Sermon #4 of Highrock's fall series, "Imago: Relationships that Reflect Our Maker" from Matthew 18:15-20

We often begin any pursuit by asking, "What would be pleasing to me?" When we start from such a place, it is hard to believe in limits to our lusts and greed. Instead, Paul reminds us that we are children of light and real life and joy is found in seeking what pleases God. Let us ask and explore what pleases God rather than just what pleases ourselves!

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

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

There are so many ways that we tear one another down through our words and actions. "Instead, be kind..." says Paul (v32). This exhortation is not just simplistic advice. Instead, Paul is reminding us to be like children who imitate our heavenly parent -- a God who has been incredibly kind and forgiving to us!

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

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

What we wear (like a uniform, business casual, or a wedding ring) can powerfully shape our actions and attitudes, and even how we view ourselves. Paul uses this image of clothing to describe our new identity in Christ. We are called to take off the old clothing -- our old ways of thinking and living -- and to put on Christ, our new identity.

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

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

Paul highlights what are sometimes called the A.P.E.S.T. gifts -- Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shepherds, and Teachers. People sometimes mistakenly think that these people are supposed to do ministry while the rest of us support and cheer them on. Not at all! Instead, the role of these five gifts is to help ALL of us identify and activate our own gifts so that we all find our place in Christ's body.

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

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

Paul reminds us that we are called to unity by reminding us of seven "ones" that unite us: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. We are one but not the same. God gives us each different gifts so we might all have an essential place in Christ's body!

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

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

Sermon #3 of Highrock's fall series, "Imago: Relationships that Reflect Our Maker" from Acts 2:1-8, 12 (CEB)

Paul finally concludes the prayer he began in 1:15 and briefly resumed in 3:1. With all those thoughts in mind, Paul's desire is that we would have the power to understand and embrace God's love. We need power to even receive God's love, a love that will, in turn, give us even more spiritual power to live and love like Jesus.

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

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

Many would like to dismiss the Church as an institution that serves little purpose in the world. One of history's greatest critics of the Church would disagree -- that is the Apostle Paul himself. Paul hunted down Christians before becoming one himself! Here he shares some of the reasons for that 180-degree turnabout.

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

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

Have you ever watched a story unfold in one direction, only to see it take a dramatic twist? In the best stories, that twist is shocking when revealed yet, looking back, the signs were all there. So it is with God's story. Paul reveals to us the mystery, hidden throughout the ages, that is now revealed in the Gospel!

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

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