To God’s Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
We are in the season to celebrate REFORMATION DAY, a day where God’s grace has been on display for over 500 years...and God's work to build His church a delight.
On October 31, 1517 Martin Luther nailed 95 theses on the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany. This included addressing many issues of sin and theological chaos in the Catholic Church of the time, and fought for a biblical understanding of the Gospel. It was needed, and still is. This was the way to start a discussion among those who were serving the church, but did much more than start a discussion, it started a REVIVAL of Gospel doctrine and delight.
At the heart of the Reformation is a reminder for us to make sure what we believe comes from God’s Word, and is applied to our lives…that the Gospel is truly biblical good news that is enough. God's Word should always be our final authority!
As the world celebrates Halloween, take the time to talk with a friend or family member about the importance of the reformation, and to constantly be reforming our beliefs and actions to the Bible. This season (Halloween) has been taken over by the secular, so at least in our hearts let us remember the faithfulness of God in history, and the calling of the church to salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone for the glory of God alone!
Read a good book on the Reformation (I am reading one from Ligonier), and rejoice in the love of God, the glory of the Gospel and our role in seeking God’s glory together.
Happy Reformation Day!
Sunday Is Coming:
Text: Habakkuk 3:17-19
Title: When Faith Shatters Fear
This is our last sermon on Habakkuk:
If you have the time read all three chapters before the service on Sunday.
Remind yourself of the context of these precious verses…
- What is your greatest fear?
- Is that a legitimate fear?
- How does this text explain how to fight fear?
- How can we grow in our faith in God’s power?
- How does Matthew 10:26-31 help the person of faith fight their fear?
- How does looking at what God has done in the past help us with present fighting of fear in our lives?
- What are some things that God has done in your life that can help you fight present fear? Things in the Bible?
- How can we actively live in the power and presence of Jesus so that we can know His peace?
- What are some active ways you can grow you faith?
A fellow faith filled follower of Jesus, who longs to celebrate the Gospel,
Pastor Rob
Here is a helpful focused summary from GOT QUESTIONS... https://www.
At the heart of the Protestant Reformation lay four basic questions: How is a person saved? Where does religious authority lie? What is the church? What is the essence of Christian living? In answering these questions, Protestant Reformers developed what would be known as the “Five Solas” (sola being the Latin word for “alone”). These five essential points of biblical doctrine clearly separate Protestantism from Roman Catholicism. The Reformers resisted the demands placed on them to recant these doctrines, even to the point of death. The five essential doctrines of the Protestant Reformation are as follows:
1 - Sola Scriptura, “Scripture Alone.” The Bible alone is the sole authority for all matters of faith and practice. Scripture and Scripture alone is the standard by which all teachings and traditions of the church must be measured. As Martin Luther so eloquently stated when told to recant his teachings, “Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason—I do not accept the authority of the popes and councils, for they have contradicted each other—my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. God help me. Amen.”
2 - Sola Gratia, “Salvation by Grace Alone.” Salvation is proof of God’s undeserved favor; we are rescued from God’s wrath by His grace alone, not by any work we do. God’s blessing in Christ is the sole efficient cause of salvation. This grace is the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit who brings us to Christ by releasing us from our bondage to sin and raising us from spiritual death to spiritual life.
3 - Sola Fide, “Salvation by Faith Alone.” We are justified by faith in Christ alone, not by the works of the Law. It is by faith in Christ that His righteousness is imputed to us as the only possible satisfaction of God’s perfect standard.
4 - Solus Christus, “In Christ Alone.” Salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone; no one and nothing else can save. Jesus’ substitutionary death on the cross is sufficient for our justification and reconciliation to God the Father. The gospel has not been preached if Christ’s redemption is not declared and if faith in His resurrection is not solicited.
5 - Soli Deo Gloria, “For the Glory of God Alone.” Salvation is of God and has been accomplished by God for His glory alone. As Christians we must magnify Him always and live our lives in His presence, under His authority, and for His glory.
These five important doctrines are the reason for the Protestant Reformation. They are at the heart of the Reformers’ call for the church to return to biblical teaching. The Five Solas are just as important today in evaluating a church and its teachings as they were in the sixteenth century.
Bulletin
Men’s Breakfast
Sat. Nov. 2nd / 8:30 am / Fellowship Hall Men of all ages, come and enjoy a wonderful breakfast, fellowship, and spiritual food together!
New Discipleship Classes for Adults
Sundays / 9:00 am / Nov. 3 – Dec. 8
- Building Stronger Families: helping parents raise children according to Christian principles by providing biblical wisdom and practical tools.
- Great Marriages Don't Just Happen: equipping couples with tools to strengthen communication, resolve conflict, and build intimacy.
- The Watchman's Warning: we'll compare the Qur'an and the Bible to equip Christians for informed conversations about their faith.
Prayer Service: The Persecuted Church
Sunday, Nov. 3rd / 7:00 pm / Fellow. Hall At our Prayer Service for November we will be focusing on the suffering bride of Christ around the world, and specifically the way persecution impacts women and girls who often silently endure great hardship for the name of Christ.
Widow to Widow
Sat. Nov 9th / 2-4 pm / Fellowship Hall Widows of all stages are invited for tea and to hear special guest, Donna Glover, share her testimony.
Newcomers Lunch
Nov. 10th / After Service / Fellow. Hall New to Cloverdale Baptist? Join us for lunch on November 10th after the service! We’ll share with you who we are, our beliefs, and make you aware of our ministries. No registration is required.
Samaritan's Purse Christmas Child
Shoeboxes are available for pick-up in the foyer. Please fill them with necessities and a toy to bless a child and return them by Sunday, Nov. 17th.
Thanksgiving Offering
This year's Thanksgiving Offering will be in support of Dan Gibson's film project and will remain open until Oct. 31st. Please mark your envelopes or electronic gifts "Thanksgiving Offering".
CBC Bursaries for Post-Secondary
The Homer Edwards bursary is to help those who want to serve God in full-time or part-time ministry and are pursuing post-secondary education to that end. The Chapman Bursary is for those who are in full time study for personal development and/or ministry preparation at a CBC-approved post-secondary Bible school, Bible college or seminary. Applications available at the Ministry Desk, info wall, or contact Pastor Thomas at pastorthomas@
