Straight to the Heart

New Blog!

2009-05-21T15:23:00.003-04:00

Actually, the same blog with a new look. I want to thank Bob Perez for all his hard work. The blog will still be Straight to the Heart, but it has a new address:

http://straighttotheheart.highpointeaustin.org

If you are presently subscribed to the blog you'll have to re-subscribe in order to continue receiving updates.

I hope you enjoy the new look! Be sure to give it a couple of days before its up and running.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Juan
Acts 20:24

The Truth about Angels and Demons

2009-05-20T12:08:00.005-04:00

The movie Angels and Demons (PG 13) directed by Ron Howard, starring Tom Hanks as professor Robert Langdon and based on a Dan Brown novel opened in theaters on May 15. Here is the movie description from Fandango:

When Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) discovers evidence of the resurgence of an ancient secret brotherhood known as the illuminati—the most powerful underground organization in history—he also faces a deadly threat to the existence of the secret organization’s most despised enemy: the Catholic Church. When Langdon learns that the clock is ticking on an unstoppable illuminati time bomb, he jets to Rome, where he joins forces with Vittoria Vetra, a beautiful and enigmatic Italian scientist. Embarking on a nonstop, action-packed hunt through sealed crypts, dangerous catacombs, deserted cathedrals, and even to the heart of the most secretive vault on earth, Langdon and Vetra will follow a 400-year-old train of ancient symbols that mark the Vatican’s only hope for survival.

Dan Brown, of course, is the author of the controversial novel The Da Vinci Code. When that movie came out in 2006, Westminster Theological Seminary put up a website called The Truth About Da Vinci.

Now that Angels and Demons is out, Westminster has put up a site called The Truth About Angels and Demons.

(ht: Justin Taylor)

The Transforming Community

2009-05-19T16:09:00.005-04:00

Unfortunately, our trip to Cuba has been postponed due to the fact that Cuba is still not receiving flights from Mexico. We are tentatively shooting for a June 29-July 6, date to make our trip.

For High Pointe that means that I will have the privilege of continuing our study of 1 Corinthians this Lord's Day morning. As I am studying 1 Corinthians 5 this week, I am re-reading Mark Lauterbach's, The Transforming Community: The Practise of Church Discipline. It is a most biblical, gospel-centered and helpful study of the nature of the church and the role of church discipline. It is the best current treatment of church discipline that I have read, and I highly recommend it.

Fighting Sin

2009-05-18T14:23:00.004-04:00

The Lord was gracious to us at High Pointe this Lord's Day, May 17, as we sought to understand how to battle sin. By way of review, allow me to remind you of some important issues to understand as we battle sin.

A. How does sin enter into our lives and the life of the church?
Sin enters into our lives and the life of the church because we do what we most want to do (Genesis 3:6; James 1:13-16). In other words, desire is the fuel for sin (James 4:1-3). So, the question we must ask ourselves is, "What do we most desire (Matthew 6:19-21, 24)?

B. What should be our attitude toward sin?
We should grieve over sin (1 Corinthians 5:2; James 4:8-9) because sin corrupts, pollutes and ultimately kills (Genesis 3-11; 1 Corinthians 5:7).

We should also grieve over sin out of the fear of God and eternal punishment (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).

And as we see in Corinth, we should grieve over sin because sin distorts the testimony of Christ and His gospel and His church (1 Corinthians 5:1).

When we remember the gospel, we are reminded of the seriousness of sin, for the wages of sin is death (Genesis 2:15-17; Genesis 5; Romans 6:23). It is for this reason that the LORD gave Israel the sacrificial system. The blood of the sacrifices atoned for sin because sin must be punished by death. Therefore, when someone brought a sacrifice to the temple, the blood of that sacrifice atoned for their sin. The sacrifice was penal in that God was punishing sin by the death of the animal, but the sacrifice was also substitutionary because the sacrificial animal was receiving the punishment of God in the sinner's place (Leviticus 17:10-11).

These sacrifices were temporary and pointed forward to the time Christ would come and be the once for all penal substitutionary sacrifice (Romans 3:21-26; Hebrews 9).

So then, as we take sin seriously, we grieve over our sin and we look to Christ to save us from sin's penalty as the one who stood in our place as the receiver of God's wrath for us. Now we are to continue living in light of this gospel by battling sin.

C. How do we battle sin?
1. We battle sin by faith in the Christ of the gospel (Galatians 2:20).
Since the heart wants what it most desires, we must desire Christ above all (John 6:35; Matthew 22:36-38). Just as desire is the fuel for sin, so also, desire is the fuel for worship and holiness. We worship what we most desire, and if we most desire Christ, we will delight in Him and follow Him and pursue holiness in His name.

2. We battle sin with the word of the gospel (Ephesians 6:10-18; 2 Peter 1:3-4).
When Christ was tempted by Satan in the wilderness he fought the devil with the word of God. When we consider that the LORD has given us His armor, we are to don His armor in defense of the devil and his schemes. Interestingly enough, there is one offensive weapon in this list - the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God (Ephesians 6:17).

Therefore, we must know this gospel, this word of God if we are to wield it against the devil. I believe one of the major reasons for our defeats in our battle against sin is that we are lazy and do not know the word sufficiently to use it against the devil. So, let us read God's Word, and meditate on it and memorize it so that we would be able to wield the sword of the Spirit against the devil and his schemes.

3. We battle sin in the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-14).
The victory over sin is not dependent upon our own strength; it is dependent upon our reliance upon the Spirit of God. Therefore, let us look to the Spirit for grace to strengthen us in this battle.

4. We battle sin together (1 Corinthians 5; Hebrews 10:24-25).
The LORD has given us Christ, His Word, His Spirit and His church by which we do battle against the enemy. Let us, therefore, gather together in the assembly of God's people, in small groups, one with another, seeking godly counsel and encouragement and accountability.

Do not exclude yourself from God's people, for it will lead to your eventual death. To learn how to fight sin with others, read Jonathan Dodson's article on Fight Clubs. Then find a trusted follower of Christ of the same gender as you and fight sin together.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Juan
Acts 20:24

Has the "Notion of Sin" Been Lost?

2009-05-14T12:37:00.003-04:00

As I prepare to preach from 1 Corinthians 5:1-2, this coming Lord's Day morning, I am spending a lot of time contemplating the doctrine of sin. Just this morning I came across this article by the USA Today, asking Has the "notion of sin" been lost?

From the Side Bar:

WHAT AMERICANS CALL SIN

• Adultery: 81%

• Racism: 74%

• Using "hard" drugs, such as cocaine, LSD: 65%

• Not saying anything if a cashier gives you too much change: 63%

• Having an abortion: 56%

• Homosexual activity or sex: 52%

• Not reporting some income on your tax returns: 52%

• Reading or watching pornography: 50%

• Gossip: 47%

• Swearing: 46%

• Sex before marriage: 45%

• Homosexual thoughts: 44%

• Sexual thoughts about someone you are not married to: 43%

• Doing things as a consumer that harm the environment: 41%

• Smoking marijuana: 41%

• Getting drunk: 41%

• Gambling: 30%

• Not attending church or religious services regularly: 18%

• Drinking any alcohol: 14%

Source: Ellison Research, August 2007, based on 1,007 adults through a representative online panel ad adjusted to be demographically representative of the USA Margin of error: ±3.1 percentage points.

Piper on Preaching

2009-05-12T15:06:00.001-04:00

Beginning Family Worship in Your Home

2009-05-12T14:34:00.002-04:00

Beginning Family Worship with Your Family
Prepared for High Pointe Baptist Church
By Pastor Juan Sanchez

Conviction: These things must first be on your heart.
Whatever steps you take toward discipling your family should be borne out of personal conviction that this is the biblical requirement for parents (Ephesians 6:4; see Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Psalm 78:1-4; Exodus 13:3-10; Joshua 4:1-7). If you are convinced from Scripture that you as the parent are the primary discipler of your family, then you will want to establish helpful practices on an ongoing basis to assist you in your effort to raise your children in the discipline and admonition of the Lord. One such practice is family worship.

Pray that the Lord would grant you the grace to see the necessity of discipling your family and the strength to be faithful in implementing helpful strategies to fulfill this biblical command.

Content: What should I be teaching my children?
As I have studied Scripture, I see two primary areas that we should be covering with our children on an ongoing basis. First, is the gospel: we should be telling, re-telling, teaching and living in light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our children should understand the difference between rebellion, religion and the gospel. One of the best sources, other than the Bible, for understanding the gospel is Tim Keller’s The Prodigal God.

Second, we should disciple our children in worldview thinking. In other words, we are to teach our children the implications of the gospel and its perspective on all of life. According to Ronald Nash, a worldview is comprised of at least five components which ask and answer ultimate questions. A worldview addresses the following questions - What do you believe about God (theology)? What do you believe about humanity (anthropology)? What do you believe about truth and how we know truth (epistemology)? What do you believe about this world and the world to come (metaphysics)? What do you believe about right and wrong (ethics)? These questions can only be answered properly in light of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Course: How do I go about discipling my children?
If you are to be faithful in gathering your family to disciple them, it will be important that you set a regular time, being flexible each day; find a place; and establish a plan.

Contrary to what you may believe, the key to regular family discipleship is to keep it simple! Too many parents are scared away from a regular time of family discipleship for fear of what it may involve. According to Don Whitney, in his book, Family Worship in the Bible, in History & in Your Home, suggests that there are essentially three components to family worship (37-39):

►Read Your Bible: There is no rush in reading the Bible. Various plans offer one year and two year plans. The key is to be sure to read regularly.

►Pray Together: Your children will learn to pray from hearing you pray. Pray with them; invite them to pray with you.

►Sing: Singing helps us remember. Find a hymnal that is strong theologically. Find the music we sing when we gather together and teach those songs to your children. Also, be sure to teach your children the classic hymns of the faith.

If time permits, you may add other components to your time such as Scripture memory, catechism, reading of books.

God, Marriage and Family

2009-05-08T17:46:00.004-04:00

As I prepare for Sunday I am re-reading portions of Andreas Kostenberger's, God, Marriage and Family: Rebuilding the Biblical Foundations, and I have been reminded just how helpful this volume is. I would highly recommend families getting a copy and working through it together (adults, young and old). It is also a great tool for those preparing for marriage.

Chicken a la Carte - a little perspective

2009-05-07T11:45:00.000-04:00

View this movie at cultureunplugged.com

Resources for Parents Desiring to Disciple their Children

2009-05-06T22:00:00.003-04:00

As we presently undertake the topic of family discipleship, I wanted to make you aware of some resources that parents may use to disciple their children. I want to begin with parents of younger children for now. If you would allow me to simply link these resources, I will comment on them in greater detail on Sunday evening.

Here is a list from the recent Children Desiring God conference.

Here is a previous post on resources for reading to your children.

Here is a previous post on family discipleship.

A Biblical Vision for Family Discipleship

2009-04-28T14:28:00.003-04:00

This coming Lord's day, Lord willing, I will present a biblical vision for family discipleship at High Pointe. Through various circumstances, not least of which is the fact that we are presently searching for a student minister, I am being led to get a clearer understanding of how parents discipling their children and student ministry function together.

Virtually everyone with an interest in students (parents, teachers, volunteers, professors, pastors, etc.) agrees that youth/student ministry has been a massive failure. By some accounts, Southern Baptist student ministries have as high as a 70% to 88% failure rate. In other words, according to some studies as many as 70% to 88% of students who grew up in a Southern Baptist church and go off to school abandon the church when they leave home (See Voddie Baucham, Family Driven Faith, 10-11).

Further, most with an interest in students also agree that the primary persons responsible for the discipleship of students is the parent. However, that is where agreement ends. Some, like Voddie Baucham, who embrace a strong "Family Integrated Church" (FCI) model believe student ministry is unbiblical and point to such statistics to bolster their case.

Of course, there are those who would retain the status quo, for their livelihood depends on it.

Yet, there are those who would agree with the first group that discipleship of students must take place in the home AND that the church has a supportive role in this process. That is where I fall. Still, questions remain: what does the church's role in discipleship look like? How will those students who do not have believing parents be reached and discipled? What is our role in reaching the 30,000 plus students that live within 5 miles from our building?

These and other questions have led me to seek to address this issue in Sunday morning's message. Please join me in prayer as I spend time in God's Word and review materials related to this topic. I would also welcome any comments and/or suggestions of other materials to read this week. Below is a brief list of some of the items I am currently working through.

Family Driven Faith: Doing What It Takes To Raise Sons and Daughters Who Walk With God
by Voddie Baucham

9 Marks eJournal, September/October 2008, Vol. 5, Issue 5
Family and Parenting
*This eJournal has a very helpful and insightful review of Baucham's Family Driven Faith.

reThink: Decide for Yourself, Is Student Ministry Working
by Steve Wright with Chris Graves

Home-Based Student Ministry: Leading a Student Ministry Focused on the Family
by Ken Lasater

The Gospel Coalition Round Up

2009-04-25T14:52:00.003-04:00

It was a joy to attend The 2009 Gospel Coalition Conference. Since I was in Chicago, I was unable to post to the blog all last week, but several folks were busy at work getting the information out. Here is a round up from some sources regarding the conference and The Gospel Coalition.

The 2009 Gospel Coalition Conference Audio and Video

What is The Gospel Coalition (TGC)?
Tim Challies does a good job of explaining what the Gospel Coalition is about: part 1, part 2.

Who is The Gospel Coalition?
The Gospel Coalition site has a list of the council members.

The TGC site offers hundreds of resources from its council members.

What does The Gospel Coalition Stand for?

Three Foundation Documents

(1) The Gospel for all of life: Preamble

(2) Confessional Statement

(3) Theological Vision for Ministry

Who can join The Gospel Coalition?
Anyone who has a heart for the gospel may join The Gospel Coalition Network.

Maintaining Unity Amidst Differences

2009-04-16T12:33:00.004-04:00

This morning I went to the Desiring God blog and read a very helpful blog post by John Piper in which he shares what he told his staff/leaders regarding maintaining unity amidst differences. Since this is such an important reminder, I emailed it to our staff and elders.

Nevertheless, I think it's an important reminder for us all!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Juan
Acts 20:24

Former Supermodel Kathy Ireland on Faith and Life

2009-04-15T17:51:00.003-04:00

I came across this video of Kathy Ireland sharing her story about coming to faith in Christ, and I thought many could benefit from it. What I found heartening was her sadness over being a "baby" Christian for so long. As she shared, however, it is evident that the Lord is doing a marvelous work of grace in her life.

(ht: Justin Taylor)

Malatya Film Screening at High Pointe

2009-04-13T17:46:00.003-04:00

Malatya Film Screening & Prayer Service
High Pointe Baptist Church
Saturday, April 18
6:30 p.m.

"Malatya is a documentary about the first martyrs of the Turkish Church. On April 18th, 2007, Necati Aydin, Uğur Yüksel, and Tillmann Geske were brutally killed in Malatya, Turkey for proclaiming that Jesus Christ is the King of kings and Lord of lords. Necati and Uğur are the first known modern Turkish converts from Islam to Christianity to be killed for their faith."

You may order a copy of the film from Voice of the Martyrs or go directly to the film site.

Christ, Our Passover, Has Been Sacrificed

2009-04-11T01:47:00.003-04:00

I always delight in gathering with God's people at High Pointe, and our Good Friday service was no different. Tonight we considered Christ, our Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7).

What does it mean that Christ is our Passover (lamb) who has already been sacrificed?
The main theme of Passover is deliverance. The context of the original Passover was Israel's deliverance from bondage in Egypt. Leon Morris (Atonement, 89) notes, “The Israelites were in bitter bondage in Egypt. Nine plagues had come and gone on the Egyptians but none of them had procured the release the oppressed people looked for so longingly. God had repeatedly sent the message to Pharaoh, ‘Let my people go’ (Ex. 5:1; 8:1, 20; 9:1, 13; 10:3), but Pharaoh had not let them go.”

It was the tenth plague that moved Pharaoh’s heart to release the people. However, the people would only be delivered by faith in the God who instructed them to observe the Passover. Their obedience would evidence their faith (Exodus 12:1-13). They were delivered through the blood of the Passover lamb (Exodus 12:21-23). Thus, the Passover marked the birth of a nation, the people of God.

In the New Covenant, Christ is our Passover who delivers His people from bondage to sin's power and penalty (death). The Bible describes us as in bondage to sin: both it’s power and penalty (death) (Romans 6:20-23). Our experience in this world reminds us of the enslaving and devastating effects of sin.

Jesus is the Lamb who through His blood delivers us from the bondage of sin (John 1:29). To highlight this reality, Jesus chose to die during the Passover as the gospels record. Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we are Passed over in judgment (Isaiah 53:4-11) and delivered from sin’s bondage (Romans 6:5-7).

We too must receive Christ as our Passover by faith. Thus, Christ, our Passover, marks the birth of a new creation, the people of God from all nations.

What should be our response to this provision?
In a word, commemoration. To commemorate means to call to remembrance, to observe or keep. So, then, how do we commemorate Christ, our Passover? Let me just mention two ways:

1. Live as who you truly are: those free from sin’s power and penalty (Romans 6:15-19). We are to live as those who have been cleansed from the leaven of evil and wickedness and are truly in the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth (1 Corinthians 5:6-8).

2. Remember: The Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
Observing the Lord's Supper reminds us of what Christ, our Passover, has accomplished for us on the cross. It also helps us look forward to that day when we will dine with the Lamb at the marriage supper.

Lest we think our remembering and reminding one another about the blood of Christ that allows God's judgment to pass over us who believe take place only during the present age, take note that throughout all eternity we will be singing about the Lamb who was slain and who rescued a people by His blood (Revelation 5:6-14).

Grace and peace,

Pastor Juan
Acts 20:24

Inaugurated Eschatology - Some Resources

2009-04-07T02:38:00.002-04:00

In The Cross and Christian Ministry, Don Carson states the following about the importance of understanding inaugurated eschatology:

So in one sense Christians are oriented to the future and are awaiting the kingdom. This stance we may designate futurist eschatology. In another sense, Christians have already been transferred out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of God's Son. We are already in the kingdom. This stance is sometimes referred to as realized or inaugurated eschatology. And it is very important to get the balance between these two right.

In order better to understand inaugurated eschatology, you may want to begin by looking at the following resources:

1. The Presence of the Future by George Eldon Ladd

2. The Bible and the Future by Anthony A. Hoekema

Already and Not Yet - 1 Corinthians 4:6-13

2009-04-06T16:33:00.010-04:00

On Sunday, April 5, we studied 1 Corinthians 4:6-13, and found that the Corinthians had an overrealized eschatology that was in part responsible for their errors. In order better to understand these issues, I introduced the concept of inaugurated eschatology. For the benefit of the body, let me review those items here.

First, we noted that the Jews were expecting the messiah to come and establish the kingdom here on earth immediately (Isaiah 11 - just one example). The Jewish Messiah entered Jerusalem in great triumph on what we now call Palm Sunday (Matthew 21).

Much to their surprise, however, the long-expected king was crucified. Thus, the New Testament gives us a clearer understanding of the last days.

The New Testament reminds us that in His first coming Jesus inaugurated the kingdom. The coronation of Christ as king had to come through His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. Now, exalted to the right hand of the Father, Jesus reigns as king and lord until all his enemies are placed under His feet. Once Christ has conquered every enemy, then He will deliver the kingdom to His Father (1 Corinthians 15:20-28).

Consequently, we now find ourselves in the last days. The kingdom has already been inaugurated, but it has not yet been consummated. That means we are living in the tension between the already and the not yet.

A proper understanding of this tension provides a healthy view:

1. Of ourselves, one another and the church (Colossians 3:1-17).

2. Of this world and culture (Genesis 1:26-28; 1 John 2:15-17; Matthew 6:19-33).

3. Of suffering (Matthew 5:11-12; 1 Peter 4:12-16; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18) and death (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

4. Of Christ's return (2 Peter 3:1-13).

So then, how are we to live in the last days as we await the return of Jesus Christ, the coming king? Though much more could be said, I highlighted three options.

Option 1, is popular in our culture - You may be so earthly minded that you are no heavenly good.

This option is manifested in at least two ways - the worldliness of our consumer society that is consumed with the things of this world and the anxiety that tempts us to despair when circumstances do not go according to our plans (i. e., the present economic "crisis").

Option 2, was popular in the Corinthian church - You may be so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good (1 Corinthians 4:6-8).

The dangers of such an overrealized eschatology are that it leads to an elitist attitude (I've arrived); it tempts us to have an escapist mentality (a neglect of the things of this world - we are to be in the world but not of it); it may lead to hedonism (if you highlight the spiritual over the material and believe it doesn't matter what you do with the body - 1 Corinthians 5-6); or it can lead to asceticism (if you highlight the spiritual over the material and believe you should deny the body- 1 Corinthians 7).

Option 3, is the biblical view - You are to be so heavenly minded that you are of great earthly good (1 Corinthians 4:9-13).

This is what it means to live in light of the cross, embracing the wisdom of God: i. e., the gospel (which is foolish to this world), the strength of God (which is weakness to this world), and the humility of Christ (which is dishonorable in this world).

So, while this world longs to be "filled" with the foods of this world, we will hunger and thirst for righteousness; while this world longs to be "richly" clothed with fame, fortune and fashion, we will be content to go in the rags of this world that we may be clothed in the righteousness of Christ; while this world longs for the "power" that comes with position and wealth; we will long to be God's farmers, brick builders, stewards - humble servants for the true king - now, until Christ returns to consummate the kingdom and makes us kings with Him.

May we not grow weary in doing good, living a life worthy of the calling of the gospel in order that we may serve our king and one day hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Grace and peace,

Pastor Juan
Acts 20:24

Jesus' Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5-7

2009-04-02T11:11:00.003-04:00

I am currently reading through Matthew's gospel, and yesterday I read through Jesus' sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7). This is a passage of Jesus' concentrated teaching, and its interpretation at various points is greatly contested. For these reasons (and the fact that some of our ladies are presently doing an inductive study of the Sermon on the Mount), I wanted to list a few resources that are helpful and accessible.

Jesus' Sermon on the Mount: An His Confrontation with the World
by D. A. Carson (top recommendation)

Studies in the Sermon on the Mount
by Martyn Lloyd-Jones

The Message of the Sermon on the Mount
by John Stott

The Sermon on the Mount
by Sinclair Ferguson

The Risen Christ, Sunday, April 5th, 6:00 PM

2009-04-01T15:15:00.001-04:00

The High Pointe choir and orchestra will be presenting the story of Christ's death and resurrection through music and Scripture reading this coming Sunday evening.

I will also be presenting the gospel message that evening, so we encourage you to join us and bring your unchurched family, friends, neighbors and co-workers if you live in the Austin area.

Also, if you enjoy the music of Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, then you will want to listen to some presentations they provided at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. I am currently listening to them and benefiting greatly.

Hymns, Worship and Christian Thought, part 1
Keith Getty and Stuart Townend

Hymns, Worship and Christian Thought, part 2
Keith Getty and Stuart Townend

Modern Hymns: Congregational Song for the 21st Century
Keith Getty and Stuart Townend

See a complete listing of addresses by Keith Getty at Southern Seminary

The Prodigal God by Tim Keller

2009-03-30T22:12:00.003-04:00

I picked up Tim Keller's "The Prodigal God" last night and finished it this afternoon. It was a quick but powerful read. The book has its own website which promises study notes in the summer.

I highly recommend reading "The Prodigal God." It will re-orient your understanding of Christianity versus religion and a true love for the Father who is extravagant in His love.

We will be recommending this book to High Pointe in April, and we will have a discussion group in early May.

10 Ways You Can Truly Help the Homeless

2009-03-26T21:51:00.003-04:00

I am often asked how we can help the homeless. As Christians we should have a genuine desire to help the downcast and oppressed. Consequently, whenever we pass by those people at stop lights holding out signs asking for help, we are driven to guilt. Yet, if we do give them money, we are pretty sure where that money will go. Some homeless have actually stopped beating around the bush and hold up signs which say things like, "I need beer!"

My friend Jonathan Dodson has posted a list of Ten ways you can help the homeless that was originally posted by the folks at Sojourn Community Church in Louisville, Kentucky. Here is the list for your consideration.

1. Never give cash to a homeless person
Too often, well intended gifts are converted to drugs or alcohol - even when the “hard luck” stories they tell are true. If the person is hungry, buy them a sandwich and a beverage.

2. Talk to the person with respect.
Taking time to talk to a homeless person in a friendly, respectful manner can give them a wonderful sense of civility and dignity. And besides being just neighborly, it gives the person a weapon to fight the isolation, depression and paranoia that many homeless people face.

3. Recognize that homeless people (and their problems) are not all the same.
The homeless are as diverse as the colors of a rainbow. The person you meet may be a battered women, an addicted veteran, someone who is lacking job skills…the list goes on.

4. Share God’s love whenever you can.
If Jesus were walking the earth today, He would certainly spend time with the homeless. He would speak with them, heal them, and help them. Today, Jesus chooses to work through those who believe and follow Him.

5. Pray for the homeless.
Exposure to the elements, dirt, occasional violence, and lack of purpose all drain years from a person’s life. God can use your prayers and the brutality and the futility of life of the street to bring many of the broken to Himself.

6. Take precautions for your own safety.
Some living on the streets are criminals and fugitives running from the law. Always be prudent while talking with street people. Stay in areas where other people can see you. Don’t take unnecessary chances.

7. Encourage the homeless to get help through your local gospel-centered homeless ministry.
Gospel-centered homeless ministries seek to care for both the body and the soul. Some may provide emergency housing and meals, while others may provide long-term housing or specialized programs that seek to address the deeper causes of homelessness. Many offer spiritual mentoring and Bible study so that those who are homeless can build a strong foundation in Jesus. Others offer may offer day services that include mail services, luggage storage or laundry options.

8. Financially Support your local gospel-centered homeless ministry.
Many gospel-centered homeless ministries receive little or no government funding. They are primarily supported by caring individuals, churches, businesses, and civic groups who see the value of sharing their resources with the less fortunate.

9. Volunteer with your local gospel-centered homeless ministry.
Serving alongside your local ministry is a great way to build relationships with the homeless. Here, the collective wisdom of the ministry’s community will aid you as you take steps further and further in to the lives of the homeless. Ministries can rarely afford to hire enough staff, so they are dependent on volunteers to make deep impact in the lives of the homeless.

10. Pray for the leadership and staff of your local gospel-centered homeless ministry.
The demands placed on the leadership and staff of homeless ministries is extensive. The situations these people confront on a daily basis or complex and confusing. Pray that Jesus would continue to give the staff hope, strength and wisdom.

Local Ministries with which High Pointe Partners:

1. The Storehouse of Austin

2. Grace Fellowship Baptist Outreach Ministry (Arthur Anderson)

Grace Fellowship Baptist Church Outreach Ministry, located in East Austin off of 12th Street is a place where dedicated volunteers are putting into action God’s commission by preaching the gospel on Sunday mornings to everyone that attends - feeding the homeless, and giving comfort to the feeble-minded through expressions of love and kindness. For more information contact the High Pointe Missions Team.

How to Pray for Your Pastor

2009-03-26T21:38:00.004-04:00

As I have been studying, praying over and meditating on 1 Corinthians 4:1-7, for this Sunday morning, I have been reminded of the grave task appointed to me as a steward of they mysteries of God: i.e., His gospel. This has reminded me of the necessity to ask for prayer.

Please pray for your pastor! Here are two resources that you may find helpful.

1. A 31 Day Guide to Praying for Your Pastor by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

2. How to Pray for Your Pastor by Ligon Duncan

Pastor Juan, a.k.a., Spider Man

2009-03-23T18:13:00.002-04:00

Yep, that's me thinking I'm Spiderman after jumping off of a 50ft tower on a zip line. We had a wonderful time at the Spring Retreat. I'm back in the office today, and it has been pretty ho, hum after spending last week with our jr and sr high students.

Thanks to our students and adult volunteers for a blessed retreat!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Juan
Acts 20:24

The Economy, Joe the Plumber and the Bible

2009-03-23T18:00:00.002-04:00

John Frame pens some thoughts on the current economy, shedding some light on socialism, capitalism and the Bible.