To God’s Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
ENGAGE!
No this is not the same email as you got last week…yes it is the same subject material, because often at the start of the new school year we have opportunities to ENGAGE with a refreshed schedule.
So…
ENGAGE…
Most importantly ENGAGE WITH GOD:
In fact it might be helpful to send this kind of email every week...although I will not...
We will talk about this theme of growing in godliness a lot this year, as one of our key themes is growing in God’s grace. We have the planned conference, the kick off series, and most importantly the commands of God! How does your life show LOVE and HOLINESS?
How do you engage with God?
I hope you already know the answer to this, but often we don’t apply it like we should…so…
- Gospel Orientation: Preach the Gospel to yourself every day and always live in the context of the love of Jesus and your freedom in Christ.
- Word Saturation: Be disciplined in your pursuit of God’s Word in your life, and be more in the WORD than in the WORLD…and this is not easy. Build a biblical worldview.
- Prayer: Live actively conscious of God’s presence and engage in relationship with Him using discipline and constant dependence. Live a life of constant prayer.
- Local Church: Actively engage with God’s people seeking to connect and commune in a healthy community. Love God’s people, be loyal to attending and supporting, and steward who you are and what you have for His glory in connection with the local church. There is no such thing as a healthy Christian who is not connected and serving in the local church.
- First Love Devotion: Always remember that Christianity is relational, and obeying God is an overflow of loving Him.
Now the key part…we preached on these Sunday, but for them to impact you, it is more than simple knowledge it is application.
So my challenge for you this week is to make a GROWTH PLAN. Write it down, and share it with someone, and include practical ways that this year will be a year that you engage with God.
I believe that the tragedy of the Canadian churches impact is not because we are responding wrong to conspiracies, or controversy’s, not because we are not political enough, BUT because we are not serious enough about our personal and corporate engagement with the living God.
Godliness is a word that carries with it the idea of living in God’s presence with reverence and fear, and living for God’s glory with passion and freedom.
ENGAGE WITH GOD THIS YEAR ACTIVELY.
STOP…
Make a growth plan now…or set aside a time when you can make a growth plan so that your life is ENGAGED with the living God.
Nothing else matters…and when you do this well, everything else will matter for His glory.
I am very excited about this coming year, and looking forward to greater intimacy and impact as a church family because we take this seroiusly. Choose this day whom you will serve, and in His grace, pursue Him with all your might!
Growing in intimacy and impact with you this school year,
Pastor Rob
Sunday Is Coming:
As you prepare your hearts for this coming Sunday in prayer and word…
- Read Psalm 46
- What stands out to you in this Psalm?
- Why is it important to see that God is with us in trouble?
- What does it mean to be still and know that He is God?
- How can we use this Psalm to be balm for our hearts and minds in the midst of a chaotic world and our own pain?
- Why is it important in the midst of pursuing godliness…making every effort…to also be constantly aware of His VERY PRESENT HELP?
Bulletin
Missions Month Events
- Missions Report | Sunday, Sept. 15th at 9am & 7pm: Dan (WEC Film Ministry).
- Church-wide Lunch | Sunday, Sept. 22nd at 12pm: Dean Eden (Ukraine).
Discipleship Classes All Ages
Starting next Sunday / 9:00 AM We believe in the importance of sound biblical education for all! Starting next Sunday at 9am, we'll have an hour of teaching and discipling for all children, youth, and adults, where we can all grow in our understanding of the scriptures and the Christian life. Learn more >
Baptism Sunday
Sunday, Sept. 22nd / During service We’re excited to witness a few people taking a step of obedience in their faith by going through the waters of baptism. If you have put your faith in Christ and would like to be baptized, sign up today and we’ll get in touch with you!
Women's Ministry Events
- Women's Retreat: register today!
- Fall Bible Study Registration: An inductive study of the book of Colossians on Monday evenings or Tuesday mornings starting this fall. Child discipleship offered during morning study (we're hiring for this position, contact us for details). Registration is now open >
Men's Ministry Events
» Men's Breakfast: Sept. 14th at 8:30am—Men of all ages, come and enjoy a wonderful breakfast, fellowship, and spiritual food together! Pastor Rob is joining us to speak on the covenant theology.
» Men's Bible Study: Starting Sept. 16th, we'll be meeting to study the book of James every other Monday from 6:30–8:30pm. Register here >
Church Membership Course
Starting Sept. 22nd / 9 AM / Room 246 Join this 6-week course where we’ll learn what it means to be a healthy Christian and explore the doctrinal beliefs of CBC. Register today!
Habits of Grace Conference
Oct. 25 & 26, 2024 / Cloverdale Baptist We are excited to announce the Habits of Grace Conference in partnership with Desiring God! Guest speaker David Mathis, executive editor for desiringGod.org, will be joining Pastor Rob to delve into how spiritual disciplines can deepen our joy in Christ. Breakout sessions specifically designed for men, women, youth, and couples will focus on spiritual growth. Lunch provided. Register today!
