"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.
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.
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More Sermons in this Series
Other Sermons from Pastor Vicki
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.
Listen to and subscribe to the audio-only podcast with your favorite podcasting app below.
More Sermons in this Series
Other Sermons from Pastor Vicki
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
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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.
Listen to and subscribe to the audio-only podcast with your favorite podcasting app below.
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.