The Economy and True Humanity

Posted on October 10, 2008

Here’s an excerpt from last Sunday’s sermon which addressed our economy, idolatry of information, and the plan of God in Christ for making people truly human:


Paul knows that we will drift towards finding our significance in what we know, not who we know. He knows that we will participate unwisely in culture, taking on its values, unless we have a greater strength and power, the strength and power of the Spirit of God. And what about our economy? What if we hit a depression and knowledge work becomes scarce? God promises the power and strength to endure any crisis. What if our discretionary income declines? We are promised strength and power to endure with joy. Why with joy? Because we know and obey the God who has the power and commitment to renew and restore the whole world. And because this God has used the power of his glory to rescue us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of his beloved Son.

ESV Study Bible

Posted on October 10, 2008

The much anticipated ESV Study Bible is now available at Westminster Books for $28.49 – 43% Off. Hopefully people get as excited about knowing and sharing God as they do this Bible. Some endorsements:

“The scope and theological faithfulness of the ESV Study Bible study notes is breathtaking. Oh how precious is the written Word of God.” – John Piper

“The world’s best single-volume resource for reading, studying, and teaching the Bible.” – Philip Graham Ryken

Partners Class – I

Posted on October 9, 2008

Taught our first Partners Class last night. Here is an overview and an outline of the class. Before jumping into things I shared three reasons why we are having a Partners Class. Then, inbetween coffee and brownies in the Schwedland’s living room, we all went around and shared something that has shaped our story and how we got connected with Austin City Life. That was the best part.

Why A Partners Class?

1. Why Partners not Members? Some churches do members classes; we have a Partners Class. There are some really good members classes out there, but there are also a lot of jacked up ideas of what it means to be a member of a church, especially for de-churched or unchurched people. So, we decided to go with “Partners class” to clearly communicate that the church is a partnership of Spirit-led disciples who follow Jesus. The church isn’t a country club bound by exclusive membership; it’s a missional community bound together by the gospel. Everyone is invited to be a partner. It’s about responsible partnership, not exclusive relationships.

2. Three Reasons for a Partners Class

o Cultivate Community: lets us get to know one another more intimately, ask questions. It also allows us to shepherd you more effectively, so you aren’t just some random person in a seat (1 Tim 5:9; 2 Cor 2:6-7).

o Clarify the Gospel: allows us to communicate clearly the gospel of Christ and what we consider essential and non-essential doctrines of the church.

o Communicate Mission: fosters sense of mission through ACL vision and explore how you can fit into that mission.

3. What to expect: In addition to Gospel, Community, & Mission, we will:

o Share the History and Vision of Austin City Life.

o Upon completion of the class we will not issue certificates. We will ask that your City Group Leader indicate your participation in the life and mission of your community. Your participation is evidence that you are, indeed, a partner in our mission.