Which extreme do you identify with? God wants to prosper you or God wants to keep us poor so we can be more spiritual. There are those that would teach that if you are prosperous (financially) you have God’s favor and are blessed. While others might teach that only the poor have a relationship with God and the rich are actually cursed. I would suggest that both views are wrong. Some of the most spiritual men in the bible were extremely wealthy. Abraham, Job, David, and Solomon, to name a few, were rich and yet contributed to the word of God in a significant manner. In the New Testament, men of significant financial worth like Saul who became Apostle Paul, Nicodemus, and Zacchaeus all found spiritual life in Christ. Yet there were others like Jeremiah, Micah, and Jesus himself that did not come from the financially elite. Jesus’ own father was a carpenter. What we can discern from this is that God is not concerned about your personal comfort as much as he is desirous of us to serve Him.

God wants to prosper us in a variety of ways so we can be a blessing to others. In fact, God teaches us to be careful to follow the terms of his covenant so that we might prosper in everything (emphasis mine) that we do. (Deuteronomy 29:9)

Money is amoral. It is neither evil nor righteous. It is simply a tool that can be used to express love or greed, servitude or power, gifts or manipulation. How one uses it is totally dependent upon the heart of the one in possession of wealth.

So prosperity is a test. Will our hearts respond to God’s love and as such use prosperity as a means of blessing others? Or do we see the prosperity in our lives as something we deserve, something I have earned by own wit, and its main purpose is to make my life easier, better, and more comfortable.

The former is a way to life and freedom and great joy, while the latter is a receipt for pain, loneliness, and selfishness.

This Sunday in our continuing series on the life of Joseph called Dreams to Destiny, this area of prosperity is a huge test of character. God wants to prosper us, but we must learn how to experience his prosperity in a way that honors God.

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday.

Baptism Sunday

This Sunday, we will be baptizing two followers of Jesus. This means that they are choosing to put their past behind them and follow Jesus. Baptism is a onetime act, but then it requires of us to put our past behind us every day thereafter. If you have not been baptized as an adult, and are choosing to make Jesus your Lord and are desirous to be a follower of Him, then you are a candidate for baptism. Email me and we can discuss this with you. pastorjim@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

• Mother’s Day, Sunday May 13
• PART 13 (Pedal Along a Rail Trail), Saturday, June 23, Registration required
• Family Camp, July 2 – 6 at Dutch Harbour, near Riondel
• Growth Groups, Thursday at 6:45 – 8:30pm, registration required.
• Bright Lights for Kids K to Grade 4, Tuesdays, 3:30 – 5pm at KCF
• Junior Youth for ages 11 – 15.  Fridays, 4pm – 5:30pm at KCF 

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

Pastor Jim

April 22, 2018