Winning Ways -- Hillcrest Baptist Church

Is It Enough to Just "Be a Good Person"?
by Tom Goodman
February 27, 2013

Someone -- maybe you -- will say, "Well, I'm not very religious, but I'm a good person -- and that's what really counts."

Is it? Here's Tim Keller on the subject:

Imagine a woman -- a poor widow -- with an only son. She teaches him how she wants him to live -- to always tell the truth, to work hard, and to help the poor. She makes very little money, but with her meager savings she is able to put him through college. Imagine that when he graduates, he hardly ever speaks to her again. He occasionally sends a Christmas card, but he doesn't visit her; he won't answer her phone calls or letters; he doesn't speak to her. But he lives just like she taught him -- honestly, industriously, and charitably. Would we say this was acceptable? Of course not! Wouldn't we say that by living a "good life" but neglecting a relationship with the one to whom he owed everything he was doing something condemnable? In the same way, if God created us and we owe him everything and we do not live for him but we "live a good life," it is not enough.

Thought for the week: What will you do this day to develop your relationship with God, to express your deep gratitude to him, and to serve him with joy?

--Tom

Here are some important notices about upcoming events.

Mission: Possible. For the next three Sundays we're going to expose you to ways you can join God's mission in Austin (week 1), Texas (week 2), and the world (week 3). Meet with us @ 10!

Questions I've Wanted to Ask God. You and your Austin "network" get to pick what topics I'll cover in an upcoming sermon series. Starting this Sunday, pick up a stack of ballots, have your friends fill them out, and return them by March 23. We'll tally the top six questions for a new study beginning Easter Sunday.

Sweet Life Comedy Dessert Theater. Set aside April 13 in your datebook. You don't want to miss the hilarity. More information coming!

Discover Hillcrest. I teach this one-hour class for those who want to become members and for those who just want to investigate Hillcrest. Meet me in the gym after the morning service this Sunday.

Upward Awards Night. Come celebrate the end of another successful kids basketball season this Sunday night @ 6:30pm.

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.

Winning Ways - from Hillcrest Baptist Church, Austin, Texas	Contact Tom Goodman, Pastor
Manage Your Subscription -- Subscribe/Unsubscribe	Contact Us About Your Subscription
Is It Enough to Just "Be a Good Person"? by Tom Goodman February 27, 2013 Someone -- maybe you -- will say, "Well, I'm not very religious, but I'm a good person -- and that's what really counts." Is it? Here's Tim Keller on the subject: Imagine a woman -- a poor widow -- with an only son. She teaches him how she wants him to live -- to always tell the truth, to work hard, and to help the poor. She makes very little money, but with her meager savings she is able to put him through college. Imagine that when he graduates, he hardly ever speaks to her again. He occasionally sends a Christmas card, but he doesn't visit her; he won't answer her phone calls or letters; he doesn't speak to her. But he lives just like she taught him -- honestly, industriously, and charitably. Would we say this was acceptable? Of course not! Wouldn't we say that by living a "good life" but neglecting a relationship with the one to whom he owed everything he was doing something condemnable? In the same way, if God created us and we owe him everything and we do not live for him but we "live a good life," it is not enough. Thought for the week: What will you do this day to develop your relationship with God, to express your deep gratitude to him, and to serve him with joy? --Tom Here are some important notices about upcoming events. Mission: Possible. For the next three Sundays we're going to expose you to ways you can join God's mission in Austin (week 1), Texas (week 2), and the world (week 3). Meet with us @ 10! Questions I've Wanted to Ask God. You and your Austin "network" get to pick what topics I'll cover in an upcoming sermon series. Starting this Sunday, pick up a stack of ballots, have your friends fill them out, and return them by March 23. We'll tally the top six questions for a new study beginning Easter Sunday. Sweet Life Comedy Dessert Theater. Set aside April 13 in your datebook. You don't want to miss the hilarity. More information coming! Discover Hillcrest. I teach this one-hour class for those who want to become members and for those who just want to investigate Hillcrest. Meet me in the gym after the morning service this Sunday. Upward Awards Night. Come celebrate the end of another successful kids basketball season this Sunday night @ 6:30pm. 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.