Highrock Church

(In addition to Flashback Fridays, this week will also feature a Throwback Thursday and a Wayback Wednesday. New devos will return next week.)

In this Wayback Wednesday from August 2, 2021, we see the Roman commander passing Paul off to Governor Felix like a hot potato, many miles away. Felix makes an attempt to pass Paul off as well, but he is unable to evade responsibility to judge Paul's case. No matter who is in power, they all serve God's will -- that Paul will be safely delivered to Rome to be God's witness there.

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As Paul stands before the Jewish council, he begins by stating that he has lived before God with a clear conscience. This angers the high priest, who orders Paul to be struck. Paul then shifts the discussion to the issue of the resurrection of the dead, a belief that divides the council: Pharisees who believe in the resurrection vs. Sadducees who reject the idea. The debate quickly escalates and the Roman commander removes Paul from the council. That night, the Lord appears to Paul and encourages him that he will now have the opportunity to testify not just in Jerusalem, but in Rome itself!

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

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For Reflection:

- Why do you imagine that Paul thought it important to assert that his conscience was clear? Why do you think the high priest was so angered by Paul's statement?

- Why do you think the doctrine of the resurrection was so important to Paul?

- What do you think and feel about Paul's strategy of dividing the council over the resurrection? Can you think of any application to your own situation in life?

- Prayer: Lord, in difficult times, help me remain faithful to you and confident in the hope of the resurrection.

Standing before an angry crowd in Jerusalem, Paul shares his testimony of encountering Jesus. He explains how he was once a zealous persecutor of Christians, convinced that he was serving God by opposing the followers of Jesus. Paul then recounts his dramatic encounter with the risen Christ and how his life was completely transformed. The crowd listens attentively until Paul mentions God's mission to the Gentiles, at which point many become enraged and call for his execution! God's love can turn enemies (like Paul) into friends, and love pays that price.

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

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

For Reflection:

- Why is personal testimony such a powerful way to share faith?

- How did Paul's understanding of God and his mission change after encountering Jesus?

- Why do you think the crowd reacted so strongly to the idea of God reaching the Gentiles?

- How has God worked in your life to change your perspective, priorities, or direction?

- Prayer: Lord, thank you for your transforming grace—help me faithfully share what you have done in my life and follow wherever you lead.

It's easy to have faith when nothing is at stake.

The real question is: what happens when your faith is challenged?

Maybe those moments reveal what you've been trusting all along.

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In this flashback to July 20, 2021, we listen in as Paul meets with the Ephesian leaders for the final time. He reminds them of the example and words of Jesus, that "It is better to give than to receive." After Paul left, people would come who would seek to fleece the flock but Paul reminds them of how a true shepherd lays his life down for the sheep, just like Jesus, and just like Paul had done for them. When we look at the world, do we notice the opportunities to give, or the opportunities to take? The choice matters more than we can imagine!

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

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

After the unrest in Ephesus subsides, Paul continues his missionary journey, traveling through Macedonia and Greece to encourage and strengthen believers. In Troas, Paul teaches late into the night, and a young man named Eutychus falls asleep, falls from a window, and is presumed dead. Paul embraces him, and God restores his life, and Paul resumes teaching until dawn! Despite the demands and dangers of ministry, Paul remains focused on encouraging others and faithfully carrying out the mission God has given him, especially as he senses that he has little time and few opportunities left.

Looking 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 Paul was so intentional about visiting and strengthening the churches?

- How does Paul's sense of purpose challenge the way you think about your own calling and priorities?

- In what ways can you encourage and strengthen other believers in your church or community?

- Are there areas where God is calling you to greater faithfulness or perseverance?

- Prayer: Lord, help me to encourage others and to remain faithful to the work you have called me to do.

As the gospel continues to spread throughout Ephesus, its impact begins to affect the city's economy and identity. Demetrius, a silversmith who profits from making shrines of the goddess Artemis, stirs up opposition against Paul, fearing that the growth of the church will undermine both their trade and their identity as the city of Artemis. Eventually, the city magistrate calms the crowd and the disturbance ends. Jesus' gospel often challenges deep cultural values and personal interests, requiring both wisdom and faith to navigate.

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

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

For Reflection:

- Why did Demetrius and the other craftsmen feel threatened by the spread of the gospel?

- How is the gospel a threat to prosperity or other cultural values today? How have you experienced this tension?

- How might we remember to respond wisely rather than impulsively in tense or hostile situations?

- Are there things in your life that compete with your devotion to God for your trust, identity, or security?

- Prayer: Lord, help me value you above wealth, status, or approval, and give me wisdom when facing opposition.

When Paul arrives in Ephesus, he meets a group of disciples who know only the baptism of John. After explaining the full message about Jesus, Paul baptizes them in the name of the Lord Jesus, and they receive the Holy Spirit. Given the significance of the earlier events with the Spirit, what might this group signify? Later, others come who try to use the name of Jesus to perform similar miracles but one evil spirit rebuffs their effort, saying, "I know Jesus and I know Paul, but I don't know you!" Jesus is not a good luck charm. Rather, true faith is to be in a real relationship with God through Jesus.

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

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

For Reflection:

- Why were the sons of Sceva unable to use Jesus' name effectively? How does genuine faith differ from merely knowing religious information or using spiritual language?

- What can we learn from the believers who openly confessed their sins and abandoned former practices?

- Are there habits, influences, or attachments in your life that may be hindering your connection to God?

- Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me walk in genuine faith, and willingly turn away from anything that competes with wholehearted devotion to you.

When Paul arrives in Corinth, he meets Aquila and Priscilla, fellow tentmakers who become his close partners in ministry. Paul works alongside them while continuing to share the gospel in the synagogue each week. As opposition from some Jewish leaders increases, Paul focuses his efforts on the Gentiles, and many people in Corinth come to faith in Jesus, including Crispus, the leader of the synagogue. In the midst of challenges, the Lord encourages Paul in a vision, telling him not to be afraid but to keep speaking because God is with him and has many people in the city. Paul remains in Corinth for an extended time, teaching God's word. Later, when opponents bring charges against him before Gallio, the Roman governor refuses to intervene in what he sees as a religious dispute. Through it all, God protects and sustains Paul's ministry, allowing the gospel to continue spreading.

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's partnership with Aquila & Priscilla teach about serving in community? Who has God has given you as partners in the past and in the present?

- What do you learn from Paul's perseverance in the face of opposition?

- In what ways might you need courage or community to keep speaking and acting faithfully?

- Prayer: Lord, help me trust your presence, remain faithful in the face of opposition, and courageously follow the opportunities you place before me.

It's easy to notice the loudest voices, the biggest personalities, and the most obvious needs. But who are we overlooking? What if following Jesus begins with learning to truly see the people everyone else misses?

· · ·

👉🏻 Check out other Highrock sermons

👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals