The Vine Austin

Welcome to a new sermon series and bible experience. We are beginning a 40 day journey in the book of John. In this message, Mark introduces the Gospel according to John by considering John's prologue. To get the most out of this experience, go to www.thevineaustin.org/john to see the reading plan, resources and more. www.thevineaustin.org

In this sermon, Mark discusses the profound meaning of celebrating Easter in this particular context. Matthew 28:1-10, 16-20 www.thevineaustin.org

In this message, Mark shares how we could reconsider the meaning of a well-known verse (Jeremiah 29:11) and discover how it instructs us in how to live well during this time of quarantine. For those who listen to our podcast and would like to connect to our church, let us know who you are! http://bit.ly/vineconnect www.thevineaustin.org

During quarantine, we are moving our worship services online. In this timely message, Mark shares about the surprising nature of needing daily bread. www.thevineaustin.org

During this time of COVID-19 and social distancing, Mark shares a message on how we can follow Jesus through and within a time of fear. Matthew 14:22-33 www.thevineaustin.org

Due to the COVID-19 virus, The Vine has moved our worship online! In this message Mark talks about how the Way of Jesus interacts with the call towards Social Distancing. To see how The Vine is following Jesus in this season, make sure to go to https://www.thevineaustin.org/covid19 If you'd prefer to watch the Facebook Live stream, go to https://www.facebook.com/thevineaustin/videos/25126370589480...

In this sermon, Mark introduces our Lenten Series- The Habits of Jesus. The primarily calling of a follower to their Rabbi is to be with them, to become like them, and do what they did. As followers of Jesus, this message explores our life with Jesus and the difference it could make. FOR DISCUSSION AND REFLECTION - What has the idea of a disciple or discipleship meant to you in the past? - How doe...

In this final message of this series, Mark discusses day seven and the gift of Sabbath. For more resources, go to www.thevineaustin.org/sabbath For Small Group and Personal Reflection: • What is your experience or impression of the practice of the Sabbath? • Read Genesis 3:1-3. What stands out to you? Why did God rest? • Why do you think we dismiss keeping the Sabbath? • Read Matthew 11:28-30. Dis...

Community member, Ron Ragsdale, shares on the sixth day of creation and being created in the "image of God." www.thevineaustin.org FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION • Voltaire made the quip about “returning the favor,” i.e., the ways we tend to make God in our image. What might be some characteristics of a false image of God? • Of the 3 stuck-points described [Isolation, Powerlessness, Pessim...

In Genesis, we read read that on day 5, God creates the creatures of the ocean and air. But within this passage is the creation of something surprising. In this message, we consider the monsters that appear as we walk towards newness. Genesis 1:20-23, Numbers 13: 26-33 www.thevineaustin.org FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION - Read the 5th day of creation (Genesis 1:20-23). What stands out to...

It is a sacred experience to hear someone's story. In this sermon today, Mark shares on the fourth day of creation and with it God's use of seasons. Also, we hear from one of our own, Wayne Gonzalez. Wayne shares about his last 12 months and the seasons which God used. Genesis 1:14-19 & Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION - On Day 4, God creates the stars, heavens and with i...

On the third day of creation, God creates vegetation and within this creation is the miracle of seeds. In this sermon, Mark describes how seeds are God's gift of great potential for new beginnings. Genesis 1:11-13 & Matthew 25:14-30 www.thevineaustin.org FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION - Read Matthew 25:14-30. What do you notice? - If you place yourself in the 3rd servant’s point of view, w...

Beginnings is a sermon series where we consider how we can partner with God to create beginnings in our lives. On day two of creation, God creates an expanse so that new life could be formed. Using this as a theme, we see how God creates newness in our life through the process of stretching us out and expanding our lives. This is displayed in the life of Gideon as well. Genesis 1:6-10 & Judges 6:1...

Beginnings is a seven-week sermon series where we look at the seven days of creation thematically. We consider each day as we explore how to experience new beginnings in our life. This first week is on how light was used by God to create newness; not only on Day One in Genesis but also in the life of Moses. Gen 1:1-5; Exodus 3:1-10 FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION - Read Genesis 1:1-5. What...

Pastor Ted shares on the possibility of embracing a new year and the fruit that comes with God's renewing work. Galatians 5:22-23 www.thevineaustin.org

In this fourth week of Advent, Mark shares from the line in the Christmas story, "but there was no room for them..." (Luke 2:7) As we prepare for Jesus' arrival, we are confronted with whether or not we have room for Christ today. www.thevineaustin.org Luke 2:1-7 FOR VINE GROUP AND DISCUSSION - Read Luke 2:1-7. What stands out to you? What would your thoughts and emotions be as Mary or Joseph? - M...

This third week of Advent, Katie Fike shares a message on Mary Luke 1:26-38 www.thevineaustin.org DISCUSSION QUESTIONS - What is a question or takeaway you have from the message? - Can you think of other examples in Scripture where God uses everyday people to do his work? - Discuss the quote, “Acceptability, prosperity, and comfort have never been the essence of God’s blessing." How does this chal...

This second sermon in the Advent series, BEHOLD, focuses on Simeon and his experience of waiting for the promises of God. To see the video sharing the promises of God (as described at the end), go to https://vimeo.com/377690108 . Luke 2:22-35 FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION * Read Luke 2:22-35. What stands out to you? Either insights or questions. * Was there something from the message that...

This is the first sermon in the 2019 Advent series, BEHOLD. In this series, we are reminded of the central task of making room for Christ in our life. This week, we consider the example we have from Zechariah and the counter-cultural practice of silence. FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION * Read Luke 1:5-20. What stands out to you? Either insights or questions. * Consider this question- How di...

In this final sermon on Jonah, Mark shares on chapter 4 and the surprising ending to this timely story. Jonah 4:1-11 www.thevineaustin.org FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION * Read Jonah chapter 4. What stands out to you? Either insights or questions. * In verse 2-3, we finally have the answer to why Jonah ran in chapter 1. What do you make of Jonah’s words? Why is this so upsetting? * Why do...

Welcome to the third week in the book of Jonah. Community member, Andrew Fike shares on relentless mercy of God in the 3rd chapter of Jonah. FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION • Read the 3rd chapter of Jonah. What stands out to you? • How do you see yourself as Jonah in this story? In what ways do you question or doubt God's capacity to extend mercy to others? • How are you encouraged or chall...

In this sermon, Mark shares on Jonah chapter two and Jonah's song from the belly of this fish. www.thevineaustin.org FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION • Read the 2nd chapter of Jonah. What stands out to you? • How do you read Jonah’s prayer? Has Jonah had a complete transformation? Is anything missing? • Mark discusses how so far this is a story of descent. How do you see that? And what does...

For the next four weeks, we will explore the book of Jonah. This first week, we consider Jonah Chapter 1. Jonah 1:1-17 www.thevineaustin.org FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION * What comes to mind when you think about the story of Jonah? * Read the first chapter of Jonah. What stands out to you? * Why do you think Jonah ran from this calling? * How does this chapter display elements of satire?...

This is the third and final sermon in the series PRODIGAL STORY. In this sermon, we consider the perspective of the elder brother. www.thevineaustin.org Luke 15:25-32 FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION • What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? • Read Luke 15:25-32. Place yourself in the elder brother’s shoes. How would you respond when you saw your brother home? • Why is self-righteousness so dang...

In the second sermon in this series on the Prodigal Story, we consider this parable from the perspective of the younger son with a sermon from Family Pastor, Ted Thulin. www.thevineaustin.org FOR VINE GROUPS AND FURTHER DISCUSSION • What was a take-away or a question from the sermon? • How would you describe the younger son in this story? • Read Luke 15:11-24. If you were his father, what would yo...