You’re not the boss of me.

If you want to make someone uncomfortable or angry, ask them to submit. Cultural norms consider submission as a weakness, immatureness, and even foolishness. So, how does one reconcile the directive by the Apostle Paul, who instructs the Ephesus church to “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21)?

In the original script, there were no paragraphs or punctuation. To properly understand this verse, we must take the verse in context with the rest of the chapter. Preceding this verse, Paul tells the Ephesians not to get drunk with wine but to be filled with the Spirit. An intoxicated person loses inhibitions and sometimes harms himself and others. When filled with the Spirit, we lose inhibitions (the need to protect ourselves) for the benefit of ourselves and others. Considering verse 21 in this light, I don’t have to worry about losing myself when I submit to others. Jesus lived a life of servitude while being Lord of Lords and King of Kings. And he expected the same from us. "Jesus called them together and said, 'The other nations have rulers. You know that those rulers love to show their power over the people, and their important leaders love to use all their authority. But it should not be that way among you. Whoever wants to become great among you must serve the rest of you like a servant. Whoever wants to become the first among you must serve all of you like a slave. In the same way, the Son of Man did not come to be served. He came to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many people.” (Mark 10:42-45).

If we will subject ourselves to others, then we will be exalted. We will lose if we try to push others down so we can be lifted up.

This teaching in Ephesus was radical. Paul was saying what Jesus was teaching - that we are all equal in Christ and thus no inherent hierarchy. We must serve (submit to) one another, even as Christ gave himself to each of us. As we do, we will see God's kingdom manifest right before our eyes.

This Sunday, we welcome the Forge family into our midst. We are excited to see God's leading and direction as we serve God together, bringing Kingdom realities into our Community - Pastor Jim Reimer.

Growth Groups Starting Up!

Our Small Groups will start up on January 8^th.

General sign-ups are open. Simply reply to this email to express your interest or ask questions. This is a great opportunity to connect deeper with God and each other and enjoy the support, encouragement and joy of one another.

There will also be a Jan 2 zoom meeting for those interested in facilitating or hosting so please let us know if you would like the link to join in that as well.

Celebration of Life – R J Warren

Saturday, Jan 11, 2pm there will be a Celebration of R J Warren’s Life held at KCF.

Bring finger food/goodies if you can. If you would like to take part in hosting, setting up or cleaning up please reply to this email.

Financial Foundations- January 11th & 12th
This 10-hour weekend encounter starts on Saturday, Jan 11th (6:30 pm- 9:30 pm) and concludes on Sunday, Jan 12th (12:30 pm- 9:00 pm) at Bethel Church, 623 Gordon Road. The teaching does not feature merely “practical” information on finances, but follows Craig Hill’s anointed understanding of God’s Word in teaching finances from a Biblical and heart perspective (Matt. 6:21). If your heart’s desire is to be able to have an abundance to pour into God’s Kingdom here on earth, this seminar experience is for you!
TOPICS:
God’s Provision
Wealth, Riches and Money
Biblical Uses of Money
Step Up to Your Debt
Closing the Circle
Sowing and Reaping
To register click the link below:qwaz
https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/9539565

Contact: todd-koreenwilliamson@familyfoundations.ca

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 far and wide. https://youtu.be/BNJbNrIdQkY?si=I5Yip9tu08MoYKvf

Rides to Church

If you can offer someone a ride to church on Sunday, please let us know.

Tithes and Offerings

Those who are wanting to support our Church with offerings (during this time, it is very much appreciated) 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.

Anne-Marie Rasmussen – Administrator