Jewish people; followed by a look at the Resurrection and its impact on our Christian faith.
Navigating Your Finances God's Way with Dave Esau & Murray Isaac: There are over two thousand verses in the Bible that deal with money and possessions, and in this new class, we will explore how God wants us to handle our finances. This class is for everyone—single or married, young or old, whether you earn a lot or a little.
Classes for youth and children are also running and the Nursery is open for young children. Learn more >
Growth Group Notes: Colossians 2:8-15
Thank you for joining us in seeking to help God’s people connect with Him, and to connect with His family at Cloverdale Baptist Church. Growth Groups are the heart of our strategy to connect with God and one another in unity for His glory…so THANK YOU for your part in pursuing this with us. Please continue to keep these relationships strong and intentionally pursue the Christian life in these communities, especially with our New Year’s goal of increased community.
Text: Colossians 2:8-15
Title: Believer Beware Of Kidnapping
We have been focusing a lot on distractions during our study of Colossians. What do you think distracts the world from thinking about Jesus? What distracts the liberal church? What distracts conservative churches? What distracts you?
Why is it so important for us to keep our fixation with Jesus?
Why do you think Paul uses, “captive” wording?
Discuss the list of Paul’s distractions? What are these and how do they impact us in the modern era?
- – Philosophy
- o Human Tradition
- o Demonic forces
Pastor Rob summed these up as legalism and mysticism….where do you see your own heart, or others distracted by these things?
Notice what it is n0t, in verse 8 “rather than on Christ”. Why do you think he says this?
Paul goes back to showing the greatness of Jesus in these verses (verses 9-15.)
- – Why does He do this?
- – How can we learn to live in light of this, especially if we are feeling like Colossians is repetitive?
How does this help us to break free from the bonds of legalism, or always longing for something more that is not in the Bible?
What does it mean to be interested in protecting yourself in this world against these attacks?
What does it mean to be IN CHRIST?
How can you actively apply this text to your life?
How did your life show last week that you are, “abounding in thanksgiving”?
- – What could you do this week so you can answer this question better next week?
What are some practical ways you can use the worlds focus on Easter to share Jesus with a friend, or invite them to services?
Who would you like to impact for Jesus this coming week?
Prayer:
- Þ Keep praising Jesus for who He is and what He has done, using Colossians 2:9-15 as a guide for this.
- Þ Make, ABOUNDING IN THANKSGIVING a central part of this prayer!
Pray that we would be free from traditionalism and mysticism and humbly follow God’s Word!
Pray for our search committee in their pursuit of a Discipleship/care pastor.
Other prayer requests: