Rolling Hills Community Church - Nolensville Campus

Saul was a Jewish religious leader whose life was radically changed by Jesus. Saul grew up attending the synagogue. He was trained in the Old Testament. He was a Pharisee and a leader of the Jewish people. He even persecuted the Church of Jesus. You can be religious and not be a follower of Jesus. There are many religious people today. Have you ever fully committed your life to Jesus and become His disciple? Saul does, and his life is radically changed. His name is changed to Paul, and he goes on to become the “Apostle to the Gentiles.” God saves him spiritually and then uses his life to impact the world. Now is your time. Will you respond to Jesus today and live your life fully for Him? Let's live as disciples of Jesus.

In today's world, there is an obsession with knowledge but a growing resistance to true wisdom. While knowledge is the accumulation of information, wisdom is the right application of that knowledge, something our society increasingly overlooks. Ecclesiastes 4 echoes this truth by exposing the emptiness of ambition, isolation, and toil without purpose. It reminds us that life's value is not in what we know or achieve, but in how we live in relationship with others and with God.

Time is precious. God has given us life. We were born for a reason and a purpose. We often complain that we don't have enough time. It is really not about time, but about priorities. Therefore, we must prioritize the time God has given us and live each moment for Him. To know  God is Sovereign over this world and over our lives. May we learn to understand how precious our time is so that we gain a heart of wisdom. Wisdom to live each moment for the glory of God.

In Ecclesiastes Chapter 2, Solomon explores the pursuits of pleasure, achievement and possessions, ultimately finding them all meaningless apart from God. While God wants us to enjoy life, these pursuits become empty when they are self-centered or disconnected from Him. Solomon concludes that true fulfillment—wisdom, joy and purpose—comes only from God. The Westminster Shorter Catechism affirms that “Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.” Let's determine to invest the rest of our lives in the pursuit of what really matters - a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus.

Ecclesiastes was written by Solomon in his old age. Solomon was the wisest and wealthiest person to ever live. He was king over all Israel. Although Solomon started well, he did not finish well. He drifted from God and pursued the things of this world. He writes Ecclesiastes as a warning to those who come behind him to keep God first in their life. Solomon pursued everything this world has to offer and found it all “meaningless.” We all get one shot at life, so let's not waste it on things that are trivial. Invest your life in what matters. Always keep God first.

Jesus meets us right where we are — in the ordinary moments of life and in the depths of our struggles. Just as He filled the empty nets of the disciples, He fills our emptiness with His abundance. Jesus restores the broken and meets us even when we wander. He redirects our steps back to Him, calling pastors to love Him, feed and care for His flock, and calling all His people to love Jesus, come hungry for more of Him, care for one another, and faithfully follow. Jesus performed countless miracles in scripture, but we are also part of His miracles — lives redeemed, restored, and repurposed for His glory. The most important thing about our future is that our next step moves us closer to Jesus.

Friday, it seemed all hope was lost. Jesus was dead in the tomb. But that was Friday. And today is Easter! Our Jesus is not dead; He is alive! Jesus conquered death and made a way for us to have a personal relationship with God. Jesus' Resurrection from the dead changes everything. Now we have hope. Now, our lives are not defined by our sin, but defined by His grace. You matter to God. You matter so much that God sent His One and Only Son for you. Will you believe this today and commit your life to Jesus? Will you come alive in Christ and see your life changed for eternity? The Greatest Miracle of all is Jesus's Resurrection. He conquered death and made a way for you to become fully alive! Let's celebrate. He is Risen. It's Easter!

Jesus is the Miracle Worker. Jesus is greater than anything we face in this life. Jesus has the power over life and death. We must know that Jesus' miracles come in His timing - not always our timing. Do we pray for miracles and trust in His timing? Regardless of what you face in life, you can always know Jesus is greater. He loves you! Once you come alive in Christ, then live in His freedom as His disciple. Will you believe and experience a miracle today?

In John 9, we see a powerful story of healing that starts with mud, spit, and obedience but it quickly becomes something deeper. Jesus heals a man born blind, showing that God often does His greatest work through our pain. But the miracle doesn't make life easier—it disrupts everything. The man loses his status, his neighbors' trust, his parents' support, and his place in the religious community. Yet, as the conflict builds, so does his clarity. What began as physical healing becomes a journey of faith: first seeing Jesus as a man, then a prophet, and finally, the Son of God. The real miracle wasn't just that he could see, it's that he came to believe, and he worshipped.

As followers of Jesus, sometimes we can think that we will not have any problems. There are so many blessings with being a Christian, but we still live in a broken and fallen world, which means we will all go through storms. One day, it will all be perfect in Heaven, but until that day comes, we must learn to have faith in Jesus and live in His peace in the middle of the storms. God promises to “never leave us or forsake us.” Jesus will walk on water to come to us. And our faith must grow to the point to step out of the boat and trust in Him. With Jesus, you are never alone, and you can experience peace in your storm.

Our God is a God of miracles. In one of Jesus' most famous miracles in the Bible, Jesus feeds 5,000 men (probably more like 15,000 to 20,000 people) with only five loaves of bread and two small fish. When we place a little in the hands of Jesus, He multiplies it and more. So often, we forget about Jesus. When we are in need, call out to the God of miracles. Jesus is always more than enough. Will you place your life in His hands today? Will you place your faith in Jesus and watch Him do miracles in you and through you for His glory? Live as a disciple of Jesus. 

The story of Jesus healing at the Pool of Bethesda is more than just a physical miracle—it's a picture of spiritual transformation. Just as the man had been waiting for years by the pool, stuck in his condition, many of us find ourselves trapped in cycles of waiting, hoping for change but unsure of how to step into healing. Jesus doesn't just restore bodies; He calls us to get up, pick up our past, and walk forward in faith, leaving behind the things that once held us back and stepping into the new life He offers.

Jesus' miracles, showing that miracles are not just about physical healing but about restoring faith and revealing God's greater purpose. This moment builds on previous signs, leading to deeper belief in Jesus as the source of life. The nobleman's desperate plea for his son's life mirrors our own need for healing and hope, reminding us that hope leads to faith even when circumstances seem hopeless. Ultimately, the miracle points beyond itself—to God's desire to heal not only individuals, but entire families, communities, and a broken world. Just as God gave His Son to bring eternal life, He uses moments of healing to invite us into belief.

Miracles happen. God's miracles did not only occur in Biblical times, but the same God still does miracles today. In our Easter series, we will walk through the eight miracles of Jesus recorded in the Gospel of John. Jesus' first miracle was turning water to wine at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. This miracle saved a couple from social embarrassment and revealed a God who loves us and is involved in the details of our lives. Regardless of where you are in your life journey today, always know when Jesus is present a miracle can happen. Pray bold prayers. Always trust and believe in the One who does miracles! 

Parenting is the hardest thing you will ever do in your life and yet the most beautiful and rewarding. The church is called to raise up the next generation in the Lord. This takes all of us. Parenting today is a challenge, but our God is faithful. God has entrusted your children to you, and our children to us as His Church. Parenting doesn't stop at 18, but takes a lifetime. Many times, “bigger kids, bigger problems,” and we are called to pray and trust in the Sovereignty of our God. He loves our children even more than we do. Let's spend our life knowing Jesus and passing on what He has poured into us to the next generation. This is our time!

Parenting is not just about raising good kids—it's about raising them to know, love, and follow Jesus. Our role is to intentionally guide them through the Spiritual Mile Markers of life, transferring their dependence from us to God. What we model, they will absorb. So ask yourself: Are you creating a home where faith is lived, not just spoken? Let's be parents who don't just hope our kids find Jesus—we lead them there by the way we live, love, and trust Him ourselves.

Parents are called to guide their children with wisdom, setting firm yet loving boundaries, especially in the digital age. While the internet and smartphones have revolutionized the world, they have also exposed children to risks, often with little regulation. To foster self-regulation and well-adjusted adulthood, parents must set clear digital boundaries—limiting screen time, restricting content, designating device-free spaces, and modeling healthy tech habits. However, boundaries must be implemented with understanding and relationship, using them as teaching moments rooted in biblical wisdom. Practical steps, such as delaying smartphones and social media, promoting offline play, and staying steadfast in the long journey of parenting, remind parents that they are not alone—God is their shepherd in this mission.

Parenting today can be the greatest joy and yet the most challenging part of anyone's life. But, God wants us to succeed! God wants us to thrive in our parenting and not just survive. Therefore, God gives us His Word, His Spirit and His Church. Having a personal, growing relationship with God through Jesus Christ, His Son, is the most important part of parenting. And, having godly leaders at church is so essential to raising our kids and the next generation in Christ. Let's cover our children in prayer and endeavor to thrive in parenting today.

God wants you to grow in your faith and to share His love with others. This comes by being rooted in Christ. Growing deep roots in Jesus and then allowing His love to flow out of you. Jesus then calls us to plant seeds of the Gospel in the hearts and lives of others. “The harvest is plentiful…,” Jesus said, “...but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest field.” Matthew 9. God has called each of us to share our faith and to invest in others for His glory. This is where we grow spiritually and impact the world for Christ.

You were created to grow. Just like physical growth as we watch a baby grow into a child, young man or woman and ultimately an adult, there are stages to spiritual growth. If you are alive spiritually, then you should be growing/maturing in Christ. So, are you more like Jesus today than you were a year, 5 years, 10 years or 20 years ago? Make a commitment to grow spiritually in 2025. What steps do you need to take? To read your Bible, to pray, to be baptized, to join the church, to serve on Sunday mornings, to lead a group, to disciple your family and more. Let's make 2025 a year of spiritual growth and watch God make it our best year yet!

It's the start of the New Year, and I pray 2025 will be your best year yet. I pray you will prosper in every area of your life this year. It all starts with your relationship with God. Will you commit to grow spiritually this year? What is the next step for you - accepting Christ, being baptized, joining the church, joining a Community Group, Men's or Women's Group, serving at church, reading your Bible, praying regularly, journaling or maybe a mission trip? There are so many ways to grow spiritually this year. Commit to be at church and to grow in your relationship with God. I'm praying for you in 2025! Know God has a great plan and purpose for you!

Advent contrasts the world's fleeting, self-centered view of love with God's unconditional, sacrificial love revealed in Scripture. While human love often starts with self and falters under conditions, God's love, shown through Jesus' life and sacrifice, is steadfast, holy, and transformative. Mary's response to God's love—her surrender and trust—demonstrates how we, too, are called to receive and carry His love with the world. This Advent, we are invited to let go of shallow definitions of love and embrace the deep, redemptive love of God that restores, redeems, and makes us whole.

“The world looks for happiness through self-assertion. The Christian knows that joy is found in self-abandonment. 'If a man will let himself be lost for My sake,' Jesus said, 'he will find his true self.” Elizabeth Elliot What an amazing quotation from Elizabeth Elliot, who by the way is uniquely capable of commenting on where joy comes from as her husband, Jim, was put to death in South America for the sake of the Gospel. Instead of harboring bitterness, she forgave and eventually went back to the very tribe of people who put her husband to death to continue telling them about Jesus. What Elizabeth says, is that we look for happiness by self-assertion. Happiness comes when I get to insert myself into whatever situation I want and I get whatever I want. However, the Christ follower knows that joy is found in self-abandonment. By putting myself last, losing myself, and in doing so I find Jesus and the joy that comes from him alone. May you find joy this Christmas in putting yourself last, and putting Jesus first.

The holiday season can be anything but peaceful. There is so much to do: decorations, shopping, travel, cards, desserts, kids and more. And, yet Jesus came so that we could experience real peace. And, isn't this what we all want? Peace with God, peace with others and peace in the deepest parts of our own heart. True peace comes in Christ Jesus alone. Will you experience peace in Jesus this year? Jesus is the “Prince of Peace.”

Advent is the waiting - the preparing our hearts for Jesus. We celebrate the first coming of Jesus at Christmas, and we prepare our hearts for His Second Coming. The entire Old Testament was pointing God's people to our Blessed Hope, Jesus. Jesus came to bring salvation to both the Jews and the Gentiles - to all who are far off from God. There are more prophecies about Jesus' Second Coming than even His first coming. Our hope is in Jesus today. When Jesus returns He will make all things right. But, until then, we wait in expectation and hope. Come, Lord Jesus!

Happy Thanksgiving! We all have so much for which to be thankful. The third key in Generous Living is to “give thanks in all circumstances.” This doesn't say “for” all circumstances because we live in a broken world because of sin, but it does say “in” all circumstances because our God is greater. We have a Savior who died for us on a cross so that we could have eternal life with God. We are loved and forever adopted into His family by the grace of Christ. Let's truly be thankful this Thanksgiving and let's be generous. God so loved that He gave, and so can we.

Prayer is a continuous, transformative conversation with God that reflects trust and devotion. It encompasses key elements such as being present, speaking, openness, listening, and spiritual growth. Unlike ordinary conversations, prayer involves a dialogue with someone who understands and loves us deeply. A life of prayer leads to holiness. It brings confidence rooted in faith and cultivates generosity by sharpening our awareness of God and compassion for others. 

God wants us to experience Generous Living. The most famous verse in the Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave…” John 3:16. Therefore, we are most like God when we love and when we give. The first key to Generous Living is to rejoice always. This is a true mark of spiritual depth and maturity. Jesus was full of joy and there will be rejoicing in Heaven. When we are grateful, we rejoice. Let's learn to rejoice always as we grow to be like Jesus.

God calls His people to Revival. Revival is a gift from God to draw His people back to His heart. The purpose of Revival is to reignite the fire in His Church and His people. As Christ-followers, we will face challenges and even persecution. In those times we are called to be bold. We are called to obey God rather than man. We can never forget that God is in control - God is Sovereign over all. May this Revival call us all to deeper devotion and boldness in Jesus.

The Presence of God is what we all need in our lives. So often we look to the things of this world to satisfy us. We think, “If I just have more money,” but money never ultimately meets our deepest needs of healing, hope, salvation and eternity. True joy comes in meeting and knowing Jesus. Living and experiencing the very Presence of God. Then, as disciples, we can share this Good News of Jesus with others. Let's be people who experience God's transforming power and then invite others to Jesus.

God longs to bring Revival in His Church today. We are on the precipice of Great Spiritual Awakening in our nation. And, these Spiritual Awakenings have always started with Revival in God's Church. Revivals occur when God's people become fully devoted to His heart and mission. So often, we drift from the things of God and find ourselves devoted to the things of this world. Yet, God is constantly drawing us back to Himself. When the people of God become fully devoted to Him get ready, Revival will come. And, Revival will impact our lives, but also our nation and world. Come, Jesus, Come. Revival starts here.

As Christians (which means, “little Christ”), we have a call to be involved in missions. Sometimes we think missions is only for certain people, but Jesus actually calls all His disciples to the Great Commission and to be missionaries. Sharing our faith with others, praying for others, and serving others in the Name of Jesus is at the heart of the Gospel message and ministry. There are so many needs in our world and we can't possibly do everything, but we can all do something. How will you be involved in Jesus' call to missions?

The Book of James is so practical in how we live out our faith in Jesus. In James 5, he points out that our faith is seen in how we use our money, our suffering, and our prayers. As Christ-followers, these three areas should look different from the world - how we invest our money, how we are patient in our sufferings, and how we pray. May we be people who grow deeper and stronger in our faith. Let's mature in our love and faith in Jesus.

So why should we be faithful to God? Why choose friendship with Him over the world? Because God chose to enter into a relationship with us, fully knowing we would betray Him. Even after all the times we've walked away, made mistakes or said things we regret, God remains faithful.God chose to send His Son, Jesus, to redeem what was already His. We were created in His image, but sin had taken us away. So, what did God do? He bought us back from sin and slavery with the blood of His Son. Jesus paid the price for our redemption. And, when you understand all that God has done for you through Christ, the pull of the world loses its appeal. 

We have all been impacted by words. Words are powerful. James talks about the impact of words on our lives and others. We all carry hope and wounds from words said to us by a parent, coach, teacher or friend. And, at the same time, we too have the power to build up and destroy others with our words. James calls to us to live out our faith with our words. How we use our words - what we say, post, write and more - matters. As a disciple of Jesus, do our words reflect Christ? Have you declared Jesus with your mouth, and have you professed Him with your life?

Salvation only comes through faith in Jesus. It is Jesus who saves a person. It is not about what we do, it is about what He has done. Jesus died on the cross for our sins and then conquered death so we can have eternity with God. However, James will say that “faith without works is dead.” While works do not save us, our good works for Jesus are the evidence of our faith. Can people look at your life and see your faith in Jesus? Behavior always follows belief. Are we living out our faith in Jesus? Let's renew our commitment to Jesus today and live every day for Him.

Favoritism has always been a problem for God's people. Even in the Old Testament, there was dysfunction in families because of prejudice and favoritism. Favoritism is still a problem for Christians today. However, James calls believers in Jesus not to show favoritism but to live by a higher standard - love. How can we love others this week? Let's start at home with our spouse, children, and/or roommates, and then love the people in our church, school, and work. Let's show mercy and not judge. Let's love others like God loves us. Spiritual maturity is measured in love.

There are many people who have heard about Jesus. There are many people who have a Bible in their home. But, there are few people who actually live out their faith in Jesus. James tells us to “be doers of the Word and not hearers only.” We are called to live out our faith. Works do not save us, only Jesus saves us, “through faith,” but works are evidence of a transformed life in Jesus. If someone listens to what you say and watches how you live, will they see your faith in Jesus? Let's not just listen to God's Word today, but let's live it out every day. 

The Christian life is all about faith. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus. But salvation is not the end, but the beginning of an incredible faith journey. Every day we have the opportunity to place our faith in Jesus. This is where we see miracles happen and God move mountains. We are called to “live by faith and not by sight.” So, where's your faith? Is your faith in Jesus or in the things of this world? Place your life fully in Jesus and see the difference God will make in your life, your family, your future, and your eternity. Faith works!

What made David so special was his heart for God. David was an incredible leader that God used to impact His people and history. David wasn't perfect. He sinned and made some big mistakes in his life. But after his sins, David always repented and came back to God. Even at the end of his life, he was known as “a man after God's own heart.” Regardless of what you have done, make a commitment today to be a “man or woman after the heart of God.” Put God first in your life and live every day for Him. Then, watch God do miracles in your life. Trust God today.

God calls and conditions us to lead with leadership rooted in spiritual influence. Henry Blackaby describes spiritual leaders as those who guide others toward where God wants them to be, starting with their own relationship with Him. Each generation is given the opportunity to raise new leaders who, like David, defeat new giants through deep faith and trust in God. David's leadership was marked by his faith in God's past faithfulness, humility, servant leadership, and willingness to own up to his mistakes. His faith was contagious, empowering those around him to become leaders and giant killers. The question is: What does this look like for us? 

The aftermath of David's sin was chaos and brokenness. His sins were forgiven, but the consequences remained. This began a generational pattern of the sons of David falling short. Jesus is the son of David, who broke the generational curse and created a new way forward. In our lives, we need to be aware of the dangers of sin and its damage to those around us and those who come after us. Through the power of the cross, we are called to follow that new way forward for ourselves and those in our circles with a life of confession, repentance, forgiveness, and healing. 

In 2 Samuel, Nathan uses a parable to confront David indirectly about his sin, avoiding direct accusation due to the danger involved. The parable of the little ewe lamb, symbolizing Bathsheba, triggers David's deep-seated compassion for sheep, drawing parallels to his own past as a shepherd. In the story, David condemns the rich man's actions without realizing he condemns himself. This blinds him to his own wrongdoing, revealing the danger of being unaware of your own sin. We have much to learn from this story of David's sin, his choice to repent and turn from his sin, and the power of God's grace and forgiveness. You're never “too far gone” from God's grace – and that's what we can learn from the relationship and story of David and Nathan. 

David's story in 2 Samuel 11:1-15 shows how sin can mess things up, even for someone like the greatest king of Israel. So, because we recognize that we can slip up, praying and reading the Bible daily, having friends who keep us accountable, and knowing how to step away from temptation are all essential in our walk with Jesus. When we do make mistakes, though, asking for forgiveness and choosing repentance can bring us back to God. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says God helps us handle temptation when we stick close to Him and our community. We can learn from David's mistakes because we all struggle with sin. Finding our joy in God helps us say no to temptation and grow spiritually. And just as we learn from David's life, no matter how you have sinned, you are never too far from God.