To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
This week included another Thanksgiving Service for a member of our church. Services like this remind me of the importance of being ready for death, through faith in Jesus, as well as a reminder to live well. Hal Neufeld was described by his family in many precious ways, steadfast, faithful, a man of integrity, faithful to God's Word in a gentle way, but the one description that impacted me the most was the statement, "he didn't have a selfish bone in his body." Asking the questions I ask while preparing for these services, always makes me wonder what those closest to me will say when the pastor comes to comfort them, and looks for descriptions of me. I want my life to matter, and long to leave a legacy in my family and our church. This reminder to me, I hope can be a reminder to you, to live well, and to be ready for glory by having faith in Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. Don't put off to tomorrow, what you can do today. Maybe, Jesus will return first (Maranatha), but either way live in light of eternity now while you still can!
Baptism: Had another baptismal interview this week, and rejoice in new life in Jesus. If but one person is transferred from death to life through our church than this is worth our short lives. We will be having a baptism service on May 29, if you are ready to obey Jesus in baptism please contact one of our pastors.
As we get ready for the summer, we typically have more time to read. I am starting to pile up books for my own enjoyment and personal growth. What should you be reading this summer? Always start and stay with God's Word. Read the Bible, and enjoy what is written there as a passionate pursuit of God. There are different ways to read it, one book every day for a month, or the entire Bible in a big picture read, or a Psalm and Proverb a day, or... The most important thing is that you are in God's Word!
I will try to share other books that I am reading as well, and on the top of my list for the next few weeks is a book by Steven Lawson, called The Heroic Boldness Of Martin Luther. We are in the 500th anniversary year of the reformation, and I would suggest that we study a little of our history and learn from it as we seek to be loyal together to God's Word. I will give a copy of this book to the first 3 people that respond to this email and ask, if you promise you will read it, and share what you learn with others. My favourite Luther quote is, "I cannot choose but adhere to the word of God, which has possession of my conscience; nor can I possibly, nor will I even make any recantation, since it is neither safe nor honest to act contrary to conscience. Here I stand; I cannot do otherwise, so help me God! Amen"
We have a rich history, and God willing we will look a little closer at the impact of the Reformation together in September and October as a church family.
I have the privilege of taking some time with my family over the next few weeks, so would covet your prayers! It is a joy to be blessed by God with Lori and the four boys, and as they grow up to be men of God, your prayers are a key part of making this happen!
DON'T FORGET: The Premier of Dan Gibson's movie, The Sacred City, is on Saturday night at 7:00. This is a privilege to be a part of!
Sunday Is Coming:
Read prayerfully Philippians 2:1-11
Have a great week, as you seek to glorify God and grow in Him every day!
Pastor Rob