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Hi From Montreal

To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:

Hi from Montreal. As a church we are a part of The Gospel Coalition network of churches, and this week is the council meeting of the team from Canada. It is a joy to be here with friends, to hear stories of what God is doing around Canada, and to be a part of this family of churches. The top three things I love about this network: 1. Its Diversity: I am sitting next to a french brother from Montreal, staying with a Mennonite and a Baptist from Newfoundland, and surrounded by people of many different ethnicities and church networks. 2. Its Passion: Keeping God and the Gospel central to all we do, and essential doctrines at the front, and secondary doctrines behind. We have people from ANIC here, who are easy to love that we would disagree with on many things, but agree with on the things that truly matter. What a joy to be a part of a network that is unified around the things that really matter; 3. Ministry Engagement: God is at work in Canada, and we get to be a part of it through our resources and through my engagement and involvement. What a joy to hear of churches pursuing health, mission and conformity to Christ together. It is a joy to serve our church family, and on our behalf serve on the TGC-Canada Council. Thanks also for your prayers!

We deal with many different practical and theological issues as we do business and pray. It has been fun to engage and find a place of love and openness for disagreements and helping us to develop effectiveness in a cross Canadian ministry context. I am so thankful for this diverse country, and the joy I have of serving her in this MOST important area.

Speaking of our great nation we have an election coming up that will shape our future for the next four years and beyond. Please make sure you are aware of the issues and vote. We want to be the best neighbours and citizens of this land because we love God, and want others to experience His love. So find out where people stand on the value of life, freedom of religion and so many other things and as a good citizen of a great country please VOTE!

Conference: We are a very short time away from our church conference and want to get as many people as we can to this event where we hope your mind will be shaped, your heart changed and you life engaged on mission. Please sign up for our REAL LIFE REAL TRUTH conference, and come with an open mind and heart, ready to learn and grow.

THANKSGIVING: It is so good to be thankful for so many things. In fact, it is COMMANDED! God gives us something to be thankful for always, and then desires, even demands that we are thankful people. So, this week (and beyond) try to begin every conversation that you are in with something you are thankful for. If you feel strange about it, do it anyway :) . Happy Thanksgiving, enjoy the turkey, and the reminder to be a thankful follower of Jesus!

Sunday Is Coming:

I am praising God for the impact on so many of doing devotions together out of the Pressing On book. May our God use these formed habits to help each of us carry on in our walk with Him and deepen our love for one another. Please keep using the book to grow in community. Share with friends, families and growth groups and be ruthlessly passionate about applying God's Word to your life!

Sermon: Pressing On: Thankful Living
Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

  • What are 5 things you are thankful for?
  • How can you become a more thankful person?
  • How does the context of 1 Thessalonians 5 help you become a person capable of obeying this command?
  • What does it mean to keep in step with the Spirit?
  • How can you make sure that you are doing this?
  • What do you think it means to, "give thanks in all circumstances"?

Pray that we will become a gathering of people filled with constant thanksgiving and that you will be on the leading edge of this culture of thanksgiving.

It is a delight to live in Canada, and belong to our Cloverdale Baptist Church Family!

God's blessings on you, and for the record...I AM THANKFUL FOR YOU!

Lori, miss you, four boys and Hannah, miss watching football with you, see you soon...
Pastor Rob