Friday, February 16th, 2018

James 1:27 "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."  When we use the word religion, the dictionary tells us that it's a set form of practices that people do to show their alliance to someone or something that they are following.  There are many religions in our world and many different ways that people practice their faith in their hope to reach and please their God.  To define the phrase 'the Christian Religion,' it's the things faithful Christians do or practice to communicate with our living Savior and Lord Jesus, the Father, and the Holy Spirit.  When we practice our faith in praise and worship, reading the Bible, witnessing, prayers, and going to church we are faithfully following the Lord in such a way to stay unspotted from the world.  I remember years ago someone saying to me that I was very religious.  Their meaning was, I really practiced in my life what it said in the Bible.  At first I was kind of upset with them, I said, 'I'm not religious I'm in a relationship.'  I am sure they didn't mean to offend me but my misunderstanding of what they said is what caused the problem.  According to the dictionary they were complimenting me but my lack of understanding of what it meant, being religious, was my problem.  Now in saying that there are still many believers who don't like being called religious because of the false religious things that they came out of.  That's OK, just don't lose your present relationship trying to defend the fact that you are not religious.  Jesus said the world would know that we were believers, not by our religious practices or the differences of doctrine but by our love one for another.  So keep loving, caring, believing, praying, reading your Bible, and above all the next time someone thinks you're religious and you don't like it... keep sweet.

Last Sunday we began a 10 week New Life Class at the church.  I believe the class is full but you can check with Charlene Petrie for more details.

Tomorrow evening is our youth service 7 at the Church.  

This Sunday I want to share with you, 'His Spirit Speaks.'  Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth.  You can't lead someone unless you can communicate with them where you are leading them.  The question is, how does the Holy Spirit communicate with us?

Next Saturday evening Feb. 24th @7 our Church is hosting a Christian Family Skate.  All churches and all ages are welcome to join with us as we enjoy an evening of fun, food, and fellowship.  It's at the Emera Center Rink North Sydney.

Youth retreat in New Glasgow Friday March 16th, 17th, and 18th.  The cost is $50.00 for each person.  Pastor Mark needs to know if you are going by Sunday March 4th to make the final arrangements.

Our Fellowship Wagon Ride is coming up on Saturday March 24th.  There are about 150 people signed up and it's still a month away.  Cost is 20 per adult, 15 per child, 15 per student or 50 per family.  If you haven't paid yet please have your money in by March 11th. 

Easter Weekend; on Good Friday we will join with My Father's House Church in Glace Bay.  This is the new name for the former Bethel Family Church.  We have always enjoyed being together with this congregation over the years and are looking forward to this special Easter event.

On Easter Saturday it's our annual Men's Breakfast.  Check with Martin for more details.

On Easter Sunday evening its our Water Baptism service.  @6pm we start off with fellowship followed by the service.  Once again we want to thank the Faith Baptist Church for loaning us their church building.  Sign up now if you want to follow the scriptures in this area of your life. 

Continue to pray for all those in need as we move forward into this next season of super natural miracles.  Looking forward to seeing you soon, lots of love Pastor Kevin and Alice.