“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1). Last Sunday, we learned that Jesus faced darkness at Golgotha so we could be saved from it. He was forsaken so we could be brought near. The cross was intended to be an instrument of death, but Christ redeemed it to become a bridge to life. Through faith, we now have been crucified with Christ, and Christ lives in us. The light has come, so we are called to “arise” and begin shining for Him.
The truth is most of us have a hard time getting up. I know this because I struggled with the snooze button for years. I would set my alarm clock every night with good intentions of waking up early, but time and time again I would not rise up, I would roll over. This bad habit was only broken when I finally hit my limit. I was tired of missing out on the life that I knew I could experience in those early hours. I understood that rolling over was robbing me of the personal growth that I desired, and rising up would lead me to experience new life.
Many of us want to experience more of God, but we keep rolling over. The Holy Spirit calls us to rise up each day, but we keep hitting that snooze button. He calls us to spend one on one time with Him, but we can’t fit it in our schedule. He calls us to experience Him by serving others, but our spiritual gifts are going dormant. He calls us to grow our faith by giving generously, but our flesh tells us it doesn’t make sense. He calls us to be vulnerable with others. He commands us to confess our sin, find community, and seek counsel to help us overcome folly. But that snooze button is so alluring, and it keeps us from experiencing new life.
“Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you” (Ephesians 5:14). I encourage you to stop hitting that snooze button this week. New life will never be found by rolling over, it is only found by getting up. Have you hit your own limit? Are you tired of stagnation in your faith and dullness in your life? Then take a kingdom step during this Holy season. Let me know what your step is, so our team can help you take it. New life will never be found through the snooze button, so I’m praying that you will rise up boldly this Easter season.
Invite a friend to join you this Sunday as we examine saying #5 from Calvary. I’m praying for you this week, and I look forward to seeing you in worship.
We have officially returned to Austin after a life-changing week in Egypt. Thank you for your prayers and please know that God has answered them in so many powerful ways. I wanted to share some of those victories in this post so you celebrate with us all that God has done, and is still doing, through our new ministry partnership in Egypt. Last week, I was honored to lead nine men into Egypt to partner with TC Egypt. The Community at Egypt is a dynamic evangelical association that is focused on impacting the next generation for Jesus Christ. Using the prophetic words of Isaiah chapter 19 as their guide and their passion, they are pursuing the expansion of God’s kingdom across Egypt and the middle east.
TC has established campuses in Cairo and Alexandria, as well as a campus in Jordan that has served thousands of refugees. But as of this week, they now have added a fourth campus in the city of Fayoum due to the generosity and partnership of our church. Our team was honored to represent ABC at the grand opening of our new campus facility. Additionally, we were able to serve on mission all week alongside the TC staff in both Cairo and Fayoum. TC offers a long list of vibrant ministries that fall under three primary sectors: Work & Faith, Recovery, and Discipleship and Evangelism. We were able to partner in all three areas these past few days.
We brought a team of gifted professionals from ABC. These men brought decades of experience in areas such as marketing, real estate, entrepreneurship, technology, physical therapy, finance, and wealth management. They were able to offer business seminars to the Egyptian community to help them sharpen their skills. These men presented workshops in the TC facilities, but some also had the opportunity to present a session at Cairo’s most prestigious university. These men were able to share their wisdom in business, but they were also able to share how God has shaped their lives through business. The audiences were engaged, had lots of questions, and our men were able to consult with them in business and spiritual life. The TC staff now has a long list of new guests that they are following up with for further discipleship.
We were also blessed to partner with TC’s amazing recovery ministry. TC Egypt offers Christ-centered programs to help men and women be freed from all kinds of addictions. They have in-patient recovery facilities for both men and women, with each facility capable of housing over 20 patients. We were blessed to bring Dr. Jimmy Myers with us on this trip, and God used him in a powerful way. Jimmy is an ABC member who is also a PhD, a Licensed counselor, and the founder of Austin’s largest Christian counseling center, The Timothy Center. Jimmy spent many hours training TC’s counselors and helped them further develop their skills. Our entire group was also able to join the two recovery houses for a special worship service on Sunday morning. I had the honor of preaching that day, and we were blessed to see over 20 men and women make decisions for Jesus Christ that day. Our men scattered to pray over these individuals and encourage them in their new decisions. God moved in a powerful way and we were humbled to witness it.
One of the most special days came at the Grand Opening of our new TC Fayoum campus. I was so encouraged by TC’s work ethic and the Lord’s faithfulness in this joint venture. We gave TC a green light in December to begin this expansion plan. Within these four short months, their leadership team acquired a strategic property surrounded by residences and schools. They fully renovated that property in 40 days, networked across the community, and hosted a grand opening celebration with over 250 people in attendance. We had a special outdoor worship service with music, preaching, testimonies, and recognition of various community leaders. I was blessed to preach at that service, and I challenged TC Fayoum to shine their light in their city. It was inspiring to see the name of Jesus being lifted publicly, the Gospel being proclaimed boldly, and worship happening in open air of a predominately Muslim community. We welcomed Christians, seekers, and even some Muslims in attendance at that service. Many more were listening and watching from the balconies and streets that surrounded us. Our Fayoum campus is now officially open, and I’m excited to see how God will use those facilities to reach the city in the years to come.
GRAND OPENING RECAP VIDEO
In addition to these incredible spiritual moments, our team also had a blast experiencing the Egyptian culture together. We had lots of laughs and witnessed some incredible things. We stood in awe at the Great Pyramids of Giza and went on camel rides to see the ancient Sphynx. We visited a national museum and saw many of the ancient Pharaohs. We traveled across “Garbage City” and were humble to watch hundreds of Egyptians hauling and sorting through trash for provision. We walked through the famous Cave Church and marveled at this church that has been built literally into a mountain. We visited historic churches such as St. George’s Church, the “Hanging Church,” and the church built on the traditional site where Mary and Joseph stayed with baby Jesus. We walked and shopped Cairo’s famous market and enjoyed Egyptian cuisine. We got to see the desert oasis in Fayoum. We saw Egypt’s only waterfalls, Africa’s 2nd biggest lake, and some of Egypt’s most famed deserts.
So what’s next? This was not the end of our Egyptian partnership, but really just the beginning. I encourage you to continue to pray for Fayoum in particular. Pray that God will bless the TC staff in their leadership and pray for the Lord to use our facilities to disciple and reach more people for Jesus Christ. Pray for our next trip. We are looking to send a group this coming October (more details to come). We especially want to take some women on this trip to work with the ladies in the recovery house and to help lead women’s empowerment seminars.
Pray for Dr. Jimmy Myers and me. We are looking to potentially return to Egypt for a few days in November. I will already be in the Middle East for our church’s Israel tour, so I may add on a few days of ministry in Egypt. The TC staff is asking for me to train Egypt’s Baptist pastors. I had the privilege of meeting the head of the Egyptian Baptist denomination while I was there. TC is also inviting me to preach a few outreach events while I’m there. Jimmy is looking to come back at the same time to continue in his training and mentorship of their counseling staff. Jimmy introduced his CSAT training to them on our trip (certified sex addiction therapist). Egypt desperately struggles with so many forms of sexual addiction, and our church may have the unique opportunity to bring this professional training to the nation of Egypt for the first time. We are working on a strategic plan to get their staff certified and equipped with this accreditation so they can help many Egyptians find freedom from sexual bondage.
Thank you for you continued encouragement, prayers, and a support. I was so proud to see our church do something bold for the kingdom. God has blessed our initial steps of faith in Egypt, and I believe it is just the beginning of what is to come. It felt unreal in many ways to see Austin Baptist Church’s name on signs, screens, and flyers in the nation of Egypt. It was a great reminder that our big God can use this city on a hill in Austin, Texas to help light up the world. May we all continue to shine our light so that others may see our good work and give glory to our Father in heaven. The best is yet to come.
Greetings from Egypt! Thank you for your continued prayers for our missions team. God is doing a great work in the Middle East, and it has been encouraging to see the launch of our new campus in Fayoum. I look forward to sharing pictures and details with you when our team returns to Austin.
This weekend marks the beginning of Spring Break. We will “spring forward” our clocks this Sunday for daylight savings, and many will also be springing forward to vacations and plans for rest. I know our students are especially looking forward to this week, but of course not everyone will get a break in the coming days. Business will carry on and next week will be rather ordinary for most adults. However, I want to remind you that you could find some rest this week even if you aren’t going on a vacation.
Jesus tells us, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29). True rest doesn’t come from a hotel or a spa, although they certainly can help. True rest comes from resting in the presence of Jesus Christ. That rest is available 24/7 and 365 days a year. It doesn’t require paid time off or early reservations. It simply requires you to slow down and spend time with Him.
How can you connect with God differently this week? Maybe you could go on a prayer walk to spend some time talking with just Him. Maybe you could set some time for intentional Bible study and journaling. Or perhaps you could turn on some worship music and sing praises with no one else around. Maybe the best thing you could do is turn everything off for just a few minutes and be silent with Him and away from the noise. These kinds of disciplines will give you far more rest than any vacation ever could. Take a spring break even if you don’t have a spring break. Seek the right kind of rest and see how Jesus begins to reinvigorate your soul.
Thank you for your prayers this week for our Egypt missions team. As you know, we are sending an outstanding group of men next week to work with our new ministry partner, TC Egypt. Because of your generosity, our church is building a new ministry campus in the city of Fayoum. I’m looking forward to seeing the progress firsthand, and I can’t wait to watch God work through these nine men to help expand His kingdom in the Middle East. We will certainly have plenty to report on when we return.
While I am excited to go, I also humbly realize that not everyone gets to go. As is the case for any international mission trip, not everyone in a church gets to step foot on to the departing airplane. We all face various limitations that can keep us from going. Some of us have work and family obligations, while others may have financial constraints. Some have physical conditions and ailments that limit their travel. The reality is we cannot all go on this mission trip, but the Bible says we can all go live our lives on mission this week.
Paul says, “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Every son and daughter of God is called an “ambassador.” We live our lives every day on a mission for the King of kings. He speaks through us (John 14:26), He accomplishes His purposes in us (Romans 10:14-15), and He has specific assignments for each of us (Ephesians 2:10). We are surrounded by people every day in Austin, Texas who need to experience the hope and love of Jesus Christ. That is why He has commissioned you as His ambassador.
I encourage you to live on mission this week. Pray for the lost around you. Pray by name, and pray that God will soften their hearts and draw them to himself (John 6:44). Connect with the lost around you. Build relationships with them and look for a moment to share the hope that you have living inside of you (1 Peter 3:15). Invite them to church. So many people would consider attending a church if they simply received a personal invitation. God has given us a huge ministry field right here in our city. Live your life on mission this week knowing that Jesus has already promised a harvest.
Temperatures are beginning to rise, the grass is turning green again, and Spring is right around the corner. Of course, this also means Easter is almost here. I hope you are looking forward to celebrating the resurrection of our Lord on Sunday April 9th. We only have six Sundays before that big day, so we are going to be intentional with this remaining time. I believe it is critical for every Christian to take time to prepare their hearts for Easter. Before we can celebrate the empty tomb, we must first remember and reflect on the old rugged cross.
This Sunday we will begin a new series titled, “Last Words.” We are going to examine Jesus’ final words from calvary. The four Gospels account for seven different sayings that Jesus communicated while He was nailed to the cross. Any person’s last words matter, but Jesus’ last words matter the most. His last words communicated truth about His heart, His nature, and His mission. These are words that He wanted us to hear, and they are words that He wanted us to apply into our lives.
I encourage you to commit yourself to the Lord and to His words in these coming weeks. Paul exhorts the church to, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16). May the words of Jesus dwell in our hearts as we reflect, repent, and give thanks for our salvation. Commit to be in God’s house for these six weeks. I will preach the seventh and final saying at our Good Friday service, and then we will celebrate Easter Sunday with a triumphant resurrection message.
Invite someone to join you this Sunday. God is moving across our country, and you never know what he might do with a simple invitation. Most of our city is not planning to be in church this Sunday. But a personal invitation may change that for some of them. Pray for those who are around you, invite them to join you in God’s house, and I look forward to worshipping with you on this Lord’s Supper weekend.
Onward and upward,
Jonathan Spencer
Last Sunday’s Sermon – Romans 8:31-39 – “The Security of Salvation”
Here at ABC we desire to see God light up your life, your home, your neighborhood, and the world. Jesus Christ is the light of the world (John 8:12), and He has commissioned His church to shine for Him: “Let your light shine before others, so that, they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). God receives glory when His people live on mission and shine their light into dark places.
Two weeks ago, one of our women’s Bible study classes met after the winter storm. During their discussion, a class member mentioned her entire street still did not have power. These ladies decided to temporarily pause their study, so they could put the truth they had been learning into practice. They packed bags full of gift cards, household needs, and filled them with encouraging notes. They then prayed over those bags and the people who would receive them. From there, they scattered to drop off the bags and bless those homes with the hope and love of Christ.
Last week, our church was informed of a need by one of our beloved senior adults. In the wake of the winter storm, a church member had many damaged trees on her property, but she did not have the physical capacity to clean it up herself. We communicated this need to our deacons, and I’m proud to say many of them gave up their Saturday to bless this woman in need. They cleaned up her property, then thanked her for the opportunity to serve her, and prayed over her and her home.
Anyone can talk about light, but it takes true commitment to shine. I’m proud of these individuals for setting the pace for our church, and I encourage you to let your light shine in the same way. The world is not in short supply of darkness. However, it does seem to be short on light. What dark circumstances has God placed around you? How could you light up someone’s life through a simple call, text, or note? Who needs encouragement and hope around you? Austin Baptist Church will grow in its impact collectively, as we grow in our impact individually. We are the body of Christ. How can you make a difference this week?
This weekend is Super Bowl Sunday, and as always, there is great anticipation leading up to the big game. As a Cowboys fan, I must admit that my passion for this game already departed three weeks ago when the San Francisco 49ers crushed my hopes and dreams. Nonetheless, millions of other Americans are intently preparing for this game. They are buying groceries and building an extensive menu. Some will even begin cooking many hours before the kickoff. Many are buying jerseys and decorations for their viewing parties. Fans are reading stat sheets and ESPN articles to prepare their minds for Sunday’s match up. And millions of people are inviting their friends to come share in the Super Bowl experience with them this Sunday.
I wonder what would happen if Christians began to view church on Sundays like the world views the Super Bowl? What would happen if we began to anticipate the gathering of the saints in the same capacity that we anticipate a football game? I think we would start to orient our entire weekends around that big event in a similar way. Church would no longer be just an option for the weekend, it would be the central focus. We would go to bed earlier on Saturdays and clear our calendars on Sunday mornings. We would prepare our minds by reading Scripture and praying before we leave our homes. We would get to church long before “kickoff” so we would not miss a minute. We would invite our friends to join us because we would want to share that experience with others that we love. We would be dialed in to the worship service like we are to our TVs. We would sing loudly, listen attentively, and prayerfully process the things we are hearing from God.
David says, “I was glad when they said to me, ’Let us go to the house of the Lord’!” (Psalm 122:1). I love the Super Bowl and there is certainly nothing wrong with enjoying a big football game with friends. But I pray that our church will begin viewing every Sunday like a Super Bowl Sunday because it is. Every Sunday, we are proclaiming and celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and Savior. For nearly 2,000 years, the church has purposefully gathered on Sundays to remember that it is “the Lord’s Day” (Revelation 1:10). Jesus overcame the grave on this day, so we gather to celebrate His victory for us. Jesus blesses the gathering of His people in a unique way (Matthew 18:20). This is why we should anticipate it, and we certainly should not neglect it (Hebrews 10:25). I encourage you to enter the Lord’s house this Sunday with a new sense of anticipation. Come expectant to hear from the Lord, and watch how God begins to bless your soul in a fresh way.
As a closing reminder, I did want to give an update on our upcoming Israel Tour. I know many of you saw my note go out early this week. We only have about 10 spots remaining. If you plan to join us in the Holy Land, I encourage you to register ASAP and put down your deposit this week. The registration will remain open until we are full. You can register here: https://signature.rezdy.com/514939/pastor-jonathan-spencer-10-day-journey-to-the-holy-land-november-5-14-2023.
I hope you are staying warm and safe this week. It’s amazing how unpredictable the weather can be in central Texas. Sunday afternoon felt like a warm spring day. My kids were in shorts and riding on their bikes with friends in the neighborhood. Then Tuesday came and the schools were shut down, and now we find ourselves bundled up in our home. I think my yard is getting equally confused as well. I could see green grass starting to pop up last week, and plants in my flower beds were beginning to show signs of new life. However, this recent freeze reminds me that winter usually lasts longer than we desire.
Have you ever seen those green blades of grass start to spring up in your own life? When we submit our lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, God is faithful to grow those seeds of faith into new life. We begin to see God soften our hearts and change the way we think, change the way we speak, and change the way we act. If you’re like me, you’ve been encouraged to see those visible changes which are evidence of God’s grace. But if you’re also like me, you’ve longed to see more change in your own life, and in the lives of those around you. It’s important in those seasons that we do not lose hope, but instead we remain faithful even in those winter storms.
The apostle Paul tells us, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). As we enter the month of February, I encourage you to not grow weary of doing the good things that you began doing in January. For some of you, you began new disciplines of prayer and scripture reading. Don’t give up on those critical things. For some, you began prioritizing the church and gathered with us more faithfully. Don’t grow weary of entering the Lord’s house. Some of you began seeking community and serving in our church. Keep investing into relationships with others in our church family. For some, you began casting aside that sin that has so easily entangled you. Keep fighting that good fight.
As we learned last Sunday, sanctification can be a grueling thing. Don’t forget that life change is a lifelong process (Phil 1:6). Remain faithful even in the seasons that feel like winter for your soul. If you do, you will reap the harvest you are looking for in due season. I look forward to continuing our “More Than Conquerors” series with you this Sunday as we learn how we can live victorious lives even amidst our suffering. Don’t come alone this weekend. Pray for a friend, and then invite them to join you in worship at 9am or 11:11am. Have a great week and I look forward to seeing you in worship.
The church is more than just a building. Church is more than an hour of worship or a class that you attend. The church is more than a ministry or program that you serve in. All of those things are wonderful functions and byproducts of the church, but they are not the church itself. The church is the people. The Greek word is ekklesia, which literally means “the called-out ones.” That word was previously used to describe the assembly of people for various civic purposes, but in Matthew 16:18, Jesus took that word and applied it in a new context for his own people.
“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rockI will build my church, and the gates of hellshall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). The church is the called-out people of Jesus Christ who share that same confession of Peter: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). The church is a great blessing to God’s people because it serves as a family of faith for those who call upon the name of Jesus. In fact, because it is such a blessing, the author of Hebrews exhorts the church to “not neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:25).
We need each other. The Bible is clear that the Christian life is not meant to be done alone. It is difficult to shine your light for Jesus when you are constantly surrounded by darkness every day. This is why Jesus created his church to function as a “city on a hill.” The church offers hope for the lost, but it also offers refuge for the believer. My question for you to consider today is: what is the church to you? Is the church a family that you belong to, or have you perhaps relegated it to a much smaller function? If you are not actively engaged in the community of faith, I would encourage you to take your next step today.
Our church is not a building, it is a family. We come together each week in a building to worship and lift up the name of Jesus together, but we also break out into smaller groups to begin to do life together. We offer Bible Fellowship Groups for all ages because we prioritize both of those things: the bible and fellowship. We want every Christian to grow in their understanding of God’s Word, but we also want every Christian to grow in their relationships with each other.
We have people in our church who have done life together for over 50 years! What a legacy and incredible honor for them to experience that much life together. My prayer is that God will grant each of you with such a blessing. The reality is believers are not meant to do life alone. We need each other for encouragement. We need each other for correction and accountability. We need each other to walk through career transitions, new additions in our home, and tragic losses. We need each other when we are sick and hurting, and we need each other when we are full of good health and life. We are the sons and daughters of God, and he has called his children to walk through life as a family.
If you haven’t found community yet, we would love to help you do so. Simply reach out to our staff or fill out a get connected form at church or online, and we’ll be ready to come alongside you in this season. Don’t neglect the gathering this weekend and take the opportunity to lift up the name of Jesus and be sharpened by your brothers and sisters in the faith. I look forward to worshipping and connecting with you this Sunday.
Onward and upward,
Jonathan Spencer
Last Sunday’s Message – More Than Conquerors – “The Roads We Travel” Romans 8:5-11
It was great to kick off our “More Than Conquerors” series with you last Sunday. I hope you have spent the week walking in the new freedom that Jesus Christ has purchased for you. As we learned last weekend, we have been freed from our condemnation, but we were also freed for a specific purpose. God wants you to experience new life. The Spirit of God now lives in you, and this week we will see that the Spirit of God has given us new power. I hope and pray that we will begin to walk in that power, because the church always comes alive when the people of God begin to walk according to the Spirit of God.
What is your ministry right now? I would encourage you to pause and reflect on that question. How is the Spirit of God using you to help build up the people of God in this season? 1 Peter 4:10 reminds us, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” The church has been given a mission to lead people into a life changing relationship with Jesus Christ. However, that mission will never be fulfilled through us until we first yield to the Spirit’s calling in us. The Spirit of God equips and empowers the people of God to do the work of God. So I ask you to consider once again, what ministry has the Spirit given you in this season?
Our church has growing needs inside our church walls. I could go down the list of opportunities to serve in the ABC Kids and Student ministries, the music ministry, our BFG’s, the media ministry, our greeters and ushers, and even our social media and communications ministries. We need more people to help with inreach and outreach. We need more prayer warriors, more encouragers, and more mentors. We need more who will step up to care for those who are sick and hurting. The needs are innumerable, and the same could be said outside our church walls.
God has strategically placed each of us into a community to shine our light. The reality is the vast majority of our neighbors and colleagues are not in church regularly on Sunday mornings. Who could you begin ministering to on your own block? Who is in your own sphere of influence that needs to experience a life changing relationship with Jesus? One small invitation into your home and into your church home could change everything. As we look forward to this weekend, I encourage you to consider how you can allow God to work through you this year. If you have breath in your lungs, God has purpose for your life. He has given each of us the Spirit to equip us with the power we need to accomplish His purposes in our lives.
Lastly, I want to remind you that I’m offering two informational meetings for ABC’s Israel trip in November. I hope you plan to join me in person on Wednesday night or online on Thursday evening. Additionally, we have a Discover ABC Dinner coming up on January 29th. This will be a great opportunity for us to get to know those who are new to our church, both recent new members and recent visitors. Registration is open and childcare is available (click HERE). Thank you for all you do and may we all shine our light this week as we walk in freedom. I look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday.
Onward and upward,
Jonathan Spencer
Last Sunday’s Sermon: More Than Conquerors – New Freedom – Romans 8:1-4
www.jonathanspencer.org 