March 23, 2025 | "Christianity Explored: Jesus’ Identity: Who is This Man?” | Rev. Vicki Harrison
In a storm-tossed boat, the disciples cry out, “Who is this man?” As Jesus calms the wind and waves, we’re left asking the same question. Explore the identity and authority of Jesus as revealed in the first chapters of Mark—and discover why it changes everything.
In week 2 of Christianity Explored, Rev. Vicki Harrison walks us through a foundational question of our faith: Who is Jesus? Drawing from Mark 4:35–41, we explore Jesus’ power over nature—and reflect on the deeper identity revealed through His miracles, teachings, and authority.
Mark doesn’t just tell us stories; he presents evidence. Jesus heals the sick, casts out demons, forgives sins, teaches with authority, calms storms, and raises the dead. These aren’t just acts of compassion—they are signs of His divine identity.
And when the disciples ask, “Who is this man?”—Mark invites us to answer that question for ourselves.
As you consider the message, take time to sit with these questions. You may want to journal your answers, talk about them with a trusted friend or group, or simply bring them to God in prayer:
1. What storms are you currently facing?
In what ways do you need to be reminded that Jesus is in the boat with you?
2. Have you ever asked, “Jesus, don’t you care?”
How did He respond—or how might He be responding now?
3. Which part of Jesus’ authority—over nature, illness, evil, death, or sin—do you find most comforting? Most challenging to believe?
4. Mark gives us a clear picture of who Jesus is. What do you believe about Him right now?
Be honest—are there areas of doubt, questions, or places where you long for more clarity?
5. What would it look like to give Jesus full authority over your life?
Are there any areas where you’re still holding on to control?
6. When you reflect on your life, how has Jesus already proven His presence, power, or love?
How might those memories strengthen your trust today?
7. What would it mean for you to rest in the boat—while the storm still rages—because Jesus is with you?
Can you pray for that kind of peace?
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December 24, 2024 | "Shine in the Darkness: Christmas Eve” | Rev. Vicki Harrison
Explore Rev. Vicki Harrison's Christmas Eve message from the "Light in the Darkness" series, where she illuminates how Jesus's birth offers enduring light in our lives' darkest moments, providing hope and transformation.
5:00 pm Family Service
7:00 pm Traditional Service
Summary:
In her poignant Christmas Eve message titled "Light in the Darkness," Rev. Vicki Harrison invites us to reflect on the profound significance of Jesus’s birth into a world engulfed in both physical and spiritual darkness. She artfully draws connections between contemporary struggles with darkness, such as depression, anxiety, and loneliness, and the oppressive darkness experienced during Jesus's time under Roman rule. Rev. Harrison reminds us that Jesus, prophesied by Isaiah as a beacon of hope, was born to be the light in our darkness, offering salvation and a new way of being. Her message reaffirms the power of Jesus’s light to overcome any form of darkness we face today and encourages us to carry and share this light, transforming our surroundings and pointing others towards the Father.
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December 8, 2024 | "Shine in the Darkness: Darkness is Over!” | Rev. Vicki Harrison
Explore how the light of Christ transforms darkness into hope in Rev. Vicki Harrison’s sermon, "The Darkness is Over!" from the "Shine in the Darkness" series.
9:30 AM Service
Summary:
Rev. Vicki Harrison's sermon, "Darkness is Over!" part of the "Shine in the Darkness" series, centers on the prophetic words of Isaiah 9:2-7. Through these scriptures, Rev. Harrison explores the theme of light overcoming darkness. She emphasizes that even when we face periods of deep darkness, whether due to personal challenges or broader societal issues, the light of Christ has the power to break through and transform our experiences. This message encourages the congregation to not just hear about the light but to actively walk in it, embracing the hope and joy that comes from Jesus, our everlasting light.
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August 25, 2024 | "From Doubts to Doorways: Faith and Hard Questions” | Rev. Vicki Harrison
In the “From Doubts to Doorways” series, Pastor Vicki Harrison tackles the challenging question: Is Jesus the only way to salvation? Drawing from John 14:1-6 and other scriptural references, Pastor Harrison emphasizes Jesus’ exclusive claim as the only way to the Father, highlighting the consistency of this message across the New Testament. She addresses common doubts and questions about the fairness and inclusivity of this claim, reinforcing that Jesus’ sacrificial death underlines its truth. The sermon calls for reflection on our personal beliefs and challenges us to align our actions with the conviction that Jesus is indeed the only path to eternal life, urging outreach and evangelism as natural responses to this belief. Learn more about our mission.
9:30 AM Service
Summary:
In our latest sermon from the “From Doubts to Doorways” series, Pastor Vicki Harrison courageously addresses one of the most challenging questions for any Christian: Is Jesus truly the only way to salvation? Through a thoughtful exploration of biblical texts, particularly John 14:1-6, Pastor Harrison affirms the scriptural claim of Jesus’ exclusivity in offering salvation.
The sermon not only delves into the theological implications of this belief but also encourages personal reflection on how this truth shapes our interactions and missions as Christians. As we consider our own beliefs, we are urged to live out this truth actively, reaching out to those who have not yet heard the message of Jesus.
The discussion is not just theological but deeply practical, urging us to transform our understanding into action. If we accept that Jesus is the only way to eternal life, our lives should reflect a commitment to sharing this vital truth with others. This sermon is a call to both conviction and action, to embrace the sometimes uncomfortable truth of our faith and to act upon it in our daily lives, ensuring that everyone hears the hope of the gospel.
Let us be inspired by Pastor Harrison’s words to renew our dedication to living out our faith in a way that brings others into the loving embrace of Jesus Christ.
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March 17, 2024 | "Disruptions: Disrupting The Crowd” | Pastor Roberto Chaple
"Discover the transformative power of bold faith with Pastor Roberto Chaple's sermon 'Disrupting the Crowd.' Learn from Bartimaeus how to be unstoppable and unapologetic in pursuing Jesus, no matter the opposition. #BoldFaith #UnstoppableBeliever #DisruptTheCrowd"
9:30 AM - Traditional Service
11:15 AM - Praise Service
Summary:
In “Disrupting the Crowd,” Pastor Roberto Chaple inspires us with the story of Bartimaeus from Mark chapter 10, emphasizing the power of persistence in faith despite opposition. Through Bartimaeus’s story, we learn the importance of being unstoppable and unapologetic in our pursuit of Jesus. This sermon teaches us that true ministry often happens amidst disruptions and that Jesus values our faith and determination over our social status or physical abilities. In our journey with Christ, we are encouraged to disrupt the internal and external crowds that hinder our relationship with Him. This call to action invites us to raise our voices louder in prayer, praise, and worship, living boldly for Jesus without letting anything or anyone deter us. Let’s embrace this message, moving from a passive to an active faith, demonstrating our trust in Jesus’s power to transform lives.
For more insights and inspiration, explore our values and mission at New Hope here, and discover how we embody being rooted in God’s Word, renewed by the Holy Spirit, and reaching the world for Jesus Christ here. Reflect on previous messages that resonate with “Disrupting the Crowd” at our message archive below.
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March 3, 2024 | "Disruptions: Tapping Into The Power of Jesus” | Rev. Roberto Chaple
In "Tapping Into The Power Of Jesus," Pastor Roberto Chaple inspires us with a powerful message about not being mere bystanders in our faith journey but actively seeking and tapping into Jesus' transformative power. Through the biblical account of the bleeding woman and Jairus' daughter, we learn the significance of faith-driven disruptions in our lives and how they can lead us closer to God. This sermon encourages us to examine our own lives for cycles of despair or stagnation and to reach out in faith to Jesus, believing in His power to heal, restore, and disrupt patterns of spiritual and physical ailment. As part of New Hope's mission to make more and better followers of Jesus Christ, this message aligns with our values of caring for all people, seeking guidance from God, and being open to bold decisions that can transform lives.
9:30 AM - Traditional Service
11:15 AM - Praise Service
Summary:
In "Tapping Into The Power Of Jesus," Pastor Roberto Chaple inspires us with a powerful message about not being mere bystanders in our faith journey but actively seeking and tapping into Jesus' transformative power. Through the biblical account of the bleeding woman and Jairus' daughter, we learn the significance of faith-driven disruptions in our lives and how they can lead us closer to God. This sermon encourages us to examine our own lives for cycles of despair or stagnation and to reach out in faith to Jesus, believing in His power to heal, restore, and disrupt patterns of spiritual and physical ailment.
As part of New Hope's mission to make more and better followers of Jesus Christ, this message aligns with our values of caring for all people, seeking guidance from God, and being open to bold decisions that can transform lives. Let us be inspired to take action, be disruptors for Christ, and tap into His endless power for change in our lives and the lives of those around us. For more details on our mission and values, please visit /whoweare and /what-we-believe.
For further reflection and to see how this message aligns with our mission and values, visit who we are and what we believe pages.
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October 8, 2023 "Count Me In: Church Matters" | Pastor Vicki Harrison
9:30 AM - Traditional Service
11:15 AM - Praise Service
In her sermon, Pastor Vicki Harrison emphasized the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ and underscored the significance of the church community in one's spiritual journey. She highlighted the presence of the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead within believers, and stressed that, through faith, God can work miraculous deeds in and through them. Pastor Harrison noted the recent lackluster performance of the church, attributing it to a failure to fully embrace the potential transformation through faith in Jesus Christ. She pointed out a tendency to rely on personal strengths and abilities while paying mere lip service to relying on God. She emphasized the need for wholehearted devotion to Jesus to tap into the power of His Kingdom, expressing optimism for a forthcoming powerful intervention from God.
In the latter part of her sermon, Pastor Harrison focused on the indispensable role of the church community in the spiritual journey. She stressed that active participation in a church community is non-negotiable for those fully committed to Jesus. She asserted that believers need each other to authentically live out the gospel, drawing upon the example of the early church in Acts chapter 2. They were deeply devoted to the apostles' teachings, shared fellowship, broke bread together, and prayed collectively. Their communal way of life itself became a powerful testament to the gospel. Pastor Harrison concluded by encouraging the congregation to reflect on their own encounters with the church and to prioritize attendance.
Key Takeaways:
The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead resides in us, and through faith, God can perform miraculous things in and through us.
We need to fully devote ourselves to Jesus to experience the power of His Kingdom.
Being part of a church community is not optional for those who are all in with Jesus. We need each other to live out the gospel.
The early church in Acts chapter 2 serves as an example of how believers should live, being devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.
We should make attending church a priority, reflecting on our own experiences with the church and committing ourselves to being part of the church community.
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