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What a great week we had April 12-15th! The preaching and teaching was tremendous. The love and grace displayed by Maple City Baptist and their army of childrens workers was refreshing and the conclusion was divine as we prayed over our brother Pradeep Limma.

We were inspired by the words and the life of all who spoke. Pastor Pradeep Limma clearly demonstrated from scripture and with his testimony what it means to REST (Rely Entirely upon Scriptural Truth). There were several moments that are memorable and course changing. Phrases like, "Pastors must die if they want to see their church live." and "Big doors swing on small hinges." will resonate with us the rest of our lives. The teaching from Dale Money on our stewardship of the word of God was a message every Christian needs to hear and embrace. We were blessed to know God has a message for us at such a time as this.

What do we do with that much biblical inspiration, exhortation and motivation? I'm glad you asked. We need to go back to the main things! The purpose of the Vision Conference is to allow God to give us his vision and remind us why He called us. When we see our lives in light of his mission, the tender and grateful heart will adjust their lives accordingly to accomplish the mission of God in the power of God for the glory of God.

Wednesday night we continued with a message from Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:7 and Acts 4:7-14. As we come out of Vision Confernce it is important to commune with God over the thigns we have witnessed. After Jesus resurrection he spent 40 days with the disciples teaching them and reminding them of all that he did during his earthly ministry and preparing them to GO in his stead as the apostles. One of hte most important ways to apply all that was taught is to look at our lives and see where we are in relationship to following Christ as a disciple. Are we ready to go? If not why not. What is the next step? Should we trust Christ as Lord and Savior? Do we need to obey the Lord in beleivers baptism? Do we need to avial ourselves of the discipleship opportunity at HBF? Have you completed Discipleship One? Are you established in ministry, are you actively participating in the work of ministry? Where are you as a disciple of Jesus? Are we really following him daily?

After examining ourselves and making sure we are "in the faith" (2 Corinthians 13:5) we need to take the next steps to reveal God's power to those who need to hear it. I often say, good discipleship makes good evangelism. The disciples were empowered by Jesus when they were filled with the Spirit of God in Acts 2. He said "All power is given unto me in heaven and earth" (Matthew 28:18) and he delegated that power in Acts 2 in fulfillment of Acts 1:8 which says "But ye shall receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you" and with that charge Jesus gave the disciples plan to preach the gospel strategically, simultaniously and supernaturally to the world. The question the Sanhiedran had for Peter in Acts 4:7 was, "By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?" The answer was clearly in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth (Acts 4:10). Peter did the impossible because he was infused with power from God's Word. That is exactly what God desires of us. 

We are all in differnt places in our lives as we leave the Vision Confernece, but there is no doubt God is calling us to go in his power to all nations. You may not see a lame man walk physically, but the gospel we preach is the power of God unto Salvation and when mixed with faith it does an even greater work as the dead are raised to eternal life through faith in Christ Jesus.

I pray you are encouraged in the word of God as you reflect on all God has shown us the past couple weeks. Please join me and HBF as set aside the month of May as "Discipleship Awareness Month". Starting Wednesday May 6th through the end of the month each Wednesday night will emphasize an aspect of Discipleship at HBF. If you are evaluating your role in relationship to the mission of God as it relates to the word of God and the local church, you will not want to miss the Wednesday nights sessions in the May.