Highrock Church

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/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.

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/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.

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/

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 ChristLooking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: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!

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-uNpfhwf4June 14 Sermon on Pentecost:https://youtu.be/0wW05AOP7_0Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: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!