Winning Ways - from Hillcrest Baptist Church, Austin, Texas  Contact Tom Goodman, Pastor
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“The God-Oriented Life”
Hillcrest Church Office
October 29, 2003

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“The God-Oriented Life”
by Tom Goodman

Do people walk out of our Bible study classes and worship services . . .

     Stirred by the greatness of God?
          Moved by the grace of God?
               Expectant for the activity of God?

In other words, do we lead people to live a God-oriented life?  The commitment to live in this manner isn’t a one-time event but a life-long process.  We have to constantly challenge each other to orient our lives to God like a compass needle drawn to the North Pole.

What does a God-oriented life look like?

First, we honor God through worship.  Through our daily devotionals and weekly attendance in worship services, we give God the honor due Him.

Second, we honor God through prayer.  Those who live a God-oriented life are those who think of prayer as a “first response” and not a “last resort” in dealing with concerns.

Third, we honor God through faithful living.  The Bible says, “Take your everyday, ordinary life – your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life – and place it before God as an offering” (Romans 12:1, The Message).  An offering is something you give in worship, and this verse says our very lives are to be offerings to God.

Fourth, we honor God through stewardship.  Too many people see their giving as a way to help the church pay the bills.  Instead, our giving is a vivid act of worship.  In Proverbs 3:9-10 (NIV), the wise man said, “Honor the Lord with your wealth,” and then he added this promise:  “Then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.”

This Sunday we’ll begin a four-week series of messages called “The God-Oriented Life.”  Come renew the wonder and joy you were meant to have in the presence of the King!

See you at 8:15 or 10:45 a.m.!
Tom


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