News Archive
February 2006
Take courage
The theme of Sunday evening's youth service was ‘Mission’. We were challenged by our young people to consider how we set about ‘making disciples of all nations’ in our daily lives. It was both an entertaining and thought-provoking service.
The thought that it
left uppermost in my mind was that when we ‘adults’ take courage, let
our work colleagues know we are Christians and share our faith, it is
usually received with politeness – even by people who might privately
think we’re barking! I suspect that this is not always the case with
young people in schools, colleges and universities. They may well face
ridicule, mockery and derision. So as we pray for the courage to share
our faith for ourselves, let’s thank God for young Christians and ask
him to give them a double helping of courage and blessings.
The choice is yours
Phil Lightbody said during his talk on Sunday evening that God's will
may not necessarily be the easiest option. Phil also said that at other
times both options in front of you may be equally valid. You can
choose. You can listen to an MP3 of part of Phil's talk in the 'Our
Publications' part of the site.
Living stones
"As you come to him, the living stone - rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him - you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 2:4-5
Roger Bird reminded the building group recently that we, in the body of Christ, are like living stones. Mark Elder took up the theme as he encourged us to imagine what God can do through all of us at HBC and encourged all of us to participate. We are not on hold, waiting for God to move, becauses he is constantly working, and now is the time to use the gifts he has given us.
The building project is about the people, not just bricks and mortar, though this will be a wonderful resource for us. It is about us reaching out into our communities, showing and telling the good news. It will help us to build on great foundations such as Toddlers, Hiz Kidz, the English classes, Alpha and much more. Our new building will helps us as we expand, but let’s remember that it’s only as all of us get on board, as a whole church, with the vision and participate further with the giving that we will move on to the next phase of the church’s ministry.
God has led us this far, he will resource us and equip us for all that is ahead of us. Let’s humble ourselves and realise that we can’t do anything without him, but that with him, nothing is impossible.
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1