Dear HBIC Family,

Years ago, every summer, I would spend weeks away at camp. As a child of the city, I enjoyed being closer to creation as seen in the lakes I swam, hills and mountains I hiked, caves I spelunked, and stars I sat under. As a believer growing in my faith, I was blessed by a community of faith that grew into a family that nurtured my spiritual growth. And as a leader, I learned the importance of being a servant, of listening, and of meeting people where they are and asking God’s help to take them to where God desires them to be.

It was during these summer seasons that God prepared me for life and ministry today. I am grateful for the Holy Spirit’s leading and guidance as my heart and life were transformed. I am thankful that God welcomed me into the kingdom, nurtured my gifts for the kingdom, and gifted me opportunities to grow and help others grow. I was formed by Jesus’ consistent and clear reminders to live and love like he lived and loved, and that I am continually blessed to be a blessing.

As I moved into more leadership roles at camp, I learned something new about myself: I loved watching people grow in their faith and walk with God. This challenging work was very life-giving to me. I loved seeing the Holy Spirit opening people’s eyes to the gospel, for the first time, or just in a new way this time. I loved watching God’s love surround people in gentle but obvious ways. And I loved people discovering that knowing about Jesus is not as important as knowing Jesus, who knows and loves you!

Those summer years impressed upon me this simple truth: we are to be Jesus’ disciples, who go and make disciples. The Spirit calls us and works in us so that others may see our light and glorify our Father in heaven. Jesus commissions us to go into our world and make disciples, baptizing them in God’s name, and teaching them what God has commanded us. In this life, we ought to be making disciples in our Father’s kingdom.

I am very excited for this week’s service, as Pastor Ryan will be sharing on discipleship and its importance here at HBIC. I have asked him to share a bit more on this week’s message, to help us prepare for worship together:

“In Luke 6:46, Jesus ends his Sermon on the Plain by asking, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’, and do not do what I say?” Here, as throughout all of scripture, our faith in Jesus is tightly and inextricably tied with our obedience to him; we show and prove our faith by what we do. And as we follow the teaching and example of Jesus, building our lives on that sure foundation, we will find ourselves growing in love, in obedience, in the pursuit of reconciliation and in spiritual discipline.

As you prepare for our gathered worship this Sunday, I invite you to reflect on Luke 6:46-49, and spend some time praying through these questions:

• How do the teachings of Jesus change my day-to-day life?
• Which Christians in my life could I mentor? Or be mentored by?
• How could my family and friend relationships be reoriented around Jesus?
• What characteristic or teaching of Jesus am I most thankful for? Or most challenged by?

In discipleship we are invited into an exciting journey together. Submission to Jesus’ lordship might not sound exciting on the front end, but we know that “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul,” (Ps 19:7), that his teachings are not restrictive regulations but the pathways to peace and joy and life. So, we are humbled and excited to explore together this life of discipleship.”

It is good to gather together as God’s people. It is a blessing to serve our God together. And it is a great privilege, that we are invited to partner with God in working for the kingdom. My sisters and brothers, may we continue to be faithful as our God is faithful, committed to loving as our God loves, and doing all we can to make God’s will done on earth as it is in heaven.

God bless you all.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Hank (Matthew 28:18-20)