This coming Sunday...
One thing that I love about the Bible is that it has its own agenda. Or rather the God inspiring the writers by his Spirit has an agenda for what he wants to convey and what he wants to reveal to the readers or to the listeners. For a reader to really understand, or for a listener to really hear, one has to yield themselves to the message. To really receive we have to try to lay down our agenda and let it speak its message to us.
It’s rather like when you (i’m sure you never have) get into a heated argument with someone, maybe your partner, husband or wife, Mom or Dad or a friend… and you are sure they are wrong. As they are speaking, you are in another world preparing your rebuttal, your reply. But the problem is you are simply not listening (This may have happened to me once or twice with my wife : ) maybe..) We simply will not understand the other person if we can’t lower our ammunition, and stop planning our counter attack, and just start to really listen and understand where the other person is coming from.
There are many things in the Bible I would like to gloss over or even remove to ensure my own convenience or comfort - but the Bible speaks its own message and a true listener will sit down, lay down their agendas and hear what the God of the universe is seeking to convey to our hearts.
But why all this talk of demons, it starts to make me uneasy… All sorts of questions arise: Why are they here? Where did they come from? How did they control this man that we are reading about? Where did they go after? Why did they want to go into pigs? Why did Jesus let them? Are they around today? Should I be worried about them? Isn’t this all a bit far-fetched for our modern world?
It was interesting that today at ‘Our Daily Bread’ (our 5 day a week hot meal program) one person attending asked me if we do deliverance here? And what followed was an interesting conversation about the reality of spiritual forces and Jesus’ authority over them - not all the table agreed, but most were sure of the realness of ‘something other’ than what we see with our natural eyes.
One thing I am convinced of, is that spiritual powers of good and of evil are alive and at work in the world around us. And I am also convinced that Jesus has the power over it all. He has the power and he is the focus. The focus is not getting goosebumps talking about evil but understanding the declaration of his word, that he is over all - it is not even a close fight - Jesus is supreme and as our sight gets filled with him and who he is we are left in awe and wonder and amazingly …peace.
So, this Sunday, as we approach this story, let's see the Jesus that it declares and marvel at him.
Andrew Freeman
(Pastor/team leader at KCF)
Celebration of Life for Katherine (Kathy) Brimner
On Sunday, August 30, 1pm @ The Lookout there will be a Celebration of the Life of our Katherine (Kathy) Brimner. All are welcome.
Potluck Sunday! Dinner
Sunday, August 30 @ 4pm, there will be potluck BBQ dinner at The Freeman home (1016 Observatory Street). Bring a chair and something to share and let’s have a great time together.
Celebrate Recovery Returns this Fall!
For anyone with Hurts, Hang ups or Habits.
A Christ-centered 12 Step Recovery Program
Are you ready to embark on a journey of real and lasting change?
Tuesdays, 7pm at the Lookout, 520 Falls Street.
Inquiries to Calvin – spring.10@hotmail.com
Tithes and Offerings for Cheerful Givers!
May God richly bless you, as 2 Corinthians 9:6-9 is a part of your life.
For those who are wanting to support our Church with offerings, it can be done by etransfer to office@kcfoffice.com, through our website via PayPal, or by calling in to the office with a credit card or mailing in your cheque. Thank you for your continued giving to the church with your tithes and generous offerings.
The Lookout
The Lookout space for our vibrant children’s ministry is now being used! A big thank you to all who have contributed time and resources to make this happen.
There is still a need for financial support. You can help and leave a legacy for generations to come. Please consider financial donations of any amount. Please etransfer to office@kcfoffice.com or provide a cheque or cash at the office marked children. Thank you.
Our Daily Bread
If God is leading you to help someone not be hungry, to have a safe place to go for community, and to experience the love of God, please consider Volunteering or sending Our Daily Bread a financial gift today.
Etransfer: odb@odboffice.com
Here is a video link that captures the heart of ODB. We hope you can take a moment to click on the link and watch it. We also invite you to share this link everywhere. https://youtu.be/BNJbNrIdQkY?si=I5Yip9tu08MoYKvf
Anne-Marie Rasmussen – Administrator
E-transfers to office@kcfoffice.com
Kootenay Christian Fellowship520 Falls Street (1/2 Block up from Baker Street)Nelson, BC V1L 6B5