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.