Evil in the World

Evil is in the world. Our prisons verify it. Bloated African children prove it. Terrorists example it. Addictions testify to it. No one is immune from it. Whether you live in a palace or tent, the tentacles of evil reach for our hearts to enslave, destroy and even snuff out the life that is our very right.

Deliver Us From Evil

I think of the words of Jesus. “The thief (evil) comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) Because evil is present, Jesus taught us to pray in what we call the Lord’s Prayer; “deliver us from evil.” In this model prayer there are seven imperatives. Three are about God, and four about humans. “deliver us from evil” is the seventh and final petition. Jesus finishes the prayer off with the need of God’s protection in our lives. Eugene H. Peterson says, “Evil that masquerades as an angel of light is commonplace. We need help. And we need help even when we don't know we need help. Especially when we don't know we need help.”We create things we think are helpful, only to find they are to our destruction.  We run after things we think will make our lives easier, only to find those very things enslave us. We seek pleasure as a means of happiness, only to find humans experiencing even more depression and mental illness.

It reminds me of what Malcolm Muggeridge, the famed British journalist, author, and media personality said, “God has mercifully made the fantasies … so preposterously unrewarding that we are forced to turn to him for help and for mercy. We seek wealth and find we've accumulated worthless pieces of paper. We seek security and find we've acquired the means to blow ourselves and our little earth to smithereens. We seek carnal indulgence only to find ourselves involved in the prevailing erotomania.”  It would seem that we even need God’s protection from the evil within us.

Deliver us from the evil one, speaks to our need for humility, our weakness, and our complete dependence on a God who can save completely. (Hebrews 7:25)

This is the good news. Jesus can and will deliver us. This is the message we will be sharing this Sunday. If you or you have a friend that seems to be beset with the presence of evil, come this Sunday. This message will give you hope and practical steps to a victorious life over evil.

Pentecost Sunday Citywide Celebration

On Sunday, June 4^th there will be a citywide celebration of the birth of the church hosted by KCF from 2:30 – 3:30pm at 520 Falls Street.  All are welcome to celebrate this momentous time.  Contributions of baked goods or snacks are welcomed.  We look forward to seeing you.

S.H.A.R.E. Nelson

S.H.A.R.E. currently has great ministry opportunities.  Consider volunteering at S.H.A.R.E. Nelson.  Call the store at 250.352.1222 or stop by the store to inquire.  Click on this link to check out S.H.A.R.E.’s new video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aZX9v7gxdM

Family Camp at Dutch Harbour

Why not consider taking a part of your holidays to join us for family camp this year.  This is an inexpensive opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, Kootenay Lake, beautiful mountains and beaches, plus be inspired and encouraged. This will all happen within the community of wonderful people. Pastor Glen Forsberg will be our guest speaker and Cliff Schneider will provide Children’s Ministry for the kids.  Join us July 3 to 7.  Contact the office to register or visit kootenaychristianfellowship.com.

PART 12 (Pedal Along a Rail Trail)

This super fun bike ride with a purpose is set to happen on Saturday, June 24.  Come and join us for this incredibly scenic 4 to 5 hour ride with trestles, tunnels and spectacular views from high above the Arrow Lake.  It is a 54 km ride starting at Paulson Detour Road and concluding at the Celgar Mill parking lot.  This is a fundraiser for Our Daily Bread.  With sponsorships of $200 or more, your entry fee will be waived.  Registration forms are available at the Guest Table on Sunday, at the office during the week or at http://www.kootenaychristianfellowship.com.  Register now and start accumulating sponsorships!

Calendar of Events

• Pentecost Citywide celebration hosted by KCF, Sunday, June 4, 2:30 – 3:30pm
• Craft and Bake Sale supporting KCF Worship Ministry, June 10 at KCF 9am – 3pm
• P.A.R.T. 12 (Pedal Along a Rail Trail), Saturday, June 24
• Canada Day in the Park, Saturday, July 1
• Family Camp, Dutch Harbour, Riondel, July 3 to 7
• Praise Moves (on break until June)

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

Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday.

Pastor Jim

May 21, 2017