Harper Chapel UMC

05/31/2026

05/28/2026

Title: “Sent in Grace, Steadfast in Faith”
Introduction
Matthew 28:18–20 and Hebrews 10:19–25 speak to the very core of the Christian life. In Matthew, the risen Christ gives His church its marching orders. In Hebrews, we are reminded why we can endure, why we can press on, and why we can come boldly into the presence of God.
The disciples had seen the cross. They had witnessed the resurrection. And for weary believers fighting discouragement, these words became an anchor for the soul. They still do the same for us today. Faith is not passive, faith is not private, and faith is not meant to be lived alone.
So today, let us hold on to these three powerful truths.
Point 1: Our walk is under His authority (Matthew 28:18–20). Jesus did not speak with uncertainty. He declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” That means we do not move in fear, and we do not serve in doubt. We go because He sent us, and we stand because He reigns. The One who commands us also promises, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
There are moments when we feel small, weak, or uncertain. But the church does not walk in its own strength. We walk in the authority of the risen Christ. Wherever He sends us, He goes before us. Whatever He calls us to do, He provides what we need to do it. So let us not shrink back. Let us rise up, speak truth, love boldly, and make disciples in His name.
Point 2: We are invited to come boldly to God (Hebrews 10:19–22). Hebrews reminds us that, through the blood of Jesus, we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place. What was once closed is now open, and what was once distant has been brought near. Because of the cross, we no longer stand outside hoping for mercy. Instead, we draw near with sincere hearts and full assurance that Christ has made a way.
Before Christ, a barrier stood between sinful humanity and a holy God. But through His sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus removed that barrier. So when the enemy whispers that you are too broken, too guilty, or too far gone, do not believe the lie. The door has been opened by the blood of Jesus. You do not have to hide in shame or remain at a distance. You are invited to come boldly, honestly, and confidently into the presence of God.
Point 3: We are called to encourage one another (Hebrews 10:23–25). Faith was never meant to be a solitary journey. Hebrews calls us to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds” and to keep meeting together. Why? Because we are stronger together than we are alone. God designed His people to stand side by side, strengthening one another as we press on.
The first readers of Hebrews knew suffering. They knew what it was to grow weary and to feel tempted to pull back. But isolation does not strengthen faith; it weakens it. We need one another—the prayers, presence, and encouragement of the body of Christ. Sometimes faith means worshiping when you are tired, showing up when it is hard, and speaking hope to someone who is barely holding on. This is how the church endures. This is how the church shines.
Conclusion
These passages call us to two great commitments: to go and to remain. We are sent into the world under the authority of Jesus, and we are called to remain rooted in faith, hope, and community. So let us go with courage, draw near with confidence, and hold fast without wavering. Let us encourage one another all the more as the day of the Lord draws near. May nothing in this life pull us away from the mission of God or from the people of God.
Lord, thank You for sending us with Your authority and drawing us near Your grace. Make us bold in witness, steadfast in faith, and faithful in love. Strengthen us when we grow weary, guard us from discouragement, and teach us to lift one another up. May our lives shine brightly in this world and point others to Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

05/28/2026

Boldly Sent, Be Steadfast.”

Matthew 28:18-20 and Hebrews 10:19-25 are the heartbeat of the Christian life. This Matthew text is the "Great Commission," Jesus issued His disciples following the resurrection. The Hebrew text gives us the "Why" and “How" to endure to walk boldly into God's presence because of what Jesus has done.

The disciples witnessed Jesus die and Hisb rising. For the weary Hebrew Christians, these words were anchors that directed them in moment of lost and strengthened them. For us today, the verses remind us that our faith is for our mission and benefit together.
So, offering a few suggestions, three main points are in place:

Point 1: The Christian walk is under His Authority (Matthew 28:18-20). When he commanded, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me,” we need not hesitate. He sends us out to make disciples. It must be our life’s purpose. He is, as promised with us throughout the ages. We need not be scary like the early disciples, but we need to be bold because we are operating on the power of the One who defeated death. We carry the authority of the Risen Christ who defeated death. We, as His hands, feet and mouth are to rest easy knowing He is walking with us in every area of our task.

Point 2: We are to boldly approach God (Hebrews 10:19-22). Hebrews reminds us that we have “confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus.” We no longer must stand at a distance from God; the cross draws us near with a sincere heart.

Paul tells us we no longer need to keep a barrier between us in God presence as before, they kept from the Holy Place. That barrier is gone; once unworthy but Christ has changed our life by his death and resurrection. We can no longer feel like we aren’t "good enough" to pray or enter God’s house. The passage tells us the door is wide open. When we struggle with our burdens, we don’t have to hide—we are invited to come into God’s presence with total confidence and a sincere heart.
Finally, we are to spur one another (Hebrews 10:23-25). Our faith is meant to live in community. Hebrews urges us to “spur one another toward love and good deeds,” and importantly, “not giving up meeting together.” Truly, we are better when we are together.
The Hebrew believers faced tempting hardship such that the easy way is to just stay home and keep their heads down. This reading tells us that isolation is the enemy of faith. We need each other to survive and thrive. It’s of value to check on a neighbor as well as show up for a church activity as we are meant to live the Christian life in togetherness and not isolation. We need to encourage the tired or discouraged church family spurring each other. We are to fuel each other in our mission so we can go out and serve our term better.

Conclusion
These scriptures call us to two great things: to go and to stay. We are sent out into the world with the authority of Jesus to make a difference, and we are called to stay connected with one another for strength, accountability, and love. As we look at the mission before us, let us be believers who hold fast to our hope and refuse to let the distance of life separate us from our community or our God.

Lord, thank You for sending us out with Your authority and for welcoming us into Your presence with Your grace. Help us to become faithful witnesses in our communities and not to give up to discouragement but to spur one another. May our unity be a light to this world. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

05/26/2026

https://suno.com/s/W1JDkrJwW1MNdMNb

05/25/2026

✨ (Originally written by Pastor Unisah Conteh-AI modified)
Are you truly appreciative of who you are and every moment in your life? Just like every finger on your hand has its own unique size and shape, so does your journey through life.
Imagine a young man, enveloped in despair, convinced that no one cared about him or the burdens he was carrying. His heart heavy, he contemplated the unthinkable drowning himself in the river that glimmered like molten silver under the sun. He had reached out to every passerby, seeking a lifeline, yet felt invisible as no one paused to listen.
One fateful afternoon stripped bare of his clothes and inhibitions, he approached the water's edge, ready to surrender it all. Just then, a man, equally unclad and unashamed, appeared before him. With a calm demeanor, he requested the young man's discarded clothes that lay forgotten on the shore.
"What do you mean, you want my clothes?" Johnny exclaimed, bewildered.
"I haven't worn clothes in over a month," Sammy replied, a gentle smile breaking through his somber expression.
"Really?!" Johnny was taken aback.
"Truthfully," Sammy affirmed, a twinkle in his eye.
In that moment of vulnerability and raw honesty, something shifted within Johnny. He realized that his struggles, which felt insurmountable, were but a drop in the vast ocean of human experience. “Lord, forgive me for my ungrateful attitude,” he murmured. “I thought I was the worst person living.”
Friends, remember that while you are intimately aware of your own story, countless others are battling challenges that may far exceed your own. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." (NIV)
Let us not be consumed by our egos. Instead, embrace gratitude for who you are and the circumstances you find yourself in. Life is a journey filled with highs and lows, but it’s never stagnant. Appreciate your unique path, for every moment matters. Amen. 🙏✨
If this is tru in your life give us a star and pass it on.

05/25/2026

Yesterday we had the privilege of honoring this beautiful jewel who has been a pillar in our church down through the years. Happy Birthday again Mrs. Gadsden! ❤️

05/25/2026

Happy birthday Mrs. Willene Gadsden from your Harper Chapel church family.

05/24/2026

This evening as you retire on your bed for restful night after an active celebration of Pentecost, we say thanks be to God for His loving and caring power. Celebrate with us with smiles.