Winning Ways -- Hillcrest Baptist Church

Get a Do-Over
by Tom Goodman
April 8, 2009

THE "EASTER ENCOUNTER" IS THIS WEEK!

Remember
Join us for the Lord's Supper on Thursday, April 9, 7pm.

Reflect
Attend our Good Friday service during your lunch break, April 10, noon.

Rejoice
Celebrate Christ's resurrection on Sunday, April 12, 10am.

Just as. We too.

Those two little phrases make all the difference. The Apostle Paul wrote, "Just as Christ was raised from the dead... we too may live a new life." (Romans 6:4)

Just as. We too. The resurrection gives us hope that we can make a fresh start.

When we put our faith in Christ, the Bible says a union takes place between our life and the Lord's life. When we become believers, our old life with its frustration, regret, and guilt dies with Christ. And, since we unite with a Christ that was raised from the dead, we can have a new life with hope and expectation and confidence.

In the film "City Slickers" Mitch consoles his friend Phil, a character who has lost his marriage and his job, and he wants to throw in the towel. Mitch tells him, "Take a do-over. Like when we were kids playing ball and the game went bad. Just start over. You can have a clean slate."

The reason that line connected with so many moviegoers is that we've all experienced the desire to "just start over." If this is true and God can enable us to make a fresh start, what would you like to do over? Some of you would say, "I'd like to be a better influence with my kids." Or, "I'd like to be a better example to my sister or brother." Or, "I'd like to be more attentive to the needs of people around me." Or, "I'd like to make better choices." Or, "I'd like to show stronger self-control."

We can't go back and reverse all the mistakes and sins of the past, but we can say, "That was the old me, and in Christ people will see a new me. I get a do-over."

That's one thing you'll learn by participating in "The Easter Encounter." This special set of worship experiences is for believers and their friends who are asking spiritual questions. On Thursday, April 9, join us at 7pm for the Lord's Supper. Then, on Good Friday, April 10, gather with us during your lunch break at noon for a 45-minute service that will turn your attention to the cross. And on Easter Sunday, April 12, celebrate the resurrection with us at 10am!

--Tom

This is an excerpt from my book, The Anchor Course: Exploring Christianity Together. Go to AnchorCourse.org to review a chapter, purchase a book, or run a Course yourself. If you live in Austin, you can purchase or borrow a copy of the book at our library or church office.

You can help me prepare for "The Easter Encounter" with your prayers. Learn more here.

Weblog: Check out my blog, "Get Anchored." Some things to look for...

Song of the Week, posted every Sunday.
Links to Your World, interesting and informative links, posted every Tuesday.

Do you know friends who would appreciate Winning Ways? Just forward this e-mail to them!

Have you subscribed to Winning Ways? You can subscribe by clicking here and following the instructions. Your e-mail address will not be sold or given away to anyone, and you can automatically change your subscription or drop it by following the easy steps provided with each e-mail.

FRESH NEWS AT HILLCREST UPDATED WEEKLY: www.hillcrestaustin.org

LISTEN TO RECENT SERMONS: Click here.

MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS TO OUR EMAIL NEWSLETTERS: Click here. If you do not have access to the web, please send a note to newsmaster@hbcaustin.org to tell us of any changes you would like to make.

Winning Ways - from Hillcrest Baptist Church, Austin, Texas	Contact Tom Goodman, Pastor
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Get a Do-Over by Tom Goodman April 8, 2009 THE "EASTER ENCOUNTER" IS THIS WEEK! Remember Join us for the Lord's Supper on Thursday, April 9, 7pm. Reflect Attend our Good Friday service during your lunch break, April 10, noon. Rejoice Celebrate Christ's resurrection on Sunday, April 12, 10am. Just as. We too. Those two little phrases make all the difference. The Apostle Paul wrote, "Just as Christ was raised from the dead... we too may live a new life." (Romans 6:4) Just as. We too. The resurrection gives us hope that we can make a fresh start. When we put our faith in Christ, the Bible says a union takes place between our life and the Lord's life. When we become believers, our old life with its frustration, regret, and guilt dies with Christ. And, since we unite with a Christ that was raised from the dead, we can have a new life with hope and expectation and confidence. In the film "City Slickers" Mitch consoles his friend Phil, a character who has lost his marriage and his job, and he wants to throw in the towel. Mitch tells him, "Take a do-over. Like when we were kids playing ball and the game went bad. Just start over. You can have a clean slate." The reason that line connected with so many moviegoers is that we've all experienced the desire to "just start over." If this is true and God can enable us to make a fresh start, what would you like to do over? Some of you would say, "I'd like to be a better influence with my kids." Or, "I'd like to be a better example to my sister or brother." Or, "I'd like to be more attentive to the needs of people around me." Or, "I'd like to make better choices." Or, "I'd like to show stronger self-control." We can't go back and reverse all the mistakes and sins of the past, but we can say, "That was the old me, and in Christ people will see a new me. I get a do-over." That's one thing you'll learn by participating in "The Easter Encounter." This special set of worship experiences is for believers and their friends who are asking spiritual questions. On Thursday, April 9, join us at 7pm for the Lord's Supper. Then, on Good Friday, April 10, gather with us during your lunch break at noon for a 45-minute service that will turn your attention to the cross. And on Easter Sunday, April 12, celebrate the resurrection with us at 10am! --Tom This is an excerpt from my book, The Anchor Course: Exploring Christianity Together. Go to AnchorCourse.org to review a chapter, purchase a book, or run a Course yourself. If you live in Austin, you can purchase or borrow a copy of the book at our library or church office. You can help me prepare for "The Easter Encounter" with your prayers. Learn more here. Weblog: Check out my blog, "Get Anchored." Some things to look for... Song of the Week, posted every Sunday. Links to Your World, interesting and informative links, posted every Tuesday. Do you know friends who would appreciate Winning Ways? Just forward this e-mail to them! Have you subscribed to Winning Ways? You can subscribe by clicking here and following the instructions. Your e-mail address will not be sold or given away to anyone, and you can automatically change your subscription or drop it by following the easy steps provided with each e-mail. FRESH NEWS AT HILLCREST UPDATED WEEKLY: www.hillcrestaustin.org LISTEN TO RECENT SERMONS: Click here. MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS TO OUR EMAIL NEWSLETTERS: Click here. If you do not have access to the web, please send a note to newsmaster@hbcaustin.org to tell us of any changes you would like to make.