In Sermons: showing 1-15 of 87

Joy In Troubled Times

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Dec 15, 2024

The Challenge of Joy in Troubled Times Church, this third Sunday of Advent—the pink candle Sunday—ushers us into joy. But how do we celebrate joy in a world so gripped by fear and trauma?

Sermon Joy in Troubled Times Zephaniah 3:14-20 The Message 14-15 So sing, Daughter Zion! Raise your voices, Israel! Daughter Jerusalem, be happy! celebrate! God has reversed his judgments against you and sent your enemies off chasing their tails. From now on, God is Israel’s king, ...read more

Scripture: Zephaniah 3:14-20

Denomination: United Methodist

Sermon For World Aids Day: "God’s Promise For All Families”

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Dec 1, 2024

Beloved, today we gather on World AIDS Day, a day that calls us to pause and reflect on a crisis that has shaped our world for decades.

Sermon for World AIDS Day: “God’s Promise for All Families” Text: Jeremiah 33:14-26 Introduction Beloved, today we gather on World AIDS Day, a day that calls us to pause and reflect on a crisis that has shaped our world for decades. It is a day to honor the lives lost, support those living with ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 33:14-26

Denomination: United Methodist

"The Family That Worships Together Stays Together” ( All Saints Sunday)

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Nov 2, 2024

Today’s scripture from the Book of Ruth illustrates what it means to be family and how the love, loyalty, and faith shared within a family leaves a legacy for future generations.

All Saints Sunday Sermon: “The Family That Worships Together Stays Together” Scripture: Ruth 1:6-18 (NRSVue) Introduction: Today is All Saints Sunday. We gather to honor, remember, and celebrate the saints who walked before us, those who paved the path we walk today. Hebrews 12:1 tells us, “We ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:6-18

Denomination: United Methodist

"From Sorrow To Celebration: God’s Power

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Oct 27, 2024

God is working behind the scenes to turn our sorrow into joy, and our mourning into celebration.

9:20 Mordecai recorded these things and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, 9:21 enjoining them that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar and also the fifteenth day of the same month, year by year, 9:22 as the days on ...read more

Scripture: Esther 9:20-22

Denomination: United Methodist

Not "To Be Served” Walking With Jesus

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Oct 20, 2024

Our scripture today from Mark 10:35-45 helps guide us as we consider the qualities of leadership rooted in service.

Sermon Title: "Not to Be Served" Scripture: Mark 10:35-45 Date: October 20, 2024 The Highest Places of Honor 35 James and John, Zebedee’s sons, came up to him. “Teacher, we have something we want you to do for us.” 36 “What is it? I’ll see what I can do.” 37 “Arrange it,” they said, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45

Denomination: United Methodist

Be Careful What You Say On The Campaign Trail

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Aug 24, 2024

In the Epistle of James, we are called to a life of integrity, one that aligns our words with our actions and our faith with our deeds.

Uncommon Wisdom: FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, YEAR B Title: Be Careful What You Say on the Campaign Trail Scripture: James 1:17-27 (NRSVue) “But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who ...read more

Scripture: James 1:22-24, James 1:17-27

Denomination: United Methodist

When God Fills The Church

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Aug 24, 2024

Introduction: In the dedication of Solomon’s Temple, we witness a profound moment where God’s presence descends like a cloud, filling the house of the Lord with His glory. This event is more than just a historical account; it is a powerful reminder of what it means for God to fill His church today.

25 August 2024 FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, YEAR B New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition Dedication of the Temple 8 Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the ancestral houses of the Israelites, before King Solomon in Jerusalem, to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 8:1-6, 1 Kings 8:10-11

Denomination: United Methodist

"these Bones Will Live: Embracing The Power Of The Holy Spirit" Series

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on May 18, 2024

As we reflect on the passages from Acts 2 and Ezekiel 37, we are reminded of the miraculous work of the Spirit in bringing life to that which was once dead.

Title: "These Bones Will Live: Embracing the Power of the Holy Spirit" Introduction: Today we gather on this sacred day of Pentecost, a day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples with power and fervor, igniting the flames of faith in their hearts and empowering them to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:1-21, Ezekiel 37:1-4

Denomination: United Methodist

How Shall We Live

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Apr 15, 2024

how do we deal with Doubting Thomas, a disciple and a man whose insistence on tangible proof serves as a beacon of realism amidst the fervent belief of his peers.

How Shall We Live SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR B ”When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” After he said this, he showed them his hands and ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: United Methodist

How Shall We Live With The Blues

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Apr 15, 2024

Psalm 4 confronts the reality of existential weariness and challenges within the church and leadership, urging a return to the Blues sensibility that acknowledges suffering and seeks faith, peace, and hope in God's promises amid life's storms.

THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER, YEAR B How Shall We Live With The Blues Easter is such a joyous, colorful, and vibrant celebration! Now in Eastertide, this second Sunday after Easter this third Sunday of Eastertide, Christ is still risen! The Creation is still waking up! This Sunday provides us with ...read more

Denomination: United Methodist

Return To Sender.

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Mar 29, 2024

let us take a moment to ponder the depth of these words. Not tomorrow, not next week, not in some distant future, but today! During our trials, our tribulations, and our struggles, Jesus offers us immediate access to paradise, to the very presence of God Himself.

RETURN TO SENDER. And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”"Luke 23:43, ESV. Brothers and sisters, today we gather in the presence of the Almighty, holding onto the promise that resonates from the lips of our Savior, Jesus Christ. In the midst of agony ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:43, Psalm 23:6

Denomination: United Methodist

My Black Christian History Wisdom Of Ethiopia (February 11) Series

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Feb 16, 2024

We embark on a journey into the depths of Scripture, exploring a captivating encounter between the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon, as recorded in 1 Kings 10:1-10.

"My Black Christian History Wisdom of Ethiopia" (February 11) Introduction: Good morning, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we embark on a journey into the depths of Scripture, exploring a captivating encounter between the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon, as recorded in 1 ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 10:1-10

Denomination: United Methodist

#my Black Christian History: Roots Of Faith Series

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Feb 3, 2024

“My Black Christian History: Before the Chains,” let us remember that the Black church’s history didn’t begin during the civil rights movement. Black history’s roots are a rich tapestry woven with threads of faith, resilience, and the pursuit of God.

Sermon Series Title: " My Black Christian History: Before the Chains" “My Black Christian History: Roots of Faith.” ”After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; Your reward [for obedience] shall be very great.” ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 15:1-6

Denomination: United Methodist

Back 2 Basics "Fishing” Series

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Jan 21, 2024

"Come with me. I'll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I'll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass."

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY Year B: Back 2 Basics “Fishing” January 21, 2024 Mark 1:14-20 “Fishing” For Folks Discipleship Basics 1:14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 1:15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:14-20

Denomination: United Methodist

Following Jesus Discipleship Basics (Mlk Day Sermon) Series

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Jan 14, 2024

John 1:43-51, let us embrace the call to follow Jesus, seeking a profound knowing that transcends our doubts. United Methodist discipleship invites us into a journey of following.

THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY Year B: “Following” Sermon Series Back 2 the Basics January 14, 2024 John 1:43-51. Following Jesus Discipleship Basics 1:43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." ”The next day Jesus decided to ...read more

Scripture: John 1:43-51

Denomination: United Methodist