Daily Devo | What Does Real Faith Look Like? (New Testament in a Year, Acts 2:14-47)

Daily Devo | What Does Real Faith Look Like? (New Testament in a Year, Acts 2:14-47)

What do you expect to see in someone who is physically alive? What are the signs of life? Similarly, what do you expect to see in people who are spiritually alive? Here we see the signs of life in the Spirit. They care for one another generously and sacrificially. They gather regularly for worship, meals, and encouragement, praising God with sincere and joyful hearts. Outsiders take notice of these signs of life and the Lord draws more and more people in each day. What are the signs of life that you see in your fellowship and in yourself? 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: - Which characteristics of the early church stand out to you the most, and why? - Which of these signs of life do you see strongly in your church family? Which do you see that need strengthening? What about in yourself? - In what ways might God be inviting you to contribute to the health and unity of your faith community? - Prayer: Lord, grow my devotion to you, to your people, and to those who are drawn in by the evidence they see of your Spirit in us.

Daily Devo | The Breath of God (New Testament in a Year, Acts 2:1-13)

On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit of God descends upon Jesus' followers as a mighty wind and tongues of fire. The Spirit empowers them to speak and be heard by every person in that person's own native language. This gift of the Spirit also serves a deeper, quieter purpose. The Spirit begins the undoing of an ancient curse that goes all the way to Genesis and it represents the giving of true life. Just as breathing gives life to our bodies, the Spirit (or "breath") of God fills us with spiritual, eternal life. May 3 Sermon on Pentecost: https://youtu.be/2b-uNpfhwf4 [https://youtu.be/2b-uNpfhwf4] June 14 Sermon on Pentecost: https://youtu.be/0wW05AOP7_0 [https://youtu.be/0wW05AOP7_0] 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 does the giving of the Spirit of God reveal about God and about us? What purposes does the Spirit serve, and what needs in us does the Spirit address? - Have you ever seen some people respond to a "God moment" with faith, while others react with skepticism or mockery (like the accusation in v13 about being drunk)? Why do you imagine that people respond so differently to the same experience? - Prayer: God, breathe your life into us so we might live for you!

Sermon | Never Truly Alone (Acts 2)

What do you do when God feels absent - when you're waiting for an answer, a breakthrough, or a sign that He's still there? The disciples faced that same question, and what they discovered changed everything. · · · 👉🏻 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 | "My Lord and My God!" (Flashback Friday, John 20:24-31)

Today is the first of a summer of "Flashback Fridays" in which we return to a previous devotional. In this flashback to May 1, 2025, we see how John's Gospel reaches its climax. Jesus appears to Thomas, a disciple who refuses to believe until he can see Jesus for himself. When he does, he believes Jesus and acknowledges him as "My Lord and my God!" We may not see Jesus in the flesh, but we have the opportunity to see Jesus through one another, the very body of Christ. Who has shown you a glimpse of 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: These signs are recorded to strengthen our faith and lead to a Thomas-like moment when we too can believe Jesus and follow him as Lord. - Where have you seen glimpses of Jesus? How did Jesus make himself known to you in a way that led to your confession of faith? - Who has God given you to love? How might Jesus be inviting you to love others in the way that he has loved you? Who might you invite into community to see the love of Jesus displayed?

Daily Devo | "Tetelestai!" — It is Finished! (New Testament in a Year, John 19:23-42)

As Jesus hangs on the cross, Roman soldiers divide his clothing, fulfilling centuries-old Scripture without realizing it. Nearby, Jesus sees his mother and the beloved disciple and lovingly entrusts them to one another's care. Knowing that his mission is complete, Jesus announces, “It is finished” — the very word that was often written on completed transactions. Jesus had truly finished the work the Father had given to him, paying our debt in full. 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 Jesus meant in saying, “It is finished”? What does that reality mean to you? - Notice Jesus' care for others while on the cross. What feelings, thoughts, or insights does it create in you? - What do you make of the Roman soldiers unknowingly playing a part in a drama scripted by God long before? (cf. Psalm 22:18) - In what practical ways can you live in response to the completed work of Christ? - Prayer: Jesus, thank you for paying my debt in full. Fill me with the gratitude to live and love freely and courageously!