No Compromise

The third letter to the church in Revelation was to the church in the city of Pergamum. This City was known for its temples designed and dedicated to emperor (Roman) worship. Dr. Paul Vallee writes in Revelation Revealed, “A temple was first built in A.D. 29 for Augustus, and later for Emperors Trajan and Severus. It was a center of imperial worship—the state religion that required that people acknowledge Caesar as “Lord” (God).”  Jesus called Pergamum the “seat of Satan’s power”.  I quote, “I know where you live--where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city--where Satan lives. (Revelation 2:13) Notice the words of commendation by Jesus. Despite the influence of Satanic power, even to the point of persecution resulting in death, this church remained faithful.

However, there was one little (big) problem. Compromise. While some were holding on to their complete dedication to Christ and were singular of heart in their worship, others were compromising. In the name of tolerance, getting along, and fitting in, they engaged in pagan worship, sexual sins and allowed the teaching of the Nicolaitans. (It is not clear what the teaching of the Nicolaitans was, the point is that it was allowed, even though it was outside the doctrine of the Church.) The argument was made by those in the church, it is just culture. It is ok by government standards and God knows my heart and so compromise took root in this church. Is it not much the same today? Sexual sins are excused in the church, as it is culturally acceptable to have multiple partners in a lifetime and common-law relationships without the commitment of marriage is now normal. “Gene Robinson, an openly gay man, as bishop of New Hampshire, said: “If you must make a choice between heresy and schism, always choose heresy.”’ This sentiment has become the ruling factor in doctrines in the church. At all costs, let there be no division, no standards of conduct, no right or wrong, as long as you love God - all is well. And so compromise becomes our highest value. Yet the one with the double edge sword commended the one who refused to compromise. Jesus clearly said, Matthew 10:37-39 (NIV) 37  "Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; 38  and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. 39  Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Jesus is not advocating family disunity, but he was laying down the challenge. It is all or nothing. He ends his letter with these words: Revelation 2:17 (NIV) 17  He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.

To the one who remains singular of heart, and overcomes the pressure from the “seat of Satan’s power” will be given hidden manna and a white stone with a new name written on it.

I will speak about this hidden manna and the white stone this Sunday. We will not be meeting in person, but the message will be on line. We will be going live on Facebook at 10:30 am. Tune in.

For now let me say, many of us do not experience the full richness that is in Christ because we are not singular towards him. The hidden manna, will meet your deepest needs, will heal your deepest hurts, and will transform our every weakness into a powerful testimony of God’s unlimited grace in our lives. In this day of uncertainty, we can place our lives in one that is certain, never changes, or does not fail us, despite the world collapsing around us. This a time for us to wholeheartedly follow the Lord that we might be partakers of the hidden manna and have our names written forever on the eternal and pure white stone.

Sunday Celebration

This Sunday, we will not be meeting at 520 Falls Street. Please visit us online watch for our Facebook Feed on Kootenay Christian Fellowship at 10:30 am  

Just a reminder that for those who are wanting to support our Church with offerings (during this time, it is muchly appreciated) it can be done by etransfer to office@kcfoffice.com, through our website, or by calling in to the office with a credit card or mailing in your cheque. 

Thank you for your patience, remember to be kind, show grace, and have faith that God will protect us and guide us through this difficult time.

If you are feeling overwhelmed call me, or one of our Growth Group members. We need to support each other.

Prayers Meetings

We are having prayer meetings online. We would love to have you join with us from 7-7:30am every Wednesday and Friday mornings at the same time for more global prayer. You can be on one or both. Let us know if you would like to participate and we will send you the login link that will be required. If there was ever a time to pray together, it is now.

S.H.A.R.E. Nelson

Due to Covid 19 and considering the safety of customers and staff, we needed to temporarily close the store. We will re-open the store as soon as possible. Please watch for public announcement for our re-openning. Thank you for your patience during this time.

Volunteering at ODB

Our Daily Bread is continuing to serve “take out” lunch and also delivering meals to homes directly, during this critical time. We are seeking volunteers, but would like one week commitments. Most volunteer shifts are from 11:40am to 1:15pm Monday to Friday.

Please consider being involved as the hands and feet of Jesus. Contact office@kcfoffice.com or Anne-Marie if you are considering this.

Jim Reimer, Pastor

March 26, 2020