Daily Devo | Only Love Can Change an Enemy (New Testament in a Year, Acts 9:23-43)

Daily Devo | Only Love Can Change an Enemy (New Testament in a Year, Acts 9:23-43)

After his dramatic encounter with Jesus, Saul grows increasingly bold in proclaiming that Jesus is the Messiah. As opposition against him intensifies, some of his enemies plot to kill him, forcing him to escape the city with the help of fellow believers. When Saul arrives in Jerusalem, many disciples are understandably hesitant to trust him because of his former persecution of Christians. However, Barnabas steps forward to testify about Saul's genuine conversion and ministry. Anger and pride might help to destroy an enemy, but love can turn enemies into friends, and even family! 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 learn about God through Saul's journey? - What do you learn from Barnabas' intervention in Saul's situation? - Have you ever struggled to believe that God could truly change someone, including yourself? - In what ways might God want you to help encourage and strengthen other believers? - Prayer: Lord, thank you for your transforming grace! Help me believe in the Spirit's power to truly change lives, including my own.

Sermon | Only Way? (Acts 4)

Many of us have someone we deeply love - someone kind, generous, and sincere who doesn't follow Jesus. So how do we make sense of Jesus' claim to be "the only way" without losing sight of God's love? · · · 👉🏻 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 | God on the Move in Africa (Flashback Friday, Acts 8:26-40)

In this flashback to May 25, 2021, we see Philip encounter a high official of the extensive and powerful kingdom of Ethiopia. This official just so happened to be reading from Isaiah, a passage we know as Isaiah 53 — a passage that predicts the suffering and sacrifice of the Messiah. This miraculous encounter ends with the baptism of the first Gentile into this new community, acting as a preview of what is to come — that God was about to extend the invitation into God's family to the ends of the earth and to all people. Will we, like Philip, be ready to respond to the opportunities that God provides? 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 | The Gift That Can Never Be Bought (New Testament in a Year, Acts 8:1-25)

After hearing that many people in Samaria have received the gospel, the apostles send Peter and John to visit the new believers. When Peter and John pray for them and lay hands upon them, they receive the Spirit in the same way as the Jewish believers had during Pentecost. When Simon the sorcerer sees the Spirit being given through the apostles' ministry, he offers them money in an attempt to purchase this spiritual power. Peter rejects his offer and warns him that God's gifts cannot be bought or controlled for personal gain. God cannot be bought or controlled but when we surrender to God, God may choose to do seemingly impossible things in and through us, such as transforming historical enemies into sisters and brothers. 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 think it is important to recognize that God's gifts cannot be earned or purchased? - How have you seen people, perhaps even yourself, pursue Jesus for personal advantage rather than for a relationship with him? - How might the Spirit be inviting you to examine your own motives for serving God? (see Psalm 139:23-24) - Prayer: Lord, give me a sincere heart that seeks you for who you are, and help me receive your gifts with humility, gratitude, and faith.

Daily Devo | The Danger of Divided Loyalties (New Testament in a Year, Acts 7:44-60)

Stephen concludes his defense by reminding the council that God's presence has never been confined to a building, even one as important as the Temple. Additionally, he reminds them of their long history of rejecting all of God's messengers, the prophets. In other words, it is something other than a loyalty to God that motivates Stephen's persecutors. Hearing these words, the religious leaders become enraged. Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, sees a vision of heaven opened and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. As they stone him to death, Stephen follows the example of Jesus by praying for God to forgive those who murder him. Unlike his persecutors, Stephen's identity is truly rooted in God to the very end. 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 believe gave Stephen the courage to speak the truth despite the danger he faced? - Which is more challenging for you: standing for truth when facing opposition, or showing grace and forgiveness towards those same people when they hurt you? - In light of the previous question, how might God be inviting you to grow in either courage, grace, or both? - Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me the courage to remain faithful to you, the grace to forgive others, and the confidence to trust you in every circumstance.