Austin Life Church

When it comes to keeping the commands of God, none are greater than the commands to love God and love others. In 2:7-11, John address the latter of those two commands - loving one another. If we are in Him, and want to walk in the light, we must love one another as He has loved us.

How do you know you know Him? How do you know you really have a relationship with God? John says it quite clearly - those who obey Him, know Him. So, do you keep His commandments? Do you walk as Jesus walked?

If we want to enjoy fellowship with God, which the Bible tells us where the fullness of life is found, then we must know where God is, be where God is, and remain where God is. Praise God for Jesus who puts us with God, and keep us with God!

True Christianity is more than just the teachings of Jesus, it’s a message about Jesus. It’s a message about who he is, why he came, and what he did and continues to do for all those who trust in him.

Hesed is most often translated as steadfast love. It is a love that endures. And it is a love that we can see in action. In Ruth 4, we see hesed in action as one who is resolved to redeem. Hesed is determined to make right that which is wrong at all costs.

Hesed is a steadfast love. Hesed is a love that remains no matter what (Ruth 1). Hesed is a love that generously gives kindness without end (Ruth 2). Hesed is a love that selflessly prefers the other first (Ruth 3). We see in Ruth a love that would prefer Naomi over herself with even the biggest decisions to make.

Why are we here as a church? What are we about?  Today we remind ourselves the vision and mission that God has called us to as Austin Life Church.

Jesus goes to the mount of Olives to pray. During the eve of his betrayal, he commands his disciples to join him in praying to avoid temptation. When disciples of Jesus experience grief, what should we pray for and against?

Many of us know the stories and scriptures that talk about God being with us, so why is it that we often go throughout our days not acknowledging His presence? This week we look at Exodus 19 and 20 to find an understanding for why, as well as look at the big picture of scripture to see God’s plan to be with us.

We are an anxious culture, worried about everything. And yet the Bible commands us as followers of Jesus to not be anxious. How? Freedom from anxiety is found in trusting someone or something bigger than our anxiety - trusting God.

When hope is dead, even though we may physically be alive, we stop living. What is there to live for if we don’t have hope that tomorrow could be better than today? With the death of Jesus, hope was lost. But praise God! Jesus is not dead. He is alive! The light has shone into the darkness and the darkness cannot, will not overcome. Hope is alive!

The cross is one of the most recognized symbols in the world. But why? What is its significance? What does the cross mean to you?

The Son of God offered himself up to die as a rebel so that rebels could become sons of God.

As humans, we are undeserving of God’s grace. Emphatically so. But  so was Peter. And yet still, God’s grace extended emphatically to him. And God’s grace does toward us as well. May we receive the grace of God today!

“The poison of hell” is how Andrew Murray describes pride. It is sneaky, and runs deep, and if not remedied by Jesus, will lead to destruction. This is what we see in the life of Judas. We would be wise to identify where pride looms, and put it to death.

We are all trying to move up and to the right in life; live life to the fullest. But throughout life, there will be temptations and trials that have the potential to derail us. How do we stay the course to accomplish our purpose? Keep watch and pray.

The Passover & the Feast of Unleavened Bread have been celebrated for centuries as a reminder of the grace of God to rescue Israel from Egypt and quickly send them away into new life. But things changed when Jesus, the Lamb of God, became the passover lamb for anyone and everyone who places their trust in Him.

Everyone worships. It’s just a question of what, or who, we choose to worship. If we choose to worship God, what does that look like? What would make for beautiful worship to Him? Mary of Bethany demonstrates for all to see what beautiful worship entails. Do what you can, when you can, with all you can.

Mark 13 is a difficult chapter to understand and interpret. Was Jesus speaking of a future day in the lives of His disciples. Or was Jesus speaking of a coming day in the end times when He would return for good? Either way, what is clear is that Jesus doesn’t want us obsessing over the future. But rather being alert, awake, and obedient in the present!

Value in God's Kingdom isn’t found in how much money we give or how talented we are. Instead, our offering to God is greatest when we have a desperate desire to give our all to Him, no matter how great or how small the quantity is.

Leadership has always, and will always be a part of our lives. We are leaders. We follow leaders. The church has leaders. But just because someone is a leader doesn’t mean they are good and trustworthy. Jesus gives us insight in the poor leadership of the religious. He corrects their false teaching, and also cautions those listening of what to look for in a false leader.

When asked what was most central to obeying God, Jesus answered with one command, and two objects of that command. In this order: Love God, Love your neighbor. But what is this love? How do we do that? And how will we measure up?

If we approach something or someone falsely, it’s only a matter of time before we find ourselves at odds, separated from the truth of whatever it is. The same is true of God - if we don’t know the truth of God, we will find ourselves diverging from Him, at odds and separated.

How do we know we trust God and His word? See Jesus. Jesus is the yes to ever promise of God!

Just before Jesus ascended to heaven after His resurrection He promised His followers that they would receive the power of His Spirit to be His witnesses throughout the earth. That is our calling, and what we are here for with Austin Life. Even with new and upcoming changes, this purpose remains!