Sermon | Power in Waiting (Acts 1)

Daily Devo | God Works Through the Rejected (New Testament in a Year, Acts 7:1-19)

Standing before the Jewish council, Stephen begins his defense by recounting Israel's history. Stephen reminds his listeners of the covenant God made with Abraham and then turns to the story of Joseph. Though Joseph was rejected and sold into slavery by his brothers, God was with him. Joseph later was in a position to save his family. Stephen is not telling random stories; he is laying out the patterns of how God moves in the world, especially through rejected saviors like Joseph, and Jesus — a theme on which Stephen will continue to build. 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 well do you know God's story? Would you be prepared to explain Jesus' message to someone else? - How well do you know your own story? Would you be able to share your own story to someone who was curious about the hope within you (1 Peter 3:15)? - What would help you to be better prepared to share those stories? - Prayer: Lord, thank you for your faithfulness throughout every generation — help me trust that you are at work even when I cannot see the full picture.

Sermon | Credible Witness (Acts 3)

If the message of Jesus is so compelling, why do so many people find Christians unconvincing? Maybe the problem isn't the message itself. Maybe it's the gap between what we proclaim and what we actually possess. · · · 👉🏻 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 | All for One (Flashback Friday, 1 Corinthians 12:21-26)

In this flashback to February 24, 2022, we see that when even a small part of our physical bodies is in pain, that small part becomes our biggest consideration! The apostle Paul says that it should be the same in the body of Christ. What parts of Christ's body are diminished or dismissed as not important? How do these considerations intersect with race, gender, disability, or other potential divisions? And what are we missing when we fail to give these eyes and voices more consideration? When a part of the body suffers, the whole body suffers. Note: Our hope for Flashback Fridays this summer is to replay devotionals from the relevant texts in Acts. However, we are currently having trouble locating that content from 2021. In the meantime, this passage from 1 Corinthians touches on a similar theme of unity in the Spirit that we see in Acts 4. 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 | Choosing the Good vs. Choosing the Easy (New Testament in a Year, Acts 4:1-22)

The religious leaders decide that they have to put a stop to the spread of Jesus' message by the apostles. They command Peter and John not to speak or teach in his name. Peter and John respectfully but firmly refuse, declaring that they must obey God rather than human authorities when the two are in conflict. The leaders relent, not because of what God thinks but because of what the people think, having witnessed a genuine miracle at the hands of the apostles. What might help us to know God's will when pressured by others, and what might give us the courage to pursue what God wants rather than what people might want, including ourselves? 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 gave Peter and John the courage to continue speaking about Jesus despite the threats? - Can you recall a time when you felt pressured to disobey God by someone in authority, perhaps even someone who was a spiritual authority? What happened? - What might help you to have more of the courage of Peter and John? - Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to obey you faithfully, speak the truth with love, and remain steadfast when I face opposition.

Daily Devo | What We Have When We Have Nothing Else (New Testament in a Year, Acts 3:1-26)

As Peter and John go to the temple for prayer, they encounter a beggar who has been unable to walk since birth. When the man asks for help, Peter tells him that he has no silver or gold, but he can offer something far greater. In the name of Jesus Christ, Peter commands the man to walk, and immediately the man is healed. He leaps to his feet, walking, praising God, and entering the temple for the first time in his life. The people who recognize him are astonished and gather around Peter and John in amazement. We always have something to give when we are rich in Christ 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 Peter emphasized what he could give rather than what he did not have? - Do you believe that you have what you need to do the good things that God calls you to do? Where in your life are you struggling to believe that you are enough or that you have enough? - What people, places, and practices can help you to maintain a mindset of abundance? (cf. Philippians 4:19) - Prayer: Jesus, help me trust in your power and provision, inviting others to join me in looking to you!