“The Most Uncomfortable Comforter” | Dr. David Wilkinson
In this powerful message, Dr. David Wilkinson explores how the Holy Spirit comforts, convicts, and calls us to mission. Discover what it means to encounter the Spirit personally—and why it’s both beautiful and uncomfortable.
In this week’s message, Dr. David Wilkinson — a theologian and astrophysicist — explores the dynamic, sometimes unsettling, presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. His message challenges the idea of the Spirit as a passive or quiet comforter. Instead, he describes the Spirit as the personal presence of God who both comforts and disrupts, pushing believers into deeper faith and courageous mission.
Dr. Wilkinson outlines four key truths:
Encountering the Holy Spirit is encountering the personal God.
The Spirit is not an idea or force, but the living, breathing presence of God with us.Encountering the Holy Spirit is uncomfortable.
God meets us in our comfort zones—but never leaves us there.Encountering the Holy Spirit pushes us into mission.
The Spirit empowers us to engage the world with love, justice, and boldness.Encountering the Holy Spirit is for all.
Pentecost wasn’t a one-time event for a few elite believers. The Spirit is still poured out today—on all people.
This message is a call to reimagine comfort not as safety, but as the courage to follow wherever the Spirit leads.
Discussion Questions
How does viewing the Holy Spirit as the “personal God” change the way you relate to Him?
When have you experienced the Holy Spirit making you uncomfortable? What came out of that experience?
What does it mean for mission to be Spirit-led? Where might the Spirit be calling you to step out?
Do you believe the Holy Spirit is for you? What might be holding you back from receiving and trusting His presence more fully?
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“You Will Receive Power: The Holy Spirit in the Church” | Pastor Vicki Harrison
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.
This week’s message explores what it means for the church to be truly empowered by the Holy Spirit. Pastor Vicki challenges us with a sobering quote from A.W. Tozer:
"If the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the church today, 95 percent of what we do would go on and no one would know the difference. If the Holy Spirit had been withdrawn from the New Testament church, 95 percent of what they did would stop, and everybody would know the difference."
In Acts 2, we see the dramatic arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost: a mighty wind, tongues of fire, people speaking different languages and understanding one another, and 3,000 people coming to faith in one day. That was the power of a Spirit-filled church.
Pastor Vicki reminds us that the same Holy Spirit is still with us today—not a different Spirit, not a diminished one. The Spirit transforms ordinary church gatherings into vibrant, world-changing movements that embody the Kingdom of God here on earth.
Through Acts 2:42-47, we see how the Holy Spirit shaped the early church into a community of unity, generosity, worship, and mission. The Spirit unified people from different backgrounds, equipped believers with spiritual gifts, fueled their desire for God's fullness in worship and prayer, nourished them through comfort and teaching, and empowered them to engage in spiritual warfare against darkness.
We are challenged to examine how much of what we do in our own churches relies on human effort versus the power of the Holy Spirit. A Spirit-empowered church is not simply a good organization or a social gathering—it becomes an extension of heaven itself.
Discussion Questions
From the sermon handout:
What were some ways that the Holy Spirit led and guided the early church, as we read in Acts 2?
What are some real ways the Holy Spirit empowers the church today?
The Holy Spirit allows the church to experience unity. What are some ways you have seen Jesus’ church embody the unity of the Spirit? Have you also seen disunity? Explain.
The Holy Spirit equips and empowers the church for ministry. How does the Spirit use spiritual gifts in the church? Do you know your own spiritual gifts? Are you using them to build up Jesus’ church?
The Holy Spirit gives the church a desire for his fullness in worship and prayer. Explain the difference between the omniscient presence of God and the manifest presence of God in worship. Have you experienced the manifest presence of God? Explain.
The Holy Spirit nourishes and comforts the church. How have you personally experienced this?
The Holy Spirit empowers the church to engage in spiritual warfare. How does what’s going on in the spiritual realm affect the church?
Do you believe that a Spirit-empowered church can be an extension of heaven?
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“Sealed by the Spirit” | Pastor Vicki Harrison
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.
The Holy Spirit is not a reward for spiritual elites—it is a gift promised by Jesus the moment we believe.
This week, Pastor Vicki teaches from Ephesians 1 and John 16, focusing on what it means to be sealed by the Holy Spirit. A seal represents ownership, protection, and permanence. When we say yes to Jesus, the Spirit marks our lives, offering assurance, conviction, guidance, and power.
This message invites listeners to reflect: Where are you in your understanding and experience of the Holy Spirit? Are you skeptical, uncertain, or longing for more? The Spirit isn't meant to be a mystery we avoid—but a daily reality we embrace.
You are not alone, and you are not powerless. You are sealed, assured, and empowered by the Spirit of God.
Discussion Questions
From the message handout:
Where are you right now, as far as your understanding of the Holy Spirit?
I am not sure about the Holy Spirit. I’m skeptical.
I know the Holy Spirit exists, but I haven’t felt him at work in me yet.
I think I’ve felt His work in my life, but I’m not sure how to describe it.
I know He’s working in my life, but I’m afraid of what others might think if I start talking about it. He’s working in my life, and I’m hungry for more.
I know He is at work in my life and I’m fully embracing it.
What does it mean that we are sealed by the Spirit as believers?
What are some practical ways we experience the power of the Holy Spirit as individual believers?
The Holy Spirit assures us of our salvation.
If you have said yes to Jesus as Savior, do you have complete assurance that you will spend eternity with Him? Why or why not?The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin and guides us in the right direction.
How do you define conviction? Do you experience it?
Have you been led by the Spirit? How do you experience the Holy Spirit guiding you?The Holy Spirit gives us power to do what God calls us to do.
How has the Holy Spirit called you to do hard things?
When is the last time the Holy Spirit called you to get out of your comfort zone?The Holy Spirit helps us become the people God designed us to be.
Is there evidence of the Spirit growing fruit in your life?
Are you intentionally working to become more like Jesus?
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“You Will Receive Power: Discovering the Fire” | Pastor Roberto Chaple
In this Pentecost message, Pastor Roberto Chaple explores Acts 2:1–4 and how the arrival of the Holy Spirit marked the beginning of a global movement. Discover what it means to carry the fire of God.
What do fire and the Holy Spirit have in common?
In this Pentecost message, Pastor Roberto explores how fire—something humans never invented but simply discovered—mirrors the arrival of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2. As the apostles gathered, they were filled with the Spirit, and tongues of fire appeared above them. It was the spark that ignited a movement.
Just as fire was the foundation of civilization, the Spirit is the foundation of the Church. Fire brings energy, motion, and creativity. Pentecost wasn’t a revival moment—it was a birth moment.
Pastor Roberto invites us to ask:
Are we trying to revive something... or are we ready to carry something new?
Because when God’s fire falls, our role is simple: pour gasoline where we see it.
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October 6, 2024 | "Creed: I believe in the Holy Spirit!” | Rev. Vicki Harrison
Explore the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in Pastor Vicki Harrison’s sermon, as she unpacks its role in guiding, empowering, and renewing our faith. Discover how to actively engage with the Spirit in your life.
9:30 AM Service
Summary:
In her enlightening sermon “I Believe in the Holy Spirit!” Pastor Vicki Harrison guides us through the Apostle’s Creed, emphasizing the transformative and affirming power of the Holy Spirit. She elucidates the essential role of the Holy Spirit in our lives, from affirming our status as children of God to empowering us with spiritual gifts and ensuring our growth to be more Christ-like. Pastor Harrison passionately invites the congregation to embrace and seek more profound experiences with the Holy Spirit, advocating for a bold and dynamic engagement with our faith that transcends conventional worship.
This sermon invites us all to deepen our relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. It’s a call to actively pursue spiritual gifts, embrace the Holy Spirit’s guidance in our lives, and ultimately transform how we live and worship. To explore this further and to see how you can get involved in spiritual growth activities at New Hope, please visit New Hope’s mission and learn more about our values.
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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 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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In this powerful message, Dr. David Wilkinson explores how the Holy Spirit comforts, convicts, and calls us to mission. Discover what it means to encounter the Spirit personally—and why it’s both beautiful and uncomfortable.