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We Are All Influencers Now

From Pastor Robert

On Sunday, the apostle Peter reminded us to remind one another and warn one another about unhelpful influencers out there. Motivated by pride, greed, and sensuality, they will deceive many and lead them towards destruction. We want to ask for wisdom and carefully guard against the subtle, distracting, and destructive influencers in our pockets and on our screens.

But today, let's consider that we also have influence and can be influencers for the good and gospel growth of others.

In 2 Peter, we saw that we are all teachers now, shaping others simply by how we live and speak. Someone is influencing you right now, but don't forget that you are influencing someone else, whether you realize it or not.

As you seek to optimize your life and words for godliness and eternity, you are influencing others. Who are you influencing?

  • Your child(ren) or grandchildren

  • A fellow Life Class, Life Group or T2G or DGroup member

  • A Sunday service visitor

  • A coworker 

  • Your spouse

Scripture gives us simple tools for good influence, the "one another" commands, or as Pastor Juan called it, the one another words of Scripture:

  • "Encourage one another and build one another up" (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

  • "Stir up one another to love and good works" (Hebrews 10:24, ESV)

  • "Exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today,' that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin" (Hebrews 3:13)

Let the one another words of Scripture dwell in your hearts as you pray, speak, and write them to fellow believers.

For example: Brother or Sister, is that distracting activity, habit, or routine drawing you closer to Jesus? Is it helping you grow into a more wholehearted follower of Christ? 

Or: “I thank God for you as I see you continuing to trust God in the midst of this trial and challenge.”

You do not need an online platform or an audience to influence someone for good. All it takes is:

  • One honest and intentional conversation

  • One prayerful and thoughtful timely text or phone call

  • One "one another" word of Scripture offered in love

Look for one person this week you can influence and build up with words like these. One another words are a simple way to love God and neighbor well. So, make a plan right now to encourage someone and then do it! 

Resources: 

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

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    

Volunteering in the Children’s Ministry 

Volunteering in the children’s ministry is a great way to know others at High Pointe and to serve parents. Reach out to Erin Wyman for specific details and to get started on our child protecting screening steps.  

Life at High Pointe  

Want to know what’s happening at High Pointe? Check out our weekly announcements and upcoming events to stay informed and connected with the life of our church! 

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:   

  • September 27 | 2 Peter 2:11-22 | “Beware! The Way of Balaam Leads Astray” | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • October 4 | Luke 19:11-27 | The King we Don’t Want | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • October 11 | 2 Peter 3:1-8 | Wait Well for the Coming Day of the Lord | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • October 18 | Luke 19:28-48 | The Arrival of the Humble King | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • October 25 | Luke 20:1-21:4 | Opposition to the King | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

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


Gospel Partner of the Month: The Association of Churches for Missions and Evangelism (ACME)  

We are one of the founding churches of ACME. ACME exists to unite and mobilize like-minded churches to fund pastors, church planters, missionaries, and other projects around the world.  

ACME is a fellowship of likeminded churches that share the same convictions: (1) Expositional Preaching, (2) Historic Baptist Ecclesiology, (3) Elder-led Congregationalism, (4) One, Unified Assembly (no multiple services or campuses), (5) Reformed Soteriology, (6) Meaningful Membership and Discipline, (7) Biblically Oriented Public Worship, and (8) Church-centered Missions and Evangelism. 

To learn more, visit ACME 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. 

Read More
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Zacchaeus: A Model of Repentance

From Pastor Juan

In Luke 19:1-10, Jesus reminds us that he came to seek and to save the lost. And Zacchaeus is a model of lostness. He is not just a tax collector – one who steals from his fellow Jews – but he is a chief tax collector. The fact that he is rich attests to how much he has taken from others. No wonder the people grumbled when Jesus went to his house. 

And yet, Jesus sought him out and saved him. And when Jesus saves us, he doesn’t leave us the same. He saves us to change us. And Zacchaeus, the model of lostness, becomes a model of repentance. True repentance bears fruit that gives evidence of its genuineness (see Luke 3:7-14).  When we have wronged someone and recognize our sin, a good question to ask is, “What does repentance look like in this specific situation?” Generally speaking, biblical counselor Jim Newheiser suggests, repentance bears 7 traits. Think through these and learn from Zacchaeus: 

7 Traits of True Repentance 

  1. Your confession and repentance are God focused – we have sinned first against God (Psalm 51:4; 2 Samuel 12:13). 

  2. You hate the sin – we not only recognize our sin, we hate it (Psalm 32:5; 51:1-3). 

  3. You submit to discipline and accountability – those who are not truly repentant refuse to be held accountable or come under discipline (1 Corinthians 10:12; 2 Corinthians 7:8).  

  4. Your heart is changed and produces fruit in keeping with repentance – Like Zacchaeus, when God changes your heart, you make things right (Psalm 51:6-12; Luke 19:1-10). 

  5. You patiently accept the consequences of your sin – the unrepentant often hide their sin because they don’t want to accept the consequences that come with admitting your sin (Psalm 51:4; 2 Samuel 24:13-14). 

  6. You accept full responsibility for your sin – you don’t make excuses or blame others for your sin (Psalm 51:3; 2 Samuel 24:10). 

  7. You are more concerned for others than yourself – those who refuse to repent are more concerned for themselves: their reputation, their comfort, their life (2 Samuel 24:17; Philippians 2:3-4). 

May High Pointe – our members, our leaders, our homes – be characterized by such repentance. 

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

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    

Volunteering in the Children’s Ministry 

Volunteering in the children’s ministry is a great way to know others at High Pointe and to serve parents. Reach out to Erin Wyman for specific details and to get started on our child protecting screening steps.  

Life at High Pointe  

Want to know what’s happening at High Pointe? Check out our weekly announcements and upcoming events to stay informed and connected with the life of our church! 

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:   

  • September 20 | 2 Peter 2:1-10 | The LORD Knows How, Whom, and When… | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • September 27 | 2 Peter 2:11-22 | Beware! It Doesn’t End Well for Deceivers | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • October 4 | Luke 19:11-27 | The King we Don’t Want | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • October 11 | 2 Peter 3:1-8 | Wait Well for the Coming Day of the Lord | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • October 18 | Luke 19:28-48 | The Arrival of the Humble King | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • October 25 | Luke 20:1-21:4 | Opposition to the King | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

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

 
Gospel Partner of the Month: The Association of Churches for Missions and Evangelism (ACME)  

We are one of the founding churches of ACME. ACME exists to unite and mobilize like-minded churches to fund pastors, church planters, missionaries, and other projects around the world.  

ACME is a fellowship of likeminded churches that share the same convictions: (1) Expositional Preaching, (2) Historic Baptist Ecclesiology, (3) Elder-led Congregationalism, (4) One, Unified Assembly (no multiple services or campuses), (5) Reformed Soteriology, (6) Meaningful Membership and Discipline, (7) Biblically Oriented Public Worship, and (8) Church-centered Missions and Evangelism. 

To learn more, visit ACME 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. 

Read More
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The Scandal of the Cross

From Pastor Juan

It’s no surprise the cross of Jesus is scandalous. The apostle Paul reminds us that “the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing” (1 Corinthians 1:18). And Christ crucified is a “stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles” (1 Corinthians 1:25). And yet, Jesus did suffer and was crucified. Why? To accomplish God’s saving plan. That’s what Jesus told the twelve in Luke 18:31-34. But they didn’t understand God’s plan. They couldn’t see that the only way for sinners to be forgiven and set free from sin was for Jesus to take our place and receive the penalty of sin on our behalf. 

It’s the same with us also, isn’t it? Sometimes it’s hard for us to understand God’s plan. We expect God to work in certain ways, so we cannot see what he’s doing because of our false expectations. The good news is that Jesus opens the eyes of the blind, like he did with the blind beggar in Luke 18:35-43. And when we SEE who Jesus is, we will FOLLOW him wherever he leads.  

1. If Jesus has opened your eyes to SEE and know who he is, how are you helping unbelievers SEE Jesus – that’s evangelism?

  • Let’s think of intentional ways to help unbelievers see Jesus that they might come to know him and his salvation. 

2. How are you helping other Christians FOLLOW Jesus – that's discipleship?

  • Have your radar on for those who might need our help to follow Jesus and offer to help. 

3. Do YOU need help following Jesus? ASK for help? 

  • We are not meant to live the Christian life alone. We are family, and together we will help one another see, love, know, and follow Jesus.  

Opportunities to Serve

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

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

Volunteering in the Children’s Ministry

Volunteering in the children’s ministry is a great way to know others at High Pointe and to serve parents. Reach out to Erin Wyman for specific details and to get started on our child protecting screening steps.  

Life at High Pointe

Want to know what’s happening at High Pointe? Check out our weekly announcements and upcoming events to stay informed and connected with the life of our church! 

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:   

  • September 13 | Luke 19:1-10 | The Shepherd who Seeks and Saves the Lost Sheep | Pastor Juan Sanchez

  • September 20 | 2 Peter 2:1-10 | Don’t Be Deceived by False Teachers | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • September 27 | 2 Peter 2:11-22 | Beware! It Doesn’t End Well for Deceivers | Pastor Robert Cline

  • October 4 | Luke 19:11-27 | The King we Don’t Want | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • October 11 | 2 Peter 3:1-8 | Wait Well for the Coming Day of the Lord | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • October 18 | Luke 19:28-48 | The Arrival of the Humble King | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • October 25 | Luke 20:1-21:4 | Opposition to the King | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

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

Gospel Partner of the Month: The Association of Churches for Missions and Evangelism (ACME) 

We are one of the founding churches of ACME. ACME exists to unite and mobilize like-minded churches to fund pastors, church planters, missionaries, and other projects around the world.  

ACME is a fellowship of likeminded churches that share the same convictions: (1) Expositional Preaching, (2) Historic Baptist Ecclesiology, (3) Elder-led Congregationalism, (4) One, Unified Assembly (no multiple services or campuses), (5) Reformed Soteriology, (6) Meaningful Membership and Discipline, (7) Biblically Oriented Public Worship, and (8) Church-centered Missions and Evangelism. 

To learn more, visit ACME 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. 

Read More
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There is No Place Like Home

From Pastor Juan

Dear High Pointe Family, 

Jeanine and I want to thank you once more for allowing me to take a sabbatical during July and August. There is no such thing as a perfect church, but High Pointe is a perfect for us church. As we begin our 22nd year of ministry together, I could not be more excited about what the Lord has in store for us. Remember, the Lord has given us everything we need for life and godliness. He has given us his Son, his Word, his Spirit, a new heart, and one another – his church.  

Also, remember WHO we are, WHY we do what we do, and HOW we do it. Essentially, we exist to glorify God by making wholehearted followers of Jesus among all peoples by being an Acts 2 church with an Ephesians 4 ministry. We will depend on the Spirit in prayer as we reach unbelievers, gather worshippers, and make disciples to the glory of God in Christ.  

Here are three ways you can join with us to fulfill what the Lord has called us to do as a church. They are not the only ways, but these are three important ways: 

1. PRAY for our members, pastors, deacons, ministries, and volunteers. 

  • We want to be a church marked by prayer. Would you pray regularly for High Pointe? Use the church directory as a prayer guide. Look through the website for ideas on how to pray throughout the year.   

2. HELP other members follow Jesus.

  • This is what discipling is. We’re not meant to live the Chirstian life alone. So, let us live life together, helping one another walk faithfully and look more like Jesus. 

3. INVEST IN unbelievers and INVITE them to gather with us on the Lord’s Day.

  • The Lord brings many visitors to High Pointe each Sunday. Look out for these visitors; introduce yourselves; engage in conversation; introduce them to someone else; invite them to come back the following week. And invest in unbelievers in your circle of influence and invite them to join you on a Sunday.  

I cannot wait to see how the Lord answers our prayers this next year together. Let us ask BIG things of our BIG God and expect GREAT things. 

Resources

Opportunities to Serve

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

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

Volunteering in the Children’s Ministry | Current Openings

Volunteering in the children’s ministry is a great way to know others at High Pointe and to serve parents. Reach out to Erin Wyman for specific details and to get started on our child protecting screening steps.  

Life at High Pointe

Want to know what’s happening at High Pointe? Check out our weekly announcements and upcoming events to stay informed and connected with the life of our church! 

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:   

  • September 6 | Luke 18:31-43 | Jesus Is The King Who Must Suffer | Pastor Juan Sanchez

  • September 13 | Luke 19:1-10 | Salvation and the Fruits of Repentance | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 20 | 2 Peter 2:1-10 | Don’t Be Deceived by False Teachers | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • September 27 | 2 Peter 2:11-22 | Beware! It Doesn’t End Well for Deceivers 

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

Gospel Partner of the Month: The Association of Churches for Missions and Evangelism (ACME) 

We are one of the founding churches of ACME. ACME exists to unite and mobilize like-minded churches to fund pastors, church planters, missionaries, and other projects around the world.  

ACME is a fellowship of likeminded churches that share the same convictions: (1) Expositional Preaching, (2) Historic Baptist Ecclesiology, (3) Elder-led Congregationalism, (4) One, Unified Assembly (no multiple services or campuses), (5) Reformed Soteriology, (6) Meaningful Membership and Discipline, (7) Biblically Oriented Public Worship, and (8) Church-centered Missions and Evangelism. 

To learn more, visit ACME 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. 

Read More
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Trading Our Attention

From Pastor Robert

In our study of 2 Peter 1:16-21 last Sunday, I challenged us to consider one specific moment each day when we might choose to open God's Word and read Scripture rather than letting our attention be hijacked by scrolling, the 24-hour news cycle, or the ever-present "to do list" the instant we have a free moment. Peter calls Scripture a lamp shining in a dark place, something we do well to pay attention to (2 Peter 1:19). Peter reminds us that God speaks through the Scriptures, and so we do well to pay careful attention to what He says…and we can do that not just in the mornings but at various times during our days.

Every day we make trades. We trade money for groceries, time for rest, effort for growth. The question is whether we are making good trades with our attention, the one resource we can never get back. Algorithms, screens, and devices are all competing for our attention. Every glance at a screen is a small trade. The Lord invites us to make a better one, trading a few scattered minutes for a few focused ones paying attention to His Word.

We can practice choosing to pay attention to our God who speaks to us through the Bible. 

Paying attention to God's Word can look like:

  • Reading portions of the Bible

  • Copying portions of Scripture onto a notecard

  • Using a Bible app notification to read Scripture three times a day

  • Reading Scripture with another person

  • Listening to portions of the Bible

  • Reciting Scripture verses

  • Memorizing Bible verses and passages

  • Meditating on Bible passages

  • Praying Scripture as we read it

  • Praying the promises of God which are "Yes! And Amen!" in Jesus Christ.

  • Almost all of these can be done privately and personally. But when we invite others to pay attention to God's Word together, it becomes even more fruitful. We remind one another to remember.   

Some trades worth making:

  • When you feel anxious or bored, reach for a Scripture app instead of reaching for your phone to check notifications, email, or social media.

  • Trade one weekly lunch hour for an appointment with God's Word alone or with someone else. Then read, discuss, and pray through the Bible together.

  • Trade one 30-minute block of sports highlights or news for a half hour of careful, prayerful attention to Scripture.

  • Trade a gaming session, your daily TikTok scroll, or a YouTube binge for focused time in the Word.

  • Your attention is valuable so spend it wisely. 

*In Sunday’s message, I mistakenly said that James and Peter were crucified. James, the first apostle to be martyred was beheaded, not crucified.  

Resources

Opportunities to Serve

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

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

Volunteering in the Children’s Ministry | Current Openings

*Sunday morning nursery, serving once every 5 Sundays, has two openings in the Toddler Room, two openings in the Pre-K class, and 4 openings in the baby room.

*KidsPointe, serving one Sunday per month, has two openings for small group helpers.

Volunteering in the children’s ministry is a great way to know others at High Pointe and to serve parents. Reach out to Erin Wyman for specific details and to get started on our child protecting screening steps.

Life at High Pointe

Want to know what’s happening at High Pointe? Check out our weekly announcements and upcoming events to stay informed and connected with the life of our church! 

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:   

  • August 30 | Luke 18:18-30 | What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 6 | Luke 18:31-43 | The Joy of Spiritual Sight | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 13 | Luke 19:1-10 | Salvation and the Fruits of Repentance | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 20 | 2 Peter 2:1-10 | Don’t Be Deceived by False Teachers | Pastor Robert Cline  

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

Gospel Partner of the Month: 9Marks exists to help pastors, future pastors, and church members build healthy churches. To this end, 9Marks creates resources like books, podcasts, a quarterly journal, web courses, and more. They also host training events around the world. Their focus in everything is on nine marks of a healthy church—expositional preaching, gospel doctrine, conversion and evangelism, church membership, church discipline, discipleship and growth, church leadership, prayer, and missions. Why these nine? Because the Bible requires them, and, sadly, too many evangelical churches have neglected or assumed them.

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. 

Read More
Info High Pointe Info High Pointe

Remembering and Gathering

From Pastor Robert

Have you noticed how easy it is to drive on Sunday mornings in Austin? There's almost no traffic…unless there's a music festival or an auto race in town. Going out on Sunday morning feels counter-cultural here. But driving to High Pointe on Sunday morning, at least, is easy.

On Sunday, we considered our duty to remind one another of gospel truths and to grow in the qualities Peter lists in 2 Peter 1:5–8. I suggested that a local church functions as the corporate memory or extended brain for its members. We gather to be reminded and to remind one another: as we sing, pray, read and hear Scripture explained, give generously, come to the Lord's Table, and linger to talk after the service ends.

We gather to worship the Triune God, the  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and to serve one another by stirring one another up, reminding each other of the living hope we have in Jesus.

We don't get up on Sunday mornings chasing another experience or trying to serve ourselves. We gather week after week to worship God, to remind others, and to be reminded by others that God is real, that he has spoken clearly in the Bible, that he has revealed himself in Jesus Christ, and that he means what he says and will do all he has promised.

If we at High Pointe are going to live as citizens of Jesus' kingdom in this cultural moment, we need counter-habits that push against our natural instincts. So far, we've considered four:

  • Being willing to talk about awkward subjects.

  • Being intentional about encouraging others.

  • Beginning our day with prayer and Scripture.

  • Practicing gratitude instead of entitlement.

Today, we add a fifth: driving down empty highways to gather with God's people is a weekly reminder that we belong to King Jesus and seek to live with him at the center of our lives. In Austin, that's a genuinely counter-cultural act, at least for now. 

Here are two simple ways to practice this habit:

  • Thank God for no traffic on Sunday mornings! 

  • Remember that you need the reminder that weekly gathered worship brings.

  • Remember that others need you to remind them starting with the first people you'll see this Sunday morning at High Pointe. 

Resources

Opportunities to Serve

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

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

Volunteering in the Children’s Ministry | Current Openings

*Sunday morning nursery, serving once every 5 Sundays, has two openings in the Toddler Room, two openings in the Pre-K class, and 4 openings in the baby room.

*KidsPointe, serving one Sunday per month, has two openings for small group helpers.

Volunteering in the children’s ministry is a great way to know others at High Pointe and to serve parents. Reach out the Erin Wyman for specific details and to get started on our child protecting screening steps.

Life at High Pointe

Want to know what’s happening at High Pointe?Check out our weekly announcements and upcoming events to stay informed and connected with the life of our church! 

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:   

  • August 23 | 2 Peter 1:16-21 | What Peter Wanted Us to Know | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • August 30 | Luke 18:18-30 | What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 6 | Luke 18:31-43 | The Joy of Spiritual Sight | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 13 | Luke 19:1-10 | Salvation and the Fruits of Repentance | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 20 | 2 Peter 2:1-10 | Don’t Be Deceived by False Teachers | Pastor Robert Cline  

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

Gospel Partner of the Month: 9Marks exists to help pastors, future pastors, and church members build healthy churches. To this end, 9Marks creates resources like books, podcasts, a quarterly journal, web courses, and more. They also host training events around the world. Their focus in everything is on nine marks of a healthy church—expositional preaching, gospel doctrine, conversion and evangelism, church membership, church discipline, discipleship and growth, church leadership, prayer, and missions. Why these nine? Because the Bible requires them, and, sadly, too many evangelical churches have neglected or assumed them.

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. 

Read More
Info High Pointe Info High Pointe

5th Sunday Fellowship

From Pastor Robert

This week, I want to encourage you to make plans to be present for our 5th Sunday Fellowship featuring ICE CREAM, singing, and ministry updates. You will also have a chance to hear briefly about discipleship spaces in place to grow as whole-hearted followers of Jesus this fall.

This is a time for our church family to relax together and get to know one another better as we head into the fall season. 5th Sunday Fellowships are intended to help us connect every quarter around simple food, dessert or snacks. 

We plan to have some sort of church wide fellowship time on the 5th Sundays of the months in the coming church year: 

Aug. 30, 2026

Nov 29, 2026

Jan 31, 2027

May 30, 2027

Aug 29, 2027

Go ahead and mark your calendars now!

Resources

Opportunities to Serve

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

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

Volunteering in the Children’s Ministry | Current Openings

*Sunday morning nursery, serving once every 5 Sundays, has two openings in the Toddler Room, two openings in the Pre-K class, and 4 openings in the baby room.

*KidsPointe, serving one Sunday per month, has two openings for small group helpers.

Volunteering in the children’s ministry is a great way to know others at High Pointe and to serve parents. Reach out the Erin Wyman for specific details and to get started on our child protecting screening steps.

Life at High Pointe

Want to know what’s happening at High Pointe?Check out our weekly announcements and upcoming events to stay informed and connected with the life of our church! 

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:   

  • August 16 | 2 Peter 1:12-15 | Remembering to Remind One Another | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • August 23 | 2 Peter 1:16-21 | Trustworthy Witness and Word | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • August 30 | Luke 18:18-30 | What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 6 | Luke 18:31-43 | The Joy of Spiritual Sight | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 13 | Luke 19:1-10 | Salvation and the Fruits of Repentance | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 20 | 2 Peter 2:1-10 | Don’t Be Deceived by False Teachers | Pastor Robert Cline  

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

Gospel Partner of the Month: 9Marks exists to help pastors, future pastors, and church members build healthy churches. To this end, 9Marks creates resources like books, podcasts, a quarterly journal, web courses, and more. They also host training events around the world. Their focus in everything is on nine marks of a healthy church—expositional preaching, gospel doctrine, conversion and evangelism, church membership, church discipline, discipleship and growth, church leadership, prayer, and missions. Why these nine? Because the Bible requires them, and, sadly, too many evangelical churches have neglected or assumed them.

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. 

Read More
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Habitually Thankful

From Pastor Robert

In Sunday’s sermon, Craig Horton reminded us that many of our sinful responses grow out of entitlement. When life does not go our way, we start acting like we are owed a better life, a better plan, or a better outcome. We forget God’s kindness to us in Christ. We trust in our own devices. We try to make life work apart from Christ and his grace. 

The media and people around us often feed that mindset. You deserve…we deserve…everyone deserves...It trains us to expect comfort, solutions to problems, and even custom assistance whenever things don’t go our way. We are owed that and so we expect it. But the gospel says something very different. We are not owed anything; every good gift is graciously given by the LORD. Culture says, “I deserve.” Christ teaches us to say, “I receive what I don’t deserve.” We are always getting better than we deserve, even when life is full of difficulties and we feel like we deserve better. 

If we at High Pointe are going to live as citizens of Jesus’ kingdom in this cultural moment, we will need counter habits that push against our natural instincts. So far, we have considered three:

  1. Being willing to talk about awkward subjects.

  2. Being intentional about encouraging others.

  3. Beginning our day with prayer and Scripture. 

Today, we add another: practice gratitude instead of entitlement.

This week, pay attention to how you respond when life does not go your way.  Do you complain, compare, or demand? Do you indulge sinful desires? Or do you pause and remember that even your hardest moments are met by a God who gives good gifts? James 1:17 reminds us that “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.”  

Here are a few simple ways to practice this counter habit:

  • Trade complaints for gratitude.Pray: “Lord, I recognize this feeling. I’m feeling you owe me something better. Forgive my entitlement. Correct my thinking and make me grateful.”

  • Count gifts, not grievances. Pause each day and thank God for Christ, your living hope, and for three specific gifts. Evening meal time would be a great time for this.

  • Serve quietly. No spotlight needed. Plan and act to serve someone today in a hidden way. Then actually do it.

When we remember that everything we have is a gift, gratitude grows and entitlement weakens. And that is a counter-cultural way to live under the good rule of Jesus. Let’s help each other be grateful people who remain amazed that God would give us Christ rather than what we actually deserve!

Resources

Opportunities to Serve

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

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

Volunteering in the Children’s Ministry | Current Openings

*Sunday morning nursery, serving once every 5 Sundays, has two openings in the Toddler Room, two openings in the Pre-K class, and 4 openings in the baby room.

*KidsPointe, serving one Sunday per month, has two openings for small group helpers.

Volunteering in the children’s ministry is a great way to know others at High Pointe and to serve parents. Reach out the Erin Wyman for specific details and to get started on our child protecting screening steps.

Life at High Pointe

Want to know what’s happening at High Pointe?Check out our weekly announcements and upcoming events to stay informed and connected with the life of our church! 

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:   

  • August 9 | New Series: 2 Peter 1:1-11 | Grace Gives Godliness | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • August 16 | 2 Peter 1:12-15 | Essential Pastoral Reminders | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • August 23 | 2 Peter 1:16-21 | Trustworthy Witness and Word | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • August 30 | Luke 18:18-30 | What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 6 | Luke 18:31-43 | The Joy of Spiritual Sight | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 13 | Luke 19:1-10 | Salvation and the Fruits of Repentance | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 20 | 2 Peter 2:1-10 | Don’t Be Deceived by False Teachers | Pastor Robert Cline  

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

Gospel Partner of the Month: 9Marks exists to help pastors, future pastors, and church members build healthy churches. To this end, 9Marks creates resources like books, podcasts, a quarterly journal, web courses, and more. They also host training events around the world. Their focus in everything is on nine marks of a healthy church—expositional preaching, gospel doctrine, conversion and evangelism, church membership, church discipline, discipleship and growth, church leadership, prayer, and missions. Why these nine? Because the Bible requires them, and, sadly, too many evangelical churches have neglected or assumed them.

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. 

Read More
Info High Pointe Info High Pointe

Start Your Day with Prayer and Scripture

From Pastor Robert

In Sunday’s Sermon, Austin Burns helped us rejoice in Jesus Christ as the “Yes” to all God’s promises and to pray accordingly. We also heard how Paul had been falsely accused by some in Corinth. Paul’s response throughout 2 Corinthians reminds us that Christ’s Kingdom is frequently at odds with the prevailing cultural norms and expectations. His kingdom often overturns the values our world celebrates. If we at High Pointe are going to live as citizens of that kingdom in our current cultural climate, we will need to embrace and practice counter habits that push against our natural instincts. We’ve considered two counter habits so far: 

  1. Being the person who’s willing to talk about subjects that feel awkward. 

  2. Being the person who plans for and actually encourages others. 

Today, I want us to consider yet another counter habit: 

3. Let your first words be a prayer and the first thing you read be God’s Word from Scripture.

This week, pay attention to how you wake up and what you do first thing in the morning. If you work a night shift, maybe it’s first thing in the afternoon! Studies suggest that most people reach for their smart phone as the first move after awakening, even before they get out of bed. Too often these invisible patterns do not serve us well.  

What if you first gave thanks to God for another day and for a great Savior in Jesus and invited him to rule and reign over your day? What if you then read Scripture before scrolling, checking your messages or notifications? Even for just a minute or two. What if you began your day hearing from and speaking to your Creator who made you and who is with us in Christ through his Spirit?

The Bible doesn’t insist on this, but it does seem like a good counter habit for us to establish.  Our smart phones and our devices have a way of urgently insisting that we attend to them often and first. Unless we are intentional, these devices and the ever present algorithms steal our attention without asking our permission. It just happens, doesn’t it?

Why not invite King Jesus to rule and reign over our phones and devices and seek to be more intentional about where we direct our attention first thing in the morning?  

Being intentional about where we focus our attention and saying “No!” to our phones first thing in the morning will put us in the minority; it will be a counter cultural habit.  

Here are a few ways to begin to practice this counter habit:

  • Do not put your phone next to your bed and don’t read your phone while in bed.

  • Put a physical copy of God’s Word, a Bible on top of your phone so that when the alarm sounds, you are reminded to first give attention to God and His word.  

  • You might even create a simple notecard or note to put inside your Bible with a simple, short prayer to start each day.   

  • Short prayers like this: 

    • “Thank you LORD for another day. Help me walk through this day with joy and faithfulness as I seek to love you and love others well. Lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from all evil this day.” 

    • Or this: “Thank you LORD for another day. Help me walk through this day with joy and faithfulness as I seek to love you and love others well. Give me this day the daily bread I need. Remind me to be thankful.”

    • Or create your own simple Prayer To Start The Day where you pray a promise like Austin mentioned: “Lord Jesus, I’m weary today. Help me rely on your strength in my weakness.”

  • Then read God’s word: If you don’t know where to start, read one chapter in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John or read the Proverb that coincides with the date or the Psalms or the Scripture passage being preached upon at High Pointe. Or just follow your own reading plans.

Let’s practice it this week and watch how God is honored and see how we are changed when we first give him our attention as we start our days.

Opportunities to Serve

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

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

Volunteering in the Children’s Ministry | Current Openings

*Sunday morning nursery, serving once every 5 Sundays, has two openings in the Toddler Room, two openings in the Pre-K class, and 4 openings in the baby room.

*KidsPointe, serving one Sunday per month, has two openings for small group helpers.

Volunteering in the children’s ministry is a great way to know others at High Pointe and to serve parents. Reach out the Erin Wyman for specific details and to get started on our child protecting screening steps.

Life at High Pointe

Want to know what’s happening at High Pointe? Check out our weekly announcements and upcoming events to stay informed and connected with the life of our church! 

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:   

  • August 2 | Psalm 73 | Refuge: What Worship Does | Pastor Craig Horton 

  • August 9 | New Series: 2 Peter 1:1-11 | Grace Gives Godliness | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • August 16 | 2 Peter 1:12-15 | Essential Pastoral Reminders | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • August 23 | 2 Peter 1:16-21 | Trustworthy Witness and Word | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • August 30 | Luke 18:18-30 | What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 6 | Luke 18:31-43 | The Joy of Spiritual Sight | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 13 | Luke 19:1-10 | Salvation and the Fruits of Repentance | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 20 | 2 Peter 2:1-10 | Don’t Be Deceived by False Teachers | Pastor Robert Cline  

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

Gospel Partner of the Month: Reaching and Teaching International Ministries – B.M. Reaching & Teaching International Ministries (RTIM) seeks to advance the gospel by partnering with local churches as they send qualified missionaries to make mature disciples, establish healthy churches, and train local leaders around the world. You may know of RTIM because we sent the P family through this sending organization. This month, we want to highlight our support for B.M. B and his wife served for seven years as missionaries in Central Asia, working in evangelism, discipleship, and church planting. After returning to the US, B spent six years as a global trainer, traveling around the world to equip international church leaders for ministry. He desires to see the gospel spread and churches established among the nations of Central Asia. B is a graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife have three children. 

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. 

Read More
Info High Pointe Info High Pointe

Choosing Encouragement in an Age of Criticism

From Pastor Robert

Mark Cambranis reminded us during Sunday’s Sermon that we do not need to hide our weakness because God displays His power through it. John Thompson began by showing us that living under Jesus’ rule and reign is the truly blessed life, even though His kingdom often overturns the values our world celebrates. If we at High Pointe are going to live as citizens of that kingdom in our current cultural climate, we will need to embrace and practice counter habits that push against our natural instincts. Last week, I encouraged us to be willing to talk about subjects that feel awkward.

Today, I want us to consider another counter habit: learning to encourage others and speak words of blessing, even when it feels uncomfortable. It often seems easier to point out what is wrong than to name and celebrate what is good. Even offering sincere, face-to-face encouragement can feel awkward. We may worry our words will sound forced or insincere. Yet Scripture repeatedly calls us to build one another up and to speak grace-filled words that strengthen weary hearts.

This kind of encouragement requires intentionality. It means looking for evidence of God’s work in someone’s life and naming it. It means thanking others for quiet faithfulness and reminding one another of God’s promises. These simple acts can make us feel vulnerable. To say, “I see God’s grace in you,” or “Your faithfulness has encouraged me,” risks being misunderstood. But these words honor our Creator and can become turning points. Our encouraging words can be moments when someone hears, perhaps for the first time in a long time, that their life matters and that God is at work in them.

Here are a few ways to begin to practice this counter habit:

  • For all of us: Ask the Lord to bring one person to mind, then send a short note or message naming one way you see God’s kindness in their life and how it has encouraged you.  

  • For families: Take a few minutes during a meal to let each person share one affirmation or blessing for another family member. Keep it simple, genuine and specific.  

  • For our youth: Choose one friend this week and tell them something true and kind you appreciate about them. Connect the affirmation to how you see Jesus growing and changing them.

As we take small steps like these, choosing to speak encouragement instead of remaining silent, we will discover that speaking kind words can be habit forming. Encouragement can bring glory to God and strengthen others. Over time, what once felt awkward will become more natural, forming a counter habit that honors the Lord and builds up His people.

In the coming weeks, we will continue exploring practices like this. For now, begin with encouragement. Let’s practice it this week and watch how God uses our words.

Resources

Opportunities to Serve

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

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

Volunteering in the Children’s Ministry | Current Openings

*Sunday morning nursery, serving once every 5 Sundays, has two openings in the Toddler Room, two openings in the Pre-K class, and 4 openings in the baby room.

*KidsPointe, serving one Sunday per month, has two openings for small group helpers.

Volunteering in the children’s ministry is a great way to know others at High Pointe and to serve parents. Reach out the Erin Wyman for specific details and to get started on our child protecting screening steps.

Life at High Pointe

Want to know what’s happening at High Pointe? Check out our weekly announcements and upcoming events to stay informed and connected with the life of our church! 

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:   

  • July 26 | 2 Corinthians 1:12-24 | Precious Promises | Austin Burns 

  • August 2 | Psalm 73 | Refuge: What Worship Does | Pastor Craig Horton 

  • August 9 | New Series: 2 Peter 1:1-11 | Grace Gives Godliness | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • August 16 | 2 Peter 1:12-15 | Essential Pastoral Reminders | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • August 23 | 2 Peter 1:16-21 | Trustworthy Witness and Word | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • August 30 | Luke 18:18-30 | What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 6 | Luke 18:31-43 | The Joy of Spiritual Sight | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 13 | Luke 19:1-10 | Salvation and the Fruits of Repentance | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 20 | 2 Peter 2:1-10 | Don’t Be Deceived by False Teachers | Pastor Robert Cline  

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

Gospel Partner of the Month: Reaching and Teaching International Ministries – B.M. Reaching & Teaching International Ministries (RTIM) seeks to advance the gospel by partnering with local churches as they send qualified missionaries to make mature disciples, establish healthy churches, and train local leaders around the world. You may know of RTIM because we sent the P family through this sending organization. This month, we want to highlight our support for B.M. B and his wife served for seven years as missionaries in Central Asia, working in evangelism, discipleship, and church planting. After returning to the US, B spent six years as a global trainer, traveling around the world to equip international church leaders for ministry. He desires to see the gospel spread and churches established among the nations of Central Asia. B is a graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife have three children. 

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. 

Read More
Info High Pointe Info High Pointe

#Blessed Counter Habits

From Pastor Robert

On Sunday, John Thompson reminded us that living under Jesus’ rule and reign is the blessed, truly good life, but Jesus’ kingdom often turns the world’s values on their head. Sunday night I put it this way: if we at High Pointe are going to live as blessed subjects of Jesus’ kingdom in our current cultural climate, we will need to adopt and practice counter habits.

In this article, I simply want to begin that conversation. In the weeks ahead, we will gently explore some of these counter habits together. These practices may feel awkward or costly at first but we develop these habits by trusting Jesus and taking his Word seriously. I know that we don’t need another list of things to do; hear this as an invitation to us as a church family to consider how the Lord might reshape our everyday reflexes into blessed counter habits in light of his good kingdom.

One of the ways following Jesus runs against the grain of our culture is that we know that it can be #blessed to be the ones who talk about the “awkward stuff.” Most of us would rather avoid conversations about death, sin, our weaknesses, systemic evil, and relational hurt. Yet Scripture speaks honestly about all of these, and it does so for our good. “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” says Proverbs 27:6 and sometimes love means saying what is hard to say.  Speaking encouragement to others may feel awkward too, but that’s for next week! 

In fact, avoiding awkward topics is usually less loving than we might think. When we stay silent about what is broken, confused, or painful, we may spare ourselves an uncomfortable moment, but we also miss the chance for healing and change in our lives and in others. Awkward but honest, humble conversations can become turning points; places where a relationship begins to mend, a hidden burden is finally shared, or someone takes a first step toward hope in Christ. “Speaking the truth in love” is one of the ways the body of Christ grows up into Jesus (Ephesians 4:15, ESV). It’s one way to be #blessed in living under Christ’s rule. 

Here are a few action steps for our High Pointe family:

  • For any of us: ask one trusted friend a deeper question than usual… share a burden, a fear, a personal weakness or failure, a doubt, or a struggle you normally keep to yourself, and invite prayer and honest feedback. Then listen. 

  • For families: set aside a few minutes around the table or at bedtime to talk about something real; a hurt, a fear, a conflict; and practice listening, confessing, and forgiving in light of Jesus’ grace. End with prayer.

  • For our youth: choose one conversation where you resist the pressure to joke past the serious stuff; instead, speak kindly and truthfully about what is right, what is wrong, or where you need help.

  • For any of us: Sit quietly for 2-3 minutes and ask the LORD to show you if there is anyone whose forgiveness you need to ask. If so, plan to do that. Simply say this: I was wrong [to do, say, act this way], please forgive me.

As we keep taking small steps in this direction; learning to talk about what is awkward and hard, to confess when we’ve sinned against others, and to seek forgiveness where there has been real offense; we will find that Jesus is leading us into a #blessed life, even when it runs against the grain of our world.

In the next few weeks, we will take up some of these counter habits one by one and consider how the Lord might be inviting High Pointe to live more openly, more honestly, and more gently for his sake.

NOTE:I first read about counter habits in a book by Justin Earley.

Helpful Resources

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

Life at High Pointe

Want to know what’s happening at High Pointe? Check out our weekly announcements and upcoming events to stay informed and connected with the life of our church! 

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:   

  • July 19 | 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 | Strength in Weakness | Pastor Mark Cambranis 

  • July 26 | 2 Corinthians 1:12-24 | Precious Promises | Austin Burns 

  • August 2 | Psalm 73 | Refuge: What Worship Does | Pastor Craig Horton 

  • August 9 | New Series: 2 Peter 1:1-11 | Grace Gives Godliness | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • August 16 | 2 Peter 1:12-15 | Essential Pastoral Reminders | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • August 23 | 2 Peter 1:16-21 | Trustworthy Witness and Word | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • August 30 | Luke 18:18-30 | What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 6 | Luke 18:31-43 | The Joy of Spiritual Sight | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 13 | Luke 19:1-10 | Salvation and the Fruits of Repentance | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 20 | 2 Peter 2:1-10 | Don’t Be Deceived by False Teachers | Pastor Robert Cline  

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

Gospel Partner of the Month: Reaching and Teaching International Ministries – B.M. Reaching & Teaching International Ministries (RTIM) seeks to advance the gospel by partnering with local churches as they send qualified missionaries to make mature disciples, establish healthy churches, and train local leaders around the world. You may know of RTIM because we sent the P family through this sending organization. This month, we want to highlight our support for B.M. B and his wife served for seven years as missionaries in Central Asia, working in evangelism, discipleship, and church planting. After returning to the US, B spent six years as a global trainer, traveling around the world to equip international church leaders for ministry. He desires to see the gospel spread and churches established among the nations of Central Asia. B is a graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife have three children. 

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. 

Read More
Info High Pointe Info High Pointe

Rebels, Remnant, and Our Faithful God in Isaiah 65-66

From Pastor Robert

Isaiah 65–66 ends with both warning and hope. The One True God will judge rebellion, preserve his servants, gather the nations, and create a new heavens and new earth. With the final verse, Isaiah presses a question: Are we with the rebels or the repenting remnant? 

Sermon Summary

God answers his people’s anguished prayers not by excusing sin, but by exposing rebellion as the real problem (Isa. 65:1–7). Yet judgment is not his last word. God keeps his promises to Abraham not by overlooking covenant unfaithfulness, but by preserving a faithful remnant by grace and by extending his saving purpose to the nations (Isa. 65:8–10; 66:18–21). The Lord clearly distinguishes between those who reject his word and those who belong to him as his servants, and he promises a new creation, a comforted people, a missionary task, and a worldwide gathering of worshipers in the New Jerusalem (Isa. 65:11–25; 66:10–23).  

God’s Character 

God’s character shines clearly in Isaiah 65–66. He is holy and just, refusing to overlook idolatry, hypocrisy, and self-made religion (Isa. 65:3–7; 66:3–4, 15–17). He is patient and merciful, stretching out his hands to a rebellious people and preserving a remnant for his servants’ sake (Isa. 65:1–2, 8–10). He is tender toward the humble, looking with favor on the contrite who tremble at his word and promising comfort to his people like a mother comforts her child (Isa. 66:2, 13). He is the sovereign Creator and covenant-keeping God, able not only to judge and save, but to gather the nations and make a new heavens and new earth by his own power (Isa. 65:17–19; 66:18–23). 

Rebels vs Remnant

Isaiah draws a sharp distinction between two kinds of people. The contrast is moral, spiritual, and eternal. 

  • Rebels follow their own insights instead of God’s word (Isa. 65:2). They may appear religious, but their worship is proud, false, and self-directed—actually idolatry (Isa. 65:3–5; 66:3–4). 

  • They refuse to listen to God’s voice, choose what displeases him, and face judgment and shame (Isa. 65:12–15; 66:15–17, 24). 

  • The remnant are God’s servants, preserved by grace and not by their own strength (Isa. 65:8–10). 

  • The repenting remnant are those whom God preserves for his own name and promise. They are not marked by outward impressiveness, but by repentance and humble dependence on the Lord. 

  • They are humble, contrite, and marked by trembling at God’s word (Isa. 66:2). They wait on the Lord and will share in his joy, comfort, and future kingdom (Isa. 65:13–19; 66:10–14). 

Two peoples. Two paths. Two destinies. Isaiah invites us to be those who listen to God’s word and respond. 

This week…

  • Read Isaiah 65–66 this week and ask God to show you, “Where does my life show resistance to God’s word and clear teaching?” (Isa. 65:2; 66:2). Confess and then return to the LORD  

  • Turn away from any outward religious ritual that hides pride, self-rule, or unconfessed sin (Isa. 65:3–5; 66:3–4) and return to wholehearted devotion to Christ our King.  

  • Wait on the Lord with hope as you seek to love God and neighbor in all your life and work, trusting that he will keep his servants and bring them into the world to come (Isa. 65:8–9, 17–25; 66:22–23).  

Helpful Resources

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

Life at High Pointe

Want to know what’s happening at High Pointe? Check out our weekly announcements and upcoming events to stay informed and connected with the life of our church! 

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:   

  • July 12 | Matthew 5:1-12 | Kingdom Blessings | John Thompson

  • July 19 | 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 | Strength in Weakness | Pastor Mark Cambranis 

  • July 26 | 2 Corinthians 1:12-24 | Austin Burns 

  • August 2 | Psalm 73 | Refuge: What Worship Does | Pastor Craig Horton 

  • August 9 | New Series: 2 Peter 1:1-11 | Grace Gives Godliness | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • August 16 | 2 Peter 1:12-15 | Essential Pastoral Reminders | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • August 23 | 2 Peter 1:16-21 | Trustworthy Witness and Word | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • August 30 | Luke 18:18-30 | What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 6 | Luke 18:31-43 | The Joy of Spiritual Sight | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 13 | Luke 19:1-10 | Salvation and the Fruits of Repentance | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 20 | 2 Peter 2:1-10 | Don’t Be Deceived by False Teachers | Pastor Robert Cline  

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

Gospel Partner of the Month:Reaching and Teaching International Ministries – B.M. Reaching & Teaching International Ministries (RTIM) seeks to advance the gospel by partnering with local churches as they send qualified missionaries to make mature disciples, establish healthy churches, and train local leaders around the world.  You may know of RTIM because we sent the P family through this sending organization. This month, we want to highlight our support for B.M. B and his wife served for seven years as missionaries in Central Asia, working in evangelism, discipleship, and church planting. After returning to the US, B spent six years as a global trainer, traveling around the world to equip international church leaders for ministry. He desires to see the gospel spread and churches established among the nations of Central Asia. B is a graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife have three children. 

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. 

Read More
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While We Wait: The Prophetic Call to Hope-Filled Waiting

A Pastoral Reflection on Isaiah 63:7-64 and the Christian Life

From Pastor Robert

"From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides you, who acts for those who wait for him." — Isaiah 64:4 

Nobody likes to wait. 

We live in an age of instant everything: instant messages, instant answers, instant delivery to our front door. We switch lanes in traffic convinced the other one is moving faster. Waiting feels unproductive and uncomfortable. Most of us are not very good at it. 

And yet, the life of faith is fundamentally a life of waiting. 

From the first promise in the garden to the final cry of "Come, Lord Jesus" in Revelation, the people of God have always been a people who wait. Waiting is not a detour from the life of faith. It is the life of faith. The prophet Isaiah helps us understand this.  

Isaiah wrote to a people living in the ache of an unanswered prayer, longing for God to break through and make things right. He became what we might call the waiting prophet. And in Isaiah 64:4, he speaks a word that reframes everything: there is no God like this God, a God who is not passive while His people wait, but who is actively at work on their behalf. Your waiting is not wasted. There is a God in heaven who acts for those who wait for Him. 

 In Jesus Christ, we see this God coming down for those who were waiting for him. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, God did exactly what Isaiah had begged Him to do. He rent the heavens and came down. The Son of God stepped into human flesh, wept real tears, and carried human suffering on a Roman cross. When He breathed His last, the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom. Not from the bottom up, as if by human hands. From the top down. The God who acts for those who wait had acted in the most stunning and costly way imaginable. 

And yet here we are, two thousand years later, still waiting for his return. 

But we do not wait the way Isaiah's people waited. We wait on the other side of an empty tomb, with the Holy Spirit in and among us, knowing God has already acted and will act again. Theologians call this living between the times, in the already and the not yet. Sin has been defeated, but suffering remains. We are caught between the dawn that has come and the full sunrise still on its way. Isaiah 64:4 will not let us despair. The waiting is not empty. While we wait in hope, God who is working, preparing, and will come again.  

Waiting Actively and Hopefully 

Christian waiting is not passive resignation. It is alert, Spirit-filled expectancy rooted in the confidence that God acts for those who wait. Here are a few practical ways to wait well: 

  1. Begin every day with praise. Declare what God has already done of us in Christ!  Gratitude is a weapon against despair. 

  2. Pray honestly. Bring your real grief and longing before God. Lament is not a failure of faith. It is faith, refusing to go silent. 

  3. Wait together. Find a few others and lean into community, especially when the wait grows long. 

  4. Serve the people in front of you. Meet practical needs. Encourage the discouraged. Love one another. Point others to the Savior.  

  5. Saturate yourself in Scripture. God’s people learn to wait hopefully. Let His Word recalibrate your heart when waiting grows heavy. 

  6. Rest in God's promise. Isaiah 64:4 is your anchor. God is not watching your waiting from a distance. He is acting within it, ahead of it, and through it. 

We have seen a manger, a cross, and an empty tomb. No eye has seen all that God has prepared for those who wait for Him, but we have seen enough to trust Him with what remains. 

So, we wait, not in despair but in hope, not in silence but in praise, not alone but together.  

Helpful Resources:

How and How Not to Wait

Waiting on God

In The Wilderness of Waiting

Sanctification is Slow and AI Can’t Do It For You

A Different Kind of Influencer

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

Life at High Pointe

Want to know what’s happening at High Pointe? Check out our weekly announcements and upcoming events to stay informed and connected with the life of our church! 

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:   

  • July 5 | Isaiah 65-66 | Yahweh Answers: Judgment and the New Creation | Pastor Robert Cline

  • July 12 | Matthew 5:1-12 | Kingdom Blessings | John Thompson 

  • July 19 | 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 | Strength in Weakness | Pastor Mark Cambranis 

  • July 26 | 2 Corinthians 1:12-24 | Austin Burns 

  • August 2 | Psalm 73 | Refuge: What Worship Does | Pastor Craig Horton 

  • August 9 | New Series: 2 Peter 1:1-11 | Grace Gives Godliness | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • August 16 | 2 Peter 1:12-15 | Essential Pastoral Reminders | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • August 23 | 2 Peter 1:16-21 | Trustworthy Witness and Word | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • August 30 | Luke 18:18-30 | What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 6 | Luke 18:31-43 | The Joy of Spiritual Sight | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 13 | Luke 19:1-10 | Salvation and the Fruits of Repentance | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 20 | 2 Peter 2:1-10 | Don’t Be Deceived by False Teachers | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • September 27 | 2 Peter 2:11-22 | Beware! It Doesn’t End Well for Deceivers 

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

Gospel Partner of the Month: Reaching and Teaching International Ministries – B.M. Reaching & Teaching International Ministries (RTIM) seeks to advance the gospel by partnering with local churches as they send qualified missionaries to make mature disciples, establish healthy churches, and train local leaders around the world.

You may know of RTIM because we sent the P family through this sending organization. This month, we want to highlight our support for B.M. B and his wife served for seven years as missionaries in Central Asia, working in evangelism, discipleship, and church planting. After returning to the US, B spent six years as a global trainer, traveling around the world to equip international church leaders for ministry. He desires to see the gospel spread and churches established among the nations of Central Asia. B is a graduate of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife have three children. 

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. 

Read More
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What is a Sabbatical?

From Pastor Juan

It’s hard to believe that we’ve been doing ministry together for twenty-one years now. Shepherding High Pointe, alongside faithful elders, has been one of the greatest joys of my life. But as you likely know, even the things that bring us great joy are costly and tiring. The elders have graciously granted me a sabbatical during the months of July and August to allow me to take some time away with Jeanine for the purpose of rest and reflection in order to return to High Pointe refreshed and ready for the next season of ministry together. 

The word sabbatical comes from Sabbath, which simply means rest. We know rest is good because God rested on the seventh day after having created/worked the previous six. God blessed this seventh/Sabbath day and declared it holy (Genesis 2:2-3). The biblical idea of rest is connected with the thought that God invites us to join Him in His rest. We enter that rest now by faith (Hebrews 4:1-5), but we are looking for a final Sabbath when we will enter into eternal rest with God (Hebrews 4:6-11). 

The purpose of my sabbatical is primarily rest, though I will be working on a writing project here and there. During the month of July, Jeanine and I will travel throughout California, Oregon, and Washington, enjoying several national parks. Then, for the month of August, we will go to our usual place of rest – the beach in Florida. Please pray for our safe travels on the road, that we would be able to rest well, even in a tent, and that the Lord would continue to knit mine and Jeanine’s hearts together as we encourage one another with the word of God. 

Thank you, High Pointe! Thank you for your love for me and my family and your continual support and prayers. And thank you elders for this great gift. Our love for you is without bounds. Know Jeanine and I will miss you greatly. 

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 

  • Five Things to Pray for Your Pastor While He’s on a Sabbatical 

Life at High Pointe  

Want to know what’s happening at High Pointe? Check out our weekly announcements and upcoming events to stay informed and connected with the life of our church! 

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:   

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

  • July 5 | Isaiah 65-66 | Yahweh Answers: Judgment and the New Creation | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • July 12 | Matthew 5:1-12 | Kingdom Blessings | John Thompson 

  • July 19 | 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 | Strength in Weakness | Pastor Mark Cambranis 

  • July 26 | 2 Corinthians 1:12-24 | Austin Burns 

  • August 2 | Psalm 73 | Refuge: What Worship Does | Pastor Craig Horton 

  • August 9 | New Series: 2 Peter 1:1-11 | Grace Gives Godliness | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • August 16 | 2 Peter 1:12-15 | Essential Pastoral Reminders | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • August 23 | 2 Peter 1:16-21 | Trustworthy Witness and Word | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • August 30 | Luke 18:18-30 | What Must I Do to Inherit Eternal Life? | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 6 | Luke 18:31-43 | The Joy of Spiritual Sight | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 13 | Luke 19:1-10 | Salvation and the Fruits of Repentance | Pastor Juan Sanchez 

  • September 20 | 2 Peter 2:1-10 | Don’t Be Deceived by False Teachers | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • September 27 | 2 Peter 2:11-22 | Beware! It Doesn’t End Well for Deceivers 

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

Gospel Partner of the Month: North Africa – Team Expansion We are privileged to partner with the K family in North Africa. For 15 years, the Ks have been reaching unbelievers in a predominantly Muslim country (99%). And yet, the body of Christ is growing in that nation.  

Some ways you may be praying: 1. Pray for a healthy, fruitful church led by godly, growing, local leaders. 2. Pray for these believers/leaders, especially as they face unique opportunities and challenges. 3. Pray for the K family – for a Jesus-centered home and joyful hearts. 4. Pray for the K family’s financial provision. 

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. 

Read More
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The Good. The Bad. The Justified.

From Pastor Juan

“Suppose you were to die today and stand before God and he were to say to you, ‘Why should I let you into my heaven?’ what would you say?” 

How would you answer that question. What is the basis of God accepting you into heaven? In the parable, Jesus exposes the most common answer – “You must be a good person.” This is the answer that the major religions of the world offer. But Jesus reveals that for those who hold that view, there will be a shocking reversal on the last day. God justifies the ungodly who humbly rely on God’s mercy instead of proudly relying on their own righteousness.

The Good. The good is the “morally upright person.” The person who relies on himself. How do you know you’re relying on self? You make much of yourself, and you look down on others (v.9). In other words, self-righteousness leads to self-exaltation. Self-righteousness is deceptive, and it is damning.  

The Bad. The point is not that God accepts bad people over good people. The point is that we’re all bade and deserve God’s judgment. The question is, “Do you recognize that you are bad or are you too busy judging others? If we’re to have any hope, we must recognize our unrighteousness and humble ourselves. 

The Justified. What does it look like to humble ourselves before God? 

1. Stop trying to tell God all the reasons he should accept you. 

  • When you pray, are you telling God who you are and what you’ve done? 

  • Do you recount everything you’ve done as if to win God’s favor? 

  • Do you attend, serve, give in order to impress God? 

  • These are all signs you are relying on your own righteousness. 

2. Admit you are unrighteous and that your sin is first and foremost against a holy God. 

  • This is hard to do because most of us want to think we’re good people. 

  • True sorrow over sin leads to repentance – a desire to make things right. 

3. Rely on God’s mercy for forgiveness. 

  • The tax collector cried out for God to atone for his sins. 

  • Our sins are forgiven because Jesus, the only good one, received God’s judgment on the cross in our place. 

God justifies the ungodly who humbly rely on God’s mercy instead of proudly relying on their own righteousness. Are you relying on Christ alone for your justification or self? Humble yourself and turn away from self and turn to Christ. Rely on God’s mercy. Everyone who humbles himself will be exalted. 

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

Life at High Pointe

No Life Classes over the Summer – Join a Summer Reading Group This summer, we are encouraging members of High Pointe to read and discuss books that are spiritually edifying. We have both men’s, women’s groups, and coed groups. To find out more about a group, go to the church app or contact 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:   

  • 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 

  • July 5 | Isaiah 65-66 | Yahweh Answers: Judgment and the New Creation | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • July 12 | Matthew 5:1-12 | Kingdom Blessings | John Thompson 

  • July 19 | 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 | Strength in Weakness | Pastor Mark Cambranis 

  • July 26 | 2 Corinthians 1:12-24 | Austin Burns 

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

Gospel Partner of the Month: North Africa – Team Expansion We are privileged to partner with the K family in North Africa. For 15 years, the Ks have been reaching unbelievers in a predominantly Muslim country (99%). And yet, the body of Christ is growing in that nation.  

Some ways you may be praying: 1. Pray for a healthy, fruitful church led by godly, growing, local leaders. 2. Pray for these believers/leaders, especially as they face unique opportunities and challenges. 3. Pray for the K family – for a Jesus-centered home and joyful hearts. 4. Pray for the K family’s financial provision. 

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. 

Read More
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Persistent Prayer

From Pastor Juan

As Christians living in a broken, unjust world, suffering is inevitable and so is being wronged. And if you’ve ever been wronged or faced injustice, then you know something about waiting for vindication. Maybe you’re facing some difficulty just because you’re a Christian – being disrespected by an unbelieving spouse, being discriminated against at work or school just because you call yourself a Christian, or maybe you lose your job or a relationship because of your Christian convictions. Jesus reminded his disciples that this life may get so bad that they would desire the days of the Son of Man (Luke 17:22). How are we to endure suffering and wrong as we await the return of Jesus when we will once and for all receive our vindication? 

We endure suffering by a faith that persistently longs for the return of Christ and our vindication. More specifically, with this perspective in view, Jesus reminds us that we endure through persistent prayer. When life gets bad, Jesus says, we “ought to always pray and not lose heart” (18:1). To make his point, Jesus shares a parable about a godless, unrighteous judge. If he gave justice to the powerless widow who refused to give up, “Will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night” (18:7)? 

When we fail to believe God to be God, and are unwilling to wait on the Lord, we will try to take matters into our own hands and exact our own vengeance instead of going to the Lord in prayer. Jesus reminds us that there is a better way – persistent prayer. What justice do you need from God? Run to him first. Be honest like Job or Habakkuk. Ask God to help you in the moment like Nehemiah. When you don’t have words to pray, ask the Spirit to give you the words like Paul says. Invite others to pray with you and for you. Join others in praying for them. Gather with the church when we pray. 

We are longing for our final vindication when Christ returns and rights all wrongs. Until then, we endure TODAY by a faith that persists in prayer, longing for the day of our vindication at the return of Christ. We cry day and night, “How long, O Lord?” And the answer comes back, “Wait just a little while longer.”  

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 

Life at High Pointe  

No Life Classes over the Summer – Join a Summer Reading Group This summer, we are encouraging members of High Pointe to read and discuss books that are spiritually edifying. We have both men’s, women’s groups, and coed groups. To find out more about a group, go to the church app or contact Austin Burns (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:   

  • June 14 | Luke 18:9-14 | The One Who Humbles Himself will be Exalted | 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 

  • July 5 | Isaiah 65-66 | Yahweh Answers: Judgment and the New Creation | Pastor Robert Cline 

  • July 12 | Matthew 5:1-12 | Kingdom Blessings | John Thompson 

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

Gospel Partner of the Month: North Africa – Team Expansion We are privileged to partner with the K family in North Africa. For 15 years, the Ks have been reaching unbelievers in a predominantly Muslim country (99%). And yet, the body of Christ is growing in that nation.  

Some ways you may be praying: 1. Pray for a healthy, fruitful church led by godly, growing, local leaders. 2. Pray for these believers/leaders, especially as they face unique opportunities and challenges. 3. Pray for the K family – for a Jesus-centered home and joyful hearts. 4. Pray for the K family’s financial provision. 

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. 

Read More
Info High Pointe Info High Pointe

The Restoring Love of God in Christ

From Pastor Robert

Isaiah 61 shows us the heart of God in Christ. He delights to reverse the fortunes of weak, broken, and sinful people. He comes near to those who are weary, ashamed, grieving, and burdened, bringing good news to the poor, binding up the brokenhearted, and comforting those who mourn. He gives beauty for ashes, joy for mourning, and praise in place of despair. 

The LORD loves to restore ruins and make friends of His enemies. 

That means we do not have to hide our needs from Him. 

Too often, we think of the Christian life mainly in terms of duty, effort, and pressure. But when obedience is separated from the love of God, it begins to feel heavy. Isaiah 61 reminds us that the One who calls us is also the One who comforts us. The One who sends us is the One who first restores us. Jesus has already loved God and neighbor perfectly for us and in our place. His love is not a reward for obedience. His love is the very power that fuels it. 

When the love of God in Christ truly settles into our hearts, obedience becomes a glad response to mercy rather than an added burden to carry. We forgive because we have been forgiven. We serve because we have been loved. We move toward others because Christ first moved toward us. We know our weakness, and we ask Jesus to give us His strength and love. 

And as He restores us, He sends us. The comfort we receive from Jesus becomes the comfort we offer to others. The hope He gives us becomes the hope we carry into weary places. The restored are sent to rebuild the ruins, loving God and others in union with Christ. 

So, bring your burdens and hurts afresh to Christ today. Rest in His love. 

  1. Ask Jesus to open your eyes to a discouraged believer, a hurting friend, or a lonely neighbor who needs His hope through you. 

  2. Ask Jesus to direct you to people He places in your path who are different from you in many ways, but who need you to show and tell them the good news. 

In His love, Jesus still restores His people, and He still sends His people, going with them in love for the lost even to the ends of the earth. 

Rest in the love of Christ this week as you live as His wholehearted follower to the glory of God. 

Helpful Links

When the unreached people move into your neighborhood

Is it wrong to see Jesus in the Old Testament?

Preach the gospel to yourself

Be a living example of God’s Love

The little weeds

Life at High Pointe 

Men’s Pickleball Event: Men, join us for a great time of fellowship, fun, and pickleball at Pickleland in Plfugerville from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. Bring $5 to play!

Ladies’ Tea Party: Join us for a lovely Ladies’ Tea Party at church in the fellowship hall from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Enjoy an afternoon of fellowship, laughter, tea, sweet treats, and meaningful conversation. Tickets are $8 per person and include food and drinks. Space is limited to 35 ladies, so sign up today! Click here to register.

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:   

  • 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. 

Read More
Info High Pointe Info High Pointe

VBS Emerald Crossing 2026

From Pastor Robert  

Don’t forget to invite neighbors and relatives to our Emerald Crossing Vacation Bible School, this week May 31–June 3, 6–8 p.m., with a special Wednesday Family Night for all ages. There will be engaging groups for children and adults, in both English and Spanish. 

Kids will “travel” across a playful Irish landscape—through quiet valleys, beside “still waters,” and over “emerald” hills—as they unpack each phrase of Psalm 23 in ways they can see, feel, and remember. Each day will highlight a rich truth: the Lord provides, the Lord protects, the Lord is with us, the Lord leads us home. 

Through fun Bible stories, lively music with a Celtic flair, creative crafts (like “sheep” and “staff” projects), and high‑energy games inspired by Irish countryside life, children will learn about Jesus, the Good Shepherd who knows their name, calms their fears, and guides their steps. Wednesday night will be a family night with games and food for all. You won’t want to miss the drama and skits.    

Helpful Links  

Head Knowledge Isn’t Enough 

Discipling Younger Men 

Rushing Our Quiet Times 

Don’t let the Darkness Get You Down (song) Short Facebook Video  

Life at High Pointe  

Combined Life Class – Baptist 101: This Sunday is the final week of our Life Class for adults, students, and children, meeting in the Old Choir Room. Throughout this class, we have been exploring why HPBC is a Baptist church and why that matters for our worship, leadership, membership, discipleship, and life together as the body. Come ready to learn, ask questions, and deepen your engagement in the life of our church family.  

Emerald Crossing VBS 2026: May 31-June 3 from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Registration is NOW open! Please register for the area where you are willing to volunteer and contribute (for example, snacks and decorating donations). You can also register children, students, and adults for VBS classes. It’s not too late to tell your friends so they can mark their calendars for this year’s VBS! 

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 31 | Isaiah 61:1-11 |The Servant Brings Freedom and Joy | 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. 

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What Will Christ’s Return Be Like? 

When it comes to the last day, that is, the day of Jesus’s return, there is much confusion, deception, and madness. Many are confused as to what the Bible teaches in light of current events taking place in the world today. The Bible warns us that false messiahs who will deceive people leading them to say, “look here or there.” And some Christians obsess over end times to the degree that it is all they think about. 

What is the CURE for the “Last Days Confusion, Deception, and Madness”?  The ANSWER: The simple, clear teaching of Jesus about the last day. In Luke 17:20-27, Jesus teaches his disciples about the day of his return. First, he responds to the Pharisee’s question in vv.20-21. Then, he turns his attention to teaching his disciples. On Sunday, I gave us three sets of words that will help us understand the day of Jesus’s return so that we won’t be confused, deceived, or distraught. As to the Day of Jesus’s return…  

  1. It will be VISIBLE and UNDENIABLE (17:22-25) | Everyone will see it. So, don’t be confused or deceived. 

  2. It will be SUDDEN and SURPRISING (17:26-33) | So, be ready and hold on loosely to the things of this world. 

  3. It will be a day of SALVATION and JUDGMENT (17:34-37) | That Day will result in a great separation! Jesus will welcome all who turned away from the kingdoms of this world and bowed down to King Jesus, and will cast out into judgment all who reject him. 

So, imagine that day. Will you be welcomed or cast out? Unbeliever, come now and fall at King Jesus’s feet. Christian, long for and pray for the return of Christ. That is the day we will see our salvation! 

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

Life at High Pointe

New Joint Life Class: We are offering a joint Life Class from May 17th - May 31st on learning what it means to be a Baptist – Baptist 101. 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.

Emerald Crossing VBS 2026: May 31-June 3 from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. Registration is NOW open! Please register for the area where you are willing to volunteer and or contribute (for example, snacks and decorating donations). You can also register children, students, and adults for VBS classes. It’s not too late to tell your friends so they can mark their calendars for this year’s VBS!

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 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. 

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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

  • Book Recommendations on Thankfulness: 

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. 

Read More