Sermon | The Distance Between Us (Matthew 5)

Daily Devo | Behold Your King! (New Testament in a Year, John 19:1-22)

After questioning Jesus, Pilate has him flogged, and the soldiers mock him as a false king by dressing him in a purple robe and placing a crown of thorns on his head. Jesus suffers without protest. Though Pilate insists he can find no guilt in Jesus, he eventually relents and agrees to have Jesus crucified. In contrast, Jesus refuses to seek an escape from his awesome responsibility. Throughout the entire political circus, Jesus is the only one who acts in a way that deserves authority and honor. 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 stands out to you about Jesus' response to suffering and humiliation? - Why do you imagine Pilate struggled to do what he knew was right? - What does this passage reveal about the nature of Jesus' kingship? - Have you ever faced pressure to compromise your convictions? How did you respond? - Prayer: Jesus, thank you for your royal spirit of courageous love, service, and sacrifice.

Daily Devo | Truth? What is Truth? (New Testament in a Year, John 18:25-40)

Why ask a question if you have no interest in the truth? Pilate, the Roman governor, does exactly that -- he asks Jesus a series of questions but ultimately dismisses any idea of truth at all. He tosses the responsibility of deciding what to do with Jesus to the crowds, but they are just as disinterested in the truth as Pilate. Everyone, it seems, wants whatever will serve themselves the best, regardless of whether it is right or true. In the midst of this continuing trial, Jesus remains full of grace and truth, something the world desperately needs but cannot recognize. 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 might you describe Pilate's relationship with truth? - How might people today be tempted to define truth according to their own preferences rather than what is actually real? Where might you be tempted to make a similar compromise? - How might curiosity and humility help you navigate a world with a strained relationship with truth, and with Jesus? - One-Line Prayer: Jesus, help me listen to your voice and live faithfully under your authority.

Daily Devo | The Cup of Suffering (New Testament in a Year, John 18:1-24)

After dinner, Judas returns with a group of guards and soldiers seeking to arrest Jesus. Rather than hide or resist, Jesus steps forward and identifies himself as the one they are seeking. Peter, in turn, reacts by attacking the servant of the high priest. Jesus rebukes Peter, reminding him that Jesus is choosing to allow the Father's plan to go forward. He will suffer for all of us and he will not shrink back from that goal. Peter chose to respond to force with force but Jesus is working toward a deeper goal that violence and worldly power cannot accomplish. 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 stands out to you about Jesus' response to those who came to arrest him? - How does Jesus demonstrate both authority and humility in this passage? - Why do you think Peter responded with violence, and what does Jesus' correction teach us? - Are there situations where you are tempted to take matters into your own hands instead of trusting God? - Prayer: Jesus, help me trust the Father's will as you did, responding with faith and love rather than power.

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.