Valley Hope Church: Recent Episodes
Valley Hope Church
Today we are pleased to be led by Rachel Pies in, our Psalms for the Summer series, Psalm 137. Rachel is a part of our community at Valley Hope and serves as the Dean of Spiritual Formation at Montreat College as well as being a teaching elder in the EPC.
Today we are pleased to be led through Psalm 134 by Chris Godley, the ministry coordinator at Grace Brevard. Grace Brevard is part of our WNC Cohort that is helping Valley Hope plant a church. We are thankful to have Chris in to continue our Psalms of the Summer series while Anthony is away.
We are pleased to welcome back Dr. Alex Sosler, he is an assistant professor of Bible and ministry at Montreat College and assisting priest at Redeemer Anglican Church in Asheville. Alex leads us through Psalm 27 in our Psalms for the Summer series as Anthony continues his sabbatical.
We continue our summer series on the Psalms. This week Valley Hope's church planting resident Ted Yap leads us through Psalm 130.
We are blessed to be joined by Brian Martin, a EPC TE from Charlotte, NC, this morning to preach through Psalm 23 for our Psalms of the Summer series.
Sorry for the delay. On Father's Day Ted Yap, Valley Hope's Church Planting Resident, led us through Psalm 121 for our Psalms for the Summer series.
We are excited to welcome guest preacher Katie Piquette, as she continues our summer series with Psalm 63. Katie is a teaching elder in the EPC and a chaplain at the VA Hospital.
Our Church Planting Resident Ted Yap is continuing our summer series in Psalms. This Sunday Ted is preaching in 1 Samuel 21:1-15 and Psalm 34.
As Anthony begins his sabbatical this summer, we are excited to welcome back Steve Woodworth to begin our series in Psalms. Steve was part of the original leadership of Isight, that would later become Valley Hope Church.
In the last of this four week series before sabbatical, Anthony talks about the remaining side of the map for spiritual formation at Valley Hope. God pursues people and invites people into his goodness. How do we become more like him?
In this third week of our series on the discipleship pathway, Anthony explains that the Holy Spirit gives gifts to all Christians for the purpose of service and, no matter what they look like, they all matter. How do you go to work with the Father?
This week, Anthony discusses what it means to Sit at the Table with others. Using John 15 and Galatians 6, he reminds us that we are meant to know others and be known, to love and be loved. Who calls you into that kind of love?
In week one of a four week training series on Valley Hope's Discipleship Pathway, Anthony explains what a pathway is for and starts where most people start: going to church. Why is it so important to gather weekly at the Table of Jesus? Find out more at www.valleyhope.church/vision
This week at Valley Hope, church planting resident Ted Yap opens the story of Jesus' first miracle at the wedding of Cana. Have you encountered the joy of Jesus?
This Sunday, Anthony opens the Palm Sunday narrative in the Gospel of Matthew. How does this misunderstanding of the people of Jerusalem shed light on our own lives as followers of Jesus?
In our final part of the series, Anthony talks about the realities of the long history of terrible sin within the Christian Church. Why does this happen and how ought we respond?
This week, church planting resident Ted Yap preaches on the struggle with sin that all Christians experience. If the Gospel is freedom and deliverance, how should we feel about years of still struggling with sin?
This week, Anthony addresses the painful topic of unanswered prayer. Is the problem on my side or God's side? How do we reckon with the mystery of prayer?
In the second of a series on difficult things in the life of faith, Anthony goes brings us to look at some of the hardest things of life: When we face suffering. What is going on in suffering and how ought we face it?
In the first of a Lenten series on hard topics, Anthony here tackles doubt and what that looks like in relation to the life of faith.
On the Feast of the Transfiguration, Anthony explores some of the meaning of this particular mountaintop revelation. What it does it mean about Jesus and what does it mean for humans?
This week, Anthony continues in the lectionary series this Epiphany-tide. What is it that God wants in the world? And how do his people participate? What does it mean to respond to God's desire for justice in the world?
On a snowy Sunday, Anthony covers the Epiphany lectionary passages, focusing on the Beatitudes. How can such a flourishing life be possible? Apologies for the compromised audio.
How does John the Baptist identifying Jesus as the Lamb of God seem to fulfill the promise of the servant songs in the book of Isaiah? This week, Anthony continues the series in the Epiphany passages of the lectionary.
This week, Anthony looks at the lectionary texts for the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord. How does Jesus' baptism fulfill the story of Israel and offer something forward for all of those who are baptized as he commanded?
This week, Ben looks at the lectionary texts for Epiphany Sunday. What has all of this Christmas celebration been for? Where is it taking us?
This Sunday, Anthony preaches on what the meaning of the Incarnation is, from what it brings in comfort and what it brings in conflict.
In the last week of Advent, Anthony looks at a prophecy fulfilled and explains what it tells us about God's desires.
In this third week of Advent, Anthony looks at the question that John asks of Jesus in Matthew 11. What is it like to see and hear Jesus' response?
In this second week of Advent, the lectionary highlights an expectation and a hope for a king to come and reign in justice and righteousness. How should followers of Jesus respond?
This Sunday, Anthony finishes the series in 2 Timothy with a glimpse of what Christian community looks like.
In this shortened sermon, Anthony goes through Paul's call to Timothy to preach the Word. What all does that entail?
How can we know the way we ought to go, suffering or deception, as Paul describes it? This week, Anthony looks at the nature of Scripture in 2 Timothy 3.
This week, Anthony covers the next portion of Paul's last letter to Timothy. What does the power of God look like?
In the 11am service, Anthony continues in the series on 2 Timothy, in which Paul encourages Timothy to steward the work of teaching and correcting false doctrines.
Anthony opens the next portion of 2 Timothy in which Paul encourages Timothy to be faithful to the task that he's called to, no matter the suffering. How does a suffering life like this become possible?
What does it mean to consider the encouragement to not be ashamed of Jesus? Anthony examines this question in light of the next portion of 2 Timothy.
This week, Anthony begins a series in 2 Timothy by looking at how we, as a people together and individually, are filled with the Spirit that is full of love and power even when we are full of fear.
Guest preacher Katie Piquette closes out our series on the book of Proverbs by looking at the themes of God's care for his people in the middle of an uncertain life.
This week, Anthony examines Proverbs' repeated invitation to contemplate the nature of wisdom and what it means for living and dying. What does it mean to have a personalized view of the wise life?
This morning, Anthony opens Proverbs 5 and 6 to examine the father's instructions about the dangers of adultery. This opens the door the broader Christian teaching on sexuality and marriage. What does it mean to have your desires shaped and formed by Jesus?
Today, Anthony looks at the theme in Proverbs of the experience of anger and controlling this emotion before being poisoned by bitterness. What really is forgiveness and how does it mark the lifestyle of the person following Jesus?
This week, guest preacher David Taylor of Christ Community Montreat, opens Proverbs on the topic of speech. What does it mean to be a wise speaker and a wise listener?
This week, Anthony goes into some of the many passages in Proverbs about the topics of wealth and poverty. How does a life of generosity lead us towards the Good Life?
This week, Anthony unpacks the theme of family in the Proverbs. What does it mean to have families marked by honor and discipline?
Ben Lillard begins our topical portion of our series in Proverbs by taking on the topic of friendship, a popular theme in the book. What does real, deep friendship look like for Jesus' people?The following passages/verses from Proverbs were read at the beginning:13:20, 14:20, 17:9, 17:17, 18:1, 18:24, 19:4, 22:24-25, 25:20, 26:18-19, 27:5-6, 27:9, 27:10, 27:17, 28:23, 29:5
Anthony concludes the introductory section of Proverbs by listening to the invitation of two ladies: wisdom and folly. What attitude do you bring to those who look to bring you correction?
This week, Anthony looks at two fools and a wicked man in Proverbs 6 to see aspects of what the life in community is supposed to be like.
In this sermon, Anthony looks at how appetites and attention shape who we are and form our person. How are we transformed to people who are attentive the way of Jesus?
Anthony closes out the rest of Proverbs 3, looking at the two ways of life possible, either one of assurance under God's direction or one of self-protection and violence.
This week, Anthony walks through the beginning of Proverbs 3. What does it mean to live with a life of wisdom in the context of relationship with the heavenly Father? How can we trust the wisdom that isn't ours?
Ben Lillard opens Proverbs 2 for us, showing us how wisdom comes from relationship with the all-wise God.
Ben Lillard takes us through the second week of our series in Proverbs, listening to Lady Wisdom as she cries aloud in the streets.
Anthony begins the summer series in the book of Proverbs. What is the difference between the wise and foolish person? Where does wisdom begin?
We look together at the events of Pentecost in Acts 2 and see how they are the culmination of the story of the Bible from even the very beginning.
Anthony walks through the ramifications of Jesus' ministry in His ascension, a strange Biblical doctrine packed with meaning.
Anthony uses the next portion of the Easter lectionary readings to talk about what it means to ask God to heal, with all of the possibilities of what yes and no might feel like. [This sermon was from May 11, but did not upload properly at that time.]
Anthony looks at Acts 16 to see how Paul becomes the kind of person who ends up in a place he didn't plan to speak to a woman he couldn't know. What does this show us about being a person on mission?
This week, Anthony looks at the story of Peter and Cornelius to see how the Holy Spirit moves his people toward unexpectedly good things with grace and power.
This week, Anthony looks at Acts 9 and Revelation 5 to meditate on what happens when the Holy Spirit works in our lives and why it's safe to trust Him.
This week, VHC Elder Ben Lillard begins a series leading up to Pentecost in which we will focus on the person and work of the Holy Spirit using the lectionary texts for the season. This week, readings are from Acts 5, the Gospel of John, and Revelation 1.
This is the recording of the sermon at our outdoor service for Easter 2025. The audio has an echo due to being recorded outside.
Anthony concludes our series in Galatians, looking at Paul's insistence of viewing the Cross as the key to life.
As we near the end of our series on Galatians, Anthony walks through what Paul describes as some facets of what it means to live in interdependent and accountable communities of faith.
Anthony continues on to a famous portion of Galatians- the fruit of the Spirit. What does the vision of the Good Life look like in light of the Gospel proclaimed by Paul.
Ben Lillard continues our series in Galatians by opening chapter 5. What does it mean to be a part of the family and not continually try to earn membership in that family?
We finish chapter 4 in Galatians today with Paul's telling of a Bible story to back up his points thus far. What is it that Christ came to do?
How does the Holy Spirit change everything to make the promised, described one family of blessing in the world? Anthony continues on in our series on Galatians.
This week, Anthony unpacks the implications of the reality that Jesus establishes one family of blessing from all of the nations and classes and distinctions of the earth.
After some reflection from our first Helene house blessing, Anthony covers the next section of Galatians. What was the purpose of the Law, if not to provide the fulfillment of Abraham's promise?
Returning from vacation, Anthony covers the next section of Paul's letter that connects the story of Jesus to the story of Israel. What is the mark of Abraham's family?
Ben Lillard, an elder at Valley Hope, covers the next section in our series on Galatians.
Anthony unpacks some of the most famous words in the New Testament that tell us of the freedom and necessity of being in Jesus.
What should Christian conflict like in light of the Gospel? What do we fight over and how do we fight? And why should Christians care so much to not give up on conflict with each other?
Today we listen to Paul's biographical sketch and see what it says about who God is and what happens when He works.
On a snowy Sunday that canceled the 9am service, Anthony goes through the next segment of Galatians. How do we know when we are feeling the pressure to add on to the Gospel and what do we do to avoid it?
This begins our new series on the book of Galatians. The first five verses are covered here which describe the beginning of a new era in human history.
In the final week of Advent, Anthony spends time in Mary's song as a prophetic declaration of what God is doing in the world.
This week, Anthony looks at the lectionary passages that invite us to prepare for a life of righteousness secured by Jesus.
Guest preacher Cron Gibson opens up Psalm 25 in the first week of Advent. Cron is a Teaching Elder in the EPC, a church planter many times over, and a licensed therapist.
This is the last of three weeks in Psalm 23, read in light of Jesus' words in John 6. Jesus is the generous host of a Table overflowing with life.
Anthony unpacks the next portion of Psalm 23 for the people who are in the valley of the shadow of death.
We begin three weeks in Psalm 23, looking at the first picture presented to us by David, which is that of the Shepherd that guides us.
Anthony finishes the series on Romans 8. After looking at why suffering happens and why we can have hope, we look at what the nature of our hope is.
We look at Romans 8 and begin to process what has happened in our Valley and why creation seems so flawed and frayed.
Anthony covers the last of the Four Roles of a Disciple at Valley Hope Church as we look at the story of Jesus and an undesirable friend in Luke 19.
In our first worship service after Hurricane Helene, Anthony covers the third of the Four Roles of the Disciple at Valley Hope. This sermon was recorded on a phone as we were without power. Apologies for any audio issues.
The second role of disciples at Valley Hope Church is to embrace a life of telling and re-telling the Gospel story.
What kind of disciples do communities of life-changing hope produce? One role of disciples of Jesus at Valley Hope is to be a Joyful Apprentice. Anthony speaks to this from Hebrews 12.
Anthony talks about the new mission statement of Valley Hope and what it means to be sent out to cultivate communities together.
Rachel Toone, the Dean of Spiritual Formation at Montreat College and an Ordained Teaching Elder in the EPC preaches from the Lectionary while Lead Pastor Anthony Rodriguez is away on a mission trip in India.
What does the crowd's disappointment with Jesus show us about how God loves His people?
Our final portion of the series on the 10 Commandments talks about what happens when desire is constrained. How does this result in freedom?
APOLOGIES FOR POOR AUDIO QUALITY Anthony talks about the command to be a people of truthful witness for ourselves and our neighbors in this sermon on the ninth commandment.
Pastor Anthony Rodriguez continues our series through the 10 Commandments. This week, we study commandment number 7.
Pastor Anthony continues his series through the 10 Commandments...this week focusing on the 6th commandment.
Pastor Anthony Rodriguez continues our series in the 10 Commandments, this week with our attention on the 5th Commandment.
Pastor Anthony Rodriguez continues in our series on the 10 Commandments. This week our attention was focused on the Sabbath.
Pastor Anthony Rodriguez preaches on the second commandment in our series through the 10 Commandments.
Elder, Ben Lillard preaches on the lectionary passages in our first Sunday in Christmastide.
Pastor Anthony continues our series in Advent. This week, he asks the question, "How are we supposed to be people who are looking into the reality of the dark, yet still rejoicing?". We find our answers in Christ alone.
The first sermon in our advent series, preached by Pastor Anthony Rodriguez.Scriptures used:2 Peter 3:8-15Mark 1:1-8
The first sermon in our advent series, preached by Ruling Elder Ben Lillard. Scriptures used:1 Corinthians 1:3-9Isaiah 64:1-9
The finale of our series going through the book of Mark. This week, we reflect on the resurrection of Jesus as the culmination of what Mark has been writing about through his Gospel account of Jesus Christ.
The second to last sermon in our series through the book on Mark. This week, Pastor Anthony Rodriguez spends time unpacking a text that while usually overlooked, has massive implications for our life, our baptisms, and the story of Jesus.
Lead Pastor Anthony Rodriguez continues our series through Mark; this week in chapter 15.
Pastor Anthony Rodriguez continues our series through the book of Mark. This week he examines 3 different types of disciples seen in this chapter and where we might examine ourselves as followers of Christ
What does Jesus' comments about the end of the world have to do with us? What is there to fear?
Ben Lillard, one of the Elders at Valley Hope Church, continues our series through the book of Mark. This week, he centers his message on Mark 12:28-44.
Pastor Anthony Rodriguez continues our series through the book of Mark. This week, he spends time in chapter 12.
What do you want Jesus to do for you? It's one of the most important questions of being Jesus' disciple.
Pastor Anthony Rodriguez continues our series through the book of Mark. This week, we focus on the teachings of Jesus that confront our views on children and wealth as recorded in Mark Chapter 10.
Pastor Anthony Rodriguez continues in our series through the book of Mark. This week, he focuses on the teachings found in Mark 10:1-12.Please note that our audio quality was slightly impacted this week. Our apologies for that.
Anthony covers Mark 9:30-50 as Jesus talks about the cost of discipleship. Is it worth it?
The Dean of Spiritual Formation at Montreat College, Rev. Rachel Toone, continues our series through the book of Mark. This week, narrowing in on Mark 9:14-29.Our apologies for the poor audio quality for the first half of the message. It improves tremendously midway through.
After taking a break from our series in the Gospel of Mark for the summer, pastor Anthony Rodriguez re-enters through examining Mark chapter 9, verses 2-13 and the surprising events that took place during the transfiguration of Jesus. It's at this, that God delivers a foundational statement to all believers; "This is my beloved Son; listen to Him."
This week we finished our last message in our series on The Lord's Prayer with "For thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory".
Pastor Anthony Rodriguez continues our series in the Lord's Prayer with our second to last message. This one, on "Deliver us from evil", pulls Scripture from Luke 4:1-13 and Hebrews 2:14-18.
Director of Discipleship, Amy Berry, shares on what we've learned about at VBS this week from Matthew 4 that "Following Jesus Changes Everything!".
We've been taught to pray, "Forgive us our debts as we forgive those who've sinned against us". This prayer challenges us.
However, when you realize how much you've been forgiven by the Father, the call to forgive one another becomes significantly more clear.
We begin our series through The Lord's Prayer this week. First up, a sermon from Elder Ben Lillard on "Our Father".
Pastor Anthony Rodriguez finishes our four-part series through the Vision of Valley Hope Church; this week, touching on what it means to be on mission with Jesus.
Anthony continues our series working through the Vision of Valley Hope Church. This week, the sermon focuses on Discipleship.
Anthony continues with the second of four messages in a series going through the vision of Valley Hope Church. This second message is on "Community"; drawn from themes in Philippians, and found as an overflow of the Gospel in our lives.
Anthony begins the first of 4 messages in a series going through the vision of Valley Hope Church. This first message is on the Gospel, which is of course actually the unifying vision of the Global Christian Church. At Valley Hope, we seek to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Swannanoa Valley, knowing that the power resides in God to transform lives in our community as His kingdom comes in fullness and in power.Note: There are a few places in this message where the audio cuts out for a second due to mic interference. Our apologies for that.
Pastor Anthony Rodriguez preaches on Mark 8:22-9:1; the hinge point of the Gospel of Mark when Jesus asks the disciples, "Who do you say that I am?"
Pastor Anthony continues our series going through the book of Mark. This week we move into chapter 8, where Jesus feeds the 4,000 and asks the disciples, "Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear?" which continues to build on a climactic theme in the Gospel of Mark.
Lead Pastor, Anthony Rodriguez, continues our series through the book of Mark. This week, the message centered on Mark 6:45-56.
Anthony Rodriguez, Lead Pastor of Valley Hope Church, continues our series in the book of Mark by examining Mark 6:30-44.
Pastor Anthony Rodriguez takes a break from our series in the book of Mark in order to draw our attention to the story of Jesus coming into Jerusalem as King as found in Matthew 21:1-11.
Elder, Ben Lillard, continues our series through the book of Mark. This Sunday, he covered the stories of Jesus sending out the disciples as well as the beheading of John the Baptist.
This week's sermon is preceded by a testimony from Becky. Then, Anthony preaches about the stories of Jesus resurrecting a little girl and healing a woman with an issue of blood. What kind of faith does Jesus require?
Pastor Anthony Rodriguez continues our series in the book of Mark. This week, we turn our attention to the account of Jesus' power in confronting a legion of demons in order to restore a man.
Daniel Lancaster, the Director of Student Ministry and Church Operations at Valley Hope, continues our series through the book of Mark. This week, we narrowed in on the story of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee with the words, "Peace! Be Still!".
This week, Pastor Anthony spent time dealing with the various parables taught by Jesus in the Gospel of Mark. Specifically, in chapter 4, verses 1-34.
Pastor Anthony continues in our series through the book of Mark. This week, he narrows in on the stories of the disciples whom Jesus called, Jesus' defense against the scribes, and Jesus' shocking claim in regards to who his family is.
Lead Pastor Anthony Rodriguez continues our series in the book of Mark titled, "Hidden Truth". This week, he focuses on the stories found in Mark 2:13-4:6.
We look at the healing of the paralytic who was lowered through the roof to Jesus. What is the greatest miracle that God does for people?
Anthony covers the story of Jesus healing the leper. Is He willing? Are you? (First 20 seconds are ambient noise that can be skipped.)
Pastor Anthony Rodriguez continues our series through the book of Mark, this week in 1:16-39.
Anthony preaches about the beginning of Jesus' ministry as he announces the kingdom's arrival.
Ben Lillard, an elder at VHC preaches on Isaiah 63:7-9; Hebrews 2:10-18; Matthew 2:13-23 following the lectionary for this Sunday in Christmastide.
The first readings for Advent bring us news of a coming judgment. How do we receive this news as we should in a world that tells us that judgment can only mean something bad?
Pastor Anthony finishes out our series in Ecclesiastes this week with focus on chapter 12.
Pastor Anthony continues the series in Ecclesiastes; this week, in Ecclesiastes 10:1-20.
Anthony updates the congregation on changes coming to the meeting format and the future of Valley Hope. He then preaches from Ecclesiastes 9 about the enjoyment of good things in life in light of the reality of death.
We consider the words of the Preacher concerning the dangers of wealth in a wealthy world.
Anthony updates the congregation on changing dynamics in our large gatherings and then preaches Ecclesiastes' warnings about life in the assembly of believers.
Pastor Anthony continues his sermon series through the book of Ecclesiastes. This week, he concentrated on chapter 4, verses 1-8.
Rachel Toone, the Dean of Spiritual Formation at Montreat College, guest preaches as we continue our series on Ecclesiastes in Chapter 3.
Pastor Anthony continues his sermon series through the book of Ecclesiastes.
(Our apologies for the background noise prevalent in the audio from our Sunday service).
Pastor Anthony continues the series on why we worship the way we do at Valley Hope through the lens of Scripture.
Pastor Anthony preaches on the role of "Mission" in the life of our church as well as the Christian Church as a whole.
This week, Anthony explains why we have the prayer of Confession in our worship services, and directs us to the Gospel to which it points to.
[Due to network issues, a portion of the audio was lost about 20 minutes in. Apologies!] This week, Anthony explains why we have the sacraments: what they mean and who they are for.
Pastor Anthony Rodriguez preaches on how the Gospel of Jesus Christ calls us to live sacrificially by the giving of our time and our resources.
Guest Preacher David Taylor brings us a message this Pentecost Sunday. Note: The audio cuts out for a few seconds early on in which you'll hear a blip in the sermon...our apologies for that.
After a time of prayer for tragedy on Uvalde, Anthony preaches on the last chapter of 1 Thessalonians and what it means to live in light of hope in Jesus.
Anthony talks about this passage where Paul explains why Thessalonian Christians should not fear for their loved ones who have died. And neither should we.
Anthony addresses command for sexual holiness and loving community. What does it mean to move from an ethic of "freedom" to an ethic informed by being a creature?
Note: Unfortunately, a few minutes of the audio was cut out in the recording process, therefore you will notice a skip at 8:59.
While our humble king comes riding on a donkey, our lives are often marked significantly different. This is the last message in the sermon series on "The Seven Deadly Sins".
When monks talked about the vice of acedia, they talked about a kind of absence of motivation and sluggishness that we all face today. Anthony preaches about this "noonday demon" and its antidote as we seek to fulfill the call of God to all humanity in Christ.
Ben Lillard, elder at Valley Hope, talks about the destructive power of greed, which is all around us these days. What does it mean to receive and give from the generosity of God?
The lectionary readings for the day take us from Jeremiah to Paul to Jesus. What does the love of God look like, that can drive Jesus' listeners to want to kill him?
Anthony preaches on lectionary texts from the Gospel of Luke and from the book of Nehemiah about the totality of what Jesus announces he will do in the world.
Today is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Why was Jesus baptized? Anthony begins to answer that their morning.
As we look at the stories of young Samuel and young Jesus, we talk about what it means to grow up in Jesus.
Mary's song teaches us who it is that God comes to rescue and lift up. How does that up help us face the darkness of the world around us?
John's message of repentance is fiery and scary. But why does Luke call it "Good News?" The third week of Advent invites us to consider what it means to live a life of repentance.
Anthony makes announcements about new staff hirings and an upcoming congregational for Valley Hope. And then, the lectionary texts prepare us to receive the ministry of John the Baptist, who calls us to repentance. But what does the voice calling us to repentance sound like? Shame or mercy?
Today's lectionary texts for the first week of Advent come from Jeremiah, 1 Thessalonians, and Luke.
The book of Acts seems to end on a cliff-hanger. Why? Where does the story go from here? What does King Jesus require?
Anthony preaches about the way that Paul's life has been interrupted by the resurrected Jesus and what it means to encounter the living God in that way.
Anthony covers Paul's farewell address to the Ephesians in Acts 20 as we near the end of our series on the book of Acts. What should you look for and what should you avoid in leaders of the Church?
Ben Lillard, elder at Valley Hope Church, brings the next week of our series on the book of Acts. Jesus confronts the impotent gods of this world with a costly and live-giving word.
How does God respond to the violence of our sin and misunderstanding of who he is? He suffers and gives.
Anthony is back this week with our series in Acts. This week he preaches out of Acts12:1-24.
Anthony continues preaching through the book of Acts. This week we are in Ch. 9 for the conversion of Saul.
Anthony is back in Acts after vacation. The week he is in Acts 6-8, with the story of the testimony and death of Stephen.
We are blessed to be joined by Rick Sawyer this week as he explores how the truth and beauty of the Gospel speaks and influences our work.
We are excited to be joined by David Taylor from CCC-Montreat, who preaches out of Psalm 77 today.
Anthony continues his sermon series in Acts. This week we see where John and Peter heal the lame man at the temple and then later Peter pointing the crowd back to Jesus.
Amy Berry starts out with a time of prayer and announcements. Then Anthony continues in Acts as he talks about the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday.
Anthony begins talking about our latest steps to return to a more open worship service. Then we begin our new series in Acts in chapter 1 verses 1-11.
We are pleased to be joined again by Zach Wasburn, who is the pastor at Calvin Presbyterian Church in Corvallis Oregon, https://calvin-church.org. Zach has been a major part of who we are at Valley Hope and we are privileged to hear him preach today out of Daniel.
Anthony finishes his Easter mini-Series in the Gospels. This week we are in John 21:15-25 and Hebrews 12:1-6
This week we explore doubt and what role it plays in the life of a Christian. Anthony preaches out of John 20:19-29 and we explore the famous encounter between Jesus and Thomas.
We are pleased to welcome Alex Sosler, who is preaching out of 1 John1:5-10 this morning.
Anthony preaches out of Psalm 2 and Matthew 21:1-12 as we observe Palm Sunday this week.
Preaching out of Ephesians 4:25-5:21, Anthony continues our Lenten series on Life of Pursuit. This week we focus on community and how Pauls words to the Ephesians informs how we should live our lives as a church and as members of the Body of Christ.
In the third week of Lent, we continue to move through our series, for “The Rule of Life,” Life of Pursuit. This week we focus in on fasting and solitude. Anthony preaches out of Jesus’ sermon on the mount in Matthew 6:4-18 and 1st Corinthians 9:24-10:13. To learn more about our Lenten practice, “The Rule of Life,” visit https://valleyhope.church/rule.
We continue our lenten series on a Rule of Life, focussing on our bodies this week preaching out of Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 6:12-20.
This week in our Lenten series, A Life of Pursuit, Anthony focuses on gratitude as he preaches out of Philippians 4:4-20.
We continue our series for the Rule of Life, with this week focussing on scripture and prayer. Anthony preaches out of Deuteronomy 6:4-15, Psalm 1:1-6 and Mark 1:35-39, 6:30-32.
Anthony teaches out of John 15:1-17, and introduces our new discipleship practice we are calling Rule of Life. To learn more visit: www.valleyhope.church/rule
We pray for Harrison and Samantha as we are excited see them continue their ministry in a new place in Gastonia. Then Anthony has some words from the worship offering that was given by a few of our youth (you can watch that here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT2DvILsmx8&feature=emb_err_woyt). Then we continue in our series for advent.
Anthony explains why he was not able to be with us in person this week and we begin the season of Advent.
We are finally back in the building this week with two services. This recording is from our 11 am service and Anthony is preaching out of Isaiah 10 and 11.
In our final outdoor service at Crestridge Anthony gives and update on coming back to the building on October 11th. Then he continues his series in Isaiah, preaching out of Isaiah 7:1-8:8.
Today Anthony preaches out of Isaiah from our outdoor worship service at Camp Crestridge.
Anthony finishes his "Jesus with.." series in John Ch 4:7-26, with Jesus and the woman at the well.
Anthony opens up with this week's news about Buncombe County School's plan for the upcoming school year. Then we continue in our series of "Jesus With" in Mark 9:33-37 and ask the question the disciples asked, who is the greatest?
Anthony is in Mark 5 as we continue to study how Jesus interacts with people and this week we encounter Jesus the healer.
Anthony continues his series on Jesus with people. This week we are in Luke Ch.10 as Jesus sends out the seventy-two.
Anthony shares some good news and talks a little more about our upcoming missional communities. Then he continues in his series in Philippians, this week we are in chapter 3:1-16.
We spend some time in prayer, then Anthony makes an announcement before he preaches through Acts 2 on Pentecost Sunday.
We have a time of prayer, we send out the Lancasters and Anthony continues his series in Philippians.
We continue to teach out of our series in Revelation, we see how God's judgement can be fear inducing for many of us, but in light of the the sacrificial love of Jesus it is ultimately good news. Anthony teaches out of Revelation 14- 15:4 today.
Anthony continues his series in Revelation 10:8-11:19. He also announces a congregational meeting on March 22nd and that we are taking nominations for the nominating committee.
We continue in our series in Revelation 8:7-13, 9:13-21 as Anthony talks about the good news in the invitation to repentance in the face of judgement from a Holy and Just God.
We apologize for some technical difficulties at the beginning of the sermon, but we figure it out and then Anthony continues his sermon in Revelation 6:1-8, 7:9-8:6.
Before jumping into Revelations 5, Anthony shares some of why we do the prayers of the people each week and some news on how we have been electing our elders the last few years.
Anthony and Alex Sosler discuss the differences between the egalitarian and complementarian viewpoints on scripture. Afterwards we have a short time for questions and answers.
Anthony begins with an invitation to our discussion, next Thursday January 30, on women as elders and also shares about his week on study leave. We then continue in our series on Revelation and the Kingdom of Jesus, Anthony preaches out of Revelation 1:9-20, 2:8-11, 3:14-22 and Song of Songs 5:10-16.
Anthony begins his new series on Revelations. We are in Revelation 1:1-8, as we learn the different views on how to read this sometime controversial book and we see the difference in the Kingdom of Jesus versus the kingdoms of this world.
Anthony begins with talking about yesterday's spiritual formation day and the Wyldelife camp. Then we continue our Advent series in Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-13, Matthew 3:1-12.
Anthony pretends to be sick as he finishes our series on the Apostles Creed. This week preaching out of Isaiah 25:6-10a, 1 Corinthians 15:50-57, and Revelation 21:22-22:7.
Anthony opens up by sharing a little about the upcoming spiritual formation training on Dec. 7 8:30-12:30. Then we continue our Credo series with the Forgiveness of Sins, both our own unforgiveness and the power of our forgiveness through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Preaching out of Matthew 18:21-35, 1 John 1:5-2:14.
We are in Ephesians 4:1-16 and 1 Peter 2:1-12, as Anthony talks about the church in our Apostles Creed sermon series.
Anthony starts with announcing a congregational meeting on Nov.17 and a thank you to all who made the block party happen yesterday. Then he continues in our Apostles Creed series this week focusing on the third person of the Trinity the Holy Spirit. We are in John 14:18-27, Genesis 11:1-9, Acts 2:1-13.
Anthony reminds us of an opportunity to help with the playground and then continues the series on the Apostles Creed, this week teaching on Christ's resurrection. We are in Matthew 27:62-28:10, Romans 6:3-11, and Psalm 110.
Anthony talks about perhaps the least understood line as we continue through his series on the Apostle's Creed. This week Anthony preaches on Psalm 16 and Acts 2:22-36.
As we continue the series on the Apostles Creed, Anthony preaches out of the first chapter of Luke on the divinity and humanity of Jesus.
Anthony gives a short update about the healing prayer service to be held October 3rd. Then he continues with the Apostles Creed series as we talk about Jesus, His only Son our Lord in Isaiah 9:2-7 and John 1:1-18.
Anthony begins with a couple of upcoming announcements and then continues his series on The Apostles Creed. This week he preaches on Genesis 1:1-4 and Romans 8:9-17, as we talk about God the Father Almighty, Creator.
Anthony begins a series on the Apostle's Creed with belief. He preaches out of Hebrews 11:1-3, v.39-12:2 Mark 9:17-29.
We welcome back David Taylor who talks today of the hope we in Christ Jesus. The assurance that comes in knowing that God will one day win and how we endure the suffering of this age in light of that assurance. He preaches this Sunday in Revelation 21:1-5.
Anthony continues in his series on topics he studied and thought about during his sabbatical. This week he works through remembering the works of our Lord in our lives as he preaches through Deuteronomy 8.
Anthony continues a series on some of the subjects that he was praying, learning and thinking about on Sabbatical. This week he is teaching on discipleship in Luke Ch. 6:39-49 and Romans Ch. 12.
Anthony and his family return from their sabbatical and he preaches on Sabbath rest through the Old Testament and Mark Ch.2.
We are pleased to have Brian Land from Grace Brevard with us as we conclude our 12 week series of guest preachers. Today Brian teaches out of Matthew 20:1-16.
We are privileged to be joined by Reverend Andy Wells the next four weeks as he preaches through the book of 1 Peter. We are in chapter 4:1-11.
We are privileged to be joined by Reverend Andy Wells the next four weeks as he preaches through the book of 1 Peter. We are in chapter 3:8-22.
We are privileged to be joined by Reverend Andy Wells the next four weeks as he preaches through the book of 1 Peter. We are in chapter 2:13-3:7.
We are privileged to be joined by Reverend Andy Wells the next four weeks as he preaches through the book of 1 Peter. We are in chapter 2:1-12.
Shawn Stewart shares with us some of his work as a missionary with EPC World Outreach and challenges us as believers to take the invitation to join Jesus in his rescue mission for the broken world.
We are blessed to be joined again by Harrison Northey who walks us through God's wrath and mercy found in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11.
We are blessed to be joined by Donnie Williams as he teaches out of Isaiah 35 on Pentecost Sunday.
Bucky Hunsicker walks us through Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 and challenges us to be a church outside of our church building.
Steve comes back to share about some of his work with EPC World Outreach and preach through Matthew 20.
Anthony finishes our short mission series based on Act 1:8. This week he concentrates of the ends of the earth, as he preaches out of Luke 7:1-10 and Act 10.
As we continue our mission series in Acts 1:8, Anthony preaches, out of John Ch.4:7-26, when Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at the well. We see how Jesus loves the outsider and how we are called to do the same for the people who are casted aside in our own Valley.
Anthony begins our "To the ends of the Earth" series after Easter, where he challenges us to abandon comfort and to trust the presence of the Lord as we go out in mission to our Valley.
Our gathering to explore the issues that our distinctive to the Evangelical Presbyterian denomination.
He has Risen!!! As we celebrate our risen King, Anthony preaches through John 20:11-18 and Romans 8:31-39.
Anthony moves to Luke 19:28-48 as we begin Holy Week with Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem and His cleansing of the Temple.
As Christians we believe that all that we have comes for God and still belongs to Him. Anthony preaches through Matthew 25:14-30, and we see how the words of Jesus should shape how we live of lives in light of the Kingdom of God.
We continue our lenten series as Anthony preaches on Jesus' parable of the wedding feast in Matthew 22:1-14.
Anthony examines our ideas of fairness and God's immeasurable grace to those He loves, as he preaches out of Matthew 20:1-16.
As we start our time in the new building, Anthony finishes up his sermon series in Ruth.
We continue to work through our 4 part vision series. This week Anthony teaches of of Acts 2 and Matthew 3 on community.
Anthony begins a four part vision series where he talks about our four key values of Gospel, Community, Discipleship and Mission. This week we start with Gospel and how our understanding of how the Gospel transforms us as people and its power to transform our community.
Anthony talks about his upcoming sabbatical this summer and preaches on the Sabbath out of Exodus and Mark.
As we continue our celebration of Christmas, Harrison preaches in Luke about the angels appearing to the shepherds after the birth of Jesus.
As we being the season of advent, Anthony preaches about Hope out Jeremiah 33 and Luke 21.
James has harsh words for the rich and who hoard their riches away. What does it look like for believers to be generous with our money, time and talents?
We all make plans for our lives, as we continue in James we see what that looks like when or plans are confronted with the plans God has for our lives. What does it look like when we trust the sovereignty of God and allow his plans to shape ours?
Pastor Appreciation, some thoughts from Anthony, and prayer before we dive into James 4. James has yet to pull punches in his letter, but this week his words get even sharper. He calls his listeners/readers to make sure their heart is singularly allied to God and their hearts are grateful for what they’ve been given. What happens to a community that joins itself to other causes and lets jealousy take root?
James describes a faith that is grounded in real life. There are two paths at our feet. Only two. And for James, this faith that has feet takes you towards a life that is marked by the life and characteristics of God himself. What exactly are those characteristics and how do we arrive there?
In our next week in James, we’ll take a look at a little thing that can make a big impact: your mouth. What you say and how you say it is not a point of curiosity for Jesus’ brother. It’s an important part of being a follower of Jesus.
The second chapter of James is a notorious passage in the New Testament. People have struggled over James’ insistence that “faith without works is dead.” But what if you’re not very good at the whole “works” thing? Do you ignore James? Or do you double down? What’s the cure for James’ diagnosis?
James is focused on a faith that lives and breaths in the real world. Following Jesus should have ramifications. In James 2, he zeroes in on how churches treat those who culture passes over, those who, on the face of it, can’t offer much. What place should the poor and neglected have in church?
According to Jesus’ brother, pure and undefined religion does exist. But you don’t get there by passing an extensive written test. There is a verbal test, though. And there’s certainly a practical exam. Join us as we move on in our series in the book of James.
Week 2 of our James series has us looking at the issue of temptation and blessing. Is God behind it all?
All christians experience suffering and doubt in their lives. James encourages believers to count this suffering all as joy. How does this work? What does this look like? We will discuss exactly that as we begin our fall series into the book of James.
The school year is cranking back up and we’re spending one final week in Proverbs to receive wisdom for the everyday realities of life. This week: Friendship. Every kid going to school wants to know who will be in their class, who they will miss, who they will meet. Proverbs spends a good deal of time talking about friendship so we’ll bend our ear to listen this week.
Money has been important to people for a long, long time. It's not a 21st century phenomenon. It's no surprise, then, that the book of Proverbs spends a great deal of time talking about it. Rich and poor, there is wisdom to be found about this issue that occupies so much of our time. There's no get-rich-quick secrets here. Not necessarily even any get-rich-slow secrets. So what does a life of freedom and generosity look like?
Week 2 of wise words from Proverbs. The book spends a great deal of time warning the reader about the dangers of adultery. We’ll look at one such passage with the help of the greatest moral teacher that ever lived.
With the end of summer in view and Fall waiting for us all, we’re going to spend a few weeks looking at the book of Proverbs to get a fresh look at what wisdom is. There’s one wise way that can look different for many people as it’s lived out. Today, we start with the heart of wisdom in Proverbs 3.
The Books of Samuel conclude with one last story of David's... failures. A strange story of a census and a judgment. Why was David judged for a census? And what does David's choice reveal about him as a king?
The prophet Isaiah points the way towards a renewal. A life of prayer comes from a clear vision of God. Join us as Zach Washburn opens up the book of Isaiah.
David's life ends with a song and a prophecy. We'll look at the final chapter of his life (before the epilogue) in 2 Samuel. What was David singing about as an old man?
David was evicted from his house by his own son. But Absalom is dispatched as he hangs by his hair and, in 2 Samuel 19, David makes his way back to Jerusalem. On his way, he meets three people who opposed him, seemed to oppose him, or showed loyalty. How does David treat these different kinds of people?
In 2 Samuel 18, the threat to David’s throne is over, but it ends in tears. David’s tears. What does the saga of David’s house show us about Jesus?
Two of David’s men. One a traitor, the other a traitor to the traitor. Two plans. One to kill one man, one to wage war. As we continue in 2 Samuel, how does this knot become untangled?
Happy Father’s Day to all the dads! Today we will look at a father-son story that’s the opposite of what most dads hope for. David is betrayed by Absalom and turned out of his own home by the traitor-son. What does this mean for Israel’s greatest king?
David’s story took a sordid turn with Basheba and Uriah. And as we move on in 2 Samuel, now his family will follow his lead and things will fall to pieces. A son commits a terrible crime against a half-sister. Murder, vengeance, betrayal follow quickly. What’s the point of this soap opera?
Israel’s greatest king wants to build a palace for Israel’s God. But God turns down the offer and offers an even greater offer. He makes a covenant with David’s family forever. What does it mean?
Today is Pentecost! Jesus' friends watched him ascend into the heavens and then they waited like they were told. The Spirit rushed in like a wind, like breath amongst dry bones, and everything changed. The response was noisy and confusing and ecstatic. Similarly, David joyously greets the entrance of the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem, the city he established as Israel's capital. When God shows up, it's a cause for celebration. Also Anthony shares some thoughts on our public schools in light of another school shooting.
An ascent to power is often accompanied by an elimination of everyone who was associated with the king being replaced. In the books of Samuel, one barrier after another is eliminated for David. There is only one descendant of Saul left. And David invites him to the table.
As David solidifies his grip on the throne, enemies become allies and allies become killers. And lament keeps being the note of David’s songs in a supposedly happy time in his life. How does Israel’s greatest king show us the way to face forward?
1 Samuel ends and 2 Samuel begins with the death of Saul and David finally having a clear path to the throne. The long, slow decline of Saul reaches its inevitably conclusion and we might then expect to see David jumping for joy. He is safe. He is king. But that's not at all what we see.
The Kingdom of God is diverse in race, age, class and station in life. As a church we are called to go to places and be in relationships where we are uncomfortable for the sake of this Kingdom. Anthony preaches in Philippians this week as Paul reminds us of the King we follow and his call to His church.
In 1 Samuel 28, we find one of the strangest stories in the Bible. Samuel died earlier in the book... but he makes a comeback. Resurrection? Nope. Witches, necromancy, and really bad news.
1 Samuel 26 finds David backed into a cave, but with a chance to take down the sitting king. He’s a skilled killer with a perfect opportunity. The story ends with an apology. How does that happen?
Christ is Risen! Happy Easter everyone! Join us this Easter as we look at the story of Easter through the lens of David's friendship with Jonathan.
In light of yesterday's marches across our nation, Anthony shares some thoughts on how we, as followers of Christ, are to be active peacemakers in our community.
From the highest of highs when he killed Goliath, David sinks into a much darker place, as Saul decides to use him for target practice. David's enemies are not just found in the Philistine's camp. Now they're coming from Israel as well.
David and Goliath is maybe the most famous story in the Bible. Boy meets giant. Boy throws rock. Boy takes down giant. It has become just another way to call something an underdog story. But is it really? David doesn’t seem to think so.
After several chapters of disappointment from Saul, the narrative of 1 Samuel looks for a hero of some kind. 1 Samuel 16 is the introduction of the new king, is found in an unlikely place. Just the kind of place God likes fo work.
It does not take long for the story of Saul as the first king of Israel to turn dark and gloomy. 1 Samuel 15 is the announcement that the gloom will not lift; the gloom is the future. 1 Samuel 15 is a tricky, sad chapter of the Old Testament that shows God as the supreme Judge who is within his rights to bring judgment. How can there be any good news in 1 Samuel 15?
Samuel has concluded his role as Israel's leader in 1 Samuel 12. In the two chapters that follow, we get a comparison of the new king and his son. Things seem to be lined up to go the way of the ominous warning given by Samuel. How does Saul fail the test that his son passes?
Do you have a hard time remembering God’s promises and nature in times of struggle and doubt? If so you are not alone, the nation of Israel were a forgetful people too. The good news is we serve a God who does not forget and is faithful to his faithless people. Samuel reminds us of the God we serve as we continue our series, The Search for a Better King.
Israel demands a king, so God lets them have their king. Where do they find their valiant hero? Faithfully, almost obsessively, tending his herd of donkeys. And he's not sure he wants to switch jobs.
1 Samuel 8 stands in contrast to the victory we saw in 1 Samuel 7. Many years after their victory, Israel turned to a much older Samuel to ask for a king. God laid out parameters for a king for Israel in the book of Deuteronomy. So why is this request not greeted warmly? What's the bad news in Israel's request?
In this next week of our series on 1 & 2 Samuel, Israel sees God thunder on their behalf. Samuel judges and Israel sees victory after their previous catastrophic defeats. Join us we move on in this story of Israel’s search for a king.
Warfare and worship are wrapped up together in the Old Testament. One has to do with the other. Our next installment of our series in 1 Samuel is all about misguided warfare and worship. Death and glory. How do the two meet?
In the second week of our series on 1 & 2 Samuel, we get to know a little bit more about Samuel himself. What happens when something "goes bump in the night," but that "something" is actually "Someone" and the "bump" is a Voice calling a name?
Fourth and final Sunday of Advent. Israel was looking for a king to come and liberate them and rule justly. We will look this Sunday at a big reason why they were looking for such a king... and why we should too.
Week Three of Advent! What can we look forward to but the Hope of the nations? What does Jesus come to do? The freeing of prisoners, the healing of the wounded, the consolation of the mourning. Join us as we look to His coming!
Take comfort! This second week of Advent, we look back on the way that God comforts His people and presents Himself as the Good Shepherd that we’re all hoping for.
Advent is here! Before Christmas is a season of waiting and expectation. In a culture gone mad with instant gratification, come to church and wait with us. We’ll spend the next four weeks listening to Prophets and Psalmists and Gospel writers telling us to check our appetites and be sure to hunger for what is lasting.
This the last of our five-week series in honor of 500 years of Reformation. The last "Sola" (or "soli," in this instance) is really the heart of all the others: Soli Deo Gloria. Glory to God alone. Johann Sebastian Bach put "SDG" on all of his works to write this refrain on everything he did. But what exactly did the Reformers mean when they emphasized this and why do some consider it the lifeblood the Reformation?
"The article by which the church stands or falls." Justification by faith alone. Why did Luther and the other Reformers put such weight on this doctrine? And what does it mean for people today if we don't feel that we can always muster up the right kind of faith? What is faith, anyway?
Grace alone! What did the Reformers feel they were rediscovering in this doctrine? And what makes it so amazing?
Week 2 in our series on the Five Solas of the Reformation: Solus Christus. What did the Reformers mean when they insisted on Christ Alone? What were they getting at?
We all know what we celebrate on October 31st. Reformation Day, right?! Ok, maybe that's not on most people's minds, but this year marks the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. There are some undesired negative consequences to the Protestant Reformation, but there are also many real and beautiful truths that the Reformers celebrated and elevated. For the next five weeks, we'll mark a few of them and recapture the beauty of these truths. First up: Sola Scripture. What exactly does this mean for the Protestant Reformation? Is this saying that everyone sits alone with their Bibles and does what they want?
Buried treasure. That's what the Kingdom is like. We close our series on the parables with a look at two short parables that speak of the exceeding value of Jesus' kingdom.
Last week, we saw the picture of God as wastefully loving father. This week? A king who burns the city down and kills guests to his party. How do we make these images fit? Do we have to choose? Or is the father from Luke 15 somehow also the angry king?
In Luke 15 Jesus tells us of the character of our King, one who pursues his lost children with a passion. A father who is outspends our sin with his generosity and love.
Luke 16 is a story of who winds up in the Kingdom. There's a rich man and a poor man and there's judgment and vindication. What does this parable tell us about Kingdom identity? And where are we in this story?
Our second week in the parables is the strange story of the Unjust Judge. How does this story of a reluctant, selfish judge encourage us to "not lose heart?" What does this say about the nature of the Kingdom and the place of prayer in it?
Today we start our new series on the parables. First up? A couple short parables that talks about how Jesus' kingdom grows: Slowly and quietly. Agonizingly slowly, it seems!
"Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil." Evil within and evil without. Our stories prime us to look for the Hero that rescues. Increasingly, the world says "You are the Hero." But something in our guts says this isn't true. Jesus teaches us to pray for a real Deliverer.
"Thy kingdom come, thy will be done." The phrase sounds so open-ended. What exactly are Christians praying for when they pray this prayer? In our society that indicates the autonomy of every person's will, what does this counter-cultural prayer teach us about the nature of what Jesus wants to do?
What does it mean for God’s name to be hallowed? How does he want it that to happen? We will explore this as we begin our four week study of the Lord’s Prayer.