The worst kind of lie is the one you believe to be true. Sometimes you can just tell a person is just out and out lying. Usually we go away, shaking our head. But the cleverest of lies are the ones that present enough evidence that we ourselves come up with the lie. Because of the evidence offered we make decisions that have far reaching consequence, only to find out later it was a lie. This hurts, destroys trust and hope evaporates. And where there is no hope discouragement sets in, resulting in depression and sometimes even mental illness.
Let me give you an example of this from the Bible. In Genesis 37 we see a classic example of sibling rivalries, only in this case it went terribly bad. Joseph was hated by his brothers and they conspired to kill him; however Reuben, the oldest brother, wanted to save Joseph’s life and so he appealed to the brothers’ sense of greed. He suggested killing him would bring no gain, but selling him to some slave traders would be financially profitable to all.
So that is what they did. To cover up their crime, they took his special coat of many colors, ripped it up and then dipped it in blood.
This is how they advanced there deception. “They took the ornamented robe back to their father and said, "We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son's robe." He recognized it and said, "It is my son's robe! Some ferocious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces." Genesis 37:32-33
The father came up with the conclusion they hoped for based on the evidence they manufactured. For 22 years, the father lived with the anguish of a son killed by a ferocious animal. This is the cruelest of all outcomes; living with a consequence of a lie. And it happens all the time. Jesus said, the devil is a liar and no truth is in him. But often his lies are not outright. He gives us just enough evidence that we come to believe a lie of our own making. Like the lie that this other woman or man that I work with or know from the gym is the perfect match for me. So much better than one I am presently with. The truth is that there are no perfect matches. Every relationship that has longevity to it; takes work, lots of grace and forgiveness, and a commitment to the promise made when deeply in love. All evidence to the contrary is designed for us to believe a lie. There are many such lies in our culture today. Gender identity is one. Sexual orientation is another. Not to mention how we feel about ourselves, personal self-worth and what God says about us. There is tremendous confusion out there, based on information presented as fact, but under closer examination is simply not true. How we feel has been exalted above reason or science. The problem is that our feelings can be manipulated by “evidence” which can seemingly appear as true, but are entirely manufactured by circumstances and/or by other influences beyond our understanding.
My challenge to you and even to myself is to examine our choices. How does one know what is being presented on the internet is true or not. How does one know what one is feeling is actually true or not. Feelings lie. Internet is not trustworthy, reporters report false news. I take comfort in this one statement. “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:31-32
If I am His disciple (which means to be a follower of Jesus) I will be able to discern the truth, despite what the evidence would suggest. You can trust that.
KCF AGM
KCF will hold it’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) this coming Sunday, 1pm at KCF. All are welcome to attend as we review the past year and discuss the vision for the future of KCF. Bring a bagged lunch.
Man Up Event
Calling the Men out for Men’s Breakfast with special guest, John Bergen. Stand Up, Strap Up, Step Up. Saturday, April 21, 8am at KCF. Cost $10. Register at office@kcfoffice.com.
P.A.R.T. (Pedal Along a Rail Trail) 13
This super fun bike ride with a purpose is set to happen on Saturday, June 23. 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 key 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 kootenaychristianfellowship.com. Register now and start accumulating sponsorships! Check out this video from last year’s ride!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_G4Q-B6a20
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 Dan Walton will be our guest speaker and Cliff Schneider will provide Children’s Ministry for the kids. Join us July 2 to 6. Contact the office to register.
S.H.A.R.E. Nelson
Want to know how to get a good deal on some great items? Follow the S.H.A.R.E. Nelson Facebook page and don’t miss out on any sales.
S.H.A.R.E. is accepting and receiving donations and new items are being put out for sale every day. 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 video! Check out our FB page.
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.
Pastor Jim
E-transfers to office@kcfoffice.com
Kootenay Christian Fellowship520 Falls Street (1/2 Block up from Baker Street)Nelson, BC V1L 6B5