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Highrock Church

Weekly sermons and weekday devotions from Highrock, a multi-site church in the Greater Boston area and Online. We create Christian communities that inspire curiosity, courage, and compassion.

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Friday · 16 min
Daily Devo | The DNA of a Good Leader (New Testament in a Year, 1 Timothy 3:1-13)
What makes a good leader? What qualities and skills should we expect? And with regard to those qualities, to what degree should we all desire to grow in those ways? After all, isn't a spiritual leader simply someone who has traveled further than others along the way with Jesus? One thing should be clear, and that is that spiritual leadership is different from leadership in the world, especially when it comes to the necessity of loving, Christ-like character. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ For Reflection: - Paul emphasizes character more than charisma or accomplishments when describing church leaders. What qualities do you most admire in a spiritual leader? How might God be inviting you to grow in those ways? - Paul says that those who serve faithfully gain respect and confidence in their faith (v13). Where might God be inviting you to serve faithfully, even without recognition or a formal leadership position? - Prayer: Lord, help me serve others faithfully, whether or not anyone notices.
Thursday · 16 min
Daily Devo | Pray for Those in Authority (New Testament in a Year, 1 Timothy 2)
Paul encourages Timothy to pray for all people, interceding with God on their behalf. This call to prayer also applies to all who are in authority, which might not seem like a special request until you realize that Paul was likely writing at the time when the emperor was Nero, the infamous persecutor of the Church and killer of Christians. But Paul is clear that Jesus came to give his life for everyone. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ For Reflection: - Paul urges believers to pray for everyone, including political leaders and people in authority (v1). Are there people or leaders you find difficult to pray for? What might change if you regularly prayed for their wisdom, integrity, and well-being? - Paul connects prayer with the desire to live peaceful and quiet lives (v2). How might your prayer life influence the way you respond to conflict, uncertainty, or people with whom you disagree? - Prayer: Lord, widen my heart to pray and desire good for all people.
Wednesday · 16 min
Daily Devo | Encouragements to the "Unqualified" (New Testament in a Year, 1 Timothy 1:3-7,12-17)
Paul writes to Timothy, the young pastor that Paul has left to shepherd the church in the great city of Ephesus. In this opening, he emphasizes that the importance of knowing the Bible is not just to know facts about Jesus but to know Jesus intimately and to love others deeply. Furthermore, perhaps to shore up Timothy's apparent lack of confidence, Paul emphasizes that he himself started as a persecutor of the church and one who blasphemed the name of Jesus. We are loved and we serve not because of our goodness, but because of God's grace. Do you feel unqualified for what God calls you to do? Then Paul's encouragement to Timothy is also for you! Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ For Reflection: - Paul says that the goal of spiritual knowledge is to be "filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith". When have you seen yourself or others stray from this purpose? What helps to keep you on track? - “'Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners'—and I am the worst of them all." Do you feel undeserving of God's favor, or unqualified to serve? What might help you to focus on God's grace rather than questions about yourself? - Prayer: Lord, let your truth produce genuine love in me.
Tuesday · 16 min
Daily Devo | Cruel to be Kind? (New Testament in a Year, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18)
In closing his letter, Paul addresses the issue of believers who were selfishly choosing to live off the charity of others. He said about such people that those who are unwilling to work should not eat and that the community should even remove such people. This discipline might sound cruel but he insisted that these measures were to be done as a kindness, always hoping that these sisters and brothers would repent and change. Paul and his companions set an example for us to follow — to work hard so we can have the means to bless and love one another. Jesus invites us to not only be loved but to find deep purpose in learning to love others as well. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ For Reflection: - The word translated as "idle" in verses 6, 7, and 11 was used of soldiers or dancers who fell out of line. In what ways were those who refused to work or who chose to meddle in other people's business (v11) like such soldiers or dancers? - Paul instructs the church to discipline these "idle" members, but not to treat them as enemies. How have you seen this kind of discipline done well or poorly in churches, families, or other groups? - Prayer: Lord, help me live responsibly and generously, and to hold others accountable with love.
Monday · 16 min
Daily Devo | The Return of the Lord (New Testament in a Year, 2 Thessalonians 2)
In his previous letter, Paul praised the Thessalonians for their faith in the return of Jesus. By the time of this second letter, something had gone wrong. So Paul sets out to clear up some questions and issues that were leading them into confusion. This passage reminds us not to be swept away by fear, speculation, or deception. Instead, we are encouraged to stand firm in the truth of the gospel, trusting that evil will not have the final word and that Jesus will ultimately triumph. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ For Reflection: - Paul warns them not to become alarmed by frightening claims about the day of the Lord. When have you seen people unnecessarily swept up in fear, in this or other matters? What might have been a better response? - Jesus will ultimately defeat evil. Where do you see evidence of evil or injustice that makes it difficult to believe that God will prevail? How might this promise sustain you without causing you to ignore the reality of suffering? - Prayer: Lord, rather than live in fear, help me to boldly love others in what I do and what I say.
October 18 · 25 min
Sermon | Availability (Mark 5)
Most of us would say we’re the kind of people who would stop to help . . . until we’re late, overbooked, and one more thing away from burnout.W hat if our calendars say more about what we believe than we’d like to admit? And what would it take to leave enough room in your life to notice what God is doing around you? · · · 👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons 👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals
October 16 · 16 min
Daily Devo | Live in Light of the End of the Story (New Testament in a Year, 1 Thessalonians 4)
If you were to read a story but then skip the final chapter, you might not understand the story at all. Death is not the end of our story. The Jesus saga ends with us all joining together to cross over into glory. Paul praised the Thessalonians for believing in the Lord's return and he returns to that idea here. When we live in light of the conclusion, we can control our passions rather than hurt one another, we can live quiet and faithful lives rather than striving to rise above everyone else, and we can face disappointments in this life without giving in to despair. Let us remember to live our lives in light of the end of the story. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ For Reflection: - What helps you to live a life of self-control in a world that often encourages self-indulgence? - We are encouraged to live quiet lives, minding our own business, and to work hard. Do you find this encouragement appealing? Why or why not? - How have you been encouraged (or embarrassed) by the idea of Jesus' return? How might you offer that encouragement to someone else in a meaningful way? - Prayer: Lord, help me to live in light of your story, faithfully looking forward to your return to bring us all home!
October 15 · 16 min
Daily Devo | The Stories We Believe in Tough Times (New Testament in a Year, 1 Thessalonians 3)
Have you ever seen a parent worry about their children when they go away for the first time? Perhaps it's to a sleepover, or a summer camp, or maybe when they go to college or move out. Paul expresses how worried he was when the young Thessalonian church was on their own and facing a difficult trial. Were they ok? Did they draw closer to God in their trials or did they perhaps walk away from the faith in despair? Paul therefore sent Timothy to check up on the Thessalonians and discovered that they were not only doing well but thriving in their faith! They had held onto God's truth rather than falling victim to Satan's lies. Paul then shares a quick three-part prayer that serves as a model of how we can pray for ourselves and for those we love. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ For Reflection: - When you face difficulties, what tends to challenge your trust in God most? What helps you remain spiritually grounded? - Paul says that hearing about the Thessalonians’ faithfulness brought him great encouragement even while he was experiencing trouble himself. How might paying attention to the ways God is working in other people’s lives bring you hope during your own struggles? - Prayer: Lord, through every trial, help me to trust what you say and to love and encourage others more and more.
October 14 · 16 min
Daily Devo | Tough Love (New Testament in a Year, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13)
Paul moves from praising the faith of the Thessalonians to an apparent defense of their character and ministry. Paul and his companions had poured out their lives while they were with them, insisting on paying their own way through hard work rather than accepting any financial support. Rather than seeking personal gain, they worked only for the good and the growth of the Thessalonians. We sometimes talk of "tough love" — a love that asks hard things of others. Instead, they exhibited a tough love that asked hard things of themselves, showing the believers how to live a life worthy of our calling from God. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ For Reflection: - Paul says he and his companions sought to please God rather than people (vv4-6). In what ways do you experience this struggle to please God rather than people? - Paul says he encouraged and comforted the Thessalonians while urging them to live lives worthy of God. Do you find it easier to encourage or to challenge people? In what ways do you need each of these kinds of love? - Prayer: Lord, help me serve with integrity and love, seeking to please you more than anyone else.
October 13 · 16 min
Daily Devo | Faith, Love, and Hope (New Testament in a Year, 1 Thessalonians 1)
This letter is the first and oldest we have from Paul, and it is written to a congregation filled with new believers, a church that may have been only months old! What do you say to such spiritual infants? Paul begins by sharing with them his praise and his prayers. He praises them for the faith, love, and hope that he sees in them, and he thanks God for the way their faith had become an inspiration to other believers in other churches, far and wide. While Paul will address and correct much of what they had gotten wrong, he starts by praising what they had gotten right. His example reminds us to praise people for what they are doing right rather than prioritize or fixate on what they might be doing wrong. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ For Reflection: - Paul praises them for their faith, love, and hope (v3). What evidence of faith, love, and hope do you see in your spiritual community, and in you? - The Thessalonians received the gospel with joy even while suffering because of it (v6). How do you typically respond when following Jesus becomes difficult? What might help you to better hold on to joy during challenging seasons? - Prayer: Lord, strengthen my faith, deepen my love, and renew my hope in Jesus so I might be an encouragement to others.
October 12 · 16 min
Daily Devo | Closing Thoughts for Newer Believers (New Testament in a Year, Colossians 4)
The church in Colossae was filled with new believers and Paul's final words invite them into deeper engagement. Though they are just starting on the walk of faith, Paul invites them to partner with him in prayer, and a very challenging prayer at that. He also invites them to partner with him in sharing the good news with their neighbors, but in a way that is winsome and inviting rather than dismissive or judgmental. Finally, he offers them a number of models of faithful living, people who were already partners with Paul in bringing the good news about Jesus to a lost and hurting world. What are some ways that God might be inviting you into a deeper partnership? 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 think it means to be devoted to prayer with an "alert mind and a thankful heart" (v2)? - How might you become more attentive to opportunities God may be opening for you to share your faith (v5)? - How does Paul's list of coworkers demonstrate the importance of partnership in ministry? - Who has helped you in your walk with Christ, and how might you express your gratitude to them? - Prayer: Lord, help me to wrestle in prayer like Epaphras, desiring more to see your will done rather than my own.
October 11 · 28 min
Sermon | Hiding in Plain Sight (Matthew 6)
Have you ever felt like the work you do at home, at work, and even at church, goes completely unnoticed leaving you angry or frustrated? What if attention, applause, and a few likes were never going to be enough anyway? And where might the affirmation you’ve been looking for actually be hiding? · · · 👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons 👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals
October 9 · 17 min
Daily Devo | A Prayer for Knowledge & Power (New Testament in a Year, Colossians 1:9-23)
To a city filled with the power of Rome and the mystery cult of Cybele, Paul starts with the supremacy of Christ. Christ is the ultimate power in both heaven and earth, and the fullness of God is present in him. In light of these challenges, Paul prays first that they would be filled with the knowledge of God's will through spiritual wisdom and understanding. While knowledge may show us the way, it doesn't give us the power to actually walk the path, so Paul prays also that we would be filled with God's power to live godly lives to the full. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ For Reflection: - What does Paul pray for the Colossians, and why is that important? - How does spiritual knowledge differ from simply having information about God? - Which description of Jesus in this passage stands out to you most, and why? - How can the truth of Christ's supremacy help you face challenges or uncertainties? - Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to grow in the knowledge of you and the power to live a life that honors you in all I do.
October 8 · 16 min
Daily Devo | Pursuing Peace & Finding Joy (New Testament in a Year, Philippians 4:1-13)
Paul brings this letter to a close with an appeal for peace. First, he asks for peace between two church leaders, women named Euodia and Syntyche. Paul then invites us all to pursue peace — whether through kindness to all, rejoicing, surrendering our anxieties to God in prayer, remembering God's faithfulness, or through choosing to focus on what is good and right rather than just on what is wrong. This pursuit of peace, Paul says, will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. The peace we seek is not found through controlling our circumstances, but in trusting Christ in those same circumstances that make us feel that our lives are out of control. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ For Reflection: - Why is Christian joy different from simple happiness? - What does this passage teach about handling anxiety and worry? - How can gratitude change the way you approach difficult situations? - What do you think Paul means when he says he has learned the secret of contentment? - Prayer: Lord, help me bring my worries to you, fix my mind on what is good and true, and to ground my peace, joy, and contentment in Christ.
October 7 · 16 min
Daily Devo | Joy Undiminished By Suffering (New Testament in a Year, Philippians 3:1-14)
Suffering can rob us of many good things. In Paul's case, it robbed him of freedom and forced him to write from prison. Even so, suffering could not rob Paul of joy and he encourages us to rejoice as well. What is Paul's secret? How can he live out such joy even in prison? He shares with us his firm foundation for joy and also a secret opportunity for joy that is hidden in our suffering — that whatever is taken from us will serve only to bring us closer to Jesus, the very source of our joy! Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ For Reflection: - Why did Paul consider his impressive religious accomplishments to be like "garbage"? - What do you think Paul means when he says he wants to "know Christ"? - Why is it important not to become stuck in either past successes or past failures (v13)? - Are there things in your life that compete with your desire to know Christ more deeply? - Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me value you above every earthly achievement and press on each day toward a deeper connection with you and your purposes for my life.
October 6 · 16 min
Daily Devo | Jesus is the Answer (New Testament in a Year, Philippians 2)
When you're a child in Sunday school, you know that "Jesus" is going to be the answer. It's less obvious that "Jesus" will still somehow be the answer even long after. For Paul, Jesus is the answer to "What is God like?" and "what are we to be like?" and all the questions and issues that flow from those far-reaching inquiries. We see a God worthy of our trust in Jesus and we also see a clear example of how we are to humbly love and serve one another and God. Jesus laid aside his power and privilege to serve us because that's what God does, and that's how God calls us to live as well. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ For Reflection: - Why is humility so essential to Christian unity? How have you seen a lack of humility harm relationships? - How does Christ's willingness to serve challenge the way you approach relationships and leadership? - Does knowing that God is at work in you (v13) encourage you to work hard or to relax, or perhaps both? Explain your thinking. - Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me follow your example of humility and self-emptying love.
October 5 · 16 min
Daily Devo | To Live is Christ! (New Testament in a Year, Philippians 1)
Paul writes to the believers in Philippi from prison, yet his letter is filled with joy and gratitude. He thanks God for their partnership and expresses confidence that God will continue the good work he began in them until it is complete. Paul knows that they will soon face persecution and hardship, so he encourages them through his own example, sharing all that God has accomplished through Paul's imprisonment — including his opportunity to share the good news even with the palace guard itself! Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ For Reflection: - What stands out to you about Paul's attitude while he is in prison? - How did God use Paul's difficult circumstances to advance the gospel? - What do you think Paul means when he says, "For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better"? - How can you maintain joy and purpose during difficult seasons of life? - Prayer: Lord, help me trust that you are working in me, and live in a way that reflects the hope of the gospel.
October 4 · 36 min
Sermon | Uncomfortable Love (Mark 10)
Have you ever had to choose between being liked and doing what's best for someone you love? A teenager storms off. A friend stops returning your calls. A truth you can't change. What if love has never been about making people happy in the moment?And what does it look like to love well when you can't be sure how? · · · 👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons 👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals
October 2 · 17 min
Daily Devo | Do You Know Your Calling? (New Testament in a Year, Ephesians 4)
Paul urges believers to live lives worthy of the calling they have received in Christ. This new life involves speaking truth, dealing with anger appropriately, working honestly, using words to build others up, showing kindness and compassion, and forgiving others just as God has forgiven them in Christ. This calling is the way we are invited to participate with God's plan to bring all things into unity under Christ (Ephesians 1:10). Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ For Reflection: - What does it mean to live a life worthy of your calling in Christ? - What old attitudes or behaviors does Paul say believers should put away? - In what area of your relationships is God calling you to reflect the character of Christ more fully? - Prayer: Lord, renew my mind and transform my heart so that I may live in unity, speak with grace, and reflect the love and forgiveness of Christ in all my relationships.
October 1 · 35 min
Sermon | Carefully Compassionate (John 8)
Have you ever been ready to throw a stone before you even realized you were holding one? An email that made you furious. A person you've already written off. A mistake you can't let go of. What if compassion isn't a feeling you have but a stone you're willing to drop? What's the stone in your hand right now? · · · 👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons 👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals

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