What does it mean for us to “reach out” to others with the love of Jesus? There are so many ways that we can look at the Christian life to try and evaluate what it’s all about, but none more compelling to me than a simple question: “Am I sharing my faith?”

In many ways this simple question cuts through much of the politics and posturing that can happen in Christian community and gets to the heart of God’s mission in the world—transformation—a mission that he invites us to join him in, for ourselves and with others.

Yes, “sharing my faith” will look a little different from one situation to the next. It may be that in our workplace our honesty and integrity as a Christian will speak volumes, or that a warm response or friendly care might be essential in our relationship to friends. However I want to suggest today that all the good works and great intentions are not enough for us to say that we are fully sharing our faith.

Social action and care alongside “friendship evangelism” are great—and important, but not enough. Our actions need to be backed up with words. We need to share our faith by what we say as well as what we do—to share the good news of Jesus Christ.

This means that we need to have integrity enough to let our actions and our words speak together. It is said that “actions speak louder than words”, but words that back up and support good actions are essential to truly sharing our faith—let’s not throw out the baby with the bath water.

So how do we do this? Work on your communication skills; work on your evangelism skills; remember to tell people why you do what you do; and live a consistent life of actions and words.

Blessings,
Pastor David Auty

I don’t know about you, but I have found this week hard going! I’m not 100% sure why, but I have my suspicions. Sure it could be the changing weather, or the fact that sore throats and infected ears have visited the Auty household. It could be related to the burden I feel for those, like Sharon, who are going through tough times. Or maybe even simply a lack of effective sleep. But somehow, although I’m sure they all contribute, I
think it’s something else...

And that excites me! What? Excited about having a challenging week?
Well, yes, I am, and I’ll tell you why.

Here at HBC we have just done something significant! Last weekend we undertook 24 hours of continuous prayer seeking to hear from God about the “Next steps” for us as a Church….and God has spoken to us—we have
heard. Now that’s exciting in itself, but wait there’s more… you see, hearing from God is one thing, but getting on with what God is saying to us is another thing all together. The momentum needed can be hard work as we consider how tough it is to action what God wants. “Maybe we’ll get around to it one day?” we say to ourselves— or maybe not!

I don’t think that satan (the prince of darkness) minds that God speaks to us, or even that we hear God. The evil one is more concerned that we DON'T ACTION what God is saying. He’d love to keep us in a pseudospiritual cosy spot that “listens” to God but does nothing with it. If he can’t stop us spending time with God then he’s just as happy if we aren’t
changed at all...if we do nothing with what God has said to us.

All this “stuff” reminds us of the truth! We CAN choose to do what God is asking. We can get active and have a greater determination in the things that God has spoken to us. We can share the Good News of Jesus Christ  more and more in our lives—excited by the fact that God’s plans must be
significant if the evil one wants so desperately to distract us from God’s path.  

So what about you? Are you going to be satisfied with the experience or are you going to allow God to change you? It’s our call—let’s make the right one!!

Blessings,
Pastor David Auty

Today is Mother’s Day! It’s a great Mother’s day for me because not only do I have the mother of my children with me, I also have my own mother staying with us this weekend...oh, and it’s her Birthday today too! When I was looking for something nice to say to my mum I came across this poem:

As I look back on my life
I find myself wondering...
Did I remember to thank you
for all that you have done for me?

For all of the times you were by my side
to help me celebrate my successes
and accept my defeats?

Or for teaching me the value of hard work,
good judgement, courage, and honesty?

I wonder if I've ever thanked you
for the simple things...
The laughter, smiles, and quiet times we've shared?

If I have forgotten to express my gratitude
For any of these things,
I am thanking you now...
and I am hoping that you've known all along,
how very much you are loved and appreciated.

I know that these are sentiments that are multiplied to many mums today! But the biggest, bestest thing I can thank my mum for is the way she nurtured faith in my life...and for that I will, quite literally, be eternally grateful!

Shout out to all the mums out there!
Have a wonderful Mother’s Day!

Blessings,
Pastor David Auty