Good morning! I’m glad to welcome you to worship today at Hillcrest Baptist Church.

This morning, as we continue learning about the mission/vision of Hillcrest, we come to OUR STRATEGY, or how are we going to “get there.” In other words, how do we move from being very “self-focused” individuals to dying to self and living fully for Christ? It all begins with OUR WORSHIP.

Real worship is not merely the offering of elaborate prayers to God, inspiring liturgy or splendid ritual, or giving large donations. Nor is it singing majestic songs of praise or familiar hymns, and listening to a sermon. Real worship happens when we confess sin, turn from that sin, and then offer ourselves completely and wholeheartedly to God.

Would one dare not give themselves wholeheartedly when they have encountered the presence of Holy God? Would one not fall at His feet giving Him their all, if they were caught up in his splendor and holiness? Would one not put their whole self in, if they encountered the love and power of God Almighty? That is exactly what the Apostle Paul describes in ROMANS 12:1-2. When we personally encounter God and His majesty, glory, wonder, grace, love and holiness, and fully surrender all that we are and have to Him, then all of our lives are lived in worship of Him.