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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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Yesterday · 16 min
Daily Devo | Headship and Head Coverings? (New Testament in a Year, 1 Corinthians 11:2-16)
People today will often point to this passage in an attempt to (mistakenly) argue that the apostle Paul had a low view of women. To this day, scholars debate over the difficulties in translating this passage. Whatever might be debatable, it is clear that Paul expresses support for a woman's authority to pray and speak in church, even in cases where there are social norms that might need to be addressed. The relationship between men and women is one of interdependence and mutual respect, never domination or dismissal. (This devotional was originally shared on February 17, 2022.) Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/
Sunday · 34 min
Sermon | The Ephesian Riot (Acts 19)
Most of us know exactly what we should do and choose the easier thing anyway. We call it self-care. We call it being realistic. We call it just the way things are. But what if that "easier thing" has a name and a grip on you that only gets tighter? · · · 👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons 👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals
Friday · 16 min
Daily Devo | My Rights vs. God's Mission (Flashback Friday, 1 Corinthians 9:1-12)
As we consider Paul's discussion of spiritual maturity and freedom in Christ, we return to a discussion from February 7, 2022. Many of the problems in the Corinthian church arose because of people insisting on their rights, but in a way that left little room for love. Paul offers his own life as an example of another path. We can follow Jesus, asserting our rights or even laying them aside in order to help people encounter the risen Christ. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/
Thursday · 16 min
Daily Devo | Knowledge Puffs Up, But Loves Builds Up (New Testament in a Year, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13)
The Apostle Paul would be the first person to speak up about the value of knowledge and wisdom, so why does he seem to diminish the value of knowledge here? Paul, of course, believes that knowledge is important — this very letter has been a series of answers to their questions! The real point is that anything, even something as valuable as knowledge, is worthless without love. Without love, good things like knowledge just make us feel superior to others and can lead to actions and attitudes that destroy others rather than building them up. Instead, we must have the mind of Christ to build up others in love. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ For Reflection: - Why does Paul say that knowledge without love is dangerous? - What are some ways that you have seen Christian freedom become a stumbling block to others? - How might you summarize Paul's view of the relationship between freedom and love? - How might God be inviting you to prioritize love over personal rights in your relationships? - Prayer: Lord, help me use my freedom with wisdom and love, always seeking to build up others.
Wednesday · 16 min
Daily Devo | Freedom in the Lord (New Testament in a Year, 1 Corinthians 7:25-40)
In answering the many questions raised by the Corinthian church, Paul next turns to questions of marriage and singleness. He first begins by admitting that he has no clear instruction from God but he can offer some godly advice as people make their own decisions. What principles would Paul want us to consider as we choose whom we marry, or if we marry at all? In the end, Paul affirms that we have considerable freedom in the choices we make, but these choices also have considerable consequences and we bear incredible responsibility in the freedom that God has given to us. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ For Reflection: - How would you summarize Paul's advice on marriage and singleness? - What decisions do you face in which Paul might encourage you to have an eternal, Jesus-centered perspective? - Paul also asks people to consider their "present crisis". What crises do we face today that we should consider in our life decisions? - Prayer: Lord, help me seek to please you rather than myself or others, and help me to have an eternal perspective in the decisions you give me to make.
August 25 · 15 min
Daily Devo | If Only! (New Testament in a Year, 1 Corinthians 7:17-24)
We return to a previous devotional on today's passage where Paul is writing on the subject of marriage and so much more! Sometimes it's easy to believe that our lives would be so much better, so much more fulfilling, if only this or that thing were to change. If only I could earn more money, if only I could get this person to love me, if only I could gain entrance into that school, if only, if only. Against this notion, Paul instructs us that in Christ, we can access fullness of life right now, in whatever circumstances we find ourselves. What we need more than a change in our external circumstances is a change of heart! Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/
August 24 · 18 min
Daily Devo | Your Body, Temple of the Holy Spirit (New Testament in a Year, 1 Corinthians 6:1–20)
What does Jesus have to do with issues like settling disputes or sexual expression? According to Paul, Jesus has everything to do with such issues because Jesus is Lord of all and our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Again, like adolescents, the Corinthians were very focused on their own rights while remaining largely unaware of their responsibility to love and serve. Freedom can be used to please and protect one's self, but mature believers can use their freedom to serve God, to serve their sisters and brothers in the faith, and to serve a world that needs the hope of Jesus Christ. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ For Reflection: - What principles can you take away from this text about handling conflict among Christians? - What do you think it means to say that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit? What implications does that belief have for how we live and love? - In what area of your life might God be calling you to live more fully? - Prayer: Lord, thank you for redeeming me through the sacrifice of Christ — help me honor you in all my relationships and choices.
August 23 · 32 min
Sermon | Unashamed of the Gospel (Acts 17)
Your closest friends may know your politics, your career plans, your family stories, and what you had for dinner. But do they know why Jesus matters to you? If our faith has changed our lives, what would it look like to share it with courage, humility, and love? · · · 👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons 👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals
August 21 · 15 min
Daily Devo | Do Your Job! But What's My Job? (Flashback Friday, 1 Corinthians 3:5-11)
In this flashback to January 12, 2022, we return to Paul addressing an immature group of believers who have lost their direction. What if our goal and mission is something outside of our power to accomplish? Like a gardener, we can create good conditions for growth but we cannot make anything actually grow -- only God can do that. As a builder, we can build only on the foundation of Jesus. Even Apollos and Paul were not essential, only Christ. God invites us to play a limited but important role. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/
August 20 · 17 min
Daily Devo | Advice for "Adolescents" (New Testament in a Year, 1 Corinthians 2:1-16)
Paul is writing to a church filled with spiritual adolescents — people with a growing awareness of their rights but little awareness of their responsibilities. And what kind of advice would you give to adolescents? Paul starts by warning them to be discerning about whose judgments they trust. The world is filled with enticing ideas and invitations, but few of those voices are truly wise. Similarly, we need to be spiritually wise about which voices we listen to. Whose perspective and judgments do you trust? Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ For Reflection: - How would you explain the difference between human wisdom and the wisdom that comes from God? - Why is the Holy Spirit essential for understanding spiritual truth? - How might God be inviting you to lean more on what God says and less on the many voices of the world? - Prayer: Holy Spirit, help me listen to your voice and to embrace the mind of Christ in all I do.
August 19 · 15 min
Daily Devo | Grace and Peace to You! (New Testament in a Year, 1 Corinthians 1:1-9)
For our opening of 1st Corinthians, we return to a previous devo from January 3, 2022. The apostle Paul had spent more time in the city of Corinth than just about anywhere else in his travels. It should be no surprise that he had much to say to them, writing one of the longest of his many letters. Corinth shares a number of surprising similarities with places like Boston, and so we should expect that Paul's message to them will have relevance for us as well. Right from the start, Paul emphasizes their shared mission and ours -- to step into Jesus' invitation to full partnership. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/
August 18 · 16 min
Daily Devo | The God of Peace (New Testament in a Year, Romans 16:1-27)
As Paul concludes his letter, he warns believers to watch out for those who create divisions and lead people away from the true teaching of the gospel. Instead, we should remain wise about what is good and innocent regarding evil. We each have to ask ourselves if we are working to build up ourselves or to build up the unity of Christ's body, the Church. After all, we are serving the God of peace (v20). It is the God of peace who will ultimately silence those who seek to harm rather than heal. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ For Reflection: - The first 16 verses are filled with people who have helped Paul and others in bringing honor to God. Who are some of the people who you would commend or thank in your life? - How might God want to use you to build bridges and unity rather than cause divisions (vv17-20)? - What do you think it means to be "wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil" (v19)? - Prayer: Lord, help me grow in wisdom, love, and faithfulness, bringing glory to you through the way I live each day.
August 17 · 16 min
Daily Devo | No One Walks Alone! (New Testament in a Year, Romans 15:14-33)
Paul's closing reveals his deep dependence, not only on God, but on fellow believers as well. Christian ministry is never a solo endeavor. God often works through the encouragement, generosity, and partnership that we offer one another, starting with the call to lift one another up in prayer. Paul also reminds us that we can face uncertainty with confidence in God's faithfulness, including the people God will use to help, support, and encourage us along the way. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ For Reflection: - What can we learn from Paul's willingness to make decisions and serve despite uncertainty and risk? - How might God be inviting you to more intentionally support others through prayer, encouragement, or generosity? Does anyone specifically come to mind? - Is there an area of your life where you are called to trust God in a time or place of uncertainty? - Prayer: Lord, help me serve you and others, and with others, faithfully and generously!
August 16 · 34 min
Sermon | When Culture Feels Biblical (Acts 15)
What if something you’re convinced is “God’s way” is actually just your way? Our culture shapes what feels right, normal, and even biblical to us, often without us realizing it. So how can we tell the difference between the Gospel and the culture we’ve wrapped around it? · · · 👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons 👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals
August 14 · 15 min
Daily Devo | Submit to the Authorities? (Flashback Friday, Romans 13:1-7)
In this flashback to May 27, 2025, we consider a passage that has historically been used to demand submission to all kinds of abuses and inequalities coming from governing authorities. Is Paul complicit in supporting such corrupt governments? By basing the authority of government in God, Paul appears to give legitimacy to such authorities but only within limits. Those authorities are also under authority (God's) and must submit to authority as well. What is the purpose of government and what are those limits? Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ For Reflection: Christians have had great differences in understanding how to apply Paul's instructions from this passage. - Given Paul's word about the legitimacy of government, its purpose (to promote good and restrain evil), and its limitations (its authority comes from God), when and how do you think it is appropriate to resist authority? - Paul was not living under a democratic government in which authority comes from the people. How might that context affect how we apply Paul's instructions, if at all?
August 13 · 17 min
Daily Devo | What is True Worship? (New Testament in a Year, Romans 12:1-21)
After eleven chapters explaining what God has done for us, Paul turns to how we should respond. He urges Christians to offer their whole lives to God as living sacrifices of woship. Rather than conforming to the patterns and values of the world, believers are to be transformed by the renewing of their minds so they can discern and follow God's will. The life God wants for us is more than just believing the right things. The goal is not simply moral improvement but becoming people through whom God's love and grace are made visible. 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 offer your life to God as a "living sacrifice"? - How might God want you to resist being shaped by the world and instead allow God to renew your mind (v2)? - What spiritual gifts or abilities has God given you to serve others? - What would it look like for you to overcome evil with good in a current situation? - Prayer: Lord, transform my mind and heart so I might join you in overcoming evil with your goodness.
August 12 · 16 min
Daily Devo | All Roads Lead to Worship (New Testament in a Year, Romans 11:22-36)
Paul continues his discussion of God's dealings with Israel by warning the Gentile believers not to become proud. Just as some branches were broken off because of their hard hearts, we are just as accountable for the condition of our hearts. Paul then reveals a mystery: Israel's present hardening is partial and temporary, and God's plan ultimately includes showing mercy to all. If we comprehend nothing else, we must understand that God's ways are often beyond our understanding and should move us to humility, gratitude, and ultimately, worship. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ For Reflection: - What can we learn from Paul's confidence in God's larger plan and character, even when God's present actions are difficult to understand? - Why do you think Paul ends this section with worship (vv.33-36) rather than explanation? - Are there areas of your life where you need to trust God's wisdom even when you cannot see the full picture? - Prayer: Lord, your ways are above and beyond our ways! Help us to walk in humility and gratitude, always trusting your purposes and character.
August 11 · 18 min
Daily Devo | Did God Reject Israel? (New Testament in a Year, Romans 11:1-21)
Did God reject Israel because so many in Israel rejected the good news of Jesus? Paul answers with an emphatic, "No!" Paul points to his own faith as evidence that God has not abandoned his people and reminds his readers of Elijah's day, when God preserved a faithful remnant during a time when most people betrayed God. In the same way, God continues to save people by grace, not because of their works or achievements. No one earns a place in God's family, therefore our attitude should never be pride or judgmentalism but always humility and gratitude! Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ For Reflection: - How would you summarize God's continued faithfulness to Israel in light of what Paul says? - Why might some of the Roman Christians have felt unwarranted pride? What attitude should they have had instead, and why? - In what ways have you seen God's faithfulness even when people have been unfaithful? - Prayer: Lord, help me to live with humility, gratitude, and confidence in your unchanging promises.
August 10 · 16 min
Daily Devo | Effort is Essential, But Never Sufficient (New Testament in a Year, Romans 10)
Paul here reminds us that salvation is not earned through religious effort or moral excellence. It is a gift received through faith in Jesus Christ. There is no distinction between Jew and Gentile or any people in this regard, as we all come to God through the grace of Jesus Christ. Paul emphasizes the simplicity and accessibility of the gospel: those who confess Jesus as Lord and believe that God raised him from the dead will be saved. Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here: https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/ For Reflection: - Why is zeal for God alone not enough according to Paul? - How does the promise that "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (v13) encourage you? - Who has helped you hear and understand the good news of Jesus? Whose life has made you jealous (v19) for what Jesus offers? - Is there someone in your life with whom God may be calling you to share your faith? - Prayer: Lord, help me trust in your grace and boldly and lovingly share the good news with others.
August 9 · 30 min
Sermon | Who is Your Cornelius? (Acts 10)
Following Jesus can change what we believe, how we live, and even the kind of people we become. But what about the people we still can't stand? What might they reveal about how much further we have to go? · · · 👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons 👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals

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