The Word from South Highland

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

March 16, 2025 | Mark 11:12-21 - Jesus cursing a fig tree seems odd on the surface, but then he overturns tables in the temple. Rev. Cort Gatliff points out how these two events are actually closely related, and reveal to each of us ways in which we need to be cleansed.

Lenten Ambassadors

March 5, 2025 | 2 Corinthians 5:20–6:10 - On Ash Wednesday, many Christians receive the sign of the cross in ashes marked upon their foreheads. Rev. Abby Gatliff teaches that an outward symbols doesn't make us ambassadors for Christ, but rather our reflection of the righteousness of God.

The Journey to the Cross

March 9, 2025 | Mark 11:1-11 - For the first Sunday of Lent, we find ourselves at Mark's telling of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Rev. Cort Gatliff teaches the deep ways that our Lord's arrival as King goes beyond what anyone was expecting of the Messiah.

The Meaning of the Cross

March 2, 2025 | Mark 10:32-45 - James and John answer Jesus that yes, they can drink the cup that he will drink and receive the baptism he will receive, but they really have no idea what they're saying. Rev. Cort Gatliff teaches about the true reality of what the cross means: the cup, the baptism and the ransom.

One Thing You Lack

February 23, 2025 | Mark 10:17-31 - In our society, striving to be like the "rich, young ruler" is a good thing - until he and we meet Jesus. Rev. Cort Gatliff teaches about the void we cannot fill, the warning we must heed, and the promise we can all trust.

Testing Jesus

February 16, 2025 | Mark 10:1-12 - The Pharisees keep trying to trap Jesus by asking him about arcane technicalities in the Law, in this case divorce. Rev. Cort Gatliff tells us that Jesus answers them by taking the higher road pointing to God's original design for marriage, which ultimately is about the grace-filled love story between God and His people.

Get Up and Go!

February 9, 2025 | Acts 8:26-40 - When Philip has his encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch, he is being obedient to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Rev. Dr. Jim Truesdell teaches that, when it comes to holy nudges, when we start to do what the Spirit is asking of us, we begin to hear more and more from the Holy Spirit.

God's Glory Sends Us Out

February 2, 2025 | Isaiah 6:1-10; Revelation 4:8-11 - You may not think that God's call to mission is directed at you. Rev. Abby Gatliff teaches from scriptural visions of God's glory that we actually can answer 'yes' to that call because, rather than our own abilities, we are sent and equipped by the purifying and awesome glory of the Creator of the universe.

The School of Discipleship

January 26, 2025 | Mark 9:30-50 - As we seek to grow in our discipleship with Jesus Christ, our goal is to become more like him. Teaching from Mark, Rev. Cort Gatliff opens up for us the two traits Jesus emphasizes that we should cultivate: humility and holiness.

Faith and Doubt

January 19, 2025 | Mark 9:14-29 - Doubts about God and our beliefs are inevitably woven into our walk of faith. Rev. Cort Gatliff shows us that it can happen when we depend on our selves rather than on the sure and strong power of Jesus Christ.