To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
Today I fly to Toronto to be a part of The Gospel Coalition, Canada. Would covet your prayers for my travel, and wisdom as I am there as well as for my family at home. It is important for us to be a part of churches of like mind, even if we don't agree on every little detail in the Bible, and we have been a part of this network for many years, and now have the privilege of being on the ground floor of potentially having a part of Canada's own chapter. This will help us in our desire to be true to God's Word as a church, as well as being a ministry to other churches seeking to be strong biblically, and to live for the glory of God. Thanks for your prayers and this opportunity. I have always wanted to speak next to D.A. Carson, and I have a five minute part, so bucket list check mark...
As you know there have been a few deaths in our congregation in the last few weeks, and it is a great reminder for us to live right, as well as to prepare ourselves to die. A friend sent me an email as I was grieving last week, and a part of his words were, "We do live in a death denying, God denying culture...but the greatest preacher is at work, his name is death and much can be done at these times to provoke deep thought and repentance towards God and those who weep and wonder".
In my own heart, as I have grieved with many of you, it has been an opportunity to evaluate my own life, and priorities, as well as encourage others to be ready for death through a right relationship with Jesus our LORD. It is so good to remember that death is swallowed up in victory as we believe we have sinned, that sin leads to death, and that our Lord Jesus died in our place, paying the penalty for sin and conquering death! I love John 11, where Jesus said in the midst of the grieving over the death of Lazarus, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" I DO! So I know I will spend eternity in heaven with my Saviour, even as now I seek to live in such a way that His name is glorified in what I think, feel and do.
May this season that we walk through the valley of the shadow of death remind us of the need to grieve together, as those with hope, and be prepared ourselves for eternity, as well as live in light of His presence now (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)!
Steven Lawson is coming to Cloverdale Baptist Church, November 6-7, with Sola Scriptura. Please sign up at the welcome desk if you want to come, and take advantage of a special deal they have given us as they use our new facility. It costs $20, and will be well worth the cost to listen to a preacher of this caliber in our own facility.
We have a baptism this weekend, that is always exciting, please pray for those getting baptized and come ready to be challenged by their testimony!
Text: Mark 10:1-12
Title: Learning To Love Marriage
Please prepare your hearts for God's Word on Sunday, by meditating on this text.
Why do you think Biblical marriage is under such attack in our culture?
What is the worlds view of marriage?
How does the Word of God inform us of the value of marriage to God?
How can we as a church value marriage?
How can we minister effectively to those who have been divorced?
Why do you think that God's way is so difficult for those of us who are man centred, or define our beliefs in culture?
How can we live and promote Biblical values in a world that is lost and does not value what we value?
Have a great week, looking forward to seeing you on Sunday, and hearing from God's Word together!
With joy, and a desperate need for your prayers,
Pastor Rob