To God's Beloved Children At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
Merry Christmas
Well, almost, and as the day approaches with a speed I don't remember as a child, it is good to remember the REASON FOR THE SEASON! In the busyness and rapid pace it is good to stop and take the time to BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD (thanks Jack for that reminder). The greatest event in history happened on the cross, and subsequent resurrection, but a close second is the incarnation (honourable mention to creation and Pentecost). Take the time not only to prepare your own hearts, but invite others to rejoice with you in remembering the true meaning of Christmas.
Sunday our children will be putting on a program. It is always excellent, and an opportunity to bring people that don't know Jesus to church so that they can experience the richness of the love of God displayed in the incarnation and Gospel. Invite a friend and enjoy a service designed to celebrate Jesus and share Him with others. This is probably the best season to invite people, so please prayerfully do so! Parking is starting to be difficult, so come early with a full car, park at the back if you walk well and pray that our guests would get the best spots.
Sunday School is over for the Christmas season. Make one of your New Year resolutions to take the family to Sunday School. Will begin again for all ages on January 12.
Someone said to me last week, "every Sunday I meet people who are here for the first time at our church". For that I am thankful, God is bringing people to us, and our joy is to be a welcoming loving church. Doing an interview for one of our baptisms (wasn't that a HUGE BLESSING SUNDAY!) one of the new Christians said to me, something like, from the moment they came through the doors they could feel the presence of God. This is our goal, to be filled with the Spirit and loving. Thank you for your help and especially at Christmas, KEEP IT UP!
Sunday Is Coming:
One of the best sermons I have ever heard preached was by Henry Budd (at the time president of Briercrest) on Joseph. He entitled it, The Quiet Man Of Christmas. I remember rejoicing in Josephs's gentle faithfulness and delighting in the fact that God took an ordinary carpenter, and entrusted His Son into the care of the man.
Text: Matthew 1:18-25
Title: Ordinary People God Used For Extraordinary Things: Joseph: A Man Of Quiet Integrity In Confusion
- How can we make sure that when we read the Bible we remember that these are real people in space time history, and were ordinary like us?
- How does the story of Joseph help you to trust God in confusion?
- How did the righteousness of Joseph (1:18-19) help him when crisis and confusion hit?
- Why is knowing God is Sovereign, Good, and Loving ESSENTIAL to trusting Him in confusing times?
- What are some ways you can live your ordinary life with expectation of God using you for extraordinary things?
Take the time this week to pray for those serving in our services, as well as the person you are planning to invite.
Privileged to walk with you ordinary people, as an ordinary man, chosen by God to do extraordinary things that will impact eternity,
Pastor Rob