The other day, a person told me “I am a Christian hands down, all the way, and I would never waiver from that.” “Awesome”, I said, “which church do you attend?” “Oh, I don’t go to church, I am not a church person,” was her reply.

In my sermon series, we are looking at why we do things. Like why Church. It seems many are opting out. They want to follow Jesus, but not be a follower in a Church. After all, why be encumbered with church life that requires church attendance, adherence to a set of doctrinal precepts, and the expectation of time and money to be given. It just seems easier to stay home on a Sunday morning, love Jesus, and live your life the way you want under your own set of rules. So why Church?

It may surprise you to know that Church was not man’s idea. It was something God intended from the beginning of time. In fact, the very way we were designed speaks to the need for Church.

Each of us has a divine purpose. A calling that is unique but cannot be fully realized unless it is within the context of others coming alongside with their unique ability. The human body is a great example. The hand is typing this out, but it requires a wrist to function, an arm to hold it up, a mind to tell the fingers what to do. (I could go on, but I think you get the point.) With the body parts functioning together, the hand can be all that it was designed to be.

Secondly, when we realize our divine purpose by working together we become a force for good. Jesus called us to do greater works than what he did. Together as a unified church we can accomplish great works of service, that as individuals we could never do. Here at KCF we help hundreds of people every week with food, support, counselling, spiritual help, and encouragement. We help people practically that are fleeing violence, or who have experienced a disaster, or simply need low cost furniture due to the circumstance they find themselves in through our store S.H.A.R.E. Nelson. And as a Church we have an impact in the community by bring Christ to individuals who are lost and hungry for life. This could never be accomplished unless we become a unified collective of individuals with a common purpose.

Thirdly, when we find our divine purpose and are connected to others with purpose, serving our community as representatives of Christ, the third reason of Why Church is manifest. We learn something of ourselves. We begin to see our blind spots, our rough edges, our own flaws that hinder us to becoming all that we were intended to be. It is in community that we actually develop character and become spiritually mature.

To choose to live one’s life without the Church will keep one living below their potential, unable to fully be the body of Christ in the community, and never mature as a follower of Christ.

Why Church?  Simply put, because it is the will of God for each of us so that we can become all that we were designed to be. I realize that Church takes my time, requires something of me, and at times it is humbling and difficult, but these things are actually healthy and pathways to maturity. It is also rewarding, fulfilling, and extremely life giving.

Those of you who are reading this article, let me encourage you to find a church, get involved, and make a commitment to follow Christ in the Church he designed. It is the best thing that you will ever do for you and your family.

Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday as we celebrate Church life.

Party in the Park

Party time is this coming Sunday!  We will 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.

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 

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

Pastor Jim

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July 19, 2018