"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
New Hope opens its new series in the book of Amos with a message titled "In Pursuit." Amos begins with God roaring like a lion — not in delight, but in righteous anger over injustice. The big question driving the whole series: does God care about injustice? The answer this Sunday is a clear yes — God is not silent; He is in pursuit.
What can a glass frog, a blobfish, a whale shark, and a platypus teach us about God? More than you'd expect. Pastor Vicki Harrison invited the kids to stay in the main service for a morning full of wild creatures — and three truths from Genesis, Psalms, and Matthew that touch every person in the room.
It's easy to look holy on the outside. Jesus had sharp words for the people who had perfected it. Pastor Vicki Harrison opens Matthew 23 and asks the harder question: what's actually going on inside?
Most of us have the wrong picture of holiness. Pastor Vicki Harrison opens 1 Peter 1:13-16 and shows that being set apart isn't about being religious — it's about looking like your Father.
Who do you say Jesus is? Pastor Vicki challenges us to move beyond vague faith and make a bold, personal confession of who Jesus truly is.
To fall in love with Jesus means going where He goes—across the street and to the ends of the earth. Pastor Vicki challenges us to see our neighborhoods, relationships, and the nations through the heart of Christ. Watch or listen now.
Prayer wasn’t optional for Jesus—and it shouldn’t be for us. Pastor Vicki Harrison walks through how Jesus prayed and why a life of prayer is essential for every follower. Watch or listen now.
What does it mean to love what Jesus loves? In this sermon, Pastor Vicki Harrison challenges us to move beyond shallow love and embrace the sacrificial, giving love of Jesus. Watch the full message or listen now.
God has called New Hope to more. In this vision message, Pastor Vicki unpacks where we’re headed and how we’ll get there. Watch the full sermon video or listen to the podcast to catch the vision.
Celebrate Christmas Eve at New Hope with two worship experiences—a family-friendly 5 PM service and a traditional 7 PM service concluding the Sing Me The Story series. Join us as we celebrate the light of Christ.


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.