To God’s Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
Happy Giving Day:
Today is a day that people are reminded to give back, to use some of their own money to bless those who are less fortunate. For us who are Christians, it is a good reminder that we are STEWARDS of God's granted resources to us to use for HIs glory. Who we are and what we have is from God, and for His glory, and it is a reminder to us that we can invest in eternity. Please remember to continue to invest in the ministries at CBC as you consider investing in other things that God is doing.
I follow the stock market a little closer than I used to, as I have a little bit invested, and one of my children has become an expert on it. I notice when a new variant causes it to dip, or when more information causes it to mostly recover. My son informs me as to why, and when to invest, and his advice is good, but far better, this reminder to invest in eternity. If you are well off you can discover freedom 55, and invest your retirement in the work of God in a different area, but if you are really smart, you can invest in eternity now, and your dividends will pay for billions of years.
Today, you will have your inbox filled with opportunities. Take advantage of those that grab your heart, but even more…use all entrusted to you to invest in eternity. It is worth it, and substantially more, it will be worth it!
HUGE THANK YOU to those who invested their time in decorating the church for Christmas. It is a great reminder to us that Jesus actually makes a difference, and I rejoice that we have these reminders. As the Christmas music and decorations increase around us, let them remind you of the joy and difference that Jesus makes, and drive you deeper in relationship with Him, and more radical on mission for Him.
PRAYER challenge as we enter December is that we want to pray for those in our family and sphere of influence who don’t know Jesus. In fact, we want this to be a priority and to have those prayers reverberate for eternity because we have the opportunity to show people the greatness of Jesus. PRAY for an open door, an open mouth, and an open heart, and we will see God do great things in us and through us this Christmas. JOIN US on Sunday night as we follow this prayer challenge, and together pray for those in our sphere of influence who don’t know Jesus. Prayer Meeting: Sunday, 6:30-7:30. Our missional impact will be in direct proportion to our passionate prayers, and corporate prayer is a key way to engage our hearts and minds in this battle!
The tragic events that have and are occurring in Merritt and in Abbotsford, requires us as Christians to respond to those facing natural disasters, especially when our neighbors, just 40 kms away face catastrophic flooding. Nearly 20,000 people have been displaced and forced from their homes. Interested in volunteering please sign up to help homeowners recover in Jesus name by going to www.samaritanspurse.ca/bc-
Reminder to bring food for our hampers, it is a joy to see so many of us giving at Christmas time, and we encourage you to continue to do so in the name of Jesus through this ministry.
Sunday Is Coming:
Please take the time to prepare your hearts and encourage others. We have a number of new people in our family, please get to know some others, and help us connect people into the family relationally. If each of us makes an effort we will make it impossible for people to leave without having been loved.
This is advent Sunday #2:
Title: Jesus Makes A Difference: HOPE
Text: Romans 8:18-39
Jesus is more than a historical figure that we celebrate, He is alive. He is active in all of life, and He notices us.
This advent series focuses on some of the Christmas themes, and how we can have them active in our lives.
- What difference does Jesus make in your every day life?
- This Sunday we are focusing on HOPE:
- What is hope?
- Why is it so important in God’s Word, and in our lives?
- How do we get and keep hope, that transcends all earthly circumstances?
- How can we give hope to others?
COMMUNION
Prepare your hearts for communion celebration as we unite together in our remembering the greatness of what Jesus has done for us by giving Himself on the cross, and as we commit together to live our lives fully devoted to the risen Savior. Communion is given to us to bring us to Jesus and revive our first love devotion to Him. Pray that this symbol that is done in relationship with Him would revive your heart, and ours together as a church family as we unite in Him, and live for Him.
Excited to unify our hearts together in worship, and growth
Your servant and His,
Pastor Rob
We want you to have the opportunity to talk about the Word of God that was taught Sunday morning with others. Please take the time to do this together.
Growth Group Notes: November 28, 2021
- Who are some people who have made a big difference in your life?
- Who do you think are the most influential people in the world today?
Title: Jesus Makes A Difference: Peace
Text: Romans 5:1-11
- Read and discuss the text…it is one of the great celebrations of peace and hope in the Bible, and displays how to handle sufferings as those who have experienced the impact of Jesus demonstrated love.
- How can you make sure that you celebrate Christmas in a way that displays your faith in Jesus, and your passion to share His greatness with your own heart and with others?
- Why do you think there is so much lack of PEACE in our world today?
- What does it mean that Jesus is the PRINCE OF PEACE?
- What is a good definition of the peace the Bible talks about?
- How do we get peace with God?
- How do we get internal peace in the midst of the storms of life?
- How do we pursue peace with others?
- Why do we need Jesus work so desperately?
- What difference does this peace that Jesus shed His blood to give us make in your life right now? Colossians 1:20
- What does it mean that we are JUSTIFIED?
- How can we have peace in all of life, even when the storms rage around us?
- “No detail is too small or minute that it escapes the Father’s eye and attention. And now Jesus in His ascended glory exercises that same watchful care on our behalf. So why do we worry? Because we do not believe.” Bridges
- Interact with this quote.
- How does Jesus respond to the storms in comparison to the disciples? Matthew 8:23-27
- How does walking by faith give us peace?
- How can we pray in such a way that we experience the peace that passes understanding (Philippians 4:4-6)?
- Why is it so important to keep our eyes on Jesus as we live our lives here on earth?
- What are some practical ways you can do this (Psalm 16:8)?
- What does it mean to have FELLOWSHIP with God?
- How can you live in this fellowship?
- How does this fellowship with God produce a desire to live at peace with other followers of Jesus?
- Share some ways that Jesus has made a difference in your life.
- Share how this Christmas you will display that difference to others.
Prayer:
- Who has Jesus placed in your life that needs to hear about peace with God this Christmas?
- One of the differences we have been called to make in our live is our being ministers of reconciliation…how will you live as His Ambassador over this next month?