Winning Ways -- Hillcrest Baptist Church

What Does Easter Prove?
by Tom Goodman
April 16, 2014

In 2002, Oxford University philosophy professor Richard Swinburne spoke at a Yale University conference. He presented his case that a reasonable mind can be ninety-seven percent sure that the resurrection of Jesus happened. The idea that such a distinguished professor in such a distinguished setting would defend the resurrection made the New York Times.

I'm glad material like this proves how reasonable the Christian faith is. But while we should offer our seeking friends proof for the Easter story, we should also be able to tell them what the Easter story proves.

In other words, what is the practical impact of the resurrection? What difference does it make to real life?

This question came up a few years ago on Dr. Laura Schlessinger's radio program. A young woman brought up a problem with her fiancé, who had begun attending a church that didn't hold to Christian truth in several important ways. The young woman was wondering what to do -- the difference between her beliefs and those of her fiancé was causing a problem. When Dr. Laura pressed for an example she answered that her fiancé's church did not affirm the Resurrection. "Tell me something," Dr. Laura replied, "I'm a nice Jewish girl, and I don't understand all these ins and outs. What difference does the Resurrection make?" It was a fair question -- but the caller couldn't answer it.

I want you to have an answer to that question. This Sunday, we'll look at four answers to the question, "What does Easter prove?"

If you have seeking friends, this Sunday is a perfect day to meet together at Hillcrest. So, forward this edition of Winning Ways to your friends, and let's get together this week to celebrate life with the risen Lord!

Good Friday Service. Join us at 7 p.m. this Friday to remember the sacrifice that accomplished our salvation. The Lord's Supper will be served.

Your Easter Baptism. This Sunday would be a perfect day to follow Christ in baptism. We already have several people lined up, and we'd be glad to include you! Contact Lisa at 512-345-3771 or email her. Learn more at www.HillcrestAustin.org/baptism.

--Tom

(The story of Dr. Laura Schlessinger's radio program was reported in "Soul Food," by J.B. Cheaney, World magazine, September 20, 1997, pg 34.)

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.

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What Does Easter Prove? by Tom Goodman April 16, 2014 In 2002, Oxford University philosophy professor Richard Swinburne spoke at a Yale University conference. He presented his case that a reasonable mind can be ninety-seven percent sure that the resurrection of Jesus happened. The idea that such a distinguished professor in such a distinguished setting would defend the resurrection made the New York Times. I'm glad material like this proves how reasonable the Christian faith is. But while we should offer our seeking friends proof for the Easter story, we should also be able to tell them what the Easter story proves. In other words, what is the practical impact of the resurrection? What difference does it make to real life? This question came up a few years ago on Dr. Laura Schlessinger's radio program. A young woman brought up a problem with her fiancé, who had begun attending a church that didn't hold to Christian truth in several important ways. The young woman was wondering what to do -- the difference between her beliefs and those of her fiancé was causing a problem. When Dr. Laura pressed for an example she answered that her fiancé's church did not affirm the Resurrection. "Tell me something," Dr. Laura replied, "I'm a nice Jewish girl, and I don't understand all these ins and outs. What difference does the Resurrection make?" It was a fair question -- but the caller couldn't answer it. I want you to have an answer to that question. This Sunday, we'll look at four answers to the question, "What does Easter prove?" If you have seeking friends, this Sunday is a perfect day to meet together at Hillcrest. So, forward this edition of Winning Ways to your friends, and let's get together this week to celebrate life with the risen Lord! Good Friday Service. Join us at 7 p.m. this Friday to remember the sacrifice that accomplished our salvation. The Lord's Supper will be served. Your Easter Baptism. This Sunday would be a perfect day to follow Christ in baptism. We already have several people lined up, and we'd be glad to include you! Contact Lisa at 512-345-3771 or email her. Learn more at www.HillcrestAustin.org/baptism. --Tom (The story of Dr. Laura Schlessinger's radio program was reported in "Soul Food," by J.B. Cheaney, World magazine, September 20, 1997, pg 34.) 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.