To God’s Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
This is late. Thank you to those who have pushed me to still put this out. Sometimes my week as a shepherd takes turns that are important for me to follow, and in that I rejoice, but it can mean that other things are put on hold. We live in a world where following Jesus is not easy. Our world is broken, fallen, or to use biblical language, groaning. This should not surprise us, even as it does sadden us. The world is not our friend, and does not hold solutions to the problems it faces. This is a good reminder for us that we should keep our eyes on God (Hebrews 12:1-3), or fixation on the eternal (Revelation 4-5; Colossians 3:1-3; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18), and our passions Gospel focused. If we can do this, we will be Esther’s in exile, yet on mission (Esther 4:14). Share the Gospel with people and show them through your peace, His power, and through your LOVE, His holiness.
When we truly know God, and have experienced the richness of the Gospel, He chases out all other competing rivalries. Listened to a great sermon on the Lord’s Table this week, and the unity we find when we truly belong to Him. How can we not find way more unity in Christ, and the fulness of the Spirit than in our sports teams or whether to wear masks or not. I think the answer is obvious and powerful, the more broken the world, the more we will shine as those who choose the character of Christ, the conduct of holiness and love, and the center of our unity, the Gospel. Thank you for doing this as a congregation, and keep your focus here, as we journey forward! I love that Jesus had zealots and tax collectors in His 12, and we don’t see them fighting at all, their unity in Christ superseded their worldly passions!
Sunday Is Coming:
Title: Glimpses Of Glory
Text: Revelation 4
Read this wonderful text again!
- Why do you think that the churches (and our church) needed this view of heaven?
- How can we become more heavenly minded?
- Why is the THRONE important?
- Why is the fact that there is someone seated on the throne important?
- How do the things surrounding this great vision help us see the glory and power of God?
- How does a biblical vision of God help us to trust Him in the midst of the brokenness of the world?
- How can you make sure that your view of God is biblical and not cultural?
If you are feeling fear, or anxiety, over the government, or COVID, or your health, take the time to meditate on the greatness of God, and TRUST HIM FULLY!
Psalm 46 and Isaiah 40 are great places to start, and Revelation 4 gives us a glimpse of why we can trust God always!
Trusting with you, united in the Gospel, and your joyful servant because I am His,
Encourage 3, invite 3, and make sure to share the Gospel with at least 1 other person, and we will see His mission accomplished through this mess!
Pastor Rob