Have you ever felt alone? A number of years ago I was doing a mission project in India. I had some free time one afternoon and went for a walk. As I wandered around, I unexpectedly found myself in a city slum area. As I got deeper into this sub-community, I became increasingly uncomfortable. I could feel hundreds of eyes following me. I suddenly realized that I was alone here. Not alone like being in a crowded airport and not knowing a soul. But alone like no one here was my friend, had my best interest at heart, and if I disappeared from here, no one would know where I was or what happened to me. This is an awful feeling. Unfortunately, many experience this on a daily basis right in the middle of our middle class suburbs. Some may feel that “alone feeling” at their place of employment, or even at their own family gatherings. Having someone with you, knowing they have your back, and has your best interest at heart is a gift that is almost too good to be true. People can sometimes surprise us. We thought they were with us, only to find that their commitment is as solid as smoke on a windy day. You can smell it, but you can’t grasp a hold of it.
God understands our need “not to be alone”. God also wants to be with us and He will never forsake us. This is the role of the Holy Spirit. Jesus called Holy Spirit the Paraclete which the hearers would understand to mean, “one called to the side of”. Paraletos (Greek version) is often translated as Comforter, Helper, Counselor, or Advocate. Holy Spirit is one that will come alongside of us when we need a pat on the back (comforter), when we need some power to get out of the mess we are in (helper), when we need some wisdom and direction (counselor) or when we need someone to fight for us or to stand with us against the tide of injustice, (advocate). What a great gift. To have someone there for us in every situation of life is amazing and confidence building. With the Holy Spirit at your side you are not alone while dealing with a destructive habit. You are not alone in a work environment hostile to the love of God. You are not alone in a home where the spouse has disconnected. You are not alone in your home in a community of houses. But there is a catch. While this reality can be experienced by anyone (God is no respecter of persons), many may never experience this awesome gift of the Paraclete. Holy Spirit will not force himself upon you but will be there for you if you just invite him into your world. Why not invite the Holy Spirit to come alongside of you today. He is there waiting for you.
This Sunday, I will show that Holy Spirit is a real person with feelings, emotions, has a will and can do mighty things. He is equal to God and Jesus and how the three make up the Trinity. You will have a clear understanding of how Holy Spirit is part of the Godhead.
This is the second part of the second part in the series Holy Spirit and You.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
On Monday, October 9th, KCF will host a Turkey dinner.
We are looking forward to this fun time where we can gather as a church family alongside the community to enjoy a yummy meal together. This is a free event and all are welcome. This dinner kicks off Homeless Action Week. This year’s theme is Affordable Housing in Nelson: Opening Doors and Chuck Bennett will be a guest speaker on this evening.
We need volunteers for this event, there is a need in various areas such as decorating, turkey cooking, kitchen helpers, servers, set-up and clean-up. If you wish to participate, please contact Anne-Marie at the KCF office.
Haiti Arise
KCF is actively involved with supporting Haiti Arise. Please keep them in prayer as this is active hurricane season for them. To find out more about Haiti Arise, 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
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
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September 21, 2017
E-transfers to office@kcfoffice.com
Kootenay Christian Fellowship520 Falls Street (1/2 Block up from Baker Street)Nelson, BC V1L 6B5