Evangelism is under pressure these days. A number of years ago, I was working for the School Board. The principal and I had a discussion which he initiated. His concern was that if I took on the position of “teacher’s assistant”, I would use my influence to convert the students. Some Rotarians initiated the same conversation after I was selected to be club president. They were concerned that somehow I would use my position to taint the Club with a Christian perspective. And recently, a City Councillor was concerned that if we built a building for low income people, it would be used to influence people to convert to Christianity. In the above situations, they all saw me as a threat to evangelize and convert people to Christianity, as if this was more dangerous than joining a doomsday cult that provides “Kool-Aid” to its members.

Churches would all agree that we should evangelize. Jesus told us to go and share the gospel and there is no law against it (yet), but there seems to be tremendous cultural pressure not to. So why do we make this an emphasis in our church? Why not just do humanitarian projects and ignore the uncomfortable emotional conflict to share one’s faith with another?

I find it interesting that everything is fair game to discuss and promote, except for the claims of Christ. So why bother? Just live out your Christian values, be the light of Christ, and keep your mouth shut. The problem with this approach is that people may never know the source of your light. It is by our actions and our words that we create an opportunity for those around us to gain peace with God, peace within, and eternal life.

Paul writing to the church at Rome, boldly declares, “Everyone who calls on the Name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13). This word “saved” is a word that means to be at peace, to be healed, to be blessed, to be rescued from hell, to be connected to God and in such an intimate way we can call him “Our Father” and Jesus becomes our big brother. This is an amazing claim. But our neighbors, our friends, co-workers, and family members may never have the opportunity unless they hear the message of good news. So, Paul immediately after making this bold claim says, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching [telling] them? 15 And how can they preach [go] unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Romans 10:14)

Why evangelism? There is not one thing in the world that we could do that has greater significance, larger impact on one’s life, and that has superior eternal implications than sharing the message of Christ. Most people feel guilty around this subject, knowing they should but are emotionally afraid.

This Sunday I will unpack this and help us to see the why of evangelism as something we can practice without guilt or the feeling of manipulation.

Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday. By the way, to those who are reading this and have not become a follower of Jesus yet, why not consider doing so today. If you want to know God in a personal way, simply invite Jesus into your life, ask him to forgive your stuff, and make a commitment to follow him as he gives you the grace and ability to do so. And then email me and let me know what you did. I would be happy to walk with you on this exciting life with Christ.

Communion

This Sunday is Communion Sunday. It is when we come together as a family to eat at the Lord’s Table.

Party in the Park

Party time is just around the corner.  We are looking forward to spending time together at Lakeside Park BBQ Shelter on Sunday, July 22, 4pm. 

This is a great opportunity to say Thank You and show our love and appreciation to the many volunteers of ODB, S.H.A.R.E. Nelson and KCF.

We will enjoy live entertainment, play some games for those that are interested and dine on some yummy burgers and fixin’s.

Tickets are $5, and all are welcome.

RSVP to 352.1722 or office@kcfoffice.com by July 15^th.

Summer Camp – The Armor of God

For Ages 5 -12

August 7-10, 9am till noon at Nelson Covenant Church

Sign up on Sunday at the Information table.

For more information or to register contact Kelly Eckes staygold1969@hotmail.com

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 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

• Party in the Park, Sunday, July 22 – 4pm at Lakeside Park Rotary BBQ Shelter
• Summer Camp, Ages 5-12, 9am till noon at Nelson Covenant Church

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

 Pastor Jim

 July 12, 2018