Winning Ways -- Hillcrest Baptist Church

Proof of Life
by Tom Goodman
June 27, 2012

How would you convince someone you're alive? It took a Romanian man a year of expensive litigation, and as I read his story it made me think about our life in Christ.

When Gheroghe Stirbu tried to renew his identity card, Romanian officials told him that he was dead. Chalk another one up to government bureaucracy: Stirbu had been confused with another man. It took a year for the government to acknowledge their mistake -- and then they charged him for the court costs! "I will of course appeal the imposition of the costs," Mr. Stirbu said, "but I am already beginning to wonder whether or not I would have been better off staying dead."

When I baptize someone I recite a paraphrase of Romans 6:4 -- "You are buried with Christ in baptism and raised to walk in a new way of life." The problem is, sometimes we find ourselves in a position like Mr. Stirbu: Our "aliveness" is up for question.

Maybe certain habits that should have been left behind still occupy us.

Maybe sour attitudes still flow like poison through our veins.

Maybe we can't seem to find enthusiasm for connecting with other believers.

Maybe, given the choice between reading God's word or a night of idle web surfing, the mouse wins.

Maybe we can't remember the last time we shared the gospel with someone.

What proof could you offer that you are alive in Christ?

Don't get me wrong. No amount of behavior modification or attitude adjustment will set you right with God. It's the other way around. Entering into God's grace results in a new way of life. If we have little evidence that we're alive in Christ, the first thing we have to do is reflect on God's amazing grace to us. Every change and every commitment we make after that is just our "thank you" to God.

Find a way to express that gratitude to God today and show someone you're alive in him!

--Tom

"Note to Self." Didn't Suzanne Syptak do a great job with our first "Note to Self" on Sunday! We look forward to learning more about our Hillcrest Family through this project!

More Chairs. We've been able to add more chairs to our temporary "worship center" in the gym. Our increased attendance is a wonderful "problem" to deal with, isn't it!

"Adventures with Tom." Registration for our first "Adventure" is sold out. Sign up early for the next three by using the Connection Card this Sunday.

Beacon Articles Available Online: The staff newsletters that appear each week in the Beacon are also available on our website. You can find them here.

Check out my weblog here.

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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Proof of Life by Tom Goodman June 27, 2012 How would you convince someone you're alive? It took a Romanian man a year of expensive litigation, and as I read his story it made me think about our life in Christ. When Gheroghe Stirbu tried to renew his identity card, Romanian officials told him that he was dead. Chalk another one up to government bureaucracy: Stirbu had been confused with another man. It took a year for the government to acknowledge their mistake -- and then they charged him for the court costs! "I will of course appeal the imposition of the costs," Mr. Stirbu said, "but I am already beginning to wonder whether or not I would have been better off staying dead." When I baptize someone I recite a paraphrase of Romans 6:4 -- "You are buried with Christ in baptism and raised to walk in a new way of life." The problem is, sometimes we find ourselves in a position like Mr. Stirbu: Our "aliveness" is up for question. Maybe certain habits that should have been left behind still occupy us. Maybe sour attitudes still flow like poison through our veins. Maybe we can't seem to find enthusiasm for connecting with other believers. Maybe, given the choice between reading God's word or a night of idle web surfing, the mouse wins. Maybe we can't remember the last time we shared the gospel with someone. What proof could you offer that you are alive in Christ? Don't get me wrong. No amount of behavior modification or attitude adjustment will set you right with God. It's the other way around. Entering into God's grace results in a new way of life. If we have little evidence that we're alive in Christ, the first thing we have to do is reflect on God's amazing grace to us. Every change and every commitment we make after that is just our "thank you" to God. Find a way to express that gratitude to God today and show someone you're alive in him! --Tom "Note to Self." Didn't Suzanne Syptak do a great job with our first "Note to Self" on Sunday! We look forward to learning more about our Hillcrest Family through this project! More Chairs. We've been able to add more chairs to our temporary "worship center" in the gym. Our increased attendance is a wonderful "problem" to deal with, isn't it! "Adventures with Tom." Registration for our first "Adventure" is sold out. Sign up early for the next three by using the Connection Card this Sunday. Beacon Articles Available Online: The staff newsletters that appear each week in the Beacon are also available on our website. You can find them here. Check out my weblog here. 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.