A Long-Distance Relationship | 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13

On Sunday, we looked at Paul’s long-distance relationship with the young Thessalonian church. After noticing no imperatives or commands in that portion of Scripture, we reflected on what Paul modeled for us in his discipling relationship with 3 takeaways.
 
1. Relationships matter

• Be intentional about others’ spiritual growth, seeking to do them spiritual good. 
• Ask, “How’s your faith?” Then listen, pray, help and encourage one another.  
• Ask: “What’s their next step in faith?” How might God use me, my words, my encouragement? 
• Be God’s instrument for encouragement in the lives of fellow High Pointers. 

 
2. Victory is assured in this spiritual battle

• Remember: Christ has already defeated Satan though his life, death, and resurrection. 
• Encourage others with this truth. 

 
3. We pray for those we love

• Thank God for others’ growth. 
• Pray for perseverance. 
• Support long distance relationships like missionaries through prayer.

 
As we start a new year, prayerfully ask the Father God to show you 1 or 2 people in whom you might invest this year or during the first quarter of the year.  Then pray for them, encourage them, spend time together purposing to do them spiritual good as you read the Word and pray together, as you listen to understand their challenges, as you serve others together.   

• Praying for relief and protection and still suffering?  
  • When suffering keeps coming. 

 

• How to Encourage One Another 
  • Someone Needs Your Encouragement 
  • Encourage One Another: Giving Grace with Your Words 
  • The Awkward Duty of Encouragement: How Men Strengthen Other Men 

• Some helpful advice for parents who are not perfect:
  • Parental Regret: How to Move Forward When You’ve Let Your Kids Down 

• Missions: Ten Ways to Encourage a Missionary 

 

• Song of the Month:  May the Mind of Christ, My Savior 

Opportunities to Serve and Grow at High Pointe
(For Opportunities to Serve at High Pointe, click HERE)  

Prayer Service in Spanish THIS Sunday (with English Translation) | 5 PM
Join us as we gather the at 5 PM on Sunday, January 12 to have a Prayer Service in Spanish. We will be providing English translation, but you are responsible for bringing your own cellphone and headphones for English translation.
 
Meaningful Membership Class | Sunday, January 12 | 1:15 PM to 4:30 PM  
If you’re interested in learning more about High Pointe or pursuing membership with High Pointe, please mark your calendars Membership Class. This class will cover three main questions: What is the church and why should I join, what does High Pointe believe, and what do we expect of church members at High Pointe. Click here to register. 
 
DiscipleNow Youth Conference | January 17-19  
Save the date for the DNOW Youth Conference happening at High Pointe from January 17 to January 19. The theme this year is discipleship, and it will be a fun time of teaching, games, and fellowship. For more information and to register click here.  
 
The High Pointe Institute | Wednesdays, Semester 2 Begins Wednesday, January 29
The High Pointe Institute (HPI) is a one-year (two semester) discipleship program meant to offer a pathway for growing disciples to be equipped for ministry in the church and the world. The goal is to form mature disciples who are growing in their knowledge and love for God, who take ownership of High Pointe’s ministries and mission, and who are committed to helping others follow Christ. This program will instill a commitment to Scripture and a better grasp of the biblical storyline, a solid foundation in Christian doctrine, and an increasing ability to connect theology to one’s life, worship, and mission. 
 
HPI is designed for growing disciples of Christ who want to be equipped for ministry and mission in whatever context God has placed them. ALL men and women are encouraged to participate. HPI is designed with High Pointe members in mind as a preparation for service and leadership. We are opening registration for the spring semester to anyone who would like to join us. Those who took part in the first semester do not need to register again. If you would like to begin the HPI this semester, REGISTER HERE. 
 
Women's Morning & Evening Bible Study Resume Wednesday, January 29
 

• Morning Bible Study | Wednesdays, January 29 – May 30 |10:00 AM - 11:30 AM 
  • Join us for an inductive study of the New Testament books of 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John. For registration and questions contact Mary Delk or Jeanette Heflin. 

 

• Evening Bible Study | Wednesdays, September 18 - May 30 | 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM 
  • Join us for an inductive study of the Old Testament book of Amos. To register, click here. For questions, please contact Susan Horton or Marilyn Waters. 

 
Children and Student Ministry Volunteer Luncheon | Sunday, February 2
We'd like to show our appreciation to those who volunteer in children's and youth ministry by providing lunch and a time of fellowship for you and your family on Sunday, February 2, just after the morning worship service. We plan to begin serving lunch in the fellowship hall at noon. Register by January 26. Click here to register.  
 
High Pointe Parenting Seminar | Saturday, February 8 | 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Save the date for High Pointe's Parenting Seminar happening on February 8. More details and registration coming soon!  
 
Life Classes | Life Classes will resume on Sunday, January 26, at 9:00 AM
 
Sunday AM Preaching Schedule: Pray regularly for the ministry of the Word at High Pointe. Also, prepare for our gatherings by reading the sermon text, thinking it through, and asking questions about the text before Sunday. Here is our (tentative) preaching schedule designed to help you prepare for Sundays:   

• January 12 | 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 | The Good Life is a Holy Life | Pastor Robert 
• January 19 | Luke 3:1-20 | What Does Repentance Look Like? | Pastor Juan 
• January 26 | Luke 3:21-4:13 | Lead Us Not into Temptation | Pastor Juan 

 
Begin praying as you prepare to gather with us this Sunday at 10:00 am. 
 
Gospel Partner of the Month: The P Family (High Pointe Members)
The P family are preparing to go wherever the Lord may send them. Due to security concerns, we will not share a lot of public information. So, we encourage you to get to know them so that you may pray for them. Also, they are in the final stages of raising support. So, if the Lord leads you to give to them above and beyond your regular giving, they will be encouraged. 
 
If you would like to sign up for their newsletter, please fill out this form.
 
On-Call Pastor
To better care for you, High Pointe, we have an “on-call” pastor available for emergencies after office hours and on weekends. To reach the on-call pastor, call 512-837-7725, extension 1.