Daily Devo | Let's Not Make It Harder Than It Has To Be (New Testament in a Year, Acts 15:1-21)

Daily Devo | Let's Not Make It Harder Than It Has To Be (New Testament in a Year, Acts 15:1-21)

As more Gentiles come to faith in Jesus, a serious disagreement arises in the church. Some believers insist that Gentiles must follow the Jewish law to be saved. After several apostles share their testimony about the Holy Spirit's acceptance of these Gentiles, the leaders conclude that Gentile believers should not be burdened with additional requirements. Salvation comes from Jesus, not our national or ethnic identities, and not from our own goodness. Jesus is our salvation! Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ [https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/] For Reflection: - Why was the issue of circumcision and the law so important to the early church? - How did the leaders seek God's wisdom and guidance when facing disagreement? - How can Christians pursue unity when they have different backgrounds or perspectives? - Are there ways you may be tempted to add requirements to God's gift of salvation? - Prayer: Lord, help me trust fully in your work, walk in unity with other believers, and extend that same grace to others.

Daily Devo | Hardships As the Pathway to Peace (New Testament in a Year, Acts 14:1-28)

While in Lystra, Paul heals a man who has been unable to walk since birth. The crowd is amazed and mistakenly concludes that Paul and Barnabas are gods who have come down in human form. Paul and Barnabas urgently reject this praise, directing the people instead to the living God who created all things and provides for their needs. Soon, however, opposition arrives from other cities, and the same crowd that once wanted to honor Paul turns against him and stones him, leaving him for dead. Yet Paul survives and remains just as dedicated to spreading the news about Jesus. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ [https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/] For Reflection: - Why did Paul and Barnabas refuse to accept the worship and praise of the crowd? - What are some ways that you see people taking credit that is not truly due to them? In what ways are you tempted to do the same? - How does Paul's response to persecution (v22) challenge or inspire you? - Prayer: Lord, help me give you all the glory, pointing others to your greatness rather than my own!

Sermon | The Story Nobody Wants to Preach (Acts 5)

Most of us aren't trying to deceive people; we're just trying to protect ourselves. But what if the masks that make us feel safe are also keeping us from the kind of community we're longing for? · · · 👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons [https://www.highrock.org/sermons-services?type=sermons] 👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals [https://www.highrock.org/dailydevotionals]

Daily Devo | Pride Goeth Before a Fall (Flashback Friday, Acts 12:20-25)

In this flashback to June 10, 2021, we see Herod Agrippa being treated like a god by those who sought his favor. Unlike a god, Herod was undeserving and quickly discovered just how mortal he was. Are we so different from Herod? While we might not seek worship, do we seek undue credit for what God does in and through us? Like Moses, do we conceal the diminishing glory that is sometimes visible in our lives? Herod should have served God and others but pursued glory for himself instead. So unlike Herod, Jesus deserved glory but came as a servant. The contrast between Herod and Jesus shows us that humility leads to life while pride leads to death. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ [https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/]

Daily Devo | When God Loves People We Don't Like (New Testament in a Year, Acts 11:1-30)

After Cornelius and his household receive the Spirit, you might think it would be cause for celebration. Instead, Peter is criticized for not keeping his distance from such Gentile outsiders. Peter then explains God's miraculous involvement in the matter. Should Peter, or anyone, oppose God's own choice? Meanwhile, believers scattered by persecution continue sharing the gospel, and many people come to faith in Antioch. Many of these new believers know nothing of the books of Moses or the prophets so Barnabas enlists the help of Saul, the one who had formerly persecuted many of those same believers! Together they spend a year strengthening the believers, and it is in Antioch that the followers of Jesus are first called Christians. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ [https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/] For Reflection: - What lesson could we learn from the Jewish believers' reluctance to accept these newer Gentile believers? - Why do you imagine it important for the Jerusalem believers to recognize God's work among the Gentiles? - What qualities made Barnabas such an effective encourager and leader? - What qualities and gifts has God given you to similarly encourage the spiritual growth of other believers? - Prayer: Lord, help me recognize your work in others and faithfully participate in the mission of making disciples.