Daily Devo | Unity in a Divided Church? (New Testament in a Year, Acts 15:22-41)

Daily Devo | Unity in a Divided Church? (New Testament in a Year, Acts 15:22-41)

After reaching a decision regarding Gentile believers, the apostles and elders send a letter to the churches along with trusted leaders to communicate their conclusions. Later, Paul suggests revisiting the churches they had previously planted, but a sharp disagreement arises between Paul and Barnabas over whether to take John Mark with them. Unable to agree, they separate and form two ministry teams: Barnabas takes Mark, while Paul travels with Silas. Unity through the Spirit is perhaps the central theme throughout Acts but it is not always a simplistic unity. Despite their differences, Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark are able to still remain united in purpose as they spread the good news about 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 can we learn from the way the early church addressed difficult issues together? - What questions and lessons do you draw from the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas? - Is there a relationship or disagreement in your life that requires wisdom, humility, or grace? - Prayer: Lord, help me pursue unity around the truth of the gospel, show grace in times of disagreement, and remain faithful to the work you have given me to do.

Daily Devo | Let's Not Make It Harder Than It Has To Be (New Testament in a Year, Acts 15:1-21)

As more Gentiles come to faith in Jesus, a serious disagreement arises in the church. Some believers insist that Gentiles must follow the Jewish law to be saved. After several apostles share their testimony about the Holy Spirit's acceptance of these Gentiles, the leaders conclude that Gentile believers should not be burdened with additional requirements. Salvation comes from Jesus, not our national or ethnic identities, and not from our own goodness. Jesus is our salvation! 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 was the issue of circumcision and the law so important to the early church? - How did the leaders seek God's wisdom and guidance when facing disagreement? - How can Christians pursue unity when they have different backgrounds or perspectives? - Are there ways you may be tempted to add requirements to God's gift of salvation? - Prayer: Lord, help me trust fully in your work, walk in unity with other believers, and extend that same grace to others.

Daily Devo | Hardships As the Pathway to Peace (New Testament in a Year, Acts 14:1-28)

While in Lystra, Paul heals a man who has been unable to walk since birth. The crowd is amazed and mistakenly concludes that Paul and Barnabas are gods who have come down in human form. Paul and Barnabas urgently reject this praise, directing the people instead to the living God who created all things and provides for their needs. Soon, however, opposition arrives from other cities, and the same crowd that once wanted to honor Paul turns against him and stones him, leaving him for dead. Yet Paul survives and remains just as dedicated to spreading the news about 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: - Why did Paul and Barnabas refuse to accept the worship and praise of the crowd? - What are some ways that you see people taking credit that is not truly due to them? In what ways are you tempted to do the same? - How does Paul's response to persecution (v22) challenge or inspire you? - Prayer: Lord, help me give you all the glory, pointing others to your greatness rather than my own!

Sermon | The Story Nobody Wants to Preach (Acts 5)

Most of us aren't trying to deceive people; we're just trying to protect ourselves. But what if the masks that make us feel safe are also keeping us from the kind of community we're longing for? · · · 👉🏻 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 | Pride Goeth Before a Fall (Flashback Friday, Acts 12:20-25)

In this flashback to June 10, 2021, we see Herod Agrippa being treated like a god by those who sought his favor. Unlike a god, Herod was undeserving and quickly discovered just how mortal he was. Are we so different from Herod? While we might not seek worship, do we seek undue credit for what God does in and through us? Like Moses, do we conceal the diminishing glory that is sometimes visible in our lives? Herod should have served God and others but pursued glory for himself instead. So unlike Herod, Jesus deserved glory but came as a servant. The contrast between Herod and Jesus shows us that humility leads to life while pride leads to death. 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/]