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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Sep 29, 2026 · 16:54
Writing from prison, Paul sends a letter to describe God's ultimate purposes for all of Creation and for our lives — to bring all things into unity in Christ (Eph 1:10). Paul…
Sep 28, 2026 · 17:01
In closing his letter, Paul encourages us to help carry one another's burdens but then encourages us to carry our own burdens. Which is it? Do we carry one another's burden or…
Sep 25, 2026 · 16:57
Paul here challenges the Galatians for abandoning the gospel of grace and turning back to a system of earning God's favor through obedience to the law. He reminds them that their…
Sep 24, 2026 · 16:45
Paul recounts a significant confrontation with the apostle Peter in the city of Antioch. Although Peter initially enjoyed fellowship with the Gentile believers there, he backed…
Sep 23, 2026 · 16:09
Paul opens this letter with a strong warning. The Galatians were being misled by people teaching that additional religious requirements were necessary in order to be accepted by…
Sep 22, 2026 · 16:52
Paul concludes his letter with a final warning, a call to self-examination, and a blessing so poetic that we still use it today in our gatherings. Paul urges the Corinthians to…
Sep 21, 2026 · 17:04
Paul continues his boasting from the previous chapter, but only to illustrate how pointless it is. Instead, Paul declares that he will boast only in his weaknesses, such as his…
Sep 20, 2026 · 30:44
Have you ever felt like your relationship with God has gone quiet or just . . . a bit boring? What if the mystery of God was never meant to run out? What might change if you got…
Sep 18, 2026 · 16:33
Paul now attends to the matter of his own authority. There were some who challenged his authority, likely to set up their own authority instead. They accused Paul of being a…
Sep 17, 2026 · 16:14
What's the best way to spend money if we want to maximize our happiness and joy? Paul's encouragement to the Corinthians essentially answers that question for us. By using the…
Sep 16, 2026 · 16:40
Everyone wants to learn how to grow. Everyone wants to learn how to have healthy community. The topic that few want to hear about is financial giving. There are so many reasons…
Sep 15, 2026 · 16:25
How can the same emotion (grief) produce such different results? Paul contrasts godly sorrow with worldly sorrow. Worldly sorrow focuses on loss, embarrassment, or consequences…
Sep 14, 2026 · 16:22
Welcome to a new ministry year! After a big launch day yesterday, we're going to replay a devotional on today's passage from June 28, 2023. In this text, we see a broken-hearted…
Sep 13, 2026 · 37:49
Have you ever done something that looked brave while secretly terrified of something much smaller like admitting a mistake, asking for help, or letting someone see behind the…
Sep 11, 2026 · 17:19
This passage is one of Paul's most profound chapters on the difference between the old covenant of the Law and the new covenant of the Spirit. The new covenant is a new way of…
Sep 10, 2026 · 16:36
Paul explains that he chose not to make another painful visit to the Corinthians because his desire was not to cause sorrow but to build them up in love. Instead, he gave them…
Sep 9, 2026 · 17:32
One word comes through clearly and repeatedly in the opening of Paul's letter, and that word is "comfort". We might be tempted to think that God is absent (or even non-existent!)…
Sep 8, 2026 · 16:12
Throughout this letter, Paul has been encouraging the Corinthians to move from spiritual adolescence into greater spiritual maturity, to move from a focus on "me" to a focus on…
Sep 7, 2026 · 16:58
Happy Labor Day! In this replay from March 14, 2022, we consider Paul's description of what the resurrection body will be like. Like a seed that falls into the ground and emerges…
Sep 6, 2026 · 26:35
Have you ever felt like your faith and your job live in two completely different worlds? One for Sunday mornings and one for Monday - Friday. What if there was never supposed to…
Sep 4, 2026 · 17:18
Spiritual gifts are important, but what truly matters is love. In that light, some gifts are to be more desired than others. We might desire talents or gifts that elevate us…
Sep 3, 2026 · 16:09
How do you know if you are more or less spiritual than someone else? The Corinthians had been using their spiritual gifts as a measuring stick to judge one another. Paul makes it…
Sep 2, 2026 · 16:13
In most areas of life, a gift is intended just for the pleasure of the one who receives it (for instance, a birthday gift). Gifts from the Spirit are intended for something more…
Sep 1, 2026 · 15:38
The celebration of the Lord's Supper is often called "communion" because it brings us together with Christ, or at least, that's what it's supposed to do. The Corinthians were…
Aug 31, 2026 · 16:40
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…
Aug 30, 2026 · 34:08
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…
Aug 28, 2026 · 16:38
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…
Aug 27, 2026 · 16:57
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,…
Aug 26, 2026 · 16:43
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…
Aug 25, 2026 · 15:50
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…
Aug 24, 2026 · 18:08
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…
Aug 23, 2026 · 32:43
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…
Aug 21, 2026 · 15:52
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…
Aug 20, 2026 · 17:18
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…
Aug 19, 2026 · 15:53
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…
Aug 18, 2026 · 16:13
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…
Aug 17, 2026 · 16:12
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…
Aug 16, 2026 · 34:18
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.…
Aug 14, 2026 · 15:56
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…
Aug 13, 2026 · 17:22
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…
Aug 12, 2026 · 16:24
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…
Aug 11, 2026 · 18:04
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…
Aug 10, 2026 · 16:26
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…
Aug 9, 2026 · 30:21
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…
Aug 7, 2026 · 30:14
Most of us spend our lives trying to make a name for ourselves - to prove we're enough and to find where we belong. But what if the identity you've built isn't the one that…
Aug 7, 2026 · 15:55
Pouring gas into an electric car would be disastrous -- an engine needs proper fuel. In this flashback to November 18, 2024, we join Paul as he explores the kind of fuel that our…
Aug 6, 2026 · 16:43
Paul describes the painful inner struggle of wanting to do the right thing yet continuing to choose the wrong. This conflict reveals both the weakness of human effort and the…
Aug 5, 2026 · 16:22
When we focus on God's Law, the underlying question is always, "How far is too far? How much can I sin and still be ok with God?" When we focus instead of God's grace, the…
Aug 4, 2026 · 16:46
One of the great mysteries of humanity is that we are all connected. We all inherit our lives from common ancestors and there seems to be some sense in which whatever happens to…
Aug 3, 2026 · 16:07
Paul now describes the blessings that flow from our restored relationship with God. Because of Jesus Christ, we have peace with God. This healed relationship gives us reason to…
Aug 1, 2026 · 16:18
In this flashback to October 11, 2024, we see Paul continuing to address a congregation divided by spiritual pedigree and ethnicity. Despite their differences, Paul emphasizes…
Jul 30, 2026 · 16:57
In introducing himself to the Roman church community that he has never visited, Paul also introduces the major themes of the good news of Jesus. Paul will address these themes…
Jul 29, 2026 · 16:57
As Paul finally arrives in Rome, we are able to reflect on many of the themes that converge in this moment. Despite Paul’s house arrest, we see the continuing fulfillment of Acts…
Jul 28, 2026 · 16:44
Two of the great symbols of evil in the ancient world were the sea and the serpent. Paul survives the sea in a shipwreck only to be immediately assaulted by the other, the bite…
Jul 27, 2026 · 16:29
The entire book of Acts makes clear that following God does not guarantee smooth sailing. Paul's faithfulness to God meant being under arrest and sailing into literal storms,…
Jul 26, 2026 · 29:55
Talking about faith can feel awkward. Say too much, and we risk pushing people away. Say nothing, and they may never know what has changed our lives. What if there’s another way…
Jul 24, 2026 · 14:51
In this flashback to August 9, 2021, we find the Roman governor Festus at a loss. He has to send Paul to Rome but cannot imagine what the charge might be. Thankfully, King Herod…
Jul 23, 2026 · 14:25
In this Throwback Thursday from August 5, 2021, Governor Felix refuses to take action on Paul's case. In the end, Paul had to wait in prison for two years! Paul wanted to preach,…
Jul 22, 2026 · 14:17
(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…
Jul 21, 2026 · 16:10
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.…
Jul 20, 2026 · 17:29
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…
Jul 19, 2026 · 24:11
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…
Jul 17, 2026 · 14:16
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…
Jul 16, 2026 · 15:35
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…
Jul 15, 2026 · 16:52
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…
Jul 14, 2026 · 17:06
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…
Jul 13, 2026 · 16:47
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…
Jul 12, 2026 · 29:44
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…
Jul 10, 2026 · 14:04
In this flashback to July 1, 2021, Paul chooses to suffer in order to protect others. Romans citizens could not be beaten without first receiving a trial. Non-citizens received…
Jul 9, 2026 · 16:36
As Paul begins a new missionary journey, he invites Timothy to join him in the work of spreading the gospel. Together with Silas, they travel through various regions,…
Jul 8, 2026 · 16:40
After reaching a decision regarding Gentile believers, the apostles and elders send a letter to the churches along with trusted leaders to communicate their conclusions. Later,…
Jul 7, 2026 · 17:20
As more Gentiles come to faith in Jesus, a serious disagreement arises in the church. Some believers insist that Gentiles must follow the Jewish law to be saved. After several…
Jul 6, 2026 · 17:34
While in Lystra, Paul heals a man who has been unable to walk since birth. The crowd is amazed and mistakenly concludes that Paul and Barnabas are gods who have come down in…
Jul 5, 2026 · 32:12
Most of us aren't trying to deceive people; we're just trying to protect ourselves. But what if the masks that make us feel safe are also keeping us from the kind of community…
Jul 3, 2026 · 16:03
In this flashback to June 10, 2021, we see Herod Agrippa being treated like a god by those who sought his favor. Unlike a god, Herod was undeserving and quickly discovered just…
Jul 2, 2026 · 17:53
After Cornelius and his household receive the Spirit, you might think it would be cause for celebration. Instead, Peter is criticized for not keeping his distance from such…
Jul 1, 2026 · 17:35
When Peter arrives at Cornelius' house, Peter shares the good news about Jesus — his life, death, and resurrection. The Jewish believers who accompanied Peter are amazed when…
Jun 30, 2026 · 17:12
The next step in God's plan involves bringing together two very different men: a Roman centurion named Cornelius and a Jewish apostle named Peter. Both receive visions from God…
Jun 29, 2026 · 15:43
After his dramatic encounter with Jesus, Saul grows increasingly bold in proclaiming that Jesus is the Messiah. As opposition against him intensifies, some of his enemies plot to…
Jun 28, 2026 · 35:29
Many of us have someone we deeply love - someone kind, generous, and sincere who doesn't follow Jesus. So how do we make sense of Jesus' claim to be "the only way" without losing…
Jun 26, 2026 · 16:31
In this flashback to May 25, 2021, we see Philip encounter a high official of the extensive and powerful kingdom of Ethiopia. This official just so happened to be reading from…
Jun 25, 2026 · 15:57
After hearing that many people in Samaria have received the gospel, the apostles send Peter and John to visit the new believers. When Peter and John pray for them and lay hands…
Jun 24, 2026 · 16:54
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…
Jun 23, 2026 · 16:54
Stephen's answer to the authorities moves from the patriarchs to Moses. Though Moses was chosen by God and raised up to deliver Israel, he was rejected at every turn by his…
Jun 22, 2026 · 17:16
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…
Jun 21, 2026 · 27:40
If the message of Jesus is so compelling, why do so many people find Christians unconvincing? Maybe the problem isn't the message itself. Maybe it's the gap between what we…
Jun 19, 2026 · 15:29
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…
Jun 18, 2026 · 15:41
The religious leaders decide that they have to put a stop to the spread of Jesus' message by the apostles. They command Peter and John not to speak or teach in his name. Peter…
Jun 17, 2026 · 16:02
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…
Jun 16, 2026 · 15:33
What do you expect to see in someone who is physically alive? What are the signs of life? Similarly, what do you expect to see in people who are spiritually alive? Here we see…
Jun 15, 2026 · 16:06
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…
Jun 14, 2026 · 29:14
What do you do when God feels absent - when you're waiting for an answer, a breakthrough, or a sign that He's still there? The disciples faced that same question, and what they…
Jun 12, 2026 · 14:45
Today is the first of a summer of "Flashback Fridays" in which we return to a previous devotional. In this flashback to May 1, 2025, we see how John's Gospel reaches its climax.…
Jun 11, 2026 · 16:39
As Jesus hangs on the cross, Roman soldiers divide his clothing, fulfilling centuries-old Scripture without realizing it. Nearby, Jesus sees his mother and the beloved disciple…
Jun 10, 2026 · 16:47
After questioning Jesus, Pilate has him flogged, and the soldiers mock him as a false king by dressing him in a purple robe and placing a crown of thorns on his head. Jesus…
Jun 9, 2026 · 15:24
Why ask a question if you have no interest in the truth? Pilate, the Roman governor, does exactly that -- he asks Jesus a series of questions but ultimately dismisses any idea of…
Jun 8, 2026 · 15:48
After dinner, Judas returns with a group of guards and soldiers seeking to arrest Jesus. Rather than hide or resist, Jesus steps forward and identifies himself as the one they…
Jun 7, 2026 · 30:25
Many of us want to do something significant for God - change a life, heal a relationship, or make a difference in the world. But what if the greatest obstacle isn't a lack of…
Jun 5, 2026 · 16:07
Jesus warns his disciples of the challenges they will soon face, including people who will believe they are serving God by persecuting Jesus' disciples. In addition to this…
Jun 4, 2026 · 16:47
Jesus describes himself as the true vine and his followers as the branches, teaching that spiritual life and fruitfulness come only through remaining connected to him. Jesus also…
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