Highland Church Podcast

Guest preacher Josh Jackson walks us through Romans 1:14–17, reminding us that the Gospel is not just good news—it's the best news. In a world full of brokenness and distraction, the message of Jesus brings hope, transformation, and purpose. Josh challenges us to live unashamed of the Gospel and boldly share its redemptive power with those around us.

In this sermon, Eric Gentry explores the moment Jesus restores Peter with three simple yet piercing questions: Do you love me? After Peter's dramatic failure, Jesus doesn't dismiss him—He upgrades him, calling him to feed His sheep and follow Him further. We see how love for Jesus isn't just an emotion, but the essential qualification for leadership, service, and spiritual growth. Eric walks us through how God uses our lowest points to grow deeper love in us, so that we can truly care for His people. Whether your story includes public failure or steady faithfulness, Jesus is forming you into someone who can feed others. This message challenges each of us to let the Lord search our hearts and grow our love for Him above all else.

Today we get to hear from Guest preacher Carter Kiser.Carter brings a powerful message from 2 Chronicles 20:1-12 titled “On Whom We Can Rely.” When crisis strikes, what do we turn to—and what does that reveal about what we truly believe? Carter walks us through the story of King Jehoshaphat, whose moment of fear became a turning point of faith. Instead of relying on alliances or strength, Jehoshaphat turned to God, naming His faithfulness, power, justice, and willingness to act. This sermon invites us to do the same—naming the character of God in our prayers and remembering that even when we don't know what to do, we can keep our eyes on the One who does. It's a timely encouragement to rely not on ourselves, but on the God who has always proven Himself trustworthy.

Want to grow closer to God this year? Check out this message from Eric Gentry on Psalm 139:23–24—one of our 2025 memory verses. It's all about asking God to search your heart, show you what's holding you back, and help you follow Him more fully. Eric shares real stories, honest struggles, and why God's love is big enough to handle it all. It's a message that might just change how you follow Jesus.

Join Smith Hopkins, lead church planter of Oikos Church—a vibrant, 3-year-old church birthed by Highland—as he shares a compelling vision for reaching and raising the next generation. In this inspiring sermon, Smith reflects on the legacy of faith, the urgency of discipleship, and the bold mission of church planting. Whether you're a parent, mentor, or simply passionate about the future of the church, this message will challenge and encourage you. Listen now and discover how God is moving through Oikos and Highland to impact generations to come!

In this message, Eric unpacks the powerful call in 3rd John to support the mission of Jesus around the world—not out of obligation, but out of love, partnership, and purpose. Drawing from Scripture and real-world stories, he reminds us that while everyone plays a role in sharing the gospel, God still calls and sends a few to the far reaches—and He expects the rest of us to make sure they have what they need. Eric helps us see that providing for missionaries isn't just generosity—it's faithfulness to the heart of God. From the hurting in distant nations to the neighbor next door, the need for the gospel is urgent and real. Today's outreach contribution isn't about charity—it's about joining the mission of God with our hearts and our resources. As Eric says, “They'll give Jesus there—we'll send the money from here.”

What's really happening in baptism—and why does it matter? In this powerful message, Eric unpacks the meaning, purpose, and timing of baptism, answering common questions with both humor and biblical depth. Why was Jesus baptized, and why does He command it for His followers? What does it mean to be united with Christ in His death and resurrection through water and Spirit? Eric walks through key scriptures to show how baptism is not a human work but God's rescue mission—our moment of transformation, forgiveness, and new life. Whether you're wondering if you're ready or reflecting on your own baptism, this message offers clarity, encouragement, and hope.

In this sermon, Eric Gentry explores the powerful truth found in Ephesians 2:4–5—“But God…”—two words that change everything. Dead in our sin and unable to save ourselves, we are made alive with Christ, not because of our righteousness, but because of God's great love and rich mercy. This message unpacks the staggering grace of God—a grace so vast, we need new words to describe it. Whether you feel weighed down by guilt, failure, or simply the weight of life, this sermon will remind you: Grace wins every time.

Have you ever experienced the power of a true blessing? In this heartfelt Senior Sunday message, Eric shares a personal story of being blessed in a moment of fear and uncertainty — a reminder of how deeply the gift of blessing can renew and strengthen us. If you're new to faith or still exploring, this is the perfect Sunday to jump in: you'll see the heart of our church's vision — building up the next generation. Eric unpacks how God's blessing isn't just words, but a way to bring heaven's power into our lives, teaching us how to call down His joy and peace over others. You'll leave reminded that the greatest gift we can give our seniors — or anyone — is not more stuff, but the shining face of God over their lives.

In this Easter Sunday message, Eric explores the most powerful sign in John's Gospel—the resurrection of Jesus. From Mary Magdalene's tearful encounter at the empty tomb to Thomas's declaration of faith, “My Lord and my God,” this sermon walks through the eyewitness moments that changed history. Eric tackles the honest doubts many have about the resurrection, asking: Did it really happen? With thoughtful evidence and personal stories, he makes the case for a living Savior who conquered death. This isn't blind faith—it's belief rooted in history, testimony, and transformation. If you've ever wondered whether it's all real, this message is for you.

In this sermon, Eric explores the final moments of Jesus' life and the deep meaning behind two powerful words: Fulfilled and Finished. He unpacks why Jesus' death on the cross was not a tragic accident but the very plan of God—foretold in Scripture and completed in perfect obedience. Eric helps us see how the Lamb of God truly takes away the sin of the world. The cross is not the end of the story, but the victorious fulfillment of it. This message will deepen your understanding of why Jesus matters—and why his final breath changes everything.

In this sermon, Eric Gentry walks through John 11 and the raising of Lazarus to show us how Jesus meets us in our deepest pain. Even as we face the harsh truth that death is inevitable, Jesus reveals a greater reality: death does not have the final word. With tenderness and power, Jesus enters our grief not to explain it away, but to transform it with his glory. What looks like delay is actually love—because knowing Him is eternal life. This message invites us to trust the Teacher when our math doesn't make sense and believe that in Christ, we are made alive—even when all seems lost. Join us as we explore how the resurrection of Lazarus speaks hope into our own stories of sorrow.

Based on John 9, this message explores the miraculous healing of a man born blind and the deeper truth it reveals—Jesus as the light of the world. Through this sign, we see not only physical sight restored but also spiritual blindness confronted. Like the blind man who came to see and believe, we are invited to step into the light of Christ, gaining clarity in a world clouded by darkness. With reflections on Amazing Grace, C.S. Lewis, and the life-changing power of grace, this sermon challenges us to ask: Are we truly seeing? Join us as we seek the light that makes all things clear.

Eric's sermon, “The Signs: Walking on Water,” takes you deep into the miraculous moment when Jesus walked across the stormy Sea of Galilee to reach his disciples. Through John 6:16-21, Eric unpacks how Jesus' presence in the midst of darkness and chaos brings peace, security, and purpose. He connects this powerful story to Moses' plea in Exodus 33—a reminder that we should never go where God's presence does not lead. Just as Jesus calmed the storm and brought his disciples safely to shore, He still does the same for us today. If you've ever felt lost, afraid, or overwhelmed, this message will remind you that no distance, darkness, or storm can keep Jesus from coming to you.

Josh Ray's sermon, “When God Turns Off the Lights,” explores the profound moments when God allows darkness to fall—both literally and spiritually—to reveal His greater purpose. Drawing from 1 Peter 2:9, he reminds us that even in the deepest darkness, God calls His people into His marvelous light. Through the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 10:21-23) and Pharaoh's defiance (Exodus 5:2), we see how God's power is displayed when human pride resists His will. Yet, in Exodus 6:1, God promises deliverance, showing that His light will always overcome the darkness. This sermon will challenge and encourage you to trust in God's plan, even when the lights go out, knowing He is working for your ultimate freedom and transformation.

Today's message is from one of Eric's good friends, Wilson McCoy. Wilson's sermon, “Disciples of the Word,” is a powerful call to deepen our relationship with Christ through Scripture. Drawing from 2 Peter 1:1-21, he reminds us that discipleship is not just about knowledge but about transformation—becoming participants in the divine nature and reflecting the light of Christ in a dark world. Through Peter's journey, from fisherman to bold preacher, McCoy highlights how true faith requires perseverance, love, and an unwavering commitment to Jesus. He challenges us to read Scripture not just for information but for encounter—to see Jesus clearly and be shaped by His presence. This sermon will inspire you to attend to God's Word with fresh devotion, allowing it to guide your life and prepare you for eternity in His kingdom.

Eric's sermon, The Signs: Feeding the 5,000/ The Bread of Life, is a powerful message that challenges us to consider what truly satisfies our deepest hunger. Through the miraculous story in John 6, we see how Jesus not only fed a massive crowd but revealed Himself as the Bread of Life, offering eternal satisfaction beyond physical needs. Drawing connections from history, culture, and even Steve Jobs' famous words, “Stay hungry. Stay foolish,” this sermon invites us to rethink where we seek fulfillment. Jesus' invitation isn't just to receive but to participate—He calls His disciples, then and now, to be part of His mission. Don't miss this eye-opening message that reminds us: staying hungry is foolish when Jesus offers the only bread that truly satisfies.

Eric's sermon, The Signs: Healing the Lame Man, dives deep into John 5:1-18, exploring Jesus' miraculous healing and its powerful implications. He challenges us to consider whether we truly want to be healed, recognizing that healing comes with new responsibilities and faith steps. Through the story of the lame man, we see how Jesus exposes the emptiness of worldly solutions and calls us to trust in Him alone. This sermon will inspire you to reflect on your own spiritual journey—where are you resisting healing, and where is Jesus calling you to step forward? Don't miss this opportunity to experience the transformative power of Christ's grace and authority!

Eric's sermon, The Signs: Healing of the Royal Son, is a powerful message about faith, persistence, and recognizing who Jesus truly is. Through the story of a desperate father seeking healing for his son, we see an example of deep trust and transformation—one that still speaks to parents and believers today. Eric explores how Jesus' miracles are more than just signs of power; they reveal His identity as the Savior of the World. He challenges us to move beyond simply welcoming Jesus into our lives and instead honor Him with true belief. Don't miss this compelling message that will inspire you to take Jesus at His word and trust Him fully.

Eric's sermon, The Signs: Water to Wine, reveals the deeper meaning behind Jesus' first miracle in John 2:1-11. More than just turning water into wine, this moment is a powerful sign—a glimpse into Jesus' divine power, his desire for our joy, and his grace that takes our emptiness and fills it with abundance. Eric unpacks how this miracle points to Jesus as the Son of God, the giver of true life. If you've ever felt like you've run out—out of strength, out of hope, out of joy—this message will show you how Jesus steps in at just the right moment. Don't miss this powerful sermon that invites you to see the signs, believe in Jesus, and experience the life he offers.

Start 2025 with a renewed focus on God's Word! In this message, Eric Gentry introduces our Memory Verses for 2025, beginning with Hebrews 13:15-16—a call to a life of worship, words, work, and generosity that pleases God. Through engaging stories and deep biblical insight, you'll discover how continuous praise and daily acts of service can be a living sacrifice to the Lord. This is more than just a verse to memorize—it's a challenge to shape your everyday life around worship and action. Don't miss this first step in a year-long journey of hiding God's Word in your heart!

Are you searching for a deeper sense of contentment in life? Join us for Eric's final sermon from Hebrews, titled “A Pleasing Life: Content”, where he unpacks the timeless truths of Hebrews 13:5-6. With rich insights from Charles Spurgeon, Richard Burroughs, and stories of faith like Elizabeth Elliot's, Eric explores how God's unchanging promise—“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you”—offers us all we need. Discover how contentment isn't about what we have but Who we trust, and how breaking free from the love of money leads to true joy. This powerful and life-giving message could reshape your heart and your view on life.

Discover why honoring marriage and living a holy life matters to everyone, not just the married. Eric dives deep into God's Word to unpack how purity reflects the loving union Christ shares with His Church. But this message doesn't stop at why—you'll gain practical, Spirit-led steps on how to break free from the chains of sin and pursue holiness. This is a kid-safe sermon filled with grace, truth, and hope for all who seek freedom. Don't miss this chance to draw closer to God's plan for a life that truly pleases Him.

Start your 2025 with a message that speaks to your heart and encourages meaningful change. In this week's lesson, Eric looks at Hebrews 13:1-3, exploring the power of love in three vital relationships: siblings, strangers, and sufferers. Eric challenges us to embrace love as an expression of gratitude for all we've received from God. Whether it's deepening family bonds, showing hospitality to those we don't know, or empathizing with the suffering, this message invites us to live a life that pleases God and transforms others. Don't miss this chance to begin your year with love in action.

Discover the secret to a life that truly pleases God with today's lesson called, “A Pleasing Life: To Please God.” Journey through the remarkable faith of Enoch, who was commended by God for his unwavering belief, and explore how this same faith—rooted in trust and endurance—can transform your own walk with Christ. Eric unpacks powerful truths from Hebrews 11, reminding us that pleasing God starts with faith that sees, believes, and perseveres through life's challenges. Be encouraged by stories of human endurance, like Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic journey, and see how Jesus empowers us to endure and thrive, even in weakness. This message will challenge, uplift, and remind you to live for “One Well Done.”

This lesson is from HYG student, Caleb Jackson. Caleb preaches out of Luke 15:11-32 and asks us to examine our own heart this morning. This message will encourage you to think about where your desires are as we end 2024 and begin 2025.

Have you ever felt caught between the weight of your past and the uncertainty of your future? In today's message called The Difference He Makes, Eric Gentry takes us on a journey to rediscover the true meaning of Christmas and how Jesus changes everything. Using the five foundational scriptures, he shows how Jesus not only redeems our past but also fills our future with hope and purpose. Whether you're questioning the heart of Christmas like Charlie Brown or looking to deepen your faith, this sermon invites you to fix your eyes on Jesus—the One who transforms regret into redemption and anxiety into peace. Come and see how the birth of Christ brings the ultimate gift: freedom and hope for today and tomorrow.

Join Eric as he unpacks one of life's most profound and challenging questions: What does it really mean to have faith? Drawing from Hebrews 11, he explores how faith is not a blind leap into the unknown but a tangible connection between what we see and what we cannot. Through powerful stories, relatable illustrations (yes, even Indiana Jones and spiderwebs!), and Scripture, Eric brings clarity to how faith is more than belief—it's a response to God's ongoing presence and promises. Discover how faith bridges the seen and unseen, offering us hope and assurance to stand firm even in life's hardest moments.

In a world where we're constantly asking, “Am I doing this right?”, Hebrews 10:36-39 offers a bold and grounding answer: persevere and belong. In our message today, Eric unpacks this powerful passage, showing us how faith anchors us in truth, identity, and hope amidst life's uncertainties. Discover why perseverance isn't just about holding on but about drawing near to Christ, the source of all strength. Be inspired by the “Heroes of Faith” in Hebrews 11, not as distant legends but as part of a family you belong to—those who don't shrink back but stand firm. This sermon will equip you to live out your faith with confidence and clarity, reminding you that you are called to a greater promise and a stronger community.

Today's sermon from Eric on Discipline from Hebrews 12:4-12 is an exploration of how God uses discipline to grow His children in maturity and faith. He contrasts the Stoic view of pain and resistance with a distinctly Christian perspective, emphasizing that God's discipline is an act of love rather than meaningless suffering. He expands the concept of discipline beyond correction to include direction, showing how God uses both pain and hardship to guide believers toward holiness and deeper submission. Ultimately, the message is one of encouragement: God's discipline is not punitive but purposeful, aimed at producing righteousness, peace, and a fuller life in Christ.

In today's message, Eric unpacks 3rd John 5-8, highlighting the profound importance of supporting missionaries who go out “for the sake of the Name.” Missionaries are uniquely committed to glorifying Jesus and advancing His truth, often at great personal cost, making our support for them an act of partnership with God. Eric challenges us to examine our own motivations, aligning them with the singular purpose of honoring Christ's name. Supporting missions is not just a calling for the few but an opportunity for all to participate in God's plan to make His name known to the nations.

Oue lesson today reflects on the call to spiritual maturity and understanding in the Christian faith, drawing from passages in Hebrews. Eric encourages us to move beyond basic teachings and embrace a deeper grasp of God's word, moving from “milk” to “solid food.” He addresses the risk of spiritual stagnation and urges us to actively engage with our faith, developing discernment to distinguish good from evil. Eric also reminds us that even lengthy teachings are brief compared to the depth of truth available in scripture. Overall, it's a message that challenges us to avoid complacency and pursue growth in our spiritual lives.

Are you going through some trouble? So now what? Our lesson this morning is from Highland member, Jim Martin. Jim shares an encouraging message that will speak to many of us going through times of trouble. By learning how the children of Isreal responded to times of trouble, Jim encourages us to 1. Bring your anxiety, uncertainty, and dread to God in prayer. 2 Cling to God and he will hold on to you. 3 And to know that the peace of God is possible.

This sermon focuses on Jesus as our eternal High Priest, emphasizing His role as an intercessor who continually advocates for us before God. Eric explores the comfort we can draw from Christ's “permanent priesthood,” which provides assurance of salvation despite our struggles and doubts. Drawing on Hebrews 4-10, the sermon highlights that Jesus, who understands our weaknesses, invites us to approach God with confidence. We are also reminded that Jesus' intercession is unending, affirming that He is always “for us.” Ultimately, we are encouraged to hold firm in faith, knowing they are completely seen and saved through Christ's steadfast intercession.

Today's message emphasizes the theological connection between law, blood, and forgiveness in the Christian faith. It draws from Hebrews 9:22, stating that forgiveness requires the shedding of blood, and Leviticus 17:11, where life and atonement are linked to blood. Eric explains that blood represents life and that atonement involves offering life for life, preserving the covenant between God and humanity. Ultimately, the sermon points to Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice, fulfilling the requirements for forgiveness.

Today's message emphasizes the importance of drawing near to God and holding firmly to our faith because of Jesus Christ's role as our high priest. Eric highlights how Jesus empathizes with our weaknesses, as He was tempted just as we are, yet remained without sin. As a result, believers can approach God with confidence, assured of receiving mercy and grace in times of need. We see in the book of Hebrews, stressing that through Christ's sacrifice, we have been given direct access to the Most Holy Place. Therefore, we are encouraged to remain steadfast in our faith and approach God with sincerity, trusting in His promises.

Our message today discusses a passage in Hebrews 4 that points back to a seemingly random passage from Genesis, but we find out that they are very connected. Eric explores the biblical account of Abram's encounter with Melchizedek after a victory in battle, highlighting the spiritual significance of Melchizedek as a priest of God Most High. This lesson emphasizes the importance of recognizing these divinely orchestrated moments that reveal God's hand in our lives. It also concludes with a reference to Psalm 110, which prophesies a future priesthood modeled after Melchizedek that comes to be through Jesus.

Our message today emphasizes the importance of listening to God's voice, not drifting away, and not hardening one's heart, referencing Hebrews 3:7-11 and Psalm 95. Eric highlights the faithfulness of Jesus, who was loyal to the one who appointed Him, drawing from Hebrews 3:1. We are all reminded that Christ is faithful as the Son over God's house. The condition for remaining part of God's house is holding firmly to confidence and the hope found in Christ, as expressed in Hebrews 3:6.

This lesson emphasizes the importance of paying careful attention to the message of salvation. Eric stresses the consequences of neglecting this great salvation. The passage from Hebrews 2:1-4 serves as a warning that we must remain vigilant and avoid drifting away from the salvation that has been offered. It calls believers to recognize the greatness of God's salvation and to respond with reverence. Ultimately, we are challenged to take seriously our salvation and not ignore the grace offered to us.

Today's message is a lesson out of Hebrews that points to Christ being mentioned throughout all of Scripture. Eric explains how Jesus reveals the true nature of God and is constantly being pointed back to in the Old Testament from writers in the New Testament. This is a great message for those who love the nature of Jesus but struggle with the nature of God in the Old Testament.

Today's lesson highlights how God has spoken to us through Jesus, showing that He's not just the Son, but also the creator of everything and the perfect reflection of God's nature. We are encouraged to really focus on the message we've heard about Jesus so we don't lose our way or drift from our faith. The point is made that Jesus is not only our Savior but also the one who represents us before God, so we should keep our minds and hearts fixed on Him. It's a reminder of how important it is to stay grounded in what Jesus has done and who He is. Overall, we are called to recognize the deep need and awe we should have for Him.

Today's message emphasizes the importance of living a life deeply rooted in Jesus Christ, as highlighted in Colossians 2:6-7. It emphasizes the concept of union with Christ, which brings about various spiritual benefits such as fruitfulness, forgiveness, adoption, inheritance, love, encouragement, and comfort. The message also focuses on the assurance of our union with Christ through the Holy Spirit, based on 1 John 4:13. Finally, it draws attention to the mysterious and powerful work of the Holy Spirit in believers' lives, as illustrated in John 3:8.

Author Richard Rohr said, Christianity is basically about two becoming one. It is about uniting with Christ. It's not logical for 1+1 to equal 1, but that is what uniting with Christ is supposed to look like. In this lesson, Eric dives into our need for Christ and the union we form with Him.

God hardwires us, at the level of our heart, for certain desires. And what we should always ask is: How does Christianity offer the heart what the world can't; something more satisfying? So…What is the Christian motivation of working a job in our community? What we find in Scripture is that we should let God work on our hearts, and he'll change our experience of work.

Have you ever asked yourself- "Does my work matter? Why am I working? Does God care about my work?" Today we will ask these questions and talk about what the Bible has to say about work. What we find is encouraging to some, challenging to others, but it applies to us all.

We start our lesson today looking at Mary's response to the angel Gabriel when he tells her that she will give birth to Jesus. Mary's humble response shows that she has a maturity marked by trust. Absolute trust in the Lord, despite what comes her way. That's the kind of trust that we all want. To get that trust we have to pass through trouble, or grief, or a struggle that we will call "the wall". Today we will talk about how to pass through the wall.

John 16:33 says that “In this world we will have trouble”. We are people who avoid “trouble”. Who wants grief? Who wants to feel that this is not how its supposed to be? But Jesus says there is courage (take heart) to be had in what he has done (overcome the world). These gains in trouble are not result of self-improvement. Instead, they are Christ-accomplished and Christ-offered. There is great gain to be had if we can break through “the wall” of trouble and grief.

Today, our lesson comes from, Carter Kiser. Carter grew up at Highland, graduated from Lipscomb University, and is continuing his training to become a minister of the Gospel. His lesson for us comes out of John 8:12 and encourages us to be the light of Christ that shines for Him in this world.

Today we look at John 16:16,20-24 and we try and answer the question “Will all grief turn to joy?” The fundamental Christian conviction is that the shape of Jesus life, death, resurrection is applied to every area of our lives. And most importantly to our griefs.

Our world is a pressure-cooker and its power source is hate. The same hate that killed Jesus is what our world is plugged into. And Jesus knows that, sees that, even better than we do. Hate hurts. Those words that you are hated are a joy-killer. Jesus tells us that we will be hated in this world. So if I will have joy in a world where I am hated, I will need help. That's where the friendship of Jesus comes in.

Today at Highland we will hear again from Dr. Kevin Shelby. Dr. Shelby is a Highland member, and licensed counselor. He will speak to us on the topic of helping and comforting people who have addiction in their life. The church should be a place that welcomes and helps those with addictions heal. Kevin will dive into this topic for us today.