There is a lot of talk about enlightenment these days.  This is good, as it reveals that people are searching and looking to better themselves.  The world is in a mess.  Right now there are 66 countries in some form of military conflict. This doesn’t take in account racial tensions, schoolyard shootings, sexual assaults, and violence in general throughout the world. If we bring this closer to home, we are seeing a rise in poverty, more children with single parents than two, and cases of mental illness skyrocketing.  The angst level is at an all-time high. We need answers.

The problem is, to get the right answer one has to ask the right question. To quote Bono, (Because rock stars have all the answers from climate change to world peace.) "We thought that we had the answers, it was the questions we had wrong." This is actually profound. The newest prevailing thought is to look within for the answer.

This sounds good and is in fact a needed consideration in bringing about change. We have to look at ourselves first to see if we are the problem. And herein lies the proverbial quicksand. If we think we are not the problem, it may induce pride and prejudice in me. If I think I am the problem, then I may become discouraged and want to give up.  Both ideas will sink us.

So we seek enlightening.  Western culture is embracing the idea that we need light and that light is within. True, but what if the batteries are defective. To make the light within the flashlight work we need new batteries.  And that is what Jesus taught.  He wants to put within us new batteries, not just recharge the old ones. This is (perhaps a poor one) an illustration of being born again.  His light in us is dependent not on me, but on him.  This is in stark contrast to all the major religions of the world.  With Jesus, my light is dependent on Him, not on me, my circumstances, or my religion.  I do not look within, but without.  I want the light of Jesus to become my light.  I realize that this is offensive to some.  It strikes at the very heart of the pride of life.  “I can do it myself”, are the powerful words of a three year old.  We are repeating them still, while our world is marching to oblivion. Why not ask what can Jesus do for me?  The answer has the ability to change your life, if not the world.

Last week we spoke about the power of the Holy Spirit working in people’s lives.  I invited people in the congregation to invite the Holy Spirit to come and reside within.  Then I challenged them to come forward and share the difference it made in their lives.  I welcome you to respond to this blog and share your experience with the light in you.

This Sunday, I will be continuing my message on the power of the Holy Spirit and what it means in everyday people.  We can change, we can be different, and we can have a profound impact on our community as we allow the Spirit of God in our lives.

Baptism

Have you made a public commitment to Christ? It is one thing to say you are a Christian, but you can take it to another level when you publicly declare your commitment in the waters of baptism. When you choose to participate in water baptism you are making a covenant with God that you are his and he is yours. It is like a marriage covenant where you publicly declare your commitment to each other. Baptism is the covenant where you make a decision to leave this world and become a follower of Jesus. God then makes a covenant that you will be his child forever. Wow.  We will be having a baptism Sunday, November 26^th. If you are interested in learning more about baptism email me at my personal email. pastorjim@kcfoffice.com.  By the way, Romans 6:3-14 gives a good explanation for the benefits of being baptized.

International Tasting Faire

We are partnering with Rotary to host the International Tasting Faire which will be held Thursday, Feb 8, 2018 at Mary Hall.  They money raised will go towards a teacher in Haiti and towards food security in Nelson, namely Our Daily Bread and Polio Eradication. 

Tickets are now available at the KCF office.  Last year the event sold out in less than 1 week, so don’t miss your opportunity to purchase tickets.  Now is the time to buy them.

There is a need for silent and toonie auction items for the Faire.  If you have a service you can provide or have a friend or favourite business you could ask to provide a gift certificate please contact anne-marie@kcfoffice.com.  There is a need for volunteers who have time during the day to collect auction items, please contact the KCF office if this is a fit for you.

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

• Community Connect Day, This Saturday, Nov 18 at Central School Gym
• Church Membership Classes, KCF, 1pm on Nov 19 and Nov 26
• Baptisms at KCF!  Sunday, November 26th
• Ladies Potluck Dinner, Friday, Dec 1 at the Reimer home
• Christmas Eve Community Dinner at KCF, Free, Sunday, Dec 24
• International Tasting Faire, Thursday, Feb 8, 2018 at Mary Hall, Tickets available at KCF Office
• Bright Lights, Club for Kids Tuesdays at KCF, 3:30 – 5pm, Contact Doreen Reimer for details – 250.354.2077.
• Junior Teens, Ages 11-16.  Meet at KCF, Fridays from 4 – 5:30pm.  No cost.

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

November 16, 2017