Winning Ways -- Hillcrest Baptist Church

W-A-R-M-T-H
by Tom Goodman
October 13, 2010

We use the terms "warm" and "cold" to describe the feel of a group. We are so blessed with a warm fellowship at Hillcrest. How do we keep that going? Make sure you are doing the following six things. You can remember them with the acronym "WARMTH"....

Work. Have you ever noticed that those who row the boat don't have time to rock it? The Bible says, "A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church" (1 Corinthians 12:7, NLT). So identify how God has gifted you for service at Hillcrest.

Attach. Get connected, especially to a small group! Following the worship service, find a Sunday School class or Common Ground group where you can start building relationships. It's one way to live out Romans 12:5 (NLT), "And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others."

Respect. We read in 1 Peter 2:17 (NLT), "Show respect for everyone." Other scriptures especially call for respect for those who serve in leadership.

Motivate. Hebrews 10:24-25 (Msg) says, "Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching." So, stir each other up to live the Christian life!

Testify. Share with each other about your experiences with God. One of my favorite verses is Romans 1:12. Paul had been a believer for perhaps 30 years when he wrote the letter to the Romans, yet he was humble enough to say (NCV), "I want us to help each other with the faith we have. Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you." There's always something you can learn from or contribute to other people.

Heal. Through prayer and ministry, heal the hurts of each other. As Galatians 6:2 puts it (NLT), "Share each other's troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ."

How are you doing at contributing to the wonderful W-A-R-M-T-H at Hillcrest?

--Tom

Beacon Articles Available Online: The staff newsletters that appear each week in the Beacon are also available on our website. You can find them at www.HillcrestAustin.org/beacon.

Weblog: Check out my blog, "Get Anchored," with its 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!

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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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W-A-R-M-T-H by Tom Goodman October 13, 2010 We use the terms "warm" and "cold" to describe the feel of a group. We are so blessed with a warm fellowship at Hillcrest. How do we keep that going? Make sure you are doing the following six things. You can remember them with the acronym "WARMTH".... Work. Have you ever noticed that those who row the boat don't have time to rock it? The Bible says, "A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church" (1 Corinthians 12:7, NLT). So identify how God has gifted you for service at Hillcrest. Attach. Get connected, especially to a small group! Following the worship service, find a Sunday School class or Common Ground group where you can start building relationships. It's one way to live out Romans 12:5 (NLT), "And since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others." Respect. We read in 1 Peter 2:17 (NLT), "Show respect for everyone." Other scriptures especially call for respect for those who serve in leadership. Motivate. Hebrews 10:24-25 (Msg) says, "Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching." So, stir each other up to live the Christian life! Testify. Share with each other about your experiences with God. One of my favorite verses is Romans 1:12. Paul had been a believer for perhaps 30 years when he wrote the letter to the Romans, yet he was humble enough to say (NCV), "I want us to help each other with the faith we have. Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you." There's always something you can learn from or contribute to other people. Heal. Through prayer and ministry, heal the hurts of each other. As Galatians 6:2 puts it (NLT), "Share each other's troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ." How are you doing at contributing to the wonderful W-A-R-M-T-H at Hillcrest? --Tom Beacon Articles Available Online: The staff newsletters that appear each week in the Beacon are also available on our website. You can find them at www.HillcrestAustin.org/beacon. Weblog: Check out my blog, "Get Anchored," with its 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.