To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
We have been working through the book of Mark together as God's people on Sunday mornings, and I have the amazing privilege of working ahead in the text. For the past three weeks I have had the overwhelming honour of meditating on the cross and all that Jesus has done for us there...His love is AMAZING! It has been a great REMINDER for me of all that Jesus did, and went through in love for the glory of God, and my reconciliation with Him.
It has been a reminder for me to preach the Gospel to myself every day. The reality that God is holy, and I am a sinner, and Jesus died in my place and rose again, and by grace through faith I can have a reconciled relationship with Him that changes my life.
This reminds me that I am forgiven, and there is no condemnation for those who are in Jesus (Romans 8:1)
This reminds me that I am loved, and this love compels me to obey Him with all my life (2 Corinthians 5:14)
This reminds me that I am loved, and shows and calls me to love this way (Ephesians 5:1-2; 1 John 4:19)
This reminds me that I have been forgiven, and so I will forgive others (Matthew 18:21-35)
This reminds me that my identity is IN CHRIST, and my goal is to be like Him (Galatians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 5:21)
This reminds me that my value is found in Jesus so I am humble and confident to the praise of His glorious grace (Matthew 5:3; Philippians 4:13)
This reminds me that I am bought with a price, and therefore my goal is to obey Him fully (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
Oh that we would never lose sight of the Gospel, and the joy we can find in our freedom, forgiveness and fire. May I encourage you, if you are struggling with anything in life, that as you seek to do everything in the name of Jesus, your starting and staying place for strength to do this is to meditate on the Gospel.
And can it be, that I should gain an interest in the Saviour's blood. Died He for me, who caused His pain--for me, who Him to death pursued.
Amazing love! How can it be, that thou, my God shouldst die for me? Amazing love! How can it be, that thou my God shouldst die for me?
This week is full again, please keep informed on all of the things that are going on, and join in where you can. We long to be a community of people who glorify God together. This means a love for God and one another that fights against the world, the flesh and the devil. It is not easy to be those who live praising God, filled with irresistible and glorious joy, and obedient in our thanksgiving and lives. Fight for this, and help one another to do this, but staying focused on Jesus.
Sunday Is Coming:
Title: Jesus Is Coming Again
Text: Mark 13
Why do you think that it seems like the focus of the church on the end times seems to come and go?
Why do you think so many people disagree on texts like this one, in terms of what they mean?
Why is it important for us to know what the Bible teaches about the return of Jesus?
Why do you think that so much of the Bible is dedicated to prophecy?
What do you think the statement, "we are in the last day":, means?
Why is humility about the last days important as we seek to understand what God's Word teaches?
Why do you think Jesus said, BE ON YOUR GUARD, and STAY AWAKE? What do you think this means?
Have a great week, excited about what God is doing, and looking forward to another great Sunday!
Maranatha, EVEN SO LORD JESUS COME!
Pastor Rob