Authenticity

Dear Friends,

Here at the Hub church we desire that our Christianity is authentic and by this I mean we desire that our lives reflect the image of Christ, the one we follow.

In the book of Mark we see Jesus, who was filled with the Holy Spirit and power of God but unable to perform the miracles he desired. In fact, He told the people,

“‘A prophet is not without honour except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.’ He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them” (Mark 6:4–5)

Jesus did not lack the desire but the people were offended and could not receive him as the Christ;

“He began to teach in the synagogue. And many hearing Him were astonished, saying, ‘Where did this Man get these things? And what wisdom is this which is given to Him, that such mighty works are performed by His hands! Is this not the carpenter, the Son of Mary, and brother of James, Joseph, Judas, and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?’ So they were offended at Him. (Mark 6:2–4)

Authentic believers who truly experience the life transforming power of the gospel are those who are hungry for God; humble and teachable.

John confirm this when he writes in John 1:11-12 11 He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. 12 But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to those who believe in His name.

So to the degree that you honour and receive Jesus and his words is the degree that you experience Him and his life transforming Spirit. This is also true when you honour and receive those called by God to preach and teach the word. The scriptures warn us about the wrong kind of religion;

2 Timothy 3:5 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.

A good prayer; Lord I believe you are the Christ, the Son of God who takes away the sin of the world and I bow my knee to you in repentance, worship and submission. Come Holy Spirit and be the engine of every part of my life. Amen”

God bless you in your journey of faith. Pastor Tony Hickman