Daily Devo | Saved by the Bringers of Death (Wayback Wednesday, Acts 23:23-35)

Daily Devo | Saved by the Bringers of Death (Wayback Wednesday, Acts 23:23-35)

(In addition to Flashback Fridays, this week will also feature a Throwback Thursday and a Wayback Wednesday. New devos will return next week.) In this Wayback Wednesday from August 2, 2021, we see the Roman commander passing Paul off to Governor Felix like a hot potato, many miles away. Felix makes an attempt to pass Paul off as well, but he is unable to evade responsibility to judge Paul's case. No matter who is in power, they all serve God's will -- that Paul will be safely delivered to Rome to be God's witness there. 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 | "My Hope Is In The Resurrection!" (New Testament in a Year, Acts 23:1-11)

As Paul stands before the Jewish council, he begins by stating that he has lived before God with a clear conscience. This angers the high priest, who orders Paul to be struck. Paul then shifts the discussion to the issue of the resurrection of the dead, a belief that divides the council: Pharisees who believe in the resurrection vs. Sadducees who reject the idea. The debate quickly escalates and the Roman commander removes Paul from the council. That night, the Lord appears to Paul and encourages him that he will now have the opportunity to testify not just in Jerusalem, but in Rome itself! 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 do you imagine that Paul thought it important to assert that his conscience was clear? Why do you think the high priest was so angered by Paul's statement? - Why do you think the doctrine of the resurrection was so important to Paul? - What do you think and feel about Paul's strategy of dividing the council over the resurrection? Can you think of any application to your own situation in life? - Prayer: Lord, in difficult times, help me remain faithful to you and confident in the hope of the resurrection.

Daily Devo | God Can Turn an Enemy Into a Friend (New Testament in a Year, Acts 22:1-30)

Standing before an angry crowd in Jerusalem, Paul shares his testimony of encountering Jesus. He explains how he was once a zealous persecutor of Christians, convinced that he was serving God by opposing the followers of Jesus. Paul then recounts his dramatic encounter with the risen Christ and how his life was completely transformed. The crowd listens attentively until Paul mentions God's mission to the Gentiles, at which point many become enraged and call for his execution! God's love can turn enemies (like Paul) into friends, and love pays that price. 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 is personal testimony such a powerful way to share faith? - How did Paul's understanding of God and his mission change after encountering Jesus? - Why do you think the crowd reacted so strongly to the idea of God reaching the Gentiles? - How has God worked in your life to change your perspective, priorities, or direction? - Prayer: Lord, thank you for your transforming grace—help me faithfully share what you have done in my life and follow wherever you lead.

Sermon | When Faith is Tested (Acts 7)

It's easy to have faith when nothing is at stake. The real question is: what happens when your faith is challenged? Maybe those moments reveal what you've been trusting all along. · · · 👉🏻 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 | It Is Better to Give Than to Get (Flashback Friday, Acts 20:28-38)

In this flashback to July 20, 2021, we listen in as Paul meets with the Ephesian leaders for the final time. He reminds them of the example and words of Jesus, that "It is better to give than to receive." After Paul left, people would come who would seek to fleece the flock but Paul reminds them of how a true shepherd lays his life down for the sheep, just like Jesus, and just like Paul had done for them. When we look at the world, do we notice the opportunities to give, or the opportunities to take? The choice matters more than we can imagine! 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/]