Will Only a Few be Saved?
Have you ever missed a flight because you were running late, and the flight crew closed the door to the plane? Once that door is closed, they are not allowed to open it. Jeanine and I saw this happen to someone during our recent trip to Canada. It’s an awful feeling.
Jesus reminds us of another door that will be shut, and it will catch many by surprise. While many in this world think that the door to heaven is wide (“all doors lead to God”), Jesus reminds us that it is a narrow door. Jesus is the ONLY way to God. No one comes to the Father except through him. And to enter through that narrow door, you must repent of your sins and receive him as King and Lord. So, Jesus commands, “Strive to enter through the narrow door” (Luke 11:24). When Jesus returns the door will be shut and no one will be able to enter (Luke 11:24-30).
We don’t enter by our own works. To “strive” means wholehearted faith-fueled action, as opposed to half-hearted effort. No one is automatically IN. Everyone must make every effort by faith to enter in. So, the question is, in what or whom are you trusting for salvation? What door are you trying to enter in through? Whoever does not enter in by the narrow door of Jesus will be excluded from the kingdom on the last day (11:31-35). So, strive to enter through the narrow door before it closes.
It’s one thing to miss a flight because they close the door. You can always catch another flight. It’s another thing to miss the kingdom because you waited around to enter in. The door is open now to all who would enter. So, enter by faith through Jesus.
And for those who have entered, tell others while the door is still open. Invite them to enter in. The good news is that while the kingdom starts small, it will grow to a multitude that no one will be able to count.
Opportunities to Serve
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE)
Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings. Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org.
God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom.
Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support. Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.
Resources of the Week
Evangelism: Sharing the Good News – a 9Marks E-Journal (full of helpful articles)
The Sovereignty of God and Evangelism – by Paul Helm
Life at High Pointe
Spring Life Classes | Resume January 25
Life Classes are meant to equip High Pointe for life as a Christian. Our spring classes are from January 25th - May 24th. Click here to see which Life Classes will be offered!
Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:
March 1 | Luke 14:1-24 | Dining with Jesus | Pastor Juan Sanchez
March 8 | Luke 14:25-35 | The Cost of Following Jesus | Pastor Juan Sanchez
March 15 | Isaiah 50:4-11 | The Willing and Suffering Servant Christ | Pastor Robert Cline
March 22 | Luke 15:1-32 | Lost and Found | Pastor Juan Sanchez
March 29 | Luke 16:1-17 | You Cannot Love God and Money | Pastor Juan Sanchez
April 5 | EASTER | Luke 16:19-31 | The Rich Man and Lazarus | Pastor Juan Sanchez
April 12 | Luke 16:18 | What the Bible says about Divorce and Remarriage | Pastor Juan Sanchez
April 19 | Isaiah 53 | The Atoning Servant Who Suffers and Rises Again | Pastor Robert Cline
April 26 | Isaiah 59:14-21 | The Only Feasible Option: Yahweh Himself will Accomplish It | Pastor Robert Cline
May 3 | Luke 17:1-10 | Our Life Together | Pastor Juan Sanchez
May 10 | Luke 17:11-19 | A Thankful Heart | Pastor Juan Sanchez
May 17 | Luke 17:20-37 | When Will the Kingdom Come? | Pastor Juan Sanchez
May 24 | Isaiah 60 | Light and Glory in the Risen City | Pastor Robert Cline
May 31 | Isaiah 61:1-11 | Spirit Filled Servant Brings Jubilee Freedom | Pastor Robert Cline
Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Gospel Partner of the Month: Our Work in Cuba
1. Predica Fiel
In our approach to missions at High Pointe, we not only seek to send our best, but we also want to equip and encourage those who are already serving in the field. One of the ways to do that is to provide training for national pastors and missionaries. Predica Fiel is a training ministry that equips pastors, missionaries, and church leaders in expositional teaching and preaching. They provide training workshops throughout the island of Cuba and the Spanish-speaking world.
Please pray that the Lord will give them favor and fruitfulness in their work. Pray that the Lord would grant them continued opportunities to train pastors, missionaries, and teachers. And pray that the Lord would provide all the resources they need to do their work.
2. First Baptist Church & Seminary, Santa Clara, Cuba
High Pointe established a partnership with FBC Santa Clara in the 1990s. In fact, the Lord allowed High Pointe to have a significant role in helping the church start a seminary to raise uppastors and seminaries.
Pray that the Lord would provide all the seminary needs to train pastors and missionaries.
On-Call Pastor
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1.
