Best J Vance Eastridge Podcasts (2024)

1
07-15-90 Living In A Room With A Low Ceiling 21:20

4h ago21:20

21:20

Paul's message to give affection for what is above. Not living on autopilot, with only the minimum effort required. Always challenging ourselves and setting goals beyond our ability in order to grow and to stay humble. Building a relationship with God, and standing with courage and conviction for God's love. The power of allowing our faith to widen…

1
4-11-07 The Role of the Church in the Development of America 52:33

6d ago52:33

52:33

In honor of Independence Day, here is this discussion referenced in the previous episode on the history of the church from the Holy Roman Empire to the Reformation, and the foundation of religious freedom in the American colonies up to today. Find the full playlist on YouTube Visit the WebsiteBy J. Vance Eastridge

1
7-01-07 One Nation Under God 20:56

6d ago20:56

20:56

Lesson for Independence Day on the religious groups crossing the Atlantic Ocean to worship freely, the faith of the individual founders such as Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, George Washington, how the separation of church and state preserves religious liberty, and danger of ignoring the history of religion in America. Find the full playlist on YouT…

1
6-10-90 Hiking the Asbury Trail 23:58

1M ago23:58

23:58

Sermon on pioneers in faith, Francis Asbury, the story of the circuit rider, and the urgent vitality of the United Methodist Church. The needs of people for us to minister have been constant, from arriving in colonial days to the Pittman Center in the twentieth century, and Methodists have always been ready to serve. The power and importance of the…

1
6-03-90 The Flame That Will Not Go Out 9:56

1M ago9:56

9:56

Brief sermon on being the light and peace of Christ, and the power and importance of the Holy Spirit. Find the full playlist on YouTube Visit the WebsiteBy J. Vance Eastridge

1
The Prophecy of the Messiah in the Kingdom of David 11:35

2M ago11:35

11:35

Brief lesson on the promise of the coming savior in the 1st century A.D. Jesus' contemporaries under foreign oppression concentrated on the abundance of material blessing, not the spiritual awakening. Judea under Roman occupation envisioned the Messiah primarily as a military ruler. Some, including Zealots, were intent on taking prophecy into their…

1
5-19-96 The Tap On The Shoulder 29:50

3M ago29:50

29:50

Sermon for a pastoral dedication on the call to ministry and feeling God's voice. The need for conviction to remain steadfast in your conscience, while keeping an open mind and submitting to trust in God. Being informed, be able to be trusted, but not intellectualizing, meeting the needs of people with complex lives and sometimes heavy hearts. Acce…

1
Easter Special: Introspective of the Apostle Simon Peter (Rev. J. Vance Eastridge, Just Sitting Here Thinking) 35:02

4M ago35:02

35:02

To celebrate Easter, we revisit this introspective monologue on the apostle Simon Peter from 2003. As always, no notes - just an extemporized yet structured meditation based on heavy research. Also available in VIDEO at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjwG-eUhOOw&t=1329sBy J. Vance Eastridge

1
12-05-04 Abraham and Faith 21:24

4M ago21:24

21:24

Lesson on the fundamental importance of grace and faith. Faith is our response to God. It must be a two-way relationship in order to deepen our connection and reveal God's presence in our lives. Abraham is the father of our concept of faith, the first to make a covenant with God. God's call to Abraham to leave his homeland and create a new path. Th…

1
11-21-04 Rebirth In Christ 27:14

4M ago27:14

27:14

Lesson on Paul and the church at Corinth, and reconciling with God in our lives. Paul's journey to live with the values he preached, his need to gain the peoples' trust, and the need for all of us to lead by example. In Christ, there is a new life. But it comes differently, at different times for different people. Why not everyone who becomes a Chr…

1
1-23-05 Jesus Charges His Disciples 33:28

5M ago33:28

33:28

"Who do you say that I am?" Lesson on Jesus' great question to the apostles and Peter's answer, "You are the Messiah, Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16) The true meaning of being the Messiah and fulfilling the prophecy. The difficulty for the apostles to accept the ultimate sacrifice, and their dedication to a life of discipleship. Finding our…

1
09-30-90 Then Keep The Lamps Burning 19:28

5M ago19:28

19:28

Sermon on the vital importance of education and guiding children early with Jesus' example. Find the full playlist on YouTube Visit the WebsiteBy J. Vance Eastridge

1
10-07-90 Bread Broken For A Hungry World 9:37

6M ago9:37

9:37

Sermon for World Communion Sunday on behaving like Christ toward one another in a culture where we often condone dishonesty, unkindness, and aggression. Remaining steadfast in the core of Jesus' teachings of peace, love, and giving, while fighting the false gods of nationalism and greed. Trusting God to guide us and living with an eye always on Chr…

1
11-04-90 Life Is Forever 27:27

6M ago27:27

27:27

Inspiring All Saints Day sermon on the ultimate question of mortality and the reassurance we have in living on through Christ. Find the full playlist on YouTube Visit the WebsiteBy J. Vance Eastridge

1
12-31-06 NEW YEAR REPRISE: Keeping Balance 25:21

7M ago25:21

25:21

A New Year's Eve lesson on finding and keeping balance in our lives. Find the full playlist on YouTube Visit the WebsiteBy J. Vance Eastridge

1
12-18-05 CLASSIC: Making Christmas Match The Christmas Card 21:40

7M ago21:40

21:40

Classic and often-requested sermon of Rev. Eastridge's, always remade fresh and contemporary with the time of its telling. Find the full playlist on YouTube Visit the WebsiteBy J. Vance Eastridge

1
10-30-88 Your Religion Is Marked By Nail Holes 27:02

8M ago27:02

27:02

Sermon on Christ's purpose for the church. A call for each of us to take a stand for our faith and let our light shine, using the nails of loyalty, obedience, visibility, and evangelism. The constant temptation of the church toward worldly interests instead of Christ's message of love and grace, not judgment, and sacrifice for others. Christ's offe…

1
11-06-88 Giving Thanks With A Grateful Heart 24:23

8M ago24:23

24:23

Happy Thanksgiving! Mark 12:41-44 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell yo…

1
11-11-90 The Tiger In You (Reprise) 18:14

8M ago18:14

18:14

Sermon on becoming who we were born to be. Having the faith to boldly pursue living deliberately rather than eking out a fringe material existence. And finding in our reflection the image of God in which we were created. Find the full playlist on YouTube Visit the WebsiteBy J. Vance Eastridge

1
10-14-90 A Living God For Living People 19:28

9M ago19:28

19:28

Emory University's J.J. Altizer once postulated to TIME magazine that "God is Dead." How we sometimes live as if God were dead or perhaps just fading away... The comfort and the power of God's everlasting presence in the world and the universe. And how God continues working through Christ today in us. Our faith is a living relationship with God. Fi…

1
6-09-91 ”And Are We Yet Alive?” - John Wesley and the Role of United Methodism in the World 27:29

10M ago27:29

27:29

The meaning and purpose of the United Methodist Annual Conference. The foundation of Methodism and John Wesley's convictions, and the vibrance of the Holy Spirit that calls us to love and to serve. The rugged life of circuit rider and the sacrifices of discipleship. "And are we yet alive?" The life of the chuch to unite and address the needs of our…

1
6-02-91 Content To Drink Well Water 18:15

10M ago18:15

18:15

The story of the Samaritan woman and the importance of truly knowing Jesus to share the Gospel. "I don't know who you are, but I'm glad you came." Learning to accept the differences of others to share in fellowship and accept the gift of grace. Find the full playlist on YouTube Visit the WebsiteBy J. Vance Eastridge

1
Putting Your Hand In The Hand Of God 29:29

10M ago29:29

29:29

Sermon on how we were created to use our hands. The joy and blessing of work, allowing God to guide us in our actions. Our awareness of the suffering and injustices of others and honoring God by working to help others. Jesus' call for social activism and the example of John Wesley. Standing as a church at the forefront of change in society for equa…

1
5-06-90 The Dinosaur Was Big...And He’s Extinct 25:08

1y ago25:08

25:08

Sermon on the ways we measure ourselves and our material judgments about life. How the discoveries of outer space and inner space puts into perspective our size and place in the universe. Thinking big in tackling the challenges we face together, and thinking small in the actionable power of individual moments of grace. We can only make changes - bi…

1
4-29-90 God Tore Down The Walls Around Eden 19:54

1y ago19:54

19:54

Sermon on Eden, earth, creation, and how greed and selfishness prevent us from sharing God's gifts with each other. God has made us caretakers, and we have become claim-jumpers claiming God's creation for our own. Because we are the caretakers also of one another, how racism, prejudice, violence and mistreatment are an affront to God and the gift o…

1
Live In Peace 26:54

1y ago26:54

26:54

Lesson on Isaiah awaiting the messiah and the coming of peace. The meanings of peace outside of conflict, between individuals, and within ourselves. The importance of forgiveness over hatred, and the walls hatred puts up between us and God. The story of St. Francis, and our role as peacemakers to bring the kingdom of God to earth. Find the full pla…

1
6-26-05 The Resurrection as told by Mark 33:16

1+ y ago33:16

33:16

For the second Sunday of Easter, we revisit this lesson on St. Mark's account of Jesus' resurrection and the history of its translation and revision. The importance of the three women who discovered the empty tomb and the enigma of Joseph of Arimathea. The closeness of Mark and Peter, and ending the story with the Great Commission: the message to s…

1
Easter - He Is Risen! The Triumph Over Death 27:23

1+ y ago27:23

27:23

For Easter we revisit this lesson about how, on that day, the pain and grief of Jesus' mother and disciples was transformed into joy. The Resurrection of Jesus means the resurrection of all and triumph over death through the love of God. Find the full playlist on YouTube Visit the WebsiteBy J. Vance Eastridge

1
4-14-90 Easter - Introspective on Simon Peter 34:01

1+ y ago34:01

34:01

In the continuing tradition of Rev. Eastridge's introspective character monologues, here is an earlier, different take on the character and experience of the father of the church, Simon Peter, and his witness to the ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus. Find the full playlist on YouTube Visit the Website…

1
4-01-90 Maker of Peace 14:47

1+ y ago14:47

14:47

For Palm Sunday, we finish the journey to Jerusalem with the question of how to follow and spread the peace that Jesus knows and brings, to beat swords into ploughshares and ourselves become peacemakers. The Prayer of St. Francis, and Luke 19:42 - "If only you knew the things which make for peace." Find the full playlist on YouTube Visit the Websit…

1
3-25-90 Jesus, Man Of Peace 31:43

1+ y ago31:43

31:43

Sermon on our collective journey through Lent and the gift of peace through Jesus. How we hesitate to seriously open our hearts to Jesus because of our subconscious resistance to change. Knowing that change is painful but that our relationship with Christ transforms us, making all things new. Coming to our own Gethsemane and making our choice to fo…

1
3-20-05 Romans - Justification by Faith 23:53

1+ y ago23:53

23:53

Lesson on Paul's letter to the church at Rome and his vital message which lies at the core of Christianity. Find the full playlist on YouTube Visit the WebsiteBy J. Vance Eastridge

1
3-11-90 A Gift Of The Spirit 29:48

1+ y ago29:48

29:48

Sermon on living in the way of peace and the meaning of shalom.. Find the full playlist on YouTube Visit the WebsiteBy J. Vance Eastridge

1
3-04-90 It’s All In Your Mind 1:29:41

1+ y ago1:29:41

1:29:41

Sermon on the power of faith in healing and Jesus' reflections on Jerusalem. Find the full playlist on YouTube Visit the WebsiteBy J. Vance Eastridge

1
2-25-90 Mistaking Pebbles For Pearls 20:55

1+ y ago20:55

20:55

The parable of the pearl, the story of the magic stone, the danger of overlooking true joy and meaning in our lives while trying to conquer our aspirations. In today's world it's hard to tell the difference between the stones and the pearls. Find the full playlist on YouTube Visit the WebsiteBy J. Vance Eastridge

1
2-18-90 Burning Up The Cargo To Make The Trip 19:40

1+ y ago19:40

19:40

Sermon on the simple life that gives fulfillment. Parsing through all the voices in society competing for our attention and the values they hold. The sacrifices we make to get ahead, the danger of burning through the good parts of life in order to satisfy artificial goals and grab meaningless treasure. The necessity and mystery of grace in our live…

1
2-11-90 That’s The Way It Is 26:51

1+ y ago26:51

26:51

Sermon on the story of Jesus making the blind beggar see. Who do we trust in a world of vested interests and ulterior motives? Where do we find a credibile source after being continually disappointed by our leaders in society, work, and politics? The values we need to anchor us in an ever more complicated world - integrity, trust, learning the basi…

1
2-04-90 Use It Or Lose It 16:02

1+ y ago16:02

16:02

Sermon on using our God-given gifts in life. The importance of exercising our talents to keep them honed, and exercising our faith to keep our spiritual life fresh and renewed. The importance of taking time in the busyness of life for our spiritual health, and the joy that comes into everyday life from regular prayer and reflection. Find the full p…

1
1-28-90 You Are Never Alone 27:18

1+ y ago27:18

27:18

Sermon on finding hope through loneliness, hopelessness, and abandonment. When we feel forsaken by God by the silence we feel, and how we hide or distance ourselves from God out of that fear that God will not be there when we feel most alone. The story of Francis Thompson and "The Hound of Heaven." Often the one light in darkness is the promise tha…

1
1-21-90 Hang A Towel In Your Lapel 24:52

1+ y ago24:52

24:52

Sermon on the jacket lapel, representing the place where we place the messages of all the pins, jewelry, tags and bumper stickers in our lives. The symbols we wear and the priorities we show to the world, and the towel as a symbol of service and discipleship. How we become disciples when we take up Christ's mantle of service to others. Find the ful…

1
1-14-90 Taking A Quantum Leap 24:36

1+ y ago24:36

24:36

Sermon reflecting on the television series "Quantum Leap" and the importance of taking quantum leaps in our own life. In reflecting on the past, propelling us into the future, and stretching our abilities to improve our lives through faith. David's journey from fear to triumph, Saul's conversion experience into Paul, and Rev. Eastridge's personal j…

1
01-08-06 The Pastoral Letters 27:41

1+ y ago27:41

27:41

An introduction to Paul's letters to Titus and Timothy, and the challenges and critical decisions described in the early church. The importance of unity and openness, and the crucial need and power of prayer. Find the full playlist on YouTube Visit the WebsiteBy J. Vance Eastridge

1
12-18-05 Making Christmas Match The Christmas Card 21:40

1+ y ago21:40

21:40

Classic and often-requested sermon of Rev. Eastridge's, always remade fresh and contemporary with the time of its telling. Find the full playlist on YouTube Visit the WebsiteBy J. Vance Eastridge

1
12-22-02 Taking Jesus Out of the Manger 26:46

1+ y ago26:46

26:46

A special Christmas lesson on the promises of "the baby in the box." Celebrating the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Messiah and the hopes and faith of all who believe in Him. The impact the hope of a child can have to transform a world. How Christ has brought about those changes, to open the minds of the people to tolerance and acceptance, and …

1
12-15-02 Joseph: A Father’s Call (Advent Lesson) 33:04

1+ y ago33:04

33:04

Advent lesson on Joseph, the responsibilities upon him and the sacrifices he endured for the love of his wife and the child he raised as his son. The dangers and hardships they faced in the communities they crossed, desperate to keep the child safe. The values he instilled in Jesus as a young man and the heartbreak of a nurturing father at the end.…

1
11-23-03 Remain Loyal (2 John) 22:32

1+ y ago22:32

22:32

Lesson on 2 John's message of the spiritual walk we take together. Walking in truth and not living out a biased faith. The search for truth is a lifelong quest. Walking in love with one another, and putting our love into action to help each other. Find the full playlist on YouTube Visit the WebsiteBy J. Vance Eastridge

1
06-18-06 Corinthians and Leadership in the Church 27:54

1+ y ago27:54

27:54

Lesson on Paul's letter to the church at Corinth, the fractions and divisions among the devotees of Paul and of Apollos. Setting a foundation with the basic beliefs of the church, the importance of grace and the means to live together as Christ would have us. The quality of life within the church community, the need to love one another and our chur…

1
11-11-90 The Tiger In You 18:12

1+ y ago18:12

18:12

Sermon on becoming who we were born to be. Having the faith to boldly pursue living deliberately rather than eking out a fringe material existence. And finding in our reflection the image of God in which we were created. Find the full playlist on YouTube Visit the WebsiteBy J. Vance Eastridge

1
5-26-06 Proverbs: Integrity, Righteousness and Community 22:41

1+ y ago22:41

22:41

Lesson on the Proverbs with themes of integrity, righteousness, and community. The contradictions within the book and the wisdom to discern, acknowledging the complexity of life. The importance of listening to our own conscience and the "inward witness." Find the full playlist on YouTube Visit the Website…

1
A Memorial Easter Lesson: The Triumph Over Death 27:21

2y ago27:21

27:21

Rev. J. Vance Eastridge passed on October 13, 2022 at 95. He leaves behind a loving wife and large, loving family. He also leaves behind thousands of thankful people whose lives he touched through pastoral care, his earnest and charismatic voice and poetic writing, and through gentle daily kindness, grace, and love. He pastored to more than a dozen…

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