Gateway Church Austin

The world is full of uncertainties, but in Jesus, we have a certain and secure hope that transcends anything this world can offer. The hope that we have in Christ is not wishful thinking—it’s certain, future hope. Hope isn’t just something we look forward to; it also changes how we live now. Because of the hope we have in Christ, we are called to purify ourselves, to live with an eternal perspective that influences how we handle the challenges of today.

The invitation to walk in the light isn’t just about moral purity—it’s about living authentically, in communion with God and others. When we walk in God’s light, we find that our lives are aligned with His truth, and we experience true fellowship with Him and with each other. It’s not about perfection, but about embracing His light in our lives, letting it guide us through the shadows of this world.

How does the resurrection shape our hope, purpose, and mission as followers of Christ? Are we walking in the newness of life that His resurrection offers, filled with hope, purpose, and the power of His Spirit? The most victorious moment in the Gospel: Jesus’ resurrection. The stone is rolled away, and the women are told, “He is risen!” Jesus’ resurrection changes everything, offering hope, renewal, and the promise of eternal life. This week, we will celebrate the power of the resurrection and its implications for our own lives.

How do we respond when faced with fear or temptation? What does it mean to return to Jesus after we’ve failed Him? Jesus experiences both emotional anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane and physical betrayal as Judas leads the soldiers to arrest Him. Peter, who swore he would never deny Jesus, does so three times. This week, we will examine the moments of failure and fear on the road to the cross, recognizing our own struggles with weakness and betrayal.

How do we approach the table of communion, and how does it remind us of Jesus’ sacrifice? At the Last Supper, Jesus shares a final meal with His disciples, instituting the practice of communion. He breaks the bread and shares the wine as symbols of His body and blood, setting the stage for the sacrifice He is about to make. It’s not just a meal; it’s an invitation to partake in His sacrifice and to live in unity with Him and one another.

How are we willing to pour out our resources, time, and love in worship of Jesus? A woman anoints Jesus with expensive perfume, pouring it out in a lavish act of devotion, while others criticize her for her waste. Jesus defends her, recognizing her act as one of true worship and preparation for His burial. This week, we’ll reflect on the sacrificial love demonstrated in this act and consider how we, too, are called to offer our best to Jesus, even when it may seem costly. 

What does it mean to welcome Jesus as King, and how does His humility redefine our understanding of leadership? In this passage, Jesus enters Jerusalem amid shouts of praise, fulfilling ancient prophecy as the humble King who comes to bring peace. The crowd welcomes Him as their expected Messiah, but their understanding of His kingship is incomplete. This week, we’ll explore how Jesus’ arrival challenges our own expectations of power, authority, and glory.

Senior Pastor Carlos Ortiz preaches a message about Not Playing Small with your Faith, Generosity, and in your Relationships.

The mustard seed, known for being the smallest of all seeds, grows into a large tree. This parable holds profound lessons for us about the nature of God’s kingdom, spiritual growth, and the surprising impact of even the smallest acts of faith. The Kingdom of God is like that small mustard seed—it’s unstoppable, it’s growing, and it’s destined to become something of eternal significance.

Mark 4:26-29 - Jesus shares a short but profound parable about the kingdom of God. He compares the kingdom to a seed that grows in secret, unbeknownst to the sower. The message is simple, yet it uncovers profound truths about how God’s work unfolds in ways we often cannot see. Let's take a fresh, creative look at the parable, focusing on the mystery and beauty of growth.

Mark 4:21-25 - Jesus uses the metaphor of a lamp to teach powerful truths about how God's Word functions in our lives. Light is a central theme in this passage, revealing both our responsibility and privilege in how we handle and share the light of God's truth. 

Mark 4:1-20 - Jesus tells the Parable of the Sower to reveal the various ways people respond to God. The parable not only speaks of the sowing of seed but also highlights the different conditions of the heart and how they influence spiritual growth.

Listen as Pastor Carlos dissects Superbowl commercials and pulls spiritual truths from common cultural moments.

Mark 2:13-17 - Jesus demonstrates the relentless and inclusive nature of His mission. He calls Levi, a despised tax collector, to follow Him, and then shares a meal with him and other social outcasts. Through this encounter, Jesus shows that His mission is unstoppable because it’s not limited by social boundaries or human judgment. He doesn't seek the righteous, but those who recognize their need for Him. The message of forgiveness and healing is for everyone—no one is beyond His reach.

Mark 2:1-12 - In this passage, we witness the unstoppable power of Jesus' forgiveness. Jesus isn’t just offering a one-time fix—His forgiveness shakes the earth, changes hearts, and heals lives. This isn’t just “good news”—this is life-altering, jaw-dropping, can't-stop-it-now forgiveness.

Mark 1:21-28 - We get a front-row seat to the incredible, jaw-dropping power of Jesus. His authority isn’t just something to admire—it’s unstoppable, mind-blowing, and life-changing! Jesus shows up, and everything changes. It’s not just a teaching moment—it’s a kingdom-shaking experience. Let’s dive into these fun and powerful points about the unstoppable authority of Jesus!

Mark 1:1-15 - The Gospel of Mark shows us that the good news of Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promises. This powerful message, confirmed by Jesus' baptism and God's approval, invites us into a life-changing journey. By embracing it, we become part of God's grand story of redemption that unfolds throughout history and in our own lives.

Hear Pastor Carlos talk about how destructive it can be to put new wine into old wineskins, and letting our new goals for the year be dictated by our old habits.

Join us for our special Candlelight Service at Gateway. To watch the full service, you can visit our YouTube channel to find it there.

The birth of Jesus was the announcement of God’s eternal love for everyone. The shepherds, the wise men, Mary and Joseph—all were invited into the story of redemption. The message of Christmas is that God’s "Forever Home" includes everyone: those who are near, those who feel far, and those who, like the faithful, may sometimes feel forgotten. Everyone has a place in His family.