Faithful

The world is reeling. Are you? We are concerned about the virus overloading the medical system; that is why the strong measures the government has taken have been put in place.  If that happens many more will die. The virus has caused another factor to come into play, financial ruin. Fortunately, 80% of those infected by Covid 19 will feel mild symptoms. However, a full 100% are feeling the angst, the financial crunch, the emotional isolation. Companies are laying off staff, businesses are shutting down, the streets are empty, and homes are filled with people wondering:

          How they are going to pay their bills?

          Will they get sick?

          And what to do if this lasts for longer than two months?

I am doing a series on Victorious Living and how we can be overcomers. This is an easier subject to write about when all is going well. So, can we be overcomers in light of the devastating news we are hearing every day? Jesus had an exhortation and a promise to each of the seven churches in the book of Revelation. (God always keeps his promises.) If they would but overcome, God would bless them in various ways.

Today we are looking at the Church at Smyrna, who were in the midst of a great challenge. They were about to undergo tribulation, even to the point of death. It is somewhat similar to what we are going through right now. We are experiencing a tribulation like we have not seen in a hundred years. At this time of writing, over 9,800 people worldwide have died in this tribulation and this number is expected to increase every day with no leveling off in sight. Jesus says to the Smyrna church, “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer…Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)

Now there is a promise. Faithful unto death, and you get a crown of life. This is a word for us. We need to be faithful to follow the best medical minds; such as social distancing, frequent hand washing, and self-isolation if feeling ill. But we also need to be faithful to helping our neighbors and friends, supporting our churches in offerings, and volunteering with those that are helping the most vulnerable. Lastly, we need to be faithful to our God and not live in fear, for even if we die, we get a crown of life. For the vast majority of folks, death will not come because of this virus, but financial ruin may. And when financial stress comes, so often do relational breakdowns, mental illness, excessive use of alcohol and drugs.

My advice is let us remain faithful to the one who promised never to leave us or forsake us. This time of difficulty and great stress, can be an opportunity for unprecedented blessing and growth in Christ, as we remain faithful to Him. (We may not be meeting on Sunday’s but we are still here for you, give us a call if you need to talk.)

If you have found yourself unfaithful to God, do not despair. Call out to Jesus, he will hear your prayer and forgive you for your faithlessness, receive you, strengthen you, and give you the crown of life.

Sunday Celebration

This Sunday, we will not be meeting at 520 Falls Street. Please visit us online (find the link on the Kootenay Christian Website) for a time of worship. Some may not have a smart phone, or a computer, so …we are suggesting (for those who are healthy) to invite a friend over (maximum of six people) and have a mini small group of worship together.

If you are going to do this, please follow these guidelines.

1. Upon entering the home, all guests immediately wash hands with warm, soapy water for 20 seconds,

2. No physical contact,

3. Maintain a distance of at least 3-6 feet,

4. Be aware of what you are touching, it will need to be sanitized later,

5. When your guests exit, disinfect all hard surfaces, countertops, door handles, railings, sanitize all dishes with bleach or with dishwasher.

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. 

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.

Jim Reimer, Pastor

March 19, 2020