Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Austin

Our text this Sunday, Mark 13 (and the parallel texts in Matthew 24 and Luke 21), is among some of the most difficult to understand in the Bible. Jesus appears to mix predictions of things that would occur during the lifetime of the disciples with things that would only occur at the very end of human history. Although we won't have time to unravel all of the exegetical complexities of Mark 13 this week, we should be able to know and understand enough to stay awake, to be ready for our Lord's Second Coming, and to live lives of faithful expectation.

We return to the book of Mark and conclude Mark 12- where Jesus's authority has been systematically challenged by the leaders of this day. In doing so, we will see how from v. 28-44, Jesus is shown to be the Lord of the law, the Confounder of the Wise and the Judge of True Virtue.

Message from Rev. Dr. Richard Lints on February 8, 2026

For the prominence of its place in Christian theology, heaven remains a mystery. Glimpses of it can be mined in the Scripture. Our songs are filled with longings for it. We confess our belief in it. But what it actually is and what it will be like are frustratingly elusive. It's especially hard when death intrudes. Whether we bury a loved one too early or whether we finally succumb to the ravages of old age, we want to know what lies on the other side of the final breath. This week, Jesus takes on yet another delegation of Jewish religious leaders asking disingenuous questions designed to frustrate and humiliate him. But his answer gives us some of the clearest and most hopeful information we have about the next life and our being known in it.

“Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” Many of us are familiar with these words from Mark 12. They are one of the few places in the New Testament where Jesus or the apostles directly speak to political matters. Together, these passages provide Christians with the beginning of a political theology to help guide our understanding of life between Jesus' Resurrection and his Second Coming. But not everyone agrees about the details! This Sunday, we'll lay a foundation for understanding our relationship to human government, while also pointing ourselves forward to the day when King Jesus will rule and reign directly over all.

Message from Rev. Danny Morgan on January 18, 2026

This week, we return (for the final time, Lord willing) to our annual springtime study of the Gospel of Mark. Since 2023, we have spent most weeks of the Epiphany and Lenten seasons studying the person and work of Jesus Christ as reported by Mark. This year, we'll focus on Jesus' last week of ministry: between his Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem and his Resurrection. To start things off, we join Jesus the day after his Triumphal Entry. He is going back to the Temple to clean house but along the way he curses a fig tree. What is the connection between an out of season fig tree, a disordered Temple, and you and me?

Have you heard this joke? “My New Year's resolution is to stop making New Year's resolutions!” I feel that; I don't think I've ever faithfully kept a New Year's resolution. But 2026 may be different, it should be different, and it can be different if we resolve to remember what Paul tells us is true about us in Ephesians 1. Before we resolve to do anything, let's resolve to remember what God has done for us. And may that knowledge lead to joy, comfort, and assurance that will last not just one year but for all our years.

As we begin the Christmas season and conclude 2025, we remember the way of the manger- where Christ in his glory, willingly enters into the humble form of a baby. The way of the manger reminds us that despite the successes and abilities given us by the LORD, the way of weakness is the way of strength. Paul reminds us of these truths as he boasted of his weakness, inviting both the Corinthian church and our church today to reflect upon the true nature of strength- that when we are weak, we are strong, and when we are strong in our own minds, we are actually weak. This Sunday we will explore these truths in light of Paul's words, the incarnation, and the work of Christ in us today as we consider practicing the way of the manger this coming year.

Message from Rev. Danny Morgan on December 21, 2025

The world is filled with the sound of Christmas. Our friends and neighbors are likely to hear the gospel message in the carols and hymns that fight for space between the silly songs that cloud our airwaves. They may even hum or sing along to words they don't completely understand. In a sense, they are following the command of Psalm 146:1, “Praise the Lord!” But how do we move from ignorant praise to real trust in the God that does more than we can ask or think, whose reign is forever? This Sunday, we'll consider the role Jesus played—and will play again—in the restoration of all things, even you and me.

When times are tough some leaders try to mask the difficulties by filling the air with hype—unrealistic expectations of future success, joy and exuberance disconnected from real life, excitement meant to dull the senses. Much of our modern celebration of Christmas unfortunately plays into this hype. But hype can't be sustained, eventually is wears thin and falls short, leaving us in an even worse place than before. This second week of Advent, we turn away from the hype of our culture toward the hope of the Gospel message that was first preached to Israel in the Old Testament. Join us this Sunday as we look at Romans 15 and Paul's confidence that you and I can abound in hope.

This Sunday at Redeemer, we begin our Advent sermon series. Advent is a season of preparation for the celebration of Christ's birth, for anticipating His future return, and for rejoicing in His present coming into believers' hearts. We will explore Isaiah's past vision of the future of God's exalted temple from three viewpoints: from Isaiah's, from God's people in the first century BC, and from our own as we live between Christ's first and second advents seeking to glorify and enjoy him this holiday season.

This Sunday, we'll conclude our study in 1 Samuel for the year. We finish on a low note: God is no longer leading Saul, so Saul consults a medium with the hope of summoning his old prophet, Samuel, from the dead. But instead of helpful advice on the eve of battle, Saul is told he will die the next day. Saul's long life and reign are coming to an end. Although Saul is a cautionary tale for believers, he is also an object lesson bearing witness to God's patience and faithfulness. If at any time, Saul had simply repented, he would have known forgiveness and grace. It's never too late…until it finally is. Join us this Sunday as we conclude our study in 1 Samuel and the church year. Next Sunday is the beginning of Advent and the start of a new year in the church calendar.

Saul has been a constant presence for nearly half of David's life by the time of their final confrontation in 1 Samuel 26. From a servant in the king's house, to a champion warrior and royal son-in-law, to a rival king on the run—David has spent nearly all of his adult life revolving around Saul. Their final confrontation is Shakespearean. Brave soldiers, dark nights, whispered conversations among the sleeping enemy, taunting, and crocodile tears—this passage has it all! And through it, we see a new David emerge from the near catastrophe with Nabal. Here he is honorable and godly, wise and reflective. But he isn't the king all Israel, all humanity, has been waiting for. Join us this Sunday as we listen in on David and Saul's final conversation, drawing to a close a long period of David's life and hearkening a new chapter in the story of God's people.

In literature or in movies, the antihero is a flawed major character who, nevertheless, provokes some sympathy from the audience. Think of Han Solo or Professor Snape, Jack Reacher or Captain Jack Sparrow. In 1 Samuel 25, we see a different side of David. Instead of nobly suffering the injustices done to him by Saul, David seems petty and harsh, quick-tempered and prone to violence. What does "David as antihero” teach us about Old Testament characters and their need for the redemptive work of Jesus? How does the real hero of this particular chapter of David's life point us to the hope of the gospel? All that and more this week as we turn to the story of David, Nabal, and Abigail in 1 Samuel 25.

"What happens when we die?" It's a question that people both young and old have, when faced with a loved one's impending death or your own mortality. The Bible only offers a few tantalizing clues and one is found in Revelation 7: the church triumphant gathered around the throne of God, a great multitude from every nation that no one could number. What does John's vision of heaven tell us about our own eternal destiny? What comfort does it give us for those whom we love who have died in the Lord? Join us this All Saints Sunday to find out.

The image of a fortress or stronghold in relation to the Lord shows up in many passages in the Old Testament. It is a portrait of strength, security, and safety for the people of God. Indeed, the Lord is the only one who could provide such protection in times of trouble. He is the one who created all things and also controls all things. Essentially, this word-picture of a fortress and stronghold teaches us the doctrine of the sovereignty of God. In other words, we can believe that when everything in our world seems to be falling apart we can take comfort from the fact that all things are firmly under the control of the Lord. Even when misfortunes come our way, or when wickedness is exalted, we can be confident that “The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble”.

Message from Rev. Danny Morgan on October 19, 2025

We return to 1 Samuel this Sunday, picking up the story of David in chapter 20. David's great acts of heroism are behind him, he is married to the king's daughter, but his place of privilege is shaky at best. Saul has conspired to kill David and this has sent David out of the king's presence—David is a man on the run. To whom does David turn in this time of great trial? His beloved friend, Jonathan, Saul's son. They reiterate the covenant they made together in chapter 18 and then David leaves Jonathan and the court of the king for good, embarking on what is probably a decade long exile. Join us this week as we consider David's story as an analogy of our own trials and stresses. Is it really possible to be at peace while we're on the run from the world, the flesh, and the devil? How can we live in anticipation of the fullness of God's promises when we've been pushed into exile? All this and more as we consider again “the gospel according to Samuel."

This Sunday marks the beginning of a new fiscal year at Redeemer. Each year we set aside this first weekend of October to discuss Christian stewardship and consider our own giving as disciples of Jesus Christ. On Sunday we will examine the story of Barnabas and compare his story with that of Annanias and Saphira as we seek to uncover the heart of Christian giving.

Message from Rev. Eric Landry on September 28, 2025

Message from Rev. Eric Landry on September 21, 2025

Message from Rev. Danny Morgan on September 14, 2025

In John Bunyan's classic tale, “Pilgrim's Progress,” we follow a disciple of Jesus from the City of Destruction through various obstacles and temptations until he reaches the Celestial City. What steps are you taking on your own pilgrimage? This month, we'll look at four key actions that should define every disciple at Redeemer: Believe, Belong, Become, and Bless. This path of discipleship will take greater prominence in our life together as a church as we prepare for God to work and through us for his glory and our good.

As we conclude Paul's letter to the Colossians, we hear his final instructions to the church and bear witness to the many other colaborers who worked alongside Paul in gospel ministry. What can we learn about leading our own Christian life from these final verses? Join us this week for a glimpse of Paul's practical Christianity.

Message from Rev. Danny Morgan on August 24, 2025

In our fragmented cultural moment, we don't need more power struggles; we need a new cultural vision for the world altogether. The emphasis on individual autonomy and political idealism promises healing, but is only driving wounds deeper. The backdrop of the New Testament is no different. In a fragmented and wounded world, it was the counter-cultural way of Christianity that not only began to heal the world but also drove the early church's influence and growth. Against the conventional way of classism, personal retributive justice, and dominance, Christians lived in the way of compassion, gentleness, and lowliness. This week, we'll look at Colossians 3 and the antithesis of Paul's “put off” and turn to what Christians are commanded to “put on.” We'll see the counter-cultural way of the Christian community as the healing of the world.

As Christians we share in the resurrection of Jesus Christ through our union with him by faith. This reality is a profound mystery, but it is the source of our hope and joy, that shifts our perspective from earth to the throne room of God. It movitages the mortification of our sin and results in the production of a new unified community no longer marked by race, economic class or gender but marked by Christ Alone. This Sunday we will explore the implications of our union with Christ in His resurrection while pausing to wonder at his glory and discovering our shared identity as members of the glorious resurrected body of Christ.

We are by nature beings looking for validation. We were created for God, and despite his glory, we seek our validation in other people, in false ideas, and in circumstances that are apart from Christ. Like us, the church in Colossae wrestled with this reality as false teachers enticed the congregation to find validation in their relationships, in their past, in their present culture and in a life of ease withdrawn from the calling of Christ. This Sunday we will explore the Christian's validation by looking to Paul's words in Colossians 2:16-23 as we seek to discover our validation in Christ our head, who nourishes, knits and grows the church for his glory and our eternal joy.

Have you ever been in a situation that felt like you lived between two different realities? Think of the summer after you graduated from high school—you lived an in-between life, no longer a child and yet not quite on your own at college. Or that period of time after the proposal but before the wedding—no longer single, but not yet married. In a similar fashion, Paul teaches the Colossians how to live in-between the victory over sin and death that Jesus has accomplished for them and the final reconciling work that is yet in the future when all things will be made new. You and I live in this same in-between time! What should life look like, how should you live, where can we place our hope and confidence? Join us this Sunday to find out.

Paul's letter to the church in Colossae is a letter to a people he doesn't know, except by reputation and the ministry of their beloved pastor Epaphras. This Sunday, we'll see how Paul explains that even though he has not been with them in person, he struggles on their behalf to fulfill the work God has given him so that they might benefit from it. Paul's explanation of his ministry is a helpful reminder of the purpose of the church: why do we gather week-in and week-out? How should we evaluate our effectiveness? What is the point of it all? Join us this Sunday as we take up Paul's apostolic ministry and apply it to our life together as a church today.

Paul writes to the Colossians to show that Christ is preeminent over all so that they may know their new standing before him and new life in him and so be unshakable in their faith. Christ is the image of the invisible God and is unmatched in his work of creation and redemption. To exchange him for another would be to exchange the blazing sun for a nightlight.

In the opening of Colossians, the Holy Spirit through Paul, communicates three qualities that God delights in when he looks upon the church: a church that delights in discipleship (v. 3-6), a church with faithful ministers of the gospel (v.7-8, 1 & 2), and a church praying for Christ to actively work in their midst according to his will (v. 9-14). While these qualities invite us to evaluate our expectations of the church, we hope they will inspire us to delight in Christ's will and shape our hearts and habits as a congregation as we strive to grow in Christ this summer.

At the end of the beatitudes, Jesus pronounces perhaps the most paradoxical of all the beatitudes, “Blessed are the persecuted for righteousness's sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” 2000 years later, Christianity is the most persecuted religion in the world. Persecution doesn't seem like a blessing. Furthermore, Christ tells us to “rejoice and be glad,” likely the last thing on the mind of those who face regular persecution. This Sunday, as we wrap up our study of the Beatitudes, we will discover how persecution is a kingdom blessing, and how we are to respond.

As we near the end of our series in the Beatitudes, we turn to Jesus' blessing on those who make peace. They shall be called “sons of God,” the Son of God assures us. In a world filled with war and turmoil, the prospect of peace seems like a distant dream. In a church that has recently undergone conflict, the pursuit of peace may seem hopeless. So, how do we live into this Beatitude? What must be true of us to be peacemakers? And how do we live, as far as it is possible, at peace with all men? This Sunday will be a personal and vulnerable exploration of a Beatitude that may seem out of reach for many of us today but is a blessing Jesus has bestowed on his church.

Each year, on the Sunday following Pentecost, we set aside a week to remind ourselves that the God we worship is Triune: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Rather than being “extra credit” for really serious Christians, understanding the Trinity is essential to our faith. Our Confession of Faith this Sunday will be the Athanasian Creed, which says we can't be saved without believing the doctrine of the Trinity “firmly and faithfully”! To help us grow in our understanding of the Trinity, we'll turn on Sunday to 1 Peter 1:2, one of the many verses in the Bible that talks about the Trinity. More than just a theological lesson about the Trinity, I hope our time together impresses on us the deep commitment God has for us and for our good. Each person of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Spirit—are at work to rescue us from our exile and secure a place for us in the new creation.

The story of the Tower of Babel is one of the most fascinating accounts we can read in the Old Testament. Although it may seem mythical to some, its reality continues to bear bitter fruit in the interpersonal problems of our own day. We read this section of Scripture at Pentecost to remind us that by the Holy Spirit, God is at work reuniting what has previously been divided. The gift of the Spirit is a downpayment on the new reality when heaven and earth will be one—not because we have ascended to heaven by our own ingenuity and strength of will but because the New Jerusalem will come down and God will forever dwell with his people. Join us on Pentecost Sunday for all this and more!

Message from Rev. Jon Herr on June 1, 2025

Message from Rev. Marcus Serven on May 29, 2025

In “The Merchant of Venice," William Shakespeare wrote, "The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath. It is twice blest: It blesseth him that gives and him that takes.” Mercy is the quintessential character trait of a Christian because it is born out of our own reception of mercy from God. Having received mercy, Jesus says we are blessed because we are merciful and we will in turn continue to receive mercy as we give it—a perpetual motion machine of mercy. It is a deeply Christian ability to forgive great atrocity and extend love to one's enemies. When it happens the world takes notice. How can we lean more and more into this blessing that belongs to us by faith in Jesus Christ? Join us this week, as we continue our study of the Beatitudes.

One of the great advantages of coming to the end of yourself is that there is nowhere else to go but to God, to find from him the satisfaction that is otherwise unavailable in life. Sadly, most of us have to relearn this lesson again and again. We enjoy sweet times of communion with the Lord only to be distracted by the siren song of our age. Hours, days, months, or even years later, we wake up like the prodigal son in the pig stye and wonder if our Heavenly Father would welcome us back home. This week, we turn to one of the most hopeful promises of Jesus: we will be satisfied! The deepest desires of our hearts, the longings of life, the hopes and dreams that we dare not even say out loud—in and through Christ we will be satisfied.

Jesus' Beatitudes are generally comforting. We may not like admit we are poor in spirit, but when we do we can be comforted by the promise that ours is the kingdom. Everyone must mourn, so it is a great encouragement to know that we shall be comforted in the end. But I am probably safe in assuming that no one wants to be thought of as “meek” and the promise that the meek will inherit the earth just seems to be completely contrary to common sense. Especially in our current cultural climate, the prospect of anyone being meek is laughable, maybe even dangerous. This week, we turn to perhaps the most offensive of Jesus' blessings to find ourselves where none of us probably want to be. But on the other side is a blessing as big as the world itself.