October 29, 2023 "Count Me In: Integrity Matters" | Pastor Vicki Harrison
10:00 AM - Combined Service
Pastor Vicki's sermon focuses on the theme of integrity and being all in with Jesus. She begins by expressing gratitude for the testimonial videos shared by Bob and Lisa. She emphasizes the power of hearing people's stories about their commitment to Jesus and their sacrifices for God's work.
This sermon is the concluding part of the "Count Me In" series, which is centered around wholehearted devotion to Jesus. Pastor Vicki highlights how the broader church has sometimes settled for intellectual belief without genuine transformation, which has affected its impact on society.
She emphasizes that the church, specifically New Hope, stands on the brink of something significant, but it requires active participation and commitment from the congregation. The series has covered various aspects of submitting different areas of life to Jesus, including understanding God's love, the importance of the church community, serving, and giving.
In this final part, the focus is on personal behavior and lifestyle, underscoring that how believers conduct themselves matters significantly. Pastor Vicki defines integrity as being the same person both in public and behind closed doors. She stresses that integrity is a central distinctive of a follower of Jesus and that it's about allowing God to work within individuals to develop an unwavering determination to do right, even when it's challenging.
The sermon concludes with a call to self-reflection, encouraging listeners to consider if there's anything in their lives that needs alignment with godly values. Pastor Vicki reminds the congregation that they are ambassadors for Jesus, representing the kingdom of God in the world, and urges them to live lives of integrity and commitment to Christ.
The sermon closes with a prayer for God's guidance, a reaffirmation of the congregation's belonging to Jesus, and an invocation for God's blessing and anointing upon the church. The message emphasizes the high calling of following Jesus wholeheartedly and living lives that honor God.