Straight to the Heart

Preparing for Lord's Day Worship: October 12

2008-10-11T02:00:00.003-04:00

This Lord's Day we will conclude our "Why Church?" series with part 2 of The Gospel and the Church's Witness. Our text will be 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12.

As you prepare for our worship gathering, consider what evangelism is. Also, think about what your greatest obstacles to evangelism are.

I look forward to this week's worship gathering and pray that the Lord would do a great work in our midst.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Juan
Acts 20:24

The Practice of Intentional Witness

2008-10-09T16:06:00.002-04:00

I wanted to share some thoughts after last Sunday's message. Here they are below:

When the church is the church, it will be an attractive witness to the glory of God (Acts 2:42-47). However, the church’s witness is not to be merely attractional, for God has chosen that the church both originate and continue to expand through the intentional witness to Christ through gospel proclamation. It is to this end that we have been commissioned (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:14-16; Luke 24:44-49; John 20:21; Acts 1:8).

Be encouraged, though, for we have not only been commissioned, we have also been empowered for witness by the Holy Spirit to proclaim this gospel of Christ to the ends of the earth. Therefore, we go in faith, boldly proclaiming the gospel of Christ (1 Thessalonians 2:1-2). In this light, let me give you ten practices of intentional witness.

1. Know and understand the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4)! The gospel is a message (word) about Christ, and if we are to share this word, then we must know and understand it!

2. Make the gospel central to all of life. In other words, as we apply the gospel to our marriages, parenting, relationship, etc., then our lives will be markedly different than the world and thereby attractive.

3. Know the culture (1 Corinthians 9:19-23). The apostle Paul said he became all things to all peoples that he may save some. We must seek to understand people and their cultures in order to reach them. That’s what good missionaries do.

4. Pray and fast for unbelievers (John 14:12-14; 15:7-8). Pray that God would break your heart for the lost in general and for specific people. Make a list of unbelieving people and pray, for it is God who saves.

5. Be willing to share your life with unbelievers (1 Thessalonians. 2:1-8). We can’t just share the gospel word, we must also share our lives, investing in those we desire to reach. In other words, we must make evangelism a lifestyle, not a program! We need to take time to talk to people everywhere and invite them to a meal, small group, church, etc.

6. Share the gospel with urgency! We are on an urgent mission (2 Peter 3:8-10)! We must share the gospel naturally & clearly. Since the gospel is a word/message about Christ, then we must be word-centered and use the Bible. Also, the gospel is a word that must be proclaimed – mission! We cannot keep it to ourselves.

7. Invite unbelievers to repent and believe! We must recognize that the Bible calls people to repent and believe, and so must we.

8. Invite unbelievers to church. This goes along with sharing our lives with unbelievers and investing in them. Invite unbelievers and unchurched to come with you on the Lord’s day so that they may hear the gospel proclaimed.

9. Trust Christ for the results. Faithfulness, not results is what God requires of us. Salvation is of the Lord, so we must trust the sovereign Lord to do His work in the hearts of unbelieving people. Our responsibility is to faithfully share the gospel indiscriminately.

10. Share with others and ask them to join you in prayer. I have found it greatly encouraging to hear other Christians’ stories of evangelism and to know that I am accountable to someone for evangelism. Share your encounters and pray together for those souls. May the Lord grant us a great harvest of souls!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Juan
Acts 20:24

Quitting Church?

2008-10-06T19:55:00.002-04:00

Dr. Albert Mohler points out a new book that is sure to stir up some conversations among evangelicals - Quitting Church: Why the Faithful are Fleeing and What to Do About It by Julia Duin.

Check out his comments here.

We are now on Pilgrim Radio

2008-10-06T16:25:00.003-04:00

Since October 3, Pilgrim Radio has been broadcasting our teaching series on John's gospel in their Friday Morning and Night Class.

Pilgrim Radio airs Christian programming in Nevada, California, Wyoming and Montana. For a complete listing of their frequencies in these states, click here. You may also listen online from their home page.

If you have friends living out West, please feel free to pass the word.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Juan
Acts 20:24

"The Common Sense (Economic) Fix"

2008-10-01T11:45:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I received a call from someone confused about the congressional "bailout." I confess my complete and utter ignorance in the area of finance and economics. Yet, even financial minds seem to be confused regarding what is coming up.

My personal feelings are that greed and government have gotten us into this mess; therefore, I am skeptical of the very same government "solving" the crisis. Nevertheless, it seems that the current situation demands that "something" be done. Here in lies the confusion - what is that "something." Frankly, I don't know. Therefore, I will post what some are saying about the current situation and their suggestions. You decide for yourself.

Dave Ramsey - Christian Financial Counselor
"Years of bad decisions and stupid mistakes have created an economic nightmare in this country, but $700 billion in new debt is not the answer. As a tax-paying American citizen, I will not support any congressperson who votes to implement such a policy. Instead, I submit the following three step Common Sense Plan." Read his plan here.

Jeffrey A. Miron - Harvard Economist
"This bailout was a terrible idea. Here's why." Read the rest of his commentary here.

If you have other commentaries you would like to share, please feel free to do so via comments or email.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Juan
Acts 20:24

Purpose Driven Death Missions Conference: October 18-19, at High Pointe

2008-09-30T15:43:00.002-04:00

at High Pointe Baptist Church

Register Here

Job: When the Righteous Suffer

2008-09-30T15:25:00.004-04:00

Desiring God Regional Conference

October 17-18, 2008

Hill Country Bible Church Northwest

Austin, Texas

Official Website

Register Now

DG Regional Conference: Austin, Texas, October 17-18, 2008

2008-09-29T17:52:00.003-04:00

For those of you in the Central Texas area who were not able to attend the DG national conference in Minneapolis, I want to encourage you to register for the DG Regional Conference taking place right here in Austin, October 17-18.

The topic will be, Job: When the Righteous Suffer.

DG National Conference

2008-09-29T17:41:00.002-04:00

It's been a week since I have had an opportunity to post. Several reasons for that, but the most prominent one was that Jeanine and I were able to get away last week with some friends to attend the Desiring God 2008 national conference - The Power of Words and the Wonder of God.

If I find the time, I will share some of the highlights later. It was an excellent conference! For my part, I was blessed the most by Sinclair Ferguson on the first night and John Piper on Sunday morning. If you would like to read, hear or watch any of the messages, click here.

When I asked Jeanine what the highlight of the weekend was for her, she replied: "Just getting away." This is the one time of the year that she and I can get away and spend some quality time together and with friends. I thank God for her mom who was willing to come from Florida to watch the girls. I also thank God for High Pointe and your willingness to grant us time to be together and be refreshed.

I look forward to getting back to my study on Tuesday and beginning preparations for Sunday!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Juan
Acts 20:24

Recommended Study Tool

2008-09-22T11:19:00.003-04:00

As I study Genesis 12-25, in preparation for our Sunday evening series, I have pulled a book that has been sitting on my shelf for a few weeks and have found it to be immensely helpful. One of my hopes in our series on Genesis is to show Christ. The Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament is immensely helpful in that it provides a commentary on all of the uses of the Old Testament in the New.

So, for example, the two theological ideas that I was able to reflect on last week with the use of this particular tool was the New Testament's use of Psalm 110:4 in Hebrews 7, in relation to Melchizedek and the New Testament's use of Genesis 15:6, in Romans 4, Galatians 3, and James 2, in relation to Abraham as a model of justifying faith.

I want to recommend this tool to all serious Bible students who wish to gain a clearer understanding of a gospel-centered hermeneutic.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Juan

Acts 20:24

How to think about the current banking crisis.

2008-09-17T18:13:00.003-04:00

Justin Taylor has a great interview about the current banking crisis and how to think about it biblically with David Kotter, a former financial manager with Ford Motor Company and now executive director of The Council for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood.

Check out his post here.

High Pointe is Teaming with Calvary Austin to Aid Hurricane Victims

2008-09-16T14:28:00.003-04:00

One of our members is coordinating an effort for us to help in the relief for the victims of Hurricane Ike. Please read the following and respond accordingly:

We have been sent the following information from a sister church to help out in the Hurricane relief effort. You can bring any of the suggested donations here at High Pointe by 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday and we will get them to Calvary Austin church. Denise will be here to collect/organize the donations. If you have any questions, please call the church office for contact information.

Three ways to help:
• You can contribute food or supplies by dropping them off at High Pointe offices.
• You can send volunteers that are able to travel and work in Houston for a few days later this week.
You can contribute financially at Calvary Houston’s site (below)
• Items Requested:
Tarps/plastic coverings – Chainsaws - Gasoline cans/gas – Generators - Fan - Bug spray - Bibles - AT&T wireless cards - Refrigeration systems - Bottled water
Number 10 sized canned vegetables – Beans – Pasta - Paper plates - Napkins - Plastic utensils - Clam shells (to-go-style containers for food)

Calvary Austin’s Relief Plan for Hurricane Ike (Houston Area)
Calvary Austin Ph. (512) 719-4667 email: info@calvaryaustin.org 1601 Pecan St., Pflugerville TX 78660

Calvary Austin is organizing to support Hurricane Ike victims in the South Houston \ Bay Area. Our affiliate, Calvary Houston (www.calvaryh.org) is positioned on the South side of Houston in the NASA area, and they are in immediate need. They are receiving lots of calls for a variety of needs, ranging from physical needs to help clear debris and trees, repair roofs, and the like, to provisions for food and water. Calvary Austin is gathering and delivering supplies and will send a relief team down to assist later this week. We want to extend the invitation to people (men & women) inside our church and local churches in the Pflugerville area to contribute to this effort.

Relief Team: Send email to ike@calvaryaustin.com if you are interested and desire more communication or have questions. Include your contact info (phone, email, name)
• Departing Thursday Time (TBD) and staying Thurs and Fri nights, returning Saturday
• Activities would range from distribution, assisting in moving items, repairs, general labor, clearing debris, administrative, food prep\service, etc.
• Both Men and Women are welcome and can be used
• Would need to bring personal care items and bedding. Would be sleeping at the church. There is a men and women’s area created for privacy. May or may not
have electricity. Showers are available.
• Can travel in church van or bring your own vehicle.

You Can Still Help Hurricane Evacuess in Austin

2008-09-15T12:49:00.003-04:00

For those who want to serve, you can go to the Central Texas Red Cross website and find out how you can help. Here is some helpful information from their site:

WE PREPARE:
Currently the American Red Cross of Central Texas, the City of Austin, and Austin Independent School District are following the Capital Area Shelter Hub Plan (CASHP) to prepare to receive evacuees from Hurricane Ike. Please contact the Austin Hurricane Hotline at 512-974-1110 to get the latest information about evacuations and evacuation center openings. As always, we are standing by in a state of readiness to respond to the needs of our community.

TO BECOME A RED CROSS VOLUNTEER:
For those over 18 years of age, the first step in volunteering is to complete a quick application (pdf version OR word version) and complete a background check, www.mybackgroundcheck.com. Completed applications can be returned by fax to (512) 928-2816, or mail to 2218 Pershing Drive, Austin, TX 78723, Due to the high volume of interest, please do not bring volunteer applications directly to the American Red Cross. Please do not appear at evacuation centers without being assigned directly by the American Red Cross. You will be contacted once your background check has cleared and will be provided with our current opportunities.

TO DONATE:
If you want to support disaster preparedness and pet-friendly sheltering operations, please donate today!

Donate and support our local efforts!

Support with an in-kind donation to Texas Responds and OneStar Foundation

(ht: Jonathan Dodson)

How You Can Help Hurricane Evacuees in Austin

2008-09-12T20:36:00.001-04:00

Jonathan Dodson tells us how we can help hurricane Ike evacuees here in Austin. To find out how you can help, click here.

New Blog: Why Church?

2008-09-06T05:11:00.003-04:00

This Sunday morning, September 7, we begin a new four week sermon series titled, "Why Church?" In a day when many people (including many Christians) have such a low view of the church, we wanted to address people's questions to the very idea of church. Therefore, we mailed out 30,000 flyers with the simple message: Church?

In addition, we also started a new blog (why-church.com) with a desire to begin a conversation about the state of the church and allow people to share their questions about the church. We hope and pray that this may become a vehicle where people can express their frustrations. However, we also hope and pray that this may be a place where people will find some answers.

Please join us in prayer as we seek to point our community to the Christ who builds His church by His Word and Spirit.

Grace and peace,

Pastor Juan
Acts 20:24

The Gospel Coalition National Conference Videos

2008-09-02T15:19:00.003-04:00

The Gospel Coalition National Conference
Entrusted with the Gospel:
Living the Vision of Second Timothy
April 21-23, 2009
Chicago

What is the Gospel Coalition?

2008-09-02T15:08:00.005-04:00

Don Carson, Tim Keller and Others explain what The Gospel Coalition is:

Meet Sarah Palin

2008-08-29T13:59:00.000-04:00

McCain Picks His VP Candidate

2008-08-29T12:26:00.003-04:00

In a bold move, John McCain has announced Sarah Palin as his vice presidential pick. Who is Sarah Palin? Check here.

Fall Means SEC Football! Go Gators!

2008-08-28T23:23:00.003-04:00

How do you fight sin?

2008-08-28T16:54:00.003-04:00

My friend Jonathan Dodson, pastor of Austin City Life, has written a great article on taking sin seriously and fighting sin through "fight clubs." Read here and apply!

Grace and peace,

Pastor Juan
Acts 20:24

New Biblical Theology Blog

2008-08-28T10:38:00.003-04:00

Jim Hamilton, who has recently been added to the Southern Seminary faculty in the area of biblical theology, along with some friends have begun a very helpful biblical theology blog.

Since the area of biblical theology is one of great interest for me, I thought I would pass this new blog along. For those who do not know, biblical theology is a technical term; it does not simply refer to theology that is biblical, though that is its goal. For introductions and definitions, etc., visit Biblical Theology today.

To get an idea of how biblical theology affects my preaching, see our Route 66 series where we take an entire book of the Bible and present it in one message in an attempt to show how that book fits within the history of salvation.

If you are interested in learning more about biblical theology, here are some good resources that will get you going:

God's Big Picture: Tracing the Story-Line of the Bible
by Vaughan Roberts

How to Read the Bible Book by Book: A Guided Tour
by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart

According to Plan: The Unfolding Revelation of God in the Bible
by Graeme Goldsworthy

Nancy Pelosi, Abortion and the Catholic Church

2008-08-28T10:29:00.003-04:00

Pelosi Gets Unwanted Lesson in Catholic Theology
AP story by Rachel Zoll

Politics can be treacherous. But House Speaker Nancy Pelosi walked on even riskier ground in a recent TV interview when she attempted a theological defense of her support for abortion rights.

Roman Catholic bishops consider her arguments on St. Augustine and free will so far out of line with church teaching that they have issued a steady stream of statements to correct her.

Read the entire story here.

9Marks E-Newsletter on Family and Parenting

2008-08-26T20:00:00.005-04:00

9 Marks produces an electronic newsletter every other month. Editor Jonathan Leeman gathers articles based on particular themes related to church and ministry that are thoughtful and engaging. Included in each newsletter are book reviews aimed to assist discerning readers.

This month's e-newsletter is on Family and Parenting. To read it click here.

(ht: Justin Taylor)

The Gospel Coalition National Conference: April 21-23, 2009

2008-08-25T23:42:00.003-04:00

Entrusted with the Gospel: Living Out the Vision of 2 Timothy
The Gospel Coalition National Conference
April 21-23, 2009
Chicago

The theme of this Conference gets to the heart of the book of Second Timothy. As Paul is mentoring a young Timothy, he is communicating the great privilege of proclaiming the gospel to the world. In an age bereft of courageous leadership, declining biblical literacy, and rising cultural accommodation, a prophetic voice from the center is needed, a voice that faithfully speaks the ancient text to our contemporary context. This Conference seeks a renewal of faithful preaching that is rooted in the Scriptures and centered on the gospel.

Plenary Talks
1. Tim Keller, "The Grand Demythologizer: The Gospel and Idolatry" (Acts 19:21–41)

2. John Piper, "The Promise of Life" (2 Timothy 1:1–12)

3. Phil Ryken, "The Pattern of Sound Words" (2 Timothy 1:13–2:13)

4. Mark Driscoll, "Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth" (2 Timothy 2:14–26)

5. K. Edward Copeland, "Shadowlands: Pitfalls and Parodies of Gospel-Centered Ministry" (2 Timothy 3:1–9)

6. Bryan Chapell, "Preach the Word!" (2 Timothy 3:10–4:5)

7. Ligon Duncan, "Finishing Well" (2 Timothy 4:6–22)

8. Ajith Fernando, "Gospel-Faithful Mission for the Next Christendom"

9. D.A. Carson, "'That by All Means I Might Win Some': Faithfulness and Flexibility in Gospel Proclamation" (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)