Thanksgiving Is Every Day!
The Place Where Harlem and Washington Heights Come Together! Sunday service on Zoom.
The Place Where Harlem and Washington Heights Come Together! Sunday service on Zoom.
As we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King's birthday, many continue to pigeonhole and misquote him, especially concerning his famous "I Have A Dream" speech. Dr. King spoke of much more than "content of character" during that speech.
How many have read or listened to Dr. King's "Paul's Letter To American Christians?" We invite you to listen to it. You will see why those who misquote Dr. King will not use this sermon to support their actions, which go directly against the teachings of Jesus.
Today (June 4, 2023), our Rev. Chapman was the guest preacher at Grace Congregational Church of Harlem! He, as always, delivered a powerful lesson on grace and truth through Jesus. The title of today's service was "Fill Er' Up!" As grace and truth through Jesus are in abundance, then yes, fill er' and every one of us up!
See John 1:1-17 and Exodus 34: 1-6.
Pictured are Rev. Chapman and Rev. Pearce of Grace Congregational Church. (Picture courtesy of Sister Cynthia)
NPC NYC 6/4/2023
Rev. Chapman's sermon as the guest pastor at the 19th Street Baptist Church from August 25, 2024, starts at this video's one-hour and 32-minute mark. The title is "The Holy Spirit and the Church IT Department."
Join us on December 8, 2024, at 11 AM. Please email us at info@northchurchnyc.org for the link!
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Today, let us start with Samuel.
As Samuel grew older, he appointed his sons to become Israel's leaders, but they were corrupt. The elders approached Samuel and asked him to give Israel a king to lead the nation. Samuel prayed over the request. God told Samuel that the people rejected Him, not Samuel, and as such, warned the people of what this king would do to them (none of it positive).
The people did not listen and still wanted a king, and God essentially said to give the people what they wanted. That this king would enslave several people, take their land and wealth, and break families apart did not matter. But if the people despaired over the king's actions and cried out to God - He would not answer.
Jewish leaders viewed Jesus as a threat to their authority, so they brought Him to Pontus Pilate for execution. Pilate questioned Jesus, wanting to know if Jesus committed a criminal act or if He threatened the Roman Empire. Pilate eventually asked Jesus, "Are you the king of the Jews?"
Jesus matter-of-factly informed Pilate that His kingdom is not of this world and that He "was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me." After realizing that Jesus was not a threat to him, Pilate asked the Jewish leaders if he should release Jesus to them.
"No, not him! Give us Barabbas!" these leaders shouted. They wanted the man who participated in an uprising (Insurrection). Does that sound familiar?
The significance is this. There are people in America who have been convinced that they want a king/dictator in the form of Trump to run this country as he calls himself a Christian, whose favorite Bible passage is "Two Corinthians." Trump (who views himself as a king) is emblematic of the king mentioned in 1 Samuel 8, as he informed everyone what he would do from Day 1 of his administration by dividing people based upon loyalty to Trump, detaining immigrants, and enriching the billionaire class, among other things. And yes, Trump participated in the insurrection on January 6, 2021.
On the other hand, Jesus does not want to rule a country in the Earthly realm. Jesus wants to redeem us, to have us walk with the Lord, not with earthbound dictators and billionaires. As for the people clamoring for Trump's return to political power, they would be well served to read today's selections, for when Trump implements his plans (see Project 2025) and his voters howl in protest and call out to God, He will do just as he said in 1 Samuel 8; He's going to let the people have what they asked for.
Jesus' kingdom is not of this Earth. As of January 20, 2025, Trump's kingdom is based in Washington, D.C.
Both paths are laid before us. Should we follow Jesus as He leads us to His kingdom or follow Trump's path of destruction?
The choice is clear. Jesus is the way!
Please join us for our next service on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 11 AM. For the link, please email us at info@northchurchnyc.org.
Selections: 1 Samuel 8: 4-18, John 3: 1-3, John 11: 45-53, and John 18: 28-40.
Thank you to Music Minister Tim for today's song "How Great Is Our God!"
NPC NYC's next Bible study is Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at 7 PM. For the link, contact us at info@northchurchnyc.org
Bible study for 12/4/24:
Proverbs 10, Entire Chapter
"Solomon's Proverbs."
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“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.
Matthew 6:24 ESV
Please click on the "Pastor's Message" at the top of the page!
Read Maya Angelou's acclaimed poem here; https://poets.org/poem/still-i-rise?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzqbLmdnm9gIVRhvUAR1t3ghtEAAYASAAEgJWqfD_BwE:
What is wrong with Mayor Adams? Why is he willing to take away one of our most precious resources, our libraries? We can go on and on about how these spaces benefit all of our population, but the six-day library service is about to disappear thanks to the latest proposed budget. Again, we ask Mayor Adams to do better! Please read about it here.
What is the new thing that God seeks to do with AND through you in 2024?
"Take off your religious blindfold; It keeps you from seeing the light of the Gospel!" - Rev. Mark L. Chapman.
Taking care of our neighbors makes for a stronger community. Looking out for one another ensures a safer and happier neighborhood. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, our building is currently closed. However, please join us for Sunday morning worship and Wednesday evening Bible study via Zoom!
As our services are currently held on Zoom, please feel free to join our services online! Email us at info@northchurchnyc.org for the link!
Whether you help through monetary donations or spreading our mission through word-of-mouth, thank you. We couldn't accomplish our goal of serving the community without the help of supporters like you.
Did you know our building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places? See our listing here: https://www.nps.gov/nr/feature/places/13001153.htm
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We love our neighbors, so feel free to visit when we reopen!
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