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 10, 2024 | "Disruptions: She Came to Him with Nothing But Got Everything” | Rev. Vicki Harrison
In the sermon "God Breaking Through in the Everyday Interruptions," Pastor Vicki Harrison enlightens us that the disruptions in our daily routines are not mere obstacles but potential divine appointments orchestrated by God. Drawing from Jesus' ministry in Mark 1:21-28, she illustrates how Jesus' most impactful acts and teachings often unfolded amidst interruptions. These moments were not distractions but opportunities for profound spiritual encounters and transformations.
9:30 AM - Traditional Service
11:15 AM - Praise Service
Summary:
In Pastor Vicki Harrison’s sermon “She Came to Him with Nothing But Got Everything,” part of the “Disruptions” series, we learn a powerful lesson on humility, faith, and Jesus’ all-encompassing grace. The story of the Syrophoenician woman’s encounter with Jesus, despite her status as a Gentile, teaches us that God’s kingdom is for everyone, transcending all barriers of ethnicity, status, or merit. This aligns with New Hope’s mission to make more and better followers of Jesus Christ by living out our values of loving Jesus, caring about all people, and being rooted in God’s Word. Let us be reminded that our approach to God is not based on our achievements but on His grace alone. Embrace this truth by joining a ministry team or participating in community outreach, reflecting Jesus’ love and grace to all. Learn more about our mission and values here and our foundational beliefs here.
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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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February 25, 2024 | "Disruptions: Laying Our Friends Before Jesus" | Rev. Vicki Harrison
In the sermon "God Breaking Through in the Everyday Interruptions," Pastor Vicki Harrison enlightens us that the disruptions in our daily routines are not mere obstacles but potential divine appointments orchestrated by God. Drawing from Jesus' ministry in Mark 1:21-28, she illustrates how Jesus' most impactful acts and teachings often unfolded amidst interruptions. These moments were not distractions but opportunities for profound spiritual encounters and transformations.
9:30 AM - Traditional Service
11:15 AM - Praise Service
Summary:
In the sermon "Laying Our Friends Before Jesus" given by Pastor Vicki Harrison, the focus was on the power and importance of embracing disruptions as divine opportunities to serve God and others. Reflecting on the story from Mark 2:1-12, where four friends went to great lengths to bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus, Pastor Vicki emphasized that sometimes God not only invites us to recognize Him in our disruptions but also calls us to be the disruption in someone else's life for their spiritual and physical healing. The sermon underscored the mission of New Hope to make more and better followers of Jesus Christ by urging the congregation to actively seek out ways to introduce others to Jesus, emphasizing the collective responsibility to do whatever it takes to bring people before Christ. Pastor Vicki challenged the congregation to consider who in their lives needs Jesus and to commit to standing in the gap for them, through prayer and action, reflecting the church's values of love, care, and bold faithfulness. This call to action encourages us to view interruptions not as nuisances but as God-given chances to demonstrate His love and power.
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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February 18, 2024 | "Disruptions: God Breaking Through in the Everyday Interruptions" | Rev. Vicki Harrison
In the sermon "God Breaking Through in the Everyday Interruptions," Pastor Vicki Harrison enlightens us that the disruptions in our daily routines are not mere obstacles but potential divine appointments orchestrated by God. Drawing from Jesus' ministry in Mark 1:21-28, she illustrates how Jesus' most impactful acts and teachings often unfolded amidst interruptions. These moments were not distractions but opportunities for profound spiritual encounters and transformations.
9:30 AM - Traditional Service
11:15 AM - Praise Service
Summary:
In the sermon "God Breaking Through in the Everyday Interruptions," Pastor Vicki Harrison enlightens us that the disruptions in our daily routines are not mere obstacles but potential divine appointments orchestrated by God. Drawing from Jesus' ministry in Mark 1:21-28, she illustrates how Jesus' most impactful acts and teachings often unfolded amidst interruptions. These moments were not distractions but opportunities for profound spiritual encounters and transformations.
Pastor Harrison invites us to view the unexpected events that disrupt our plans through a new lens, seeing them as moments filled with the potential for God to work through us. This perspective challenges us to be open to God's guidance in every aspect of our lives, aligning with New Hope's mission to make more and better followers of Jesus Christ. It echoes our values of loving Jesus, caring for all people, and being open to taking risks and making bold decisions for the Gospel.
Let us embrace the unexpected interruptions in our lives as opportunities to serve God and others. Whether it's a chance encounter, a delay in our plans, or an unforeseen event, may we ask God what He is saying to us in those moments, what He wants us to do, and how we can use the opportunity to serve Him and bring Him glory. Let's commit to being attentive to the Holy Spirit's prompting, ready to act in love and obedience when God breaks through our daily routines.
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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February 11, 2024 | "Hope Full" | Rev. Vicki Harrison
Discover hope in 'Finding Christ in the Midst of Crisis,' a sermon by Pastor Vicki Harrison that explores the intersection of faith and mental health struggles.
10:00 AM - Combined Service
Summary:
In “Finding Christ in the Midst of Crisis,” Pastor Vicki Harrison delves into the depths of human despair and the power of hope through faith in Jesus Christ. Through a poignant exploration of the Psalms, including the raw emotions of Psalm 88, Pastor Harrison addresses the complex relationship between mental health struggles and spiritual faith. She emphasizes that mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and addiction, are not indicative of a lack of faith but are part of the human condition in a fallen world. The sermon calls for the removal of stigma surrounding mental health within the Christian community, urging compassion, understanding, and proactive support for those afflicted. Pastor Harrison offers practical advice for supporting loved ones, including encouraging professional help, being present, and reminding them of God’s unending love and the hope found in Jesus. The sermon is a call to action for the church to be a beacon of hope and a lifeline for those in the depths of despair, reinforcing that through Jesus Christ, there is always hope.
For more information about our mission and values, please visit our mission and what we believe.
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February 4, 2024 | "Fresh Starts Fervent Prayers: From Religion to Living Faith" | Rev. Vicki Harrison
Discover the heart of true Christianity in Pastor Vicki Harrison's sermon "From Religion to Living Faith," exploring the journey from mere belief to a dynamic, living faith through being born again.
9:30 AM - Traditional Service
11:15 AM - Praise Service
Summary:
In her sermon "From Religion to Living Faith," Pastor Vicki Harrison explores the transformative power of prayer and the essence of salvation. She emphasizes that being a Christian extends beyond attending church or performing religious acts—it involves a genuine, life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. Pastor Harrison challenges the notion of "Christian atheism," where individuals identify as Christians but live without reflecting their faith in daily life. She elucidates the concept of being born again, not as a mere intellectual assent or religious ritual, but as a profound spiritual rebirth through the Holy Spirit. This sermon calls for introspection about our relationship with God and encourages us to ensure our faith is alive, dynamic, and evident in our actions. Pastor Harrison's message aligns with New Hope's mission to make more and better followers of Jesus Christ, urging us to deepen our faith and live out the truths of the gospel with grace and obedience.
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January 28, 2024 | "Fresh Starts Fervent Prayers: Stories of Prayer" | Rev. Vicki Harrison
Uncover the essence of authentic prayer with Pastor Dan Parrish and Pastor Lavetta Pope in 'Just Pray', a sermon from 'Fresh Starts, Fervent Prayers', focusing on sincere communication with God.
9:30 AM - Traditional Service
11:15 AM - Praise Service
Summary:
In the recent sermon, “Stories of Prayer,” part of the “Fresh Starts, Fervent Prayers” series at New Hope, Pastor Vicki Harrison and a panel of guests shared powerful personal testimonies on the transformative impact of prayer. This aligns closely with New Hope’s mission of making more and better followers of Jesus Christ through being ROOTED in God’s Word, RENEWED by the Holy Spirit, and REACHING the world for Jesus Christ.
The sermon highlighted the essence of prayer as a life-changing force. Testimonies ranged from experiences of divine intervention in times of financial struggle, healing from physical and emotional pain, to the profound impact of prayer on personal and professional life decisions. Each story illustrated a deep reliance on God, echoing New Hope’s values of loving Jesus, caring about all people, following God’s guidance, and living out the truth with grace.
The panelists’ experiences reiterated the belief that prayer is not just a ritual but a dynamic conversation with God, capable of altering lives and strengthening faith. In line with New Hope’s belief in the Bible as the source of all truth, scriptures like Mark 11:24 and James 5:13–16 were cited, emphasizing the power and effectiveness of prayer.
As a call-to-action, we encourage you to deepen your prayer life, reflecting on your own ‘Stories of Prayer’. Whether you are facing challenges or celebrating joys, let prayer be your steadfast companion. For further inspiration and guidance, explore our previous sermons in the “Fresh Starts, Fervent Prayers” below.
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January 21, 2024 | "Fresh Starts Fervent Prayers: Effective Prayers" | Rev. Roberto Chaple
In his insightful sermon "Effective Prayers," Pastor Roberto Chaple emphasizes the power and significance of prayer in aligning ourselves with God's will. He elucidates that effective prayer is not about attaining what we desire, but about surrendering to God's plan. Through various biblical examples and personal anecdotes, Pastor Chaple illustrates how prayer transforms us, helping us move from self-reliance to complete dependence on God. He also explores the different ways God may respond to our prayers—sometimes with a clear answer, sometimes in silence, and at times with a gentle redirection. This sermon invites us to a deeper understanding of prayer as a journey of trust, surrender, and transformation.
9:30 AM - Traditional Service
We apologize, but the 9:30 service is incomplete. What is shown is the most complete version available.
11:15 AM - Praise Service
Summary:
In his insightful sermon "Effective Prayers," Pastor Roberto Chaple emphasizes the power and significance of prayer in aligning ourselves with God's will. He elucidates that effective prayer is not about attaining what we desire, but about surrendering to God's plan. Through various biblical examples and personal anecdotes, Pastor Chaple illustrates how prayer transforms us, helping us move from self-reliance to complete dependence on God. He also explores the different ways God may respond to our prayers—sometimes with a clear answer, sometimes in silence, and at times with a gentle redirection. This sermon invites us to a deeper understanding of prayer as a journey of trust, surrender, and transformation.
Embrace the transformative power of prayer in your life. Start each day by surrendering your plans to God’s will, and join us in our commitment to being a praying church. Explore more about our mission and values here, and revisit powerful sermons on prayer here.
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January 14, 2024 | "Fresh Starts Fervent Prayers: Miraculous Prayer" | Rev. Vicki Harrison
Explore the lifelong journey of prayer with Pastor Vicki Harrison in 'Miraculous Prayer,' a sermon about trust, submission, and God’s power.
9:30 AM - Traditional Service
11:15 AM - Praise Service
Summary:
In her inspiring sermon “Miraculous Prayer,” Pastor Vicki Harrison delves into the transformative power of prayer, emphasizing its role in the Christian journey. Drawing from Matthew 7:7–8 and other scriptures, she illustrates how prayer is a lifelong process of becoming a peculiar kind of person who exercises a particular kind of power for the good of the world and the glory of God. Pastor Harrison shares personal testimonies and biblical insights to demonstrate that prayer is not just a request to God but a way of submitting and aligning ourselves with His will. This message aligns closely with New Hope’s values of being rooted in God’s Word and reaching out with Jesus’ love. The sermon encourages us to be persistent, expectant, and trusting in our prayers, resonating with our mission to love Jesus and care for all people. Explore more about our mission and values at New Hope Mission, and find related teachings in our Message Archive.
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January 7, 2024 | "Fresh Starts Fervent Prayers: Just Pray" | Rev. Dan Parrish & Rev. Lavetta Pope
Uncover the essence of authentic prayer with Pastor Dan Parrish and Pastor Lavetta Pope in 'Just Pray', a sermon from 'Fresh Starts, Fervent Prayers', focusing on sincere communication with God.
9:30 AM - Traditional Service - Rev. Dan Parrish
11:15 AM - Praise Service - Rev. Lavetta Pope
Summary:
In her introduction to the sermon series "Fresh Starts, Fervent Prayers," Pastor Vicki Harrison emphasizes the critical role of prayer in guiding and energizing the church's activities. She challenges the common practice of making plans first and then seeking God's blessing, advocating instead for beginning with prayer to discern God's direction. Pastor Vicki asserts that while many understand the mechanics of prayer, the true, transformative power of prayer might not be fully grasped by all. She expresses a firm belief that prayer can profoundly impact individual lives, families, the church, the community, and even the world.
Emphasizing this belief, Pastor Vicki announces a series of activities to focus on prayer's power. These include a call for the congregation to participate in a morning fast every Thursday, with the option to fast from various things like food, phones, or social media, and to pray specifically for the church and God's guidance. Additionally, she invites the congregation to attend the Wednesday night prayer gathering, assuring them of a welcoming and powerful experience.
In her closing remarks, Pastor Vicki expresses excitement and anticipation for the changes and blessings she believes God will bring to the church, setting an enthusiastic tone for the upcoming series and sermons.
In his sermon “Just Pray,” during the 9:30 hour, Pastor Dan Parrish emphasizes the simplicity and power of prayer, drawing inspiration from the book of James. He encourages the congregation to engage in prayer not as a formulaic exercise, but as a sincere, open-hearted dialogue with God. This approach aligns with New Hope’s mission to make more and better followers of Jesus Christ, highlighting the importance of being rooted in God’s Word and renewed by the Holy Spirit. Pastor Parrish’s message is a call to trust in the transformative power of prayer, to let go of the need for perfection in our prayer practices, and to embrace a direct, trusting communication with God. This reflects New Hope’s values of loving Jesus, caring about all people, and following God’s guidance. To deepen your understanding and practice of prayer in alignment with our mission, visit New Hope’s Mission and explore related teachings in our Message Archive.
In the 11:15 hour, in her empowering sermon “Just Pray,” Rev. Lavetta Pope explores the profound simplicity and power of prayer, drawing from James 5:13–18. She emphasizes that prayer is not just a ritual but a dynamic communication with God, shaping our lives and aligning us with His will. This message resonates deeply with New Hope’s mission to be rooted in God’s Word and renewed by the Holy Spirit. Rev. Pope encourages us to approach prayer as a necessity, a command, and a lifestyle, irrespective of life’s circumstances. Whether in trouble or joy, prayer remains our constant source of strength and connection with God. This aligns with New Hope’s commitment to love Jesus, care for all, and follow God’s guidance. To further explore and embody these values, visit New Hope’s Mission. Delve deeper into the transformative power of prayer with related teachings in our Message Archive.
Pastor Dan Parrish' sermon from the 9:30 am service.
Pastor Lavetta Pope's sermon from the 11:15 am service.
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December 31, 2023 | "Wesley Covenant Service" | Rev. Vicki Harrison
10:00 AM - Combined Service
Summary:
Coming Soon.
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December 24, 2023 Christmas Eve | "Cranky Christmas: Jesus: unexpected beauty, in the midst of the mess" | Rev. Vicki Harrison
"Discover the true essence of Christmas with Pastor Vicki Harrison's sermon 'Jesus: Unexpected Beauty, In the Midst of the Mess' - a journey from chaos to hope, rooted in New Hope's core beliefs."
5:00 PM - Family Blended Service
7:00 PM - Praise Service
Summary:
In her insightful sermon, Pastor Vicki Harrison explores the reality of Christmas, contrasting our idealized visions with the raw, often chaotic truth of the first Christmas. She eloquently reveals how God's work often unfolds in the messiness of life, a theme deeply rooted in the mission of New Hope to make more and better followers of Jesus Christ. Pastor Vicki reminds us that like Mary and Joseph's unexpected journey, our lives too are filled with unforeseen challenges. Yet, in these moments, God is actively working to create beauty and purpose. The call to action here is clear: embrace life's imperfections and find solace in the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Let us be rooted in God’s Word, renewed by the Holy Spirit, and reach out to the world with this message of hope and resilience. For more on our mission, visit New Hope's Mission. Reflect on previous teachings in our Message Archive.
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December 17, 2023 | "Cranky Christmas: Jesus Is King" | Rev. Vicki Harrison
Explore the profound themes of an unexpected journey, divine trust, and the Magi's quest in this Christmas sermon. Find purpose, hope in challenges, and discover how God's purpose prevails amid uncertainty. Join the Advent reflections, fostering faith as you keep searching.
9:30 AM - Traditional Service
11:15 AM - Praise Service
Summary:
Rev. Vicki Harrison delivers a powerful sermon titled "Jesus Is King," reminding us that life doesn't always unfold as planned. Using the narrative of the Magi's journey to find the newborn King, she draws parallels to our own quests for purpose. In the face of unexpected challenges, Vicki encourages us to trust that God's purposes will prevail. This insightful sermon inspires hope and encourages a deepening connection with the divine, especially during the Christmas season.
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December 10, 2023 | "Cranky Christmas: Blessed Are The Flexible" | Rev. Roberto Chaple
9:30 AM - Traditional Service
11:15 AM - Praise Service
Summary:
Pastor Roberto Chaple delivered a sermon titled "Blessed Are The Flexible" as part of the Advent series called "Cranky Christmas." The sermon emphasizes the need for flexibility in the face of life's challenges and the importance of being prepared for the unexpected, especially during the Christmas season.
Pastor Chaple draws parallels between the inflexible expectations of the Jewish people during the time of Jesus and the rigid assumptions Christians often make about how God should fulfill promises. He highlights the tendency to resist change when God's plans do not align with personal expectations.
The central theme revolves around the idea that God compares believers to flexible things, such as clay in the hands of a potter or a ship following a good shepherd. The challenge arises when believers struggle to maintain their flexibility when God's plans deviate from their assumptions.
The sermon uses the examples of Mary and Joseph to illustrate the importance of being flexible, adaptable, and open to the unexpected ways in which God works. Mary's initial questioning (Luke 1:34) contrasts with her ultimate acceptance and flexibility (Luke 1:38) when she realizes the divine plan.
Pastor Chaple underscores the role of the Holy Spirit in transforming doubtful and skeptical attitudes (Luke 1:35-37). He encourages believers to be open to supernatural occurrences, understanding that God's power is not limited to the past and remains active in contemporary times.
The sermon concludes with a prayer for flexibility, availability, and vision. Believers are urged to seek flexibility in God's hands, embrace availability for His calling, and have a visionary outlook for what God can accomplish through them and in their future generations.
Overall, Pastor Chaple's sermon emphasizes the need for believers to remain open, adaptable, and faithful to God's plans, even when faced with unexpected circumstances.
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December 24, 2023 | "Cranky Christmas: VIP Access" | Rev. Roberto Chaple
10:00 am Service
Summary:
In the sermon titled "VIP Access" from the series "Cranky Christmas," Pastor Roberto Chaple emphasizes the idea that God grants VIP access to unexpected individuals. Drawing from the biblical narrative, he contrasts the wise men seeking a king with the shepherds seeking a savior. The core message revolves around being blessed and highly favored by God, focusing on qualities such as humility, recognizing the need for God's breath, and pursuing righteousness. The sermon encourages listeners to be facilitators of God's grace, available and open to experiencing VIP access in their lives.
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December 3, 2023 | "Cranky Christmas: God Is Never Late" | Rev. Vicki Harrison
9:30 AM - Traditional Service
11:15 AM - Praise Service
Summary:
The sermon "God Is Never Late" by Pastor Vicki Harrison is based on the biblical passage from Luke chapter one, verses five through 25. The sermon revolves around the story of Zachariah and Elizabeth, a couple who were righteous in the sight of God but were unable to conceive a child due to their old age.
Zachariah, a priest, is chosen by lot to enter the temple and burn incense before the Lord. While in the temple, the angel Gabriel appears to him and delivers the message that his wife, Elizabeth, will bear a son named John. This child will play a significant role in preparing the way for the Lord.
Zachariah expresses doubt, asking how he can be sure of this since he and his wife are old. In response, the angel informs him that he will be unable to speak until the prophecy comes true. Meanwhile, Elizabeth becomes pregnant, and when their son is born, Zachariah affirms the name given by the angel—John. At this moment, Zachariah's speech is restored, and he praises God for fulfilling His promise.
Pastor Vicki Harrison emphasizes the unexpected nature of God's plans, drawing parallels between the challenges faced by Zachariah and Elizabeth and those encountered by people in contemporary life. The sermon encourages trust in God's faithfulness, even when circumstances seem discouraging or unplanned. It conveys the message that God's timing is perfect, and His purposes prevail, bringing hope and joy even in unexpected situations. The sermon concludes with an invitation to approach the communion table, reflecting on the presence of God and anticipating His transformative work in the hearts of the listeners.
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November 26, 2023 "Living Out Christ's Mission: A Thanksgiving Reflection" | Andrew Miller
9:30 AM - Traditional Service
9:30 am service coming soon.
11:15 AM - Praise Service
Summary:
In his message, Andrew Miller reflects on the changes in his life since his high school graduation speech about his personal journey with Christ. As a current engineering ambassador at USF, he emphasizes the importance of not just providing information about the college but also sharing personal experiences to answer questions about what it means to be an engineering student.
Andrew then highlights the dual role he sees himself and others playing as ambassadors to Christ. He draws from 2 Corinthians 5:20-21, stressing the significance of the mission, manners, and motives of Christ ambassadors. He speaks about the critical nature of the mission, emphasizing the need to keep Christ at the center of both individual lives and the church's plans.
Andrew shares a personal story about the timing of his speaking engagement, emphasizing the idea that God works on His own timetable. He discusses the importance of ambassadors' manners, urging them to exhibit the fruits of the spirit consistently, even in challenging situations. Andrew underscores the impact of actions over words, sharing an anecdote about a coworker whose behavior spoke volumes about his faith.
Andrew then delves into the motive of being Christ ambassadors, emphasizing the centrality of Jesus in their mission. He cautions against the temptation of feeling morally superior and encourages humility, forbearance, and self-control. He challenges the comfort often found in American Christianity and calls for a sense of dissatisfaction with one's sinful nature.
Andrew expresses concern about the convenience of modern Christianity, emphasizing the need for a genuine fear of God and a move away from comfort zones. He encourages a shift from head knowledge to heartfelt faith, urging believers to make time for Christ and others. The message concludes with a prayer for forgiveness and a call to stand in awe of God's greatness.
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November 19, 2023 "This Is War: Prayer, the Weapon of Choice" | Pastor Vicki Harrison
9:30 AM - Traditional Service
11:15 AM - Praise Service
Summary:
In Pastor Vicki Harrison’s sermon titled “Prayer, The Weapon of Choice,” she emphasized the importance of prayer in the context of spiritual warfare. The sermon was part of a series on spiritual warfare, and Pastor Vicki encouraged the congregation to be vigilant in their spiritual battles. Here is a summary of the key points:
Introduction: The sermon was part of a spiritual warfare series, highlighting the ongoing nature of the battle. The congregation was encouraged to take notes as the material was challenging.
Spiritual Warfare Defined: Pastor Vicki defined spiritual warfare as the ongoing battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. She emphasized that every believer was part of this war, and the enemy’s goal was to keep God’s people passive and ineffective.
Acknowledging the Spiritual War: While acknowledging the difficulty some may have in accepting the reality of spiritual warfare, Pastor Vicki stressed that the Bible consistently discussed this battle from Genesis to Revelation.
The Armor of God: Reference was made to Ephesians chapter six, where the Apostle Paul discussed the armor of God. Pastor Roberto previously preached on this topic, emphasizing the importance of wearing the full armor provided by God.
Prayer in Spiritual Warfare: Pastor Vicki underscored the significance of prayer as a crucial aspect of spiritual warfare. She mentioned that prayer was not just a supplement but a strategy, a war plan. The congregation was encouraged to pray continually, maintaining an awareness of God’s presence throughout their daily lives.
Intercessory Prayer: Paul’s request for intercessory prayer in Ephesians 6:18–20 was highlighted. Pastor Vicki emphasized that if even Paul sought the prayers of others, believers should also engage in intercessory prayer for one another.
Praying in the Spirit: Pastor Vicki explained the concept of praying in the spirit, referring to spirit-directed prayers empowered by the Holy Spirit. This involved seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit in prayer.
Varied Types of Prayer: Congregation members were encouraged to diversify their prayers. Different prayer methods, such as the PAUSE acronym (Pause, Adoration, Asking, Yielding), praying scripture, and the Canopy Prayer for spiritual warfare, were suggested.
Call to Action: The sermon concluded with a call to action. The congregation was invited to engage in a unique prayer activity by walking around the campus and praying the Canopy Prayer over different areas to push back the powers of darkness.
Closing Prayer: Pastor Vicki closed the sermon with a prayer, expressing gratitude for God’s call and stating the congregation’s readiness to engage in spiritual warfare through prayer.
The congregation was encouraged to actively participate in the concluding prayer activity, demonstrating their commitment to the spiritual battle through bold and expectant prayers.
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November 12, 2023 "This Is War: Preparing for Battle" | Pastor Roberto Chaple
9:30 AM - Traditional Service
We apologize, but the live stream is incomplete for both services, but it was recorded and will be available soon.
11:15 AM - Praise Service
Summary:
Pastor Roberto Chaple's sermon titled "Preparing for Battle" emphasizes the spiritual warfare that occurs both within and around us. He highlights the importance of being alert to spiritual forces, taking up spiritual weapons, and considering the spiritual implications of our decisions and words. The sermon draws from Ephesians 6:12, emphasizing that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against dark spiritual powers. Pastor Chaple traces this battle back to the ancient conflict between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan, emphasizing that every individual is involved, and there are no neutrals in this war.
The sermon underscores the battlefield as the mind, emphasizing the need to take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ. Pastor Chaple identifies Doubt, Deceit, and Disobedience as harmful spiritual weapons, contrasting them with faith, truth, and obedience. He advocates for preparing for this battle by putting on the full armor of God, each piece carrying spiritual significance. The sermon concludes with a call to assess our spiritual posture and ensure we are fully equipped for the ongoing spiritual battle.
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