The Word from South Highland

July 19, 2026  |  Psalm 131 — This Psalm of Ascent is a brief but powerful acknowledgement by the psalmist of his—and our—total dependence upon God. Emily Knight teaches that, in the Christian life, the way up is the way down.

July 12, 2026  |  Psalm 130 — The Psalms of Ascent were sent up to God by pilgrims on their journey to Jerusalem for feast days. Rev. Abby Gatliff teaches that Psalm 130 is in itself a journey, from the depths of our sin to the unfailing covenant love of God.

July 5, 2026  |  Psalm 126 — In today's scripture, Psalm 126, the psalmist cries out to God for restoration of Jerusalem after Israel's captivity in Babylon. Pastoral Resident David Yancey teaches that the call for restoration is actually an elevated one, and one which Jesus will bring to fruition as He promised in Revelation.

June 29, 2016  |  Psalm 127 — Psalm 127 would seem to be a perfect Psalm for the worrier or the workaholic, or really anyone who may feel especially challenged by life's circumstances. Rev. Cort Gatliff teaches about God's reminder to us that we can depend on and trust completely in Him.

June 21, 2026  |  Psalm 124 — The Psalms of Ascent were sung as the people of Israel journeyed to Jerusalem to worship the Lord during high holy days. Why do we worship God? Dallas Knight teaches from Psalm 124 about the call, the response, and the praise of worshipping the living God.

June 14, 2026  | Psalm 122 — The Law of the Old Testament required Jews to visit the temple in Jerusalem for feast days three times a year, and those were times of anticipation and celebration. Rev. Cort Gatliff teaches from Psalm 122 that Christians gathering today to worship together can anticipate that same kind of joy and community in God's house.

June 7, 2026  |  Psalm 121 — Israelites on their way up to Jerusalem for feast days sang the Psalms of Ascent along their journey, which was often best by difficulties and dangers. Rev. Cort Gatliff teaches from Psalm 121 that along the Christian journey, we can count on God to keep us.

May 31, 2026  |  Matthew 28:16-20 — Jesus' Great Commission is the first place in scripture where the idea of the Trinity is mentioned. Rev. Cort Gatliff teaches that in baptism, we are invited into the perfect, loving fellowship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

May 24, 2026  |  1 Corinthians 12:1-13 — What is the role of the Holy Spirit in not only our lives but also that of the church? On Pentecost Sunday, Rev. Cort Gatliff teaches that, as each of us has received some gift of the Spirit, the purpose of the giving is that all our gifts all be used for the building up of our faith community.

May 17, 2026  |  Acta 1:1-11 — At the Ascension, Jesus was taken up into heaven on the clouds, a direct reference to prophecy from Daniel and in a foreshadowing of His coming return. Rev. Abby Gatliff teaches from Acts that we are not just waiting around for Jesus to come back. There's more.

May 10, 2025  |  Acta 17:16-24 — The Apostle Paul stopped in Athens on his way, and his sermon there brings up the question: How do we bear witness to the gospel in a culture that does not share our moral or theological assumptions? Rev. Cort Gatliff teaches from Paul's sermon and has three suggestions for us.

May 3, 2026  |  Acts 7:51-60 — Stephen's testimony to the Sanhedrin about Jesus having fulfilled the purpose of the temple, they had him stoned. Rev. Cort Gatliff teaches that Stephen's looking to heaven can be a model for each of us during our own times of suffering. 

April 26, 2026  |  Acts 2:42-47 — Luke writes of the church in its earliest days as it drew more and more believers and followers of the risen Christ. Rev. Cort Gatliff teaches from Acts about characteristics of a church that holds fast to the life-transforming gospel of Jesus Christ.

April 19, 2026  |  Acts 2:36-41 — Peter's first sermon, given on Pentecost, shows his audience who Jesus really was and calls them to repent and be baptized. Rev. Cort Gatliff teaches about can really happen when we do those things: turning from sin and entering a new life in Christ.

April 12, 2026  |  Romans 12:1-2 — After Jesus' victorious sacrifice at Good Friday and Easter, no further sacrifice is needed, right? Rev. Abby Gatliff teaches from Romans about the living sacrifice of our bodies and the turning away from willing sin to become more fully transformed.

April 5, 2026  |  Revelation 1:12-18 — Jesus began his Revelation to John by telling him to not be afraid, and assures him with eternal truths about His being. Rev. Cort Gatliff teaches on Easter about the uniqueness of Jesus' sacrifice among all the sacrifices in scripture: He is the only sacrifice that came back to life.

April 3, 2026  |  Mark 15:16-29 — From the Roman soldiers at Calvary to present day philosophers and social media influencers, people have mocked Jesus. Pastoral Resident David Yancey teaches that our Lord overcame the cross to offer you hope and eternal life.

April 2, 2026  |  Maundy Thursday — In a message to celebrate the institution of the sacrament of Holy Communion, Rev. Abby Gatliff teaches about the very real power of Jesus' last supper and His gift of remembrance.

March 29, 2026  |  Hebrews 10:11-18 — The Old Testament system of animal sacrifices in the temple was a temporary solution to an eternal problem. Early Jewish Christians had a hard time understanding this. Rev. Cort Gatliff teaches that, while we know that Jesus is the final high priest and final sacrifice, we must ask ourselves what ways in our lives do we say Jesus isn't enough?