Redeemer Presbyterian Church in Austin

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.