To God's Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
The Return Is Soon:
What does this actually mean? Well, it means that we are looking forward to Jesus return, which is essential and important, but what we are talking about here is the return to church gathered physically. We don't know what this looks like yet, and are waiting for guidelines from those who know best, even as we long for and plan for a return to almost normal. We think that this will mean multiple services and creative kids ministry, and we are playing in our minds with all sorts of options as we become more aware as to what is allowed and not allowed...so STAY ALERT...THE RETURN IS SOON....and please let us know of any concerns you might have, or ideas that you think would help us succeed at getting back together as soon as we are able to do so safely!
Mothers Day is this coming Sunday. Take the time today to get ready to bless your mom, especially this year, and on Sunday go way out of your way to make it super special for her. If you are married to the mother of your children, BLESS HER, and get the kids together to be an extra blessing for her. HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!
Please make extra effort this week to stay connected. Join the different ministries, instigate encouragement, take the time to pray and be a part of the Bible Study, ENGAGE! The longer this goes on the harder this is, and perhaps the more important this is...so as each of us does this, we will find ourselves growing! We are doing this so well, and growing in impact as we do it, but as it drags out the intensity of our effort needs to increase to block the growth of the apathy that might creep in...thank you for helping, now we are asking for even more.
Giving: Thank you for giving. I remain overwhelmed at how we are responding in this pandemic in our devotion to Jesus, and love for his bride at CBC. THANK YOU! Please continue to make this a priority as we seek to plan for the next year and beyond and carefully act as those entrusted to invest His resources in a way that brings Him maximum glory.
Sunday Is Coming:
I spent time praying and seeking advice as to whether to keep going in Romans, as we turn the corner from Romans 8 into the passionate pursuit of submission to the Sovereignty of God in Romans 9-11, and we have decided to keep going and growing. So this Sunday, with some sadness and missing Romans 8, and a deep satisfaction that Romans 9 is God's Word and has a powerful message for us, we turn the corner.
Title: Amazing Power
Text: Romans 9:1-13
- Why do you think that Romans 9 and its content follow Romans 8?
- Why was Paul so passionate about helping those who didn't know Jesus to know Him?
- How does Paul's passion for the lost in his nation, push us to be like this in our longing to see others know and believe the Gospel message?
- How are the Jews a part of God's plan, and how was does history help us not to waste our opportunity?
- How can we grow to trust God and His plan in our lives as we reflect on Romans 9, in the context of Romans 8?
- This passage contains one of the hardest passages in the Bible (one of my favourite pastors says the hardest), and yet, God chose to put this here for us. Why do you think He put this passage here? What is the main message He is teaching when He refers to His love and hatred?
- How can we make sure as we study passages like this, that our view of God is Biblical, and not coloured or blocked by our traditions, or current cultural setting?
- Reflect on Isaiah 55:8-9
- How does God's Sovereignty help us to trust in Him, especially in the context of Romans 8?
Privileged to serve Jesus, by serving His bride at CBC,
Pastor Rob