Dining With Jesus
In Luke 14:1-24, Jesus was dining with the Pharisees, and while they were watching him (as to accuse him), he was watching them as to rebuke them. They like to grab the best seats so they may be made much of, and they like to invite people to meals who could repay them. But Jesus warns, those who exalt themselves will be humbled (Luke 14:11), and those who welcome those who cannot repay will be repaid on the last day (Luke 14:14).
In that light, we encouraged one another to honor and serve those who cannot benefit us. Following Jesus’ example, who humbled himself to become a servant (Philippians 2:5:1-11), so also, we ought to serve those who cannot repay us. Of course, we are to begin in the household of God, opening our lives and our homes to one another. But let’s not stop there. Let’s also consider how to express the love and compassion of Christ to those who are needy in our city. In an effort to encourage us to do that, here is a list of possible faith-based non-profits that you may want to research and get involved with:
Christian Poverty and Homelessness ministries
Mission Possible Austin – Christian ministry serving the urban poor with outreach to the homeless, addiction recovery support, and programs for at‑risk children and families in East Austin.
Baptist Community Center Mission – Ministry of Austin Baptist Association providing food, clothing, and assistance to low‑income families and seniors in East Austin.
Foundation for the Homeless – Faith‑based organization coordinating shelter, housing placement, and support for families experiencing homelessness.
Casa Marianella – Christian hospitality ministry offering shelter, food, and legal/settlement support for refugees, asylum seekers, and homeless immigrants.
The Other Ones Foundation / Esperanza Community – Nonprofit with Christian roots serving people experiencing homelessness through dignified work opportunities, basic services, and a transitional shelter community.
Hunger and food ministries (Christian / church‑based)
Austin Baptist Chapel – Angel House Soup Kitchen – Church‑based daily soup kitchen feeding people who are hungry, many of whom are homeless or working poor.
Hope Food Pantry Austin – Pantry operating from a church campus, providing free groceries to low‑income individuals and families in Central Austin.
Under‑resourced children and families (faith‑based)
Manos de Cristo – Christian nonprofit offering low‑cost dental care, a food pantry, education programs, and back‑to‑school supplies for low‑income families and children.
LifeWorks – Community nonprofit (not all explicitly Christian in branding) with programs for youth experiencing homelessness, foster care transition, and at‑risk families; collaborates with local churches and faith partners.
Miracle Foundation – Austin‑based nonprofit with Christian origins working to support vulnerable children and orphans (primarily internationally) through family‑based care and education.
Larger regional organizations with strong church partnerships
(These are not all explicitly “Christian” in branding but are widely supported by churches and used by congregations for mercy ministry.)
Central Texas Food Bank – Regional food bank supplying many church pantries and mobile food distributions serving low‑income families and children.
Meals on Wheels Central Texas – Delivers meals to low‑income seniors and adults with disabilities; many volunteers and referring partners are local churches.
NOTE: This is not an officially approved list of non-profit services. Be sure to do your research and participate wisely.
We encourage members who are interested in mercy ministry and coordinating those ministries at High Pointe to let us know.
Opportunities to Serve
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE)
Volunteering in nursery or children’s ministry is a great way to get to know others at High Pointe and to serve our parents on Sunday mornings and other church gatherings. Reach out to Erin at erin@highpointeaustin.org.
God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents, and at High Pointe, we believe serving is how we use those gifts to bless others and advance His kingdom.
Whether you have 30 minutes a week or several hours, there's a place for you to serve in our children's ministry, as greeters, with the hospitality team, media/tech support, building and grounds, safety, community outreach efforts, and through administrative support. Reach out to find out more today: info@highpointeaustin.org.
Resources of the Week
Thinking Through Your Church’s Mercy Ministry – Kevin De Young
Evangelism is Mercy Ministry – Elliot Clark
Obligations, Stewardship, and the Poor – Kevin De Young
Life at High Pointe
Spring Life Classes
Life Classes are meant to equip High Pointe for life as a Christian. Our spring classes are from January 25th - May 24th. Click here to see which Life Classes will be offered!
Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:
March 8 | Luke 14:25-35 | Wholehearted Devotion | Pastor Juan Sanchez
March 15 | Isaiah 50:4-11 | The Willing and Suffering Servant Christ | Pastor Robert Cline
March 22 | Luke 15:1-32 | Lost and Found | Pastor Juan Sanchez
March 29 | Luke 16:1-17 | You Cannot Love God and Money | Pastor Juan Sanchez
April 5 | EASTER | Luke 16:19-31 | The Rich Man and Lazarus | Pastor Juan Sanchez
April 12 | Luke 16:18 | What the Bible says about Divorce and Remarriage | Pastor Juan Sanchez
April 19 | Isaiah 53 | The Atoning Servant Who Suffers and Rises Again | Pastor Robert Cline
April 26 | Isaiah 59:14-21 | The Only Feasible Option: Yahweh Himself will Accomplish It | Pastor Robert Cline
May 3 | Luke 17:1-10 | Our Life Together | Pastor Juan Sanchez
May 10 | Luke 17:11-19 | A Thankful Heart | Pastor Juan Sanchez
May 17 | Luke 17:20-37 | When Will the Kingdom Come? | Pastor Juan Sanchez
May 24 | Isaiah 60 | Light and Glory in the Risen City | Pastor Robert Cline
May 31 | Isaiah 61:1-11 | Spirit Filled Servant Brings Jubilee Freedom | Pastor Robert Cline
Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Gospel Partner of the Month: Our Work in Cuba
1. Predica Fiel
In our approach to missions at High Pointe, we not only seek to send our best, but we also want to equip and encourage those who are already serving in the field. One of the ways to do that is to provide training for national pastors and missionaries. Predica Fiel is a training ministry that equips pastors, missionaries, and church leaders in expositional teaching and preaching. They provide training workshops throughout the island of Cuba and the Spanish-speaking world.
Please pray that the Lord will give them favor and fruitfulness in their work. Pray that the Lord would grant them continued opportunities to train pastors, missionaries, and teachers. And pray that the Lord would provide all the resources they need to do their work.
2. First Baptist Church & Seminary, Santa Clara, Cuba
High Pointe established a partnership with FBC Santa Clara in the 1990s. In fact, the Lord allowed High Pointe to have a significant role in helping the church start a seminary to raise uppastors and seminaries.
Pray that the Lord would provide all the seminary needs to train pastors and missionaries.
On-Call Pastor
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1.
