A Miracle Happened
Imagine living with complete paralysis.
In Mark 2, we meet a man (let's call him Jacob) whose life had been reduced to dependence on others. He couldn't walk. He couldn't work. He couldn't even get himself to Jesus.
Then news spread through the town: Jesus was here.
Four friends came to Jacob and said, "Let's take you to Him."
They carried him on a stretcher to the house where Jesus was teaching, only to discover it was packed. Every doorway was blocked. People were pressing in to hear Jesus, but no one was willing to make room for a helpless man.
I can imagine Jacob feeling discouraged and frustrated.
"Forget it," he might have said. "Let's just go home." But his friends refused to give up.
Instead, they climbed onto the roof, carefully carried Jacob up with them, tore open someone else's roof, and lowered their friend directly in front of Jesus.
Think about what that required.
These four men took enormous risks. They risked their own safety carrying a full-grown man onto a rooftop. They risked the cost of repairing someone else's house. They risked public embarrassment. Every step they took declared, "We believe Jesus can make a difference."
Jacob also demonstrated remarkable faith.
He trusted his friends not to drop him. He humbled himself enough to become the center of attention as he was lowered through the roof into a room full of religious leaders and curious onlookers.
Then comes one of the most beautiful statements in Scripture:
"When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, 'Son, your sins are forgiven.'" (Mark 2:5)
Notice what Jesus saw.
He saw their faith.
The faith of four determined friends.
The faith of a man willing to be helped.
Faith always moves us toward Jesus.
The book of James reminds us that "faith without works is dead." Genuine faith acts. It takes steps. It perseveres when obstacles appear. It refuses to quit.
Those five men could have turned around when they saw the crowd. Instead, their faith became creative. They found another way.
God always responds to genuine faith.
The story ends with Jacob doing something he never imagined possible. Jesus told him to get up, pick up his mat, and go home. The very object that had symbolized his paralysis became the evidence of his freedom. The mat that had once carried him was now being carried by him.
What a picture of God's grace!
This Sunday, I'll be sharing how Jesus connected forgiveness and healing. Before He healed the man's body, He healed his heart. The forgiveness of sins frees us from what truly paralyzes us—guilt, shame, fear, feelings of never being enough, and the burdens we've carried for far too long.
Jesus can change in a moment what seems impossible for us to change in a lifetime.
Our part is to come to Him in faith.
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday. Jim Reimer
An Important note about Parking at KCF
On Sundays, since the Share store is closed and ODB is not operating, we have more parking spots available than usual such as the staff parking and the SHARE Store parking; however, it is very important that we not park in any spots that are reserved for paying tenants, so if you see a reserved sign, it is imperative those are kept free for the tenants who are paying for those parking spots. Thank you for your consideration.
Family Camp
This year Family Camp will be held at Kokanee Park Aug 21-23. Check out the attached Brochure with all the Details! It’s time to start getting registered.
Tithes and Offerings for Cheerful Givers!
May God richly bless you, as 2 Corinthians 9:6-9 is a part of your life.
For those who are wanting to support our Church with offerings, it can be done by etransfer to office@kcfoffice.com, through our website via PayPal, or by calling in to the office with a credit card or mailing in your cheque. Thank you for your continued giving to the church with your tithes and generous offerings.
The Lookout
The Lookout space for our vibrant children’s ministry is now being used! A big thank you to all who have contributed time and resources to make this happen.
There is still a need for financial support. You can help and leave a legacy for generations to come. Please consider financial donations of any amount. Please etransfer to office@kcfoffice.com or provide a cheque or cash at the office marked children. Thank you.
Food Bank
Our Food Bank is in regular operation every Thursday from 9 to 11am!
We are always accepting donations of non-perishable food items, so feel free to drop items off that have been lingering in your cupboards. There will be a bin on site on Sundays during our gathering too!
Volunteers are needed Thursdays from 8:30 – 11:10am. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Tyler Bethune at odb@odboffice.com.
Our Daily Bread
If God is leading you to help someone not be hungry, to have a safe place to go for community, and to experience the love of God, please consider Volunteering or sending Our Daily Bread a financial gift today.
Etransfer: odb@odboffice.com
Here is a video link that captures the heart of ODB. We hope you can take a moment to click on the link and watch it. We also invite you to share this link everywhere. https://youtu.be/BNJbNrIdQkY?si=I5Yip9tu08MoYKvf
Anne-Marie Rasmussen – Administrator
E-transfers to office@kcfoffice.com
Kootenay Christian Fellowship520 Falls Street (1/2 Block up from Baker Street)Nelson, BC V1L 6B5