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
The Unjust Judge – A sermon by R. C. Sproul
How Do I Persist in Prayer – Ask Pastor John (Piper)
On the Use and Importance of Corporate Prayer – Mark Dever
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.
