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.
September 21, 2025 - Rev. Erica Harley by Vance Presbyterian
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 Discipleship Introduction: The Power and Purpose of Discipleship This 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.