What Each Generation Wants to Know

by Tom Goodman

At Hillcrest we say "Every Generation Counts."  Every generation feels they "count" when leaders prove sensitive to the questions that people in different generations ask.

In a Leadership article, Gordon MacDonald said that as he prepares his sermons he tries to keep in mind what people in various stages of life may need to know.  He was writing for preachers, but no matter what role you play at Hillcrest, keep these questions in mind.  It will help you serve everyone in the wide age-range of adults in our church family.

Here is the excerpt from MacDonald's article:

Twenties

When I preach to people in their twenties, I am aware that they are asking questions such as:

• What makes me different from my family of origin or the people around me?
• In what direction am I going to point my life in order to pay my way through life?
• Am I lovable, and am I capable of loving?
• Around what will I center my life?

Thirties

Those in their thirties tend to have accumulated serious long-range responsibilities: spouses, babies, home mortgages, and serious income needs.  Suddenly life becomes overrun with responsibilities.  Time and priorities become important.  Fatigue and stress levels rise.  The questions shift to:

• How can I get done all of these things for which I am responsible?
• Why do I have so many self-doubts?
• Why is my spiritual center so confused?
• What happened to all the fun I used to have?
• Why haven't I resolved all my sin problems?
• Why is there so little time for friendships?

Forties

For people in their forties, the questions do not get any easier.  Now they are asking:

• Why are some of my peers doing better than me?
• Why am I so often disappointed in myself, in others?
• Why isn't my faith deeper?
• Why is my marriage less than dazzling?
• Why do I yearn to go back to the carefree days of my youth?
• Should I scale back some of my dreams?
• Why do I no longer feel attractive?

Fifties

People in their fifties are asking:

• Do these young people think I'm obsolete?
• Why is my body becoming increasingly unreliable?
• Why are so few of my friendships nourishing?
• What do my spouse and I have in common now that the children are leaving?
• Does this marriage of mine offer any intimacy at all?
• Why is my job no longer a satisfying experience?
• Are the best years of life over?
• Do I have anything of value to give any longer?

Sixties

Those in their sixties ask:

• How long can I keep doing the things that define me?
• Why do my peers look so much older than me?
• What does it mean to grow old?
• How do I deal with angers and resentments that I've never resolved?
• Why do my friends and I talk so much about death and dying?

Seventies

Those in their seventies and above have questions such as:

• Does anyone around here know who I once was?
• How do I cope with all this increasing weakness around me?
• How many years do I have left?
• How long can I maintain my independence and my dignity?
• When I die, how will it happen?
• What about all these things I intended to do (and be) and never got around to?

Yes, I'm aware that for our church MacDonald stopped about 15 or so years too soon!  We're blessed with a seasoned gathering of those in their 80s and 90s at Hillcrest, too!  But this is a good start.

Here's what I suggest you do.  Re-read this post again.  This time, think of someone in the age range you're reading about.  Pray for those in the Hillcrest Family who are in that age range.  Pray for the unchurched in our community who are in that age range.  And pray that our church will always be a place where every generation counts!

--Tom

The excerpt was from Gordon MacDonald's article, "Incarnate Preaching," Leadership Journal, Summer 2007.

For Further Study in Daniel

by Tom Goodman

As we wrap up our series through Daniel (archived here), maybe you're interested in further study of the book.

The book of Daniel is a complex book, and I had to make dozens and dozens of interpretative decisions as I prepared the messages for this series. I did not always lay out the interpretative options nor explain why I chose the perspective behind my sermon points.

So, for those who want to dig further, I found the following commentaries helpful. Click on the links to find the resources at Amazon:

Top on the list were The Message of Daniel by Dale Ralph Davis and The NIV Application Commentary on Daniel by Tremper Longman III.

Other commentaries I used:

Preaching Christ from Daniel by Sydney Greidanus

The Gospel According to Daniel by Bryan Chapell

The Prophecy of Daniel by EY Young

The New American Commentary on Daniel by Stephen Miller. The link will take you to the physical copy, but the ebook is only $3 right now.

The Word Biblical Commentary on Daniel by John Goldingay.

Resources for The Hillcrest Civil Forum

by Tom Goodman

As I prepared for this week's Civil Forum, I found the following articles and books helpful in developing my thinking about the subject of immigration policy.

Two Theories of Immigration by Mark Amstutz

Public Policy and the Church by Mark Amstutz, published in The City, a publication of Houston Baptist University

How the Democrats Lost Their Way on Immigration, by Peter Beinart for The Atlantic

“A Moral and Just Response to the Immigration Crisis” by Richard Land

God and Immigration Reform, by Richard Land

“New force for broad immigration reform: conservative evangelicals” by Dan Gilgoff

“The Immigration Middle Ground,” by Yuval Levin and Reihan Salam

Lifeway Research: Evangelicals Say It Is Time For Congress To Tackle Immigration

Immigrants Among Us:  A Lutheran Framework for Addressing Immigration Issues

Comprehensive Immigration Confusion, by Peter Skerry

Splitting the Difference on Illegal Immigration, by Peter Skerry

Evangelical Immigration Table

Books:

Welcoming the Stranger: Justice, Compassion & Truth in the Immigration Debate, by Matthew Soerens  and Jenny Hwang Yang

There Goes the Neighborhood: How Communities Overcome Prejudice and Meet the Challenge of American Immigration, by Ali Noorani

Just Immigration: American Policy in Christian Perspective, by Mark Amstutz

Books on Suffering

by Tom Goodman

I was asked for a list of books that deal with suffering. Here’s what I recommended to start with.

The Problem of Pain, by C.S. Lewis

A Place for Healing, by Joni Eareckson Tada

Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering, by Tim Keller

Suffering and the Sovereignty of God, by John Piper

The Question That Never Goes Away, by Philip Yancey. The ebook version is only $2 right now.

Recommended Books

by Tom Goodman

In yesterday’s sermon I recommended the following books. These will help you develop confidence in answering questions that nonbelievers may ask about your faith.

The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel. In fact, any of Strobel’s “Case” books will help.

The Reason for God by Tim Keller. I also recommended his newer book, Making Sense of God. But at least start with his “Reason” book.

Unapologetic: Why, Despite Everything, Christianity Can Still Make Surprising Emotional Sense, by Francis Spufford. I don’t agree with everything about this book, but what he gets right he gets very, very right. My comments here.

True Paradox: How Christianity Makes Sense of Our Complex World, by David Skeel

Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis. Released in the 1950s, it’s still relevant.

The Anchor Course: Exploring Christianity Together

I also quoted from Lesslie Newbigin’s The Gospel in a Pluralist Society.

So, there. Your summer reading list is complete!

Outreach with the Okinawa Tomonokia Drum Corp

by Tom Goodman

I asked Bruce Murray to give us a quick report on a program we hosted at Hillcrest. The program gave the Japanese Church of Austin an opportunity to reach out to the Japanese who attended. Here's his report. 

Bruce Murray and a performer

Our church hosted the New Year celebration of the Okinawa Tomonokia Drum Corp! Some 300 people gathered in the MPC last Saturday, many of whom speak Japanese, and pastor B'young Lee had the opportunity to speak to them about the Japanese Church of Austin that meets here at Hillcrest, Many of these folks did not know of the church's existence and indicated an interest in attending! We provided a great outreach opportunity for this church!                 --Bruce Murray

Japanese Church Thanksgiving Fellowship

by Tom Goodman

The Japanese Church of Austin meets at Hillcrest. On Thanksgiving Day they held a fellowship for Japanese students and families. Here is Pastor Byong’s report. You can find photos at the Japanese Church’s Facebook page here.
________________________

Hi Tom,

Thank you for your prayer and support.

Japanese Church of Austin had the 2nd Free Thanksgiving Lunch for Japanese students and Japanese family on November 24.

God sent various people who needs encouragement, comforts, and fellowship in Christ. Most of all, I really thank God for sending nonbelievers so that they can listen to the Gospel. God sent 8 nonbelievers and they have the opportunity to listen to the Gospel and have fun time with Christians in Jesus!

Seeing their dark faces become bright with gifts and delicious foods, I pray that they can be filled with real joy by believing in Jesus someday. We had lunch, special music, praising time, Gospel message, game and raffles time! Thanks God for blessing the Thanksgiving Lunch meeting.

We have several purposes to hold this Thanksgiving lunch.

1. To preach the Gospel to unbelievers who usually do not come to church. Many Japanese do not know what church is. That’s why they even do not think of going to church. But they like event to join. Especially, Free Thanksgiving Lunch is a great opportunity to present God’s free gift, Jesus Christ!!

2. To give encouragement some Christians who do not have family in the States. Thanksgiving Day is very lonely day for them. This time, Japanese, Korean, Taiwanese and Serbian attended from Austin area, even from Killeen and San Antonio.

3. Wonderful opportunity of advertising: Many Japanese people do not know the existence of Japanese church of Austin. This event is a wonderful opportunity for them to know that there is Japanese Church in Austin. We uploaded our event advertisement on Japanese community bulletin and many people watched it and some of them even visited our home pages. One of new comers said that he has many Japanese friends and let them know about our church.

4. Give good impression about God and church: Usually, the center of Japanese community is Buddhism and Shinto, not Christianity. Therefore, many Japanese have no idea about church; what it is, what it does, what pastor does..etc. One of nonbelievers told me that she is so impressed of this Thanksgiving lunch and she feels that church is different from other Japanese religion groups: serving and sharing God’s love with people through this Thanksgiving lunch.

Please keep praying for the seeds sown in their heart grow and bear the fruit of salvation!!

Once again, I really thank for your support and prayer. Your support enables us to have this wonderful time!

Blessing,

Byoung

Japanese Church of Austin
______________________

Great report! Three first-time visitors came to the Japanese Church on Sunday following this Thanksgiving fellowship. If you’re available, visit Hillcrest at noon on December 7 when Pastor Byong holds a baptism service for new believers reached by the Japanese Church. 

Personal Reflection in Light of the Election

by Tom Goodman

In this Sunday’s service, I led a time of personal reflection in light of the November 8 election. Here are the notes and questions I had in my hand as I led you. I thought it might be helpful to post them as you continue to take personal inventory. 

Politics are important but not ultimate.

There's a lot at stake: immigration policy, health care, religious liberty, abortion policy, Supreme Court Justices. Not to mention the character of the man or woman we want representing our nation the next four years. Clearly participation in the political process is important. 

But let’s distinguish what is important from what is ultimate. What is ultimate is grasping what Jesus has done for us and living out what he expects of us.

In our church, we use the acronym “HILL” to remember what he expects of us. Each letter in the word “HILL” reminds us of one of four actions he expects us to take. Bow in prayer and let’s ask ourselves some questions at each of these four actions. I’m going to lead us in a prayer up the HILL.

H: Honor the Lord of Life: After I vote on Nov 8, will I wake up Nov 9 trusting that God works out his purposes? Does the way I express my anxiety about this election reflect a lack of faith in God? Does the way I talk about this election reveal that I’m more dependent on Washington than on the throne room of heaven?

(Lead in a prayer thanking God for revealing himself to us.)

I: Invite Your World to Life: Do I work as hard to persuade people to my Jesus as I do to persuade people to vote my way? Do I present my political opinions in such a manner that alienates me from the people I’m called to reach for Jesus?

(Lead in a prayer thanking God for the Great Commission he’s placed in our hands.)

L: Love the Fellowship for Life: Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you: Love one another so the world can see that I sent you.” Do I recognize that what I have in common with another believer across the political divide means more than what I have in common with a nonbeliever within my political convictions? Do I work to understand my fellow believers who differ with me on how the country ought to be run?

(Lead in a prayer thanking God for the spiritual family he’s placed us in.)

L: Live the Word in Life: Does the time I spend in the Word come close to the time I spend on TV and radio and social media? Am I letting my priorities and my passions and my way of dealing with political opponents be shaped by media personalities instead of by the eternal word of God?

(Lead in a prayer thanking God for his Word.)

Resources for Sunday's Message

by Tom Goodman

Today’s message on 1 Corinthians 14 can be found here. I found the following resources helpful in understanding tongues-speaking and it’s relevance for today.

D.A. Carson’s Showing The Spirit: A Theological Exposition of 1 Corinthians 12-14.

Gordon Fee’s commentary on 1 Corinthians.

Journal Articles:

“Toward a Pauline Theology of Glossolalia,” by Gordon Fee.

“Sighs Too Deep For Words,” by Frank Macchia

Linguistic and Sociological Analyses of Modern Tongues-Speaking: Their Contributions and Limitations,” by Vern Poythress. Don’t let the technical-sounding name turn you away. Skip the first half of the article, which covers sociological and linguistic studies of the phenomenon of tongues-speaking. I found the second half of the article most helpful. It starts on page 379 and runs to 388.

This week's newsletter from Karen

Next week we’ll unveil the details around our upcoming AWESOME Club—the attendance campaign during the month of April. This will be a month long effort for the kids and they will need diligence to keep strong during the entire month. Below are activities you can use to help create a conversation around diligence.

What is Diligence?
What does diligence mean? Diligence means to be hard-working, staying with a job till it's finished, not quitting. The opposite is to be lazy, negligent, or not caring.

Pick a big task and work together (rake the leaves, organize a closet, clean out the garage, etc.) When the task is finished, go out for a special treat and ask:

How does it feel to finish a big job like that?

There is joy in staying with a job until it is done and seeing the end result!

Keep On Keeping On!
For young children, use familiar stories (The Tortoise and the Hare) or songs to teach diligence.
For example: The Itsy Bitsy Spider song

The Itsy Bitsy Spider
Went up the waterspout,
Down came the rain
And washed the spider out.

Out came the sun and dried up all the rain,
And the Itsy Bitsy Spider went up the spout
AGAIN!

The spider didn't give up when the web was washed away. It went up the spout and built another web. Being diligent means you keep at it. Don't give up or quit even if gets hard.

Chores = Fun?
One good way to teach kids about diligence is a chore chart. Decide on a few chores that are age appropriate and make a weekly chart. When the child completes the chore, a star or sticker can be added. Acknowledge their diligence with praise or a special reward (playing a game, staying up later at bedtime, etc.).


Activities taken from Splink, November 2009.

This week's newsletter from Michael

Happy Spring Break to all of you! It is one of my favorite weeks of the year in Austin. Can you guess why? One word: TRAFFIC; well maybe two: NO TRAFFIC! It sure is nice being able to get to work in less than 15 minutes.

I just want to say it is a real joy to be able to work for the King of Kings each day. It isn't always easy, but I sure love it. Thank you, Hillcrest, once again for allowing me the opportunity to serve you. If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to call the church (512-345-3771) and ask for me, or just send me an email. I have all the time in the world (ha)!

I hope you have begun to invite people to our Easter Weekend Celebration! Our music team has put together some great music we know you will enjoy, and I know it will bring honor and joy to the Lord.

I also would like for you to begin praying for this service. Pray for those who are involved on the platform and those behind the scenes. Satan will do his best to disrupt anything he can get his hands on that weekend, so let’s pray him out and the Holy Spirit in!

I will leave you with this verse for the week: Colossians 3:16 (KJV) - Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

To those who are traveling, have a safe spring break.

This week's newsletter from Gene

38+ years of my writing an article every Monday morning is coming to a close. We are changing the format of the Beacon starting next week, so this format will no longer be available. The new communication system will be electronic using email. In addition, a full color publication will be mailed out six times a year and will include a two month calendar so you can easily see upcoming events. The team working on this has done an excellent job and you will be impressed with the new look. What about those without email? We are working on how to make sure they are included in our weekly correspondence. These folks are very important to us and we are not going to leave them out simply because of technology.

We have a good group already committed to go to the Spring Fest in Branson April 19-23rd. This conference will feature some of the top gospel singers and preachers in the country. Cost is $300.00. It covers the conference fee and all lodging while on the road and in Branson. I have to finalize reservations next week, so if you wish to go, get at least a $150.00 deposit in this coming Sunday. Simply place it in an offering envelope with your name and mark it Branson.

This week's newsletter from Karen

You’ll hear more about the AWESOME Club in the weeks to come, but as an introduction, the children in Kinder-6th grades will be participating in a special attendance campaign during the month of April. To gear up for that time, take some time this week to talk to your kids about evangelism—telling others about Jesus. Below are activities you can use to help create a conversation…

A Treat You Should Share
Item needed: candy bars or treat that your family would enjoy
(Keep all but one of the candy bars hidden.)

Open one of the candy bars and eat it in front of your kids. Make a big deal out of how good it is. When they ask you to share, GLADLY share with them. In fact, bring out the hidden candy bars and pass them around.

How did you feel when I shared my treat with you? How would you have felt if I kept it all to myself? How would this be like keeping or sharing the good news about Jesus?

Knowing Jesus is far better than anything in the world. We must share this good news with others.

Good News!
Whisper some good news into your child’s ear (You can stay up an extra 30 minutes tonight; I’ll do your chore so you can go play; I’ll play a game with you now; you can choose the TV show, etc.) and see the smile it brings.

Did you like the good news I whispered in your ear? Why? Why is the truth about Jesus good news? (He loves us and died so we can go to heaven someday.) Who do you know that needs to hear this good news?

Say a prayer for family, friends, or even enemies who need to hear this good news. Ask God for a chance to show them Jesus’ love and a chance to tell them why His love is such good news.

This week's newsletter from Michael

Church family, I just want to say you are doing great learning the new songs we are preparing for Easter Sunday! I am sure the Lord was pleased with our worship. I hope you are inviting your friends and family for this special day. Looking forward to a packed house.

To all members of our music ministry, here is the schedule for the next couple of weeks. Please mark your calendars, phones, and tablets with these dates and times so you don’t miss out on important rehearsals.

Wednesday, March 9th: 6:00-7:45pm (Orchestra/Band)

Sunday, March 13th: 4:00-5:15pm (Choirs/Orchestra/Band)

Wednesday, March 16th: 6:00-7:45pm(Orchestra/Band)

Sunday, March 20th: 4:00-5:15pm (Choirs/Orchestra/Band)

Wednesday, March 23rd: 6:00-7:30pm (Choirs/Orchestra/Band)

Easter Sunday, March 27: 9:00am (Choirs/Orchestra/Band/Media)

It is important YOU show up to all rehearsals. For those that have missed Sunday rehearsals you should do your best to make these rehearsal times, especially those on Wednesdays.

For those of you who are in handbells, you will miss the next 3 Wednesdays of rehearsal. I still encourage those of you who are not in the orchestra to continue to make your rehearsal and work on techniques.

Thank you to all of our media volunteers who showed up this past Sunday at 7:30am for breakfast and our meeting. We continue to strive to improve what we do in our media ministry. Thank you to Marilyn, Phillip, and Rachel for cooking!

Hope you all have a great week!

This week's newsletter from Gene

It’s exciting to find out how many people we have that are new to our church and are unfamiliar with “how things work” that those of us who have been around for so long take for granted. Let me give you some basics.

Last week I wrote about budget offerings going to missions. At the end of year, we adopt a budget for our church. These are all the anticipated funds needed for all of our normal operation, staffing, maintenance, ministries, etc. When we are reaching our budget, all of these areas can be fully funded, so we encourage people to give their offerings to our budget. In addition to our own “in-house” expenses to fulfill the ministries of Hillcrest, just over 10% of these funds go to missions. We fund those a couple of different ways which I won’t go into here, but a portion of your funds go to state, national and international missions. These funds go to support church starts, some of our Baptist schools, children’s homes, and missionaries here in the U.S. A significant portion of that 10% goes to support the SBC’s 4,500 or so foreign missionaries scattered all around the world. So when you give your offerings, they have impact from inside our own doors to all around the world.

About 3 times a year, we have special offerings. Right now it is the Annie Armstrong offering. This offering is for mission work in North America. I don’t know any organization that has enough money to do everything they want to do, and our mission organizations are no different. Although the NAMB receives funds from our normal giving, this special offering allows an emphasis to give additional funds directly to this cause.

Question: If God were to answer all your prayers regarding HBC and its ministries, would it be any more effective than it is now?

This week's newsletter from Karen

On Sunday in our Bible studies we talked about the purpose each one of our lives has in God’s plan. Try these activities this week to follow-up on the discussion with your child to help him/her to continue to think about what their purpose might be.

What’s This For?
While you’re in the kitchen cooking dinner, pull some utensils (potato masher, pizza cutter, grater, etc.) out of the drawer. Hold up each one and ask, “What is this used for?”

Each of these utensils has a special purpose—it was made to do something special  (mash potatoes, cut pizza, grate cheese, etc.).

Follow-up with something like this, “God made each of us for a special purpose—to do something special. Before we were even born, He knew all about us and what we could do to serve Him.”

Finding Purpose
The Bible is the best place to find God’s purpose or plan for us. We must KNOW God’s purpose before we can DO it.

Write the following Bible references on slips of paper and let each child read one to find out some of God’s purposes.

Psalm 100:2 (serve the Lord with gladness)
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (give thanks)
Galatians 6:10 (do good)
1 John 4:11 (love others)
Proverbs 3:5 (trust in the Lord)

Activities taken from Splink, April 2010.

This week's newsletter from Michael

One of my favorite scriptures comes from Psalm 91:1: “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.“

I hope that most of you are still in the word each day now that March is upon us. I know that in today’s world distractions are an everyday occurrence, no matter how hard we try to keep from being distracted as we read God’s word and spend time with Him each day. Even church work can get in the way of spending our alone time with God. We have to discipline ourselves to give God that time he deserves with us each day. He desires that, and I so desire hearing from Him too. I encourage you to have some praise and worship time with God. It will help change the focus of your mind. I know on my way to work each morning I love having my own praise and worship time. I get to sing as loud as I want, get to cry, get to talk to the Lord all by myself. I am sure many Austin drivers are wondering what that crazy guy is doing. Worshiping God on a regular basis will shift our mental and spiritual focus because when we worship, God “IS” the focus.

I also want to say thanks to those who have signed up to be a part of our Media Team! We can now begin rotating so that each of our team members can have a week of participating in the worship services. Don’t forget, all audio and media team members will have our first breakfast meeting this Sunday, March 6, at 7:30am in the fellowship center.

I look forward to worshiping with you Sunday! Have a great week!

This week's newsletter from Gene

When you give undesignated offerings to Hillcrest, just over 10% of those funds go to missions. These funds are administered by the Missions Team and they give a report each business meeting regarding these funds. There are a variety of missions that we support. The largest recipients are the Southern Baptist Convention, which supports our missionaries all around the world; the Baptist General Convention of Texas, and the Southern Baptist Convention of Texas.

In addition to these organizations, we fund some smaller ministries directly and want to keep you informed about these ministries. Here is a ministry that we are supporting directly. Luke and Mary Connally are working with the North American Mission Board, (which is part of the SBC) in Alaska. Because of reduced funding to the NAMB in recent years, they are having to raise part of their support, so we are helping with that. Mary is the daughter of David and Lori Kemerling. David is a former staff member.

This is a note from Luke Connally:
So you can know how to pray for us moving forward: We have been given open doors to a few different things but all of them deal with primarily outreach to military families and young active duty singles. Some of that will be working with Samaritan’s Purse this summer as we participate with Operation Heal Our Patriots. Most of it will be partnering with a Cadence International Hospitality House here in Anchorage. We are engaged in discipling and mentoring with them right now and helping to form disciple makers. We see this as a strategic opportunity because they will only be stationed here for about 3 - 4 years and then move on to other duty stations all over the world. Please pray for all of these things. We are so thankful for how God has continued to provide for all our needs and He has made everything very clear as we have transitioned into this ministry.

This week's newsletter from Karen

Ever been in a situation that needs a lot of prayer but you have no idea what your prayer needs to be? A situation where you’re not sure what God wants? A situation where it seems like there is no good thing coming no matter what happens?

I once taught a lesson on why we should pray, and one of the verses we studied was Romans 8:26, which reads, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” (NIV)

If you go on and read the next two verses (27-28, NIV) you see, “And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

How comforting. When I don’t know what to say, God has given me the gift of the Holy Spirit to take care of the words. When I’m not sure what God wants, He knows the Holy Spirit is asking for God’s will. When no good thing is in sight, I can know that God sees things differently and will work things out according to his good.

This week's newsletter from Michael

Ask yourself, am I willing to let God use me? I hope your answer is YES! There is one person who does not want you to be used by God, and I am sure you know who that is: Satan! The one thing Satan fears more than any other is a child of God who is willing to say two little words each day, “Use me.” Don’t let Satan win this battle, child of God.

Many of you may wonder, how can I be used? Where do I start? Begin by praying that the Lord would reveal to you what it is you are to be doing. Some of you already know what you are to be doing, but you just haven't made the decision to begin what you know you can do. I challenge some of you to ask our leadership this week, next week, soon! How can I be used at Hillcrest Baptist Church for kingdom work! Here are some ideas just off the top of my head.

• Be a greeter
• Serve in our children & youth ministries
• Media Team
• Choir & Orchestra
• Soup kitchen once a month
• Share your faith
• Invite family & friends to church
• Missions

There are many options you can be a part of in our church besides those I have listed. Can you imagine what our church would look like if everyone was being used by God. This place would explode and hearts would be changed. I look forward to seeing what God will do in your life as you ask to be “USED” this week and for all eternity.