What is wrong with us? When we want to curb our sugar consumption, we crave a chocolate bar. When we want to exercise, we feel extra tired. When we want to pray, we suddenly remember something we should be doing. When we want to get up early, our bed becomes extra comfy. What is going on? When we want to be kind, grumbly is right there egging us on. When we want to speak words of grace, harshness instead fills our mouth. When we decide to speak truth and only truth, it seems embellishment and exaggerations make the story that much better. Oh my, what is wrong with us? This is the cry of anguish we hear from the Apostle Paul in Romans Chapter seven.
He laments, “So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me.” (Romans 7:21) He calls it a law. We could call it Murphy’s Law, when you want to do something right, good, and wholesome, there will be opposition. And most often the opposition is not from without, but from within. In desperation, He cries out, “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?” Romans 7:24 (NIV) The answer to that question fills libraries, dominates the talk show circuit, and has made many a person rich selling their own particular brand of inner peace and self-help success.
There is another way. Paul, in his letter to the Roman church, goes on to say; the battle is in the mind. Duh, we knew that! But it goes deeper. Listen! (Romans 8:5) “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” He goes on to say, if the Spirit of God lives in you, you will have the ability to live differently. When we give control to the Spirit of God in us, a transference takes place. Spirit of God wants us to exercise, speak grace, eat well, be kind, control our tongues, and live right. When we give the Spirit of God control, then the very things we want to do begin to be formed in us. This is more than will power. This is more than pulling ourselves up by the boot straps. This is more than a Ted Talks inspirational moment. We are talking about God in us, living through us, forming us into the image of Christ. The Apostle goes on to say, “the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace”. (Romans 8:6) This is what I want, “life and peace”. I am sure you want it too. Why not invite the Spirit of God to come into your life. Why not give him control in those areas you can’t overcome. Watch him make a difference in your life. It is the formula for life and peace.
This Sunday, Pastor Ron Short from the Dwelling Place in Cranbrook will be expanding on this theme. Why not come and join us this Sunday and see Holy Spirit in action. He is in our midst when we worship together. He is present to bring life and healing to us when we agree in faith. And if we submit to Holy Spirit, he will set us free from ourselves. Look forward to seeing you this Sunday.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
On Monday, October 9th, KCF will host a Turkey dinner.
We are looking forward to this fun time where we can gather as a church family alongside the community to enjoy a yummy meal together. This is a free event and all are welcome. This dinner kicks off Homelessness Action Week. This year’s theme is Affordable Housing in Nelson: Opening Doors and Chuck Bennett will be a guest speaker on this evening.
We need volunteers for this event, there is a need in various areas such as decorating, turkey cooking, kitchen helpers, servers, set-up and clean-up. If you would like to participate, please contact Anne-Marie at the KCF office. If you would like to donate toward the Thanksgiving Dinner so we can keep it free, please do so by mailing or dropping off your cheque payable to “Our Daily Bread” to 520 Falls Street, Nelson BC V1L 6B5. We can also accept payments via interact at the KCF Office or credit payments over the phone.
Haiti Arise
KCF is actively involved with supporting Haiti Arise. Please keep them in prayer as this is active hurricane season for them. To find out more about Haiti Arise, click on the link. http://www.haitiarise.org/
S.H.A.R.E. Nelson
S.H.A.R.E. is accepting and receiving donations and new items are being put out for sale every day. Come down and support the poor. 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 new video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aZX9v7gxdM
Reading the Bible
If you follow the monthly reading program, you can successfully read the Old Testament once and the New Testament twice this year. I have attached this month’s prescribed reading to this newsletter. Start something new and watch God's word make a difference in your life.
Calendar of Events
Visit our website at http://www.kootenaychristianfellowship.com for all the news, sermons, and places to donate.
Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday.
Pastor Jim
September 28, 2017
E-transfers to office@kcfoffice.com
Kootenay Christian Fellowship520 Falls Street (1/2 Block up from Baker Street)Nelson, BC V1L 6B5