Sermon | The Distance Between Us (Matthew 5)

Sermon | Power in Waiting (Acts 1)

Many of us want to do something significant for God - change a life, heal a relationship, or make a difference in the world. But what if the greatest obstacle isn't a lack of effort or ability but trying to do God's work without God's power? And if that's true, how do we access it? · · · 👉🏻 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 | The Advocate In Your Corner! (New Testament in a Year, John 16:1-15)

Jesus warns his disciples of the challenges they will soon face, including people who will believe they are serving God by persecuting Jesus' disciples. In addition to this timely warning, Jesus promises that his leaving will result in something even better. Jesus will send the Holy Spirit, the Advocate. Satan is often called "the accuser", but the Spirit will be the Advocate in our corner. Jesus also promises that the Spirit will convict the world of sin and will guide his followers into truth. This promise is one of continued connection and relationship as we walk into the future. 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 are some ways that following Jesus can protect us from hardship? What are some ways that following Jesus can expose us to greater difficulties? - In your own words, how would you describe the Holy Spirit's work in the world and in us? - What questions and curiosities do you have about the Holy Spirit? - Prayer: Jesus, thank you for giving the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us! Help us hear and listen to the Spirit's voice.

Daily Devo | Jesus Chooses You! (New Testament in a Year, John 15:1-27)

Jesus describes himself as the true vine and his followers as the branches, teaching that spiritual life and fruitfulness come only through remaining connected to him. Jesus also teaches that the Father lovingly prunes his people so they can become more fruitful — a process that sounds like it might be painful at times. In the end, obedience to Jesus does not earn his love. Jesus already chooses them, and us! Obedience is meant to protect us from losing the joy and life that comes from being deeply connected to 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: - What do you think it means to "abide" or remain in Jesus on a daily basis? - Have you ever experienced God pruning areas of your life to lead you to fuller life? What happened? - How might God want to prune you in your current season of life? - Prayer: Jesus, help me to remain deeply connected to you, to bear fruit that honors you, and to love others with the same love you give to me.

Daily Devo | The Way, The Truth, and The Life (New Testament in a Year, John 14:1-31)

How do you respond to betrayal? Jesus had just finished laying out the ways his disciples would betray or abandon him in his hour of need. How might Jesus respond to the way we all break faith with him? His response here is not judgment, but grace. Jesus responds by making a way to the Father and by sending us the Holy Spirit! Rather than judgment or vengeance, Jesus offers us the lasting peace that only God can give. Where there was no way home for us, Jesus becomes the way, the truth, and the life. Taylor's "Way, Truth, Life" Wall Art: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1sKPDUoipGF1vo4esP19dIQ8DUsvsDUFG [https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1sKPDUoipGF1vo4esP19dIQ8DUsvsDUFG] 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: - Jesus told his disciples to not let their hearts be troubled. What aspects of Jesus’ promises in this chapter bring you the most comfort? - Jesus states that he is “the way, the truth, and the life”. How would you explain this claim in your own words? - How is the peace Jesus offers different from the peace the world offers? How might God be inviting you into that peace today? - Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your promises, your presence, and your peace!

Daily Devo | "Just As I Have Loved You" (New Testament in a Year, John 13:21-38)

During the Passover meal, Jesus becomes deeply troubled as he reveals that one of his disciples will betray him. After Judas departs, Jesus begins preparing the remaining disciples for what is about to happen. He speaks of his coming glorification through his death and gives them a new commandment: to love one another as he has loved them. Peter confidently declares that he is willing to lay down his life for Jesus, but Jesus gently predicts that Peter will deny him three times before morning. The people around Jesus continually break faith with him but he will continue to offer his own faithfulness in response! 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: - How do you tend to respond to betrayal? How have you responded in the past? - What do you learn about Jesus in his response to betrayal? - Jesus commands us to love one another as he has loved us. In what ways is this command challenging? In what ways is it inspiring? - What specific opportunities might you have to show Christ-like love to others this week? - Prayer: Jesus, help me to love others more like you love me!