Vance Church: Recent Episodes
Vance Presbyterian
- About a week earlier, Peter had confessed that Jesus was the Christ, and Jesus acknowledged that was true. But then Jesus said he would suffer and die, and Peter rebuked him, saying that could never happen. Now, Jesus had taken Peter, James and John up a mountain, where he was transfigured and seen with the two greatest leaders of Hebrew history: Moses and Elijah. Wanting to keep everyone there permanently, Peter proposed setting up a tent for each of them. That's when the holy cloud, the shekinah, enveloped them and God's voice spoke in the same words given at Jesus' baptism, confirming Jesus' trajectory to the Cross.
Beatitudes as a Kingdom Manifesto: Jesus’ Beatitudes redefine blessing by elevating those who are poor, meek, merciful, and persecuted, highlighting a reversal of worldly values and inviting followers to embrace vulnerability and righteousness.
- Jesus’ inquiry to the first disciples invites not only them but all viewers to reflect on their deepest desires and motivations. It suggests that spiritual fulfillment requires intentional seeking and openness to transformation.
This message presents a reflective and theological exploration of the Christmas story, primarily focusing on the biblical accounts of Jesus’ birth from Isaiah, Matthew, and Luke.
- The King who ruled from the Cross, God’s Chosen One who died for you and me, has risen to reclaim his rightful throne and grants you and me his mercy and grace, if we are but humble enough to receive it.
- The audio features a reflective sermon that delves into the themes of prayer, persistence, justice, and faith, drawing its message primarily from the biblical passages of Jeremiah 31 and Luke 18.
This sermon invites listeners to reflect deeply on the nature of healing, faith, and gratitude, encouraging a holistic approach to spiritual life that embraces God’s grace and the transformative power of thankfulness.
The message encourages believers to embrace the faith they have and to practice forgiveness as a way of living in accordance with Jesus’ example and command, promising personal and communal healing.
The rich man’s sin is neglect, not wealth: The parable highlights that moral failure stems from ignoring and humiliating those in need. Wealth carries responsibility; failing to recognize the humanity of the poor leads to spiritual ruin.
This message encourages a compassionate, grace-filled approach to those society labels as “lost,” urging believers to participate in the joy of restoration and recognize the immeasurable value of every person in God’s family.
"Room for All at the Table" - The message begins with an encouragement to shine with the joy and love of the Lord. Believers are reminded of their role to be light for the kingdom, embodying justice and love.
"Divisions Among Us" The speaker encourages people to recognize that God is actively working in their lives and to boldly share those moments of grace and transformation, thereby joining the “cloud of witnesses” who testify to God’s faithfulness.
"The Sum of Your Life" - Jesus warns us that our lives are more then our possessions. His parable tells us that wealth can separate us from others just as easily as it can bring us together.
"Sideline Living" - God calls for servants, not spectators, urging Christians to step off the sidelines and act courageously as God's hands and feet in the world.
"Be Attentive - not distracted - to Serving" - the message reminds us that all Christian action and contemplation are rooted in love—love for God and for others. This keeps service from becoming mere duty and transforms it into joyful, meaningful ministry.
"The Neighbor Shows Mercy". Jesus challenges the conventional views of community by making a despised Samaritan the hero. This flips societal prejudices on their head and invites us to rethink who we consider worthy of our compassion. It’s a timeless call to widen our circle of care beyond cultural or social boundaries.
"Living for Jesus" - Summary - Authority, Healing, and the Mission of DiscipleshipIntroduction: The Power and Purpose of DiscipleshipThis sermon explores the profound themes of authority, healing, and mission as presented through biblical narratives and teachings. Central to this discussion are key concepts such as the authority of disciples, the kingdom of God, and the obligation to serve. These ideas are woven together by examining two pivotal scriptural stories: the healing of Naaman in the Hebrew Testament and Jesus sending out the 72 disciples in the New Testament. The significance of this content lies in understanding how believers are empowered to serve and proclaim God’s kingdom, even amid challenges, and how faith translates into action.
"And Then God Stepped In"The sermon reflects on the challenging times people face, drawing lessons from biblical stories of Elijah and the demon-possessed man in Luke. Both faced fear, isolation, and despair but were met by God’s intervention in unexpected ways—not in chaos but in quiet moments of peace and healing.
This reflection encourages embracing both the rich history and living truth the Nicene Creed offers, celebrating its role in shaping faith and inspiring unity among believers.
Paul and Silas, beaten and jailed, respond with song and prayer. Their faith triggers a divine jailbreak via earthquake. Witnessing this, the jailer converts, struck by their integrity. This story challenges us: would our lives convict us as Christians? It reminds us that actions and words must align, and that legacies of faith leave an indelible mark. The takeaway? Live united, live genuinely, live in love.
The sermon, delivered by Rev. Harley whose insights draw from biblical teachings, particularly the book of Acts, emphasizes the transformative power of faith and the unexpected ways God influences lives.
Rev. Harley observes a surprising lack of sermons specifically about how to love well in the world today. The difficulty of genuine love is acknowledged—especially in daily life and family relationships where love isn’t always easy. Yet, the call remains to embody God’s steadfast, covenantal love, which is grounded in kindness, compassion, and humility. Ultimately, the sermon encourages listeners to live out this love practically and boldly, as it is the true mark of being Jesus’ disciple and the defining feature of Christian identity.
Rev. Harley highlights the scriptural narratives from Acts and John, illustrating how the early church and Jesus exemplified leadership that nurtures and protects. The speaker, likely a trained theologian, draws on scriptural references and contemporary anecdotes to underline the significance of following a leader who genuinely cares for their flock. Through this exploration, the speaker aims to inspire a deeper understanding of spiritual guidance and communal responsibility.
Christians have no choice but to speak up and defend the gospel teachings when authorities act contrary to Jesus' teachings.
Peter and the apostles’ defiance stresses the importance of prioritizing divine command over human authority. Jesus’ post-resurrection appearance emphasizes themes of peace and the fulfillment of God’s promise. The narrative encourages discussion on the nature of doubt and the journey towards faith. The importance of gathering as a community is underscored, recognizing it as fundamental to church identity. Jesus provides the Holy Spirit, equipping believers for their mission to forgive sins and serve others. The message encourages openness and inclusivity, inviting those with doubts to explore their faith within the community.
Rev. Harley emphasizes the significance of resurrection as more than mere revivification; it embodies a complete transformation—a new life that is distinct from past burdens and experiences.
This sermon delivered on Palm Passion Sunday explores the juxtaposition between the joyous celebration of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and the somber events of his passion. The speaker reflects on the significance of the scriptures read during this time, focusing on the themes of vulnerability, love, and the cost of following Jesus. They encourage the congregation to engage with the full story of Jesus' journey, from the excitement of the parade to the tragic events leading to the crucifixion, emphasizing that true love often involves risk and suffering.
The core focus is on Mary’s selfless act of anointing Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume, contrasting it sharply with Judas’ critical and selfish attitude towards the act. The speaker reflects on themes of sacrifice, generosity, and the different ways people respond to Jesus. The responsive reading of Psalm 126 sets the stage for discussing the contrasting attitudes of gratitude and entitlement. As the narrative unfolds, the speaker emphasizes the significance of Mary’s intimate gesture, joyfully and generously prepared for Jesus’ impending sacrifice, while Judas embodies a more cynical, self-serving approach. The message invites listeners to reflect on their own attitudes towards generosity and worship, urging them to embrace a spirit of selflessness and kindness.
In this sermon from Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church, Rev. Harley discusses the theme of grace through the parable of the prodigal son. He emphasizes forgiveness, repentance, and the contrasting responses of the two brothers in the story. The younger son represents those in need of grace and redemption, while the elder brother embodies resentment and self-righteousness, challenging the congregation to reflect on their own attitudes towards grace and forgiveness.Key Points:• Reading the PsalmsDuring Lent, the congregation is encouraged to read the Psalms responsively as a means of meditation and reflection on God's blessings and forgiveness.• Forgiveness and RepentanceThe sermon highlights the necessity of turning from our ways to God's ways, emphasizing that confession and acknowledgment of sin lead to receiving God's grace.• The Prodigal SonThe parable of the prodigal son illustrates the joy of forgiveness and redemption, demonstrating the father's compassion towards the wayward son, which prompts a discussion about the importance of grace.• The Elder Brother's ResentmentThe elder brother’s bitterness and sense of entitlement serve as a warning against self-righteousness; he represents individuals who follow the rules but lack understanding and compassion.• Grace for EveryoneGrace is not exclusive to those we favor; the preacher encourages the congregation to reflect on how they perceive grace and to ensure it is extended to all, regardless of their past.
The message encourages individuals to reflect on their spiritual journey and embrace change, asserting that through genuine repentance, people can become fruitful followers of Christ. Ultimately, the sermon invites listeners to understand that it’s about progressing closer to God and producing good works that align with His teachings.
This sermon encourages the congregation to trust in God’s presence as a source of comfort, asserting that even in challenging circumstances—symbolized through darkness—one can find strength and assurance from the Lord. The discussion also touches upon the importance of community, the relevance of scripture in contemporary times, and the inherent value of seeking God’s guidance.
In this vibrant sermon, Rev. Harley delves into the biblical narrative from Isaiah 43 and Acts 8, focusing on themes of redemption, identity, and the reception of the Holy Spirit. Rev. Harley highlights God’s promise of protection and belonging, particularly emphasizing the significance of being called by name and not being overwhelmed by life’s challenges. The story of Simon the Sorcerer serves as a cautionary tale about the motives behind seeking spiritual gifts and the importance of genuine faith. The sermon culminates in a call to embrace the Holy Spirit in order to foster clarity and purpose within the church community.
"Epiphany" - The pagan, foreign magi pointed the direction to the God who was and is for all people.
Advent is a time of waiting for the birth of the Christ Child but we also wait for the final fulfillment of God's Kingdom. But we can't just "wait", we have to live out and spread Christ's teachings.
"I Can't Believe He Said That"Planting a mustard seed is not as simple as it seems, it is a plant that disrupts the field. This makes it a perfect metaphor for the coming of the Kingdom, Jesus disrupts the status quo caring for people on the margins of society. As disciples of Christ, this type of disruption by serving those in need is built into our DNA by baptism. So, the mustard seeds of the Kingdom are entrusted to us, and it is our to choose if we plant them.
In provocative moments, Christians confront challenges made into opportunities through God. How do we allow Jesus Christ to work through us in those moments?
"Preferential Treatment" - The only preferential treatment from God is for those who serve.
"Rich in Mercy" - The story of the rich young man demonstrates how good God has been and how merciful we must be.
"Let the Children Come" - Children are heirs to the kingdom of God, so we should welcome them.
"Be Salt" - Jesus uses salt to talk about the people's need to preserve what's good in society.
"We Have Work to Do" - Jesus does the vulnerability and innocence of a child as an example of kingdom living.
"Yappy Dogs and Persistent Mothers" - Jesus called the Syrophoenician woman a happy, annoying dog but healed her child, giving her the desires of her heart.
"Damn" - Be careful what comes out of you...thoughts, words, deeds...because they tell the condition your heart is in.
"Be An Armor Bearer" - To put on the whole armor of God we need an armor bearer to help us.
"Come to the Banquet" - Jesus, as the Bread of Life, invites us to a feast and invites us to invite others as well.
"Bread of Life" - Jesus tells the crowds to search for things eternal not things temporary.
"Rest" - Jesus shepherds his disciples to a quiet place for alone time to rest from their good works.
"Truth or Consequences" - As Christians we need to become truth tellers as was John the Baptist.
"Ye, of Little Faith" - Unlike the previous biblical passage, this week Jesus is confronted by people who do not believe in him.
"Your Faith Can Make You Well" - Both Jairus and the woman with the issue of blood had faith that Jesus could heal them.
"Inside Out the Boat" - The disciples anxiety and fear was calmed when Jesus called the storms of the sea.
"Dividing Lines: fences or bridges" - Jesus said "a house divided cannot stand". We should follow Jesus' example of inclusion - building bridges not walls. Including within churches and families.
"Don't Lose Hope" - When things look difficult for the church and for believers, God still wants what is best for God's people.
"Matthias" - The twelfth disciple reminds us that leadership and prayer go hand in hand.
"That Your Joy May Be Full" - In the midst of his farewell discourse, Jesus encourages his followers to have joy in loving another and loving God.
"Vine and Branches" - Like branches that cling to one vine, so we the church should cling to one another.
"What's Next" - The disciples aren't sure what's going to happen to them after Jesus is crucified until He comes back to give them direction. When we're unsure what's next for us, we, too, need to listen for the voice of Jesus.
"Believing is Seeing" - The story of Thomas shows us the importance of believing even if we can't see.
"If God's Not Dead, You're Not Done" - Despite reports to the contrary, God is not dead and has big plans for life for us.
"Palm and Passion Sunday" - The ups and downs of holy week show that people are fickled.
"Come and See" - Through the gospel of John, Jesus has invited people to come and see. Now the Greeks come to see Jesus but hear his difficult message.
"He Called the Crowd" - Jesus shows that to be a Christ follower requires life in community.
"Looking for Jesus" - Many people are looking for Jesus need to hear the message of love and salvation.
"Simeon and Anna" - Due to the work of the Holy Spirit, Simeon and Anna were able to see God incarnate in the baby Jesus.
"Mother's Prayers" - Hannah and Mary's prayers demonstrate their understandings of the coming Messiah.
"Prepare the Way" - John the Baptist makes a way for the coming kingdom of God. But are we prepared?
"Emulate the Master" - The failure of the third servant was not emulating the generosity of his master.
"Idolatry" - Consider how you spend your time and money and on whom you spend it to know if you're headed toward idolatry.
"Love Your Neighbor" - On this World Communion Sunday, we are reminded to love our neighbors all over the world.
"The God Who's Bad at Math" - The economy of God is fifteenth different from ours and offers forgiveness unending to the repentant sinner.
"Discipline" - To take up one's cross to follow Jesus requires the discipline to do difficult things.
"You Give Them Something to Eat" - Jesus' example at the feeding of the 5,000 tells us to have compassion on the hungry.
"Plant the Seeds, Let God Do the Rest" - We ought to be like a sailboat; just put out our sails and let the Holy Spirit carry us through.
"What's Your Sign" - Based on the Mathew passage of “welcome”, do we truly put out a “welcome” sign (in our life) or is our “welcome” tempered by our own personal desires and biases.
"In Memorium" - There are several ways the Bible teaches us to remember; one is to appreciate those who have gone before us.
"Pentecost '23" - The Holy Spirit makes the individual Christian and the church come alive.
"Stay In the Moment" - As we approach Holy Week, we should be careful not to skip over the sadness of the week for the celebration of the empty tomb.
"Who's Fault Is It?" - When people encounter a man born blind, they wonder who is responsible for his blindness.
"Give Yourself a Break" - Human beings deserve God's condemnation but Jesus came into the world to save us.
"The Hole in Your Heart" - There's a God shaped hole in every human beings' heart that makes us susceptible to temptation.
"Who Is Jesus For You?" - Jesus was fully human and fully divine and gave us the tools to know it.
"Blessed Are They" - Those who are blessed are the ones who see the need for God in their lives.
"The Call to Adventure" - God in Jesus Christ call us to the adventure of discipleship.
"Musings On a Difficult Text" - Although Christmas has come with all its joy, life goes on with all its pain and suffering.
"Repent and Reset" - Advent is a session when we're called to repent, or correct our lives. We get to press the reset button.
"Light in the Darkness" - God keeps promises to provide mercy, forgiveness, and salvation.
"Your Future is Too Small" - The future God imagines for us is much bigger than we know.
"Take Courage" - While we remember the "former glory of the house of God," God was with us then, is with us now, and will be with us in the future.
"West Liberty University Campus Ministry" - Campus Ministry at West Liberty University helps students on their spiritual journey and we do this in a variety of ways. I am happy to share with you the programs and events that are happening on The Hilltop to enrich students' spiritual life.
"Increase Your Faith and Use It" - Jesus' concerns is not that we increase our faith but that we use that faith we have.
"Seeing the Unseen" - It's very easy not to see people in our society but like God called the rich man to Lazarus God is calling us to see the people around us.
"Jesus' Weirdest Parable" - Augustine said God gave us people to love and things to use, and original sin manifests itself in our penchant to confuse those two, loving things and using people.
"Put God First" - In one of the hard sayings of Jesus, he asked us to put him before of other things.
"Finding Good Grapes in the Vineyard" - We don't always respond the way good expects us to but God still has faith in us!
"Life Is Short" - Life is too short to waste on things other than the "good pleasure" God wants for us.
"Mary and Martha" - We must not lose sight of the most important thing when serving... that we're doing it for Jesus.
"The Good Samaritan" - The parable of caring for one's neighbor reminds us that Christ's sacrifice for us should inspire gratitude and kindness.
"Snakes and Scorpions" - If Jesus gives us authority over snakes and scorpions, how much more has he given us authority over?
"Passing the Mantle" - Like Elijah passed his mantle to Elisha, so we have been passed a mantle from God to carry on ministry in this place.
"All for One and One for All" - Trinity Sunday. As the Triune God exists together in harmony, we should look to it as our example for living.
"Cornelius" - Peter's work with Cornelius laid the groundwork for God's vision for the church to take off throughout the world.
"Good Works and Charity" - Tabitha is an example to the church of the importance of good works and charity.
"Change Is Good" - Saul gave up his bitterness and Ananias gave up his fear once they encountered the risen Christ.
“Don't Hold a Grudge” - Peter held a grudge against the council, but his message was of forgiveness, repentance, and new life.
"Playing With Passion" - Witnesses to the resurrection are people who play with passion.
"King of the Jews" - The people thought Jesus came to Jerusalem as a king, and he did, just not the kind of king they thought they needed.
"The Dinner Party" - Jesus went to a dinner party with his friends, and the room was filled with sweet perfume.
When people need someone to blame for bad things that happen, Jesus asks us to lose the blame and repent.
Jesus' coming invites us to unclutter our hearts to make room for God's love and peace.
Ruth was totally committed to Naomi as God is totally committed to the church. Therefore, the church must embrace all of God's children.
Jesus is open to healing the Syrophoenician woman even as he opens the deaf man's ears.
While the evil one may come after us, God gives us the tools we need to stand firm in our faith.
Jesus' miracle of calming the wind and the waves is not the only miracle in Mark 4 because Jesus stands with us in all trouble.
Jesus' family came to take him away and out of the public eye for his own good because they thought he was crazy, but in fact the in breaking of the kingdom was a whole new mindset.
The Trinity is a complicated theological doctrine that boils down to how we understand God's revelation to us.
At Pentecost, God through the Holy Spirit undoes the chaos of the Tower of Babel and restores unity to humankind through Jesus Christ.
Jesus’ early disciples thought they were seeing a ghost when they first encountered the risen Christ, but Jesus showed them he was really present.
As he in dying Pastor Tim Keller offers advice on doing head work and heart work around the event of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The messiah that was expected took what he wanted. Jesus the messiah borrowed wasn't he needed.
Like Philip translated for the Greeks who came to see Jesus, we must translate the Gospel message into a language people can understand.
Jesus was consumed by zeal for the house of the Lord. This tradition should keep us going.
While God allows suffering, we need not seek it out but look for hope as we encounter its inevitably.
Even though the world seems hopeless, God still moves in our world through Jesus Christ.
God provides for our every need just as He provided manna from heaven for the Israelites.
Exodus’ story of the crossing of the Red Sea might seem unbelievable, but God tells us to believe it and remember it. Most importantly, we are to retell it to the next generation.
God's promises lead the last to be first which society frowns upon but God's dreams never die.
Jacob's new name, Israel, shows God's goodness as he is propelled into a future of promise.
The story of Jacob shows the importance of persistence in moving forward towards God's promise.
God makes promises and offers provisions for those promises to come true, but sometimes, like Rebekah, we have to participate in God's plan.
Jesus' last supper was more than a memorial meal; it was a time of remembrance, celebration and anticipation.
The Holy Spirit inspired and moved the early church as it can the church in the age of Covid-19.
Through breaking bread Jesus reminds us of the biblical imperative to welcome the stranger.
Even though few in the crowd that day really understood what Jesus was about, God still entered Jerusalem to bring peace and reconciliation. Today as we live in a world of disconnect where little is "normal," God is still with us encouraging us to bring peace and reconciliation.
Jesus is not interested in casting blame but in acting in the name of the one who sent him.
This narrative sermon is from the point of it's main Bible character, the Samaritan woman at the well. Find your story in her story.
Today's message is about climbing our own personal mountains to see the Glory of God, then returning to our lives to do God's work.
Rev. Dr. McCoy explores what it means to “dwell in the House of the Lord,” and what it means to be called to do so.