To God’s Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
Why do we exist as a church?
Well, we have a mission statement that explains it, and you can read it on our wall and in our bulletin. We could sum it up simply with the Great Command and the Great Commission.
We exist to know God and make Him known. Both of these are essential in our pursuit of God, and we want to have healthy strategies to impact you as God’s people so you help us in building up the body in our conformity to Christ, and in reaching out to your sphere of influence with the Gospel of Christ.
You are the plan of God (with us) to build His bride and reach His people with the Gospel.
SELAH
That means stop and think about that…so go back and read that again.
YBH?
That was not a spelling mistake, it is a shorthand a preaching professor gave me meaning, YES BUT HOW?
How can we live on mission for God, walking in the good works that He has prepared in advance for us to do? Another way of asking...YBH?
Many hope the programs we have will accomplish this, and certainly we hope they help…like Kids Camp this week (please keep praying). Many hope the pastoral staff and key volunteers will work towards this, and certainly we hope that they will (although the key role of the pastor is equipping for the works of ministry, not doing all of them)…but the main impact strategy of the Bible is God’s people living on God’s mission for God’s glory.
It is helpful to simplify, and then build up from what is simple, so for us to accomplish this mission together, with each part doing its work (Ephesians 4:11-16) we need to build from two clear foundational realities.
- KNOW we are saved to be on mission.
If you know Jesus, you are saved to live on mission for Him. He has good works for you to do to serve His church, and to reach your sphere of influence.
When we know this our life takes on incredible purpose, and the privilege of being a part of His eternal plan should lead to incredible passion!
You matter to God’s plan, and we will only be healthy and improving our excellence if each part engages in ministry.
Do you know this?
What is it that God has for you this week to serve His bride, to reach out with the Gospel. Remember, programs help, but people are the plan!
So, do you know this? Why are you here on earth? To know God's will and to do it!
If you do know this, then simple step 2 is…
- KEEP in step with the Spirit.
Another way of saying this is JUST DO IT!
Take the next step of obedience and look actively for places to serve and people to build. You will have the chance to shape eternity because God will put you in the right place at the right time, and in the power of the Holy Spirit will use you in your weaknesses to make an eternal difference.
So, remember as we enjoy the summer heat and prepare for the winter rain…that you are God’s strategy to reach and build, and in eager anticipation, look for the people and ministries in the church to build her, and outside of the church to reach.
So, if you wonder how we can be better as a church family, start with this simple yet eternity changing reality…KNOW you are a part of His plan, KEEP moving in applying that in the power of the Spirit.
This week, actively look for someone you don’t know on Sunday…and greet them in God’s name.
A fellow knower and keeper,
Pastor Rob
Sunday Is Coming
Text: Hebrews 11:1-6
Title: Faith Building Stories From The OT:
We are going to be studying OT stories this summer that can help us to walk in faith.
- What are your favourite OT stories?
- Why do you like them?
- If you could meet anyone from the OT, who would you want to meet?
- Why is walking by faith so important to God, and His followers?
- How can you grow in your faith?
Thank you for loving God and His people with me!
Bulletin
Dessert Auction - Missions Fundraiser
Sun. July 28th / 7:00 PM / Fellow. Hall Come support our missions team heading to Newfoundland this summer where they will be putting on a kids soccer camp for the community!
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. Registration open online. Learn more >
Summer Prayer Meetings
Wednesdays at 7pm / Fellow. Hall At Cloverdale Baptist we always emphasize the importance of personal and corporate prayer. Throughout the summer, we’ll be meeting every Wednesday at 7pm as our elders lead us through a time of prayer and share a brief message. We hope you’ll make this a priority starting July 3rd.
Women's Retreat
November 1st–3rd / Cedar springs, WA Our Women's Ministry is planning a retreat in Sumas, Washington from November 1-3, 2024! Over the weekend, they'll be focusing on building gospel friendships with guest speaker Bronwyn Short. There will also be a selection of fun and relaxing activities available and childcare will be offered to mothers with infants.
