Sermons on Hooker:

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

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

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

"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

"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

Watch You Seat

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Sep 7, 2025

Big Idea Jesus says real greatness isn’t grabbing the best seat—it’s how we treat the people others overlook.

Be Careful of Being Big Time Watch You SEAT Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost — August 31, 2025 Text: Luke 14:1, 7–14; Hebrews 13:1–2 (NRSVue) Big Idea Jesus says real greatness isn’t grabbing the best seat—it’s how we treat the people others overlook. “For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:1-14, Hebrews 13:1-2

Denomination: United Methodist

The God Of "Good Ole Slavery”

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Sep 7, 2025

Paul sends Onesimus back. Back to Philemon. Back to the house he ran from. Back to the chains he escaped.

Sermon: The God of “Good Ole Slavery” Scripture: Philemon 1:15–16 – “Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a while, so that you might have him back forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave—a beloved brother…” Introduction: Wrestling with Paul and Our Present Beloved, ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-21

Denomination: United Methodist

Sermon "Is There No Balm?”

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Sep 22, 2025

In a nation wounded by lies, greed, and division, we gather today to remember that Christ is still the healing balm our broken land desperately needs.

Sermon “Is There No Balm?” 📖 Jeremiah 8:18–9:1 📅 September 21, 2025 – Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost [Opening] Jeremiah cries out: “My joy is gone, grief is upon me, my heart is sick. … For the hurt of my poor people I am hurt, I mourn, and dismay has taken hold of me. Is there ...read more

Denomination: United Methodist

"Write The Vision, Sing The Lord’s Song”

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Oct 4, 2025

The exiles in Babylon sat by the rivers and wept. They hung up their harps, because to sing felt like betrayal of their grief.

Title: “Write the Vision, Sing the Lord’s Song” Texts: Habakkuk 1:1–4; 2:1–4, Psalm 137 Introduction / Background The exiles in Babylon sat by the rivers and wept. They hung up their harps, because to sing felt like betrayal of their grief. They asked, “How can we sing the Lord’s song in a ...read more

Denomination: United Methodist

"How Shall We Sing In Babylon?”

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Oct 4, 2025

Psalm 137 is one of the rawest prayers in all of Scripture. It begins with tears by the rivers of Babylon and ends with rage, calling for vengeance.

?? Sermon 2: Robinson Chapel UMC, Liberty, SC Title: “How Shall We Sing in Babylon?” Texts: Habakkuk 1:1–4; 2:1–4, Psalm 137 Introduction / Background Psalm 137 is one of the rawest prayers in all of Scripture. It begins with tears by the rivers of Babylon and ends with rage, calling for ...read more

Denomination: United Methodist

Cannot Be Shaken

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Aug 24, 2025

America stands at a spiritual crossroads—choosing between shallow, empire-tied morality or an authentic faith rooted in justice, compassion, and God’s unshakable kingdom.

Cannot Be Shaken Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost, Year C Hebrews 12:18–29 Introduction Good morning Church family: Week by week, we gather to sing, to pray, and to proclaim. Worship is not just what we do—it is who we are becoming. Beloved, we are living in a season of shaking. The so-called ...read more

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

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

"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

"Real Love… Talking About That Real Love”

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on May 29, 2025

Jesus prays in John 17—not just for the disciples beside Him, but for us, those who would come to believe through their witness. That’s real love. Not temporary. Not performative. Real love is legacy love. Transformative love. Love that acts and lasts.

Sermon Title: “Real Love… Talking About That Real Love” Scripture: John 17:20–26 (The Message) Occasion: Cumberland UMC, 1st Sunday in June 2025 The Message 20-23 I’m praying not only for them But also for those who will believe in me Because of them and their witness about me. The goal is for all ...read more

Scripture: John 17:20-26

Denomination: United Methodist