Sermons by Rev. David Harris

Sermons by Rev. David Harris

Community

Rev. David Harris explores the Interconnectedness of Success and Community. Angela Duckworth’s book Bringing Out Your Best reveals that perseverance alone is insufficient for success. True thriving depends deeply on the support system of others—teachers, mentors, family, friends, colleagues, and community. Our achievements are shaped by our environment and the collective network that sustains us.

Light and Darkness

Rev. David Harris explores the often misunderstood symbolism of light and darkness, challenging the conventional binary view of light as good and darkness as evil. Drawing from biblical texts such as Genesis and Psalms, and insights from theologians like Paul Tillich, Richard Rohr, and Carl Jung, the speaker reframes darkness not as malevolent but as the absence of light—representing lack of understanding rather than inherent evil. Darkness is essential for recognizing the divine presence and comprehending unity in creation.

A God Who Heals

Rev. David Harris explores the profound theme of healing as an eternal and divine purpose, rooted deeply in Christian theology and practice. Rev. Harris emphasizes that healing is not only a spiritual gift bestowed by God but also a responsibility shared by the Church, the body of Christ, to actively participate in ministering healing in the world. Drawing from the Gospel of Mark, he outlines a four-step construct of healing: faith, seeking, divine response, and restoration to community.

Recognition

Rev. David Harris invites us into the Emmaus story as a journey we still walk today—one marked by honest questions, shared conversation, and unexpected encounters with Christ. In the midst of doubt and uncertainty, we discover that God often meets us not in dramatic displays, but in quiet, relational moments along the way. This sermon reminds us that scripture becomes a living dialogue, renewing our faith and calling us forward with courage and hope.

Resurrection for Us

Rev. David Harris reflects on the story of Jesus’ resurrection and what it meant for those who first experienced it. It also considers how people today encounter moments of renewal and change that echo that story. The message invites us to see how new life can emerge even in difficult times.

New Times and Old Times

In this Black History Month reflection, Rev. David Harris reflects on the tension and responsibility of speaking from a white perspective while lifting up the urgency of justice, equality, and diverse voices. Drawing on history, scripture, and personal experience, he challenges systems of racism, exclusion, and oppression, presents Jesus as a disruptor of unjust social orders, and calls Christians to a costly discipleship rooted in compassion, solidarity with the marginalized, nonviolence, and hope sustained by the Spirit.

Rev. David Harris – Sermon from July 14, 2024

This Sunday, we welcomed the Rev. David C. Harris to the pulpit! He explored the nature of faith and leadership through Micah 6:6-8 and Jesus’ Baptism and calling in Mark 1:9-14. You may know David as the co-chair of the Racial Justice Committee here at Govans, but David is an honorably retired Minister Member of Baltimore Presbytery since June 2016. David also had his own consulting firm for over 30 years, focusing on organizational change, coaching, team development, and diversity…