The Well Austin - Sermons

This is second to last week in Amos as we look at one of the crescendos of the book. In this section there is a "showdown" between Amos, the prophet of God, and Amaziah, the priest of Bethel. Amaziah rejects Amos' message and, without realizing it, in rejecting this message is also rejecting God! Although we'd like to think of ourselves as Amos in this story, we too can take everything that we've studied in this series and completely reject it, either actively or passively. How do we allow the Words of God to truly change us, and what might God be calling us to do, as we conclude the series, to respond to His Words to us?

We are continuing in the book of Amos. Today we're discussing everyone's favorite topic: politics! In our political-heightened society we can often run head-long into politics (and often run straight into idolatry in the process!), or run away from it as fast as possible. What if there was a third approach? Studying Amos 8 gives us insight into how we can be careful with politics, yet also use it as a way to care for and to love our neighbor. Scripture gives us a way in which we can be extremely unified (even in the midst of our political diversity!) while not settling for apathy. Join us as we find this Kingdom-balance together!

Join us as we continue in our series in the book of Amos. In this sermon, we tackle the issue of poverty. Scripture seems to have conflicting messages about poverty, money, wealth, riches, etc. There are some things that are clear (we should treat those in poverty with dignity, love, sacrifice, and respect), others... not so much (is it bad to be rich?). Seeing how all of these messages in Scripture work together is actually key to our understanding of how we as Christians should deal with this issue of poverty, and how God expects us to help bring the Kingdom to it. Join us as we tackle this passage together.

Join us as we talk about God's heart for how we address corporate injustice as Christians. Often when we think about justice we think about all of the ill of the world and feel overwhelmed. This is actually a good thing. Lamentation, which we'll discuss briefly, can be a really good way to respond to all of the ills of life. However, we can also do more than just lament. We can respond with righteousness in smaller areas, being faithful where God has called us (e.g., focus on an area). Though subtle, it is clear that Amos is both pleading to God for mercy, and also doing his part (for him preaching) in helping create justice for others. We each have a part to play too. And if our heart, like God's, bends towards mercy, we can really bless and serve others and push back darkness in the world.

We continue in our series in the book of Amos. Today we tackle the topic of "spiritual injustice." Church hurt that is crated in individuals, often because of poor spiritual leadership, is a serious issue that God finds appalling. Further, God desires for people to know God, the true God, and worship Him. Both of these issues, spiritual abuse and spiritual neglect are issues that stirs God's emotions, and it should stir ours as well. Join us as we see the type of justice God wants from His people.

We continue in our justice and mercy series, this week focusing on how God feels about humanity, specifically humanity that is rebelling against God! Often we see God as this cruel, ready-to-punish God, but the Scriptures present someone quite the opposite, even when people are in active rebellion against God. How might understanding God's heart right help us in our pursuit to do good in the world? Join us as we study this important passage together.

Join us this week as we continue our series on justice and mercy by looking at Amos 2. How we see our sin and our need for Jesus will directly shape how we pursue justice and mercy in the world around us.

Join us as we kick off our series walking through the book of Amos. Amos is a prophetic book that focuses on justice, righteousness, God's heart for the vulnerable, and our response to the brokenness of the world. As we enter into 2024 (another political election year!) we'll likely be reminded, often, of the brokenness of the world. What should our response be as Christians? How do we care,t he way God does? Where might we be guilty of the same types of injustices without us even realizing it? As we walk through this series, focusing on justice and mercy, we have an opportunity as a church to be distinct, and to truly be a blessing to a polarizing and chaotic world.

Join us as we talk continue talk about the last theme of Advent, Joy. We'll discuss what biblical joy is, and how we can pursue biblical joy here and now by beholding the God's promise for a future of eternal joy.

This Sunday we continue with Advent, meditating on the future love that we will receive in Christ. One day, because of God's love for us, we will be wed to Him in marriage. This is a wild concept, and one that is hard to even believe. What does it mean that we'll be wed to God? How much does God really love us? How can we receive this love even now? To be loved by a Divine Being is something our souls long for. Join us as we think about the coming love of Christ.

This Sunday we continue with Advent, meditating on the future love that we will receive in Christ. One day, because of God's love for us, we will be wed to Him in marriage. This is a wild concept, and one that is hard to even believe. What does it mean that we'll be wed to God? How much does God really love us? How can we receive this love even now? To be loved by a Divine Being is something our souls long for. Join us as we think about the coming love of Christ.

“For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, ‘In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength…'” Isaiah 30:15. Each year The Well purposefully sets aside one Sunday a year to reset. We desire to stop, slow down, and personally remember the works of the Lord over the past year. We intentionally look forward and anticipate how He will move in the year to come. Why is this rhythm important? How do we thoughtfully engage with the Lord to reset? Join Tory and Mary for season one's last episode.

12/3/23 Present Longing | Peace- All Things Will Be Right | Tory Mayo by The Well

This Sunday as we kick off a four week series on Advent, exploring what it means to trust the promises of God as we await his return.

Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us, “and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” But, why?! What actually happens when we gather? Why is it so important? Join Mary and Tory as they discuss on this episode of Well Said. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us, “and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” But, why?! What actually happens when we gather? Why is it so important? Join Mary and Tory as they discuss on this episode of Well Said. Please take our Well Said survey at thewell.cm/said. Two lucky participants will receive $10 Merit Coffee gift card!

This Sunday we wrap up our series in discipleship thinking explicitly about our Generosity. Often calls to give generously strike us in our "strength" portion of our love (our obedience), but they completely miss our heart, minds, and souls in the process. Because of this, we often miss why God calls us to give. What would it look like to really believe that God can take earthly possessions however, and transmute them into eternal glory? Join us this Sunday as think about our generosity through the lens of discipleship, and also make a special call towards giving sacrificially this year to our Vision Fund.

We conclude the book of Titus and think strategically about our application of the book. How do we make disciples? What if we don't know how? Do we believe discipleship is actually as important as the Scriptures proclaim? How does our heart, soul, mind, and strength get involved here? Discipleship has a bigger impact than we realize, and we're each called to play a part. Join us as we conclude this book, and begin to wrap up this series together!

In this episode we have a special guest, Carlos Jones, discussing why we tend to not share the gospel. Although tools, methods, Biblical reasoning, etc. are all helpful, the biggest motivator towards sharing our faith is not found in methods, but in our relationship with Jesus. If we love him, if we frequently encounter Him, we'll share not out of duty or obligation, we'll share out of joy and for more joy. Join us as a meditate on the goodness of Jesus together! Please take our Well Said survey at thewell.cm/said. Two lucky participants will receive $10 Merit Coffee gift cards! https://thewellaustin.com/resources/send/

This Sunday we continue our discipleship series (introducing one more helpful framework in discipleship!), focusing on how the gospel is our ultimate discipleship tool. More than any method, the gospel equips us to love Jesus with all of ourselves, and help reproduce people who love Jesus similarly. The gospel keeps us from being crippled by sin or legalism, and the more we know how to apply the gospel, the more good works will be produced! Join us as we grow well together!

We were made for community, but often our idea of community is bent toward self. The church re-orients us to community with God at the center— his presence and power, his glory and mission. This is not something we can find on our own, but rather, it is something God gives us in Christ.

In this episode, Tory and Mary do live discipleship… there's no pre-planning or structure, just one simple question, “what is the Lord teaching you?” Join us as we vulnerably share and intentionally point one another towards Christ, ultimately finding truth in hard places.

Join us this week as we explore the story of Jesus washing his disciple's feet. In this story of sacrificial service, Jesus models for us five elements of what it looks like to practice discipleship personally and corporately.

Join us this Sunday as we continue in our series on Titus, focusing on discipleship. This week we study a difficult passage in our context and see the spiritual truths underneath. Not only are those in "lesser" positions valuable to God, those in "lesser" positions can actually make disciples of those above them based on how they act. This means, regardless of our position or influence in the world, as we act like Christ, because of our overflow of love for Christ, we can bless and even disciple those who are watching us towards Christ, that Christ might be exalted. In other words, you can make disciples, corporately, without ever calling for a discipleship meeting, and even being the one with "less" knowledge of God. Join us as we dive into this passage together.

What is discipleship? How does this belief influence and shape our relationships with the opposite sex? Can men and women disciple each other? Does this glorify God? What does it actually look like? What about boundaries and convictions? Join us as we answer these questions and explore loving, following, and serving Jesus together. Visit our website for show notes and more information: https://thewellaustin.com/podcast/discipleship/

This week we talk about how active personal discipleship is the key to growing spiritually regardless of our cultural climate. The Importance of personal discipleship can not be overstated. We will also cover signs of spiritual maturity to look for in our personal discipleship relationships that help us ensure we are growing spiritually.

This week we continue our series in Titus focusing on discipleship, specifically focusing on the importance of corporate discipleship this week. When we think of discipleship we often think individual, personal, 1:1 discipleship only. However it is clear throughout Scripture that so much discipleship happens in the context of community, specifically the local church. The importance of structure and godly leaders to motivate our faith is clear, yet often unvalued. In fact, Paul argues that each of us are being corporately discipled, the question is just by who. Too often it is by Crete (America, the world!). How can we glean from what God has provided through His church? Join us this week as we study this important Text more!

In this episode, Tory and Mary continue their conversation on lament. How do we move from sorrow to laughter? How do we receive good in the midst of loss, disappointment, anger, etc.? Can you hold sorrow and joy? How do we learn to trust Him? How do we see suffering as a good gift from our loving Lord? For truly, “the heart of the wise is in the house of mourning (Ecc. 7:4).” Visit our website for show notes and more information: https://thewellaustin.com/podcast/lament/

We begin a new series in the book of Titus, focused on the topic of discipleship! Discipleship, for many of us, has become confusing and convoluted. It is often very narrow. However, Biblical discipleship is much more expansive. As we begin the series Paul clearly has a personal discipleship relationship with Titus. He begins to inform him how to corporately disciple his church (because discipleship is both personal and corporate!). As we see their relationship unfolding in this book there's a lot that we glean from it and apply to our discipleship. Discipleship is likely a lot higher than we tend to think, but also not as unattainable as many of us think! Join us as we find out why and dive into this book together.

Wait what?! How is sorrow better than laughter? What is grief? Is it different than lament? What makes lament inherently Christian? Why should we lament and what do we even lament in the first place? Join us as Tory and Mary dive into the gift of sorrow and how God invites us to turn to to him and confront the brokenness in and around us. Visit our website for show notes and more information: https://thewellaustin.com/podcast/sorrow/

Join us as we continue in our short "Invisible Leaders" sermon series. Today we will focus on Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch. This duo meet in the most uncommon way, on a road, in the desert. Its apparent that God has a plan for the Eunuch's life and he invites Philip to be a part of it. Philip's obedience is the response to God's invitation and he gets to witness the fruit of God's plan because of it. Do we think about obedience in this way? That God's commands might be an invitation to participate in his plan for the world and for others? Join us as we study these scriptures together.

Join us this Sunday as we continue in our short "Invisible Leaders" sermon series. Today we focus on Rufus, who thought he was relatively unknown, had a major impact, mainly because of the sovereignty of God and the decision of his father. We see how every little decision that we make can have major implications in the Kingdom of God. Do we think about these decisions often, and align our lives to this? Join us as we study these small but powerful passages together.

As shepherds and overseers of a local church, elders are entrusted with protecting, leading, equipping and caring for the corporate church body and her individual members. In this episode, Daniel, a current elder, and his wife Marina Lentz join Tory and Mary to discuss eldering and share their wisdom and experiences from their last 4 years of faithful service.

Join us as we begin a new short series, looking at some of the "invisible leaders" in the Bible. Often in Scripture we try to emulate the giants oft he faith, but what about he lesser known people? Could they even be more of an encouragement to our faith? Today we study Epaphroditus, and meditate on how his sacrificial service is still impacting us today. Do we believe that our sacrificial service will impact others in the future as well? Join us as we study this passage together.

Join us as we conclude this series and this book we see this really… strange ending! It seems that Ezra has a right heart, but very likely took the wrong action (see contemporary prophet Malachi 2). It is clear God cares about our hearts, both individually and corporately. So in this sermon we'll thoroughly explore what it will take to have hearts revived & submitted to God's word.

You asked and we answered! In this episode of Well Said, Mary and Tory answer listeners' submitted questions on spiritual warfare. Can believers be possessed? Why does spiritual warfare seem more “obvious” in other countries compared to America? We walk through passages such as Saul raising Samuel from the dead and discuss why the disciples couldn't drive out the demon in Mark 9. Listen in for these and many more. We hope you enjoy our first Q&A episode! Visit our website for show notes and more information: https://thewellaustin.com/podcast/spiritual-qa/

Join us as we continue in our series on Ezra, focusing community, and we personally play a role in building the temple through the gifts and talents God has gifted each one of us with. Ezra is getting ready to leave and lead a 2nd group back to Jerusalem to continue restoring the temple. He notices people are missing! Ezra sees the importance of their role in God's mission and pursues them. Community can be messy but is also very sacred, making it worth going after. Join us as we continue learning about rebuilding together. IG: https://www.instagram.com/thewellaustin FB: https://www.facebook.com/thewellaustin Website: https://www.thewellaustin.com #thewellaustin

Join us as we continue in our series on Ezra, focusing on how God is calling us to build His temple (people). Do you realize God is calling you to partner with Him in the expansion of His Kingdom? Today we focus on God's extreme provision in the rebuilding of the temple through many different means. We're not always quick to build the temple (people), because we often don't recognize and rightly use God's provision. How can we use the things that God has provided for us to build up things that matter? And why should we sacrifice to build people? Join us as we continue learning how God might be calling us to partner with Him in the expansion of God's kingdom.

This Sunday we continue our Rebuilding Well series. Today the book's namesake, Ezra, steps onto the scene. If the story sounds slightly familiar, it is! Ezra finds himself and Israel in a similar situation as before. When the Scripture repeats stories, it is likely because we need to hear it. How do we (re)build well, whether our lives or our church on Christ? While the story is familiar, this portion of Ezra does add a little twist to it. Rather than just being stirred up by the Spirit, Ezra is mainly inspired by God's Word. If any rebuilding is to truly happen, we have to establish on God's Word. Join us as we learn why this is so necessary.

Acts 17:24-25 says, “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.” Why does God, who owns everything and can control everything, call for our generosity? What are we called to be generous with? Scripture is clear that God commands us to be generous people, but why? What if generosity was actually designed for our benefit? What if God wants something for us, not from us? Join us as we answer these questions and more on this episode of Well Said. Visit our website for show notes and more information: https://thewellaustin.com/podcast/generosity/

Join us as we continue in our series on Ezra. This week we see the completion of the rebuilding of the temple. Many things happen in our lives when we focus on what God is calling us into. There's joy, there's a joining in on God's promises and mission, there's the beauty of being used by God; but there's also danger. It is easy to, after initially doing what God calls us to, stop the work, and through this, miss the joy. How do we reap the joy of rebuilding with God both now and later? Join us this Sunday as we dive into Ezra together.

Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “for we are his (God's) workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” God has graciously given us characteristics of Himself and a part to play in His grand plan to reconcile and redeem all things. But, how do we know we are living in the giftings and calling that God has for us? What does calling look like in the bible? Do natural and spiritual gifts matter? How about our unique passions and desires? What about the words of those in our community? If we don't know what are gifting and calling is are we missing out? Join us as we discuss finding and living into our gifting and calling. Visit our website for show notes and more information: https://thewellaustin.com/podcast/gifting/

Join us as we discuss discerning Godly voices that keep our hearts focused on seeking God's Kingdom first.

This Sunday, we continue our series on Ezra, focusing on rebuilding. This week Zerubbabel gets hit with some serious opposition, and the Text is just overall... confusing, like opposition often is. When opposition comes into our life, from within or without, it is often confusing to us. Why are we suffering? What is happening? It is often hard to endure opposition. So, how do we endure and continue to build our lives on Christ? Ezra cues us in on this. Join us as we continue learning about rebuilding together.

In The Unseen Realm, by Michael Heiser, he says, “When an enemy wants nothing, but your defeat and annihilation, neutrality means choosing death.” We believe that there is no neutrality. We can't and don't sit on the sidelines. We are loyal to God, or we are loyal to something else. Although Christ has won the ultimate and final victory, we live in the already but not yet defeat of Satan and his followers. What does this mean then? What do we do? How do we fight in the spiritual war? In this episode, Mary and Tory continue the spiritual warfare conversation and get practical as we discuss what it means to push back darkness. Visit our website for show notes and more information: https://thewellaustin.com/podcast/darkness

We continue in our Ezra series focusing on rebuilding. This week we focus on Ezra 3, and the completion of the foundation of the temple. For such a significant moment in Israel's history, you'd think there'd be a ton of celebration. There was... but it was mixed with a ton of sorrow and confusion. Often when we're rebuilding, we too can, if we're not careful have great sorrow in the process and miss the joy of the Lord, and even completely quit His work altogether. How do we continue to build the Lord's Kingdom? There are two main things Ezra 3 teaches us on how to continue the effort of rebuilding, and how to not lose heart. Join us to learn more.

We are continuing our new series in the book of Ezra. Here at The Well we believe God's Kingdom is not built on the talents of a few, but the sacrifices of many. As the people of God, what does it look like for us to have this heart posture and to be used for the Kingdom of God? Join us as we dive into this book together.

We believe in the spiritual realm. The Bible is explicitly clear, that there are spiritual forces at war with God and those loyal to Him. You don't have to get far in reading the scriptures to see it. In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve are deceived by a serpent. The father of lies and those who rebelled against God along with him, continue to assault, oppress, and attempt to thwart God's plans and his people throughout the bible's pages. When things are awry is it physical or is it spiritual? The Bible at times intentionally blurs the lines between the physical world and the spiritual one to help us see there is an overlap. What if things are way more spiritual than we think? What is idolatry really? What does Timothy mean when he says “God did not give us a spirit of fear”? Join us as we begin to unpack spiritual warfare. Visit our website for show notes and more information: https://thewellaustin.com/podcast/warfare/

This Sunday we begin a new series in the book of Ezra. We feel this will be a sort of vision series for our church. As we begin, we see God using foreign kings, and wanting to use His people to do a restorative, powerful work on this earth. As the people of God, what does it look like to "have our hearts stirred," to be used for the Kingdom of God? Join us as we dive into this book together.

We believe in multiplication. From God's commission in Genesis 1, “be fruitful and multiply,” to its echo in Matthew 28, “make disciples of all nations,” we see that we are all called to be spiritual mothers and fathers. On this episode of Well Said, Mary and Tory talk about one relationship we didn't talk about in our Loved to Death sermon series, parenting. Join us as we discuss the impact, the struggles, and the cost, but the immense beauty and privilege we have in making disciples.

Join us as we finish off our series in the Song of Songs. This week we will be discussing the topic of covenant. As we dive into this last chapter of the book, we will dig out important biblical truths about commitment that we can apply to all our relationships. It's easy to quit pursuing, enduring, fighting for relationships, etc, but as followers of Christ, we reflect His love that never ends!

We continue in our Song of Songs series, this week focusing on deepening our relationships. The reality is you never arrive in your relationships and friendships. There is always more depth and intimacy to be had. Let's learn how to be intentional in our relationships and friendships and with the Lord. Join us as we continue our series!