Winning Ways -- Hillcrest Baptist Church

Sharing Our Lives as Well As Our Gospel
by Tom Goodman
July 31, 2013

I read about sandals with treads that leave the words "Jesus" and "Loves You" as you walk along sandy or muddy ground. The sandals can be ordered for about $25 from a website called "Shoes of the Fishermen." The company also sells snowboots for those who want to leave their mark while walking in the snow.

I guess you could buy some sandals that leave the Christian message as an impression in the sand. But what are you doing to leave the Christian message as an impression in someone's life?

In 1 Thessalonians 2:8 Paul said, "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us."

Paul said he shared two things with them. First, he shared the gospel with them. He wanted them to know Jesus, to know Jesus' forgiveness and guidance and power for living. But Paul said he shared not only the gospel with them but also his life: his time, his energy, his heart. He was passionately connected with them.

You go to enough churches enough times and you'll hear a challenge to share the gospel. But maybe the missing ingredient that keeps us from being effective witnesses is friendship. That's largely what our citywide "Explore God" campaign is all about. It's about learning to share our lives as well as our gospel.

I'm thrilled to see the enthusiasm the Hillcrest Family has for this campaign! You've exceeded every goal we've set in the training phase of this project!

It's incredibly important to get prepared for your part in the Explore God effort. Two weeks ago adults gathered in the gym for Session One training following the morning service. This Sunday all adults are encouraged to return to the gym at 11:00 for Session Two training.

While Session One guided us on how to have spiritual conversations, Session Two will introduce us to the treasure trove of resources at the Explore God website.

If you can't make it this Sunday, please join me for Session Two training on Wednesday, August 7 at 6:15pm in A-161 (in the Adult Wing), or Sunday, August 11 at 11:00am in A-161. Or just get trained online at our "Explore God" portal on the church website.

--Tom

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Winning Ways - from Hillcrest Baptist Church, Austin, Texas	Contact Tom Goodman, Pastor
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Sharing Our Lives as Well As Our Gospel by Tom Goodman July 31, 2013 I read about sandals with treads that leave the words "Jesus" and "Loves You" as you walk along sandy or muddy ground. The sandals can be ordered for about $25 from a website called "Shoes of the Fishermen." The company also sells snowboots for those who want to leave their mark while walking in the snow. I guess you could buy some sandals that leave the Christian message as an impression in the sand. But what are you doing to leave the Christian message as an impression in someone's life? In 1 Thessalonians 2:8 Paul said, "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us." Paul said he shared two things with them. First, he shared the gospel with them. He wanted them to know Jesus, to know Jesus' forgiveness and guidance and power for living. But Paul said he shared not only the gospel with them but also his life: his time, his energy, his heart. He was passionately connected with them. You go to enough churches enough times and you'll hear a challenge to share the gospel. But maybe the missing ingredient that keeps us from being effective witnesses is friendship. That's largely what our citywide "Explore God" campaign is all about. It's about learning to share our lives as well as our gospel. I'm thrilled to see the enthusiasm the Hillcrest Family has for this campaign! You've exceeded every goal we've set in the training phase of this project! It's incredibly important to get prepared for your part in the Explore God effort. Two weeks ago adults gathered in the gym for Session One training following the morning service. This Sunday all adults are encouraged to return to the gym at 11:00 for Session Two training. While Session One guided us on how to have spiritual conversations, Session Two will introduce us to the treasure trove of resources at the Explore God website. If you can't make it this Sunday, please join me for Session Two training on Wednesday, August 7 at 6:15pm in A-161 (in the Adult Wing), or Sunday, August 11 at 11:00am in A-161. Or just get trained online at our "Explore God" portal on the church website. --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 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.