To God’s Beloved At Cloverdale Baptist Church:
The book of JOHN is AMAZING!
So thankful we get to journey through it together for the glory of our God. It is a book about Jesus, and in the first few verses we see the MAJESTY of His being God, and the GLORY of His dwelling among us.
There is no greater experience than knowing the love of God and becoming His child…Life is an amazing privilege and responsibility when we experience His call!
We are taking a few weeks in these weekly messages to talk about holiness. It means three key realities when understood biblically in light of the holiness of God…
We are set apart for God’s use, we are called to be distinct from the world, and we are called to be pure.
What does it mean to be set apart for God’s use? For we are to be HOLY as God is HOLY, and this means we belong to Him for His work!
He actually has set us apart because we are a part of His plan.
This means at least 3 profound things.
- You matter to God in terms of how you serve
This is incredibly important if you ever wonder what the purpose of your life is. I don’t know the less essential details of God’s plan for your life, but I do know He has chosen you to make a difference in people’s lives. He has placed you where you are and in the church you are in so that you can be His blessing to others. He wants to use you to show people His Gospel and draw them into a relationship with Him. He wants to use you and the gifts He has given you to beautify His bride. You are His AMBASSADOR (2 Corinthians 5:11-21); you are His BODY BUILDER (Ephesians 4:11-16).
YOU MATTER TO GOD! YOU ARE HOLY…set apart to play a larger part.
- You are His Workmanship so you can serve with confidence
This means you never have to feel inferior or insecure in the role that God is calling you to play. You are His work of art, literally He is making you in the power of the Holy Spirit who you need to be to accomplish His work.
In yourself you will never be strong enough, but IN CHRIST there is nothing that He calls you to do that you won’t be able to do (Ephesians 2:10). He actually has transformed you to be who He wants you to be to accomplish what He has set you apart for. The confidence we can have IN CHRIST is impossible to overestimate.
- You will impact eternity
If you could find the cure for cancer, I would be in your debt as those I know and loved were healed. THIS IS WAY BEYOND THAT. Jesus has placed us where He wants so we can beautify His blood bought bride, and be His ambassadors, and those places to serve will reverberate throughout history.
YOU MATTER! To God and His plan. He doesn’t need you, but has chosen to set you apart to accomplish His will for His glory. This is beyond any earthly calling or accomplishment! I love being HOLY.
So in this case to BE HOLY means to be set apart to serve God. As we are saying, we are set apart to play a larger part.
So, respond to the call of God to be holy by actively looking for where God has set you apart to serve. Be aware as you go throughout your day of people He has set you apart to love, to share His good news with, to weep with and comfort. Actively pursue a place of service in the local church where if you choose not to do your part not only will you suffer but so will Jesus bride at CBC.
What small steps can you take in your life to be more aware of God’s setting you apart to play a larger part this week?
Where are you serving in the church right now? What else does God want you to do?
As you reflect on where God has placed you, who is one person you will seek to pray for and represent Him to in the next week?
If Each One Of Us Takes This Part Of Holiness Seriously...OUR IMPACT WILL INCREASE FOR ETERNITY!
We are called to be HOLY…an immense responsibility and privilege…so BE HOLY…and choose to do that in the grace and calling of our God.
Set Apart With You To Play A Larger Part In God's Plan,
Pastor Rob
Sunday Is Coming:
Title: Who Are You? Identity Crisis Solved
Text: John 1:19-28
- Who was John The Baptist?
- Why does his story matter in Jesus story?
- What made him so great according to Jesus (Matthew 11:11)?
- How does knowing who Jesus is and who we are IN CHRIST help us to pursue greatness?
- How does the identity of Jesus and John the Baptist in this text help us to know who we are?
- How can we learn to live in a way that shows that Jesus is our everything?
- Think of one specific thing you can do different this week that will display this.
Bulletin
Men’s Breakfast
Sat. Feb.1st / 8:30 AM / Fellowship Hall Men of all ages, come and enjoy a wonderful breakfast, fellowship, and spiritual food together!
Widow to Widow
Sat. Feb 1st / 2-4 pm / Fellowship Hall Widows of all stages are invited for tea and to hear guest Antoinette Parker, share her testimony.
Mother Daughter Sister Friend Valentine Dinner
Sat. Feb 15th / 6 – 8:30 PM / Fellow. Hall For all women and girls grade 6! Get your ticket ($10/person) at the Ministry Centre in the foyer.
Baptism Sunday
Sunday, Feb. 16th / During Service If you have put your faith in Christ and would like to be baptized, sign up at today and we’ll get in touch with you!
Discipleship Classes For All Ages
Every Sunday at 9am Join us for an hour of learning and growing in our knowledge of God and the Scriptures with fantastic teachers and great material for all ages! The nursery is also in operation during this time. Learn more >
Join us in praying for our missionaries.
Dean Eden — Operation Mobilization, Ukraine
- Praise God for the completion of the Christmas outreach programs. The team was able to minister to many adults and children in many locations. Thank God for His provision, protection, and the opportunity to share the gospel with so many. Please pray that all who heard the gospel would repent and put their trust in Christ.
- Praise God that Dean’s residency has been approved for another year.
- Praise God for His protection from attacks on energy systems this winter, ensuring that people have continued electricity (and therefore heat). Thank God for His protection during the minor power outages as well. Please continue to pray for peace and an end to the war.