When trouble comes!

“When the day of evil comes” is a phrase taken out of the letter to the Ephesian church. (Ephesians 6:13)  Trouble is something we cannot escape. It may be just the proliferation of social media, but it seem that trouble is becoming more prevalent and more ferocious. Recently we are hearing of the unprecedented storm, Harvey. With over four feet of rain falling, tens of thousands have been misplaced. Over twenty people have died and vast sums of property will need to be demolished due to contamination. It is the worst storm to ever hit the United States. Without exaggeration the day of evil came to millions of people. The day of evil can come without warning, like the fire in Fort McMurray just a year ago where 80,000 people were displaced. We, in the Kootenays, are sitting on a time bomb, as the forest around us are tinder dry. The day of evil can come to us from a doctor pronouncing a sickness we have no power over. The day of evil can come when the company we have toiled for suddenly does a restructuring and you are on the outside looking in. It can come by an accident, a random criminal act, or as a result of an undisciplined response in a moment of passion.

The writer follows up with a word of encouragement with this seemingly depressing idea, I complete the sentence here. Ephesians 6:13-14 (NIV) Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then.”

 

You can stand tall!

The point the Apostle Paul was making is that don’t be surprised, depressed, or discouraged that the day of evil will come, has come, or that you are in it presently. YOU CAN STAND!  You will not fall. All around you may be in shambles, but you are standing tall.  How can one do this?

This promise is written in the context of prayer. The Apostle Paul uses the illustration of a soldier and his garb.  Prayer is powerful and effective when the following elements are in place. (Read Ephesians 6:10-20

     Belt of truth – it is important in the day of evil to still maintain the posture and resolve to live in truth. Sometimes due to our emotions we can lose sight of what is actually true. When we live in what is true we can stand.

     Breastplate of righteousness – maintaining our righteousness even when all else has failed is a recipe for strength and a sure fire way of having our prayers answered

     Feet fitted with the gospel of peace – Jesus is the prince of peace, and when we allow the prince of peace to live in us, he stands with us in our shoes. In other words we are not there alone. Prince of peace is with us. 

     Holding on to the shield of faith – faith moves a mountain, said Jesus. Somebody asked how do you move a mountain? One shovel full at a time, was his answer. Faith puts our shovel to the mountain.  A person running away cannot use a shovel. When the day of evil comes, we use our faith to stand firm and put our shovel into the thing that is attacking us.

     Wearing the helmet of salvation – my mind is made up, I am saved, I am redeemed, I am on my way to heaven. So what can man or beast or devil to do to me. I win no matter what happens. Therefore I stand.

     Lastly, he says grab the sword – the sword is the word of God. It is that piece of equipment used with deadly force or with kind precision. We stand because the word of God cannot fail. We stand because the word is eternal and his promises to us will not/cannot fail.

This Sunday, I will enlarge on this theme. Jesus gave us a blueprint to build a house that will not fall when the storms of life come. It is better to prepare and be ready than to be surprised and scramble for cover in the day of disaster. Come this Sunday and begin your own preparation for when the day of evil comes.

Time of refreshing

Anne-Marie is on holidays until September 10^th.  As a result there will be reduced hours at KCF office. I will be filling in for her, so I ask for your patience and kindness.

Growth Groups

In just two weeks we will beginning our fall session of Growth Groups. Don’t miss out. We are almost full. If you want to:

•         Grow in God

•         Grow in Relationships

•         Get more out of the Sermon

•         Experience mission

Growth Groups are for you. The start date for the next quarter of Growth Groups is Sept 14th.  Interested in knowing more or signing up?  Contact the KCF Office 250.352.1722 or office@kcfoffice.com or sign up on Sunday at the Guest Table.

Haiti Arise

KCF is actively involved with supporting Haiti Arise.  To find out more about this wonderful ministry, click on the link. http://www.haitiarise.org/

S.H.A.R.E. Nelson

S.H.A.R.E. is accepting and receiving donations and new items are being put out for sale every day.  Come down and support the poor.  If you would like to volunteer at S.H.A.R.E. we currently have great ministry opportunities.  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 

Calendar of Events

•         Growth Groups begin September 14th, Registration required and space is limited.

•         Ladies Retreat, Fruitvale Christian Fellowship, Sept 22 and 23, Registration required.

•         Bright Lights, Club for Kids begins Tuesday, October 3 at KCF, 3:30 – 5pm, Contact KCF office for details.

•         Junior Teens, Ages 11-16.  Meet at KCF, Fridays from 4 – 5:30pm.  No cost. Begins Oct 13th.

•         Tim and the Glory Boys, The Hootenanny Tour – Wednesday, October 18 at Civic Theatre, $15/advance, $20/door, $40/family pass

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