Harvard Avenue Christian Church
224 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 1 ratingWeekly sermons from Harvard Avenue Christian Church, Tulsa OK – part of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
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Episodes
Good /fāTH/ Effort :: Tripping
July 15, 2018 15:28 - 29 minutes - 33.8 MBMost Christians can rattle off the little phrase “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” It’s been on enough bumper stickers that we seem to claim it. And it’s comforting when it comes to the sin that has tripped us up. It’s the sin of others that tend to make us […]
Good /fāTH/ Effort :: Trying
July 08, 2018 15:28 - 36 minutes - 41.5 MBtext : Mark 9: 38 – 41 // There is a growing sense that many Christians – and believers in other faith traditions – are feeling overwhelmed, sidelined, and misunderstood. It’s more than a feeling. For increasing millions of people in the wider culture, Christianity feels like a long list of rules that matter to […]
Love (An)other :: In the Neighborhood
July 01, 2018 15:27 - 35 minutes - 40.2 MBtext: Luke 10: 25 – 37 // Neighbor. The very word conjures up some image for us. It may be the sweet widowed woman who lived next door during our childhood. It might be the term used when you run into someone while on vacation whom you discover is from your hometown. “Neighbor!” we say. […]
Love (An)other :: A Wise One Used to Say…
June 24, 2018 15:27 - 34 minutes - 38.9 MBtext : Proverbs 31: 1 – 9 // Like King Lemuel’s oracle gleaned from his mother’s wisdom, we all have that voice of proverbial wisdom in our lives. It might be a grandparent or the sage librarian that took us under wing. Whoever it is, theirs was likely a voice of experience that we treasured […]
Love (An)other :: Walking Together
June 17, 2018 15:26 - 31 minutes - 36 MBtext : Mark 7: 24 – 30 // Many have said that a parent is only as content as their least contented child. Something in that sentiment reminds us that we are intertwined, one to another. On this Father’s Day, we celebrate the father figures in our lives and the call for us all to […]
Love (An)other :: Better than Good
June 10, 2018 15:25 - 37 minutes - 43.1 MBtext: Mark 10: 17 – 22 // How far can you ride life on goodness alone? We often equate ‘good’ and ‘kind’. Lord knows the world could use all the kindness we can muster. Even so, when it comes to biblical justice, being good isn’t the sum goal of life. As the rich man approaches […]
Love (An)other :: Those People
June 03, 2018 15:24 - 38 minutes - 44 MBtext : Galatians 3:23-29 // Our earliest memories likely include a sense of social identity. We belong to the family. We go to that church. We play on that team.Our parent works at that factory. We begin to shape those identities without giving it too much thought. It naturally creates a sense of ‘my people’ and […]
We All Have A Story To Tell
May 27, 2018 15:24 - 20 minutes - 14.1 MBtext : Romans 10: 8 – 17 theme verse: “… how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent?” (Romans 10: 15) // We all have a story to tell. We learn by hearing stories, and we teach by telling them. Our rabbi, our teacher, Jesus, was a storyteller too … why? Because storytelling […]
Braving the Wilderness :: With Strangers
May 20, 2018 15:24 - 42 minutes - 29 MBtext : Acts 11: 1 – 18 theme verse: “If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God?” (Acts 11:17) // If all of humanity is made in the image of God we must believe in […]
Braving the Wilderness :: Setbacks
May 13, 2018 15:23 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MBtext : Acts 7:54 – 8:1 theme verse : “And Saul approved of their killing him.” (Acts 8:1) // No one expects to brave the wilderness without experiencing some unexpected setbacks. Many a mother has said, “There’d be days like this.” Nothing worth braving happens without some resistance. The Jesus movement ran into such resistance […]
Braving the Wilderness :: Healing
May 06, 2018 15:23 - 41 minutes - 28.4 MBtext : Acts 5: 12 – 16 theme verse : “…they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mats, in order that Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he came by.” (Acts 5:15) // The disciples, getting well themselves, recovering from the heart-stopping realities of […]
Braving the Wilderness :: Casting New Nets
April 29, 2018 15:22 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MBtext : Acts 2: 37 – 42 theme verse : “For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” (Acts 2:39) // Fishing was no longer the business. If you’ve ever given up all you’ve ever known, something you […]
Braving the Wilderness :: Drawing Straws
April 22, 2018 15:22 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBtext : Acts 1: 12 – 17, 21 – 26 theme verse: “Then they drew straws. Matthias won and was counted in with the eleven apostles.” (Acts 1: 26) // The exhilaration of the big moment, the big season, the tragedy or the triumph always gives way to the reality that life goes on. In […]
Braving the Wilderness :: Following
April 15, 2018 15:21 - 37 minutes - 26 MBtext : John 21:15-19 theme verse: “After this, Jesus said to Peter, ‘Follow me.’” (John 21:19b) // Peter walked the peaks and valleys of that first Holy Week (without knowing we’d remember it as we do of course) and is picking up the pieces in the aftermath. Clearing his head by doing what he does […]
Braving the Wilderness :: Jumping
April 08, 2018 15:21 - 27 minutes - 19.2 MBtext : John 21 : 1 – 7 theme verse: “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on some clothes, for he was naked, and jumped into the sea.” (John 21:7) // How many times have you stood at the edge of something from which you were […]
Who Am I in Christ? :: Foolish {Easter}
April 01, 2018 15:20 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MBtext : 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 theme verse: “For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength.”(1 Corinthians 1:25) // Easter on April Fool’s Day. What are the chances of that happening? Not great. Since 1700, Easter has landed on April Fools’ Day eleven times. In percentages, that’s 3.5 […]
The Seven Last Words of Christ {Good Friday}
March 30, 2018 15:20 - 40 minutes - 28 MBTraditional readings from gospel texts, prayers, and choral works, marking the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As I Have Done {Maundy Thursday}
March 29, 2018 15:19 - 29 minutes - 19.9 MBThe Holy Week Thursday evening worship to mark the institution of the Lord’s Supper, the giving of the new covenant in communion, and the mandate (‘mandatum’ – Maundy): “Do this in remembrance of me.” // text : John 13, selected verses preaching : Rev Courtney Richards
Who Am I in Christ? :: Willing {Palm Sunday}
March 25, 2018 15:19 - 33 minutes - 22.7 MBtext : Mark 11: 1 – 11 theme verse : “If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it…’ (Mark 11:3) // Growing up in a small town, creeks were a plenty and ready playground for curious kids. Farmers on the many gravel roads also knew you often […]
Who Am I in Christ? :: Generous
March 18, 2018 15:18 - 36 minutes - 25 MBtext: John 12: 1 – 8 theme verse : “Jesus said, ‘Leave her alone. She bought it so that she might keep it for the day of my burial.'”(John 12:7) // “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” This was the idea behind the birth of the garage sale. Beyond that simple idea, is another […]
Who Am I in Christ? :: Connected
March 11, 2018 15:18 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBtext : 1 John 2: 7 – 11 theme verse : “Whoever says, ‘I am in the light,’ while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness.” (1 John 2:9) // A friend once said, “I only have five slots for friends in my life.” It was a curious statement; his way of […]
Who Am I in Christ? :: Trusting
March 04, 2018 16:18 - 30 minutes - 21 MBtext : Mark 4:35-41 theme verse: “And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’.” (Mark 4:31) // Trust in a bottle –it’s out there! A New York City lab claims to have bottled trust. They say:After showering in […]
Who Am I in Christ? :: Compassionate
February 25, 2018 16:17 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MBtext : Ephesians 3:14-21 theme verse: “Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21) // It is easy […]
Who Am I in Christ? :: Restored
February 18, 2018 16:17 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBtext : Mark 1:9-15 theme verse : ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near – repent, and believe in the good news.’ (Mark 1:15) // ‘Repent’ is such a churchy word. How often did your parent or some authority figure yell at you in reaction to a poor choice, “REPENT!” […]
It Is True {Ash Wednesday}
February 14, 2018 16:17 - 23 minutes - 16.3 MBtext : Isaiah 43: 1 – 9 reader : Rev Kevin Howe preaching : Rev Mark Briley
The Shape of Our Lives :: Practices & Institutions
February 11, 2018 16:16 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBtext : Colossians 1: 15-20 theme verse : “… and through [Christ] God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven…” (Colossians 1:20) // In our day, there is a growing distrust of many institutions, especially among younger generations. But whether you like them or not, we are all […]
The Shape of Our Lives :: Stories
February 04, 2018 16:15 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBtext : John 1:1-18 theme verse : “The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”(John 1:17) // We often speak of our lives as a unique story. We even use phrases like, “I’m an open book,” or “You need to turn the page,” or “I’m starting a new chapter,” […]
The Shape of Our Lives :: Character
January 28, 2018 16:15 - 27 minutes - 18.6 MBtext :: Colossians 3:12-17 theme verse :: “Above all, clothe yourself with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” (Colossians 3:14) // Character has long been among our greatest treasures as humans. “Don’t call into question my character!” we exclaim. You might serve as a Character Reference for someone applying for a job. Of […]
The Shape of Our Lives :: Convictions
January 21, 2018 16:14 - 35 minutes - 24.6 MBtext : Matthew 16:13-19 theme verse : “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”–Simon Peter to Jesus (Matthew 16:16) // What do you believe? It’s such a simple, yet loaded, question. We all believe something about most things. We didn’t come out of the womb with these well-thought-out, deeply structured convictions. We […]
The Shape of Our Lives :: Desires
January 14, 2018 16:14 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBtext :: 1 Peter 1:13-16 theme verse :: “As he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct for it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16) // If there is any truth to “We are what we eat,” there may also be some credence […]
The Shape of Ou Lives :: Formation Happens
January 07, 2018 16:14 - 27 minutes - 19 MBtext :: Isaiah 64:1-9 theme verse :: “O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” (Isa 64:8) // It’s the first Sunday of the year. We all step back into the same seats we sat in the year before, a […]
It’s Not Over
December 31, 2017 16:13 - 30 minutes - 20.6 MBtext : Luke 2 : 22 – 40 theme verse : “And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him.” (Lk 2:33) anthem : ‘Peace’ (M.McDonald) :: Kelly Ford, tenor; Billie Kay Sawyer, piano reader : Barbara Crider preaching : Rev Courtney Richards closing : ‘Some Children See Him’ […]
What Christmas Left Behind {Christmas Eve}
December 24, 2017 16:13 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBChristmas Eve Traditional Candlelight Communion Service 6pm // text : Luke 2: 1 – 20 :: reader : Rev Courtney Richards preaching : Rev Mark Briley
Arrive :: with LOVE
December 24, 2017 16:12 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBText : Romans 16:25-27 Theme Verse : “Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but is now disclosed…” (Romans 16:25) // Soft spoken and humble preacher, Fred Craddock, once […]
Arrive :: with JOY
December 17, 2017 16:12 - 29 minutes - 20 MBText : Psalm 126 Theme Verse : “When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.” (Psalm 126:1) // Poet Czeslaw Milosz said simply, “It’s madness to live without joy!” I would agree. I know, however, that the pain of life can often suffocate the joy within. At Christmastime, we […]
Arrive :: with PEACE {Traditional worship cantata}
December 10, 2017 16:11 - 1 hour - 43.8 MB“Hosanna in Excelsis”
Arrive :: with PEACE {The Rising worship concert}
December 10, 2017 16:11 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MBChristmas in Tune IV
Arrive :: with HOPE
December 03, 2017 16:10 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBtext : Mark 13:24-37 theme verse : “And what I say to you I say to all: Keep awake.’” (Mk 13:37) // Bell-bottoms, Razor scooters, Livestrong wristbands, The Crimper, flash mobs, “Vote for Pedro” t-shirts, speed dating, sideburns, Tebowing, Pogs, the “Macarena.” Fads: “An intense but short-lived fashion; craze; notion, manner of conduct, etc., especially […]
hallelujah Anyway :: On Seconds, and Making Good on Gratitude
November 26, 2017 16:10 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBtext : 1 Samuel 1:4-20 theme verse : “Hannah conceived and bore a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, “I have asked him of the Lord.” (1 Samuel 4:20) // What first comes to mind when you hear the word‘seconds’? Perhaps something to do with a period of time? Racecar drivers might dwell […]
hallelujah Anyway :: As Is
November 19, 2017 16:10 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBtext : 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 theme : “To keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh…” (2 Cor. 12:7) // Any time a sales advertisement says, “As Is,” we get a little leery. “What’s wrong with it?” we wonder. We know we’re dealing with something less than perfect; maybe […]
hallelujah Anyway :: If You Are So Inclined …
November 12, 2017 16:09 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBtext : Psalm 78: 1 – 8 theme verse : “Give ear, O my people, to my teaching; incline your ears to the words of my mouth.” (Psalm 78:1) // As human beings, we have leanings, inclinations, proclivities, predilections and preferences. We can safely assume God desires our leanings, inclinations, proclivities, predilections and preferences to […]
For All the Saints :: Therefore …
November 05, 2017 16:09 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBtext : Hebrews 11:32 – 12:2 theme verse : “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely…” (Hebrews 12:1) // “Did you save it to the cloud?”What once may have only been experienced as a metaphorical connection to […]
For All the Saints :: Conferred, Not Earned
October 29, 2017 15:08 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBtext : Philippians 2:12-18 theme verse : “For it is God who is at work in you…”(Philippians 2:13) // The path to canonized sainthood is quite an ordeal. First, you must die – so there’s that.Then there are the required recommendations, theological reviews, and necessary miracles to name a few. To earn this badge of […]
For All the Saints :: Accidental Saints
October 22, 2017 15:08 - 30 minutes - 21 MBtext : Romans 1:1-7 theme verse : “To all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints…” (Romans 1:7) // Intentionality is key in our attempts to be successful at most anything. Much of the time, however, it seems we step into everyday moments with a chance to be a help, an encouragement, […]
Forgiveness In A Wounded World
October 15, 2017 15:07 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MBtext : Jonah 3:1-5, 3:10-4:11 theme verse : “And the Lord said, ‘Is it right for you to be angry?’” (Jonah 4: 4) If you think being swallowed by a fish is bad, try forgiving people you despise. Just ask Jonah. God’s about to cut a break to a people that have mistreated him and […]
Straining Forward
October 08, 2017 15:07 - 28 minutes - 19.5 MBtext : Philippians 3:4b – 14 theme verse : “Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead.” (Phil 3:13) Do you ever find yourself living a life of “what could have been”? It is […]
Life Hacks :: Manners
October 01, 2017 15:06 - 31 minutes - 18.1 MBText : Matthew 21: 23-32 Theme Verse: “So they answered Jesus, ‘We do not know.’” (Mt 21:27a) // Jesus teaches in parables. We know this. He is a storyteller, capturing the audience around him, bringing a lesson with an illustration and metaphor that they will understand, remember, and hopefully hold for retelling, to themselves or […]
Life Hacks :: Sharing
September 24, 2017 15:05 - 28 minutes - 19.2 MBText : Matthew 9:35-10:1 Theme Verse : “Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness.”(Mt 10:1) // Sending the Disciples out on a mission was long Jesus’ practice. Not many staycations for the twelve. Sharing good news by […]
Life Hacks :: Mercy
September 17, 2017 15:05 - 36 minutes - 24.7 MBText: Hebrews 4:14-16 Theme Verse: “Let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) // ‘Mercy’ has become more of an expression of disbelief, like my grandmother who often hollered, “Mercy sakes!” than it is an embodiment of […]
Life Hacks :: Prayer
September 10, 2017 15:04 - 29 minutes - 20 MBText: Matthew 6:7-14 Theme Verse: “Pray then in this way…” (Matthew 6:9a) // “I don’t even know what to pray for anymore.” “What am I supposed to say?” “Does it make any difference?” Prayer. It’s complicated and mysterious. No matter your history with prayer or your sense that it has little to offer your future, […]