September 29, 2016

There is something going on in our culture! We speak of tolerance, but practice intolerance.  If we were truly a tolerant people, then it wouldn’t matter how I prayed in a public setting.  Increasingly, there is more and more pressure not to use the name, Jesus. You can use Buddha, Allah, God, just don’t mention Jesus. Don’t you find that a bit strange? Here is what I think; if Jesus doesn’t exist, then it won’t matter if I invoke his name. Right? But if it is true what the Bible says about Jesus, then we get a glimpse why “Jesus” is a problem to some people. Here it is:  “God exalted him (Jesus) to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10  that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11  and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11

The name of Jesus is above every name.  Demons flee at that name. Divine healing occurs in that name. Miracles happen in the name of Jesus. People have their sins forgiven in the name of Jesus.  The name of Jesus is our greatest defense, our eternal hope, and a very present help in times of trouble.  The spirit of the air which the Bible calls the devil, does not mind if we invoke Allah, Buddha, or God, as long as we keep Jesus out of it. When people curse they don’t use the leaders name of a religious movement, but they will invoke the name of Jesus.  Can you imagine with me a construction worker hitting his thumb and immediately yells out, Oh Buddha, or Mohammed? Nope. I worked on construction for years and never heard that! 

There is spiritual power in the name of Jesus. Never underestimate his name. All of heaven, with its millions of angels, are standing ready to respond to the name of Jesus. 

Next time if someone doesn’t want you to pray in the name of Jesus, you might want to ask them if it is ok to use Jesus as a curse word? It just might lead into an interesting discussion in deed. 

John Bergen, Special Guest Speaker

This Sunday, October 2 we welcome John and Eloise Bergen as they visit KCF for our Sunday Celebration to share their amazing story and Powerful Testimony.  The year is 2008. Late one evening in rural Kenya, a band of men break into a farm and brutally assault and rob the couple living there. The couple had recently arrived from Canada for missionary work among orphans. Near the point of death, they struggle to find medical treatment in the dark of night. Their healing is miraculous, but the greater story is their spiritual journey to healing through the power of forgiveness.  

King of the Kootenays

This is happening Friday night!  We will be celebrating Kootenay Culture Days by putting on a special musical evening of the history of gospel music. Come celebrate the magnificent history of Gospel Music within Nelson churches! This event is FREE and will be held at KCF, Friday, September 30th at 7 pm. 

Two days in Kelowna

I will be out of my office Monday and Tuesday to attend the Western FCA (Fellowship of Christian Assemblies) Conference in Kelowna. We will be joining another religious movement called Independent Assemblies of God for some inspiration, fellowship and strategic planning.  As a region we are looking at planting another church in the Kelowna area. Your prayers would be welcome. 

S.H.A.R.E Nelson IS MOVING!

We are busy getting the space below our church ready to bring the store over. It is almost here!  We plan to open the store this coming week. We need some volunteers to provide some general labour to assist with cleaning and setting up the new store. Help is needed at both locations NOW as well as this Saturday at the new location. If you can help, please call the church office 1-888-761-3301 or stop by. The Store has been doing exceptionally well in this year. We are so thankful for all the donations and our dedicated staff. 

Thanksgiving Dinner

Time is coming for the Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner that kicks off Homelessness Action week.  Come and join us on Monday October 10^th at 5pm for this wonderful time of good food, good times and most of all thanksgiving! 

Bright Lights – A Club for Kids

This “extraordinary” club for kids is being offered again this year for Kindergarten to Grade 4 beginning Saturday, October 15, 2016 and every Saturday from 1:00 – 3:15 pm at KCF. This club is not exclusive and any child can come! There will be games, music, crafts, movies, character building, and snacks!  Registration and Orientation is on October 15 and is $30 per child, $50 per family, or $5 drop-in fee. Contact Doreen to Register 250-354-2077. 

Calendar of Events

• King of the Kootenays History of Gospel Music, Friday, Sept 30, 7pm at KCF – Free
• Kootenay Senior’s Fair, Friday, September 30 10am – 3pm at the Prestige Lakeside Resort, 701 Lakeside Drive, Nelson
• John Bergen, Guest Speaker at KCF Sunday Celebration, Sunday Oct 2
• Thanksgiving Dinner at KCF, Monday October 12 at 5pm (Doors open at 4:45) - Free
• Homelessness Action Week (October 10 – 15^th) 

Visit our website at http://www.kootenaychristianfellowship.com for all the news, sermons, and places to donate. 

Looking forward to seeing you this weekend.

Pastor Jim