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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March 16, 2025 | "Christianity Explored: Good News: What Are We Doing Here?” | Rev. Vicki Harrison
What happens when God says "No" to our plans? In Acts 16, Paul learns a crucial lesson: working for God's Kingdom is not just about effort—it’s about following God's vision. Discover how embracing God's direction leads to multiplication, revival, and a faith that grows in ways we never imagined.
9:30 AM Service
In Acts 16, Paul and his companions experience something unexpected—God tells them no. Twice, they try to enter different regions to preach the Gospel, but the Holy Spirit stops them. It’s only on the third attempt that Paul receives a vision, calling him to Macedonia. Why? Because God's mission isn't just about working harder—it's about working smarter by following His vision.
This sermon challenges us to examine our own plans vs. God’s vision. Have we been pushing forward in places where God has closed doors? Are we investing in fruitless ministries instead of multiplication-focused discipleship? Just as God led Paul to Macedonia to find Lydia, the jailer, and others who became key multipliers, He calls us to invest in people and places where His work will bear the most fruit.
The question is: Are we listening?
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January 26, 2025 | "Mission Ready: Go Multiply!” | Rev. Roberto Chaple
Are you ready to Go Multiply?
The final step of discipleship is taking what you’ve learned and sharing it boldly with the world. We’ll explore what it means to step into your mission and live out your faith to impact eternity.
9:30 AM Service
Summary:
As we conclude the Mission Ready series, Pastor Roberto challenges us with the final step: Go Multiply.
Knowing Jesus transforms us. Growing faith strengthens us. But neither is complete without multiplication—bringing others to know Him as well.
Isaiah 54:2–3 provides a blueprint for multiplication, calling us to:
Enlarge our mindset—making room for spiritual growth.
Stretch our internal limits—adapting to reach a changing world.
Lengthen our connections—strategically expanding the Kingdom.
Strengthen our faith—rooting everything in God’s Word.
Spread out—becoming a church that prioritizes outreach.
This isn’t just about growing a church—it’s about leaving a legacy of faith. Without multiplication, there is no next generation of believers.
The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16–20) isn’t just a command—it’s a partnership with God. Jesus no longer sends us alone; He goes with us.
Key Challenge:
Where is God calling you to step out, make disciples, and multiply?
Next Steps:
Pray for God to enlarge your mindset and stretch your faith.
Look for opportunities to share Jesus with others.
Be intentional about investing in the next generation.
Let’s be a church that moves beyond knowing and growing—let’s go and multiply.
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August 11, 2024 | "From Doubts to Doorways: Jesus, Cosmology and Creation” | David Wilkinson
9:30 AM Service
Summary:
In the enlightening sermon, “Jesus, Cosmology, and Creation,” delivered by Dr. David Wilkinson at New Hope, we explore the profound connections between science and faith, anchored firmly in our mission to make more and better followers of Jesus Christ. Dr. Wilkinson, with his unique background in both astrophysics and theology, guides us through the intersection of scientific discovery and spiritual faith, demonstrating that the vastness of the universe magnifies, rather than contradicts, the creative power and purpose of Christ.
He articulates that Christ is not only supreme in revealing God’s nature but also in the orchestration of all creation and its ongoing sustenance, aligning with our value of being Rooted in God’s Word. This sermon encourages us to see Jesus as the ultimate answer to the big questions of purpose, existence, and moral guidance, affirming our belief that true understanding comes from embracing both faith and rational inquiry.
Dr. Wilkinson challenges us to consider how Jesus’ supremacy in all things calls us to reflect on our personal commitment to living out our faith in a complex world. This reflection is vital as we strive to Reach the World for Jesus Christ, promoting a message of reconciliation and love that transcends scientific and cultural boundaries.
Call to Action: Engage with this message further by joining our discussion groups that explore science and faith, helping to fortify our commitment to living and sharing a faith that embraces all aspects of truth. Discover more about how you can contribute to this dialogue and uphold our values by visiting our message archive.
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Q&A Session
After the service, David Wilkinson spent time answering questions. Unfortunately, due to a technical problem, the Q&A video is incomplete, but you can watch most of it below.
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June 30, 2024 | "A Light to the Nations” Independence Day | Rev. Roberto Chaple
Rev. Chaple’s sermon “A Light to the Nations” inspires believers to shine Christ’s light globally, aligning with New Hope’s mission and values. Celebrate this Independence Day by spreading God’s transformative love.
9:30 AM - Traditional Service
Summary
In the inspiring sermon “A Light to the Nations,” Rev. Roberto Chaple eloquently discusses the profound responsibility and privilege believers have to reflect Christ’s light to the world. Drawing from biblical texts, Rev. Chaple emphasizes that as followers of Jesus, we are called to spread the transformative love and truth of Jesus not only locally but globally, resonating with New Hope’s mission to make more and better followers of Jesus Christ. He encourages the congregation to embody the values of being rooted in God’s Word, renewed by the Holy Spirit, and committed to reaching the world for Jesus Christ.
Call to Action: This Independence Day, let’s renew our commitment to being a beacon of God’s love and light. Engage in community service, participate in global missions, and live out the gospel in actions that align with the teachings of Jesus. Reflect on your role in bringing God’s kingdom to all corners of the earth.
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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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