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.
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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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November 5, 2023 | "This Is War: What War?" | Pastor Vicki Harrison
9:30 AM - Traditional Service
11:15 AM - Praise Service
Summary:
Pastor Vicki Harrison delivers a powerful sermon titled "What War?" emphasizing the reality of a spiritual war between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. Drawing from Ephesians 6:10-12, she highlights the need for believers to be equipped with God's armor to stand against the devil's schemes. Pastor Vicki emphasizes that while evil is real, believers are not at war with flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of darkness. She urges the congregation to be aware of the enemy's tactics and emphasizes the importance of prayer, submission to God, and remaining faithful in the battle. The sermon calls for a renewed commitment to push back the forces of darkness and shares the urgency of this mission for the sake of future generations. The message concludes with a call to prayer, seeking God's guidance and revelation in the fight against spiritual opposition.
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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.
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October 22, 2023 "Count Me In: Giving Matters" | Pastor Vicki Harrison
Pastor Vicki Harrison, sharing powerful insights on surrendering to Jesus in every aspect of life.
9:30 AM - Traditional Service
11:15 AM - Praise Service
Pastor Vicki Harrison's sermon, "Giving Matters," is all about going all in with Jesus in every part of her life. It's part of the "Count Me In" series, which is all about saying a big yes to Jesus.
The main verse we’ve been focusing on is Galatians 2:20, which talks about how we’re transformed when we says yes to Jesus. Basically, our old self is left behind, and we each become a new person with the Holy Spirit living in us, bringing a ton of power along with it.
Pastor Vicki reminds us that God doesn't force change on us. We have to be willing to work with the Holy Spirit. We might be a new person in Jesus, but it's still our choice whether we'll actually live like it. She thinks that sometimes in the American church, we've settled for just believing in Jesus without letting that belief really change us.
She believes that the world outside is looking for more than just words. They want to see power, real change, and to see that being a part of Jesus' church makes a difference. She's convinced that being part of Jesus' church can be a game-changer, and that their church, New Hope, is on the brink of some big things if they're willing to cooperate with God.
The series has covered a bunch of areas where we're learning to submit to Jesus, like understanding God's love, the importance of the church community, and the significance of leadership. This week, they're diving into why giving matters. Pastor Vicki knows talking about money can be uncomfortable, but it's crucial because money plays a big role in the Bible's story.
She shares some teachings from Jesus, pointing out how earthly treasures can easily fade away or be lost, and how their hearts tend to follow where they invest their time and money. It's a radical way of thinking compared to the world's values.
She gets personal, recalling how her dad, when he became a Christian, was all in with Jesus. He tithed, giving 10% without exceptions, and he taught her to do the same with her allowance. It made a lasting impression on her about everything being a gift from God. Even when times were tough, they kept tithing, and God never let them down.
She emphasizes that being all in with Jesus means giving every area of her life, including her finances, to Him. She encourages everyone to consider their giving intentionally and prayerfully, asking if they truly trust God to provide.
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October 15, 2023 "Count Me In: Leadership Matters" | Pastor Roberto Chaple
9:30 AM - Traditional Service
11:15 AM - Praise Service
Pastor Roberto Chaple's sermon focuses on the importance of leadership within the church community. He emphasizes that leaders play a crucial role in fostering unity, growth, and transformation among believers. Using the acronym APEST (Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Shepherds, Teachers), he identifies different types of leaders and their unique contributions to the church.
- Apostles: Groundbreaking leaders who initiate and pioneer new paths in ministry.
- Prophets: Insightful leaders who discern and communicate God's messages, often pointing out areas where individuals or the church may be out of alignment with God's will.
- Evangelists: Catalysts who actively engage in evangelism, leading others to faith in Jesus and facilitating conversions.
- Shepherds (Pastors): Caring leaders who nurture and protect the spiritual well-being of the flock, often providing pastoral care and guidance.
- Teachers: Empowering leaders who equip and educate believers, helping them understand and apply God's Word effectively.
Pastor Chaple encourages individuals to reflect on which type of leader they are called to be and urges them to step up and embrace their role in the church. He emphasizes that the world needs Christian leaders who are committed to serving God's kingdom and making a positive impact on their communities. The sermon concludes with a call to prayer for those who feel called to take on leadership responsibilities within the church.
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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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