The Rejected Stone Has Become the Cornerstone
From Pastor Juan
If someone asked you, “Why did Jesus die?”, how would you answer? You’d likely give the theological answer - “Jesus died to pay the penalty for sin,” and you’d be right. But there is another way to answer the question – the human and historical answer. That’s the answer Luke gives us in chapter 19:45-20:19. Jesus died because the religious leaders were so threatened by Jesus’s authority that they conspired to kill him. Jewish rejection of Jesus was tragic. It led Jesus to weep over Jerusalem.
But in the parable of the wicked servants, Jesus also reminds the Jewish authorities that their rejection of him did not overturn God’s saving plan in him. “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (Luke 20:27). That is, Jesus, the beloved Son, is God’s chosen stone that is the foundation of the new, end-time temple that God is building. Isn’t it both amazing and reassuring that God’s plan to save humanity was advanced through the rejection of the Jewish religious leaders. Jesus died to bring about our salvation through Jewish rejection for the glory of God and the joy of all peoples.
The question Jesus raises in Luke 20:9-19 is, “How will you respond to him, the cornerstone?” All who receive Jesus are like living stones being built up as a temple on the foundation (1 Peter 2:4-6). But all who reject Jesus and rebel against his rule will be crushed under his judgment (Luke 20:18; 1 Peter 2:7-8).
Reflection: Read Luke 20:9-19, Meditate on the Passage, Respond Below
How does it encourage you knowing that no matter what evil happens in this world or in your life, nothing can overturn God’s plan to save? That nothing can overturn God’s plan to save you?
Spend time this week reflecting on God’s sovereign saving plan and marvel at God’s strange providence. Glory in his salvation. Praise his holy name.
Finally, share the story of God’s amazing salvation with someone else this week.
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:
November 1 | Luke 20:19-21:4 | Questioning Jesus | Pastor Juan Sanchez
November 8 | Luke 21:5-38 | The Destruction of the Temple | Pastor Juan Sanchez
November 15 | Luke 21:39-65 | The Last Supper Jesus on Trial | Pastor Juan Sanchez
November 22 | Miguel Núñez
November 29 | Luke 22:66-23:25 | Jesus on Trial | Pastor Juan Sanchez
December 6 | Luke 23:26-56 | Jesus Crucified and Buried | Pastor Juan Sanchez
December 13 | Luke 24:1-12 | Jesus Raised from the Dead | Pastor Juan Sanchez
December 20 | Luke 13:13-53 | Sending Out and Ascension | Pastor Juan Sanchez
Begin praying as you prepare to join us this Sunday at 10:00 a.m.
Gospel Partner of the Month: Liz Paine, Uganda
Our sister Liz Payne went to the mission field in her years of retirement to serve the brothers and sisters of Ssenge Baptist Church in Uganda. Serving alongside pastor Bosco Bukeera and his wife Heidi, Liz gives herself to discipling women, caring for the families in her community, and most recently, setting up a ministry Threads of Faith, where ladies are trained in sewing skills to be able to help provide for their families.
Liz is sent out by High Pointe Baptist Church and is a member of UFM Worldwide, a missions sending agency out of the United Kingdom. It is a joy to see our sister serve and hear of her work. Please pray for Liz that the Lord would sustain her health, give her stamina, and allow her to see fruitfulness from her gospel ministries.
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.
