"God Never Said Follow Your Heart” | Rev. Vicki Harrison
In her message “God Never Said: Follow Your Heart,” Rev. Vicki Harrison (she/her) dismantles the cultural myth that our feelings are always trustworthy. Drawing from Jeremiah 17:9, Matthew 15:19–20, and Proverbs 3:5–6, she reminds us that our hearts can be deceptive and self-serving. When we base our decisions on flawed theology or fleeting emotions, we risk misunderstanding who God truly is and what He calls us to do.
Instead of following our hearts, Rev. Vicki challenges us to ask deeper, faith-forming questions like: Why am I here? Whom do I serve? She urges us to lean not on our own understanding, but on God’s Word, prayer, Christian community, and regular worship. These are the pathways to being rooted in God’s Word, renewed by the Holy Spirit, and ultimately reaching the world for Jesus Christ.
If you're looking to grow in these rhythms and need people to walk alongside you, consider joining a Band Group at New Hope. Band Groups are small, same-gendered gatherings designed to help you read Scripture, pray together, and build honest, accountable relationships. Whether you’re new to community or ready for a deeper connection, a Band Group can help you live out our mission to Know Jesus, Grow Faith, and Go Multiply.
Sign up today: https://bit.ly/ineedaband

Listen to and subscribe to the audio-only podcast with your favorite podcasting app below.
Your giving is an act of worship. Your giving supports the mission and ministry of New Hope. We are changing lives, renewing the church, and transforming communities, here and abroad.
More Sermons in this Series
In this powerful message, Pastor Vicki Harrison addresses the popular belief that all paths lead to God. Using John 14:6 and other key scriptures, she challenges universalism and affirms the exclusive claim of Jesus as the way to salvation. This sermon invites us to wrestle with hard questions, trust God's justice, and live out our calling to share the Gospel.
Following Jesus doesn’t mean life will be easy. In John 16:33, Jesus promises both trouble and victory. Discover how God gives grace, strength, and abundant life—even on the hardest roads.
In her message “God Never Said: Follow Your Heart,” Rev. Vicki Harrison (she/her) dismantles the cultural myth that our feelings are always trustworthy.
Other Sermons from Pastor Vicki
Gideon's story in Judges 6–7 reminds us that God isn't looking for the strongest—He's looking for the willing. This week in What a Mess, Pastor Vicki walks us through how God met Gideon in his fear, transformed his faith, and delivered victory through weakness.
In a world where “everyone does what is right in their own eyes,” the story of Deborah from Judges 4–5 reminds us that God still raises up unexpected leaders for His purposes. Rev. Vicki Harrison walks us through the courageous obedience of a prophetess and judge in a time of chaos. Discover how Deborah's faith, leadership, and worship point us toward Jesus—and what that means for your own calling today. Ready to take your next step in faith? Join a Community Group or explore how we Grow Faith.
In this powerful message, Pastor Vicki Harrison addresses the popular belief that all paths lead to God. Using John 14:6 and other key scriptures, she challenges universalism and affirms the exclusive claim of Jesus as the way to salvation. This sermon invites us to wrestle with hard questions, trust God's justice, and live out our calling to share the Gospel.
Following Jesus doesn’t mean life will be easy. In John 16:33, Jesus promises both trouble and victory. Discover how God gives grace, strength, and abundant life—even on the hardest roads.
In her message “God Never Said: Follow Your Heart,” Rev. Vicki Harrison (she/her) dismantles the cultural myth that our feelings are always trustworthy.
This week in our Use Me series, Pastor Vicki shares the remarkable story of Mary Magdalene—a woman healed by Jesus, a leader among the disciples, and the first witness to His resurrection. Her story invites all of us to ask: What does God want to do through our brokenness.
Pastor Vicki Harrison shares how the Holy Spirit empowered the early church in Acts 2—and still empowers us today. Discover how the Spirit unifies believers, equips the church with spiritual gifts, fuels worship, and leads the church into mission.
In this message from Pastor Vicki Harrison, explore what it means to be sealed by the Holy Spirit from the moment you believe. Learn how the Spirit assures, convicts, empowers, and transforms.
Discover the significance of baptism as Pastor Vicki Harrison explores Acts 22:6–16. Learn why baptism is a sacrament, a covenant, and a public declaration of new life in Jesus. What are you waiting for?
Jesus never told us when He would return—but He did command us to keep watch. In this message, Pastor Roberto Chaple explores what it means to live prepared, not panicked, and how hope in Christ shapes the way we face the unknown.