April 9, 2015

Good Afternoon!

Who do you think is winning the battle? Our present culture on the church, or church on the present culture? Does the culture look more like the church or does the church look more and more like the culture in which it exists? The answer to that might depend on where you live. In Corinth we find that the church was definitely affected by the culture. The first century city of Corinth was some 400,000 strong.  It was a prosperous, multi-culture, modern, no holds barred, transient city. "In the Apostle Paul's day, Corinth had several nicknames.  It was known as Carnal Corinth, Sin City, or Vanity Fair.  To "corinthianize" a person was to corrupt a person.  It was to take him beyond his moral limits.  People went to Corinth to be corinthianized.  It was like a rite of passage, just like going to cities like Vegas these days.  What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.  Come sin here.  Come indulge here.  There was no greater insult that could be given a woman than to be called a Corinthian."  (From Jon Morrisette in his 2008 message called The Lure of Sin City).  

In this hot bed of debauchery Paul the apostle planted a church. This represents the resounding testimony of the power of the gospel. One person trying to encourage me suggested I should leave Nelson and plant a church in some other area that would be more receptive to Jesus. Something within me shouted NO. Jesus is the power of God to change a life, change a city, even a culture.  This is the good news.  Jesus died so we could be set apart for noble and righteous purposes.   The City of Corinth was filled with sin and the church was no different. Yet Paul, writing to his followers, starts off his letter with these encouraging words. 1 Corinthians 1:2 (NIV) “To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ--their Lord and ours…” Sanctified means those who are holy and have been set apart for service to the Lord.

In this letter to the church at Corinth, we can identify ten problems within the church. And why not? People coming out of a culture of sin are not going to be living "holy" lives the next day.   Yet Paul addresses them as "holy and called to be holy."  This is the great mystery of the gospel. Once we become followers of Jesus and receive his forgiveness, we are HOLY, and at the same time enter into a process of becoming holy.

In the coming weeks we will be looking at the ten problems Paul addresses in this letter and we will examine how they affect our own relationships with each other and God.

This Sunday, I am will be sharing the idea, “Sinful, but Holy.” Don't miss this encouraging message, inviting the power of the gospel to accomplish its purpose in your life.

Mother’s Day Idea

Christine Sutherland, Massage Therapist, will be visiting Haiti Arise and Jacmel to teach on massage and birthing.  She is raising money by offering gift certificates for Mother’s day for anyone who would make a donation for the same.  Please call Christine at 250 505 4277 or mail her at csuther@netidea.com to book a massage or purchase a gift for your wife, grandmother or mom. She is leaving on Sunday, but the massage can be booked any time after her return. She would appreciate the donation before she goes.  Good time to get that massage in at a discount.

Work Bee for…

For many years we have enjoyed camping at Dutch Harbor. They need our help to get it ready for the new season. Dutch Harbour Camp is having a work bee on May 4-8.  If you have some time and would like to contribute to this year’s clean up, please contact Bonnie at dutchharbour@theeastshore.net

KCF Camp

This year’s camp will be July 6-10, 2015.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity to hang out with the saints in a most beautiful setting. Family camp has cabins; we cook our meals together in a modern kitchen, and have all the amenities of a resort. (Well almost) for more information visit our website or call us. We want you to join us this year.

 

P.O.W.E.R. Night

Join us for a monthly celebration of worship in music, dance, prayer, scripture & sharing

Why: To glorify God and to unite the city wide church of Nelson and area

Where: Kootenay Christian Fellowship (520 Falls Street, Nelson, BC)

When: The 3rd Friday of every month from 7:00pm-9:00pm

What to Bring: A heart to worship, a water bottle & a friend

For more information, please contact Danielle Corbin. Phone: 250-551-1975

email: music@daniellecorbin.com

Bright Lights, A Club For Kids

Season Runs Oct 4- May 23 Every Saturday from 1-3:15 pm Kindergarten to Grade 4 At Kootenay Christian Fellowship, 520 Falls Street Nelson BC $30/ Child or $50/Family OR $5 Drop in Contact Doreen Reimer at (250) 354-2077

Reading the Bible

If you follow the monthly reading program, you can successfully read the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice this year.  I have attached this month’s prescribed reading to this newsletter. Start something new and watch God's word make a difference in your life.

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

Looking forward to seeing you this weekend.

Pastor Jim

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