Austin Chinese Church

God's plan has always been greater than we can see. What was once hidden has now been revealed in Christ, bringing people together and forming a new community shaped by grace. Paul's imprisonment reminds us that circumstances do not cancel calling. In Christ, we share both the privilege and the responsibility of participating in what God is doing.

The Church was never meant to be built on cultural opinions and preferences. It was meant to be built on the foundational truth of the Gospel; piece by piece, person by person as we submit to Him. As walls of hostility are torn down, we are called to build up the spiritual temple to invite all to experience that truth of the Gospel.

We often forget how distant we once were: cut off, excluded, and without hope. In Ephesians 2:11–16, Paul calls us to remember, not to shame us, but to magnify grace. Through the blood of Christ, those who were far off have been brought near. Jesus doesn't just forgive individuals; He creates a new people. He tears down walls of hostility, ends division at the cross, and makes peace where there was once separation.

Before we can talk about walking worthy, we must face a hard truth: the dead don't walk. In Ephesians 2:1–10, Paul reminds us that apart from Christ we were spiritually dead, but God, rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ by grace alone. A worthy walk does not begin with human effort, but with divine resurrection. We are saved by grace, not by works. Only those made alive in Christ can truly walk in the way He has set before them.

Paul told the Ephesians that he would pray "that the eyes of their heart would be enlightened." He didn't pray that the "eyes of your brain would be enlightened." He knew that just having a mental knowledge about God would not help the believers to walk worthy. They needed to have their hearts illuminated regarding what God has given to each believer. What we know and believe always determines what we do, say, and think.

Before we ever do anything for God, He has already done everything for us. In Ephesians 1:3–14, Paul reminds us that we have been chosen, redeemed, adopted, and sealed in Christ—not for comfort or status, but for God's mission in the world. Our identity in Christ fuels our calling: we are a people blessed by grace and sent for His glory. As we learn to walk worthy of this calling, we discover that serving God is not about earning His favor, but responding to it, living as visible signs of His grace and peace wherever He sends us.

A worthy walk flows from a secure identity in Christ. Our daily lives are shaped by living out the grace and peace we have received from God. We walk worthy lives because we are God's holy people, faithful in Christ Jesus alone.

The start of the New Year is always a good time to reset and refocus our mission and purpose in life both personally and corporately as a church community. For 2026, our church theme will continue to be “Building a Missional Community,” and our theme verse will be from Jesus' mission statement as He was starting His ministry found in Luke 4:18-19. This mission statement will help us to transition into the new year, not with self-focused goals, but with a Spirit-empowered purpose.

In Romans 12, Paul calls believers to offer themselves fully to God, allowing His mercy to reshape how we think, live, and love. True worship transforms us from the inside out, forming a community marked by humility, generosity, and sincere love. As the church lives this renewed life together, our everyday obedience becomes a powerful witness to the world. When worship fuels community, mission naturally follows, lived out through compassion, peace, and overcoming evil with good.

In Luke 1:39–56, Mary rejoices in God's mercy and faithfulness, singing with confidence in His promises. Paul echoes this call in Philippians 4:4–7, urging us to “rejoice in the Lord” because God is near and His peace guards our hearts. In this Advent season we are reminded how God's grace doesn't just comfort us, it teaches us to rejoice with a joy deeper than our circumstances.

The glory of God is a funny thing. It can be the source and cause for fear and trembling. And at the very same time, a source for peace and joy. It can be demonstrated in a pillar of fire and the grandeur of a temple. And yet it's also perfectly defined by a baby in a manger. Amazing grace is being able to reach ultimate peace through God's glory.

You have been signed out. Sign into your account from another tab.   Worship Template (EAA Owned)                                 In a world that often feels overshadowed by uncertainty, Isaiah announces a piercing truth: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” That promise finds its fulfillment centuries later in a small town, with an ordinary young woman and an extraordinary message. In Luke 1, Mary is met not with fear or judgment but with grace, grace that promises the impossible and brings God's dawn into human darkness. Let us explore together how God's long-awaited Messiah brings unshakable hope, how divine grace meets humble faith, and how the promises of God still break into our lives today with the light of Christ.                                                                                                                                   In a world that often feels overshadowed by uncertainty, Isaiah announces a piercing truth: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” That promise finds its fulfillment centuries later in a small town, with an ordinary young woman and an extraordinary message. In Luke 1, Mary is met not with fear or judgment but with grace, grace that promises the impossible and brings God's dawn into human darkness. Let us explore together how God's long-awaited Messiah brings unshakable hope, how divine grace meets humble faith, and how the promises of God still break into our lives today with the light of Christ.   Turn on screen reader support           To enable screen reader support, press ⌘+Option+Z To learn about keyboard shortcuts, press ⌘slash

In a world shaped by hurry, fragility, and brokenness, Psalm 90 calls us to slow down and turn our hearts towards God, our eternal dwelling place. Join us as we walk with Moses in bringing our laments before Him, discovering that God alone can truly satisfy and sustain us.

As the book of Exodus closes, God's glory fills the tabernacle, marking both a completion and a new beginning for his people. Israel's long journey from slavery to worship has led to this defining moment: God dwelling among them. Yet, the story doesn't end here; it continues with God guiding his people by his presence wherever they go. We are reminded that life with God is a journey of continual dependence, obedience, and trust in his faithful guidance.

In the Tabernacle, every item and person was consecrated for God's purpose. That ancient ritual points to a profound truth for every believer: in Christ, you are consecrated. This isn't just a status; it's a calling.

God doesn't call his people to cookie-cutter faith. The tabernacle was crafted with intentional detail, not to impress others, but to welcome God's presence. In Exodus 39:32-43 we'll explore what it means to be “built differently” as followers of Jesus: shaped by God's design, committed to his standards, and marked by his presence in everything we do. When we build our lives according to God's blueprint, he delights to put his glory on display.

Exodus 37–38 reveals a God of perfect design and purpose. Every detail of the Tabernacle points forward to Jesus Christ, who fulfilled God's plan with flawless precision. The same God who crafted the Tabernacle and fulfilled prophecy is faithfully shaping every detail of our lives today.

Israel's journey through the wilderness is culminating in this beautiful project of building the tabernacle of God. As everyone is doing their part to participate in the work, there is an abundance of what they need. What can we learn today as we understand Gods abundance and what he desires for us as a church community?

God provides the tabernacle to serve as a microcosm of Creation and God's glory. In Exodus 35, the Israelites gather the materials to build and collect everything for the construction of the tabernacle. As Exodus hinges to focus on the construction of the tabernacle, we too are called to tabernacle everywhere we go as the tabernacle, and us, are a glimpse of heaven on earth and an invitation to worship the one true God everywhere we go.

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, his face shone because he had been in the presence of God. Israel saw it, and they could not deny it: God's glory had left a mark. In Exodus 34, we're reminded that the God who renews His covenant also transforms His people. His presence doesn't just stay on the mountain; it changes hearts and lives. God's radiant presence also points us to Christ, in whom the glory of God is fully revealed. Through Jesus, we are called to reflect that glory in our everyday lives.

How do you respond when you receive incredible mercy? Do you know how much you need it? Or is mercy only for other “sinners”? Coming home involves recognizing that we need mercy and that we have mercy.

After the episode with the golden calf, Moses pleads with God not to send Israel forward without His presence. Chapter 33 reminds us that God's presence is what sets His people apart and gives them courage for the journey ahead. Because true security ultimately comes from God's presence, not His provisions.

Exodus 32 tells the sobering story of Israel trading the glory of the living God for the glitter of a golden calf. What looked impressive on the outside was empty on the inside: beautiful, shiny, and worthless. In their impatience and fear, God's people built a substitute god that could never save them. We may not melt down jewelry today, but our hearts are still tempted to chase golden idols of success, security, and self. This passage calls us to recognize the false gods we fashion and return to the only God who is worthy of our worship, the One who cannot be replaced.

God not only calls His people to serve Him with skill, excellence, and Spirit-filled devotion, but He also commands them to rest in Him with trust and obedience. In Exodus 31 we see the balance of sacred work and sacred rest: Bezalel and Oholiab are filled with the Spirit for service, while the Sabbath is given as a covenant sign of God's presence. Our lives, too, are meant to reflect this holy rhythm, working unto the Lord with all He provides, and resting in His covenant grace.

Exodus 30 shows that God's dwelling was to be filled with the fragrance of worship: incense, cleansing, and consecration. In Christ, we are called to be his fragrant dwelling, washed, set apart, and offering lives of devotion to him alone.

In Exodus 29, God instructs Moses about consecrating Aaron and his sons so that they can serve Him as priests, and about different kinds of sacrifices that they are to offer. In return, God promises to dwell amongst His people and be their God. The good news for us today is that Jesus is both the perfect priest and the perfect sacrifice for our sin. Through the cross, Jesus has consecrated us so that we might know Him and make Him known.

When God instructed Moses to clothe Aaron in garments “for glory and for beauty,” he wasn't making a fashion statement; he was revealing something deeper. In Exodus 28 we'll explore the sacred meaning behind the high priest's elaborate attire and what it teaches us about identity, representation, and holiness. Why did God care so much about what the priest wore? And what does it mean for us today to be “clothed in Christ”? Let us discover together how God dresses his people, not to impress others, but to reflect his glory.

In Exodus 27, God continues to provide His people with instructions to build and maintain the Tabernacle. These passages reveal God's character and show how He made a way for people to be close to Him. It also reminds us of how we, as God's people, are to shine His light and share His love with the world.

What if the Creator of the universe decided to move in next door? In Exodus 25, God commands his people to build a sanctuary, not because he needs shelter, but because he longs to dwell with them. This isn't just ancient architecture; it's a divine invitation. “God's Moving Day” reminds us that he is not distant or detached. He's a God who draws near, who sets up camp in the middle of our messy lives, and who desires to be at the center of our worship. From the Ark to the Table to the Lampstand, each detail points to a deeper truth: God is moving toward us. The only question is—will we make room?

Having received God's commandments and the principles that apply to every facet of life, the Israelites are invited to worship God in the very first public worship service. God rescued them so they could learn to worship Him with everything they are and have. While encountering God can render us speechless, we are unable to fully see God's glory leaving us to wander from Him. We need someone better than Moses, something better than the Law to fully experience communion with the Lord at his table.

As one reads the many chapters and books dedicated to the teaching of the Law, it is easy to get bogged down in all the details and yet completely miss the reason or purpose behind the teaching. That is, we can miss God's heart when we focus only on His words. What if we instead read the Law through the filter of, "WHAT is God trying to say to us, to me?" or "WHY did He ask Moses to record this for us?"

As the Israelites embark on the journey home to the Promised Land, God gives them laws to teach them how to live in right relationship with Himself and with one another. These laws also reveal to us God's character, that He is a God who cares about justice. In our passage today, we will see a glimpse of God's heart for reconciliation, and that reconciliation requires restitition. Ultimately, Jesus fulfills these laws by being our restitution.

After giving the 10 Commandments, God gave additional laws and directions for how His people should live out the commandments in their day-to-day lives. As Christians today, we strive to obey the 10 Commandments. Though we are not required to follow the additional laws that applied to ancient Israel, we can learn from God's life-giving laws for a broken world, and gain an understanding of his desire for protection, justice, mercy, and restoration.

The Ten Commandments are often viewed as a rigid list of rules, but at their core, they are the framework for a covenant relationship between a holy God and His redeemed people. These commandments aren't about legalism, but about love, identity, and trust. Discover how God's law reveals His heart and how obedience becomes an act of worship, not obligation.

It is hard to think of a job in all of history that was more difficult and underappreciated than the one Moses had! Working for a Master that was/is perfect, all powerful, all knowing, and always present. Leading a group of people who were scared for their lives, who had very short memories, and who regularly complained. But they were about to receive 10 commandments and a thing called "the Law" that would change their lives forever. Moses had been called to lead and prepare the children of Israel. What can we learn from his life, especially those of us who are Dads and also "called to prepare."

Community is important in our journey home to God. The work of the Lord is to be shared. It is not meant to be a lonely endeavor, but one in which God calls his church to lead, serve, and build His kingdom together. You don't have to carry it all. We're in this together.

When the pressures of life leave us weary, it's easy to forget who goes before us. In Exodus 17, we meet the God who satisfies our needs and secures our victories - sometimes through a rock, sometimes through a raised hand. Here we see what it means to belong to the Lord - our source, our strength, and our banner in every battle.

In a culture driven by more—more wealth, more control, more comfort—we often overlook the quiet miracle of "just enough." In Exodus 16, God provides manna in the wilderness, not in abundance, but in sufficiency—daily bread to teach His people dependence, trust, and gratitude. This week, we'll explore how God's provision, though sometimes simple and even unexpected, is always sufficient. Discover how learning to live with “just enough” frees us from anxiety, fuels our faith, and fosters a deeper contentment in the Giver rather than the gift.

Sometimes, even after experiencing the power and delivery from God, we still lose faith and trust in the moment of hardship. The Song of Moses reminds us to keep our focus on the faithfulness of God and to obey His commands. It's not a guarantee that we'll be free from hardship, but that God will remain faithful through our hardship.

In a world that glorifies loud opinions, constant updates, and frantic control, God invites us into something radical—silence. In Exodus 14, with an army behind them and a sea in front of them, the Israelites panic. But God doesn't give them a battle plan—He gives them a command: “Be still.” We're cutting through the chaos to rediscover the quiet power of trust. Because sometimes, the most spiritual thing you can do is stop talking, stop striving, and just stand still. Less noise. More faith. Let God fight.

Sometimes the path God takes us on isn't the fastest or the easiest—but it's always the surest. In Exodus 13, as Israel begins its journey out of Egypt, God leads them the long way around, not through the land of the Philistines, but through the wilderness. Why? Because He knows what's ahead. From this message we'll discover the power of divine detours, the beauty of being led by God's presence, and the faith it takes to trust His direction even when the road winds. God's way may not be quick—but it's always right.

Easter Sunday is the day that we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is one of the foundational building blocks of the Christian faith. Look at what the Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15, in verses 14 and 17: “And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain… And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.” So, the question we want to ask today is this: was Christ really raised? Did Jesus really come back to life again after being crucified on Good Friday? I believe that when we look at the evidence, we'll come to the conclusion that Jesus really did rise from the grave - there's just no other explanation.

Passover is so much more than a ceremony or ritual. It was a necessary means to accomplish everything that God had established in the past, present, and future. Through this incredible picture of grace, it would point us to the ultimate act of grace for all who would believe.

In Exodus 11, we witness the looming final act of God's judgment against Egypt—an act that will forever change the course of history. We'll explore the tension between God's mercy and justice, his patience with the stubbornness of man, and the powerful reminder that his will, in the end, will prevail.

In Exodus 10, God unleashes His sovereign power through locusts and darkness, revealing His complete supremacy.  Even in judgment, He is revealing His glory and calling His people to trust and worship.

In Exodus 9, we see a powerful moment when God steps into the story in a way that changes everything. As the plagues continue to unfold, God reveals His unmatched power and sovereignty, demonstrating that when He shows up, no force on earth can stand against Him.

God clearly stated His purpose for sending the plagues on Egypt: He wanted both the Israelites AND the Egyptians to “know that I am the LORD (Yahweh).” In fact, this is His desire for all of us. But Pharaoh's “heart was hardened, and he would not listen.” What can we learn from this passage so that we will not respond to God in the same way?

In Exodus 7, God empowers Moses and Aaron to stand before Pharaoh, demanding the release of the Israelites. While Moses is made "like God" in Pharaoh's eyes, he is clear to recognize that Moses is not God—he is God's chosen vessel. This chapter teaches us the balance between divine authority and human humility. God often calls us to represent Him in the world, but it is crucial to remember that while we act in His name, we are still His servants, not the source of power. Join us as we explore how God equips us with His authority to face challenges, yet reminds us to rely on His power, not our own.

As the covenant keeper, God always keeps His word, no matter the obstacles. When we are tempted to lose faith or grow weary, we can rest in the truth that God's promises are sure, and He will deliver on His word.

In the world's eyes, God's mission is repugnant and repulsive. For God's people, such discouraging moments can actually be part of His bigger purpose, teaching us trust, endurance, and the assurance that God is working even when we can't see it.

The journey home to God necessitates a demonstration of allegiance to him alone. It is obedience in action, faith that believes, a life that is steadfast to his mission.