In Sermons: showing 1-15 of 79

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

Remembering You Baptism Basics Series

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Jan 7, 2024

Today, as we turn our hearts to Mark 1:4-11, we witness Jesus, our Savior, embracing baptism to fulfill righteousness.

Sermon title: Remembering You Baptism Basics Mark 1: 1:10 And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. 1:11 And a voice came from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:4-11

Denomination: United Methodist

"the Distinguished Gentleman: Embracing God's Commandments For Manhood"

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Oct 7, 2023

Today, we gather in the house of the Lord to explore God's Word and reflect upon His wisdom concerning manhood and being a distinguished gentleman. While we hope for some Joy and levity, Manhood in Congress and God's eyes is No Joke.

"The Distinguished Gentleman: Embracing God's Commandments for Manhood" Introduction: Today, we gather in the house of the Lord to explore God's Word and reflect upon His wisdom concerning manhood and being a distinguished gentleman. While we hope for some Joy and levity, Manhood ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 20:1-20

Denomination: United Methodist

Quarreled & Tested: For The Long Haul

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Sep 30, 2023

Exodus 17:1-7 is a story of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness, which mirrors our struggles and tests. This passage reveals how the Israelites quarreled with God and faced a profound test of faith, a test that we, too, may encounter on our spiritual journey

1 October 2023 EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, YEAR A Quarreled & Tested: For the Long Haul The Message 17 1-2 Directed by God, the whole company of Israel moved on by stages from the Wilderness of Sin. They set camp at Rephidim. And there wasn’t a drop of water for the people to drink. ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 17:1-7

Denomination: United Methodist

Longing For The Food In Egypt

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Sep 30, 2023

When things get rough and disorienting, the predictability of the past starts looking pretty good. The story of the Exodus, with its powerful imagery of liberation from Egyptian slavery, holds a significant place in African American culture and history.

When things get rough and disorienting, the predictability of the past starts looking pretty good. The story of the Exodus, with its powerful imagery of liberation from Egyptian slavery, holds a significant place in African American culture and history. It has been a symbol of hope and resilience, ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 16:2-15

Denomination: United Methodist

God’s Passover Reward 9/11 And The Passover

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Sep 9, 2023

Let's see how America's 9/11 tragedy compares to the Bible's Passover in Exodus.

10 September 2023. The Journey Begins FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, YEAR A God’s Passover Reward 9/11 and the Passover Today, I want to delve into a comparison that may seem unusual at first glance. Still, it carries a profound message for us all: how America's 9/11 tragedy compares to ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 12:1-14

Denomination: United Methodist

In Awe Of Easter Grace Series

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Apr 9, 2023

So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Look up, and be alert to what is happening around Christ—that’s where the action is.

On the statement is simultaneously an announcement about what she saw and a statement of belief in her promise of a future life with Jesus and God. I, too AWE OF GRACE Colossians 3:1-4 3:1 So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:1-4, John 20:1-18

Denomination: United Methodist

"Thugs In Paradise” Word 2 Of The 7 Sayings Of Jesus Series

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Apr 7, 2023

The seven last words are the seven last phrases recorded across the Gospels that Jesus said before finally dying on the cross. This is the 2 politically charged statement.

Luke 23:43, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” “Thugs in Paradise” Growing up I understood that I had a little more grit than some of the others. I realized that while some young men were going to stay out of trouble and get home on time and make good grades, I mean ...read more

Scripture: Luke 23:43

Denomination: United Methodist

(The Why) Frazier B. Baker The Lynching Of The Lake City Mail Man?

Contributed by Amiri Hooker on Feb 25, 2023

I was asked to give a 3 -5 min Sermon net on the Lynching of Frazier B. Baker, whose family, on the night of his murder, ran across the street and hid in the Church I now Pastor, Wesley Chapel UMC Lake City

Frazier B. Baker was an African-American teacher appointed as postmaster of Lake City, South Carolina in 1897 under the William McKinley administration. He and his infant daughter Julia Baker died at his house after being fatally shot during a white mob attack on February 22, 1898. The mob set the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 14:10-11

Denomination: United Methodist