A Thankful Heart

Are you characterized by thankfulness? True salvation produces a heart that gives thanks for the gifts and praises God as the giver. And when you consider what you deserve (judgment) and recognize what Jesus offers (a salvation that includes cleansing, healing, and wholeness), you will affirm the gift of salvation you’ve received in Christ and affirm God as the source of that salvation. 

That’s what produces a thankful heart – reflecting on our great salvation moves us to fall down at Jesus’s feet, like the Samaritan leper in Luke 17:11-19, praising God and thanking Jesus for our glorious salvation. May we be marked by thankfulness!  

The good news is that we can grow in thankfulness by practicing thankfulness. So, as we go about our week, let’s do so: 

1. In our private devotions (Psalm 7:17) – count your blessings, name them, and give thanks. 

2. In our prayers for one another (Ephesians 1:15-16) – look for evidence of grace in one another’s lives. Look for how God is working in your brothers and sisters and give thanks. 

3. In our gatherings (Ephesians 5:18-20) – as we rehearse the gospel in our gatherings as we pray the word, read the word, sing the word, preach the word, and see the word in the ordinances, give thanks to God with your voice, in song, with your body, lifting holy hands. 

4. As we’re scattered (Psalm 57:9) – as we go about our day at work or recreation, let us be marked by thankfulness to God. That will allow us to be faithful witnesses in a cynical and thankless world. 

We’ve received the greatest gift of all. We were unclean, separated from God, deserving judgment. But by faith in Christ, we’ve been cleansed and brought near to God and his people. We cannot help but praise God and give thanks! 

Opportunities to Serve

(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE) 

Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings.  Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom. 

Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support.  Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.  

Resources of the Week

• Christian Thankfulness: What It Is ( and Isn’t) – Desiring God, John Piper 

• What Does It Mean to Praise? – Modern Reformation, W. Robert Godfrey 

• Book Recommendations on Thankfulness: 

• The Grumbler’s Guide to Giving Thanks – Dustin Crowe 

• Practicing Thankfulness – Sam Crabtree 

• Growing in Gratitude – Mary Mohler 

Life at High Pointe

Spring Life Classes We will offer a joint Life Class from May 17th to May 31st. Over three weeks, this combined Life Class for adults, students, and children will explore why HPBC is a Baptist church and why that matters for our worship, leadership, membership, discipleship and life together as a body. Come ready to learn, ask questions, and deepen your engagement in the life of our church family.

Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:   

• May 17 | Luke 17:20-37 | When Will the Kingdom Come? | Pastor Juan Sanchez

• May 24 | Isaiah 60 | Light and Glory in the Risen City | Pastor Robert Cline 

• May 31 | Isaiah 61:1-11 | Spirit Filled Servant Brings Jubilee Freedom | Pastor Robert Cline 

• June 7 | Luke 18:1-8 | Persistent Prayer | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• June 14 | Luke 18:9-14 | The Pharisee and the Publican | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• June 21 | Luke 18:15-17 | Let the Children Come | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• June 28 | Isaiah 63:7-64:12 | Yahweh, Hear this Prayer and Come Down to Save   

Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. 

Gospel Partner of the Month: Middle East Ministries It is our joy to support one of our High Pointe families serving in the Middle East. We will not refer to them by name to protect their identity and location, but you may pray for them as you work through our membership directory.  

Please pray that the Lord will give them favor and fruitfulness in their work. Pray that the Lord may send a like-minded and similar life-stage family (or two) to serve alongside them. And pray that we would care for and encourage them well.  

On-Call Pastor To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1. 

Let’s Help One Another Fight Sin!

At High Pointe, we want to become and make wholehearted followers of Jesus among all peoples. But what does that mean? What does that look like? 

In Luke 17:1-10, Jesus gives us a glimpse. Wholehearted followers of Jesus: 

1. Take sin seriously (17:1-3). 

2. Forgive others freely (17:3-4). 

3. Live by faith genuinely (17:5-6). 

4. And serve Jesus humbly (17:7-10). 

There is a lot to that, but to review: We can only live that kind of wholehearted life by faith in Jesus and a love for one another. 

We can fight sin together by lovingly confronting one another when we sin, patiently guiding one another toward confession of sin and true repentance, and graciously forgiving one another when we repent. Use these questions to help you think on these things more deeply: 

1. Are there any areas of your speech, online behavior, or counsel that might be causing a younger believer to stumble?  

2. What practical habits or accountability structures do you have in place to guard yourself and your community against temptation? 

3. Do you have someone in your life to whom you can confess your sin and ask for guidance as you repent? 

4. Is there someone you need to speak to about sin but you’ve been avoiding it? 

5. Is there someone that you need to forgive but have been withholding it? 

As wholehearted followers of Jesus, this should be a normal and regular pattern in our lives together as a church: rebuke with the goal of repentance that results in forgiveness. It may feel awkward to confront a brothers or sister, but it is vital to our holiness together. By faith in Jesus, we can do what is awkward for God’s glory and our good. 

Opportunities to Serve
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE) 

Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings.  Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org. 

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom. 

Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support.  Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.  

Resources of the Week

• 5 Things You Should Know About Fighting Sin – Ligonier 

• 7 Traits of True Repentance – Jim Newheiser 

• 10 Things to Know About Repentance – Chris Brauns 

• Using Small Groups to Fight Sin – 9Marks 

• 7 Tips for Confronting a Friend in Sin – Crossway 

• Understanding and Cultivating Forgiveness – CCEF Video 

Life at High Pointe

Spring Life Classes NO LIFE CLASSES, Sunday, May 10. We will offer a join Life Class from May 17th - May 31st on learning what it means to be a Baptist – Baptist 101. Join us!  

Emerald Crossing, VBS 2026 | May 31 - June 3 from 6:00-8:30pm
Registration is open! Click the link to register your kids, volunteer, donate snacks/decor, or attend an adult class!

Men’s Breakfast | May 16 at 7:30am
Brothers, join us for a men's breakfast in the Fellowship Hall at High Pointe. We’ll enjoy a great meal (eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, fruit, and more), meaningful fellowship, and a time of encouragement.

Memorial Day Picnic | May 24 at 5pm

Join us as we gather as a church for fellowship, fun, and BBQ. Bring the whole family! The church will provide the BBQ, but members are asked to bring the sides and desserts. Check out the list below to see what you can contribute!

If your last name begins with:

• A-E: bring desserts

• F-M: bring cold sides

• N-Z: bring hot sides

• Teens and college students: bring beverages

Please bring your own folding chairs and blankets if you are planning to eat outside, and bring outside yard games for fun activities!

If anyone would like to volunteer to help set-up/clean-up please reach out to Beth Hyman for more details.

Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:   

• May 10 | Luke 17:11-19 | A Thankful Heart | Pastor Juan Sanchez

• May 17 | Luke 17:20-37 | When Will the Kingdom Come? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 24 | Isaiah 60 | Light and Glory in the Risen City | Pastor Robert Cline 

• May 31 | Isaiah 61:1-11 | Spirit Filled Servant Brings Jubilee Freedom | Pastor Robert Cline 

• June 7 | Luke 18:1-8 | Persistent Prayer | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• June 14 | Luke 18:9-14 | The Pharisee and the Publican | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• June 21 | Luke 18:15-17 | Let the Children Come | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• June 28 | Isaiah 63:7-64:12 | Yahweh, Hear this Prayer and Come Down to Save   

Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. 

Gospel Partner of the Month: Middle East Ministries It is our joy to support one of our High Pointe families serving in the Middle East. We will not refer to them by name to protect their identity and location, but you may pray for them as you work through our membership directory.  

Please pray that the Lord will give them favor and fruitfulness in their work. Pray that the Lord may send a like-minded and similar life-stage family (or two) to serve alongside them. And pray that we would care for and encourage them well. 

On-Call Pastor To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1. 

You Are Not Enough (And That's Good News). Share it this week.

From Pastor Robert

You've got this! Pull yourself up by your bootstraps! Hustle harder! Just follow these 5 steps to personal development and all will be well. You can change your future. You can change who you are…if you just follow these simple steps. 

It is hard to escape the relentless noise. Every podcast, every motivational post, every self-help bestseller is broadcasting the same signal: you have what it takes to make life work in this broken world.  But what if that signal is wrong? 

Isaiah 59 tells us plainly that we are not self-sufficient. That self-reliance is not a strength. It is self-deception. 

Writing 2,700 years ago, the prophet Isaiah looked at a people stumbling in moral darkness while convinced they were doing fine. His diagnosis could not have been clearer: "Your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God." (Isaiah 59:2) The wall between you and God is not His doing. It is yours. And no amount of hustle, self-improvement, positive thinking, or spiritual effort can tear it down from your side. 

Then something remarkable happens. Isaiah describes a God who saw the full depth of Israel's brokenness, searched the entire horizon for someone able to help, found no one who could solve the sin problem.  He didn’t abandon his promises or his people.   

So His own arm brought salvation. He came as the Divine Warrior, armed with righteousness and zeal. He came as Christ the Redeemer, specifically for those who are desperate enough to admit they cannot save themselves. He came in flesh, in the person of Jesus Christ, to accomplish what you never could: pay the moral debt you owe your Creator, give you a new heart to love Him and your neighbor, and stir in you a new desire to work for the flourishing of the community around you.  

You are not enough. You never were. But He is. And that is not an insult. It is an invitation. Stop striving. Stop pretending. Turn to the One who intervenes when no one else can. 

That is the best news you will ever hear.  It’s news that we need to share with others.   

Who can you point to Jesus this week?  

Opportunities to Serve
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE) 

Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings.  Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org. 

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom. 

Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support.  Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.  

Resources of the Week

• HOW TO BUILD A FAITHFUL WITNESS IN THE WORKPLACE 

• DISCIPLING YOUNGER MEN 

• 4 TIPS FOR DISCIPLING YOUNGER WOMEN 

• DISCPLING IN A SEXUALIZED AGE 

• WHAT TO SAY TO SOMEONE IN GRIEF 5 MINUTE VIDEO 

Life at High Pointe

Emerald Crossing Vacation Bible School | May 31-June 3 | 6:00-8:30pm
Online registration is NOW OPENfor VBS! Please register for the area where you are willing to volunteer and/or contribute (snacks and decorating help, for example). You can also register children, students, and adults for VBS classes now. It’s not too early to tell your friends so they can mark their calendars for this year’s VBS!  

Spring Life Classes
Life Classes are meant to equip High Pointe for life as a Christian. Our spring classes are from January 25th - May 31th. Click here to see which Life Classes are being offered! 

Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:   

• May 3 | Luke 17:1-10 | Our Life Together | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 10 | Luke 17:11-19 | A Thankful Heart | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 17 | Luke 17:20-37 | When Will the Kingdom Come? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 24 | Isaiah 60 | Light and Glory in the Risen City | Pastor Robert Cline 

• May 31 | Isaiah 61:1-11 | Spirit Filled Servant Brings Jubilee Freedom | Pastor Robert Cline 

Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. 

Gospel Partner of the Month: Immanuel Church, Fujairah, UAE

We have the privilege of partnering with pastor Jesse Brannen and Immanuel Church of Fujairah. Jesse and his wife, Delaine, are from the United States and came to Immanuel Church in 2021 along with their four children. Prior to coming to Immanuel, Jesse served as an Assistant Pastor at Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, where he previously completed a pastoral internship. He holds an MA in Biblical & Theological Studies from Gulf Theological Seminary.   

Immanuel Fujairah is A Church Proclaiming and Displaying the Gospel of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ - Immanuel - God with Us. To learn more, visit Immanuel Fujairah online

On-Call Pastor
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1. 

The Servant No One Expected (Isaiah 52:13 - 53:12)

From Pastor Robert

Written 700 years before Jesus was born, this passage is one of the most remarkable in all of Scripture. The prophet Isaiah paints a portrait of a Suffering Servant so precise and detailed that readers across centuries have stopped and asked: who is this?

God Says: "Behold, My Servant"

Before anyone else speaks, God speaks. He announces a Servant who will be "high and lifted up and exalted." This language is used elsewhere in Isaiah 6 for God Himself on His throne. But then we read that this same Servant is so disfigured that people are appalled at the sight of Him. Glory through suffering. Exaltation through humiliation. This is God's way, and it is not the way we would have written the story. 

We Said of the Servant: "Not Him"

Isaiah then gives us the crowd's sobering response.  The Servant grew up quietly, without an impressive appearance or earthly status. He looked ordinary; not like a movie star.  He was "despised and rejected, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief." People turned their faces away. They wrote Him off and looked elsewhere. This isn’t the Savior we want.   

We also recognize ourselves in that crowd. We often prefer a Savior who meets our expectations. A powerful, triumphant, and visibly impressive Servant Savior. But Jesus came humbly and simply. 

We Confess: "Our Wounds, His Cross" 

The watching community finally sees and understands the Servant came to suffer in their place, for their sins: "He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."

The innocent sinless Servant was not suffering for anything He had done. He was suffering for everything we had done. God loaded upon the Servant our moral guilt, our wandering, our rebellion and "laid on him the iniquity of us all." And like a lamb led quietly to slaughter, the Servant did not resist. His silence was not weakness; it was the willing, loving surrender of God’s own son to be the sacrifice for our sins. 

Substitution: God saves us by the innocent One taking the place of the guilty.  Our wounds and sorrows and sins carried by Him. 

God Gets the Last Word: "It Is Finished"

God Speaks again. The Servant's death was not a tragedy; it was Plan A. The Servant's soul was made a guilt offering for sin, and through that offering, "many are accounted righteous."  Yet, the Servant will "see his offspring, prolong his days, and be satisfied". This isthe language of resurrection and reward. 

Jesus Himself, hanging on the cross put it this way: "It is finished" (John 19:30). Not a cry of defeat, but of complete victory over sin and death. The work is done. The debt is paid. The substitutionary sacrifice accepted. 

Two Ways to Respond This Week

Isaiah 53 meets us right where we are.   

1. Read again slowly and personally. Open your Bible to Isaiah 53 and read it aloud, replacing "our" and "we" with your own name. Let the personal pronouns do their work. These are not just words for ancient Israel they are words written about your sin, your healing, and your peace.    

2. Offer a simple prayer of thanks to Christ the Suffering Servant Savior. You do not need elaborate words. "Lord, thank you that your Servant bore what I deserved" is a prayer God delights to hear. Rest today in the truth that His finished work is enough and there is nothing you need to add to that finished work of Jesus. 

The One the world refused is the Savior we all need. His wounds are our healing. His cross is our peace. His victory is our hope. 

Opportunities to Serve
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE) 

Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings.  Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org. 

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom. 

Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support.  Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.  

Resources of the Week

• WHAT TO SAY TO SOMEONE IN GRIEF 5 MINUTE VIDEO 

• REJOICING ALWAYS IN THE LORD 

• GUILT AND ITS ASSOCIATES 

• WHEN YOUR SPOUSE STOPS BEING YOUR PROJECT 

Life at High Pointe

Emerald Crossing Vacation Bible School | May 31-June 3 | 6:00-8:30pm 
Online registration is NOW OPEN for VBS! Please register for the area where you are willing to volunteer and/or contribute (snacks and decorating help, for example). You can also register children, students, and adults for VBS classes now. It’s not too early to tell your friends so they can mark their calendars for this year’s VBS!  

Spring Life Classes
Life Classes are meant to equip High Pointe for life as a Christian. Our spring classes are from January 25th - May 31th. Click here to see which Life Classes are being offered! 

Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:   

• April 26 | Isaiah 59:14-21 | The Only Feasible Option: Yahweh Himself will Accomplish It | Pastor Robert Cline 

• May 3 | Luke 17:1-10 | Our Life Together | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 10 | Luke 17:11-19 | A Thankful Heart | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 17 | Luke 17:20-37 | When Will the Kingdom Come? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 24 | Isaiah 60 | Light and Glory in the Risen City | Pastor Robert Cline 

• May 31 | Isaiah 61:1-11 | Spirit Filled Servant Brings Jubilee Freedom | Pastor Robert Cline 

Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. 

Gospel Partner of the Month: Immanuel Church, Fujairah, UAE

We have the privilege of partnering with pastor Jesse Brannen and Immanuel Church of Fujairah. Jesse and his wife, Delaine, are from the United States and came to Immanuel Church in 2021 along with their four children. Prior to coming to Immanuel, Jesse served as an Assistant Pastor at Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, where he previously completed a pastoral internship. He holds an MA in Biblical & Theological Studies from Gulf Theological Seminary.   

Immanuel Fujairah is A Church Proclaiming and Displaying the Gospel of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ - Immanuel - God with Us. To learn more, visit Immanuel Fujairah online

On-Call Pastor
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1. 

The Hole in Our Holiness

In 2013, a popular evangelical pastor wrote a book titled, “One Way Love: Inexhaustible Grace for an Exhausted World.” He argued that God’s grace is one-directional without any precondition, merit, or reciprocal obligation on our part. He was concerned about legalistic “performancism,” and his solution was to free people from the weight of “doing” by emphasizing “who we are in Christ” already. 

His critics warned, however, that his emphasis on the gospel of free grace undermined the law of God. That is, by only emphasizing the gospel of radical grace, he denied the gospel’s demand (the law) for an obedience that leads to holiness. This tension between law and gospel in the Christian life is not new.  

The key question we have to consider is, “Does the gospel of radical grace free us from us from obeying the commands of God – the law?” And the clear answer Jesus gives in Luke 16:17-18, is an emphatic NO! Though we are no longer under the law of Moses (circumcision, dietary restrictions, festivals), we are under the law of Christ. But we still relate to the Old Testament law as Scripture. Our guide for how to apply it to ourselves as Christians is Jesus. And that is what Jesus does in Luke 16:18. 

There is a great danger in preaching a gospel that does not also demand righteousness. On June 21, 2015, the author of “One-Way Love” resigned from his pastorate after admitting to an extramarital affair. The author’s critics argued that such an antinomian-leaning emphasis on unconditional grace, with an underemphasis on the law’s sanctifying role, was not unrelated to his moral fall. In other words, what we believe matters; our theology guides our actions. 

Opportunities to Serve
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE) 

Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings.  Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org. 

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom. 

Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support.  Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.  

Resources of the Week

• The Hole in Our Holiness – book by Kevin DeYoung 

• Preach the Good News of Guilt and Justification – a sermon by Kevin DeYoung 

• He Bore Our Sins that We Might Life to Righteousness – a sermon by John Piper

• Preach the Gospel and the Law

• Antinomianism is Bigger than You Think

Life at High Pointe

Spring Life Classes
Life Classes are meant to equip High Pointe for life as a Christian. Our spring classes are from January 25th - May 31th. Click here to see which Life Classes are being offered! 

Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:   

• April 19 | Isaiah 53 | The Atoning Servant Who Suffers and Rises Again | Pastor Robert Cline 

• April 26 | Isaiah 59:14-21 | The Only Feasible Option: Yahweh Himself will Accomplish It | Pastor Robert Cline 

• May 3 | Luke 17:1-10 | Our Life Together | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 10 | Luke 17:11-19 | A Thankful Heart | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 17 | Luke 17:20-37 | When Will the Kingdom Come? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 24 | Isaiah 60 | Light and Glory in the Risen City | Pastor Robert Cline 

• May 31 | Isaiah 61:1-11 | Spirit Filled Servant Brings Jubilee Freedom | Pastor Robert Cline 

Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. 

Gospel Partner of the Month: Immanuel Church, Fujairah, UAE

We have the privilege of partnering with pastor Jesse Brannen and Immanuel Church of Fujairah. Jesse and his wife, Delaine, are from the United States and came to Immanuel Church in 2021 along with their four children. Prior to coming to Immanuel, Jesse served as an Assistant Pastor at Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, where he previously completed a pastoral internship. He holds an MA in Biblical & Theological Studies from Gulf Theological Seminary.   

Immanuel Fujairah is A Church Proclaiming and Displaying the Gospel of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ - Immanuel - God with Us. To learn more, visit Immanuel Fujairah online

On-Call Pastor
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1. 

How to Read the Bible Like a Christian

 Don’t we all read our Bibles like Christians? Well, all who profess faith in Christ are Christians, and, we expect, all Christians read their Bibles. So, what do I mean? 

Think of the first Christians. The only Bible they had was what we now call the Old Testament. That was Jesus’s Bible. This was the apostle’s Bible. How did they read it? THAT is the question, and it’s an important one.  

We get a clear sense as to how Jesus read his Bible from Luke 24:25-27, 44-49. Jesus is the LENS through which we read all of Scripture. But that still leaves the question of HOW the Old Testament commands apply to us. And THAT is the question before us this Sunday when we gather to consider Luke 16:14-18.  

There was much confusion in the early church as some Jews (Judaizers) went around trying to convince Gentiles to become circumcised and observe the Old Testament dietary laws and festivals. Thankfully, Jesus and the apostles addressed this concern, and this Sunday, we will learn from Jesus how to read our Bibles, in particular, the Old Testament as Christians. Join us! 

Opportunities to Serve
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE) 

Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings.  Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org. 

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom. 

Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support.  Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.  

Resources of the Week

• How the Gospel Shapes Our Gathering 

• 10 Reasons the Old Testament Matters to Christians – Jason DeRouchie 

• When My Old Testament Became Christian – Jason DeRouchie 

• The Law of God – Stephen Wellum 

Life at High Pointe

Spring Life Classes
Life Classes are meant to equip High Pointe for life as a Christian. Our spring classes are from January 25th - May 31th. Click here to see which Life Classes are being offered! 

Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:   

• April 12 | Luke 16:14-18 | Learning to Read Your Bible Like a Christian  | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• April 19 | Isaiah 53 | The Atoning Servant Who Suffers and Rises Again | Pastor Robert Cline 

• April 26 | Isaiah 59:14-21 | The Only Feasible Option: Yahweh Himself will Accomplish It | Pastor Robert Cline 

• May 3 | Luke 17:1-10 | Our Life Together | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 10 | Luke 17:11-19 | A Thankful Heart | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 17 | Luke 17:20-37 | When Will the Kingdom Come? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 24 | Isaiah 60 | Light and Glory in the Risen City | Pastor Robert Cline 

• May 31 | Isaiah 61:1-11 | Spirit Filled Servant Brings Jubilee Freedom | Pastor Robert Cline 

Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. 

Gospel Partner of the Month: Immanuel Church, Fujairah, UAE

We have the privilege of partnering with pastor Jesse Brannen and Immanuel Church of Fujairah. Jesse and his wife, Delaine, are from the United States and came to Immanuel Church in 2021 along with their four children. Prior to coming to Immanuel, Jesse served as an Assistant Pastor at Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, where he previously completed a pastoral internship. He holds an MA in Biblical & Theological Studies from Gulf Theological Seminary.   

Immanuel Fujairah is A Church Proclaiming and Displaying the Gospel of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ - Immanuel - God with Us. To learn more, visit Immanuel Fujairah online

On-Call Pastor
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1. 

Help Provide a Welcoming Environment for our Guests on Easter Sunday

Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you . . .  
Philippians 4:21-22

We rejoice over the many visitors the Lord brings to our gatherings each week. This Sunday, April 5, is Easter, and we are likely to welcome an increased number of visitors, some for the very first time. You already welcome visitors with kindness and love each Lord’s Day. Visitors take notice. While we praise God for His work in us that opens our hearts to visitors, let’s continue to grow in Christian hospitality on Sundays. The following suggestions are just some ways we can help our guests feel welcome and at home each Sunday, but especially this coming Easter Sunday. 

Leave the parking spaces closest to the entrances for our first time guests and senior adults. We have clearly marked our guest parking area. We ask that our members honor our guests by leaving these spaces open for visitors. For those who are able, we ask that you utilize the farther parking spaces so our senior adults will not have as far to walk. Also, please note that if our parking lot should happen to be wet, it may be slick, so help one another to the building. 

Greet everyone you see with a smile whether you know them or not. From the time you step out of your vehicle, greet everyone with a friendly smile and tell them how glad you are to see them. Use the time from the parking lot to welcome visitors. 

Introduce yourself to those you don’t know. If you don’t know someone, take the time to greet them and introduce yourself. Make an effort to meet a new person or family each Sunday.     

Assist those who don’t seem to know where they are going. Remember, you may know where everything is, but our guests are not familiar with our facilities. Take time to show them around and offer to take them to where they need to go. 

Fill the seats at the front of the auditorium first when you enter. We all run behind schedule at times for various reasons. Latecomers and guests do not like to parade before the entire congregation on their way to find a seat. If we fill the seats up front (and scoot toward the middle), then visitors and latecomers can slip in without having to walk in front of the entire congregation. 

Don’t rush off after the service. Instead, take a few minutes to greet visitors. Thank them for attending our services and invite them to come again. 

Bring your guests to the foyer (Connection Center) for a free gift bag. We have prepared gift bags for our guests, which contain information about our church and other free materials. Gift bags will also be available in the nursery. 

Invite visitors to a meal at a restaurant or in your home after the service. One of the best ways to get to know someone is to share a meal together. Practice Christian hospitality by inviting someone to eat lunch with you after worship. 

Invite first-time visitors to come back and worship with us again. You will be amazed how much weight a personal invitation carries. Encourage visitors to return and worship with us on a regular Sunday.      

I thank God for you, High Pointe, and the love and fellowship we share with one another. Right or wrong, visitors will form an opinion about our church within the first few minutes after they arrive. Let’s make every effort to make our visitors feel welcome through genuine, loving Christian hospitality. 

Opportunities to Serve
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE) 

Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings.  Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org. 

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom. 

Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support.  Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.  

Resources of the Week

• Wess Huff on The Resurrection- Video (Share with your unbelieving friends) 

• The Bodily Resurrection of Jesus

• The Final Days of Jesus – a TGC Study Course 

• Why Did Jesus Rise from the Dead

Life at High Pointe

Spring Life Classes
Life Classes are meant to equip High Pointe for life as a Christian. Our spring classes are from January 25th - May 31th. Click here to see which Life Classes are being offered! 

Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:   

• April 5 | EASTER | Luke 16:19-31 | The Rich Man and Lazarus | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• April 12 | Luke 16:18 | What the Bible says about Divorce and Remarriage | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• April 19 | Isaiah 53 | The Atoning Servant Who Suffers and Rises Again | Pastor Robert Cline 

• April 26 | Isaiah 59:14-21 | The Only Feasible Option: Yahweh Himself will Accomplish It | Pastor Robert Cline 

• May 3 | Luke 17:1-10 | Our Life Together | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 10 | Luke 17:11-19 | A Thankful Heart | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 17 | Luke 17:20-37 | When Will the Kingdom Come? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 24 | Isaiah 60 | Light and Glory in the Risen City | Pastor Robert Cline 

• May 31 | Isaiah 61:1-11 | Spirit Filled Servant Brings Jubilee Freedom | Pastor Robert Cline 

Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. 

Gospel Partner of the Month: Immanuel Church, Fujairah, UAE

We have the privilege of partnering with pastor Jesse Brannen and Immanuel Church of Fujairah. Jesse and his wife, Delaine, are from the United States and came to Immanuel Church in 2021 along with their four children. Prior to coming to Immanuel, Jesse served as an Assistant Pastor at Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, where he previously completed a pastoral internship. He holds an MA in Biblical & Theological Studies from Gulf Theological Seminary.   

Immanuel Fujairah is A Church Proclaiming and Displaying the Gospel of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ - Immanuel - God with Us. To learn more, visit Immanuel Fujairah online

On-Call Pastor
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1. 

Fifth Sunday Church-Wide Fellowship at 5PM

This Sunday night we will continue our Fifth Sundays Church-Wide fellowships. As a reminder, we are reclaiming Sunday nights to come together as a church. Our aim on these evenings is to be able to have church wide conversations and build stronger relationships. We hope you make every effort to join us. 

Our theme for Sunday night is Worship through Singing. We will have a brief time of teaching on worship. We will offer a definition of worship, then share our principles for worship at High Pointe, along with our values for music in worship. After that, we will spend the rest of the evening singing together through some of our favorite hymns and songs. This will be a wonderful opportunity to include our children and teach them about the importance of congregational singing. 

As it is a fellowship, bring your favorite baked goods – cookies, brownies, etc. - something we don’t need utensils for. We look forward to having a wonderful time together in fellowship and singing.

Join us this Sunday at 5:00 p.m. 

Opportunities to Serve 
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE) 

Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings.  Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org. 

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom. 

Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support.  Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.  

Resources of the Week 

• Defining the Stuff We Do On Sunday Mornings: A Congregational Worship Glossary 

• On Congregational Singing – 9Marks Pastors’ Talk Podcast 

• Want the Church to Sing? Then Train Them as Children 

• Sing to One Another – article by Matt Boswell 

• What If I Don’t Like My Church’s Music? - book by Matt Boswell 

• Help! I Don’t Like My Church’s Music 

Life at High Pointe  

Spring Life Classes 
Life Classes are meant to equip High Pointe for life as a Christian. Our spring classes are from January 25th - May 31th. Click here to see which Life Classes are being offered! 

Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:   

• March 29 | Luke 16:1-17 | You Cannot Love God and Money | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• April 5 | EASTER | Luke 16:19-31 | The Rich Man and Lazarus | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• April 12 | Luke 16:18 | What the Bible says about Divorce and Remarriage | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• April 19 | Isaiah 53 | The Atoning Servant Who Suffers and Rises Again | Pastor Robert Cline 

• April 26 | Isaiah 59:14-21 | The Only Feasible Option: Yahweh Himself will Accomplish It | Pastor Robert Cline 

• May 3 | Luke 17:1-10 | Our Life Together | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 10 | Luke 17:11-19 | A Thankful Heart | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 17 | Luke 17:20-37 | When Will the Kingdom Come? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 24 | Isaiah 60 | Light and Glory in the Risen City | Pastor Robert Cline 

• May 31 | Isaiah 61:1-11 | Spirit Filled Servant Brings Jubilee Freedom | Pastor Robert Cline 

Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. 

Gospel Partner of the Month: Our Work in Cuba 

1. Predica Fiel 

In our approach to missions at High Pointe, we not only seek to send our best, but we also want to equip and encourage those who are already serving in the field. One of the ways to do that is to provide training for national pastors and missionaries. Predica Fiel is a training ministry that equips pastors, missionaries, and church leaders in expositional teaching and preaching. They provide training workshops throughout the island of Cuba and the Spanish-speaking world. 

Please pray that the Lord will give them favor and fruitfulness in their work. Pray that the Lord would grant them continued opportunities to train pastors, missionaries, and teachers. And pray that the Lord would provide all the resources they need to do their work. 

2. First Baptist Church & Seminary, Santa Clara, Cuba 

High Pointe established a partnership with FBC Santa Clara in the 1990s. In fact, the Lord allowed High Pointe to have a significant role in helping the church start a seminary to raise uppastors and seminaries. 

Pray that the Lord would provide all the seminary needs to train pastors and missionaries.  

On-Call Pastor 
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1. 

Discipleship, Distraction and Focused Attention (Isaiah 50:4-11)

From Pastor Robert

Set Your Face: The War for Your Attention 

Ours may not be the most distracted age in human history, but we certainly have more attention stealers today than ever before. Notifications, news feeds, endless content, and the ever-present visual noise from our devices challenge even the most disciplined among us. The average person picks up their phone over 90 times a day, and for many of us, the first interaction we have each morning is with our smartphones. That often sets the tone for a day filled with distraction, and distraction can be genuinely dangerous to our discipleship. 

A Morning Habit That Changed Everything 

The prophet Isaiah introduces us to a radically different way of living. Isaiah 50:4 tells us that each morning, our Servant Savior Jesus Christ listened for his Father's voice: "Morning by morning he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught." Jesus himself explains this disciplined listening in John 12:49–50: "The Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment, what to say and what to speak... So whatever I speak, I speak as the Father has told me." Those morning listening times set the course for his day. They shaped everything he said and did. 

Focused, Not Distracted 

When opposition came, beatings, shame, mockery, and certain death, he did not flinch or look for an exit. "I have set my face like a flint" (Isaiah 50:7). He was focused and determined, not distracted. Nothing could pull him off course. Our Servant Savior was on a mission of love for his people, and his faithful obedience carried him all the way to the cross and through it to resurrection glory. In this, he is also our model; his attention was fixed entirely on his Heavenly Father. 

Love Is the Strongest Motivation 

Here is the thing about discipline and focus: rules and routines alone will never sustain them for long. Guilt and self-improvement don’t motivate us for long. What truly frees us from the grip of distraction is not willpower but love. A deep and growing awareness of how much God loves us in Christ Jesus by the power of the Spirit is what drives lasting change.  

The Servant Savior went to the cross not out of obligation but out of love for his people. Romans 5:8 reminds us: "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." When that love becomes real to us, something shifts. We no longer come to God's word out of duty or guilt. We come because we are loved, because the Father who spoke to his Son morning by morning is the same Father who has welcomed us into his family through faith in Christ. We come because we want to hear from the One who gave everything for us. 

Distraction loses its pull when we are captured by something greater. And there is nothing greater than the love of God in Christ. 

Making Real Changes 

So, what has your attention these days? What distractions consistently keep you from hearing God in the Scriptures? 

Start by honestly identifying what pulls you away from God's word, prayer, and purposeful living. Then make real changes. Put the phone in another room. Guard the morning. Build rhythms of quiet and attentive listening. God's word brings wisdom and love, instruction for living, and words of both comfort and challenge, but only if we are present enough to hear it. 

Distraction rarely announces itself. It simply accumulates, quietly, until our attention span for God slowly shrinks and he begins to feel distant. But maybe he is not distant. Maybe we are just distracted. 

The Same Spirit Lives in You 

The good news is that the same Spirit who sustained the Servant Savior lives in all who are in Christ by faith. Through union with him, we have access to that same focused, flint-faced determination. Wholehearted discipleship demands our attention, and wholehearted love for Christ is what makes that possible. 

Ask the LORD to set your face…to listen daily… and never look back. 

Listen to Sunday’s Message HERE. 

Opportunities to Serve 
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE) 

Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings.  Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org. 

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom. 

Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support.  Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.  

Resources of the Week 

• Are you Practicing the Presence of God 

• You can Defeat Distraction 

• Listening that Hurts 

Life at High Pointe  

Spring Life Classes 
Life Classes are meant to equip High Pointe for life as a Christian. Our spring classes are from January 25th - May 24th. Click here to see which Life Classes are being offered! 

Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:   

• March 22 | Luke 15:1-32 | Lost and Found | Pastor Juan Sanchez  

• March 29 | Luke 16:1-17 | You Cannot Love God and Money | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• April 5 | EASTER | Luke 16:19-31 | The Rich Man and Lazarus | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• April 12 | Luke 16:18 | What the Bible says about Divorce and Remarriage | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• April 19 | Isaiah 53 | The Atoning Servant Who Suffers and Rises Again | Pastor Robert Cline 

• April 26 | Isaiah 59:14-21 | The Only Feasible Option: Yahweh Himself will Accomplish It | Pastor Robert Cline 

• May 3 | Luke 17:1-10 | Our Life Together | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 10 | Luke 17:11-19 | A Thankful Heart | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 17 | Luke 17:20-37 | When Will the Kingdom Come? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 24 | Isaiah 60 | Light and Glory in the Risen City | Pastor Robert Cline 

• May 31 | Isaiah 61:1-11 | Spirit Filled Servant Brings Jubilee Freedom | Pastor Robert Cline 

Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. 

Gospel Partner of the Month: Our Work in Cuba 

1. Predica Fiel 

In our approach to missions at High Pointe, we not only seek to send our best, but we also want to equip and encourage those who are already serving in the field. One of the ways to do that is to provide training for national pastors and missionaries. Predica Fiel is a training ministry that equips pastors, missionaries, and church leaders in expositional teaching and preaching. They provide training workshops throughout the island of Cuba and the Spanish-speaking world. 

Please pray that the Lord will give them favor and fruitfulness in their work. Pray that the Lord would grant them continued opportunities to train pastors, missionaries, and teachers. And pray that the Lord would provide all the resources they need to do their work. 

2. First Baptist Church & Seminary, Santa Clara, Cuba 

High Pointe established a partnership with FBC Santa Clara in the 1990s. In fact, the Lord allowed High Pointe to have a significant role in helping the church start a seminary to raise uppastors and seminaries. 

Pray that the Lord would provide all the seminary needs to train pastors and missionaries.  

On-Call Pastor 
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1. 

Count the Cost

According to Michael Easter, America has a crisis of comfort. In his book, The Comfort Crisis, he argues that modern life has become so physically and psychologically comfortable that it is harming our health, happiness, resilience, and sense of meaning. Easter’s point is that we grow though difficulty and hardship, so if we avoid it, we won’t grow. 

Is it possible that American Christianity has a comfort crisis? Is it possible that we’ve bought into the desire for comfort and ease such that we don’t like it when the Christian life gets hard? Rather than inviting people to follow him because he has “a wonderful plan” for them, Jesus warns those who would follow him that they had better count the cost because he demands wholehearted obedience. 

If we would follow Jesus, we must be prepared to renounce everything, count the cost of following him, and be salty in this sinful world (Luke 14:25-35). While Jesus’s message was to those who wanted to enter into the kingdom, this hard word serves to remind us of what we signed up for. So, let us remind ourselves and count the cost by asking ourselves some heart questions: 

1. What do you LOVE more than Jesus? 

2. What in your life is competing with wholehearted devotion to Jesus? 

3. What rules your time and your money? 

4. What do you treasure most? 

Renouncing all that competes with Jesus may be hard, but Jesus is worth it. Jesus does have a wonderful plan for your life, and it may include difficulty, hardship, suffering, and possibly evendeath. But what we gain when we follow Jesus is much more than what we lose – eternal life (Matthew 19:29). 

Listen to Sunday’s Message HERE. 

Opportunities to Serve 
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE) 

Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings.  Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org. 

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom. 

Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support.  Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.  

Resources of the Week 

• Following Christ is Costly—but How Do You Count the Cost? - John Piper 

• The Cost of Discipleship – A Sermon by R. C. Sproul 

• How to Count it All as Loss – by John Piper 

Life at High Pointe  

Spring Life Classes 
Life Classes are meant to equip High Pointe for life as a Christian. Our spring classes are from January 25th - May 24th. Click here to see which Life Classes are being offered! 

Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:   

• March 15 | Isaiah 50:4-11 | The Willing and Suffering Servant Christ | Pastor Robert Cline 

• March 22 | Luke 15:1-32 | Lost and Found | Pastor Juan Sanchez  

• March 29 | Luke 16:1-17 | You Cannot Love God and Money | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• April 5 | EASTER | Luke 16:19-31 | The Rich Man and Lazarus | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• April 12 | Luke 16:18 | What the Bible says about Divorce and Remarriage | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• April 19 | Isaiah 53 | The Atoning Servant Who Suffers and Rises Again | Pastor Robert Cline 

• April 26 | Isaiah 59:14-21 | The Only Feasible Option: Yahweh Himself will Accomplish It | Pastor Robert Cline 

• May 3 | Luke 17:1-10 | Our Life Together | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 10 | Luke 17:11-19 | A Thankful Heart | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 17 | Luke 17:20-37 | When Will the Kingdom Come? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 24 | Isaiah 60 | Light and Glory in the Risen City | Pastor Robert Cline 

• May 31 | Isaiah 61:1-11 | Spirit Filled Servant Brings Jubilee Freedom | Pastor Robert Cline 

Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. 

Gospel Partner of the Month: Our Work in Cuba 

1. Predica Fiel 

In our approach to missions at High Pointe, we not only seek to send our best, but we also want to equip and encourage those who are already serving in the field. One of the ways to do that is to provide training for national pastors and missionaries. Predica Fiel is a training ministry that equips pastors, missionaries, and church leaders in expositional teaching and preaching. They provide training workshops throughout the island of Cuba and the Spanish-speaking world. 

Please pray that the Lord will give them favor and fruitfulness in their work. Pray that the Lord would grant them continued opportunities to train pastors, missionaries, and teachers. And pray that the Lord would provide all the resources they need to do their work. 

2. First Baptist Church & Seminary, Santa Clara, Cuba 

High Pointe established a partnership with FBC Santa Clara in the 1990s. In fact, the Lord allowed High Pointe to have a significant role in helping the church start a seminary to raise uppastors and seminaries. 

Pray that the Lord would provide all the seminary needs to train pastors and missionaries.  

On-Call Pastor 
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1. 

Dining With Jesus

In Luke 14:1-24, Jesus was dining with the Pharisees, and while they were watching him (as to accuse him), he was watching them as to rebuke them. They like to grab the best seats so they may be made much of, and they like to invite people to meals who could repay them. But Jesus warns, those who exalt themselves will be humbled (Luke 14:11), and those who welcome those who cannot repay will be repaid on the last day (Luke 14:14). 

In that light, we encouraged one another to honor and serve those who cannot benefit us. Following Jesus’ example, who humbled himself to become a servant (Philippians 2:5:1-11), so also, we ought to serve those who cannot repay us. Of course, we are to begin in the household of God, opening our lives and our homes to one another. But let’s not stop there. Let’s also consider how to express the love and compassion of Christ to those who are needy in our city. In an effort to encourage us to do that, here is a list of possible faith-based non-profits that you may want to research and get involved with:  

Christian Poverty and Homelessness ministries 

Mission Possible Austin – Christian ministry serving the urban poor with outreach to the homeless, addiction recovery support, and programs for at‑risk children and families in East Austin. 

Baptist Community Center Mission – Ministry of Austin Baptist Association providing food, clothing, and assistance to low‑income families and seniors in East Austin. 

Foundation for the Homeless – Faith‑based organization coordinating shelter, housing placement, and support for families experiencing homelessness. 

Casa Marianella – Christian hospitality ministry offering shelter, food, and legal/settlement support for refugees, asylum seekers, and homeless immigrants. 

The Other Ones Foundation / Esperanza Community – Nonprofit with Christian roots serving people experiencing homelessness through dignified work opportunities, basic services, and a transitional shelter community. 

Hunger and food ministries (Christian / church‑based) 

Austin Baptist Chapel – Angel House Soup Kitchen – Church‑based daily soup kitchen feeding people who are hungry, many of whom are homeless or working poor. 

Hope Food Pantry Austin – Pantry operating from a church campus, providing free groceries to low‑income individuals and families in Central Austin.  

Under‑resourced children and families (faith‑based) 

Manos de Cristo – Christian nonprofit offering low‑cost dental care, a food pantry, education programs, and back‑to‑school supplies for low‑income families and children. 

LifeWorks – Community nonprofit (not all explicitly Christian in branding) with programs for youth experiencing homelessness, foster care transition, and at‑risk families; collaborates with local churches and faith partners. 

Miracle Foundation – Austin‑based nonprofit with Christian origins working to support vulnerable children and orphans (primarily internationally) through family‑based care and education. 

Larger regional organizations with strong church partnerships 
(These are not all explicitly “Christian” in branding but are widely supported by churches and used by congregations for mercy ministry.) 

Central Texas Food Bank – Regional food bank supplying many church pantries and mobile food distributions serving low‑income families and children. 

Meals on Wheels Central Texas – Delivers meals to low‑income seniors and adults with disabilities; many volunteers and referring partners are local churches. 

NOTE: This is not an officially approved list of non-profit services. Be sure to do your research and participate wisely. 

We encourage members who are interested in mercy ministry and coordinating those ministries at High Pointe to let us know. 

Opportunities to Serve 
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE) 

Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings.  Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org. 

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom. 

Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support.  Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.  

Resources of the Week 

• Thinking Through Your Church’s Mercy Ministry – Kevin De Young 

• Evangelism is Mercy Ministry – Elliot Clark 

• How Do Word and Deed Ministry Fit Together in a Church? - Tim Keller 

• Obligations, Stewardship, and the Poor – Kevin De Young 

Life at High Pointe  

Spring Life Classes 
Life Classes are meant to equip High Pointe for life as a Christian. Our spring classes are from January 25th - May 24th. Click here to see which Life Classes will be offered! 

Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:   

• March 8 | Luke 14:25-35 | Wholehearted Devotion | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• March 15 | Isaiah 50:4-11 | The Willing and Suffering Servant Christ | Pastor Robert Cline 

• March 22 | Luke 15:1-32 | Lost and Found | Pastor Juan Sanchez  

• March 29 | Luke 16:1-17 | You Cannot Love God and Money | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• April 5 | EASTER | Luke 16:19-31 | The Rich Man and Lazarus | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• April 12 | Luke 16:18 | What the Bible says about Divorce and Remarriage | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• April 19 | Isaiah 53 | The Atoning Servant Who Suffers and Rises Again | Pastor Robert Cline 

• April 26 | Isaiah 59:14-21 | The Only Feasible Option: Yahweh Himself will Accomplish It | Pastor Robert Cline 

• May 3 | Luke 17:1-10 | Our Life Together | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 10 | Luke 17:11-19 | A Thankful Heart | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 17 | Luke 17:20-37 | When Will the Kingdom Come? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 24 | Isaiah 60 | Light and Glory in the Risen City | Pastor Robert Cline 

• May 31 | Isaiah 61:1-11 | Spirit Filled Servant Brings Jubilee Freedom | Pastor Robert Cline 

Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. 

Gospel Partner of the Month: Our Work in Cuba 

1. Predica Fiel 

In our approach to missions at High Pointe, we not only seek to send our best, but we also want to equip and encourage those who are already serving in the field. One of the ways to do that is to provide training for national pastors and missionaries. Predica Fiel is a training ministry that equips pastors, missionaries, and church leaders in expositional teaching and preaching. They provide training workshops throughout the island of Cuba and the Spanish-speaking world. 

Please pray that the Lord will give them favor and fruitfulness in their work. Pray that the Lord would grant them continued opportunities to train pastors, missionaries, and teachers. And pray that the Lord would provide all the resources they need to do their work. 

2. First Baptist Church & Seminary, Santa Clara, Cuba 

High Pointe established a partnership with FBC Santa Clara in the 1990s. In fact, the Lord allowed High Pointe to have a significant role in helping the church start a seminary to raise uppastors and seminaries. 

Pray that the Lord would provide all the seminary needs to train pastors and missionaries.  

On-Call Pastor 
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1. 

Will Only a Few be Saved?

Have you ever missed a flight because you were running late, and the flight crew closed the door to the plane? Once that door is closed, they are not allowed to open it. Jeanine and I saw this happen to someone during our recent trip to Canada. It’s an awful feeling. 

Jesus reminds us of another door that will be shut, and it will catch many by surprise. While many in this world think that the door to heaven is wide (“all doors lead to God”), Jesus reminds us that it is a narrow door. Jesus is the ONLY way to God. No one comes to the Father except through him. And to enter through that narrow door, you must repent of your sins and receive him as King and Lord. So, Jesus commands, “Strive to enter through the narrow door” (Luke 11:24). When Jesus returns the door will be shut and no one will be able to enter (Luke 11:24-30).  

 We don’t enter by our own works. To “strive” means wholehearted faith-fueled action, as opposed to half-hearted effort. No one is automatically IN. Everyone must make every effort by faith to enter in. So, the question is, in what or whom are you trusting for salvation? What door are you trying to enter in through? Whoever does not enter in by the narrow door of Jesus will be excluded from the kingdom on the last day (11:31-35). So, strive to enter through the narrow door before it closes. 

It’s one thing to miss a flight because they close the door. You can always catch another flight. It’s another thing to miss the kingdom because you waited around to enter in. The door is open now to all who would enter. So, enter by faith through Jesus. 

And for those who have entered, tell others while the door is still open. Invite them to enter in. The good news is that while the kingdom starts small, it will grow to a multitude that no one will be able to count. 

Opportunities to Serve 
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE) 

Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings.  Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org. 

 God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom. 

 Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support.  Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.  

 Resources of the Week 

• Evangelism for Introverts 

• Evangelism: Sharing the Good News – a 9Marks E-Journal (full of helpful articles) 

• The Sovereignty of God and Evangelism – by Paul Helm 

Life at High Pointe  

Spring Life Classes | Resume January 25 
Life Classes are meant to equip High Pointe for life as a Christian. Our spring classes are from January 25th - May 24th. Click here to see which Life Classes will be offered!   

Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:   

• March 1 | Luke 14:1-24 | Dining with Jesus | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• March 8 | Luke 14:25-35 | The Cost of Following Jesus | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• March 15 | Isaiah 50:4-11 | The Willing and Suffering Servant Christ | Pastor Robert Cline 

• March 22 | Luke 15:1-32 | Lost and Found | Pastor Juan Sanchez  

• March 29 | Luke 16:1-17 | You Cannot Love God and Money | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• April 5 | EASTER | Luke 16:19-31 | The Rich Man and Lazarus | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• April 12 | Luke 16:18 | What the Bible says about Divorce and Remarriage | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• April 19 | Isaiah 53 | The Atoning Servant Who Suffers and Rises Again | Pastor Robert Cline 

• April 26 | Isaiah 59:14-21 | The Only Feasible Option: Yahweh Himself will Accomplish It | Pastor Robert Cline 

• May 3 | Luke 17:1-10 | Our Life Together | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 10 | Luke 17:11-19 | A Thankful Heart | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 17 | Luke 17:20-37 | When Will the Kingdom Come? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• May 24 | Isaiah 60 | Light and Glory in the Risen City | Pastor Robert Cline 

• May 31 | Isaiah 61:1-11 | Spirit Filled Servant Brings Jubilee Freedom | Pastor Robert Cline 

 Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. 

Gospel Partner of the Month: Our Work in Cuba 

1. Predica Fiel 

In our approach to missions at High Pointe, we not only seek to send our best, but we also want to equip and encourage those who are already serving in the field. One of the ways to do that is to provide training for national pastors and missionaries. Predica Fiel is a training ministry that equips pastors, missionaries, and church leaders in expositional teaching and preaching. They provide training workshops throughout the island of Cuba and the Spanish-speaking world. 

Please pray that the Lord will give them favor and fruitfulness in their work. Pray that the Lord would grant them continued opportunities to train pastors, missionaries, and teachers. And pray that the Lord would provide all the resources they need to do their work. 

2. First Baptist Church & Seminary, Santa Clara, Cuba 

High Pointe established a partnership with FBC Santa Clara in the 1990s. In fact, the Lord allowed High Pointe to have a significant role in helping the church start a seminary to raise uppastors and seminaries. 

Pray that the Lord would provide all the seminary needs to train pastors and missionaries.  

On-Call Pastor 
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1. 

Let the Nations be Glad

Pastor Robert Cline

As we looked at Isaiah 49 this past Sunday, we remembered that the Bible story is also our story, and that we read the Bible forwards and backwards. When we read the Old Testament, we look and read ahead to how the apostles were instructed by Jesus himself to understand the Law and the Prophets and the Writings. When we read the New Testament, we look back to understand the references to Old Testament signals and shadows pointing forward to Christ, who is the center of the Scriptures.  

This is what Paul and Barnabas did in Acts 13:47. When Paul and Barnabas faced fierce opposition in Pisidian Antioch from the Jews, they quoted Isaiah 49:6 directly: I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth."  

Do you see how they applied the mission of the Servant King Jesus to the church?  Paul and Barnabas understood themselves, and the Antioch church that sent them, as a community of servants extending the Servant’s mission to announce the gospel of God's light to every nation. 

When Paul and Barnabas applied this text to their missionary work, they were saying, "We share in the Servant's mission." They weren't claiming to BE the Servant, but rather to be his faithful witnesses. In union with Christ the King, the church participates in his global work of sharing the light of the gospel with all peoples.  

 Acts 13:1–3 shows a diverse, Spirit-led congregation—prophets and teachers from multiple backgrounds, fasting and praying together who sent out Paul and Barnabas as lights to the nations pointing others to forgiveness and salvation in Christ and starting churches around Asia Minor.  

High Pointe, we also are servant witnesses sent into our neighborhoods, workplaces, and world to shine the light of the gospel. Like the Antioch church, we pray, send, go, and support those who carry the message to distant places.   

LORD, show us the nations right here in Austin.  Father, raise up laborers for the harvest around the world. May your Holy Spirit give us boldness, ability and opportunity this week to shine the light of Christ.  

Opportunities to Serve 
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE) 

Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings.  Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org. 

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom.  

Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support.  Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.  

Resources of the Week 

• Benefits of Daily Bible Reading 

• 4 Ways Your Life Group Can Support Missions 

• Evangelism in Ordinary Life 

• Is Your Hospitality Christian? 

Life at High Pointe  

Spring Life Classes | Resume January 25 
Life Classes are meant to equip High Pointe for life as a Christian. Spring Life Classes will resume January 25. Click here to see which Life Classes will be offered!  

High Pointe/9Marks Weekender for Pastors, Church Leaders, and Seminarians | February 19-22 
At our weekender, we will host over 90 participants (pastors, church leaders, seminary students). The goal of the weekender is to join us and observe an elders’ meeting, talk about church health, and participate in a worship gathering and members’ meeting. Our aim is to model church health and encourage other churches. 

 Please pray for those 90+ participants as they prepare to join us, and pray that it would be a fruitful time of encouragement. If you are interested in volunteering, reach out to Austin Burns at austin@highpointeaustin.org.

Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:

• February 22 | Luke 13:10-35 | Will Only a Few be Saved? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• March 1 | Luke 14:1-24 | Dining with Jesus | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• March 8 | Luke 14:25-35 | The Cost of Following Jesus | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• March 15 | Isaiah 50:4-11 | The Willing and Suffering Servant Christ | Pastor Robert Cline 

• March 22 | Luke 15:1-32 | Lost and Found | Pastor Juan Sanchez  

• March 29 | Luke 16:1-17 | You Cannot Love God and Money | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• April 5 | EASTER | Luke 16:19-31 | The Rich Man and Lazarus | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. 

Gospel Partner of the Month: The International Mission Board of the SBC 
The International Mission Board (IMB) exists to serve Southern Baptists in carrying out the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. 

With almost 47,000 churches cooperating to send missionaries through the IMB, we can support over 3,500 missionaries full-time in the international mission field. Take some time to work through the IMB website to learn more about how your regular giving through High Pointe is supporting Great Commission work worldwide. 
 

On-Call Pastor 
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1. 

Welcoming Visitors

High Pointe Family, you do such a great job of welcoming visitors each Sunday. Thank you for your practice of Christian hospitality. Our prayer is that we may grow even more in being a welcoming church. To that end, let me encourage you in these ways: 

1. Come early and stay late. Many visitors coming to a new church will arrive early to find a seat. Many of our members arrive late. So, make every effort to come early to greet visitors as they arrive. Then, stay late to have conversations with them. 

2. Seek out and engage visitors. When you are in the auditorium, look around for new faces, and engage with them. Introduce yourself. Welcome them officially to our gathering. Ask them if they have any questions. 

3. Introduce them to someone else. Take an opportunity to help them make a connection by introducing them to someone that has something in common with them. If they are a college student, introduce them to another college student. If they are single, introduce them to other singles. If they speak Spanish, introduce them to other Spanish-speakers. You get the idea. It helps people to make a connection when they are visiting a church. 

4. Show them around. Offer to show visitors where they need to go: nursery, restrooms, Life Classes, church office. While our building is simple and known to us, it can be confusing to visitors. 

5. Guide them to the Connection Center. We have a Connection Center in the foyer staffed by a friendly group of volunteers. They are there to serve our visitors. Walk visitors to the Connection Center so they may fill out a card so we can know of their visit. 

In God’s kindness, we receive a good number of visitors each week. You do such a great job of making them feel welcome, and we thank you for that. Let’s look for ways we can grow even more in showing the love of Christ through simple greetings and hospitality. 

Opportunities to Serve 
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE) 

Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings.  Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org. 

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom.  

Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support.  Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.  

Resources of the Week 

• Don’t Overlook the Ministry of Church Greeters 

• 10 Ways to be a Welcoming Church 

• Is Your Hospitality Christian? 

Life at High Pointe  

Spring Life Classes | Resume January 25 
Life Classes are meant to equip High Pointe for life as a Christian. Spring Life Classes will resume January 25. Click here to see which Life Classes will be offered!  

High Pointe/9Marks Weekender for Pastors, Church Leaders, and Seminarians | February 19-22 
At our weekender, we will host over 90 participants (pastors, church leaders, seminary students). The goal of the weekender is to join us and observe an elders’ meeting, talk about church health, and participate in a worship gathering and members’ meeting. Our aim is to model church health and encourage other churches. 

 Please pray for those 90+ participants as they prepare to join us, and pray that it would be a fruitful time of encouragement. If you are interested in volunteering, reach out to Austin Burns at austin@highpointeaustin.org.

Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:   

• February 15 | Isaiah 49:1-13| The Mission Extended | Pastor Robert Cline 

• February 22 | Luke 13:10-35 | Will Only a Few be Saved? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• March 1 | Luke 14:1-24 | Dining with Jesus | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• March 8 | Luke 14:25-35 | The Cost of Following Jesus | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• March 15 | Isaiah 50:4-11 | The Willing and Suffering Servant Christ | Pastor Robert Cline 

• March 22 | Luke 15:1-32 | Lost and Found | Pastor Juan Sanchez  

• March 29 | Luke 16:1-17 | You Cannot Love God and Money | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• April 5 | EASTER | Luke 16:19-31 | The Rich Man and Lazarus | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. 

Gospel Partner of the Month: The International Mission Board of the SBC 
The International Mission Board (IMB) exists to serve Southern Baptists in carrying out the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. 

With almost 47,000 churches cooperating to send missionaries through the IMB, we can support over 3,500 missionaries full-time in the international mission field. Take some time to work through the IMB website to learn more about how your regular giving through High Pointe is supporting Great Commission work worldwide. 
 

On-Call Pastor 
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1. 

Welcome Peter Westerfeld and Family

It is a joy to welcome Peter Westerfeld and his family to High Pointe and to Austin. Peter is our new Director of Church Operations and Administration. Peter is married to Abigail, and they have five children 6 years old and under. 

Peter grew up on a farm near Crawford, Texas, alongside his nine siblings. After graduating from high school, he continued working on the family farm while completing an undergraduate degree through Liberty University. At age 23, Peter married Abigail in Colorado Springs, and they moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where Peter began his MDiv studies at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. 

During their seven years in Louisville, the Westerfelds were members of Third Avenue Baptist Church, which became a cherished church family to them. Over that time, the Lord blessed them with five children: Rilian (6), Bryce (4), Gilbert (2), Marcus (2), and Priscilla (10 months). 

As Director of Operations and Administration, Peter will oversee our operational, financial and administrative effectiveness, and offer general pastoral support as we seek to glorify God by making wholehearted followers of Christ among all peoples. 

Take time to welcome the Westerfelds. 

Opportunities to Serve 
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE) 

Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings.  Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org. 

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom. 

Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support.  Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.  

Resources of the Week 

• Habakkuk Resources: 

• Habakkuk – Free Commentary 

• Introduction to Habakkuk 

• 3 Things You Should Know about Habakkuk 

• Book Recommendations:  

• From Fear to Faith: Rejoicing in the Lord in Turbulent Times by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones 

• When Pain is Real and God Seems Silent: Finding Hope in the Psalms by Ligon Duncan 

Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:   

• February 8 | Isaiah 44:9-20 | Idolatry is Futile | Pastor Robert Cline 

• February 15 | Isaiah 49:1-13| Mission Extended | Pastor Robert Cline 

• February 22 | Luke 13:10-35 | Will Only a Few be Saved? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• March 1 | Luke 14:1-24 | Dining with Jesus | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• March 8 | Luke 14:25-35 | The Cost of Following Jesus | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• March 15 | Isaiah 50:4-11 | The Willing and Suffering Servant Christ | Pastor Robert Cline 

• March 22 | Luke 15:1-32 | Lost and Found | Pastor Juan Sanchez  

• March 29 | Luke 16:1-17 | You Cannot Love God and Money | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. 

Gospel Partner of the Month: The International Mission Board of the SBC 
The International Mission Board (IMB) exists to serve Southern Baptists in carrying out the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. 

With almost 47,000 churches cooperating to send missionaries through the IMB, we can support over 3,500 missionaries full-time in the international mission field. Take some time to work through the IMB website to learn more about how your regular giving through High Pointe is supporting Great Commission work worldwide. 
 

On-Call Pastor 
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1.  

A New Year - New Opportunities

Beginning this week, several opportunities are available to our members for growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus, gathering for mutual encouragement and edification, and getting to know one another. Allow me to highlight some of those and encourage you to take advantage of some of these opportunities, even if it may mean stepping out of your comfort zone. 

LIFE CLASSES - Sundays at 9:00 AM 
January 25 – May 24 

•  Side by Side: Walking Together in Relational Wisdom and Love 
  Helping us build gospel-centered friendships that help one another follow Jesus. 

• The Reformation 
  Exploring the Protestant Reformation: What changed? 

• La Reforma 
  Explorando la Reforma Protestante: Que Cambio? 

• The Old Testament Historical Books: 6th – 12th Grades 

• Kid’s Life Class: K-5th Grades 

For more information on Life Classes, click HERE. 

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDIES 

•  The Gospel of John 
  Wednesday Mornings | January 28 – April 22 
  For more information or to register, click HERE.   

• Ezra and Nehemiah 
  Wednesday Evenings | January 28 – May 6 
  For more information or to register, click HERE. 

THE HIGH POINTE INSTITUTE 
Wednesday Evenings | January 28 – May 13 

The High Pointe Institute (HPI) is a one-year training program meant to offer a pathway for growing disciples to be equipped for ministry both in the church and the world. Open to all members, participants will learn systematic theology as a foundation for Christian thinking and living. 

For more information or to register, click HERE. 

MEN’S DISCIPLESHIP GROUPS (D-GROUPS) 

A discipleship ministry of High Pointe in which a small group of men meet monthly to discuss certain themes related to being men of God. The goal of our men's D-groups is to spur one another on in spiritual growth while building relationships among the men of the church. 

Contact Craig Horton if you are interested. 

Opportunities to Serve 
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE) 

Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings.  Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org. 

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom. 

Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support.  Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.  

Resources of the Week 

• Habakkuk Resources: 

• Habakkuk – Free Commentary 

• Introduction to Habakkuk 

• 3 Things You Should Know about Habakkuk 

• Book Recommendations:  

• From Fear to Faith: Rejoicing in the Lord in Turbulent Times by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones 

• When Pain is Real and God Seems Silent: Finding Hope in the Psalms by Ligon Duncan 

Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:   

• February 1 | Habakkuk 3:1-19 | Trusting God with Confident Joy | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• February 8 | Isaiah 44:9-20 | Idolatry is Futile | Pastor Robert Cline 

• February 15 | Isaiah 49:1-13| Mission Extended | Pastor Robert Cline 

• February 22 | Luke 13:1-9 | Unless You Repent, You Too Will Perish | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• March 1 | Luke 13:10-17 | What is the Point of the Sabbath? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. 

Gospel Partner of the Month: The International Mission Board of the SBC 
The International Mission Board (IMB) exists to serve Southern Baptists in carrying out the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. 

With almost 47,000 churches cooperating to send missionaries through the IMB, we can support over 3,500 missionaries full-time in the international mission field. Take some time to work through the IMB website to learn more about how your regular giving through High Pointe is supporting Great Commission work worldwide. 
 

On-Call Pastor 
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1.

Trusting God When He Doesn’t Make Sense: Habakkuk 1:12-2:20

It’s one thing to see all the violence and evil in the world and think to yourself, “That’s not right!” It’s something altogether different when the violence and evil comes home: a drunk driver takes a loved one’s life; a hidden abuse comes to light; a parent buries a child; a devastating diagnosis is given; a secret affair is exposed. In those moments, our “That’s not right” becomes personal and carries a heavier weight. How do you respond in those times when your life seems upside down and God seems to let it happen? 

This is where Habakkuk finds himself in 1:12-2:20. He saw Judah’s evil and asked God to deal with it. But he didn’t like God’s answer. God revealed that he was raising up a pagan, violent nation (Babylon) to judge Judah. Habakkuk couldn’t believe what he had heard. Instead of suppressing his emotions and questions, though, he brought them to God once again. He wondered aloud, “How could God allow such a violent and wicked nation to judge his people?” That didn’t seem right to Habakkuk. How could God’s people endure such violence and survive? Habakkuk learned the lesson we must all learn: We endure evil and suffering by faith in the God who will judge justly. 

What are you facing that makes you cry out, “That’s not right!” Maybe it’s something that happened a long time ago, but you still can’t get over it. Learn from Habakkuk: 

1. Don’t jump to hasty conclusions as to why bad things are happening. The only way to truly know why God allows evil is by his revelation. He’s revealed that we suffer because of Adam’s sin – general and natural evil. He gives us a category for the evil done to us by others. And he reminds us that sometimes we suffer because of our own sin. When it’s not clear, don’t jump to conclusions. Instead, cry out to God. 

2. Cry out to the Lord. Unload your burdens to him. Appeal to his nature and character – he is holy, good, sovereign, wise, faithful. And pour out your heart in specific complaints. 

3. Trust in the Lord. This is the lesson of Lament. Even while bringing our complaints to God, we continue trusting him to be the God he promises to be. Don’t turn to functional saviors or false gods to save you. Turn to him and trust him. 

4. Wait on the Lord. This is hard, but when we cling by faith to God – everything he has promised to be for us in Christ – and wait for him to act, he will give us the peace that passes understanding. He doesn’t owe us an answer, but Habakkuk reminds us that it is right for us to wait for one. 

The righteous will live (endure) by their faith – in the God who saves and will judge justly. 

Listen to Sunday’s Message HERE.  

Opportunities to Serve 
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE) 

Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings.  Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org. 

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom. 

Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support.  Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.  

Resources of the Week 

• Habakkuk Resources: 

• Habakkuk – Free Commentary 

• Introduction to Habakkuk 

• 3 Things You Should Know about Habakkuk 

• From Fear to Faith: Rejoicing in the Lord in Turbulent Times by Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones 

• When Pain is Real and God Seems Silent: Finding Hope in the Psalms – book by Ligon Duncan 

Life at High Pointe

Young Adult Lunch | Sunday, January 25  
The Young Adults will be meeting for lunch at Halal Bros (1910 W Braker Ln, Unit 800, Austin, TX 78758) after the morning service on January 25th at 12:15PM.

Senior Adult Lunch | Sunday, January 25 
The Young Adults will be meeting for lunch at the Luby’s on East Anderson Ln. after the morning service on January 25th. 

High Pointe Institute | Semester 2 Begins Wednesday, January 28  
The High Pointe Institute (HPI) is a one-year (two semester) discipleship program meant to offer a pathway for growing disciples to be equipped for ministry both in the church and the world.This program will instill a commitment to Scripture and a better grasp of the biblical storyline, a solid foundation in Christian doctrine, and an increasing ability to connect theology to one’s life, worship, and mission. Those who took part in the first semester do not need to register again. If you would like to begin the HPI this semester, click here to register.    

Women’s Bible Studies | Begin Wednesday, January 28   

Mark your calendars as both the morning and evening Women’s Bible Studies begin on January 28.   

• Morning Bible Study Registration (Deadline to register is January 14)  

• Evening Bible Study Registration   

Children and Student Ministry Volunteer Luncheon | Sunday, February 1  
We'd like to show our appreciation to those who volunteer in children's and youth ministry by providing lunch and a time of fellowship for you and your family on Sunday, February 1, just after the morning worship service. We plan to begin serving lunch in the fellowship hall at noon. Register by January 26. Click here to register. 

Spring Life Classes | Resume January 25 
Life Classes are meant to equip High Pointe for life as a Christian. Spring Life Classes will resume January 25. Click here to see which Life Classes will be offered!  

Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:   

• January 25 | Habakkuk 3:1-19 | Trusting God with Confident Joy | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• February 1 | Luke 13:1-9 | Unless You Repent, You Too Will Perish | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• February 8 | Isaiah 44:9-20 | Idolatry is Futile | Pastor Robert Cline 

• February 15 | Isaiah 49:1-13| Mission Extended | Pastor Robert Cline 

• February 22 | Luke 13:10-17 | What is the Point of the Sabbath? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. 

Gospel Partner of the Month: The P Family (High Pointe Members) 
J.P. and E.P. recently relocated to begin language and cultural immersion as they pursue long-term work in their new city. They are navigating the challenges of joining a new team while adjusting to a small fellowship. Please pray for their consistency and perseverance in language acquisition, for deep and authentic friendships to develop, and for their children to thrive and find joy during this significant transition. 
 

On-Call Pastor 
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1. 

Learning to Trust God in Turbulent Times: A Study of Habakkuk

When you look around you and see all the evil and violence, how do you respond? Do you long for justice, hoping someone, anyone will make things right? Do you live in fear, wondering how long we can keep living this way? Or, do you cry out to God, asking, “How Long, O Lord before you return to judge and make all things right?” 

It’s right to be weary of all the violence and wickedness in the world. But, I wonder, are we equally weary of the evil, violence, and sin in the church? The Bible reminds us that judgment begins with God’s house (1 Peter 4:17). And this is Habakkuk’s concern. This is what he longs for – judgment to begin in God’s house. You see, under king Jehoiakim, sin, wickedness, and violence had dominated the life of Judah. The people sacrificed their own children to idols. And rebellion to God’s word was normal. In this context, Habakkuk cries out, “How long, O Lord?”  

Beginning this past Sunday, we will be studying the Old Testament book of Habakkuk in three sermons because, like Habakkuk, we too must learn to trust God in turbulent times. Join us as we see the prophet grow from despondent hopelessness to confident faith.  

Sunday, January 11 
Trusting God when He Seems Silent 
Habakkuk 1:1-11 

Sunday, January 18 
Trusting God when He Doesn’t Make Sense 
Habakkuk 1:12-2:5 

Sunday, January 25 
Trusting God with Confident Joy 
Habakkuk 3:1-19 

Listen to Sunday’s Message HERE. 

Opportunities to Serve 
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE) 

Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings.  Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org. 

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom. 

Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support.  Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.  

 Resources of the Week 

• Habakkuk Resources: 

  • Habakkuk – Free Commentary 

  • Introduction to Habakkuk 

  • 3 Things You Should Know about Habakkuk 

• Waiting When God Seems Silent – Randy Alcorn  

• When Pain is Real and God Seems Silent: Finding Hope in the Psalms – book by Ligon Duncan 

Life at High Pointe  

DiscipleNow Youth Conference | January 16-18   
DNOW Youth Conference is happening at High Pointe from January 16 to January 18. The theme this year is Christian Identity, and it will be a fun time of teaching, games, and fellowship. Please be praying for our youth students as they study God’s Word together. For more information and to register click here. 

Young Adult Lunch | Sunday, January 25  
The Young Adults will be meeting for lunch at Halal Bros (1910 W Braker Ln, Unit 800, Austin, TX 78758) after the morning service on January 25th 12:15PM.  

Senior Adult Lunch | Sunday, January 25 
The Young Adults will be meeting for lunch at the Luby’s on East Anderson Ln. after the morning service on January 25th. 

High Pointe Institute | Semester 2 Begins Wednesday, January 28  
The High Pointe Institute (HPI) is a one-year (two semester) discipleship program meant to offer a pathway for growing disciples to be equipped for ministry both in the church and the world.This program will instill a commitment to Scripture and a better grasp of the biblical storyline, a solid foundation in Christian doctrine, and an increasing ability to connect theology to one’s life, worship, and mission. Those who took part in the first semester do not need to register again. If you would like to begin the HPI this semester, click here to register.   

Women’s Bible Studies | Begin Wednesday, January 28   
Mark your calendars as both the morning and evening Women’s Bible Studies begin on January 28.   

• Morning Bible Study Registration (Deadline to register is January 14)  

• Evening Bible Study Registration    

Children and Student Ministry Volunteer Luncheon | Sunday, February 1  
We'd like to show our appreciation to those who volunteer in children's and youth ministry by providing lunch and a time of fellowship for you and your family on Sunday, February 1, just after the morning worship service. We plan to begin serving lunch in the fellowship hall at noon. Register by January 26. Click here to register. 

Spring Life Classes | Resume January 25 
Life Classes are meant to equip High Pointe for life as a Christian. Spring Life Classes will resume January 25. Click here to see which Life Classes will be offered!  

 Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:   

• January 18 | Habakkuk 1:12-2:5 | Trusting God when He Doesn’t Make Sense | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• January 25 | Habakkuk 3:1-19 | Trusting God with Confident Joy | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• February 1 | Luke 13:1-9 | Unless You Repent, You Too Will Perish | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• February 8 | Isaiah 44:9-20 | Idolatry is Futile | Pastor Robert Cline 

• February 15 | Isaiah 49:1-13| Mission Extended | Pastor Robert Cline 

• February 22 | Luke 13:10-17 | What is the Point of the Sabbath? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. 

Gospel Partner of the Month: The P Family (High Pointe Members) 
J.P. and E.P. recently relocated to begin language and cultural immersion as they pursue long-term work in their new city. They are navigating the challenges of joining a new team while adjusting to a small fellowship. Please pray for their consistency and perseverance in language acquisition, for deep and authentic friendships to develop, and for their children to thrive and find joy during this significant transition. 
 
On-Call Pastor 
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1. 

Ordinary Christians and the High Pointe Mission Acts 11:19-26

We exist to glorify God by making wholehearted followers of Jesus Christ among all peoples! 

Luke shows us something remarkable in Acts 8 and 11: ordinary disciples scattered and made disciples, helping start the church in Antioch, which became the first sending church. It’s the same today. If 100 church members made 100 disciples each year that made 100 disciples, the chart above shows how that works when the hand of the LORD works. 100 groups of 4 members could each work to make disciples of 100 people with a similar result.  

Your life, your home, your schedule in 2026 are not accidents. You scatter to the places God intends for you to be and make wholehearted followers. And you don't have to do this alone. Most importantly, the hand of the Lord is with you as you scatter. 

God's Pattern: Gather and Scatter 
God gathers ordinary believers so he can scatter them on mission. The local church today participates in that same story when every member sees Sunday gathering as preparation for weekday scattering. 

Every week, we gather to worship, listen to God's Word, and be equipped. Then we scatter—into workplaces, schools, sports teams, coffee shops, and living rooms—carrying the gospel where pastors may never go. In Acts, unnamed, ordinary believers scattered and "went about preaching the word," multiplying new disciples and new churches. 

Making disciples is a team effort. No single person possesses all necessary gifts for making mature disciples. When gifts operate harmoniously under Christ's headship, the church becomes a self-replicating organism where disciples naturally make disciples. 

Practical Steps 
Ask yourself: "Where has God 'scattered' me—neighborhood, workplace, school, networks—and how might that be my assigned context for making disciples?" 

Pray regularly: "Who around me needs encouragement, prayer, or an invitation to take one small step toward Jesus?" "Who else might I include or need as I seek to be and make disciples?" 

Then take simple steps of faithfulness 
Show and tell the gospel. Love people and talk about Jesus the King. Ask someone to help you learn and practice. 

• Start a gospel conversation, invite someone to help host neighbors or coworkers, or invite a younger believer to read Scripture together and pray. 

• Prayerfully invite others to join you in a team effort. Open your home. Connect others to your friends and acquaintances. 

• When someone turns to Christ, bring them into the life of the church so others can help establish and equip them. 

Let's live as gathering and scattering sent ones, being wholehearted followers and multiplying wholehearted followers as we stay connected to Christ and led by his Spirit. 

Opportunities to Serve 
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE) 

Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings.  Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org. 

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom. 

Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support.  Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.  

Resources of the Week 

• Being and Making Disciples 

  • Stay Put and Make Disciples 

  • Discipling Young Men 

  • Discipleship is not DIY 

  • The Little Weeds 

  • Discipleship Starts with the Church 

• Helps for Putting Together a Bible Reading Plan for 2026 

  • Top 5 Bible Reading Plans for 2026 – Bible to Life 

  • Bible Reading Plans for 2025 - Navigators 

• Helps for Establishing a Prayer Life in 2026 

  • A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World - book by Paul Miller 

  • Praying the Bible – book by Donald Whitney 

  • Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God – book by Tim Keller 

  • Praying with Paul: A Call to Spiritual Reformation – book by D. A. Carson 

Life at High Pointe  

High Pointe Christmas Missions Offering
Thank you to all those who gave towards the Christmas Missions Offering! Our goal was to raise $27,000 in support of IMB Middle East Partners, Ekklesia Afrika, and N. Africa Partners. Praise God that we were able to raise a total of $34,830.10!

Meaningful Membership Class | THIS Sunday, January 11  
Join us for our next Meaningful Membership class to learn more about becoming a member of High Pointe Baptist Church. The class covers the following three areas: (1) What is the Church & Why Should I Join? (2) What does High Pointe Believe? (3) What You Need To Know About High Pointe? Register here. 

DiscipleNow Youth Conference | January 16-18  
DNOW Youth Conference is happening at High Pointe from January 16 to January 18. The theme this year is Christian Identity, and it will be a fun time of teaching, games, and fellowship. For more information and to register click here. 

Young Adult Lunch | Sunday, January 25 
The Young Adults will be meeting for lunch at Halal Bros (1910 W Braker Ln, Unit 800, Austin, TX 78758) after the morning service on January 25th 12:15PM. 

High Pointe Institute | Semester 2 Begins Wednesday, January 28 
The High Pointe Institute (HPI) is a one-year (two semester) discipleship program meant to offer a pathway for growing disciples to be equipped for ministry both in the church and the world.This program will instill a commitment to Scripture and a better grasp of the biblical storyline, a solid foundation in Christian doctrine, and an increasing ability to connect theology to one’s life, worship, and mission. Those who took part in the first semester do not need to register again. If you would like to begin the HPI this semester, click here to register.  

Women’s Bible Studies | Begin Wednesday, January 28  
Mark your calendars as both the morning and evening Women’s Bible Studies begin on January 28.  

• Morning Bible Study Registration (Deadline to register is January 14) 

• Evening Bible Study Registration  

Children and Student Ministry Volunteer Luncheon | Sunday, February 1 
We'd like to show our appreciation to those who volunteer in children's and youth ministry by providing lunch and a time of fellowship for you and your family on Sunday, February 1, just after the morning worship service. We plan to begin serving lunch in the fellowship hall at noon. Register by January 26. Click here to register. 

Spring Life Classes | Resume January 25 
Life Classes are meant to equip High Pointe for life as a Christian. Spring Life Classes will resume January 25. Click here to see which Life Classes will be offered!  

Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:   

• January 11 | Habakkuk 1:1-11 | Trusting God when He Seems Silent | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• January 18 | Habakkuk 1:12-2:5 | Trusting God when He Doesn’t Make Sense | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• January 25 | Habakkuk 3:1-19 | Trusting God with Confident Joy | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• February 1 | Luke 13:1-9 | Unless You Repent, You Too Will Perish | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• February 8 | Isaiah 44:9-20 | Idolatry is Futile | Pastor Robert Cline 

• February 15 | Isaiah 49:1-13| Mission Extended | Pastor Robert Cline 

• February 22 | Luke 13:10-17 | What is the Point of the Sabbath? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. 

Gospel Partner of the Month: The P Family (High Pointe Members) 
J.P. and E.P. recently relocated to begin language and cultural immersion as they pursue long-term work in their new city. They are navigating the challenges of joining a new team while adjusting to a small fellowship. Please pray for their consistency and perseverance in language acquisition, for deep and authentic friendships to develop, and for their children to thrive and find joy during this significant transition. 

On-Call Pastor 
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1.

The Hero We All Need! Isaiah 42:1-9

What if the hero we need doesn't shout, doesn't swagger, and doesn't break what's already broken? 

As we begin another year, we can feel overwhelmed.  Kind of like a Superhero movie: the world is broken and our efforts seem tiny and maybe even useless.  We may quietly wonder if anything will really change. Isaiah 42:1-9 speaks directly into that ache by introducing not a flashy conqueror, but God's Servant Savior Jesus—powerful but gentle, Spirit-filled, and absolutely certain to finish His mission. 

God says, "Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight…He will bring justice to the nations." This justice is more than right court decisions; it is God setting all relationships right—with Himself, with others, and even with creation. And He does it in a surprising way: not shouting in the streets, not crushing bruised reeds or snuffing out smoldering wicks, but patiently restoring the weak and worn out.  Father, Son and Holy Spirit working together to bring glory to God.  

That is very good news for a weary January soul. It means that when your faith feels fragile or your obedience inconsistent, Jesus doesn’t discard us. He forgives us, tends us, and restores us like a flickering candle wick, back into a bright flame that shines in a dark world. 

But Isaiah 42 is not only comfort; it is a calling. If this is how our Servant-Savior lives and works, then this is the pattern for living like Jesus in the new year: 

• Treat the "bruised reeds" around you with His gentleness, not harshness. Trust in and rest in Christ.  

• Pursue biblical justice as right relationships—starting with repentance and reconciliation at home, work, and church. 

• Refuse the role of hero; Walk by the Spirit and point all glory to God while quietly, faithfully doing the good before you, pointing others to your great Servant Savior.  

We can’t bring the kingdom in, but we do walk with the One who will. And when discouragement whispers that nothing is changing, return to this Servant Song and hear God's voice: "I will take hold of your hand; I will keep you; I've told you in advance the mission will succeed." Not "you've got this," but "We've got this"—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This year, walk in the confidence that God is at work, Christ is coming again, and your small acts of faithfulness matter in His unstoppable Kingdom plan. 

Opportunities to Serve 
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE) 

Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings.  Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org. 

God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom. 

 Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support.  Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.  

Year-End Giving 

 Important Tax Information Regarding Your 2025 Contributions  

Contribution statements will be emailed on or before Tuesday, January 20th. Please make sure your email address is current.   

• Anyone who does not have an email address on file with the church may request their statement by emailing finance@highpointeaustin.org or by calling the church office at 512-837-7725.  

• If you file your federal income tax return before receiving a qualified contribution statement from the church, you may not be able to deduct individual contributions of $250 or more.   

• Year-end contributions must be submitted or mailed by 31 December. The general rule is that a contribution is considered received or effective when delivered. A check dropped in a church offering box in January of 2026 cannot be deducted in 2025, even if it is backdated to 2025. One exception – checks mailed and postmarked in 2025 are deductible in 2025, even if they are not received until 2026. 

Resources of the Week 

•   Better than Plan A: Our Good God in Control 

• Helps for Putting Together a Bible Reading Plan for 2026 

  • Top 5 Bible Reading Plans for 2026 – Bible to Life 

  • Bible Reading Plans for 2025 - Navigators 

• Helps for Putting Together a Christian Reading List for 2026

  • 25 Christian Books I Love to Recommend – John Piper 

  • The Ultimate Puritan Reading List – Joel Beeke 

  • A Year with the Church Fathers: Reading List – Jonathan Arnold 

• Helps for Establishing a Prayer Life in 2026 

  • A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World - book by Paul Miller 

  • Praying the Bible – book by Donald Whitney 

  • Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God – book by Tim Keller 

  • Praying with Paul: A Call to Spiritual Reformation – book by D. A. Carson 

Life at High Pointe  

High Pointe Christmas Missions Offering; $31,434.75 received so far! 
During this Christmas season, High Pointe will be collecting a special Christmas Missions Offering. The goal is to raise $27,000 in support of IMB Middle East Partners, Ekklesia Afrika, and N. Africa Partners. For ways to give, please click here. 

Meaningful Membership Class | January 11  
Join us for our next Meaningful Membership class to learn more about becoming a member of High Pointe Baptist Church. The class covers the following three areas: (1) What is the Church & Why Should I Join? (2) What does High Pointe Believe? (3) What You Need To Know About High Pointe? Register here. 

Women’s Bible Studies and High Pointe Institute Begin January 28  
Mark your calendars as both the morning and evening Women’s Bible Studies and High Pointe Institute begin on January 28.  

• Morning Bible Study Registration (Deadline to register is January 14) 

• Evening Bible Study Registration  

• High Pointe Institute

Spring Life Classes | Resume January 25 
Life Classes are meant to equip High Pointe for life as a Christian. Spring Life Classes will resume January 25. Click here to see which Life Classes will be offered!  

 Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:   

• January 4 | New Year’s Sermon | Being and Making Whole-hearted Followers of Christ | Pastor Robert Cline 

• January 11 | Habakkuk 1:1-11 | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• January 18 | Habakkuk 1:12-2:5 | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• January 25 | Habakkuk 3:1-19 | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• February 1 | Luke 13:1-9 | Unless You Repent, You Too Will Perish | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

• February 8 | Isaiah 44:9-20 | Idolatry is Futile | Pastor Robert Cline 

• February 15 | Isaiah 49:1-13| Mission Extended | Pastor Robert Cline 

• February 22 | Luke 13:10-17 | What is the Point of the Sabbath? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m. 

 Gospel Partner of the Month: The P Family (High Pointe Members) 
J.P. and E.P. recently relocated to begin language and cultural immersion as they pursue long-term work in their new city. They are navigating the challenges of joining a new team while adjusting to a small fellowship. Please pray for their consistency and perseverance in language acquisition, for deep and authentic friendships to develop, and for their children to thrive and find joy during this significant transition. 

On-Call Pastor 
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1.