Winning Ways - from Hillcrest Baptist Church, Austin, Texas  Contact Tom Goodman, Pastor
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Hillcrest Church Office
February 4, 2004


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Here is this week's WINNING WAYS . . . .



“Are You a Mountain Maker?”
by Tom Goodman

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Come meet our candidate for Youth Minister this weekend!  We welcome Jim Siegel to Hillcrest February 6-8!  You can find more information at the end of this newsletter.

Collisions can be beautiful.

The Indian and Eurasian continents press into each other at the rate of about four inches a year.  What results is the majestic Himalayan mountain range, with Mount Everest towering above every other earthly peak.  As India keeps moving inward, compressing and lifting southern Eurasia, a spectacular natural treasure continues to be created.*

Think of that:  no collision, no Everest.  The world would be a poorer place.

The collisions between people have the potential of creating the same majesty and wonder.  Are you a mountain-maker?  Do you look for ways to turn the collision of interests into something beautiful?  Philippians 2:4 says, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”  This effort to address the interests of all sides can result in a thing of stunning beauty.

This Sunday, we continue our morning series called “Getting Along.”  We’re looking at eight biblical solutions to the conflicts that arise when your life “collides” with another life:  in the family, between roommates, at work, in church—wherever.  This Sunday we’ll look at the role that respect and consideration play in our relationships.  Ephesians 5:21 tells us to “Submit to one another.”  In other words, let the compression of competing viewpoints do its work until a towering, majestic Everest is formed!

Now, no doubt, we’re not talking about forming a compromise between that which is clearly biblical and that which is clearly unbiblical.  There are plenty of situations that require an unyielding stance.  When the Apostle Paul dealt with those who diluted the gospel and compromised God’s Word, he was unbending in his opposition (Galatians 5:12, for example—ouch!).  On the other hand, when Paul dealt with disputes about nonessential matters, he showed remarkable flexibility (Romans 14:1, for example).  It’s in those areas of flexibility where the collision of viewpoints can result in beauty.

See you and your Bible this week as we continue this helpful series!

Tom

*The connection between conflict and Everest was made in Gary Thomas’ remarkable book, Sacred Marriage.

THIS WEEKEND

Meet Jim Siegel!  After six months of hard work and prayer, the Youth Pastor Search Committee is excited to recommend Jim Siegel to Hillcrest as our next leader of the youth ministry!  Youth are encouraged to meet Jim this Friday, February 6, from 6:30-10:30 at Hillcrest.  Lots of games are planned, along with worship led by an area youth praise band.  Parents have a chance to meet Jim at a parents’ meeting on Saturday, February 7, from 5:00-6:30 p.m.  Youth workers will be meeting with Jim for supper this Saturday at 6:30 p.m.  On Sunday morning, Jim will lead the Youth Sunday School at 9:30 and he will be introduced in both morning services.  On Sunday evening, there is a general “Question and Answer” time for anyone who wants to come at 5:00 p.m., and at 6:30 p.m. there will be a Special Called Business Meeting for the purpose of voting on Jim’s candidacy.

“DISCOVER HILLCREST”  This Sunday, February 8, 4-6 p.m.  Pastor’s Office.  This class is for those who want to become members, and for those who just want to learn more about Hillcrest.  Topics include:

The most important thing you need to know about Jesus
What we teach about baptism
Four fundamentals of spiritual growth, using the acronym “H.I.L.L.”
How to “connect” with others in the church
How to help us reach others for Christ and church involvement
How to worship
Our Children’s Minister, B.J. Linam, teaches a “kid-friendly” version of this workshop in her office at the same time.  Preschool care for parents taking the class is also available by appointment.



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