Rolling Hills Community Church - Franklin Campus: Recent Episodes

Rolling Hills Community Church

This podcast is dedicated to the Sunday morning teaching series happening each week at Rolling Hills Community Church in Franklin, TN.

Our God is able to do miracles. God works through the power of His Holy Spirit to transform lives for His glory. The Holy Spirit indwells every Christ-follower. God is constantly working in us and through us. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are conformed to the image of Jesus, and we are used to impact others. As Christians, we must learn to live by the Spirit. God is always speaking and working – the question is: are we listening and obeying? God is able.

Our God can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. Yet, so often, we settle for so little. We think only about what this world can offer, and we forget about the power, grace, and love of our great God. Jesus still does miracles today. As we stay faithful to Him, we are able to see and experience the beauty and power of God. Invite Jesus into your heart and daily life, and watch Him transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

We all face challenges in life. Everyone is fighting a battle. When challenges come, we can choose to fight on our own, or we can pray and invite God into the battle. There is power in prayer. God answers every prayer we pray. Many times we are scared to pray because we don’t know how God will answer. But, as we grow in our relationships with God, we learn to love Him enough to trust Him with the answer. Will you put your trust in God today? Pray bold prayers and then watch God do what only He can do. Our God is able.

This morning we are beginning a brand new series, “God is Able.” Our theme verses here at Rolling Hills are Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in all generations forever and ever. Amen!” Whatever you are facing in your life today, know that your God is greater. Focus on Him today and live your life for Him. God is with you and for you. Open your eyes and your heart to Him today.

We have arrived at the conclusion of our Masterclass series on the book of Romans. What an incredible series it has been, as we have been diving deep into this powerful book of the Bible and seeing God’s righteousness and reconciliation for us today. Our God is a God of love, and His redemption extends to each of us through the gift of His Son, Jesus. Through Jesus, God draws us to Himself and reveals how we, as Christ-followers, should live. Romans establishes us in sound doctrine and in the amazing goodness of our great God. I pray Romans will bring revival in our hearts, our families, and our world today.

It can be easy for us to get things out of order, mix up our priorities, and put secondary things, like personal preferences in the primary spot where they don’t belong. It happens at home, at work, and just about anywhere you can imagine. The problem is, when our passion for our preferences becomes primary, we get distracted from what is truly important, and this is where the cracks of division begin to form. Paul’s instruction to the Roman believers is just as important for us today. Don’t dispute the dispute, let your passion be for the Gospel, and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus for that is of primary importance.

Our submission to God is evident in our capacity to love others and pursue holiness. By reflecting God's love and character, we bridge the gap between ourselves and the world, demonstrating God's true nature and revealing His love, grace, and authority to those around us.

In Romans 12, the apostle Paul, the author of Romans, turns the corner from the beautiful theology and deep doctrine of Romans 1-11. Romans 12 is the hinge of the letter. This begins the fourth section of the book of Romans, which is God’s will. God’s will is for Christ-followers to live out their faith in their everyday life. A Christian’s walk should equal their talk. We are called to put into practice the teaching God pours into us. May we live out our faith and impact the world for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

For Israel then and us now, CLOSED doesn’t mean FINAL.

I ask then: Did God reject His people? By no means! Romans 11:1a

What if we let Paul be both PATRON and PICTURE?

I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. Romans 11:1b

Just because we see DOOM doesn’t mean there’s no DOOR.

So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace. Romans 11:5

Question: Am I living a life that makes people LONG for or LIMIT grace?

I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I take pride in my ministry in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them. Romans 11:13-14

Rather than conceited, the Gospel should make us CONVICTED.

I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited… Romans 11:25a

Evangelism must be an ongoing PRIORITY. (No MYSTERY there.)

…that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. Romans 11:31b

PERSPECTIVE must be dosed regularly.

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! Romans 11:33

God sent His Son, Jesus, to bring salvation to the world. In the Old Testament, God called out a people for Himself through which He would reveal His character and ultimately send His Son, the Messiah. Salvation is not based on what we do or where we are born. Salvation is found in Jesus alone. Paul always had a heart to share Jesus with others – first for his own people, the Jews, and then for all others, the Gentiles. The call comes to each of us today to accept Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior and then to share Him with others. May God find us faithful in sharing His heart of salvation with others today.

Romans 8 is one of the greatest chapters in the entire Bible. The chapter begins with the freedom we have through Jesus Christ. We are no longer slaves to sin and death, but as Christ-followers, we are truly alive in Jesus. Then, we see God’s sovereignty in how He is always working in our lives. As Christians, we should be living and looking more like Jesus. This should bring boldness into our lives. We don’t have to live a defeated life, but we can live victorious through the grace and goodness of God. We are never separated from His love!

Christmas is the ultimate expression of love. For God so loved the world that He gave His One and Only Son…(John 3:16) Christmas is Emmanuel, God with us. Therefore, the Language of Christmas is love. There are five different ways we give and receive love. One of them is physical touch. Jesus touched people, and, as Christ-followers, we are called to touch others, in a healthy way. Maybe you didn’t grow up in a home that expressed love this way, but this Christmas can be different. This season, first commit your life to Jesus and feel His touch and love in your heart. Then, commit to love others in a way they will understand and receive. Let’s grow in our love.

Let’s not skip over Thanksgiving on our way to Christmas. May we stop and remember all God has done for us this year. Let’s truly be thankful. First and foremost, let’s be thankful for Jesus and the grace and salvation we receive in Christ. Then, we can be thankful for so much more – family, friends, church, health, etc. What are you thankful for today? What is your story of Thanksgiving? Give the Lord the praise and thanks He deserves this Thanksgiving. Our God is so good to us. Thank You, Father!

Living an Intentional Life means joining God in His agenda. We first identify His call on our life. Then, we invest in what matters - what is eternal. After this, we begin to intercede - pray for others and ask God to do miracles in our lives as well as in the lives of others. Next, we inform those around us about God’s Good News and finally, we invite others to Jesus and to be a part of His Church. Let’s not become distracted in our noisy world today, but let’s be bold and live intentional lives for the glory of our great God!

We have this call to share our faith, but many times we simply don’t know how. We know God wants us to, but how are we supposed to present the Good News to our children, our friends, our neighbors, and others? What do we say? First, we share God’s story by using the Bible and specific verses. Next, we share our story. We tell others what God has done in our lives. Sharing our faith does not have to be intimidating, but it can be so exciting and freeing, as God allows us to step into that holy moment and inform others of His great love. Aren’t you glad someone shared Jesus with you? Now, let’s intentionally share God’s love with others.

Jesus’ call is for His people is to live intentionally. And how do we do that? We invest in what God values, and God values people. The Apostle Paul made it clear in his letter to the Thessalonians that he came not just to share the Gospel, but to share his life with them as well. As followers of Christ, we have a high calling to invest our lives in others for eternity's sake…to invest through empathy and compassion, sharing our faith, living an example of Christ, and through speaking words of encouragement. Ultimately, our investment in others should be rooted in God's call to love our neighbors.

There is a difference between the temporary and the eternal. So often we spend our time, energy and money investing in things of this world that will not last. But, God calls us to invest in things that are eternal. When we do this, we begin to live an intentional life. As Christ-followers, we have this amazing opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus with others. When we do we can make an eternal difference. This is what Jesus calls us to do, so let’s be intentional.

Gentleness is not something that many aspire to in our day and culture. Gentleness is seen as weakness and therefore marginalized in our “win at all costs” society. However, the gentleness found in Christ is strong, deep and rich. Gentleness is “strength under control.” It is learning to harness our God-given abilities under the Lordship of Christ. When we do this, lives are impacted. People are drawn to gentle people. Gentleness brings incredible power and influence. Jesus was a gentle giant, so may we all grow in gentleness.

In a constantly changing world, our God calls us to be faithful. The call is to be a people who are faithful to our God, faithful to our family, and faithful to our calling. We tend to become so easily distracted, but we must always keep “the main thing the main thing.” As we grow deeper in Christ, what emerges is a life of steadfast faithfulness. This calling to be faithful comes from a God who is faithful. God’s love for us never changes. He is faithful, and He invites us into this kind of relationship with Him. Will you be faithful?

We live in the middle of an epic battle of “Good vs. Evil.” Even secular culture acknowledges this struggle. While the world does not call us to be “evil,” the world definitely tries to sell us a cheap imitation of “goodness” and invites us to conform to a nominal Christianity that is really no Christianity at all. However, God calls us to be filled with the Spirit and to live in goodness. God calls us to be good and to do good in His Name and His Glory. This can only come when we are planted deep in Christ and growing in our relationship with Him. The great news is – good wins! In the end, God triumphs over evil, and those who are in Christ will experience His goodness forever!

The world can sometimes seem toxic, combative, and even unkind. The question as followers of Christ we have to ask is, “What is our contribution to that cultural conversation?” As apprentices of Jesus, we are called to be people marked by compassion, kindness, and forgiveness. When we are kind, we show people God’s kindness. When we are compassionate, we show people God’s compassion. When we are forgiving, we are showing people God’s forgiveness. Kindness is more than random acts; it's the way of Christ.

Patience is a challenge for us because of the world we live in today. Our society is based on speed. We want it all, and we want it now! Yet, God has a bigger plan for our lives, and His best requires patience. Patience is trusting in God’s timing and not our own. Patience is seeing the bigger picture of God’s holy work in our lives and in the world. God’s desire for us, as followers of Christ Jesus, is to be conformed to the image of His Son – and this takes time. May we demonstrate fresh fruit in our lives as we respond to those closest to us as well as to the world. May we live with our eyes fixed on Jesus and with patience in our hearts knowing that God has a good and perfect plan for us.

Peace...we all want peace. But oftentimes our definition of peace is cloudy and instead of peace, we get a temporary escape (spa, beach, Bose headphones, etc.). Temporary escapes are sometimes good if they do not replace the real need that we have for eternal peace that lasts throughout all circumstances. That everlasting peace can only come through and by a relationship with Jesus. Now, to continue to live in the peace of God we have to do things that allow the Spirit of God to flourish (Bible reading, prayer, worship, counseling, etc...) God has given us tools for us to experience peace even when living in chaos. What are steps you can take today to continue to live in the peace of God? And what are ways that you can present the peace of God to those around you?

We all want joy in our lives; however, many times we settle for what the world offers and pursue happiness. There is a big difference between joy and happiness. Happiness is based on circumstances, while joy is based on Christ. God longs for all of us to live life with joy. There is spiritual depth and maturity when our hearts are built on Christ who never changes. As you focus on Jesus, you experience this Fruit of Joy. Jesus said, I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10). Let’s choose to embrace Jesus and experience the joy of the Lord in our hearts, homes, work, church, and lives every day.

In our new series, we are diving into how to live as followers of Jesus. Through Jesus, we have the Spirit of God in us. The Fruit of the Spirit reveals our faith. The world tries to sell us a cheap imitation of the life God has for us. The world offers lust, happiness, power, and position. Yet, God calls us to love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. God wants us to have a great life, so I pray we grow deep in Christ and live out His will. This is where life makes sense and where we truly come alive! Is your fruit fresh? Are you demonstrating the Fruit of the Spirit? Let’s start with love.

The Gospel of Mark climaxes with Jesus conquering death. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the defining moment of the Gospel of Mark and of all history. Jesus being alive means through Christ each of us can have eternal life. Death is no longer the end. Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection made a way for you to be forgiven, to be redeemed, and to spend eternity with God. Praise God for our risen Savior! Will you receive God’s grace today? Then, will you boldly share His Good News with others? He has risen!

The entire book of Mark is leading up to this moment. So many people missed what Jesus was doing. Everyone thought the Messiah would come to establish an earthly kingdom, but Jesus willingly laid down His life, so that we could be a part of His eternal heavenly Kingdom. The cross is the commitment point for every person. We have all sinned, and Jesus paid the price for us. Will you accept God’s grace and His love through the cross of Jesus today? And, if you are a Christ-follower, then will you live your life every day for His Name and Glory?

We hope that each we have communicated that nothing is more needed or urgent than seeing Jesus clearly and understanding who He is. How you answer the question, “Who is Jesus?” changes everything. We find that Jesus is the most surprising and compelling person in history.

But here’s the other question Mark wants to help answer in Mark 14: How do you respond to who Jesus is? Mary understood full devotion and realized devotion to Jesus would cost her financially, socially, and some criticism. Judas directly opposed due to personal interest. And although Peter failed Jesus, he humbly received His grace.

Of course, God's desire is for His people to be fully devoted. But He also wants us to know we don't have to be stuck in our failure, we can receive His grace and move forward in gratitude.

Let's move forward in grace and step into people who fully devote their hearts and lives to the person of Jesus.

Passages that address the end times are often hard to understand and difficult to apply to our daily lives. Jesus in Mark 13 tells His disciples these tough things not so they will start trying to predict when they would come, but so they would be ready when they did. Jesus is calling them to vigilant discipleship through the hard times and to be faithful ‘til the end. He encourages them to be faithful by being watchful. Watchfulness is the spiritual discipline of guarding our hearts and minds in the word, in prayer, and in community faithfully until He returns.

Any number of things can hold us back from experiencing the life Jesus yearns for us to have. From an attitude of superiority to focusing on myself more than focusing on God and others! Not to mention how tightly I hold onto my gifts and talents as opposed to bringing them to God for His plans and purposes. Throughout the Gospel of Mark, the authority of Jesus is central to a true understanding of who He is and what He has done for us. When we understand His sacrifice, our response is to naturally and thankfully, praise, worship, serve, and give all for His name and His glory!

Many of us have become very skilled at putting on a show. We know the right things to do and say in order to convince other people we have it all together. We try really hard to follow our own agenda, to never need any help, and to call the shots for our own life. The harsh reality, however, is that God never intended it to be this way. He wants us to come to Him because we find salvation in Him alone. His Kingdom is all about trusting God and serving others, as opposed to trusting myself and making sure all of my needs are met.

Jesus teaches what it means to be His disciple. The call for us is not to live like the world – simply for wealth, power, and success. The call is to know Jesus and to serve. When we commit to follow Jesus, then our lives should change. Healing comes in Jesus. Hope comes in Jesus. Life comes in Jesus. Live in Jesus this week and bring Him into your marriage, money, and ministry. Experience the spiritual sight and follow Him, as His disciple, with your life.

So often we live for the temporary. We spend so much of our time focused on the things of this world that will not last. We become consumed with money, shopping, sports, and more. And, while these things are not bad in and of themselves, they can take our eyes off of the bigger picture. Jesus wants us to focus on Him. He gives us glimpses of the eternal that really matters. There are only three things that are eternal: God, His Word, and people. Where are you investing your life? As a disciple of Jesus, invest your life in what will last forever. Focus on Jesus.

The call to follow Jesus is an invitation to faith. Many choose to stay in the crowd. It is comfortable in the crowd. It is easy in the crowd. But, Jesus longs for us to be disciples. To be a disciple means to engage with Jesus. It is a call to trust and to follow. There will be challenges along the way, but the journey is beautiful, deep, and rich. The call to faith means turning your life over to God’s agenda and experiencing joy and peace in Him. Following Jesus is where you see the miracles and truly live the life you were created to live.

We are continuing to learn from Jesus in Masterclass. In Mark 7, Jesus encounters religious opposition, a desperate mother, and a hearing and speech-impaired man. Through these encounters, we are encouraged to come to Jesus for healing. Jesus heals our hearts, our families, and the world, as we respond to the Good News and make Him known.

Jesus calls us to a life of faith. So often we think this life is only about what we can see, but the spiritual realm is unseen. Yet, this is where the miracles happen. When we “live by faith and not by sight,” we are able to “see” with our spiritual eyes the great things God is doing. Never lose the awe and wonder of what God is doing in your life, in His Church, and in our world. Only Jesus can change a heart, heal, redeem, and restore. Our God is at work. Place your life in His hands and trust Him to do great things through you for His glory. Live by faith.

Are you needing some area of your life that needs an overhaulin’? Do you have an area of your life that needs fixing up? Maybe in your marriage, perhaps you are in need of healing of some sort, or maybe you may need something to happen in your relationship with God. Mark Chapter 5 reminds us that Jesus is in the business of restoring hearts, souls, and minds. Ultimately, Jesus not only restores our lives, but he wants to resurrect them. He wants the dead to come to life. He wants to remove the condemnation of sin through faith in His death, burial, and resurrection. Will you allow Jesus to transform your life?

As disciples of Jesus, we are called to sow seeds. Many of us struggle to share our faith with non-believers because it can be really hard or just plain awkward. It is our duty as Christians to share God's Good News with others. Without us sharing Christ with them, they won't even have the opportunity to grow or choose to follow Jesus.

So, rather than us seeing sharing our faith as something that's simply challenging or even, at times, frustrating or disappointing, let's choose to see it as a means of bringing the Gospel to those who need to hear it. Our job is to scatter the seeds and let the Holy Spirit do the work.

Has it ever bothered you that the people who should’ve known Jesus the best seemed to know him the least? That’s definitely the case for his family in Mark chapter 3. People in Jesus‘s hometown exclaimed that he must’ve been crazy or possessed. Those who share your deep seeded beliefs in Christ are really your truest and best family. We all need that kind of family to maintain our walk with Christ. Consider the challenge, though, when those of us who are supposed to know and follow Jesus best, question him and represent him the least. Incredible takeaways this week as we seek to be a people, as part of the family of God, who trust Jesus and live lives that express our faith in him.

Your faith has such significant implications for others! The man we read about in Mark 2 who was paralyzed had brothers around him who believed Jesus would do what He said He would do. They did not allow the obstacles, the fear, the uncertainty, or the challenges to get in the way of the faith they had in Jesus. How about you? Do you have a community like this who will lift you up when you are down and who will carry you to the feet of Jesus? Do you seek to show your faith to others in this same way? May we all grow deeper in our faith, deeper in our community, and deeper in our understanding of all that Jesus yearns to do in our lives.

The Gospel of Mark gives us a window into who Jesus was, what He did, and what it means for us. As He called His first disciples, He calls us to follow Him. He wants us to follow Him not just by verbally saying He is Lord, but living as if we believe He is Lord. This means as we read Mark, we actively spend time with Jesus and in turn let the Holy Spirit transform us into His likeness. This transformation forms us into a new person who now can begin to live as Jesus lived.

God is inviting you into His Easter Story. He is drawing you to Himself and asking you to make Easter personal. God is not simply interested in religion, but He wants a personal relationship with you. Not your parents’ faith or your church’s faith, but your faith – a committed relationship with the God of all creation through His Son, Jesus. Easter is about the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and the relationship you can now have with God for eternity as a part of His forever family. Easter allows you to come alive in Jesus’ unconditional, transformational, and eternal love. Receive God’s gift of salvation today and live in His love forever. God loves you!

Jesus’ sacrifice changes everything. Jesus willingly took our place. He laid down His life so that we could be redeemed in our relationship with God. His gift is for all people - regardless of nationality, gender, or socio-economic status - Jesus gave His life for you. Jesus’ sacrifice shows us the depth of God’s love and how we are called to live in relationship with God and with others. Let’s live our lives for the glory of our great God because His Son gave His life for us.

Jesus’ death matters. It was prophesied and purposeful. The wages of sin is death. In the Old Testament, there was the sacrificial system. In this system, there were animals that were killed for the atonement of the sins of the people. Jesus came as the perfect sacrifice. He lived 33 sinless years, then died on a cross to pay the price for our sins. It was our sin that put Jesus on that cross. But, Jesus conquered death and made a way for us to be forgiven and to have eternal life. Praise God for His grace and mercy. Jesus died for you, so now let’s live for Him!

Jesus stood trial before the Jews and the Romans for claiming to be the Messiah – the Son of God. Pilate, the Roman Governor, knew Jesus to be good, but he was scared to make this declaration. Pilate tried to remain neutral, even washing his hands of the entire situation. However, no decision is a decision. Pilate, “wanting to satisfy the crowd,” handed Jesus over to be crucified. What do you believe about Jesus? Is He truly the Messiah – the Son of God, or is Jesus a liar or lunatic? Every one of us must give an answer about Jesus. How will you respond to Jesus’ claim this Easter? Is He your Savior? If so, follow Him for all your life.

Pride is a sin that is often difficult to detect in our lives. Pride always keeps the focus on “self” and rejects our need for God. The closer we move towards intimacy with God the more we will understand what it means to “deny ourselves” and live in the fullness of the freedom we have in Christ. Through Christ, we understand what true humility is, and it is in that humility we become better leaders, family members, co-workers, and neighbors.

Envy literally robs your life of joy! Jealousy puts me in a position where I am intentionally choosing not to be grateful for what I have, or where I am, but rather it’s a yearning for what I do not have. Jealousy, like all sin, creates a false narrative that I can find contentment and joy in the things of this world. May you seek to find peace and life in the true source, the only source, Jesus Chris!

Anger is a sin we all deal with. Sometimes anger and wrath manifest in outbursts and other times they simmer below the surface. If we don’t deal with anger, then it will destroy others, and even ourselves. Anger comes when we don’t get our way; therefore, we harbor bitterness, frustration, and resentment. Yet, as Christ-followers, we are called to love – to love God and to love others. This means when the anger comes, we have a responsibility to forgive and to offer grace. Will you deal with any deep-seeded anger and give it over to God today? Don’t let Satan get a foothold in your heart with anger. Delight yourself in God’s grace and trust in Him.

Greed is to money as slothfulness is to time. We all have a certain amount of time, so the question becomes: are we investing our time in things that matter? There is a temptation in our culture to desire only things that make us comfortable, but if we are to grow spiritually then we must get out of our comfort zone. We must push past laziness to grow deeper and stronger in our spiritual journey. Spending time in prayer and reading God’s Word takes effort as does sharing our faith and serving others. God calls us to “work out” our salvation - not to “work for” our salvation (because it is by grace we are saved), but to “work out.” Let’s give our best to God!

Greed is a struggle for all of us. We live in a materialistic and capitalistic society. Everything around us is about money and more – more money, more stuff, more things. Greed is when we desire money or power more than God. Greed is a sin. The antidote to greed is generosity. God longs for us to know Him and to trust Him as our Provider. God took care of our salvation by giving His Son, so there is nothing God will withhold from us. Let God be enough for you. Find your contentment, joy, and peace in God through His Son, Jesus. God will provide for you.

We live in a culture marked with excess. We have what seems to be an infinite amount of food choices, 24/7 access to email, unlimited capacity to spend, travel, buy, and invest. As good as all of these things are, we have to be careful to keep them in their proper place. Without discipline and self-control we become conquered and captivated with food, entertainment, and all of the other things we have in abundance. Where is your heart today? Are you chasing after food in a gluttonous manner, just because you can? Are you scrolling 24/7 because you actually enjoy it and it brings meaning to your life, or just because it is there? God desires to do more in our lives than we most likely even realize! Join Him today in allowing Him to refine your life!

When it’s all said and done, lust seeks to satisfy self without covenant commitment. That’s why love is the remedy. Lust is common to all but possibly overcome by few. The enemy is content to rip a person apart as he or she seeks to satisfy their desire and also to bury someone alive under the weight of guilt. Only in Christ can we overcome temptation and move beyond the shame of past sin. A daily commitment to Christ and sacrificial love for others is the covenant tools we need to avoid the trap and win the war.

Mental health is at an all-time low in our nation today. So many people suffer from hopelessness, fear, worry, uncertainty, and more. Yet, in the middle of all of this, there is a God who longs for us to be healthy mentally. This comes when we place our full faith in Jesus Christ, and He renews our minds for His glory. We move away from allowing the thoughts of this world to have dominion over our minds, and we take captive every thought. Even in this world, through Christ Jesus, we can truly experience His peace and share this with others. Let’s advance mentally today.

Money is a big part of our life. Money can bring joy, but it can also cause worry and stress. How we manage the money we have been given is important to God. Everything we have comes from Him, and He longs for us to be good stewards of what He has entrusted to us. We all can succeed in this area! You can win at money if you do it God’s way. How do you plan to advance financially in 2022? Do a budget? Get a will? Sign-up for Financial Peace University? Live by Biblical principles? Above all, trust God with your finances! Let’s learn to be rich.

You were created for relationships. First, your relationship with God impacts everything else in your life. A relationship with God only comes through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, His own Son, on the cross. Committing your life to Jesus then calls you to live differently in your relationship with others. As Christ-followers, we are called to a life of love, grace, and forgiveness. Will you advance in your relationship with God and with others in 2022? Make a commitment today to grow in your relationship with God and with those around you.

We are beginning a new year and a new opportunity for spiritual health and discipleship. Many make New Year's Resolutions but few keep them which leads to disappointment and frustration. With the help of God and each other, there are resolutions we can accomplish. Day by day we can be resolved to grow into the likeness of Jesus. Today we look at the word of God concerning our physical health. We will see that salvation involves not just the souls but our bodies as well. With the help of God, we can use our bodies (which God lives in and owns) to display His glory.

Together, let's live as Christmas people, not just during the holidays. Let's live like Christ when we walk into our workplaces, when we interact with our families, when we enter our kids' schools and are a part of their activities, and when we get to know our neighbors. Everywhere we go, let's make a difference and live with an eternal perspective, knowing and trusting that we're in Christ – and He's made us new.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17

This Christmas Eve we will light candles to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus. Jesus is the Light of the World. The Light has come into the world, and the darkness could not overcome it. May the Light of Jesus fill your heart and home this Christmas. May Jesus’ love and joy shine bright in you. “Emmanuel” means God with us. Jesus is here for you!

Merry CHRISTmas!

The Magi traveled over 1,600 miles to be with Jesus. Their joy, generosity, and sacrifice still inspire us today. The Magi realized that even though they were wealthy in a worldly sense, they knew there was still more to life. They longed to experience what God was doing in the world. In the process of meeting Jesus, they worshiped Him. We are the supporting cast today. Will we meet and worship Jesus this Christmas? Will we bring Him our best? O, come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord.

Faithfulness is so incredibly important, and valuable when it comes to our relationship with Christ. Yet, faithfulness is often not looked upon so highly by our culture at large. From a societal perspective, we are always looking for the next thing. We always want the plans for tomorrow to be available yesterday. If something is not going the way we think it should go, it is easy to just quit and move on. However, something happens when we remain faithful! We begin to realize life is really not about us and that our job is to stay the course and allow God to work. We realize that no matter what happens, God can be trusted and that through our faithfulness He grows us in ways we could never have imagined!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas - the decorations, presents, carols and more. Sometimes the trappings of Christmas can become the focus for us. This year, let’s prioritize the CHRIST of CHRISTmas. When Jesus first came into the world, there was a man named Simeon who saw Him. Even though there were thousands of people at the Temple that day, Simeon saw Jesus, the Savior of the world, and worshipped Him. May this Christmas we behold the One who gave His life for us and may we worship Him. May this Christmas be about Jesus.

We all have a family tree. We all have people who have gone before us who have impacted our lives - some good and others not so much. We can’t control what has been passed down to us, but we can control what we pass on to others. God uses imperfect people to accomplish His perfect plan. If you are in Jesus, then you are a new creation. You are not defined by your past, but by the One who loves you. Focus on Jesus this CHRISTmas season. Find your worth and value in Him, and then pass Him down to the next generation. It’s all about Jesus!

Over the past several weeks, we have learned so much from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Thessalonica. This church was a joyful, prayerful, and thankful church. And, this is God’s desire for each of us. God wants us to enjoy life always, to grow in our prayer life, and to develop an attitude of gratitude. This Thanksgiving we all have so much for which to be thankful. Take time this week to truly express your gratitude to God as well as to the family, friends, and church family God has put around you. Let’s be joyful, prayerful, and thankful every day.

The apostle Paul encourages the church in Thessalonica to do three things: to be sanctified (holy), to grow in their love, and to live in light of eternity to come. As Christ-followers, our goal is to be conformed to the image of Jesus. This means saying “No” to the ungodliness of this world and saying “Yes” to living for Christ. We do this by loving God and others more, and the things of this world less. We must remember, through Jesus, we have eternal life in heaven. The best of our life is still to come. Always live with the hope of Jesus. Even in the tough times remember Jesus loves you, and He has an eternal home for you. Celebrate His goodness every day!

We all need encouragement in our lives. Many times we can feel down or discouraged. But, God comes to stand with us and by us in the challenges of life. God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins and then to conquer death in order to make a way for us to have eternal life. God is with us and He is for us. Whatever you are facing today, keep going forward in Christ. God has a great plan for you and for His Church. We are a part of something very special. Live each day in the encouragement and grace of your great God.

Cultivating a life of gratitude in a world that is fast-paced, filled with instant gratification, more division than ever before, and uncertainty can be difficult – especially when there is suffering. The Apostle Paul reminds us that even in the midst of suffering we can celebrate the goodness of God. When we know Jesus personally, experience His radical grace, and view life through the lens of eternity, it changes our perspective and allows us to see purpose, even in the pain.

As we look back over our lives, we can see how God has been there every step of the way. As a Christ-follower, we are called to stay in the center of His will and to be a part of His Church. We live our lives for His agenda and not our own. When we follow Jesus, then we see God do miracles. In the journey of life, it is important to follow, to trust, and to celebrate. How often do we stop and give God the glory for the great things He has done in our life? God’s goodness is so evident to all of us. When we actually give Him the praise He deserves, it changes our attitude and draws us close to His heart. Our God is so good. Let’s celebrate and live in His goodness!

In our life, there are times we struggle with fear. The worries and stress of this life can overwhelm us at different times and in various seasons. Yet, as we fix our Eyes on Jesus, what results is peace. God longs for us to experience His peace which surpasses all human understanding. Even in the storms of life, we can know for certain that God is our Rock and our Anchor. Where are you trying to find peace in your life today? Don’t just medicate yourself with temporary solutions. The only true peace comes from Jesus. He alone can bring us peace with God, peace with others, and peace with ourselves. Will you focus your Eyes on Jesus today?

We live in a culture increasingly defined by stress, anxiety, and chaos. How can we flourish as followers of Christ in such a world? Scripture gives us clear ways on how to manage stress and not be managed by it. Jesus gave a perfect example of how to handle stress and live in such a way that is not defined by chaos, but by peace, courage, and confidence.

We all deal with worry. It is a part of our everyday life. Yet, at some point, worry can start to consume us. Worry and fear can begin to control our lives. Ultimately at the heart of all worry is a desire for us to be in control. We think we know what is best for us as well as for others. It is important for us to plan and prepare, but we must always focus our Eyes on Jesus. He is sovereign, and ultimately in all control. As we trust in our Heavenly Father, we grow in our faith. If we focus on our problems, then they get bigger. When we focus on Jesus, our faith grows stronger. Where are your eyes today? What are you focusing on? Put your Eyes on Jesus.

In a world riddled with fear and anxiety everywhere we look, now more than ever it's essential for us to keep our focus on things other than what this world has to offer. It's essential for us to keep our eyes on Jesus. In this video, you’ll hear from our campus pastors and family pastor to kickoff our new series, “Eyes on Jesus.”

Our very own Lead Pastor, Jeff Simmons, has written a book on this topic of fear and anxiety, addressing it from a biblical perspective. In it are challenging questions and topics for us as Christ-followers to dive into as we look to Jesus for peace and healing in today's world. “Eyes on Jesus, Psalm 23 - A Guide to Overcoming the Worry and Stress in Our Lives and Culture.”

Oswald Chambers notably says, “Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.” We often hear the word prayer and think this is something that prepares us for the next step, or prayer is merely an opportunity to come before God and ask Him for things. In reality, prayer is so much more! Prayer is direct communion with God. The same God who holds the stars in place and who knew me before I was born, yearns to hear from me and wants to be known. Through prayer, I see my own neediness and how God is always at work. Seek to grow in your commitment to prayer today! Incredible things happen in our lives when we commit to being men and women of prayer.

Worship is more than singing some songs on a Sunday morning. Worship is our life. Worship is our response to God for who He is and for what He has done in our life. We were created to worship; therefore, we will all worship something. We will worship money, success, and even our kids, but God wants us to worship Him. God longs for us to worship Him in the good times and in the struggles. When we truly live a life of worshiping God, this changes everything. Worshiping God brings peace, love, joy, and purpose into our hearts and allows us to bring glory to His Name with our life. Let’s engage in worship this week.

As Christ-followers we are all called to engage in evangelism - sharing our faith. Most of the time, we don’t really know what to say. We hear the problems of people around, and we know Jesus is the answer, but we are hesitant to talk about our faith. This is natural, and especially in the world we live in today. But, people need the Lord! Jesus is the One who has changed our life, and He is the Hope of the world. The Bible calls us to “always be prepared... to give the reason for the hope you have.” Let’s prepare and pray for God to open doors for us to have spiritual conversations with our family, friends, co-workers, and more. Someone engaged with us spiritually, so let’s be people who are willing to share the Good News of Jesus with others.

As Christ-followers, we are all called to engage in missions. Sometimes we think that mission work is reserved for others, but actually it is the responsibility of every person who is a Christian. We can engage locally, nationally, and internationally through our prayers, giving, going, and even sponsoring those in need. Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these… you did for Me,” in Matthew 25:40. Let’s follow Jesus and share His incredible love with others. Together we can make a difference in our world for the glory of our great God.

Every person, through Christ, is called to minister. So often we think that the only “ministers” are those who are on staff at a church. But, actually, if you are a Christ-follower, then you are called to minister and serve the Body of Christ. God has equipped you with spiritual gifts – not simply to grow your own kingdom, but to grow His Kingdom. You grow spiritually when you learn to serve and invest in others. God will use you to impact so many lives for His glory. There have been many people in your life who invested in you, and now this is our time to invest in others.

To follow, you have to move forward. It doesn’t matter if you have been following Christ for 40 minutes or 40 years, we all have a next step to take in our journey. He is ready to use this journey to change us. He wants to make us whole. He wants to make us holy. He wants to make us look like Jesus. He most often uses His Word and the His people to do this change in us. Are you ready to take your next step forward?

Starting today, let’s make a 40-Day Commitment to Grow Spiritually. This means we must engage. God created us to grow spiritually and this happens through community. We need others to help us in the hard times and to celebrate with us in the good times. We all want deep relationships, but this only comes when we are willing to invest the time and energy. Church is a gift from God to accomplish His Will and to grow us as His disciples. Engage in community by joining the church (Partnership Class), joining a Community Group, Men’s or Women’s Study and getting your kids involved. We all need Jesus and His Church. Let’s engage for 40-Days and watch God do great things in our hearts, minds, marriages, friendships, children, jobs, and more. Engage!

This summer we have been on an amazing journey with the children of Israel as God brought them out of slavery and led them to the Promised Land. In our own lives, we are on an amazing journey with the Lord as well. God has freed us from being slaves to sin, and He is leading us to our forever home in heaven. What are we doing with this life we have been given? Are we following Jesus and blessing others or simply living for ourselves? We are all leaving a legacy; the question is this: what kind of legacy will you leave? Will you live your life for the glory of God and help those who come behind you to know Him better? Let’s leave a legacy for Jesus!

God is intricately involved in every detail of your life. Because He is Sovereign, holy, and good, you can trust Him in everything. Whether you are going through a valley or on the tops of mountains, God is working all things out according to His will for your life. For the Israelites, God was showing them how He was going to meet with Him. He desires to do the same thing for you today! Will you trust His plan? Will you grow in Him? He holds every detail together for the great adventures He has in store.

You might be in a people group where God's law was talked about more than God's love. In fact, you may have been burned by the church because you couldn't seem to get it right. The truth is, the law ultimately points to God's love. We are all law breakers, but we have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus. And when we see what great links God went for us to be called children of God through Jesus Christ, that compels us to be obedient to his commands. So we obey not because of duty, but out of LOVE. We love others, not just because that is what I am supposed to do, but because it is a reflection of the love God has given us.

God provides for His people. So often we worry. We wonder if God sees the circumstances we are facing. We all have needs. Yet, God not only sees, but He cares. God provides for all our needs. God takes care of His people every day. He invites us to trust Him and to follow Him. God provides for both our physical needs and our spiritual needs. God gave His only Son, so that we can have eternal life with Him through salvation. There is no need that God cannot, and will not, meet in your life. Are you worried today? Trust God, and know - the Lord will provide.

Freedom is a fine line. Enjoying it can quickly translate into abusing it. Celebrating it can easily fast forward into idolizing it. The key to keeping freedom in its proper place and living out one’s freedoms with well-stewarded grace is knowing where it came from and why we have it. In Israel’s case and in our spiritual state, freedom was God’s gift. It wasn’t awarded to Israel then and it isn’t afforded to us now because we inherently deserve it or because we worked hard to earn it. Only God’s grace. When you know that He alone gave it and that nothing about you deserves it, freedom like salvation remains the thing you want to live out and never lord over. How do you honor God and point people to Jesus best? It’s in cherishing freedom and also leveraging freedom for the ultimate good of others.

Jesus Christ is our Passover Lamb. When God delivered His people out of being slaves in Egypt, He sent the last plague - the death angel. Yet, God told the Israelites to cover the doorposts of their home with the blood of a lamb. Every home covered in the blood of the lamb, the death angel “passed over” and the lives inside were saved. The blood of Jesus covers our hearts if you are in Christ Jesus. You are saved for all eternity. Trust and follow Jesus, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world,” today!

Our God is a God of miracles. There are times when God breaks into our natural world with the supernatural. God is Sovereign over all creation and over your life. Even when a situation seems hopeless, don’t forget about God! Our God is able. God always fights for His people. What prayers are you praying that only God can do? Pray bold prayers. God longs to do miracles in your life. Trust Him and watch Him do great things in your life and in those around you for His glory. You need only to ask, be bold and be still. God loves you.

The God of the Universe is calling out to you. He is inviting you into a relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. This is where The Greatest Adventure begins. Throughout the journey, God has a specific call to each one of His followers. You are uniquely gifted to accomplish His will. Whether it is being a parent, a grandparent, serving in a ministry at church, being baptized, or reaching out to your co-workers in the name of Jesus, there is no one else who can do exactly what God has called you to do. Will you make excuses or will you be obedient? Trust God and watch Him do miracles in your life as well in those around you.

God had a great plan for Moses, just like God has a great plan for each of us. God saved Moses in a basket in the Nile, and then gave Moses the best education in the world at that time. As Moses grew up, he didn’t fall in love with the comforts of this world, but kept a heart for the One True God. Moses ended up in the wilderness where God grew his faith and prepared him to lead His people. God is working in your life. God is preparing you for great things. Always draw close to God and know that He is working in you for a greater purpose.

1 John ends with John making sure that we know that we have eternal life through the work of Christ and that should fill us with confidence that He is all that we will ever need. However, the last line warns us to guard ourselves from idols. Idols are objects of misplaced confidence that should belong to God alone. Those things cannot provide for us what we need. Only God can do that. A Beautiful Life is one lived in the confidence that Jesus is everything you ever need.

God longs for you to embrace A Beautiful Life. The life God has for you is lived by faith and filled with love. As you grow in your knowledge of how much God loves you, then you can extend His love to others. As you love, you become more like Jesus. Are you living the life God has for you? If not, what is keeping you from experiencing God’s best? Will you allow Jesus this week to be the Lord of your life and the joy of your heart? Be grateful and live the life God has for you.

Scripture says "Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world". Do you believe that? As you consider the challenges you are facing presently, have faith that the Lord will see you through. Faith is a decision to live with fierce optimism.

As Christ-followers, we are called to live a life of love. Love is the distinguishing mark of a Christian. We are called to love God and to love others. Sometimes it is hard for us to love. We are selfish by nature. We want our way. Yet, love is putting God and others before ourselves. It is one thing to talk about love and another to actually live it out in our lives. Can the people around you see you love God and love them by your actions? Love is a verb and love is what makes a beautiful life. Let’s live a life of love this week and every day.

God wants us to know about the End Times. Sometimes talking about the End Times can bring angst and fear; however, the Bible talks about how this world will end so that we will not be afraid. God wants us to know the end so that we will be “confident and unafraid.” God wins! God is Sovereign over all. If we are in Christ Jesus, then we are on the winning side. Our goal is to not get distracted but to grow in our relationship with Jesus and share Him with others. The best is still to come for all of us. Heaven is our home, and Jesus is coming back for us.

God created you to grow spiritually. When we commit our lives to follow Jesus, this is just the beginning. We are then called to mature in our faith journey. This involves taking “next steps” spiritually - being baptized, reading God’s Word, praying, serving, and more. As we grow, we become more like Jesus. There are definite challenges that keep us from growing. Pushing past the challenges and growing in Christ is what creates in us a beautiful life.

God wants us to live a beautiful life. We all have a different amount of time on this earth, but for however long we are here, God wants us to live our best life. This is true both physically and spiritually. John, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, explains the importance of knowing and growing in Jesus if we are truly to experience our best life. A deep relationship with Jesus is what brings us joy. Are you growing in your relationship with Jesus? Confess your sins and embrace the amazing life God has for you. It is not the number of years we have on this earth, but what we do with those years. Let’s live a beautiful life for the glory of our great God.

Easter changed the world. Jesus conquered death and made a way for you and me to have eternal life. When we sinned, we were separated from Holy God. Yet, Jesus took our place on the cross. Jesus paid the price for our sins, and by His sacrifice, we can be redeemed. When we repent our sins and commit to follow Jesus, God sees us as righteous and we come alive. Our best life is lived in Christ Jesus. We are redeemed, forgiven, and blessed. Come alive this Easter. Commit to live your life for Jesus, and experience the amazing life only Jesus can give!

Jesus takes the initiative with us. Jesus left heaven and came down to earth in order to “seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10. Because of our sin, we were lost - separated from Holy God. Yet, Jesus takes the initiative to come to us. Regardless of our race, our past sin, our religious background, or our socioeconomic status, Jesus comes to redeem and restore each one of us. Let’s receive God’s grace in His Son, Jesus, and then share His love with others.

We all want to know that we are valued and important. We spend the majority of our lives searching for it. In this passage, Jesus speaks about our need for importance and counsels us to stop and trust (like a child) that we are valued and important. We are important enough to die for. As we become more like a trusting child, we can truly begin to teach the next generation to find their value in Christ alone.

Saying yes to Jesus means saying yes to living on mission or living “sent”! Far too often we seem to think that being sent is for someone else. But according to Jesus, “living sent” is a part of the normal life of the believer. Not only that sent lives are joyful lives, and as followers of Christ we look most like Christ when we live sent! So hold tightly to the truth that “Where you are is where God has sent you!” and this week, look for opportunities in the normal rhythms of your life to be people that usher in the peace of God and invest deeply in the people God has put around you.

There is a God-shaped hole in every one of us. We try to fill this hole in our lives with money, success, power, or possessions. The world tells us that these things will satisfy, but they never do. As soon as we buy something or reach a new position in a job, we are already looking for what’s next. True fulfillment comes only in Jesus. He is everything we need and desire. Is there anything in your life that is more important to you than Jesus? If so, confess it today, and put Jesus first. When He is truly first in your life, then you experience the deep joy of knowing Him!

As Christ-followers, we are in a battle. Our enemy wants to render us ineffective for the Kingdom of God. The devil longs to deceive us and get a foothold in our minds, home, workplace, and church. But, our God is greater. God gives us spiritual armor for the battle, and the last piece of armor is prayer. Prayer invites God into our situations and struggles. Our God is greater! Prayer changes things and prayer changes us. Let’s be people who pray because we know that God will ultimately win the battle! We are on the winning team. So let’s put on the full armor of God and pray in all situations. Our God is with us and He is for us! Let’s pray!

It’s easy to think of the Armor of God as a metaphor that’s distant from our everyday realities. But each piece is meant to be utilized in “every situation” as Paul writes in Ephesians 6:16.

Reflect this week on the following questions: 1. What dart of the enemy has come your way? What promises in Scripture can you claim by faith that will extinguish his arrows?

Our salvation is a present reality. In what area are you not living in light of that reality? How can you align your thoughts and actions with what is true about your salvation?
When you speak truths from God’s Word, is the timing right? Is your heart right before the Lord? Are you dependent on the Holy Spirit?

We are in a spiritual battle. Our enemy, the devil, longs to get a foothold in our mind, home, workplace, and church. As Christ-followers, we must resist the devil and put on the full armor of God. This week, will you put on the Belt of Truth as you evaluate the information you hear? Listen to what God says about you and the truth of Jesus Christ. Also, cover your heart in His Righteousness and put on the Sandals of Peace as you walk into every situation. We are soldiers of God, and we must take our stand. As His Church, let’s stand together for the glory of our God!

We are in a spiritual battle. Most of the time we only focus on what we can see, but there is a battle that rages between Good vs. Evil, that we cannot see, and impacts all of us. We have an enemy who does not want us to succeed in life. The devil endeavors to keep people from God and schemes against those who seek to follow Jesus. Yet, God is more powerful than our enemy and gives us the armor to succeed in the battle. Put on the full armor of God and live for the glory of God. The devil will be defeated, so let’s not let him get a foothold in our minds, homes, and lives. Let’s stand for Jesus and know that the battle belongs to the Lord!

Jesus calls us to follow Him. When we respond to His invitation, it is the beginning of an amazing spiritual journey. There is a difference between Cultural Christianity and Committed Christianity. Jesus doesn’t simply want us to be a fan, but a follower of His. In order to do this, we must give our all. Investing our lives in God’s agenda changes our life and impacts the world. The greatest joy in the world is knowing and following Jesus. He gave His all for us, so let’s give our all for Him.

God is love. The defining characteristic of a Christian is love. We are called to love God and to love others. As we grow spiritually, we should be growing deeper in love. Jesus came to teach and show us how to live. Jesus loved everyone always, and this is our call as His disciples. As we grow in our love for God, we will grow in our love for others. Are you growing in your love for God and your love for others? Let’s commit to growing deeper in our love in 2021 and beyond.

Jesus calls every disciple to share our faith with others. For many Christians this is a struggle. We feel uncomfortable sharing our faith or we don’t know what to say, so many times we just don’t say or do anything. Yet, our world desperately needs Jesus! Everyone needs the hope and help of Jesus. Fact is, someone shared Jesus with us, and we are forever grateful. Now it is our time to reach out to others with the love of Jesus. This is actually an area where we can make an incredible difference for the glory of our great God. Let’s be obedient to Jesus and reach out when He prompts our heart. Together, we can see God change the world!

We are God’s people. We have entered into a relationship with God through the price Jesus paid for our sins on the cross. We are redeemed and restored by His goodness and grace. Jesus invites us to follow Him. To learn to hear His voice, trust, and obey. Jesus longs to lead us into a great life - life ”to the full.” Who are you listening to? Are you listening to what your enemy says about you or what God says about you? Listen to One Voice, and then together, as God’s people, let’s proclaim with one voice His goodness and grace in 2021 and for all eternity!

What’s your “but” when it comes to church attendance? How about when it comes to church service? We all have them–those exceptions to what matters. Participating in the ministry of a local church comes with a long list of ifs, whens, and maybes for most people. However, the Church is Christ’s body and it will be built with you or in spite of you. Truth is, nothing in your life and your pending year (2021) matters as much as who you say Jesus is and what part you play in the building of His Church. It’s how we grow to maturity, avoid the calamity of wandering, and help others in love to do the same. What part will church play in your coming year and more importantly, what part will you play in the Church?

2020 has been a hard year for everyone, but CHRISTmas is here. Jesus has come to bring Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy into our world and into our life. Joy comes when we focus on what we do have, and not on what we don’t have. Because of Jesus, we have everything we will ever need - salvation, peace, hope, love, and joy. Will you experience the Joy of CHRISTmas this year? Take time to express your gratitude to God for all He has done in your life and embrace Jesus, and His Joy, this CHRISTmas.

Mary’s song is a hymn of worship. Her words paint the picture of what God has done and what He will do. They tell the story of the Gospel. For God so loved the world that He sent His Son so that we would have eternal life. Eternal life does not start at death. It starts with our new birth. Mary’s song points us to the truth that we are born to a new way of life. A new life together in community.

Today, at this moment in time we desperately need to meditate on the truth found in these verses that retell the story of Christ coming to earth. Because it is a story of peace, a story of peace being restored to people broken by sin. We need the peace that comes with the reminder that God has a plan and at just the right time He sent His son to earth, to put on flesh and be present with us. We need to be reminded that God sent His son to provide the peace that only He had the power to provide. We need to be reminded that peace comes when we submit our lives to the Prince of Peace and His purpose for us.

Hope is powerful. Where there is hope, there is life. Think about all the places where you place your hope? “I hope to see my family. I hope I get this job. I hope this deal comes through. I hope there is a vaccine.” Yet, God wants us to place our ultimate hope and trust in Him. God always comes through. Everything in this world will fade away, but God lasts forever. Let’s place our hope firmly in Him. God is with us and He is for us. May we always be people of Hope and may we share Hope with others today as we live in a world desperate for Hope. Jesus is our Hope!

This has been a crazy year, yet our God is faithful. Think about all the ways He has provided for you this year. Thanksgiving should be more than one day a year. We are called to be thankful everyday of our life. Being thankful changes our mindset and attitude. Therefore, let’s start each day being thankful to our great God. What a difference Thanksgiving makes in each of us. We all have so much for which to be thankful - mainly Jesus, and our hope and eternal life in Him.

This is our Commitment or Re-Commitment Sunday. In November 2018, God called us as a church to embark on a 3-year “For the Kingdom” Campaign in order to invest in the next generation, expand His work into Nolensville and Nashville, grow the Franklin campus to impact more people for Christ and to build two new Transitional Living Homes for vulnerable children in Moldova. God has done miracles in these first two years, but He is not finished yet. Will you commit, or re-commit, to “Finish Strong” together in these last 12 months? Let’s be like Caleb and live wholeheartedly in our relationship with God. This is our time and opportunity. As God’s Church, and as His followers, let’s be faithful and bold today!

Our God is a God of miracles. When the odds seem overwhelming, this is when God does His best work. Whatever challenge you are facing today, always remember God is greater. So, what bold prayer are you praying in your life? Pray, asking God, to do what only He can do. As a church, we are joining together in praying “For the Kingdom.” We are praying and committing to see God accomplish His Will through us over these next 12 months. Let’s pray and commit to the work God has for each of us. Our best days individually and as a church are still to come! Let’s watch the “Sun Stand Still” and let’s Finish Strong!

Sin is a big deal to God. We tend to think something is little and it really doesn’t matter much. We look around and think, “Well, everyone is doing it, so it must be okay.” But, as God’s people, we are called to be different. God hates sin because He knows how it destroys people’s lives and it sent His Son to the cross. Be honest today - is there an area of sin in your life that you are tolerating? Are there devoted things that you are stealing from God? Confess today and find the forgiveness and grace of God. Pursue Jesus Christ and live your life for His glory.

God does miracles in the lives of His people. God brought His people in the Bible out of slavery in Egypt, yet God was not finished with them. God had a beautiful land and life for them. And, God is not finished with us, as His people today. God brought us out of slavery to sin by His grace through Jesus Christ His Son. And, God is still at work in us. As long as there is breath in our lungs, God wants to use us for His glory. Two years ago, as a church, we embarked on a Campaign called, “For the Kingdom.” We have one year left, so let’s “Finish Strong.” Today, we start 21-Days of Prayer and Fasting until our Commitment, or Re-Commitment, Sunday on November 15. Our best days as a church are still ahead. Your best days, I believe, are still ahead. Let’s give our best for the glory of our great God! Let’s Finish Strong!

There comes various points in our life where God calls us to step out in faith. It is so much easier to stay where we are, but God invites us to follow Him. We should never settle for being comfortable or complacent. What is your Next Step of faith? Maybe it is following Jesus in believer’s baptism. Maybe it is joining the church or serving in some capacity on Sunday mornings. Maybe it is inviting someone to church, praying with a family member, or initiating a spiritual conversation with a co-worker. Your step of faith will always impact more than just you. Don’t settle for what is known, but always be willing to follow God in faith. Prepare your heart because God is doing something amazing in your life and in His church! Be ready to follow Him!

Strength and courage are two things that are difficult to have on our own. However, when we have the God of creation on our side – with us wherever we go – we can have strength. We can have courage. We don't have to fear or be discouraged. We can go out in faith and trust that He will be with us, no matter where He may lead or call us.

We all want love. Not the cheap imitation that our world offers, but real love. We want a love that will last. A love that will stand the test of time and hardships. We want a rock solid, godly marriage or future marriage. We want loving friendships and to raise children that know they are truly loved. Real love is a choice. We choose to love or we choose not to love. We choose to love God, our spouse, our friends, our children or we don’t. Let’s be people of love. Let’s love like God - committed and unconditional. Let’s have a loving marriage and relationships. Let’s grow in our love - our love for God as “The One” of our life and our love for others. Let’s love!

Men, the message on Sunday was a challenge to display greater faith in God. Have you taken time to process the three big questions that every man should ask? If not, take some time today to pray through these:

When was the last time you did something that was destined to fail without the help of God? Are you leading your children to walk in faith? Have you given your life fully to God?

Make your commitment to God as “the One” of your life. We try to find our worth and value in our earthly relationships before we turn to God. Ruth committed her life to God. She was faithful each and every day, even through the hard times. God grew her character and prepared her for His ultimate plan for her life. Allow God to be your “One.” Trust Him and He will direct your path (Proverbs 3:5-6). God has a great plan for your life. Draw close to God and stay faithful to Him.

Most people spend their life looking for “the one.” Dating and marriage is a big deal to all of us. It causes a lot of joy and stress. Yet, marriage is a gift from God. It is the way God created relationships to work. A key to a great marriage is marrying the right person. Therefore, be godly in the way you date and pursue your future spouse. Then when you are married, keep your priorities right. “The One” should always be God. When you keep God first in your life and you pursue Him, then your marriage and dating relationships work. When you put someone else over God as “the one,” then you have trouble and challenges. Prioritize God as “the One” in your life today. God wants you to succeed. Trust Him today!

We all want peace and contentment. The problem is, we don’t know how to get it. We go to spas, take vacations, workout and try other ways to relieve “stress,” but we never truly experience the peace or contentment we so desperately desire. As we mature in Christ, what we discover is the result of living our life in Him and for Him is peace. This is the incredible secret of the committed Christian life – peace comes from the inside out not the outside in. When we truly yield our lives to Christ, He gives us the “peace that passes understanding.” Move forward in your relationship with Jesus and experience the peace of Christ in your life.

God wants us to grow in our faith and become mature followers of Christ. Maturity happens as we press deeper into Christ Jesus and then live out His will in our lives. As we are faithful to Him, God matures us. God is writing a greater story in all of us. No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, don’t stop growing. Don’t become distracted by “earthly things,” but live your life fully for Christ. Keep moving forward! In the process, you will grow to be all He desires.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to “work out” our Salvation. We are not called to work “for” our Salvation, but to work “out” our Salvation. It is God who does a miracle by bringing us from spiritual death to life, but then we are called to live out our faith in Him. This is seen in our attitude and actions. As Christ-followers, we should not spend all our time complaining or arguing, but we should love those around us and pour into others the joy of Jesus. Does our attitude and actions look more like the world or Jesus? Let’s daily live out our faith in Jesus.

So often we think that life is just about us. We are born selfish. First, we want to be right and then seen. And, we wonder why we are so frustrated, tired, and unfulfilled. Yet, God invites us to have the same mindset as Jesus - to love, to serve, and to put others before ourselves. When we do this, joy comes in our life. As we mature in our humility and Christlikeness, our life is fulfilled and others around us are better. Does your life look more like Jesus or culture? Will you make the goal of your life to know and be like Jesus. As you live this way, you will find peace and joy.

Sometimes life doesn’t go as we planned. 2020 is like that for all of us. Yet, when the apostle Paul found himself in prison in Rome, he didn’t sit and feel sorry for himself. He moved forward in his faith and in advancing the Good News of Jesus. Because of Paul’s commitment, we have this incredible letter he wrote, Philippians, and Paul had some serious joy in his life. Where’s your focus today? If you focus on your problems, you get stuck in life. When you focus on Jesus, you are filled with joy and you move forward. Choose to move forward in Christ today.

As we conclude this series, the apostle Paul reminds us that God has a greater purpose for our lives, to KNOW GOD and to MAKE HIM KNOWN. In other words, to LOVE GOD and LOVE PEOPLE. Discovering our purpose drives the way we live and ultimately is what we are going to be known for, your legacy. Legacy, It means putting a stamp on the future, and making a contribution to future generations. The next generation is watching what we do and how we respond to this life. The next generation will see and experience God through the lens of how you see and experience God. They will also see and experience people through the lens of how we see and experience people. What will it take for us to model the life of Jesus for them? “The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” —Billy Graham

Who could have imagined we would be here right now?! Just a few months ago there was great anticipation of what 2020 held for us, it felt significant and special. I can’t help but think that Paul may have had some of the same thoughts during the handful of episodes or moments we have explored in Acts 16. And what was true for Paul is true for us no matter what season and struggle we find ourselves in today. Our purpose remains the same through all circumstances, To know God through the work of Christ on the cross. Glorify God as we live lives of humble obedience and faith, and make Him known from our homes to the ends of the globe.

In life, we will all have disagreements. If you are married, have a roommate, children, or simply are a human being, then you have disagreements. Even in the church, there can be disagreements. We are imperfect people, and we all have opinions. Yet, God extends His grace to us and He wants us to give that grace to others. How we handle disagreements is a mark of spiritual maturity. Our life purpose is to know Jesus and to make Him known, so let’s respond to others in love just as Christ Jesus loves us. Let’s be people of love and grace.

We will face challenges in this life. Just because we go through hard times does not mean God has forgotten about us or that we are outside of His will. Challenges are meant to lead us closer to Jesus. Whatever trials or struggles you are facing today, just realize that you are not alone. God is with you, and He is for you. Also, you have brothers and sisters in Christ who want to walk with you through the struggles. Use this time to draw closer to God and to become the man or woman He created you to be. Live out your life purpose regardless of the struggles.

The habitual practices in our life are either distorting or clarifying our created purpose. Spiritual practices clarify that purpose for us. God has called us ALL into an intentional missional purpose that starts on our street and flows to the ends of the earth. There are people that need to see you live the gospel and hear you explain the gospel all around us. They are in your life for a reason. Will you answer the call?

We all need someone to believe in us. Barnabas was a man of God. He was not an apostle, but he was actively involved in the Early Church. He went on a mission trip to Antioch and saw the amazing things God was doing there. He told many people about Jesus, and then connected Saul of Tarsus. Barnabas invited Saul to join in God’s work of loving others and growing God’s Church. God used Barnabas, Saul, and the Church to impact the world for Christ. And, God wants to use each of us today. Will you invest your life into someone else for the glory of God?

When we meet Jesus, He changes our life’s purpose. Before Jesus, our purpose is all about us - it’s about money, pleasure, greed, lust, and anything else to “make me happy.” We harbor bitterness in our heart and endeavor to be better than others. But Jesus. Jesus comes in and changes us from the inside out. Just like He did with Saul, Jesus changes us into people of love. Our life’s purpose becomes to love God and to love others. Do you love like this? Let’s live our life on purpose.

Jesus will meet every person. Maybe it is in a worship service, with a friend or on a walk. God longs to have a relationship with people so He sent His own Son to die for us. There comes a point for every person where we have to make a decision about Jesus - will I accept Him as my personal Lord and Savior, or will I reject Him and continue to live life for myself? Jesus met Saul on the Road to Damascus, and Saul’s life was forever changed. Have you responded to Jesus? If so, how is your life different? Living a life on purpose starts with Jesus.

We will all face challenges in our life. God did not promise everything would be easy, but He did promise that He would always be with us. When we face struggles, they can either make us bitter or better. What has God been teaching you through this COVID-19 time? Maybe you are facing some big struggles or maybe you are in a good place right now. Either way, will you use this time to grow deeper and stronger in your faith in Jesus? God is doing something in your life that is bigger than you can see. Stay faithful! God is with you and for you. God loves you!

Jesus prayed for His disciples to be one. United in the cause of Christ as His church. There are so many things that divide our world today - race, gender, socio-economic status, but in God’s Church, we are called to be one. We are imperfect people. As we focus on Christ and love one another, then God is glorified and His Church grows. As we see needs and meet them, then lives are changed. Let’s work together to make a lasting impact for Jesus Christ in our families, church, and community. May we be one in His Church.

Times of unrest and hardship can cause us fear, but what we do with that fear makes all the difference. When we “fear” the Lord by revering His sovereignty, power, and holiness, our anxious fear of the unknown shrinks into its proper place. When our fear leads us to being a follower of Christ we enter the community of the church and find ourselves part of an eternal family that is dear to the heart of God. Today I thank God that we have a Savior, Jesus; We have a home, His Church.

In this time of uncertainty, we need God and the church more than ever. This is our time to be God’s Church and to be the “hands and feet of Jesus.” We join our hearts and lives together to lead others to the hope of Christ. As God’s church, we have the responsibility to put Him first and to speak boldly about our faith. People are looking for help and hope today. Our God is at work, and He is inviting us to be His Church in our world. Let’s live boldly in Him.

Not only at the end of the day, but at the end of all time, the very best thing we can give someone is Jesus. Regardless of our material wealth, or lack thereof, we have something far better to contribute to society. At any time, particularly this strange time, people are looking for hope, and faith in Jesus Christ is the best and only guarantor of that hope. Take an inventory this week of all you have “in Christ” and examine the ways you can give Jesus to those around you.

God invites you to be a part of something so much bigger than yourself! God set the Church in motion and sent the Holy Spirit to comfort, guide, and lead you to point other people to Him. The Church is God’s plan A for the world and you have the unique responsibility and privilege to be on the front lines of ministry. Which means being involved with the lives of other people. Who is God calling you to love today? Who is He bringing to your mind to reach out and connect with? God is the one equipping you–seek to draw your strength from Him today.

After Jesus conquered death on Easter, He stayed on the earth 40 days until He ascended into heaven. During this time, Jesus prepared His disciples to be the Early Church. The book of Acts is the story of the Church. The Church is how God accomplishes His work in the world. The Church is made up of ordinary Christ-followers united in the confession of faith, “Jesus is Lord” and is fueled by the Holy Spirit. The Church is alive today. And, we are the Church.

If God can raise a dead Jesus, then He can raise a dead you. God can raise a dead heart, a dead marriage, a dead dream. Jesus is alive! This changes everything. Jesus being alive means God loves you more than you can even imagine. You are worth God’s Son to Him. Jesus being alive means God does not want to spend eternity apart from you. You are loved and redeemed. Will you commit your life to Jesus today? Will you come alive in Jesus this Easter? Let’s make this the best Easter ever as we come alive through Jesus today!

John was faithful. John was with Jesus in the good times, like Palm Sunday, and in the tough times, like the cross. While the other disciples scattered, John stayed. When the Resurrection came, John “saw and believed.” Jesus changed John from fear and anger to confidence and love. May we be people who are faithful. Faithful to Jesus all of our life. Through the good times and the struggles, may we be faithful to God, to our family and to His Church. Are you faithful? Are you growing in your confidence and love because of Jesus? May we be faithful.

Peter was an ordinary man that God used in an extraordinary way. God sees the potential in each of us. God created us for a reason and He has a plan and purpose for our life. Peter followed Jesus, but then denied Him three times. Yet, after Jesus’ Resurrection, Peter found grace in the heart of Jesus. God used Peter in a powerful way to impact many for Christ, and God wants to use each of us for His glory. Are you willing to be used by God? Let’s commit to follow Him this week and for the rest of our lives. Through Jesus, our best days are still ahead!

Jesus is drawing us to Himself. In the midst of the challenges, God is at work. We all have doubts and questions. God can handle these. Doubt is not sin, but God allows doubt in order to lead us to truth. Thomas, one Jesus’ first disciples, had doubts. But, when Thomas met Jesus after His Resurrection, everything changed. Thomas no longer lived with fear but lived with faith in the God who raised Jesus from the dead. What do you believe about Jesus? If you truly believe Jesus is your Lord and Savior, then your confession of faith will change how you live. Let’s live with faith and boldness in the One who still changes lives today.

Judas is the most disappointing person in all of history. Judas was so close to Jesus, and yet he was so far. Given every opportunity to follow and believe, Judas chose to live in his own sin and selfish ambition. His life was a miserable failure. We have all sinned, yet God’s grace is greater. Easter shows us that our failures are not final. Will you receive God’s grace and live in His love today? Judas set his eyes on money and power, and he lost it all. But, God invites us to set our eyes on Jesus, and in the process, we grow in His love, joy, peace and inherit eternal life. This Easter Season, let’s focus on Jesus.

Mary is one of the most well-known people in history. Yet, what made Mary special was her relationship with Jesus. Mary focused on Jesus even when she did not understand what God was doing. Mary stayed faithful to God. Mary is the only person who was at Jesus’ birth and at the cross. And, through the Resurrection, Jesus became not only her son but also her Savior. Fix your eyes on Jesus and submit your will to Him. God is doing bigger things than you can even imagine!

In the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus makes a striking difference between the world and His disciples. Most people go the way of the world and their lives mirror culture. But, Jesus’ disciples follow the narrow way that leads to life. Jesus says that all people are known by their fruit. In your life, do you look more like the world or more like Jesus? Nobody (except Jesus) is perfect. Yet, do people see Christ in our lives and are we growing in our relationship with God? If not, then we must wonder if we are truly Christ-followers. Is Jesus the Lord of your life? This is the most important question for every person. Settle this in your own heart today, and then let’s live as His disciples every day of our life.

We must learn to live with a Kingdom mindset. This world is only our temporary home. We were created for eternity, and we have a heavenly home waiting for us. What we do here impacts eternity. Therefore, we must learn to store up treasures in heaven and not simply on this earth. We must learn to trust that our Heavenly Father will take care of us. And, we must learn to love other people instead of judging them. God is calling us to live as His disciples. Let’s invest in what matters and live our lives for the glory of our great God!

It is possible to do the right things for the wrong reasons. Jesus warns us that one reason people do this is to gain the approval of others. He gives three specific examples of how the practices of giving to the needy, prayer, and fasting can be used for personal social gain and not for Kingdom. He then gives us the way to practice these with pure hearts. Practice them to glorify God.

Jesus teaches His Disciples the “Way of the Kingdom” or what life with Jesus as a follower of Him looks like. Jesus came and turned the popular thinking of the day upside down! Teaching that life in the Kingdom is about relationship, not religion, that you should love your enemy, and that He cares about your heart! Will you be a person this week who continues to look for meaning and purpose in the ways of the world or will you allow Jesus to set your agenda and to show you what really matters?

The Sermon on the Mount is the greatest sermon ever shared. In this message, Jesus outlines what it means to be a disciple of God. This is the great manifesto of the Christian faith. There is power in words. Words shape our lives and transform our hearts. The words Jesus gives are not simply to be heard and admired, but to be implemented into our daily lives. These words are life-giving and life-transforming. Let’s put into practice these incredible words from the mount and live the life Jesus invites us to live.

Jesus grew “in favor with man.” As we grow closer to God, we will naturally grow in our love for others. The key to spiritual growth is love. Jesus said the most important commandment is to love God and to love others. As we live like Jesus, people are changed and so are we. We cannot simply talk about being a Christian, we must live it out in our everyday lives. How do you plan to grow in “favor with man” in 2020? Be proactive. Don’t sit back, but truly engage in your family, church, neighborhood, and workplace for the glory of God. Let’s focus on Jesus this year.

This year could be filled with DISTRACTIONS, but what would it take to FIND focus by finding time WITH the Father. When we are reminded of why God chose to save his creation it makes us want to be WITH him. And get this...When we are WITH Him, we want to be LIKE Him.

From the time Jesus was 12 and his parents found him teaching in the temple, until he was grown and ready to begin His earthly ministry, we have one verse that gives us a glimpse of how He prepared to change the world. Luke 2:52 says "Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." As we kick off 2020, we explore how we too can learn from Jesus as we look to grow in stature and make godly choices this year!

From the time Jesus was 12 and his parents found him teaching in the temple, until he was grown and ready to begin His earthly ministry, we have one verse that gives us a glimpse of how He prepared to change the world. Luke 2:52 says "Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." As we kick off 2020, we explore how we too can learn from Jesus as we look to grow in wisdom and make godly choices this year!

Join us for our special Christmas Eve Candlelight Service!

How can you find real peace?

We look for peace in all the wrong places. We seek peace with others by avoiding them. We look for peace with God through religion. When it comes to finding peace with ourselves…far too many of us have come to believe that’s not even an option.

True peace in all of these things and more is available at any moment, but it’s only found through Jesus.

Join us this week at Rolling Hills as we continue our Christmas series and discover how Jesus can give you real peace.

Before Jesus was born, God was telling the world what kind of Messiah He would be. When Jesus lived on this earth, He showed us what God is like. Jesus personified God as our Everlasting Father. We all know the impact of a father. For some, the word “father” brings great thoughts, but for others, there are difficult memories. However, despite the shortcomings of our earthly fathers, God is the perfect Heavenly Father. God loves you with an everlasting love. Christmas is all about the love of our Heavenly Father: sending His Son so that we could become His children. The greatest Gift of all has been given to us. And, His Name is Jesus. Merry Christmas!

Jesus is Mighty God. Sometimes it is easy, at this time of the year, to simply think about baby Jesus in the manger. Sweet little baby Jesus. While we do thank God for the humanity of Jesus and by that He can identify with all we go through, yet make no mistake - Jesus is fully God. Jesus’ birth, life, and death was anything but ordinary. Jesus, as Mighty God, came into this world to conquer death and to make a way for us to have eternal life. As Mighty God, there is nothing that Jesus cannot handle in the world or in our life. This Christmas, see Jesus as the God who loves and saves. “Immanuel” - God with us. God has come for you!

What counsel do you need from God?

IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME!! Time to put up the tree, string up the lights, and turn on the holiday classics! But the best part of the whole season is the chance to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah predicted His birth, calling Jesus a “Wonderful Counselor.” Which is such a relief, because a lot of us could use a reliable shoulder to lean on this year.

Join us this week at Rolling Hills as we begin our Christmas series. Discover how Jesus is the ultimate counselor and learn how you can reach out to Him for your every need -- the big ones, the small ones, and everything in-between.

What are you thankful for?

It’s almost Thanksgiving! Which means we're a week away from being stuffed full of all kinds of culinary goodness. In the midst of all of the eating and parades and football, it’s easy to forget what the holiday is actually all about.

Join us this week at Rolling Hills to hear stories of Thanksgiving and learn how you can prepare your heart for a week of thankfulness.

You know a tree by its fruit. An apple tree produces apples. An orange tree produces oranges. Therefore, a Christian should produce Christ. So, what comes out of your life? Most of the time, we work hard to develop godly characteristics like love, joy, peace and the list goes on. However, our call is not to produce this fruit out of our own self-effort, but to grow deeper in Jesus. As we grow deeper in Jesus, fruit happens. The Fruit of the Spirit comes out in your life. Are you growing deeper in Jesus? This week, focus on Jesus in prayer, reading His Word and surrounding yourself with godly people. You (and others) will see the fruit as you live for Jesus.

Through Jesus, we are set free. When we commit our lives to Jesus, we ask Him to forgive our sins, redeem, and restore us. We then enter into an eternal relationship with Sovereign God who becomes our Heavenly Father and we are set free. Set free from having to live like the world and we are set free from the law. Our salvation comes in Jesus alone. We are set free and we are called then to live free. We should grow in our love for God and for others. May we love others as God loves us. Let’s be people who offer grace, forgiveness, and love just like we are received from God. We are set free to live free.

As a follower of Christ, everything about your earthly life and eternal salvation is based on the Promise of Jesus’ death and resurrection for you. As you go through your week, reflect on what it looks like to live a life based on God’s Grace and Promise instead of on your own striving and effort. Let your actions flow out of Jesus’ exceedingly abundant gift! Don’t try to finish by your own strength what God has begun in your life through His Spirit.

In a world filled with counterfeit gospels, it becomes imperative that we focus on the real gospel. Jesus plus nothing else equals everything...equals salvation...equals sanctification. When we have been set free from the Grace of God through Jesus it transforms our lives. Not only does it change the way we LIVE, but it also changes the way we LOVE. When we start from our undeserved grace and love he has given, it frees us from fixing people to loving people, the way that he loved. Our prayer is that we would be reminded of his deep love for us every morning and that love would be the love that we lead with throughout our days.

How’s your math?

Maybe you’re a mathematician. You got straight A's in every single math class in all 20+ years of schooling. You’re the kind of person who even dreams in numbers.

Or maybe you barely skated by in algebra and only because the teacher took pity on you. You won’t even attempt a math problem that can’t be done on your phone’s calculator.

Regardless of your level of math knowledge, there’s one equation we can all get behind:

Jesus + Nothing = Everything

Join us this week at Rolling Hills as we begin our new series, Set Free to Live Free, and look at what Jesus did for us and how that changes everything.

We live in a culture of anxiety, worry, and fear, but God wants us to be “anxious for nothing.” God is Sovereign - He is in control of everything. When we learn to fully trust Him, then we can have peace. This doesn’t mean that we will not go through challenging times in our life, but it will mean that will always know that God is with us. Changing the music of our life to Psalm 23 will be a constant reminder that, The Lord is my Shepherd. I lack nothing. Psalm 23:1

We have all been blessed not just for us, but for us to be a blessing to others. The two great antidotes to anxiety are gratitude and giving. When we think about all God has done for us, then we quickly see our anxiety subside. When we truly realize God is Sovereign over all Creation, and He is the One who is with us and He is for us then we are able to give and invest in others. We experience joy as we become the hands and feet of Christ. God is the greatest Giver of all - He gave His One and Only Son for us. We are most like God when we love and when we give. Let’s grow in our gratitude and in our giving.

In this world, we live with so much anxiety, worry and fear. Yet, we must remember - God is with us through it all. Our tendency is to look at the “wind” and the “waves” around us. To focus on our problems or struggles; yet, when we look up Jesus is there with His arm outstretched to us. Will you take His hand today? Will you receive His grace and peace in your life? Whatever you are facing this week, just know that Jesus is greater. He still calms storms and redeems lives. God is with you and He is is for you! Live in this confidence this week.

Do you feel broken? We have all experienced pain. For some of us, that pain cuts pretty deep. It’s easy to feel like we have to fix ourselves completely before we can be used by God, but God doesn’t think like that. Whatever pain you’ve gone through, God has a purpose in that brokenness and He knows how to use it to help those around you. Join us as we continue our series on Psalm 23, and discover how God can bring beauty out of your brokenness.

God is at work in your life. God is inviting you into a relationship with Him. Jesus is our Good Shepherd, and He calls you by name. Will you respond to His grace, mercy, and love today? When you are one of His sheep, He promises to take care of you. Anxiety, worry, and fear come when we take our eyes off Jesus and focus on our problems. You stare at a problem long enough, it grows; you stare at Jesus long enough and peace comes. Allow God to lead you, and trust His plans for your life. Will you follow Jesus and find the peace you are looking for today?

So many people today suffer from anxiety, worry, and/or fear. Recent studies show that 77% of adults in the US experience physical symptoms of stress and 96% see anxiety and depression as problems amongst their peers. Yet, God does not want us to live this way. Some anxiety, worry, and fear is healthy, but excessive stress in these areas will lead to hurt and pain for ourselves and others. But, God. God can and will bring healing into our lives. God wants us to be anxious for nothing because The Lord is my shepherd. God is with you and for you today. Let’s live in faith and confidence in Christ Jesus.

We are God’s Church today. By God’s grace, we are the Body of Christ. Now, our call is to live out the purposes of His Church--worship, discipleship, evangelism, community, and ministry. As we all lock arms together and live out our faith, God’s Kingdom is furthered in our day and generation. Join the Church and invest your life in the greatest movement in history. Let’s live our lives for God’s glory and see those around us experience the joy and grace of our great God!

As parents, grandparents, and church family, we all have a calling and a responsibility to invest in the next generation. Just as our parents, grandparents, and church family invested in us, so now it is our turn to pour into others. Our desire is to raise up spiritual world changers--young men and women who are strong, mature, and steadfast in the Lord. Let’s Make History--Make HIStory come alive in the heart of our family and church family. It takes all of us praying, giving, serving, and modeling Christ. This is our time, so let’s live it for the glory of our great God!

We are Making History. Therefore, what are you teaching? What are you passing along to those who come behind you? As parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, small group leaders, teachers, coaches, and more—we are all pouring into the next generation. This is our opportunity to pass Jesus and His love on to our children. As a part of God’s Church, it is our responsibility to invest. As parents and role-models, the way we live our lives is always teaching—showing what we value and what is most important to us. Are you teaching Jesus? Are you proclaiming Him with your life? Let’s make His Story come alive in the heart of our family today.

Do you have a vision for your family? We like to make plans. It’s part of being human. We plan out the meals we’ll have, the trips we’ll take. The most ambitious of us (hey there, type-A’s!) can even divvy out specific tasks for every hour of every day for the next week. But what about your family? Do you have plans for what you want your family to look like next year? What about five or ten years from now? How does God's vision for your family factor into those plans? Join us as we continue our series, Making History, and learn about God’s vision for your family.

Have you ever seen imprinted ducklings? Whoever is the source for the imprint becomes the leader of a massive game of Follow-the-leader. These little ducklings will follow them wherever they go. Even into a hotel lobby! If you’ve ever been to the Peabody Hotel, you know what I am talking about. Every day at 11 am a Duckmaster will initiate the Peabody Duck March and the ducks will march from the elevator to the fountain in the lobby. Over the years, the older generation has taught the next generation of ducks the way—keeping the tradition alive since the 1930s. This is an excellent example of how family habits and mannerisms transfer from grandparent to parent to child. Not all of the habits we love, or we want to claim—but they are a part of us. Join us, as we begin our new series Making History | Making His Story Come Alive in the Heart of Your Family. And take a more in-depth look at how our family legacy impacts how we live today.

We are all leaving a legacy--the question is what legacy are we leaving? What will people remember about us? David is known as “a man after God’s heart.” Even though he made some huge mistakes, he did not let that define him. There were consequences for his sin, but David lived forgiven and redeemed by the grace of God. Throughout the joy and the struggles of his life, David remained committed to God. He left a legacy that pointed people to the Messiah, Jesus. Jesus is even known as “The Son of David.” How are you pointing others to Jesus? Commit today to leave a godly legacy.

We all sin. We all make mistakes. The question is not, “If we sin...”, but “How do we respond when we sin?” By God’s grace, there is forgiveness. Yet, we must confess our sins and turn from them. Sometimes we are just sorry we got caught as opposed to deeply desiring to restore our relationship with God. God hates sin because He knows the damage it causes to the people He loves. Therefore, let’s come clean before Jesus today. Confess your sins, and find the forgiveness and grace that only God can give. Allow God to forgive you, and then live in His love and grace each and every day.

In our lives, we will be tempted. We have an enemy who wants to destroy us, and therefore he brings temptations into our lives so that we will rebel against the God who loves us. Yet, temptation is not a sin. Temptation is an opportunity to choose what is right. Sin has enormous consequences in our relationship with God and with others. We must learn to guard our hearts and minds against sin. Jesus wants the best for us. Learn to fall in love with Jesus and learn to say no to the temptations that come our way. Stop sin now, come clean and hold tight to Jesus.

What kind of leader does God want you to be? They’re everywhere. They’re at our jobs and at our schools. They’re politicians and personal trainers and chefs and accountants. They’re leaders. And, like it or not, you’re one too. God has called you to be a leader for the people you interact with on a daily basis. But what does that look like? Join us to learn how to be a godly leader.

When carpooling somewhere with a group of friends, this question is bound to arise—and it is a big decision! One person may get you to your destination more quickly, but consequently, you may also have a heart attack on the way due to their reckless driving. Or another might make you late, but you know you will get there safely. What if we applied this question to our everyday life? Who’s driving our life decisions? Is it us? Our friends? Or is it God? We’re good at asking God to drive our big life decisions, but when it comes to the day-to-day, we often take control and drive wherever we want. Join us and learn how we can surrender the driver seat to the One who made the roads.

We all need good friends. Friends are a gift from God and invaluable in our lives. Now, there are good friends and there are not-so-good friends. Therefore, we must surround ourselves with friends who lead us closer to God. That deep spiritual connection is the bond of a healthy God-honoring friendship. By God’s grace, we all have a friend in Jesus. Jesus laid down His life for His friends. May we find our worth and value in our relationship with our friend, Jesus.

As Christ-followers, we are called to honor those over us. Sometimes this is easy, and sometimes it is not. David gives honor to Saul as the King even when Saul doesn’t deserve it. We can’t control how other people act, but we can control how we respond. There are people in our lives we are called to honor — whether it’s a boss, parents, government officials. Find your identity in the Lord, and then honor those people out of your love for God. Set healthy boundaries when needed. Then, become a person of honor. Become a person your children, employees and those you teach or coach want to honor because you are living your life for God’s glory.

When we hear the story of David vs. Goliath, we immediately think about facing overwhelming odds. Yet, as we examine the story more closely, it really was David who had the advantage. When God is with you, there is nothing too great for Him to conquer. So often we live defeated lives, but we must realize that the Spirit of the Living God is in us and for us. Let’s live bold lives. Let’s be men and women who face the giants of our lives with the power of God. Our God is with us and for us! What step of faith is God calling you to take? Live victorious in Christ.

We spend so much of our life concerned with how we look on the outside. Think about how much time we spend getting ready in the morning or how concerned we are with what we look like and wear. Yet, God cares more about the inside than He does about the outside. God wants us to have a godly heart because He knows that who we are on the inside is way more important than the outside. Therefore, this week, will you search your heart? Will you commit your heart to the Lord? Learn to trust Him and to hear His voice in prayer. Will you spend time growing your character, so that you can become all God desires? God chose David, and He chose you! Now, let’s bring Him glory through how we mature on the inside.

How can you leverage your platform? Did you know that you have a platform? It’s true! All of us do. You may not be a movie star or a world-class athlete but God has still given you a platform right where you are. The influence you have in your family, in your neighborhood, and with your co-workers is just as significant as if you were on a stage in front of tens of thousands of people. Join us to discover what your platform is and learn how you can leverage it for the Kingdom of God.

We will all face difficulties in this life. It is not a matter of if we will go through trials and struggles, but when. Even Jesus went through difficulties, so we should not think we will be immune. However, when seasons of struggles come, there are ways that we can leverage our difficulties for the glory of our God. These are times for us to rely on God, grow stronger in our faith, and minister to others. There are no perfect people, so when we share with someone out of a difficulty we have experienced, they can relate more to us. Our misery can become our ministry. Don’t waste your difficulties. Allow God to redeem and restore them as well as you.

Leverage is to use (something) to its maximum advantage. What about your resources? Think about everything God has entrusted to you - money, abilities, opportunities, His Spirit, and so much more. Are you leveraging what God has given you to build your own kingdom or to build His Kingdom? Sometimes we are afraid - afraid to give, afraid to serve, or afraid to get serious about investing in the things of God. Don’t live by fear, but by faith. Make it the aim of your life to hear God say one day, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Let’s leverage our resources for the glory of our great God!

Does your education matter? Chances are you’ve gone to school at some point. Some of us eeked through high school on a wing and a prayer. And some of us have multiple doctorates and are considering a third. While we might come from different educational backgrounds, one thing is true for everyone: no matter what you learned or where you learned it, God can use it. Join us this week at Rolling Hills as we continue our series, LEVERAGE, and learn how you can use your education for God’s glory.

Leverage means to use something to its maximum advantage. What about your time? Time is the most precious gift we all have. We all have the same amount of time in a day and where we invest our time shows what we value. We often talk about how busy we are and how much we need more time, but it is really not about having more time as it is prioritizing our time to invest in the things that matter. As you grow in the Lord, you realize there are things that will last for eternity. Let’s resolve to invest the time God has given us for His glory. Let’s leverage our time.

Is your Jesus dead or alive? If He is dead, then Jesus doesn’t impact how you live. You live for yourself and this life is all that there is for you. However, if your Jesus is alive, then He brings you alive as well. You have abundant life now and for eternity. Have you accepted God’s grace and committed your life to follow Jesus? This Easter, come alive in Christ. If you are a follower of Jesus, then have you fully dedicated your life to Him? He is calling you to be baptized, join the church, and to fully engage in what He is doing today. Experience life, as Jesus says, “to the full” both now and forever more. Come alive in Jesus this Easter!

Jesus being the Life is such good news for us! When we were dead in our sins, Jesus comes to pay the price for us. He has to grace and the power to raise us from the dead and to give us eternal life with Him. This Palm Sunday may we worship our Savior. May we be thankful for all we have in Christ and prepare our hearts for this Holy Week. Jesus comes into Jerusalem to conquer death and to give us eternal life. All glory be to our Christ Jesus, our Savior and Lord!

How should we respond to the Truth of Jesus? Unless you’ve been living in a mountaintop monastery, you’ve undoubtedly had some sort of interaction with a preschooler over the last couple of years. And one of the best things about toddlers is their complete transparency when they’re, shall we say, less than honest. It’s usually pretty easy to tell when a little one is telling the truth. But for everyone else in our lives…it can be tough to separate what’s true from what’s untrue. Luckily, the Truth of Jesus is something we can fully depend on. Join us as we continue our Easter series and discover what the Truth of Jesus is all about.

Easter in our culture has become about a lot of things - like bunnies, eggs, chocolate, or gathering with friends and family - and while all of these things are not bad, Easter is really all about Jesus! The Resurrection of Jesus, that we celebrate at Easter, changed the world and changed our lives forever. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6. So, what do you believe about Jesus? Is He “a” way to God or is He “‘the” way to God? Easter is where Jesus conquered death to bring life! Will you trust “the Way” today and invest your life in the One who gave His for you? Join us as we begin our new series “Jesus: The Way. The Truth. The Life.”

Christianity is not a spectator sport. Christianity is about doing. It’s about going. We have too much Good News to just sit around and wait for something to happen. God wants us to share His story, not just with those in our community, but with everyone. As in, to the ends of the earth everyone. Join us as we wrap up our series, Love.Everyone.Always. Learn what it means to live out a missionary faith and discover how you can take Good News of Jesus throughout the world.

Ever wonder what it’d be like to be an ambassador to another country? You’d live somewhere cool like Spain or Japan and immerse yourself in that culture, all while representing the United States in everything you do. Believe it or not, we have that same calling right where we live. We are called to be ambassadors for Jesus in our community, which means we represent Him in all we say and do to the people we interact with on a daily basis. Join us and learn how you can represent Jesus in your community.

Jesus loves all people. As followers of Jesus today, we must learn to love like Jesus. It is easy to love people who are just like us and who love us back, but real love is meeting people where they are and inviting them to Jesus. When we are passionate about something, we will tell others - whether it is a sports team, a movie, or something on social media, we want others to know. When we love Jesus, we can’t help but talk about Him. And, His call to us, as His disciples, is for us to fall more in love with Him each day and then to Love. Everyone. Always.

Do you consider yourself a loving person? Sure, most of us would. Right? We love our families. And our friends. Well, most of them, anyway. But what about that awkward neighbor down the street who’s kind of hard to talk to? What about that co-worker, the one you heard was going through a tough time? Jesus calls us to a life of love. But for many of us, it’s hard to look past our own needs to see the needs of those around us. Join us as we begin a new series, Love. Everyone. Always. and discover how you can live a life of love.

The incredible story of Ruth shows us that God is always with us. God is writing a greater story than we can see or even imagine. Our call is to be faithful to Him regardless of our circumstances. Not to wander from our faith, but to be steadfast in our commitment. God is faithful to us and sent HIs own Son, Jesus, as our “kinsman-redeemer.” Therefore, let us be faithful to Him and to those He places in our lives both today and every day - “come what may.”

Who are you surrounding yourself with? Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” It’s probably no surprise that your friends can have a major influence on the way you live your life. The Bible tells us again and again that we should choose to spend our time with godly influences. As you’ve probably heard before, you’re known by the company you keep. Join us as we hear how Ruth surrounded herself with the right people and discover the difference it made in her life.

Are you good at following through? How many times have you thought, “I’m going to start exercising” or “I’m going to read my Bible more regularly?” Most of us are pretty good at setting goals. But how many of us actually follow through with those goals? It’s one thing to make a declaration (“I’m going to have a quiet time every day!”), but it’s a whole other thing to meet that declaration with action. Join us as we continue our series on the book of Ruth, and discover how God rewarded Ruth once she took action.

What do you do when things go wrong? Everyone feels some type of loss. Maybe for you, it was a short season and you quickly sailed through, unscathed. Or maybe your season of loss has lasted years. The losses of life are unavoidable and beyond our control. But the one thing we can control is what we do after things go wrong. Join us as we start a new series about the story of Ruth, and discover what the Bible teaches about how we can handle the losses in our lives.

How are those New Year’s Resolutions coming along? If you’re like 1/3 of America, you may have already given them up! When you look ahead to the rest of 2019, what realistic goals have you set for yourself? What about the goals for your family? Do you have any career or financial goals? Do you want to serve more? Learn to play the banjo? Having a vision for your future is one of the best ways to get things accomplished. Join us as we lay out the vision for our church over the next year and hear about ways you can get involved in 2019.

God left us the Bible as a gift, it is God’s love letter to us. The Bible points us to Jesus and helps us mature in our faith. It is so beneficial to our spiritual growth and health. However, when it comes to studying the Bible, many people are intimidated and therefore, do nothing. How do we overcome fear and take our first step (or 100th step) in studying the Bible consistently? Join us and find out some practical ways you can study and grow in God’s Word each day.

What guides your life? Is it the advice of family members? Or life tips from your friends? Maybe you get guidance from a variety of sources. Just please don’t say it has anything to do with Facebook. God has already given us a perfect guide for our lives and the majority of us have at least one just sitting around the house. The Bible is God’s way of speaking directly to us every day. It’s not only the actual Words of God but the Bible also serves as an owner’s manual for our lives. Join us as we continue our series about the importance of the Bible in our daily lives.

Have you ever doubted the Bible? Have you ever read something in church and wondered to yourself, “Did this really come from God? Or did somebody just make it up?” Because, on the surface, it’s a little crazy — so many pages of words, written by so many authors, over so many years… How do we know that it’s all true? Join us as we begin a new series all about the Bible, and learn how you can know that the Bible is indeed the true Word of God.

Everybody feels alone. It’s inevitable. Even the happiest, most optimistic people can still feel that ache of loneliness creep in from time to time. But that’s why it’s amazing that we follow the God we do. When Jesus walked this Earth, He felt every emotion that we feel and struggled through the same things we struggle with. He can relate to all of it. So whether you’re feeling excited and joyful or totally alone, you can be confident that God knows exactly how you feel. Join us as we learn how Jesus can identify with every joy and struggle in our lives.

Christmas is about giving. The reason we give gifts to those we love at Christmas is because God first gave to us. The greatest gift of all has been given to you. When Jesus was born, the angel announced, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you.” Luke 2:11. Now, a gift only becomes yours when you receive it. This Christmas receive Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, and then live your life for His Name and His glory. This is where life truly becomes alive! Experience the joy of Christmas! After the service, come talk to one of our pastors or stop by the Next Steps booth. Make this your best Christmas yet as Jesus Christ comes alive not just in Bethlehem 2,000 years ago, but as He comes alive in you today!

When was the last time you put everything on the line for Jesus? When you pursued Him wholeheartedly, sacrificing your time and resources to follow Him? In the midst of the consumer-focused onslaught that is the Christmas season, it’s easy to forget to pursue the heart of Jesus. But there’s no other way to experience the real reason for the season! Join us as we continue our series, Christmas: Welcome Jesus, and hear how the story of the Magi reveals the value in pursuing Jesus with all we have.

Have you ever stopped to think about the fact that God actually came down to Earth and existed for several decades in a human body? The God of the universe, all-powerful and indestructible, chose to restrict Himself in the frail, deteriorating form of a human. He didn’t have to do that. He could have come in any form He wanted. He could have shocked the world in the most extravagant, awe-inspiring form imaginable. So why did He choose to live as one of us? Join us this week as we continue our series, Christmas: Welcome Jesus, and learn about the humanity of Jesus and why it matters in our lives today.

What do you believe about Jesus? C.S. Lewis wrote that you really only have 3 options: Jesus was a liar — He intentionally deceived everyone into believing that He was the Son of God. Jesus was a lunatic — He was mentally unstable and believed, falsely, that He was the Son of God. Jesus is Lord — He really is the Son of God and everything He claimed is true. Join us and find out what the Bible says about who Jesus is and why it matters in our lives today.

What are you preparing for this holiday season? Maybe it’s parties and meals with family and friends. Maybe you’re preparing for all the presents you have to buy and wrap over the next few weeks. Whatever you’re preparing for, let’s not forget to prepare for the reason we celebrate in the first place. Join us as we begin our Christmas series, Christmas: Welcome Jesus, and discover how you can prepare your heart for Him this year.

It’s that time of year again… When shopping lists and holiday traffic and weird songs about hippopotamuses start their yearly domination over our time and energy, overwhelming our senses and threatening to drain us of all the warm fuzzies we get from watching the onslaught of emotional holiday commercials. It’s happening. And there’s nothing you can do to stop it. BUT! We can start off the season in the right way. Join us at Rolling Hills this Sunday as we tell stories of Thanksgiving and start your Christmas season off with a grateful heart.

Do you remember what life was like before you encountered Jesus? Whether you were just a kid when you became a Christian and have few memories of that time or much older, one thing is for sure — when God moves in, everything changes. It may have been an obvious behavioral change that you can point to specifically or it might have been a more subtle change that was stretched out over many years. But it’s impossible to encounter the person of Jesus and remain the same. Join us as we conclude our series, For the Kingdom, with a celebration of all God has done in our church throughout the last couple of months.

For the Kingdom is a God-sized vision, there is no doubt. It will require significant commitment from each of us over the next three years to succeed. However, the life change that will come as a result of our faithfulness now will have an eternal impact on thousands of children and adults here in our community and around the world. On this Commitment Sunday we will come together and show what we are for.

You’ve seen the movies. The ones where a bunch of small things happen and the main character is convinced that each one is “a sign” and they’re all building up to some huge, life-altering event. It’s fun when we see it come to life on TV but rarely does that kind of thing happen in reality. But that’s exactly what the church of God should be like. Every little thing we do as Christians should point to Jesus. Join us and discover how the building of the Temple of God was all pointing toward the coming of Jesus and learn what that means for your life today.

It should come as no surprise that a group of people, working together, can accomplish far more than a single person working alone. So why do we as Christians so frequently try to go at it by ourselves? Alone, you may be able to reach your neighborhood for Christ by sharing the Good News to those in your everyday life. But just think of what could happen if the others in your small group had the same goal. Then what if we added multiple small groups with the same goal? What about the entire church? Everyone has a part to play in the body of Christ, and one of the best examples of that is found in 2 Chronicles 2. Join us as we explore how King Solomon brought his kingdom together to build the temple of God.

Some people are book-smart and made straight A’s from the womb through med school. Others are street-smart — these are the people who can easily (and annoyingly) navigate through cities they’ve never been to and situations they’ve never been in. But wisdom is different. True wisdom isn’t about intelligence or instincts. And it can’t be found in a textbook or from life experience. True wisdom comes from God alone. Join us as we continue our series, For the Kingdom. Learn how King Solomon became the wisest person who ever lived and discover how God grants us wisdom when we first commit ourselves to Him.

Do you inspire others to do great things? Whether you know it or not, you will leave a legacy on this planet. There are others watching you right now, paying attention to the things you say and do and drawing conclusions about what is most important in your life. What kind of legacy will you leave them? Will you be known as someone who was only focused on their career? Will you be known as the kind of person who was only interested in making their life as comfortable as possible? Or will you be known as the kind of person who empowered others to be the very best they could possibly be, drawing them closer to God and inspiring them to do great things for Him? This week learn how David empowered his son, Solomon, to do great things for God.

If you grew up in the church, you’ve probably heard the phrase, “God loves a cheerful giver.” In fact, if you’re EXTRA lucky, you might have even grown up with the Steve Green song “God Loves a Cheerful Giver.” Google it. It’ll get stuck in your head for days. It’s actually from 2 Corinthians 9:7 where it says, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” God can always use the things we give over to Him. But He loves it when we give with a willing, cheerful heart. Hear how the leaders of Israel gave willingly after seeing the generous example set by King David.

All of us are leaders. Maybe you don’t oversee a Fortune 500 company or have tens of thousands of followers on Twitter. But there’s no question that there are people you interact with on a regular basis who look up to you and are watching what you do and say. And one of the best things we can do as leaders, whether at home or at work, is to personally invest in whatever we do. That might mean sacrificing your time by spending it to help others. Or it might mean sacrificing your money to put toward the things that really matter. Join us this week at Rolling Hills as we continue our series, For the Kingdom, and discover how David invested personally in the biggest and most important project of his life.

Let’s make a commitment together. For the next 50 days, let’s invest our lives in what will last. Together let’s “reach out, grow up, and give all” for the glory of our great God. As we enter into this new initiative at Rolling Hills called, “For the Kingdom,” let’s commit to pray, serve, and give our best. Our God used David and Solomon, and now it is our turn. We are God’s Church today. Let’s “be strong and courageous and do the work.” During these next 50 days, take a “Next Step” in your spiritual life – give your life fully to Christ, pray, read God’s Word, be baptized, join a Community Group, become a church partner or whatever God is calling you to do next with Him. Then, on November 4, let’s make a three-year pledge, over-and-above our tithe, to invest together in His Kingdom. Our best days are still ahead, so let’s join together and invest “For the Kingdom!”

There is incredible power and potential in prayer. Through prayer, we invite the God of the Universe into a situation and into our lives. Prayer changes things, but even more prayer changes us. Through prayer, we have the opportunity to reach our full potential in Christ. The disciples said to Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray.” As we grow in our prayer life, we become more alive and more engaged with what God is doing. None of us are perfect at prayer, but as we take steps to grow spiritually in our prayer life, the impact is incredible. God will move mountains and God will transform us into people of love, joy and peace through prayer. Let’s become people of prayer and a church of prayer together.

There is power in prayer. Prayer is inviting the God of the Universe into a situation and our lives. God has the power. So many times, we try to fix a situation ourselves, when all along God’s power is available. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to His disciples. God gave us His power and then sent us out to be His witnesses. We are called to pray, go, and serve. And we do this in His Name, with His power and locking arms with His people. We are truly better together. Jesus taught us to pray this way and to live this way. Let’s pray and live it out for His glory!

All too often we stumble into our prayer time without a plan, throw up a few requests and then quickly move on to the next thing. But Jesus taught that prayer should be more like a discipline — something we spend time on and take seriously. Something we practice and develop.

Prayer is an incredible gift from God. The ability to communicate with the Creator and Sustainer of this world and of our life is a joy and a privilege. Yet, so often in prayer, we move in the wrong direction. We start with us – we launch into our needs and what we want. Jesus teaches us through the Lord’s Prayer, or the Model Prayer, a new pattern – start with God first. Focus on your Heavenly Father, and this will change how you pray. When we begin to see reality from God’s point of view vs. our own, this changes everything. As we learn to pray like Jesus teaches, our lives are forever changed. There is a joy, peace, purpose, and love that flows when we have the right pattern in prayer. “Lord, teach us to pray…”

Every person prays. Whether it was the ancient Egyptians praying to the sun, religions praying to gods they built, or someone in desperation calling out for help, there is an innate response in all of us to pray to something or someone. Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Our Father,” and to call out to God. Addressing God as “Father” was a radical notion – and this is what separates Christianity from every other major world religion. The God of the Universe wants to have a personal relationship with you. God wants you to call out to Him. He invites you to know Him intimately. Do you know God as Father? This only comes through Jesus Christ. When we know God as Father, it is then that we come alive. Prayer is the lifeline to your Father, and your Father loves you.

Prayer is a great thing. Whether we want to say thanks for what God is doing in our lives or share our deepest fears and desires, we can do it directly to Him any time we want. So if prayer is such a great thing, why does it come with so many questions? Like, why do some prayers get answered and some don’t? What makes some prayers effective and others…not so much? And how, exactly, do we pray?

God did not call us to be successful but to be faithful to Him. But how do we live a faithful life?

It’s easy to identify with Joseph. Through every twist and turn in his journey, we’re always rooting for him to prevail. We cheer for him just as we would the protagonist of any great tale. But as we get closer to the end of Joseph’s story, a new hero begins to take shape. And it’s not who you’d expect. Because this hero doesn’t play a huge role. He’s not even mentioned by name. But as the journey of Joseph unfolds it becomes more and more clear that the hero of this story isn’t Joseph at all, but Jesus. Joseph’s role as the bearer of forgiveness in the lives of his brothers shares a striking resemblance to the relationship we have with Jesus. And pretty soon we realize that we identify more with Joseph’s brothers than with Joseph himself. Because just like his brothers, we’re the ones who have sinned and we’re the ones who are in desperate need of forgiveness.

Our faith is tested more in the good times than in the hard times. In the difficult times, we hold on to God. We recognize our utter dependence on Him when we are in the hospital, facing a financial struggle or in a crisis. Yet, in times of success, many people begin to drift away from God. We put our faith in ourselves and talk about what we have accomplished. Learning to hold on to God and being faithful in times of success is a real mark of spiritual growth and maturity. Joseph did this, and I pray we will as well. Let’s be faithful people even in the good times.

Things don’t always go our way, and that’s a fact. Instead of taking these moments as personal offense and wallowing in self-pity, what if we saw them as a chance to grow into Godly leaders? In our greatest struggles we have opportunities for greatest change. Godly leadership is not discovered but developed, and God has to forge His leaders before He can use them as agents of change in the world. So how do we move from a leadership style that points others in a general direction to a more Godly leadership style of guiding others in God’s direction?

How do you stay ready for God’s timing? Staying ready means fighting the temptation to give up and bringing peace to the troubled hearts around you, even in the midst of your waiting. But it also means staying connected to Christ and pointing others to Him.

We all go through times of waiting. Maybe you are in that season right now – waiting on a dream to be fulfilled, waiting on a new job (the right job), waiting to get married, waiting for a child, waiting… What do you do in these times of waiting? Well, we learn from Joseph to be faithful to God and to be “active” in the waiting. God is preparing you for what God is preparing for you. God is writing a greater story in you, so be faithful where you are and allow Him to forge you into the man or woman He wants you to be – even in the waiting.

We all face temptations in life. From sexual immorality to pride, “sin is crouching at the door” (Genesis 4:7). However, temptation is not sin. In fact, temptation is an opportunity to choose what is right. There is a difference between temptation and trials, but God uses both to forge us into the men and women He desires. Temptation is a test to see how we are growing in our relationship with God. When temptation comes, stand firm in the Lord, as Joseph did. He loves you, and He will provide a way out for you when you’re faithful to Him. Remember, He is doing a bigger work than you can see, so stay faithful.

God is working in all of us. Yet, through the journey of life, there will be conflict. Conflict is what God can use to forge us–refine us. Nonetheless, it is difficult when the conflict comes from our own family, like it was for Joseph. How we handle this conflict develops our character. This is the refining process as God is shaping us to be more like Jesus. By God’s grace, as we handle conflict in a godly way, we can impact our family for generations. God wants to shape us and use us to make a difference for Christ right where we are today.

Dreams are crazy. Think about it — your subconscious keeps working when you’re sleeping, revealing your true thoughts and feelings, but in bizarre ways that rarely make sense on the surface. You could be riding on a roller coaster or being chased by spiders or even flying (or worse, falling). It’s nuts! And yet God still speaks to us, even through our dreams. Maybe it’s because one of the only times we actually stop to listen is when we’re asleep. This week, take a minute to think about what God has been trying to say to you — whether through your dreams, through His Word or through the advice of friends and family. Is God leading you toward a new goal? A new career? A new ministry? Whatever it is, it might seem scary and overwhelming. But just remember that when God is guiding, you can always trust that He will take care of the details.

It is not how you start, but how you finish. We all get one shot at life. One opportunity. How will we finish? With his last letter, the apostle Paul challenges and encourages Timothy to finish well. And, through this letter in the Bible, God challenges and encourages us to do the same. How are you planning to finish well? Where will you invest your time, energy and resources in order to further God’s Kingdom a legacy that will long outlive you? Let’s finish well!

As followers of Christ, we have been charged with raising up the next generation of believers. To prepare them for the trials and difficult times that are coming, by being an example in what we say and do. For, “what we say most, communicates what should matter most.”

This is the apostle Paul’s last letter. Paul is in prison in Rome for being a Christ-follower, and he knows he is about to die for the Gospel. Therefore, Paul writes this letter to Timothy, his spiritual son in the faith, and he tells him how to finish his life well. Paul points Timothy to the importance of dedication, hard-work and focus in his Christian faith. Paul wants Timothy to leave a legacy for Christ that will impact future generations. Today, God is speaking to us through this amazing letter. What legacy will you leave? How are you planning to finish well?

How many projects have you started, having no idea how you were going to finish? And how many of those projects did you abandon halfway through? There’s a reason for that! Not having the end goal in mind makes it much harder to finish. Yesterday, we started our new series, Finish Well, based on the book 2 Timothy and Paul’s final instructions at the end of his life. If anyone in history could claim to have finished well, it would be Paul, a man who put everything on the line for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through Paul’s challenge in 2 Timothy 1, we’re reminded how the spirit of God can take away our fear while granting us power, love and self-discipline in the process. Paul also speaks to Timothy of the importance of living boldly for Jesus and how we should never feel ashamed to share the Gospel. No matter where you are in the race of life, if becoming like Jesus is your end goal, you’re more likely to reach your full potential and finish well.

God calls His people to be brave. There are times when we must stand up for what we believe. Christianity is not a passive faith. This is our time to truly be bold and to invest our lives in what matters. God uses men and women to accomplish His will, but, our faith is not simply in one another, but rather in God. He is Sovereign - He is in control - and that should give us amazing peace and confidence. Let’s live our lives for His glory in our day and age. Let’s be brave!

God has called for us to be obedient. However, how can we be obedient when there isn’t a clear path to follow? It’s simple, just knock. We knock by making a plan for the things we care about and believe in. As Esther showed us, God opened a door for us but not before she went knocking. So first, make a plan that seeks to accomplish God’s revealed will in Scripture. Then execute the plan in community, along with prayer, fasting and accountability. Lastly, Trust God and His sovereignty with the results of the plan. “If I perish, I perish” or “if I’m embarrassed, I’m embarrassed,” for in the end God is sovereign and it’s all part of His plan. So what is your plan?

It takes bravery to be a hero. We are followers Christ living in a pagan world. This world is not our home. Therefore, we will experience conflict and persecution, if we truly live our lives for Christ. Sometimes, the persecution is small - someone may not understand why we pray, go to church or invest in God’s work. Other times, the persecution is big - many Christ-followers around the world put their lives on the line. Through it all, we are called to be brave. Faith requires risk, and heroes emerge from conflict. Are you living a life of fear or faith? Are you boldly living the Christian life? Step out and be brave - God is with you and for you!

Esther is an incredible story of God’s Sovereign will in protecting His people. Although God’s Name is not mentioned in the entire book, His fingerprints are all over it. God is always at work redeeming and restoring. And, God wants to use His people as a part of His Redemptive story. Whatever platform God has given us, may we use it to further His Kingdom, and not simply our own. God used Esther, and God wants to use each of us to impact many others for His glory.

God is inviting us into His Easter Story. He is drawing us to Himself and asking us to make Easter personal. God is not simply interested in religion, but He wants a personal relationship with you. Not your parent’s faith, or your church’s faith, but your faith – a committed relationship with the God of all creation through His Son, Jesus Christ. Easter is about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and the relationship we can now have with God for eternity as a part of His forever family. Easter allows us to come alive in Christ! It is personal, unconditional, transformational and eternal. Receive His Gift and live in His love. God is here for you!

Jesus’ passion took Him to the cross. The Passion of Christ is the period of Jesus’ life from the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem to the Cross on Calvary. What took Jesus to the cross was His love for you and me. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and the wages of our sin is death – eternal separation from God. But, Jesus came in love to reconcile us to God. Jesus paid the price that we deserved to pay. Jesus died for us. What are you willing to die for? Will you die to your own life and live for Christ? You really don’t know what you are alive for, until you know what you are willing to die for. Jesus died for you. Will you live for Him?

Jesus has a very clear vision – He came to “seek and to save that which was lost.” When we were dead in our sin and transgressions, God sent His Son, Jesus, to us. Jesus came to reconcile us to God. How awesome to think that God came to us! Do you remember your salvation experience? Never lose the joy of your salvation. And, as a follower of Christ, our calling becomes inviting others to Jesus. Only Jesus can change a heart and a life. He specializes in making things new, and miracles still happen today as God changes hearts. Praise God for the grace, love and the reconciliation we receive through Jesus!

Jesus was able to give us the command to go through His authority. But for many the fear of people keeps people from full-filling His mission. Knowing that He never sends us where He is not we can have the courage and motivation to live out His mission.

Jesus came with a very clear Message. Into a world of fear, hopelessness and hate, Jesus came with a Message of love. Not simply a love that is a feeling, but a self-sacrificing, unconditional love. Jesus calls all His followers to love God and to love others. Jesus not only said it; He lived it. And, He calls all His disciples to live a life of love. How are you at love? Every day are you growing in your love for God and in your love for others? Do you love your spouse, children, friends, neighbors, co-workers and even your enemies? The overarching ambition of our life should be to live out the Message of Jesus – to love. Let’s grow in our love this week.

Deuteronomy 32 & 33

God loves all people. As His disciples today, we must be growing in His Word and pursuing His heart. Moses lived out God’s purposes in his day, and he prepared Joshua to lead God’s people after Moses was gone. We must all pour into those who come behind us. Who is your Joshua? If you have children, then they are your answer. In addition, it might also be those you lead in Community Group, teach on Sunday mornings or even your nieces and nephews. Raising up disciples of Christ must be on the forefront of your mind. Pointing people to Christ and teaching people His Word is the call of all His disciples. Are we preparing those who come behind us to lead our families, churches and communities? Moses did this well – will we?

Our God has blessed each of us in amazing ways. Just by virtue of where we live, we are prosperous. Our God has given us so much, and He wants us to enjoy it. However, sometimes we can fall more in love with the blessings than we do with the God who gives them. We must keep God first. Generosity is the only antidote to greed. God wants to bless us, but He wants us to steward what He entrusts to us for His glory. We must determine how we define success and choose to put God above anything this world has to offer. Commit your life to Christ today.

Sovereign God enters into a covenant relationship with us through His Son, Jesus Christ. God takes the initiative and comes to us even when we are in our sin. In this covenant relationship, Jesus pays the price for our failures and mistakes. Our call is to accept His grace and to live our life for His glory. Putting Christ first impacts everything. Will you align your priorities and put Christ first today? Don’t get distracted by this world. Stand firm in Christ and live for Him.

Anniversaries are a great opportunity for us to do three things: to remember what God has done, to evaluate where we are in the journey, and to look forward to all that is to come. This is important in our marriage, our work, and in His Church. Together, as God’s church here at Rolling Hills, we are so blessed to be a part of an incredible 15 years. But, God is not finished with us yet! Our God is calling us to grow deeper in our faith, to reach out in love to those around us, and to give our lives for His glory. How can you join God in what He is doing in 2018? What “Next Steps” is God calling you to take? Maybe it is being baptized, joining the church, being a part of a Community Group or going on a mission trip. Whatever it is, let’s continue to give our all for the glory of our great God together!

God wants you to grow up spiritually. To mature means that we grow deep roots in Christ and plant seeds of the Gospel in others. Just like physical growth, you were created to mature spiritually. The process starts as you commit your life to Christ and identify with Him. Then, you mature by growing in His Word and serving others. Finally, you become a spiritual "father" as you lead others to Jesus. Every stage of spiritual growth is important in a church, so identify where you are now and what your "next step" is to grow deeper in Christ. Always know that spiritual growth takes place in community. Our God is with you and for you. Grow in Him.

God’s Church is the vehicle by which He accomplishes His work in the world. God loves His Church, and He calls her to be active in the community and the world. The Church is not a “country club” that exists only for its members, but the Church is called to reach out to all people in the Name of Jesus. As disciples of Christ, we have this calling to love God and to love others. As a part of this calling, we must get out of our comfort zone and engage with the world around us. At Rolling Hills, we are continuing to reach out both locally and internationally. What “Next Steps” do you need to take to “reach out” in the Name of Christ to those around you and throughout the world?

Significant events, like birthdays and anniversaries, afford us a great opportunity to look back at what God has done, evaluate where we are today and look forward to what God will do in the future. As we celebrate our 15th Anniversary as a church here at Rolling Hills, this is a great time to see God’s greater story in our lives together as well as individually. During this series, I encourage you to look back and praise God for what He has done and to evaluate where you are spiritually today. Is there a “Next Step” our God is calling you to take in your spiritually journey? Are you growing deeper in Christ? God has a great plan for your life. He has been faithful in the past, and He is still writing a greater story in you. Focus on Him and grow deep roots in Christ.

I pray this is your best Christmas yet. Regardless of where you find yourself in life, I encourage you to focus on Jesus and see in Him God’s great love for you. Mary found herself in a stable. Surrounded not by family and friends, but by livestock. Yet, she beheld the face of God. Christmas shows you the depth of God’s love and grace. While we were still sinners, God came to us. See Jesus. Allow Christmas to move from your head to your heart. Receive His Gift of grace and share His love with all those around you. May this be your best Christmas yet!

When God sent His birth announcement, He focused on a bunch of shepherds. How amazing! Shepherds were ordinary, hard-working guys. They were waiting on the Messiah, and when the angels showed up they decided to go and see what God was doing. After meeting Jesus, they returned different – worshipping and glorifying God. They experienced the Christ of Christmas. Jesus has come, so how do you respond? Will you experience the Christ of Christmas and will you be different? Will you worship and glorify God for who He is and for what He is doing in your life! Joy to the world, the Lord is come! This is the Good News! Merry Christmas!

Christmas is such a special time of year. This is the time when we hear songs about Jesus wherever we go (Christmas Carols). We celebrate His birth with the entire world, and we can feel His presence as we spend time with those we love. There is just something different about this time of year. Yet, the real danger is that we can miss Jesus in the midst of all the activities. Make this Christmas different. Pray, focus, love and give in a way that glorifies Jesus. Put Jesus first this Christmas in your life, your family and your workplace and truly experience the Christ of Christmas!

A Dilemma

Herod considered himself a “king.” So, when the true King of kings was born, instead of worshipping Jesus, Herod tried to kill Him. Even today, many people see Jesus as a threat - a threat to their comfort and own self-interest. Yet, the irony is when we lay our lives down to Christ, then we truly find ourselves. When we allow Christ to be born in our heart, then we truly come alive. Jesus’ birth requires a response. What is your perspective on Jesus this Christmas – threat to your little kingdom or joy that Life has truly come? May we experience the Christ of Christmas this year! “Joy to the world, the Lord has come! Let earth receive her King.”

What is your story of Thanksgiving? Take some time to look back over the year. What has God done in your life? How have you grown spiritually? What has happened in your family, friends and at church? Take some time over the Holiday to express your thankfulness to God. Find some time to be alone in prayer or even write a letter back to God expressing your gratitude to Him. This Thanksgiving let’s be thankful to the One who gave His Son for us. Thank You, Father!

Thanksgiving, in our culture today, has become about family, turkey, shopping and football. Many times, we are so busy through the holiday that we rarely spend any time truly being thankful. This year, let’s be thankful. Take time to thank God for who He is and for what He has done in your life. Take time to thank those closest to you for what they mean in your life. And, take time to teach your children about how to be thankful. Then, may we work to develop an attitude of gratitude not just on Thanksgiving, but every day of our life. “And, be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

The Tabernacle shows us God’s desire to dwell with His people. Everything in the Tabernacle was pointing to Jesus, the Messiah. When Jesus died on the cross, the Temple (built in the pattern of the Tabernacle) – the Temple veil was torn in two from top to bottom. Sin was atoned for and God made a way to dwell with us forever. What a joy and what a God! Today, will you take a spiritual inventory of your own life? Will you surrender your life to Christ and then follow where He leads? The best of your story is still being written. God wants to dwell with you forever!

God called the people back in the Old Testament to build the Tabernacle so they could know His heart. God longs to dwell with His people. The Tabernacle reveals the heart of God and pointed them to the coming Messiah. Knowing God comes through a relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ. God longs for us to be healthy. This comes from worship, rest and living out His Word. We are restless in life until we rest in God through Christ. Will you find your identity in Christ and rest in His love for you? God is with you, and He is for you. The Tabernacle shows us the God who longs to dwell with us.

God longs to dwell with His people. So much so that he sent his only son Jesus to die for us. God's design is always intentional and purposeful, and from the moment that Adam and Eve sinned, to his instruction to build the tabernacle, God knew that the blood of Christ would be the only way to permanently remove our sin so that we could dwell in His holiness.

God longs to dwell with His people. So much so that he sent his only son Jesus to die for us. God's design is always intentional and purposeful, and from the moment that Adam and Eve sinned, to his instruction to build the tabernacle, God knew that the blood of Christ would be the only way to permanently remove our sin so that we could dwell in His holiness.

God longs to dwell with His people. In the beginning, when God created man, God walked with man in the cool of the day. When man sinned, there was an immediate separation – Holy God from sinful man. Yet, God set into motion a plan to redeem mankind. God called out a people for Himself. He told the people to build a “tabernacle,” so He might dwell with them. Today, God comes to us in His Son, Jesus Christ. God wants to dwell with us. Will you draw near to God today? God longs to dwell with His people.

Heaven will be more than we can even dream or imagine. If you are in Christ, then He is preparing a place for you to spend eternity with Him. It will be a place of beauty and perfection. A place where you will be fully alive. What we do on this earth impacts our eternal home. To know Christ and to make Him known should be the goal of our life; heaven is our reward. Are you living each day for Christ? Are you investing your time, money and energy into furthering His Kingdom and living for His glory? The best is yet to come in your life. Trust God, and live every day for Him.

At the end of the book, God wins! God will pronounce judgment on sin. He will defeat satan once and for all. Then, all of history will culminate in a great wedding - “The Wedding Feast of the Lamb.” After the wedding, sin will be banished and a celebration will follow. This celebration is life eternal with God and with those we love in Christ. We will be fully known and fully loved. In resurrected bodies, in perfect relationship with God and in beautiful community. This will be heaven!

We all get one shot at this life. One opportunity to make an impact here for God’s glory. Our life is a dash – a small line between two dates. But, eternity goes on forever. Immediately when we die, we will stand before God. If we are a follower of Christ Jesus, then we will spend eternity in Heaven. Subsequently, we will be judged by how we lived our life here on this earth. What we do on this earth impacts our eternity. Let’s live it all for the glory of our God. Let’s invest what He has entrusted to us to further His Kingdom. Let’s make the most of our dash!

God wants us to know about Heaven! Heaven is greater than we can even imagine. There are so many misconceptions about heaven, but God’s Word is very clear. Heaven is the very dwelling place of God, Himself. When we truly grasp the joy of heaven, it will transform how we live. Knowing the best is yet to come should motivate us to live each day for Christ and His Kingdom!

Serving is how we become more like Christ. We can’t do everything, but we can all do something. Start where you live – what difference can you make in your neighborhood, workplace and at church? Then, pray about where God is calling you to go – nationally or internationally. You can start by sponsoring a child or pastor through Justice & Mercy International, and then make plans in 2018 to go somewhere to serve as the hands and feet of Christ. Lock arms with other Christ-followers and make a difference for His glory. We are truly better together!

We need each other. The Church has always been God’s plan for accomplishing His mission in the world. The Church is the Body of Christ locking arms and serving Him. The Church is not an organization, but an organism. She is alive and active. God calls us to fellowship – to share life together. Not to a watered down social gathering, but to truly love one another and being present for each other. This is deep, rich and life-impacting. This is Church. And, we are truly better together

As disciples of Christ, we are called to grow together and encourage each other to live to honor Him. A growing follower is a believer who is taking intentional steps toward Christ-likeness and investing in others to do the same. Let's continue to walk in His will and pursue His calling daily.

As disciples of Christ, we have this Great Commission to go share our faith. Yet, for most Christ-followers, this is the scariest part of the Christian life. However, Jesus promises to be with us and He wants us to do this together. Jesus calls us to be a part of His church, the Body of Christ, and to reach out to our community with one another. As we do, Jesus works through us, since it is only Him who can change a heart. How awesome that Jesus allows us to be a part of this life-transformation! Aren’t you glad someone shared Christ with you? Aren’t you glad someone invited you to church? Now, it is our turn. Let’s reach out together for the glory of our great God!

We were created for community. We live in an individualistic society, but God made us for Him and for one another. Our response back to God is our worship. Worship is more than singing; worship is our life. Worship expresses our gratitude to God for who He is and for what He is doing. Worship happens when we gather in His Name to bring glory to our great God. This is when we truly come alive and when we realize that we are a part of something way bigger than ourselves. We were created to worship. We are better together!

Abraham was known as “God’s friend.” How awesome is this! God is inviting each of us into this personal relationship with Him. Becoming a friend of God means entering into a covenant relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. Being a friend of God also means growing in your relationship by spending time with Him and by doing His will. This requires a daily “dying to self” and making God the priority of your life. As you live your life for Him, you will know a “peace that passes understanding.” You will grow deeper in your faith and richer in your love. Are you God’s friend? Commit your life fully to Him today.

God never makes promises He doesn't keep. When we are tested, we must be obedient and believe in God's faithfulness. We can't say the Lord will provide if we never give Him the opportunities to provide. Trust in Him and walk in the way of His promises for your life.

Our God is at work in the world and in our own personal lives as well. When God reveals His will, how do we respond? Do we think what God reveals is impossible or do we respond in faith? God invites us to join Him in what He is doing. Through faith and prayer, we have the opportunity know God’s will and to impact others. How diligent are we about praying for those we love and for others in the world? Trusting God and growing in our relationship with Him is the call of every Christ-follower. Are you living your life for Him?

Our God is at work in the world and in our own personal lives as well. When God reveals His will, how do we respond? Do we think what God reveals is impossible or do we respond in faith? God invites us to join Him in what He is doing. Through faith and prayer, we have the opportunity know God’s will and to impact others. How diligent are we about praying for those we love and for others in the world? Trusting God and growing in our relationship with Him is the call of every Christ-follower. Are you living your life for Him?

God is faithful to fulfill His Word and covenant to you. In 2 Corinthians 1:20 it says, "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ." Hold on to Him and trust in His faithfulness.

Our God has an incredible plan for each of us. Sometimes we try to fulfill God’s will for our life our way - instead of trusting in His plan and in His timing. When we do, we always end up making mistakes that can cost us years of our life. Yet, while there are consequences, God never gives up on us. God pursues us and is constantly drawing us back to His heart. Will you follow Him and trust Him today? It is a journey of faith and we must trust God to fulfill His will for us.

You can't plant your life beside wickedness and expect to flourish and avoid ruin. We are called to live with a character that is above reproach. Everything we do should be in service to Jesus, no matter what it costs us. Experiencing God is always the greatest reward.

God is calling each of us to a journey of faith. It is never about the destination, but always about following Him. On this journey, there will be times when God calls us to trust Him even though it doesn’t make any sense. Our God is Sovereign, and His ways are not our ways. Yet, when we are obedient to Him, and do the right thing, He always blesses and we never have regrets. What is God saying to you? What “next step” is God asking you to take? Trust and follow Him today.

God called Abram to a life of faith. Abram left his old way of living, believed God and followed Him. Abram did not know where God was calling him, but walked by faith. Because of Abram’s obedience, our world is forever changed. From Abraham, God ultimately brought His Son, the Messiah, our Savior. Our relationship with God is one of faith. What “next step” is God calling you to take in your faith journey? You may not know all the answers; however, the journey is not about a destination, but about a deeper relationship with God. By faith, listen and follow.

We all want peace. The problem is, we don’t know how to get it. We go to spas, workout and try other ways to relieve “stress,” but we never truly experience the peace we so desperately desire. Yet, the result of living our life wholehearted in Christ is peace. This is the incredible secret of the committed Christian life – peace comes from the inside out not the outside in. When we truly yield our lives to Christ, He gives us the “peace that passes understanding.” Live wholehearted for Jesus and experience the peace of Christ this week.

God wants us to grow in our faith to become mature followers of Christ. Maturity happens as we press deeper into Christ Jesus and then live out His will in our lives. As we are faithful to Him, God matures us. God is writing a greater story in all of us. No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, don’t stop growing. Don’t become distracted by “earthly things,” but live your life wholehearted for Christ. In the process, you will grow to be all He desires.

Knowing Christ changes our nature and allows us to see the world through His compassionate eyes. There can't be a back and forth between living for Christ and living for ourselves. We must be all in and rooted in our faith in Jesus.

The call for each of us is to live the Christian life wholehearted. A lot of people want to compartmentalize their faith: a little bit of God, a whole lot of their job, a lot of family, friends, etc. But, God wants us to be fully committed to Him in all areas of life. God gives us His Spirit, His Word and His Church to help us live our lives for Him. Each Sunday we will have a weekly “Go” moment to help us apply what we learn. Are you living wholehearted for Christ?

Jesus conquered death. This means when we were dead in our sins, God came to us. God sent His Son, Jesus, who died on the cross to pay the price for our sins. Then Jesus stepped out of the tomb to make a way for us to have eternal life. Because Jesus is alive, we can be forgiven, redeemed and made new. Through Jesus we can be in right relationship with God and with others. Has Jesus come alive in you? Today is a day of salvation and celebration. Jesus is alive! He reigns supreme over the world, and He longs to be the King of your heart.

Redemption is a gift from God. We cannot redeem ourselves. In fact, when you were dead in your sins, God made you alive in Christ. It is God who does the work. He sent His Son to pay the price for our sins and to redeem (buy back) us from our old way of life. The redemption of Christ calls us to change. We receive the redemption He offers and live our lives for His glory. Jesus has come to the world, but He has also come personally to you. How will you respond to His love, grace and redemption? How will you be changed?

Everything we have comes from God. He is our Provider. In His infinite mercy and grace He has given us His Son, Jesus. Jesus provides for our every need. He meets our daily physical needs as well as our deepest spiritual needs. The danger is we can fall in love with the gifts and miss the Giver. It is all about Jesus. We must learn to trust in Him each day and know that He will provide for us. Are you in need today? Will you trust in Jesus to meet your needs both now and forevermore? Jesus is your Provider.

The beauty and mystery of Christ's sovereignty is that He can heal but doesn't always heal. His plans and ways are higher than our own and He always works for the good of those who love Him. Jesus displays His power and truth through healing.

Come to Jesus. The Teacher can handle your questions. He can handle your worries. He can handle your problems. Just come. Come and meet the One who knows everything about you. But, just know, when you come, you will be invited to change. By God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit, He will transform you. Not just teach you or fix you, but make you new. And, your life will never be the same. Your sins will be forgiven, your past redeemed, your heart filled with joy, and your life flowing with purpose. Come to Jesus. It’s all about Him.

Jesus is Sovereign. This is great news for us today! This means that Jesus is in control of all. Nothing surprises Him. He is in all and greater than all. For you and me, there are so many times we worry and feel like our lives are out-of-control. At those times, we must stop – take a deep breath – and realize, God’s got this. He is still on His throne. Our eternity is secure and we are on the winning side. Are you following Christ with your whole heart today? Is there something in your life for which you are worried or afraid? Trust Him. Take a next step in your spiritual journey and watch God do a greater work in you.

Everyone has an opinion on Jesus. Many people believe Jesus was a great moral teacher. Others, even some major world religions, will say that Jesus was a prophet. Still others believe he was a philosopher and the leader of a movement. But, Jesus made it clear that He was, and is, the Son of God. His Name even means, “Salvation.” So, what about you? Who do you say Jesus is? And, if He is truly our Lord, then this should greatly impact how we live.

Solomon was the wisest and wealthiest man who ever lived. In the later years of his life, he reflects back only to realize that he invested in the wrong things. He pursued pleasure, knowledge, work and wealth thinking that in these he would find fulfillment. Yet, now he reaches this conclusion: Life is all about God and pursuing Him. May we learn from his wisdom and invest our lives in what really matters. May we not waste our life. What are you living for today? Simplify your life and prioritize Christ Jesus in everything.

Living in a Christ-centered community encourages passionate faith, accountability and sincerity. God never intended for us to walk through life alone, so we must surround ourselves with the right people. Take a moment today to consider who is in your community. Are they encouraging you to pursue Christ? Are you helping each other grow in faith?

When we allow time to dictate our actions, we give it the power to rule over our thoughts and heart motivations. This slippery slope can quickly shift time to the first slot on our list of priorities, making it an idol. In Ecclesiastes 3, we read, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." God will redeem the time you give Him. Choose to put Him first today and see how this spiritual season shifts when we recognize God is in control and has a purpose for us.

Jesus calls us to be His “witnesses.” A witness is someone who simply tells what they have heard, seen or experienced. We are not called to be perfect or to know everything, but to authentically share with others what God has done for us. In the process, God moves through the power of His Holy Spirit to impact others with His love. As we invest our lives in those around us, our God is glorified and His Kingdom is furthered. Disciples of Jesus Christ invest their lives in others for the glory of God.

The measure of a healthy church isn’t how many are coming to know Christ. It isn’t even how many are growing and becoming like Christ. The real measure is how many are sharing the responsibility of Christ’s mission to make disciples.

All of us are called to grow in our faith. Much like physical growth, there is a process of spiritual maturation that should take place in each of us. Spiritually, we grow by feeding on the Word of God and investing the love of Christ in others. There are definite challenges to spiritual growth, and many people never reach their full potential in Christ. Yet, God has an awesome plan for each of us. He invites us to grow up in our faith and to become all He desires. How do you plan to grow spiritually in 2017?

What is a disciple? A disciple is a growing follower of Jesus Christ. A “growing follower” is a believer who is taking intentional steps toward Christ-likeness and investing in others to do the same. At Rolling Hills, we understand the four key characteristics of following Christ: identifying with Christ, growing in faith, sharing the mission and multiplying your life.

Pastor Jeff Simmons identifies key areas for us all to focus on as we strive to grow in our walk with Christ in the new year.

This has been called, “The most wonderful time of the year.” Yet, for many this is the most challenging, difficult time of the year. At the holidays, our emotions are magnified. When things are good, they are really good – when things are hard, they are really hard. However, God wants us to experience joy! And, joy is not based on our circumstances; joy is based on Christ. Joy comes when we fall in love with God and when we give. This Christmas Season, let’s give our lives to Christ and invest in others. In the process, we will become people of Joy!

Love must be expressed. When you love someone, you want to give. This is why we buy gifts, address cards, make food and so much more at Christmas. This time of year is all about expressing our love. And, that originated from God - “For God so loved the world He gave…” John 3:16. God gave His One and Only Son for you. He gave the Greatest Gift of all. Love inspires us to give – to give gifts to those we love and to give our lives to Jesus. Let us be people, like Mary, who submit our lives to God, so that He may love others through us. Let us be people who share the gift of love generously and extravagantly this Season.

Most of the time, peace is the last thing we expect to experience during this time of the year. Our lives are so busy. Yet, we all long for peace. Peace with God, peace with our family and peace with ourselves. However, true and lasting peace only comes from the “Prince of Peace,” Jesus Christ. As He transforms your heart, you can live with peace in the midst of a crazy world. Do you have peace in your life? Are you allowing “the peace of Christ to rule in your heart?” Let’s experience His peace this Christmas!

There is power in hope. Knowing God has a plan and a purpose for your life is what spurs us through the mundane and ordinary events of a given day. Our hope should be in Christ and in His love for us. Trusting God can, and He will, do what only He can do. Where is your hope today? So many times our hope can be in money, a career, a child, or even a friend. Yet, all these things can change. However, God never changes. He is always the same. He is always there for us, and He invites us to place our hope in Him and then share His hope with others.

We all have so much for which to be thankful. Many times we spend our lives focusing on what we don’t have, but Thanksgiving calls us to open our eyes and hearts to what we do have. Through Christ, we all have been given the Gift of love, life, joy, peace and hope. Then, over-and-above, God lavishes His grace on us by giving us so much more. This week, take some time to write a “thank you” note to God. Spend some time alone thanking God for His Son and focusing on all the blessings He has given you through Christ. Happy Thanksgiving!

We are all so blessed. God has given us His “indescribable Gift” in His one and only Son, Jesus Christ. Then, He lavishes on us family, friends, church and meets our every physical need. Our God draws us to Himself and invites us on a journey to look more like His Son. As we focus on His “indescribable Gift,” we want to give back to Him and invest in His Kingdom. As we love and give we grow spiritually. God desires for us to be generous. In the process of sharing His Gift, we are the ones who grow more blessed.

This morning we are beginning our Holiday Series, “Share the Gift.” As we prepare our hearts for this special time of year, we realize all our God has done for us. Christmas is the celebration of the Greatest Gift – God’s own Son, Jesus Christ. And, Thanksgiving comes out of the overflowing joy of God’s grace. As we Share the Gift that was given to us, we become more like Christ Jesus. Let’s prepare our hearts to Share the Gift and live more like Jesus this Holiday Season.

Having faith doesn't mean things will always work out the way you want. Having an "even, if not" faith gives us hope, even in times when we don't understand what God is doing. Habakkuk is a book about trust. We must trust God to lead us and let hope rise.

God's answer to our complaint is to lean in and trust Him. We will never have it all figured out, but we can have hope in knowing that God holds our past, present and future in His hands.

We live in a culture much like Habakkuk – the Bible seems to be neglected, there is violence and injustice, and government leadership appears corrupt. We call out to God for answers, and yet when God does answer, we don’t always like His answers. God tells Habakkuk to do three things: Write, wait and live by faith. So, in the midst of our questions, fears and concerns, God says to us: Write what I tell you, wait on my perfect timing and live each day by faith. As we put our trust in Sovereign God, hope rises in us. We don’t have to live by fear, but we can live with faith in a God who hears our prayers and cares. He loves us, and we can trust Him.

Every day we are faced with situations that cause us to questions why this is happening. As we wrestle and try to embrace the truth in the struggle, our goal is to switch our question from "why is this happening" to "what do you want to teach me through this, to make me more like Jesus." And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:28-29

God’s eternal story is one of making all things new. God is at work redeeming and restoring. And, God is not finished with any of us yet. There is still breath in our lungs for a reason. God wants to transform us from the inside out and to use us for His glory. He is inviting us to trust Him as He writes an even greater story than we can imagine. What is your Immeasurably More story? What do you want to see God do in your heart, your ministry, your marriage, your family, and your life this side of heaven? Live for what matters, trust that God is able and have confidence that He can, and will, do Immeasurably More in you!

God is not finished with any of us yet. He is still writing a greater story in our heart and life. So often we settle for so little when our God wants to do so much more – immeasurably more. God draws us to Himself and He invites us to ask Him for His specific will for our life. Growing in our love, discernment and character will help us know what God wants us to do. This week, spend time discovering your immeasurably more story.

We all have roadblocks that keep us from reaching our full potential in Christ and from experiencing the immeasurably more life. Being honest about the roadblocks in your own life is the first step to breaking through. From there we must be bold enough to take the necessary steps to find healing and hope. Through it all, we must keep Christ first. He is sovereign over all creation and over our very life. Prioritizing Christ impacts everything in us. Where are you in your relationship with Christ Jesus today? Don’t let a roadblock keep you from the immeasurably more life that God has for you.

God is inviting us on an incredible journey – a journey of “immeasurably more.” As a Christ-follower, our call is to constantly move our lives onto God’s agenda. As we join God in what He is doing, this impacts everything. We grow deeper in our faith, stronger in our love and more passionate in our desire to make a difference in this world for the glory of our great God. This is where we see miracles – lives transformed for Christ. How are you making a difference in the lives of others for Christ? Do something.

God is inviting you on an incredible journey. In fact, it is a journey of “immeasurably more” - more than you can even ask or imagine. However, you have to step in. You can’t stand on the sidelines and watch others engage, you have to join God in what He is doing. God will lead the way, and He is inviting you to be a part of His greater story in Christ and His Church. The journey calls us to holiness and commitment, yet this is where we see God do what only God can do. Don’t miss out! Join in the journey today. Your invitation awaits…

God wants to do immeasurably more in your life. This begins with us opening our eyes to what God is already doing and then joining in. So many people settle for so little. Our culture is built on mostly spectators and very few participants. And, this carries over into our Christian life. Yet, God created us for so much more - immeasurably more. God wants to do great things through us for His glory. Will you trust Him? Your invitation awaits...

Image – we all deal with it. In fact, thanks to the marketing driven world in which we live, we are bombarded by the image of the world all day long. This culture of performance, looks and more leads to so much of our anxiety and fears. Yet, God invites us to find our identity in Christ. To live in the peace of knowing that God loves us and He will provide for us. Where is your image? Are you living as an “image-bearer” of the God who loves you?

We have been given an incredible gift, our life – mind, soul and body. Yet, so often we spend our time looking at everything wrong with us. We compare ourselves to photo-shopped models and to everyone’s highlight reels on social media. But, the fact is, God made us and He loves us. Learning to love ourselves in a healthy way then allows us to fully love and appreciate others. None of us are perfect, but by God’s grace we are forgiven, and we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”

So much of our image comes from what the world says about us. We define ourselves by our looks, our jobs, what we drive, what we wear, and we are constantly comparing ourselves to others. Yet, we were made in the image of God. And, our God is more concerned with our inside than our outside. May we be people who find our image, value and worth in what God says about us and not the world. Our God loves us, forgives us and longs for us to find our image in Him.

God has an incredible vision for your life. He has made it clear through His Word. He invites you to pray and to trust Him. His vision is started and perfected through His Son, Jesus Christ. Wherever you are in life today, take a next step of faith and obedience in your relationship with God. Commit your ways to Him and invest your life in what matters. God is drawing you close. He is inviting you to live an uncompromised life for His glory.

It is amazing to realize we have a direct line of communication with God. It's called prayer. Prayer is a powerful force. Through prayer we are able to acknowledge who God is and remember His faithfulness to us. Like Daniel, we must be willing to pursue guidance and strength through prayer even in the bleakest of circumstances.

The Book of Daniel offers us the only apocalyptic voice in the Old Testament. Why do these words of Eschatology matter? These words expand our view of God which encourages a high view of God leading to worship and fear. The words in Daniel define history and decode the future. These words elevate our understanding of Jesus and remind us that we are to always be about the King’s business.

Against all odds, Daniel stayed faithful. Facing certain death, being thrown to the lions, Daniel resolved to be godly and to pray. Prayer is what sustains us through the challenges of life. Prayer puts our focus on God and reminds us that He is truly greater than anything we face. Our God is faithful, and He is calling us to be steadfast and bold in our love for Him. Are you faithful to God – even in the midst of your circumstances? Your obedience impacts more than just you, so trust in the Lord and be faithful.

Standing on truth starts with being set apart. We are called to live a holy life for God. That's what living uncompromised is all about.

God is drawing each of us to Himself. He is calling us to confess our sins, renounce our pride and put our faith in Him. God is always trying to get our attention and He will allow us to go through challenges in order for us to acknowledge His work in our lives. Have you repented of your pride and humbled yourself before Him? Just know that God loves you, and He wants you to live your life for Him. It is through Christ alone that we find hope, life and redemption.

What do you stand for in your life? We live in a world that encourages us to worship other “gods.” The “gods” of this world are money, success, and even other people. But, God calls us to worship Him only. When we put God first in our lives, our family, our finances and career, God is always faithful. In this world, we will go through hard times, but God always stands with us in the middle of it. Are you trusting God today? Your obedience impacts others. Are you living your life fully committed to Christ?

God can speak to and use whomever He wills whenever He wills it. He reveals all mysteries and is sovereign in every area of our lives.

Daniel is an incredible example of living an uncompromised life. Like Daniel, we find ourselves living in a pagan culture. This world is not our home. Our home is in heaven, but for now, we are living in this world. Daniel made a commitment to himself and to God not to defile himself. What commitments have you made in the area of character and integrity? Think about the man or woman you want to become, and then make the hard decisions that it takes to be all God desires.

God’s Church is Unstoppable. The Church is fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit and filled with ordinary disciples that God uses in extraordinary ways. Our call is to pray and to raise up leaders in God’s Church. Faithful men and women who will reach out, grow up and give all for the call of Christ. It takes all of us. Disciples today investing their lives for Christ and passing His Church on to the next generation. This is where God does His greatest work. And, this is where God calls you and me. We are His Church today!

We are called to live and walk in obedience to the calling God has on our lives. Nothing exempts us from obedience and it will always cost something. In order to be the movement, we have to be obedient!

God’s Church is the greatest movement in history. God’s Church is unstoppable, and now the generations come to us. We are a part of this amazing story of redemption and grace that the Author of Life is writing. As His people, we are called to be bold and to pray passionately and fervently for God to transform this world – one life at a time. We must be willing to invest our lives in Christ and His Church. God is at work. Will we join Him?

The Early Church met together in corporate worship (in the temple courts) and in community groups (in homes). As these disciples grew spiritually, they began to recognize the needs of the people in the places around them. Instead of only giving money to help those in need, they also shared Christ. Christ Jesus is the One who transforms lives. Even though they knew persecution would come, they were bold and shared the love of Christ with others. What about us today? As we give money to help the poor, are we also willing to speak up about Christ to others? Jesus Christ is the Hope of the world. As we share Christ with others, God’s Church grows and lives are transformed for eternity. Join the movement!

Jesus promised His disciples they would receive the gift God had promised. When the Gift of the Holy Spirit came, the Church came to life. Now, these scared, worried, timid men and women became bold, passionate and dedicated champions of Christ and His Church. These first disciples were filled with the Spirit, and shared the Gospel boldly. The Early Church grew, and now the movement of God's Church has been entrusted to us. May we be found faithful to live by the Spirit an dot boldly share God's message of love with others.

Throughout history, there have been many movements. From Communism, Capitalism, Civil Rights and more. But, the greatest movement of all has been, and continues to be, God’s Church. Led by Jesus Christ himself, God’s Church has brought hope and love into our world. Through God’s Church, schools, hospitals, hospice and more have been born. Through God’s Church, lives have been transformed both spiritually and physically. As disciples of Jesus Christ today, we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. We are a part of something bigger than ourselves – this is a movement of God, and it is Unstoppable!

All of history is moving toward a huge celebration! The Wedding Feast of the Lamb will be the greatest party ever as Jesus is united with His Church. All of us who are followers of Christ can’t wait for this day! You celebrate what you value. And, God values you. God values His relationship with you. What do you value? Just look at what you celebrate. At Rolling Hills, we value life-change in Christ. We encourage people to never stop growing by taking a “Next Step” in your relationship with God. God is preparing you for something incredible. Let’s keep growing deeper in Christ and get ready for an epic celebration!

God is inviting us into His story. He is drawing us to Himself and asking us to make Easter personal. God is not simply interested in religion, but He wants a personal relationship. This is not your parent’s faith or your church’s faith; it is your faith – a covenant relationship with the God of all creation through His Son, Jesus Christ. Easter is about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and the relationship we can now have with God for eternity. Easter allows us to come alive in Christ! It is personal, and God is here for you!

Who is Jesus to you? There comes a point where each of us has to make a declaration of what we believe. Was Jesus just a good man or a prophet? Or, is He the Son of God and Savior of your life? Jesus is inviting us into a relationship with God. Once we commit to trust Him and to follow Him, then there should be fruit in our life. How is your life on Monday di erent because you are a follower of Christ Jesus? When Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem, He came as a spiritual Messiah. And, when Jesus enters our heart, our lives should be forever transformed because of His grace and love.

God loves you. The Bible is the greatest love story ever because it is God’s pursuit of you. Even when we sin, God never gives up on us. This is hard for us to believe, yet it is the story of His word and the joy of His heart. The entire Old Testament is God pursuing His people. Look back at your life and see how God has been pursuing you. Turn back to God. Leave your sin and fall in love with the One who loves you more.

The Greatest Love Story Ever is recorded in God’s Word, the Bible. In fact, the entire Bible can be summed up as: God’s Pursuit of You. God created you for a relationship with Him. But, we rebelled against God. We didn’t want to do it His way. Yet, instead of giving up on us, God pursues us. He draws us to Himself, and He invites us into a relationship with Him. God’s love is unconditional, never-ending and always pursuing. And, as we respond to His love, we are forever changed. We fall in love with God in a relationship, not religion, and we learn to love others. This is how God created us to live. And, His love never fails.

Jeff Simmons wraps up our "Battle Plan" series with this sermon based on Revelation 20-22 and God's ultimate defeat of evil.

In Week 3 of our series, Battle Plan, Lead Pastor, Jeff Simmons, teaches about how we can fight against evil in the world around us. Tune in to learn more.

Nic Allen helps us answer the question, "Why does God allow evil?" in the second week of our series called, Battle Plan.

Everyone fights for something. What are you fighting for? Whether you realize it or not, there is a Spiritual Battle happening at this very minute. A war for our hearts is raging as we fight our daily spiritual battles. The enemy is cunning, deceitful and relentless. But there is hope. We've been given a battle plan - a redemptive guarantee and everlasting promise that there is victory in Christ.

What does it mean to be totally committed to Jesus in your walk. Jesus calls us to it but it's often the hardest thing to do in our Christian faith walk. Jeff Simmons wraps up our Brand New series by talking about what this means for all of us.

In week 4 of our series, Brand New, Jeff Simmons teaches from 1 Corinthians 13 about how we should be driven by love in our pursuit to be new in Christ.

Lead Pastor, Jeff Simmons, teaches about spiritual growth in week 3 of our Brand New series. All of us are created to grow spiritually. How do you plan to grow in 2016?

Nic Allen, Lead Pastor of Family Ministry, continues our "Brand New" series looking at being fueled by Holy Spirit in our lives.

Lead Pastor, Jeff Simmons, begins the new year with our series called BRAND NEW. He focuses on how we are a new creation in Christ according to 2 Corinthians 5:17. This is a great thing to be reminded of as we start 2016 together.

Nic Allen, Lead Pastor of Family Ministry, wraps up our "Sounds of Christmas" series.

Lead Pastor Jeff Simmons teaches from Matthew 1 in the continuation of our "Sounds of Christmas" series.

Jeff Teaches from Matthew 1 in this series and focuses on what the sound of Christmas really is...LOVE.

Jeff unwraps the sound of laughter and how it's true presence is that found in true joy. Luke 2:10 says, "I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”

Lead Pastor Jeff Simmons begins a new series called "Sounds of Christmas" by looking in Matthew 1 and focusing on the first sound of Christmas...the sound of a baby crying...Jesus.

We celebrate wonderful Stories of Thanksgiving each year at Rolling Hills. Pastor Jeff Simmons talks with some amazing people who tell why they are thankful for the way God has worked in their lives this year.

Lead Pastor of Family Ministry, Nic Allen, wraps up our "Overcoming Doubt" series in John 20. He helps us look at the framework, problem, and solution of doubt in a practical way.

Lead Pastor, Jeff Simmons, teaches from John 20 about moving from doubt to a deeper faith.

Lead Pastor Jeff Simmons begins this series on OVERCOMING DOUBT by asking the question, "Is it OK to doubt?" In this in depth look at the life of Thomas, we explore the importance of working through doubt and coming to a stronger faith by drawing closer to our Creator.

Jeff Simmons wraps up our "40 Day Challenge" series teaching from Matthew 7 on FOREVER.

Nic Allen takes a look in Matthew 6 as he teaches on faith and how Jesus approaches the topic of worry in the Bible.

Jeff Simmons teaches from Matthew 5 as we look at how to live like Jesus when it comes to our own finances.

Jeff Simmons teaches from Matthew 4 in Week 4 of our '40 Day Challenge' series on how living like Jesus means to live in community with others.

Jeff Simmons talks with special guest and relationship expert, Shaunti Feldhahn about living like Christ in your family and how it affects not only your spouse but your entire family.

Jeff Simmons focuses on "faithfulness" during this week of our "40 Day Challenge" series. Matthew 4:17 says "From that time on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.'"

We love missions at Rolling Hills and are so excited every year to dedicate this Sunday to telling stories of missions from around the globe. Jeff talks with several people that have been on a mission trip through Justice and Mercy International this year and the impact Christ had in their lives.

Lead Pastor Jeff Simmons wraps up the "House to Home" series with a message on LOVE based on Matthew 22:34-40.

Jeff Simmons teaches from Numbers 6:24-26 as he continues our "House to Home" series. The roof provides a "covering" for a house but God's blessing provides a "covering for a home.

Jeff Simmons dives deep into Colossians 3:18-4:6 as he talks about the purpose, what provides protection, and what gives stability to your home...walls. He also interviews Kris and Vanessa Dolberry about how God is continuing to restore their marriage.

Family Pastor, Nic Allen, opens our new series, "House to Home," with a powerful message on what the foundations of our faith should be.

Kris Dolberry, Director of Lifeway Men's Ministry, teaches based on our Daily Step reading for today, Luke 18:1-8.

Lead Pastor, Jeff Simmons, wraps up the series teaching from 2 Corinthians 13.

Song

Jeff teaches from 2 Corinthians 12 about "Dealing with Difficulties" as we continue our series called, "The Best Is Yet To Come."

Nic Allen teaches from 2 Corinthians 10-11 as we continue our "Best Is Yet To Come" series.

Jason Hale teaches from 2 Corinthians 8 & 9 as we continue our series, "The Best Is Yet To Come."

Jeff Simmons teaches on the topic of JOY from 2 Corinthians 6-7 as we continue our "Best Is Yet To Come" series.

Lead Pastor, Jeff Simmons, shares a special message for dads on Father's Day from Proverbs 4.

Fun Father's Day video for 2015!

Lead Pastor, Jeff Simmons, unpacks 2 Corinthians 5 for us as he teaches on the topic of Heaven.

Family and Children's Pastor, Nic Allen, unpacks 2 Corinthians 4 in today's teaching for the second week in our series, The Best Is Yet To Come.

Lead Pastor, Jeff Simmons, opens this new sermon series by looking at 2 Corinthians 1-3 focusing on how the Apostle Paul wrote letters to the people he cared about...like the Corinthians.

Jeff Simmons teaches about the call to take a "Daily Step" based on passages in Job 20 and 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12.

A special Mother's Day message from Lead Pastor Jeff Simmons.

The entire interview/testimony between Saman and Jason Hale (South Nashville Campus Pastor).

Jeff Simmons wraps up our "Radical Grace" series by teaching from Ephesians 4.

Lead Pastor, Jeff Simmons, continues our Radical Grace series with "Living In Grace"...week 2 of our series.

In Week 1 of our new series, Radical Grace, Jeff Simmons unpacks what grace is for us.

Lead Pastor, Jeff Simmons, teaches that Easter shows us that only Jesus is enough to change our lives for eternity.

Experience our Good Friday service in it's entirety.

Lead Pastor, Jeff Simmons, teaches from John 12 focusing on how Jesus was more than what people think they need Him to be; more than enough.

Family and Children's Pastor, Nic Allen, teaches from the Rolling Hills' Daily Step Bible Reading Plan.

Jeff Simmons looks at Daily Step and diving into scripture for our everyday life.

Lead Pastor, Jeff Simmons, concludes this series by digging into Acts 3-4. Next Steps is a spiritual growth initiative at Rolling Hills focusing on a person challenging themselves to reaching out, growing up, and giving all in their faith journey.

"Rolling Hills Community Church is a people of God reaching out, growing up, and giving all." This statement sums up Rolling Hills and Lead Pastor, Jeff Simmons, teaches on the third aspect...giving all...in this weeks teaching.

A people of God reaching out, growing up, and giving all. Jeff focuses on growing up in our faith in the second installment of our Next Steps 2015 series.

A people of God reaching out, growing up, and giving all. Jeff focuses on reaching out as a result of our faith in the first installment of our Next Steps 2015 series.

Lead Pastor, Jeff Simmons, wraps up our "New Year, New You" series teaching on what it means to "live on mission" using Luke 10.

In Week 4 of our "New Year New You" series, Lead Pastor, Jeff Simmons, teaches about worship from Matthew 6:24, Matthew 26:6-11, and 1 Timothy 4:8.

Nic Allen, Lead Pastor of Family Ministry, teaches on the key characteristics of Christian service using some of the following scripture references: Deuteronomy 10:12, John 6:38, John 4:34, Psalm 100:2, Matthew 20:26-28, and Psalm 40:8.

Jeff teaches on prayer...what is it? what does it do? what can hinder our prayer life? Take about 30 minutes to see what he has learned through his life about prayer in the second week of our series called, "New Year, New You."

Jeff Simmons launches 2015 with a great sermon for this new series that focuses on five different spiritual workouts. The first workout focuses on your faith and dives into Mark 1:16-18, Matthew 14:22-31, and Philippians 2:12-13.

The last sermon in our "Jesus Changes Everything" series where Family & Children's Pastor, Nic Allen, teaches from Luke 2 on how Jesus changes our purpose.

Song

In week 4 of our series, Jesus Changes Everything, Lead Pastor Jeff Simmons teaches from Luke 2 about how Jesus changes our heart.

In Our Vision

In Our Home

In Our World

The fourth of our "And Be Thankful" series where our Lead Pastor, Jeff Simmons, teaches on being "Thankful for Hope" from Colossians 4.

Thankful for Peace

Thankful for Grace

Thankful for Christ

Josiah | God's Call to His Word

Manessah | God's Call to Repentance

Hezekiah | God's Call To Prayer

Ahab | God's Call Re: Influence

God's Call To Engage

Jeroboam

Solomon

Moving from Success to Significance

Being Used By God

Public Life Commitment

Receiving Christ

Generosity from Being in Christ

Our Resurrection in Christ

The Supremacy of Love

Spiritual Gifts from Being in Christ

Putting Christ First/ONLY

Submitting Your Life to Christ

Marriage, Divorce, and Singleness

Spiritual Leadership

Finding Our Identity In Christ

It's All About Christ

Children

Marriage

First Comes Love

The Power To Overcome

Celebrity or Savior

Mission

Leadership

Doctrine

Leadership

The Joy of Being Part of God's Story

Accomplishing God's Work Together

Sharing God's Story

Overcoming Obstacles

Giving All

Growing Up