Let the Nations be Glad
Pastor Robert Cline
As we looked at Isaiah 49 this past Sunday, we remembered that the Bible story is also our story, and that we read the Bible forwards and backwards. When we read the Old Testament, we look and read ahead to how the apostles were instructed by Jesus himself to understand the Law and the Prophets and the Writings. When we read the New Testament, we look back to understand the references to Old Testament signals and shadows pointing forward to Christ, who is the center of the Scriptures.
This is what Paul and Barnabas did in Acts 13:47. When Paul and Barnabas faced fierce opposition in Pisidian Antioch from the Jews, they quoted Isaiah 49:6 directly: I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth."
Do you see how they applied the mission of the Servant King Jesus to the church? Paul and Barnabas understood themselves, and the Antioch church that sent them, as a community of servants extending the Servant’s mission to announce the gospel of God's light to every nation.
When Paul and Barnabas applied this text to their missionary work, they were saying, "We share in the Servant's mission." They weren't claiming to BE the Servant, but rather to be his faithful witnesses. In union with Christ the King, the church participates in his global work of sharing the light of the gospel with all peoples.
Acts 13:1–3 shows a diverse, Spirit-led congregation—prophets and teachers from multiple backgrounds, fasting and praying together who sent out Paul and Barnabas as lights to the nations pointing others to forgiveness and salvation in Christ and starting churches around Asia Minor.
High Pointe, we also are servant witnesses sent into our neighborhoods, workplaces, and world to shine the light of the gospel. Like the Antioch church, we pray, send, go, and support those who carry the message to distant places.
LORD, show us the nations right here in Austin. Father, raise up laborers for the harvest around the world. May your Holy Spirit give us boldness, ability and opportunity this week to shine the light of Christ.
Opportunities to Serve
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE)
Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings. Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org.
God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom.
Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support. Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.
Resources of the Week
Life at High Pointe
Spring Life Classes | Resume January 25
Life Classes are meant to equip High Pointe for life as a Christian. Spring Life Classes will resume January 25. Click here to see which Life Classes will be offered!
High Pointe/9Marks Weekender for Pastors, Church Leaders, and Seminarians | February 19-22
At our weekender, we will host over 90 participants (pastors, church leaders, seminary students). The goal of the weekender is to join us and observe an elders’ meeting, talk about church health, and participate in a worship gathering and members’ meeting. Our aim is to model church health and encourage other churches.
Please pray for those 90+ participants as they prepare to join us, and pray that it would be a fruitful time of encouragement. If you are interested in volunteering, reach out to Austin Burns at austin@highpointeaustin.org.
Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:
February 22 | Luke 13:10-35 | Will Only a Few be Saved? | Pastor Juan Sanchez
March 1 | Luke 14:1-24 | Dining with Jesus | Pastor Juan Sanchez
March 8 | Luke 14:25-35 | The Cost of Following Jesus | Pastor Juan Sanchez
March 15 | Isaiah 50:4-11 | The Willing and Suffering Servant Christ | Pastor Robert Cline
March 22 | Luke 15:1-32 | Lost and Found | Pastor Juan Sanchez
March 29 | Luke 16:1-17 | You Cannot Love God and Money | Pastor Juan Sanchez
April 5 | EASTER | Luke 16:19-31 | The Rich Man and Lazarus | Pastor Juan Sanchez
Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Gospel Partner of the Month: The International Mission Board of the SBC
The International Mission Board (IMB) exists to serve Southern Baptists in carrying out the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations.
With almost 47,000 churches cooperating to send missionaries through the IMB, we can support over 3,500 missionaries full-time in the international mission field. Take some time to work through the IMB website to learn more about how your regular giving through High Pointe is supporting Great Commission work worldwide.
On-Call Pastor
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1.
