Winning Ways - from Hillcrest Baptist Church, Austin, Texas  Contact Tom Goodman, Pastor
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Hillcrest Church Office
April 7, 2004


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



“What Does Easter Prove?”
by Tom Goodman

Note:  Are you thinking about visiting a church this Easter? Join our celebration at Hillcrest!  We’re located at the corner of Steck and Greenslope.  For a map, go to HillcrestAustin.org/map.html.

In 2002, Oxford University philosophy professor Richard Swinburne spoke at a Yale University conference.  He presented his case that a reasonable mind can be ninety-seven percent sure that the resurrection of Jesus happened.  The idea that such a distinguished professor in such a distinguished setting would defend the resurrection made the New York Times.

I’m glad material like this proves how reasonable the Christian faith is.  But while we should offer our seeking friends proof for the Easter story, we should also be able to tell them what the Easter story proves.

This question came up a few years ago on Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s radio program.  A young woman brought up a problem with her fiancé, who had begun attending a church that didn’t hold to Christian truth in several important ways.  The young woman was wondering what to do—the difference between her beliefs and those of her fiancé was causing a problem.  When Dr. Laura pressed for an example she answered that her fiancé’s church did not affirm the Resurrection.  “Tell me something,” Dr. Laura replied, “I'm a nice Jewish girl and I don't understand all these ins and outs.  What difference does the Resurrection make?”  It was a fair question—but the caller couldn't answer it.

I want you to have an answer to that question.  This Sunday, we’ll look at four answers to the question, “What does Easter prove?”

If you have seeking friends, this Sunday is a perfect day to meet together at Hillcrest.  Not only will you all enjoy a great Sunday School class and experience the power of worship—you will also walk out with an armload of helpful gifts:

During the Sunday School hour (9:30), adults will receive a free copy of Lee Strobel’s new book, The Case for Easter.  Strobel was a journalist for the Chicago Tribune and an avowed atheist until he used his investigative skills to explore the Christian claims.  The Case for Easter is his latest in a series of books that explain what—and why—Christians believe.
Children in grades 1-5 who attend a Sunday School class will sit for a free Easter photo portrait.
During the worship hour (8:15 or 10:45), guests can receive a complete set of sermon tapes from our recent study, Experiencing the Passion of the Christ.  In this series we discussed the questions raised by Mel Gibson’s film, such as “Who Killed Jesus?” and “Who Was Jesus?” and “Did It Really Happen?”  The Easter sermon will be included in this tape set.
Forward this edition of Winning Ways to your friends and let’s get together this week to celebrate life with the risen Lord!

Tom

The story of Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s radio program  was reported in “Soul Food,” by J.B. Cheaney, World magazine, September 20, 1997, pg 34.

Important Notes:

No Evening Service on Easter Sunday.
Discover Hillcrest.  Sunday, April 18, 4:00-6:00 p.m.  For those who want to become members, and for those who just want to learn more about Hillcrest.  Topics include:
  o  The most important thing you need to know about Jesus
  o  What we teach about baptism
  o  Four fundamentals of spiritual growth, using the acronym “H.I.L.L.”
  o  How to “connect” with others in the church
  o  How to help us reach others for Christ and church involvement
  o  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 appointmentCall 345-3771 for more information.
Baptisms have been scheduled for April 18 and 25, 10:45 a.m.  If you would like to take this important step in your walk with Christ, call the church office at 345-3771.
The Imperials in Concert at Hillcrest April 18, 6:30 p.m.  Come hear the new sound of a familiar name in Christian music!



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