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Be Careful

To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist:

I have often received emails from people claiming to be princes from Africa who need my help and will pay me a lot of money, or from Eastern Europe people who have millions and if I simply invest in getting them to Canada I will be rich.  I suppose schemes like this are as old as the fall, however lately people have been receiving emails from me asking for help in buying gift cards so we can care for others.  If you get an email from any of our pastoral staff asking you to buy gift cards...STOP!  If you think it actually might be one of us, check the email address, and if it is accurate, call us.  Sadly there are people out there who take advantage of kind loving people, and we want the kind and loving to continue and the taking advantage of to stop!  If you have been taken advantage of, me too, in fact once offered my car (and all my keys) to a conman who called me from the church and wife had just gone into labour (he did get $50 for spending on who knows what from me) and as I chased to see if the wife needed a visit discovered that it was rather the conman who needed a visit from the police :(  So be careful, double check, and don't send money to anyone without making sure it is actually above board and right (even then can gain protection by going through the church).

It seems that deception is a part of the fall, in fact led to the fall, so want to use the sin of those trying to con kind people out of their money to remind us that we MUST seek to always check what we believe with God's Word.  It is not only inspired and inerrant, it is also sufficient.  He has given us all we need for life and godliness, and although it might be easier to base our beliefs on traditions, or what other people tell us, each of us must take responsibility to be WORD SATURATED if we are to be a healthy church.  So, let the crooks remind you that you are one who should not lean on your own understanding, and that you should acknowledge Him in all your ways, and follow His path from His Word (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Prayer For The Persecuted Church:  Reminder that this Sunday night we are gathering to pray for the persecuted church around the world (6:30).  There are two reasons that you should make this a priority: 1.  Any time God's people gather to pray together we should try to be there; 2.  The least we can do for those who are giving their lives and freedom for Jesus is to join them in their struggle by praying for them!  Join us, and as our hearts ache for family around the world suffering, let this drive us to our knees, and then in courage to our feet to stand firm in our faith.

Encourage One Another:  It is good to remember that one of our roles as a member of the family of God is to be an encouragement to those around us.  Today, (this week) write a note, make a phone call, send an email, and encourage someone in our church family.  I have heard from people how meaningful it is to get encouragement and believe that God will use your efforts to be a blessing to and change their lives in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Take the time to pray for someone you have been thinking of inviting to church, and if/when you get the opportunity that God provides, be of good courage and take advantage of every opportunity and be an INVITER!

Sunday Is Coming:

Title:  Encounter Jesus:  Facing Trials In His Presence
Text:  John 16

  • Why do you think that Christians in this world suffer?
  • Why do you think that many statistics are telling us that persecution is increasing and intensifying here and around the world?
  • How should we respond when we struggle with this (2 Timothy 3:12)?
  • How should we respond when we are made aware of the greater evangelical church around the world struggling with this?

Remember to join us Sunday night for a time of prayer, and entrusting these precious people to God's care!

Privileged to serve with you,

Pastor Rob