To God’s Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
The Olympics Have Started!
This is the only time of the year when watching some of these sports actually becomes exciting…GO CANADA GO! I think Paul loved sporting events.
If you love athletics, this is the best time of every second year. We had one of our parishioners almost make it this year in the relay races…so sad he missed it…
The kick off this year was horrific. Blasphemous even, and it reminds us that we are not friends of the world, and to keep word saturated, not world saturated. I have not seen the offensive footage (saw a picture of it on the news), nor will I, but was sadly not surprised...and deeply offended.
If you love the Olympics (or even if you don’t), there are two wonderful lessons this year for us...outside of the reminder that this world is not our home...
The first is from the Bible, where Paul tells us to run for the prize in 1 Corinthians 9. We are to be Olympic Christians, we are to strive with all our might for the prize, running in such a way that displays our understanding of what is at stake. We will hear stories over the next few weeks of sacrifice for the medal, and we will see the best in the world compete, and this is what Paul used to display how we are to run in our Christian lives. SO RUN to get the prize and be encouraged by what you see to go hard after God and His ways!
The second is from history. This is the 100 year anniversary of the events that gave us the movie, Chariots Of Fire. I love the movie, and even more the story of a man so devoted to Jesus that he chose his convictions over a gold medal. I don’t have the same convictions as he did, and would happily bless those playing, working essential jobs or running on Sunday’s, however, this kind of devotion displays the kind of commitment to obedience that we all should have in our lives to God and His Word.
The Sunday after Liddell returned to Scotland from Paris, he preached a sermon on Psalm 119:18. It is actually a verse I try to pray every day, for my own heart, and so amazing in terms of how this athlete for God won the prize.
As you probably know, he went the next summer to China, where he served for 20 years as a missionary. In 1944, with the Japanese invading China, Liddell sent his wife and two daughters back home…but he felt he should continue the work for God there and stayed.
After serving faithfully for a few more months, he was finally rounded up with 2000 others and taken to an internment camp in Weixian, and even there he serve His God.
This prison was horrific, and Eric’s health was failing as he had developed a brain tumour (that would eventually kill him), but he continued to serve God by teaching His Word and offering practical love to those in need.
On February 21, 1945 his race ended, and he was promoted to glory. He fought the good fight, and finished the race, and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7)…may that be said of us.
As you watch the Olympics, or at the very least hear about them…let them drive you to reflect on a life well lived, and rejoice in your own race as you discipline yourself for Olympic godliness.
The call is clear, the cost is all in devotion, and the reward beyond anything earth could offer, as Eric Liddle would tell you, even gold medals are small in comparison to the eternal weight of glory that awaits…so let us run with joy, perseverance and passion the race that God has given us.
Apart from faith in Christ, there is no explanation for such a life!
A fellow runner,
Pastor Rob
Sunday Is Coming:
How can you learn to walk by faith?
Share with at least four people at story from the OT that encourages you to walk by faith!
Reflect on Genesis 22, and how Abraham is a model of faith you.
Bulletin
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!
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.
