Rev Hooker Teaches & Preaches

Tuesday Night 3: Rev. Amiri B Hooker at Greater St James AME  Scripture: Romans 12:9-10 Theme: “Living in Love and Harmony” "Title "Love is Fried Chicken" Theme Overview: On this night, explore the teachings on genuine love and living in harmony with one another. Challenge participants to embrace diversity, treat one another with respect, and cultivate an atmosphere of love within the community. The theme "Transformed Living" draws inspiration from Romans chapters 11 to 14, focusing on the Apostle Paul's teachings on God's mercy, living in harmony, and offering our lives as living sacrifices. This citywide revival aims to ignite a transformational journey within each individual, community, and the city of Lake City at large. The Message 9-10 Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.   Tonight, we gather here to delve into a profound theme - "Living in Love and Harmony.". Let's shorten that and use instead Love is Fried Chicken. Our scripture passage, Romans 12:9-10, speaks directly to the essence of love, and we will explore this theme in the context of Black Liberation Theology. Let us challenge ourselves to embrace self-love, treat one another with love, and cultivate an atmosphere of love all around Lake City.   In today's society, it can indeed be challenging to see the love we should have for one another. We find ourselves in a world marked by division, polarization, and a seemingly endless stream of conflict. It can be disheartening, but it is precisely in these trying times that we must lean on our faith and persevere in our commitment to love.   Love is not just an emotion; it's a moral and ethical obligation. It's the force that should drive us to challenge injustice, fight for equality, and stand up for the marginalized. It compels us to engage in the work of justice and reconciliation, even when it feels difficult or uncomfortable.   In a society where we witness division and hatred, our love must be a counterforce. It's a love that stands up against racism, inequality, and all forms of discrimination. It's a love that seeks to heal the wounds of our communities and bind us together as a people.   --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-hooker/support

Casting Your Cares    1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-115:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 5:8 Discipline yourselves, and keep alert. Like a roaring lion, your adversary, the devil, prowls around, looking for someone to devour.  Sermon: “Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you” (I Peter 5:7 NRSV). How many times have you heard that?    How many times have you said it, or something like it?  Leave your worries at the foot of the cross, for example.  Give it over to Jesus.    There are lots of different ways to say this fairly simple idea. We hear it and say it all the time.    But here's the real question – “How do you do it?”  How do we surrender ALL?   Digging a little deeper, we find a number of things in the text from 1 Peter that might help us understand what he is calling us to do and understand.    1 God is bigger than just your stuff.  The word that in so many translations is rendered as “anxiety,” but in the King James Version as “care” is, in fact, singular.  The Text better reads Cast all the stuff that has Us  worried and  Us anxious to the feet of the Cross.  Or maybe even Stop worrying about the Republican and democrats the Proud Boys and Christian Nationalists and Revive your prayer life. We can stop worrying about the governor in Florida and our governor here in South Carolina who said this week at the GOP Convention knowing the history of SC. McMaster repeating one of his favorite GOP lines: "I look forward to the day that democrats are so rare, we have to hunt them with dogs."   Stop trying to make the racial hatred, the size shaming, the LGBTQ hatred, about you. They don't even know you they are hating Us. They are hating the collective they don't hate you because you are black, they have been taught sometimes by their church to hate all black, all immigrants, to hate all indigenous people.  2. Power is the realization of Faith without Fear. It You Believe that God can Act through the portal of holy Ghost Prayer and Spiritual Action.   Peter isn't suggesting that we should stop caring; the verse itself speaks of how much Jesus cares.    He suggests instead that we should stop worrying.    He is remembering, no doubt, when Jesus said the very same thing: “Do not be anxious.”   Black Americans have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus pandemic. This has been compounded by the tragic deaths of Black men and women — lives cut short at the hands of police and vigilantes. Thus as a church and as a community these days we have some collective cares and or collective anxiousness.   Ahmaud Arbery shot while jogging. Breonna Taylor killed in her home. George Floyd suffocated as the world watched. Rayshard Brooks asleep in a Wendy's parking lot. Robert Fuller found hung from a tree in Palmdale, Calif. We lament the Black lives lost, past and present.   Repeated trauma and stress have real effects on health, both physical and mental. Though the dialogue surrounding mental health is changing, it's often it is still considered a taboo subject in the Black community. Navigating the intersections of Black identity has always been layered and complex.   --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-hooker/support

Ok this is a Full conversation in two parts. This is a look at King's doctrine. His influence by liberation theology and his system of doctrine that places great importance on social justice and reform as a part of the gospel message. The first is between Rev Dr Harry Singleton Professor University of South Carolina who is both a theologian and ordained minister an engages in both academia and the community, state, and nation by writings and speeches, TV apperiences and Podcase. The major objective of this dicussion is to have a public theological dialogue that will minimize religious intolerance and promote human liberation in all dimensions of existence of liberation theology and Dr. King Hosted by Baba Derrick Jackson host and Pastor of KRST Temple in Columbia SC and one of the leaders in the national Sankofa Rites of Passage Project {Project Sankofa: A Rites of Passage Program is about going back and reclaiming traditions of the past in order to establish new standards of normalcy. A paradigm shift is required, and it must begin in the minds of the youth who will be given new standards of excellence to model. Rites of Passage programs are designed to accomplish that objective.} and leader in thought. Section two brings on Karen Startks Now known as Za Rah Who is A VISIONARY, THINKER, Daughter, Sister, Niece, Friend, WOMANIST, Writer, Ordained Minister, Teacher, Urban Planner, Community Organizer, Singer, Disciple of Christ, Friend of GOD, Lover of all things AFRICAN, I work/pray/hope for the eradication of systemic evils. all this conversation involves Rev Hooker as a repersentative of the traditional Black Church. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rev-hooker/support

Dr. Bowie has introduced to the SB21 work the Black Church Matters Program with the program the hope is to Experience Vitality, Health, and Empowered Ministry Dr. Bowie is pushing us to Get on board with the Black Church Matters (BCM), a movement to help congregations thrive. We want to help your ministry optimize its effectiveness with our 3 R strategy, ReImagine, ReVitalize, RePurpose. On July 1, 2014, Dr. Michael L. Bowie, Jr. was appointed to St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church in Dallas Texas. He is currently serving his sixth year as Senior Pastor. St. Luke's vision is…St. Luke is called to be guided by the Holy Spirit. We are prophetic voices that will transform lives by becoming a Christ-centered, Justice-driven, Kingdomminded community pursuing excellence in all we do. Since Dr. Bowie's arrival, the church has experienced momentum in every facet of ministry. Due to their renewed excitement, members are reengaging, reconnecting and recommitting to St. Luke's vision. In the first few months, Dr. Bowie's preaching, teaching and casting visions increased St. Luke's attendance by 38%. With the use of technology and the addition of social media, members are more engaged in the ministries of the church. Dr. Bowie cast a vision that inspired the leadership to identify, equip and develop new leaders to serve in various roles within the church. The Zan Wesley Holmes Servant Leader Institute deployed more than 90 leaders who are now prepared, and 35% are serving. St. Luke remains committed to providing ministries that impact the lives of children, youth, adults, and families in our church and in the community. Outreach/Mission is another primary focus. Every fifth Sunday, more than 200 St. Luke members deploy to the streets of Dallas, meeting the homeless community's needs. They serve as the hands and feet of Jesus locally. And globally, Dr. Bowie has led two mission trips to Cuba and one to Puerto Rico with more than 75 members participating. Dr. Bowie brings a prophetic anointing to see and cast a vision, the creativity to dream and believe God for the vision's possibilities, and the boldness and courage to implement the vision. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rev-hooker/support

The Reverend Doctor Kevin R. Murriel serves as the senior pastor of Cascade United Methodist Church, a multi-site ministry that includes campuses in midtown and southwest Atlanta, Georgia. He received his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Jackson State University, his Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology, and his Doctor of Ministry from Duke University. An insightful preacher, avid reader, and social activist, Dr. Murriel's research focuses on translating the methods of the Civil Rights Movement into a modern strategy for social justice. In 2018, he was appointed by Dean Jan Love as Assistant Professor in the Practice of Practical Theology and Director of the Black Methodist Seminarian's Program at Emory University's Candler School of Theology. Dr. Murriel is a community leader and faithfully serves on several boards which include, the Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA, the North Georgia Board of Ordained Ministry, Murphy–Harpst, The Foundation for Wesley Woods, and The Joseph and Evelyn Lowery Institute. Dr. Murriel is a member of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta and the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2019. For leading innovative change and being a conscious voice for social justice, Gammon Theological Seminary named him as the 2016 Emerging Prophetic Leader. In 2021, he was inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. College of Ministers Board of Preachers through Morehouse College, named a Man of Influence by the Atlanta Business League, and inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame. Dr. Murriel is the author of Breaking the Color Barrier: A Vision for Church Growth through Racial Reconciliation. He is married to Dr. Ashleigh Murriel and they are the proud parents of Scarlett Grace and Anderson Blake. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rev-hooker/support

The Reverend DeLishia Andrea Davis is the distinguished pastor of Calloway United Methodist Church in Arlington, Virginia. She was born in the nation's capital and has lived in several areas of the United States of America and abroad for the purpose of religious education and evangelism. Rev. Davis has been formally educated in the areas of Pastoral Care and Counseling, Political Science, and Christian Education. She is a fifth generational clergyperson in her family, and she has served in international missions and local church ministries for twenty-two years. Pastor DeLishia A. Davis a national board member of People for the American Way Inc., raising awareness for social justice and voter education. She is also the chaplain of the National Council of Negro Women, a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, African American Ministers Leadership Council and the National Council of Churches. Pastor DeLishia currently serves as a senior pastor in the Methodist tradition. Also, she has served as an international missions evangelist in South Africa, West Africa, Haiti and Honduras. Rev. Davis is the recipient of numerous awards to include the Sojourner's Award from the International Missionary Society (2009), the Rosa Parks Community Service Award from the Methodist Council (2011) and the Humanitarian Award from the NAACP (2019). Rev. Davis is the founder of New Beginnings, a non-profit organization that provides assistance to domestic violence victims and their families in times of need in the Washington, DC Metropolitan office. Pastor Davis ministers weekly at the domestic violence shelter, and frequently advocates for victims in Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William and Prince George's Counties. In addition, Rev. DeLishia Davis is the coordinator of Prayer ministries and she travels throughout the nation to preach, teach and encourage others. She is also the author of several books to include Word of Life Family Bible Study, A New You: 21 Days of Personal Transformation and Spiritual Success. The latest book “Morning Manna”will be released in May 2021. Pastor Davis is the mother of Maya Alexis and Mycah Alexandrea Davis. Her favorite quote is “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”Her favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rev-hooker/support

Bishop Sharma D. Lewis, Resident Bishop, Richmond Area; Virginia Annual Conference Bishop Sharma D. Lewis, resident bishop of the Richmond episcopal area, became the first African-American woman to be elected bishop in the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church in 2016. Prior to her episcopal assignment, she held a distinguished record of service in the North Georgia Conference, including her appointment as district superintendent of the Atlanta-Decatur-Oxford District in 2010. In 2007, Bishop Lewis' remarkable pastoral leadership at Wesley Chapel, a three-year tenure, led to over 600 new and restored members, and worship attendance doubled. While there, her visibility as a strong spiritual and pastoral leader propelled her into numerous leadership roles in the local community, including Hands-on Henry County and Many Hearts, Many Hands McDonough. BLACK METHODISTS FOR CHURCH RENEWAL is the organized Black caucus of the United Methodist Church. We are one of the United Methodist denomination's five U.S.-based ethnic caucuses. BMCR represents and is dedicated to more than 2,400 Black United Methodist congregations and approximately 500,000 African American members across the denomination. And the Southeastern Jurisdiction SEJ hosts programs and facilities found throughout the Jurisdiction. We strive to unify the Jurisdiction as we work with Annual Conferences to improve the quality and scope of our ministries. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rev-hooker/support

Real Talk + Real People + Real Times This sermon was a great message delivered on the final night of a 4-night community-wide revival with each pastor preaching at a different church. I preached the final night and used the Romans passage I had prayed over all year in preparation for SEJ-BMCR's Annual Meeting in Virginia. Romans 5:1-5 Sermon Text: So we got it going on. We found God, not that God was ever lost, but we have felt the move of the Holy Spirit. We know God is real at some point; down on our knees at a revival on a morning bench, Tuesday or a Friday, we saw Jesus. Or maybe, like some of us, it took a little longer for a car accident where everyone wanted to know how you survived or a gunshot in the club, some time in the army or the pen, or a blood clot in the lung or brain. But at some point, you discovered Jesus. You begin to say, like other church folks, trouble doesn't always last, God is Good, and all the time, God is good! Or I walk by faith and not by sight! Come on, somebody, you got your church going on, your bible under your arm, your scripture on your desk at work, and a praise Jesus sticker on yours. The car cranks. Everything is going on wife is sweet, the children are successful your mother is healthy. And your president is black and intellectually qualified. It's at this point our text picks up in Romans 5 in verses 1 and 2; you got it going on, but verse 3 says there's more to come, so continue to shout praise, and I've come tonight to tell you there more to come to keep shouting praises. When you going through the storm, when you have your lemonade moment, keep shouting praises. Let me lift 3 points of what I'm calling real things for real-time, and Lake CITY, WE can get back to doing the actual work of ministry. 1. Jesus is real for all times 1. Real People Have Trouble 1. Praise is Real Talk for the faithful. Real talk, Praise is what you give to God. · When you are being blessed, praise. · When you feel Jesus standing in the gap for you, praise. · Oh Lord, when you are in trouble, praise. Y'all don't hear me. Let me see if I can teach you how to fry a turkey. With All this tailgating right around the corner, there's no better time to deep fry a turkey! When a turkey is deeply fried, it's better able to hold in juices, so the end result is moist, flavorful meat with crispy skin on the outside. If your mouth is already watering, read on for everything you need to know about deep frying a turkey! --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rev-hooker/support

The Rev. William Bobby McClain gives a presentation on the "current reality of the black church." McClain is an original board member of BMCR and professor emeritus at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington. About 400 members of Black Methodists for Church Renewal looked back at their history during their 52nd annual meeting, held April 3-6, in Atlanta, Georgia. But they also tried to look toward an uncertain future for black United Methodist churches. Some longtime leaders extolled the caucus' dramatic birth in 1967-68 — and its goals to confront racism and demand justice and equity in the new United Methodist Church. Others challenged the caucus, and the churches it represents, to change with the times and reset to become more relevant and attractive to younger potential members. Referring to the decades-old caucus motto, “Our Time Under God is Now,” keynote speaker the Rev. William “Bobby” McClain asked, “Time for what?” He recalled early black Methodist history and the denomination's “checkered career” in addressing concerns of racial inclusion, especially since 1968. McClain, a retired seminary professor and organizing member of BMCR, questioned whether “our African American relationship with The United Methodist Church is a genuine relation … or simply a sentimental affair that has lasted because neither could (or dared) to get rid of the other.” Yet, while citing the resilience of racial injustice in the church and society, he concluded, “We are not done yet, BMCR!” --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rev-hooker/support

This is an excellent talk in the need for Black Theology and a clear understanding of White Supremacy and what it does to the church. Power understanding of the Black Messiah. The Reverend Dr. Vance P. Ross presently serves as Senior Pastor of the Historic Central United Methodist Church, Atlanta, GA., the “Church at the Heart of the City with the City at Heart.” Prior to his appointment to Central, Ross served as Director of Annual Conference Relationships for Discipleship Ministries, where he connected the agency with the annual conference. Reverend Earle J. Fisher, Ph.D. A Movement and Ministerial leader at the forefront of social justice and black liberation efforts in Memphis, TN, and beyond, As a community organizer, Pastor Earle co-organized the Memphis Grassroots Organizations Coalition in August of 2015. Spearheading initiatives in criminal justice reform, media accountability, the removal of confederate monuments, and voter empowerment, Dr. Fisher formed #UPTheVote901 in November of 2017 to “give more political power to more people” and “increase voter turnout in Memphis and Shelby County.” Dr. Fisher is the 2019-2020 Henry Logan Starks Fellow at Memphis Theological Seminary and the 2020 Political Science Research Fellow at the University of Memphis teaching and studying Political Theology and Radical Black Politics. Most of Dr. Fisher's work focuses on the African American Religious Rhetoric, Contemporary Rhetorical Theory, Black Liberation Theology, and the prophetic persona of Albert Cleage, Jr. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, husband of one wife, Denise, father of one son, Jalen, believer in one God, and friend and mentor to many. His Book Reverend Albert Cleage Jr. and the Black Prophetic Tradition: A Reintroduction of The Black Messiah considers how Albert Cleage Jr., in his groundbreaking book of sermons, The Black Messiah (1969), reconfigures the rules of the game as it relates to Christianity and the social political realities of Black people in Detroit and across the country. Taking a rhetorical approach, this book explores how and what The Black Messiah (1969) has contributed to the broader scope of Black Liberation Theology and Black religious rhetoric. Scholars of rhetoric, communication, religious studies, and African American history will find this book particularly useful. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rev-hooker/support

Dr. Bowie's preaching, teaching, and casting visions increased St. Luke's attendance by 38%. With the use of technology and the addition of social media, members are more engaged in the ministries of the church. Dr. Bowie cast a vision that inspired the leadership to identify, equip and develop new leaders to serve in various roles within the church. The Zan Wesley Holmes Servant Leader Institute deployed more than 90 leaders who are now prepared, and 35% are serving. St. Luke remains committed to providing ministries that impact the lives of children, youth, adults, and families in our church and in the community. Outreach/Mission is another primary focus. Every fifth Sunday, more than 200 St. Luke members deploy to the streets of Dallas, meeting the homeless community's needs. They serve as the hands and feet of Jesus locally. And globally, Dr. Bowie has led two mission trips to Cuba and one to Puerto Rico with more than 75 members participating. Dr. Bowie brings a prophetic anointing to see and cast a vision, the creativity to dream and believe God for the vision's possibilities, and the boldness and courage to implement the vision. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rev-hooker/support

14 August 2022. Yielding Wild Grapes When I was in seminary, I was introduced to Chateau Elan Winery & Resort. This place well above my pay grade Spanning 3,500 acres of rolling hills and wooded forests, Chateau Elan reigns as North Georgia's premier destination resort. A favorite for weekend getaways, corporate retreats, and everything in between, this sprawling property features stunning indoor and outdoor event spaces, multiple restaurants fine dining, professionally staffed golf and tennis clubs, a world-class spa, and more. Oh, it is really nice visiting this place is like going to another country and being wrapped in luxury. When You set in the retirants' they put the napkin in your lap and bring a little bowel to the table to wash your hands before you eat. And oh, how beautiful the grounds and the gardens and vineyards are all around the small villas you sleep in. But who would pay $400 to $800 a night if the wine vineyards were run down and the building were moldy and trash was all over the place. I was watching the local news this week and they were showing this sister that went to the Myrtle beach for a girls retreat and the hotel room they were staying in was run down and she tweeted a video of the walls with the green mildew all over they place, she was so upset she would even take the video down to get her money back. What is, is what should be: in other words what you claim to be is what you should be. Vineyards are aesthetically beautiful places. They have beautiful greenery, well-manicured lawns, and rows of grapevines. They are exquisite and breathtaking. The rolling hills are marvelous to see. In biblical days, a vineyard was a prized possession. They were well taken care of. It took a great deal to take care of them. There was always the nurturing of the grapes or whatever fruit was featured. This tending to the vineyard was all orchestrated for one thing: grapes—fresh, whole, round, perfect grapes. Workers in the vineyard were meticulous and detailed in their care. However, God speaks of grapes gone wild. There is no excuse for wild grapes. They've been watered, given good shade to not be parched by the sun. They've been given the best environment for growth. So, it's not adding up. Why has God's vineyard, a beautiful masterpiece, somehow led to the production of wild grapes? These grapes in this song of Isaiah were not sufficient, healthy, or wholesome for their intended use. This would not be the last time God was disappointed by fruit. You'll recall Jesus while on a journey walked up to a fig tree that looked like it was ready for the picking, but it was not. Jesus was seemingly angry at the tree for false advertising. The tree was presenting an appearance that didn't match its reality. This too was a lesson. Today, our vineyards are buildings gardens, and sometimes even fields. For some of Us churches in some cases are Vineyards. Big Churches with Sanctuaries that have major lighting and technology packages and cafés and eateries to enjoy one's sojourn there. The visuals can be breathtaking, and clearly the buildings are well-cared for. These type of major ministries should have fruit that changes folk's lives, these major vineyards of churches should have children's ministries, senior ministries, houseless ministries, poverty ministries, health care ministries, and even Job growth development ministries. But A lot of the time what we find is wild grapes. Many of times what the community finds in our modern day vineyards of Methodism is garbage Grapes. Let's look at these Wild Grapes. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rev-hooker/support

THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST, YEAR C Saturday, June 25, 2022 1 Kings 19:15-21 The Message Intro: The Supreme Court opinion on Roe Vs Wade is going backwards sure Bible “absolutely pro-abundant life,” “but not in a pro-life political way. It's a theological perspective is of Life beginning with Birth” While many conservative White evangelicals rejoiced with the courts reversal, the reception in Black churches will have to be more complicated. Main Body: The call of Elisha is not like other prophetic call narratives in the Old Testament. The first stage of Elisha's new call is to be a follower and servant — a disciple, as it were — of this -prophet of Change. Elisha will later be described as the man “who used to pour water on the hands of Elijah” (2 Kings 3:11). The LORD tells Elijah to anoint Elisha as prophet in his place (1 Kings 19:16), language usually reserved for kings or priests, and such an apprenticeship with the prophet likely implied succession. Elisha's call narrative rightly makes one think of vocation and discipleship. How do we recognize God's call in our lives? What signs of our talents and gifts have we seen in the past, and what must we give up embracing the future God is making for us? How have we seen God's work manifested in mentors, friends, or strangers? Have we apprenticed ourselves to scarcity and fear or to abundance and hope? --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rev-hooker/support

Three more R's from Romans for 2022 “There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!” Romans 5:3-5 MSG What does it mean to shout when you are in trouble, well I've been reading the book the 1619 project and I'm the middle of the first chapter I was introduced to a Black historian I have never heard of and he was know for framing a period of time from 1877–1901. His name was Rayford W Logan and he came up with the term the The nadir of American race relations was the period in African-American history and the history of the United States from the end of Reconstruction in 1877 through the early 20th century, when racism in the country was more open and pronounced than it had been during any other period in the nation's history. During this period, African Americans lost many of the civil rights which they had gained during Reconstruction. Anti-black violence, lynchings, segregation, legal racial discrimination, and expressions of white supremacy all increased. I think this is important because it seems like we might be experiencing a similar back lash following the presidency of Barack Obama. Last January was not a mistake, the numbers of death in the African American community was not a coincidence and the fact that the rich got richer during Covid-19 and the poor got buried is not simple miscalculation. This current fight for voters rights and and living wages is not just a Hamilton jump shot in the air, American is differently facing a second Great Nadir. The question becomes what are we going to do about it, as the words oldest Poeple and the Sankofa team in play what becomes our role in society in general and as Africans in particular. I would like to suggest that the answer is in the word of God and I would like,to particularly point out the text in Romans 5. “Thus the wisdom of God, celebrated in Old Testament (see Prov. 8:2231) and New Testament (see Matt. 11:2527; I Cor. 1:1831; Rom. 11:3336) and identified by Jesus with God's Spirit (see John 16:1215) is expounded in this passage from Romans. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rev-hooker/support

Text Leviticus 25:8-13. 18-23, 25-30 The Kingdom of God is a jubilee. The term “jubilee” comes out of Leviticus 25. There are many images of the kingdom that come through scripture, but none is more pronounced to me than the concept of the jubilee. The word “jubilee” is derived from the Hebrew word jobel, which means “ram's horn,” since it was precisely that horn that was used as a trumpet, whose sound indicated to everybody the beginning of the jubilee year. The book of Leviticus, in the code of holiness, is the source that tells us of the significance of the jubilee year, a year of liberation “par excellence,” which is at the end of oppression and slavery. Revival is one of the unique experiences of the role of the Black preacher. Revival, in the traditional sense, was a sounding of the new future of jubilee for the worker and the Black church community. Q1: How are Revival and Jubilee similar expressions of Gods recovery in human space? God commanded His people to give the land a rest every seventh year and live by what it produced on the sixth year. When they questioned how they would be able to survive when doing this (i.e. it would be two years before they could harvest again), God answered that every sixth year He would provide a harvest that yielded three years' worth of food (vs. 20-22), which would be sufficient for their needs. The term Jubilee meant "horn of a ram" which the Jews used as a trumpet. The connection was that after seven cycles of these Sabbatical years, on the tenth day of the seventh month (Day of Atonement), the trumpets would sound throughout the land announcing the Year of Jubilee. The Book of Leviticus provides details concerning what was supposed to happen during this fiftieth year. This cycle of Sabbaths and Jubilees imposed a very unusual economic system on the Jews, but it also provided many benefits as well: There was a definite limit to what you could own and how long you could keep it. You could grow in wealth and power but these were limited by time and amount. Eventually you had to restore purchased land to its original owner, debts were forgiven, and indentured servants had to be freed. This prevented long-term oppression over one group by another. There was a time limit for the service of those who may have experienced a bad harvest and were forced to sell themselves into slavery in order to sustain their families. In this way there was hope, even in the worst of circumstances, that your land or freedom would be fully returned to you eventually. The value of land and slaves was fixed according to the proximity to the year of Jubilee (e.g. The further away from Jubilee, the greater the value since there would be more time of service by a slave and a higher number of harvests for the land; the closer to Jubilee, the lesser the value, etc). The system provided stability for that society and Guaranteed Harmony and Peace. Prices were fixed. The people had hope for the future even if they had setbacks. Each family had a guarantee that their house and land would be returned to them eventually. You can get the free Bible Stud by clicking here https://1drv.ms/w/s!Alj4UNXUR9-ki9pQ-ynkUXBy2nCUgw?e=bOYqkX Register in advance for this meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkcOygrj0jE9zh9hXLR_4bDCMVqXRAB3cm After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rev-hooker/support

CHAPTER 6 PREACHING IN THE MIDST OF WHITE SUPREMACIST PROVOCATEURS “FOR FREEDOM CHRIST HAS SET US FREE. STAND FIRM, THEREFORE, AND DO NOT SUBMIT AGAIN TO A YOKE OF SLAVERY.” GALATIANS 5:1, NRSV Text Galatians 1:3-5 and Galatians 5:1-10 What is freedom? I've felt a sensation of freedom several times in my life. I remember the day we made the final payment on my husband's school loans. Another time was writing a check for the last of the medical bills after Jack's back-to-back surgeries last year. Whew. It felt like someone had lifted a weight off my shoulders. We had discretionary money again. No more fear that we would be turned over to a credit agency and penalized for not paying soon enough. No more reminders in the mailbox that we owed something to somebody. It was a wonderful feeling. Q1: When have you experienced a sense of freedom? The book of Galatians is often called the charter of Christian liberty. Read Galatians 1:1-10 Q2: Why would Paul connect the Gospel message with the imagery of freedom? Paul uses some strong language about those who would dare mess with the gospel message. The first thing we need to ask ourselves is: What is the Gospel? What important components of the Gospel does Paul mention in Galatians 1:3-5? Paul makes it very clear that we cannot save ourselves. God is such a holy God that even one sin would separate us from His holiness. There is no way possible that we can fulfill the entire law, so why even try to do it on our own? If you base your salvation on obeying one particular law, then you must obey every law, which is impossible for any of us. Over the centuries, what large groups have tampered with the Gospel message and have added other practices and requirements to membership in God's Kingdom? Why would Paul cringe at these attempts? We can easily point fingers at groups who have added practices, written second volumes to the Bible, and made long lists of rules for membership to their brand of Christianity. We need to acknowledge that a large portion of the American Christian world will never commit to the task of dismantling White supremacy. The rest of us have to start this work with or without them, because the entire country is on the line, and beyond these United States, perhaps the world and ourselves. American Christianity needs a revival. I mean, it's mostly a whitewashed version of the first-century church. This church is a group of people who get together and like to think about how they used to take down empires with the power of God and make sure the marginalized are centered and offered salvation, mercy, and grace. American Christianity tells stories of people who did those things, but we hardly ever do them ourselves anymore. Were it not for Dr. King, Rosa Parks, and thou- sands of others who bravely confronted Jim Crow in the 1960s, Blacks might still be sitting in the back of the bus in Birmingham and drinking from segregated water fountains. Indeed, many of the gains we now take for granted were achieved only by moral leadership and dogged determination during the civil rights era. Q3: WHY DO YOU THINK PEOPLE WANT TO ADD LEGALISM TO OUR FAITH IN CHRIST? WHY DO WE STILL TRY TO PLEASE GOD BY WHAT WE DO? IS GOD PLEASE WITH WHITE FRAGILITY? Get The full Study Guid and Book You can get the free Bible Stud by clicking here https://1drv.ms/w/s!Alj4UNXUR9-ki9pQ-ynkUXBy2nCUgw?e=bOYqkX or Join the Class Register in advance for this meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkcOygrj0jE9zh9hXLR_4bDCMVqXRAB3cm After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rev-hooker/support

CHAPTER 4 PREACHING IN THE MIDST OF SOCIAL INJUSTICE “When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.”—Proverbs 21:15, NIV “Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the Lord your God is giving you.”—Deuteronomy 16:20, NIV Text Deuteronomy 16:13-21 Before entering the Promised Land, Israel was instructed to remain separate from the pagan people they would encounter there. They were to behave differently from the despicable Canaanites who already inhabited the land that God had promised to Abraham as a perpetual inheritance. They were warned in this verse, not to intermingle with the local inhabitants. They were not to learn their horrible traditions or participate in any of their ungodly practices, "When you enter the land, which the LORD your God gives you," Moses commanded, "you shall not learn their ways or imitate the detestable things of those nations." These pagan people were dead in their sin, at enmity with God, and enslaved by Satan. They were never to be a role-model for God's servants. Rather, Israel were to be an example to the Gentiles and point them to the one true and living God. Since the fall, the whole world has been lying under the control of the evil one, but God chose Israel out of all the nations to be a peculiar people who were to behave differently from Gentile nations. They were to obey HIS perfect law and followed HIS righteous ways. Israel's way of life and standard of conduct was to become a light to lighten the Gentiles, and they were to bring others into fellowship with the God of Israel. While the term “social justice” has become a convoluted one today, it is clearly defined throughout many passages of scripture. Though the scriptures don't speak directly of social justice, they do speak of the justice of God. Social justice is the people of God bringing the equitable and impartial application of the rule of God's moral law in society. The African-American conservative evangelical Tony Evans has explained that “social justice follows the pattern established by the Almighty God in making the wrongs of society right. Social justice is performed through economic, political, social, or criminal justice, to name a few areas.” More than 4,700 pastors signed a controversial document titled, “For the Sake of Christ and His Church: The Statement on Social Justice and the Gospel.” The document states: “We reject any teaching that encourages racial groups to view them- selves as privileged oppressors or entitled victims of oppression,” and “We emphatically deny that lectures on social issues (or activism aimed at reshaping the wider culture) are as vital to the life and health of the church as the preaching of the gospel and the exposition of Scripture.” It is clear that the writer intends to address Christian leaders who are encouraging the church to take matters of social injustice seriously. It is alarming that a document exists that flat-out denies that privilege and goes further to say we shouldn't be talking about issues of justice in the church. See Full Study Guide https://1drv.ms/w/s!Alj4UNXUR9-ki9pQ-ynkUXBy2nCUgw?e=cqBx31 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rev-hooker/support

Text: John 13:31-34 : 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 : Mark 3:20-30: The cross was drawing ever closer. Jesus had just washed the feet of His confused disciples, in an act of gracious love. The kingdom that seemed so promising a few short days earlier was fast fading into obscurity, as Christ talked of leaving them… of going away to a place where they could not follow – and then came the shocking realization of His forthcoming death. It was at this time of intense sorrow and deep, deep passion that the little flock of Christ heard their Good Shepherd say: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, so love you one another. The Sermon on the Mount had catapulted the Law of Moses into the realms of moral idealism, but here was a command for divine perfection - LOVE as I have loved… The Son of Man Whom they now confessed as Son of God was full of grace and truth - and He was shortly to display a love so staggering, that it baffles the minds of disciples – a divine love that they themselves were being called upon to emulate. No one can love as Christ loved in the power of their own sinful flesh – No one can love as Jesus loved by their own imperfect human effort, however hard they try, for the love of man is but a faint reflection of the glorious Sun of Righteousness. But all who trust in His name have been made a new creation in Christ and have the life of Christ living in us and through us – and only as we walk in spirit and truth - in submission to the leading of the Holy Spirit within, can we fulfil this beautiful command to love as I have loved you, until we can at last say with Paul, it is not I that lives but Christ that lives in me. It is not I that LOVE but the love of Christ in me. Jesus said, “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand” (Mark 3:25 NKJV). Having to choose sides as a house divided by racism is a significant hindrance intended to separate and render ineffective the body of Christ and its mission on earth to make disciples of all nations. Romans 2:11 says, “There is no favoritism with God.” Believing that one race is better than another is self-righteousness. Q1. How does racism affect the brotherly and sisterly love? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Q2. How does the idea of a house divided speak to the concept of race and class in American and in the church? You can get the free Bible Stud by clicking here https://1drv.ms/w/s!Alj4UNXUR9-ki9pQ-ynkUXBy2nCUgw?e=bOYqkXRegister in advance for this meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMkcOygrj0jE9zh9hXLR_4bDCMVqXRAB3cm After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rev-hooker/support

LESSON 2 CHAPTER 2 PREACHING IN THE MIDST OF A TRI-PANDEMIC WITHOUT THE RESPONSE “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” —Isaiah 58:1, KJV ISAIAH 52-53 (THE SUFFERING SERVANT) Isaiah 52:13-53:12 in The Servant Songs, entitles the four songs: (1) The Call of the Servant (Isa. 42:1–9 (2) The Commission of the Servant (Isa. 49:1–13 (3) The Commitment of the Servant (Isa. 50:4–11 (4) The Career of the Servant (Isa. 52:13–53:12 Isaiah promised that those who were poor in spirit, gentle in heart, hungered for righteousness, mourned for their sin, and trusted God's word would be comforted and blessed by the Lord. They would receive mercy and grace in time of need and be granted God's gracious healing and spiritual wholeness. Then your light will break out like the first rays of dawn, were Isaiah's words of comfort to this little, faithful remnant. Your recovery will speedily spring forth and your righteousness will go before you. Call-and-response is one of the main components of Black preaching. The congregational participation is so important that many preachers subconsciously pause to leave room for the congregation to respond in their sermon development. That loud outcry is a statement of affirmation to the preacher and the other congregation members that what the preacher was saying was gospel and empowerment and liberation. Many Black preachers have never had the challenge of preaching without a full congregation to support every sermonic move. Many of the preachers in my circles have grown accustomed to having large audiences for their most worked and developed sermons, which they use for revivals and special programs, while many Black preachers tailor their Sunday morning messages to the congregation they worship with weekly. Q1. How do you respond to a good sermon? See the full Study Guide https://1drv.ms/w/s!Alj4UNXUR9-ki9pQ-ynkUXBy2nCUgw?e=cqBx31 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rev-hooker/support

LESSON 1 CHAPTER 1 What does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.”—Philippians 1:18, NIV Opening Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You that I am part of the body of Christ and for the work that You have called me to do. Help me to rejoice over ministry of others that are sharing the truth of the gospel of Christ, even when their motives are ungodly or when it conflicts with my own cultural differences or churchmanship, and I pray that wherever You place me, I will be content to finish the work You have called me to do and to rejoice in the work that you have called others to do.. in spirit and truth, in Jesus name I pray, AMEN. Text Philippians 1:12-26 Much within the church epistles is designed to refute false teachings and a distorted gospel. Not only do we find Paul challenging the manipulation of the good news of Christ by legalists, liberalist and gnostics alike.. but he also identifies others who were jealous of his apostolic calling, They were teaching the true gospel out of jealousy and resentment of God's unique calling upon Paul's life. Paul could have lost heart, being imprisoned in Rome. for he knew that fierce wolves were beginning to enter into the church. to deceive the flock. and that others were teaching the gospel out of resentment and malice against him. But Paul rejoiced in his circumstances, for he recognized the hand of God in every situation of his life and rejoiced that the gospel was continuing to be spread abroad. despite his incarceration in a Roman jail. The most important thing in Paul's War was that Christ is proclaimed, no matter what the motive behind other worriers teaching might be. Q1. What is the motive behind preaching in the Black Church? Why do we have a Black Church (with the Title Black Church)? What is the focus of Black Church preaching? Q2. What are we really fighting against in society now? Q3. If we are in a race war, why did it start and who are the opponents? Q4. What type of protest should the black church be developing now? Rev. Hooker's book is available at https://advocatesc.org/preaching-in-the-midst-of/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rev-hooker/support

This is a companion Bible Study that goes along with the Book Preaching in the Midst Of ... : How Black Preaching Has Changed in the COVID-19 Pandemic. Currently, the Black preacher in America finds him or herself caught in the middle of a moment: in the middle of having to preach the Word of God with power and liberation, while being thrown off America's colossal granite-face Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills in Keystone, South Dakota, without a mask. Out Line Opening Praying Open our eyes, dear God, so that we may see that the fields are white to harvest, even in this time of rancor and hatred in our world. Use me, use us your people, to be your tools of grace to break down barriers that divide races, cultures, people, and nations so that when we worship you together in heaven, it will not be the first time we have worshiped in joyous diversity and multi-cultural praise. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. In some church cultures, after a message is given, an invitation is offered for people to respond to that message. Well, Jesus got a response to his message in the synagogue, that's for sure. The people were furious. Their response is a reminder to us that not all truth will be well received. Sometimes the truth of God provokes deep anger, especially among those whose faith is couched in prejudice and a false sense of ethnic or religious superiority. When prejudice is displayed by those claiming to be God's people, the presence of Jesus leaves those people and moves to people who will share his grace. We must eradicate from our midst all racial and cultural hatred and any sense of ethnic or religious superiority. God's people must realize that it is by grace that we are saved. That grace should move us to share God's love with others with gentleness and respect, regardless of how similar to us or different from us they may appear to be. Part 1: (16-17) Jesus comes to His own synagogue in Nazareth. So, He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. And He was handed the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written: He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up: Since this was early in the ministry of Jesus, it was not long from the time when He lived and worked in Nazareth. The people of that village knew Him, and He had probably done work as a carpenter or builder for many of them. Q1. How does your home environment and upbringing effect your understanding of preaching, ministry, and evangelism? Full bible study handout https://1drv.ms/w/s!Alj4UNXUR9-ki9pQ-ynkUXBy2nCUgw?e=cqBx31 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rev-hooker/support

Sermon: For Wesley Chapel 11:00 service January 10 2021 by Rev Amiri B Hooker Lead Pastor There's nothing ordinary about Ordinary Time anymore. There is certainly nothing ordinary about this week. But then nothing recently can be called “ordinary.” The season of Epiphany has always been about seeing the light that is Jesus the Christ breaking forth into the world in which we live. Seeing is only the first step, however. We don't see the light of Christ the same way we see the beauty of the sunrise at Myrtle Beach, for example, or a particularly beautiful sunset in the Buford Marsh. While there is beauty in the presence of Christ, it is a beauty that calls forth a response. There are many ways to respond to the presence of Christ. In this series, we focus on the invitation to follow. It is the mission of the church to make disciples, even as we are being made disciples. It is an ongoing process to follow Jesus; a transformation that continues through every stage of our lives. I wish I could say I was surprised by the events that happened in the capital on Wednesday. But as Bishop Holston said well “The violent storming of the U.S. Capitol during the certification of the 2020 presidential election results was disturbing, disorienting and deplorable – but we cannot allow it to define who we are.” I watched in horror, as did the rest of the nation, behavior on Wednesday that felt much more damaging to our spirit than to our buildings. We can replace windows. We can sweep floors. We can shampoo carpets. But what kind of damage have we done to our souls, not just in this riot, but in the years of lies leading up to it? Fretting over the soul of our nation, I found solace in Isaiah 58:12: “Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in.” This scripture is the foundational scripture for the Poor Peoples sister organization Repairer of the Breach. Many spiritual and political leaders need restoration having given cover and comfort to an administration that has laid ruin to truth, toppled innumerable norms, and sent snaking fissures spreading across the foundation of the world's oldest democracy. Perhaps, however, the best of us can emerge from our response to these dark impulses, but only if we can muster the courage to speak truth to the wide swaths of people in our pews and under our pastoral care about the one, true transformative Jesus of Nazareth. Now is the time more than ever to announce as John did that there is one coming who is worthy and who will make a difference.

Wow What A collection of worship for times like this God Calls Us to Justice! Americans will soon hear the results of their next president, and church members in Lake City and All of South Carolina prayed for the nation's divisiveness in fear that it will eventually lead to chaos after the votes are in. people are blinded by their own biases and false truths which will ultimately lead to our country's demise. Truth has to be based on something besides what I want to believe; It has to be based on what is. Otherwise, that's the definition of being irrational. You can't have rational arguments if people can't come to an agreement on what is the base-line-truth. The Wesley Chapel church family wants to provide truth and an understanding of justice days after the 2020 election. So we are hosting our annual revival and Church 135th Anniversary around the theme; Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning. “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning” is a spiritual based on Matthew 25:1-13. Like most spirituals, it has an uncertain history. Still, it can be traced back through various blues singers and recordings into the slave experience where it was used as a work song and a way of hoping for something better. It was a flame around which an oppressed community gathered to keep their spirits warm and have a sense of place in a dark and scary world of pain and suffering. It was a simple song, sung by workers able to keep their minds on their tasks and yet be transported into another reality, another kingdom. I have asked each of the Revival Preachers to come to the church next week at their convenience. We can provide music and pre-record their sermon message. We will then combine all the messages into a Facebook and YouTube video that will be shared online. We will also be doing the same thing with our 135th Anniversary service. Our Seeker for the Week: · What's your kingdom vision? (Matthew 20:20-23) November 4 Rev. Kizzy McDonald · How Jesus explained the cross (Matthew 20:17-19) November 5 Rev. Bill McCown · Working in God's vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16) November 6 Rev. Barry S. McFadden · Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning (Matthew: 1-13) November 8 Rev. Terry Alexander

These are slides I used for the October 2nd Summit on Black Church workshop that talks about the Poor People Campaign. Goals of the Session: Define the History of The Poor People Campaign Look at the basic Campaign Goals Discuss the PPC Framing Principles Discuss the 5 Challenging Evils of Poverty Discuss the SCPPC Discuss Before and After COVID-19 Discuss the Need to Vote Now more than Every (RBG) The success of a movement depends on the unity and sophistication of our leaders. How do we describe morality and theology that comes from and helps to guide the work of building a movement? Morality is not a strategy, being right is not enough. Liberation theology is one way of understanding a different kind of morality, that is fearless in its critique, but thoroughly engaged in and coming out of the struggle, and can contribute to establishing a world of love, justice. All theology should be liberating. Not purely academic, take sides. Must be directed at learning about what we're up against in order to breakdown and help unlearn those ideologies/theologies that are destructive.

World Communion Sunday offers congregations a distinctive opportunity to experience Holy Communion in the context of the global community of faith. This year for many of us our community of Faith seems broken. We have had to experience fellowship in new unusual ways. The first Sunday of October is normally a time when Christians in every culture break bread and pour the cup to remember and affirm Christ as the Head of the Church. On that day, they remember that they are part of the whole body of believers. Whether shared in a grand cathedral, a mud hut, outside on a hilltop, in a meetinghouse, or in a storefront, or this year in parking lots, Christians celebrate the communion liturgy in as many ways as there are congregations. World Communion Sunday can be both a profound worship experience and a time for learning more about our wider community of faith. Many of us in years past have taken the act of breaking the bread and receiving the cup for granted. Very much like the renters in the text. Very much like the tenants in the parable that Jesus told us are so comfortable with the property God has given us we choose to not produce any harvest. Jesus told this story to point out that many times the persons are given the best land, these folks were on land where they had a landowner who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a winepress in it, and built a watchtower. In other words, folks that have been given Devine opportunities, given riches and already developed places, with Prepared protection, vital resources, and prebuilt structures yet, refuse to produce fruit. This year alongside the first week in October being world Communion Sunday it is also the launch of early or absentee voting in South Carolina and other places. Those who didn't vote failed to be their brother's keeper and be responsible civic actors. They need to get it together. They failed to be responsible tenants responsible for renters. They failed to produce a harvest for the blood sweat and tears that their forefathers and foremothers March and died for. But there is still hope I want to leave you with four tips for tenants/renters and maybe inspire some none voters this year this world Communion Sunday to become good tenants/renters. I'll let you go about your day after I tell you that in the text Mathew 21:33-46 what Jesus was saying was God has given humanity every thang you need to bare/produce fruit in the kingdom of God. What I hear in the text is God has given you everything Black People, God has given you America everything you need to vote. So instead of doing as they did in the Old Testament Bible and in the New Testament bible and killing all the prophets that spoke and taught justice, love, and righteousness. Instead of killing the owner's son Jesus, what we need to do is when harvest time comes we need to Produce Fruit. When Election time Comes we need to Vote.

“Here it is again, the Great Reversal: many of the first ending up last, and the last first.” Matthew 20:1-16 MSG https://www.bible.com/97/mat.20.1-16.msg Sermon intro: Our notions of justice usually cannot help but be influenced by our circumstances and by our opinions about what we and others deserve. Imagine working 40 hours per week, every single week of the year, and not making enough money to provide your family with essentials such as food, shelter, and transportation. According to a report by the Pew Research Center, more than 1.5 million hourly workers in the United States earn the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. The minimum wage to afford a two-bedroom rental in 2020 is $23.96 per hour The average full-time minimum worker needs to work at least 97 hours to afford a two-bedroom rental or 79 hours per week to afford a one-bedroom rental, according to the report. When I stood with SC For Ed and the Poor Peoples Campaign last year. I heard stories of single mothers who were schoolteachers who were losing their homes because the salaries were not covering their expenses and student loans. I listen to food workers talk about having to go to work hungry and sick because the $3.45 an hour was not cutting it. I asked myself “Rev Does Jesus Care About living Wages” Self is there anything in the teachings of the bible about fairness Equality and Equity! EQUALITY aims to ensure that everyone gets the same things to enjoy full, healthy lives. On the other hand, EQUITY involves trying to understand and give people what they need, to enjoy healthy lives. Sometimes, these terms are used in an interchangeable manner, which leads to confusion. Equity is a biblical word. It's the English translation of one of several Hebrew words (miyshor and related words) for “justice”. The word translated “equity” comes from a root which means “straight” or “level.” It's the same word used in the Isaiah 40 passage “make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God” and “the rough ground shall become level.” Today, we might use equity in the sense of a “level playing field.” --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I love the local church. I really do. Deeply. But almost every church I know has members and attenders that get under the skin of the leaders. My Wife often makes the comment that she sees some of the same people in every church they just have different names. Often, we see the same problems, the same issues and the same members ministry after ministry. Jesus in the text offers detailed guidance regarding the handling of conflict in the church (verses 15-20). I am sure Jesus had seen some of “them members” even in his disciples or followers. As long as we have churches, we are going to have church conflict. The object is to bring members back together, and our obligation is to pursue Unity & Love even at great cost of time and energy. The penalty is severe for those who refuse to respond to the unity process, but the process is designed, not to punish, but to open the eyes of the offender to the seriousness of the offense—and to bring him/her back into the fold. The common element in these portions of this chapter is that they call us to throw away the calculator when dealing with relationships. · No effort is too great when trying to restore peace in the church. · But there are some folks in the church that can get the best of us all so as I think around the idea of leadership and nominations for 2021, I want to look at some major member types. As we deal with “Them Member”! I first came across this term as a member pulled me aside early in my ministry and said; “Rev you got to understand there are some folks in this church you have to watch out for and I'm here to tell you all about them members”! So, I want to deal with them members as we review 10 of those types of member's we find in just about every church 5 this week and 5 next week as we deal with Unity & Forgiveness:

THROUGH EYES OF COLOR: A CONTEXTUALIZED GUIDE TO HELP YOU KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVE AND WHY The second chapter will explore black figures in the Bible. This helps us as black people to see ourselves in the faith that we hold near and dear to our identity. Chapeter 2 Section I. Is Christianity a White Man's Religion? There's a lot of debate today around the question: “Is Christianity a white man's religion?” But this is not a new question. In his Jude 3 Project interview, Dr. Eric Mason explains that this question finds its beginnings in the teachings of the Honorable Elijah Muhammad, who led the Nation of Islam from 1934 until his death in 1975.3 In his book Message to the Blackman in America, Muhammad calls for African-Americans to “throw off the shackles of Christi- anity.”4 He writes, “There is no hope for us in Christian- ity; it is a religion organized by the enemies (the white race) of the Black Nation to enslave us to the white race's rule.”5

THROUGH EYES OF COLOR A CONTEXTUALIZED GUIDE TO HELP YOU KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVE AND WHY. II. Unwrapping the Gift In this section, we are going to learn how to properly unwrap the gift of God's Word for the sake of knowing and worshipping Him by using five intentional steps. STEP 1: GET STILL When you open the Bible, you come face to face with God. It is important to open God's Word with a posture of reverence and expectation. Opening your Bible with reverence means doing so with a heart full of thankfulness for the gift of being able to encounter the living God through His Word. Then, expect the eyes of your heart to be enlightened so that you may know with a greater sense of clarity and assurance the hope to which you've been called in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:18). Get in a place where you can meet with the Lord undistracted. Settle your heart through prayer.

Through The Eyes Of Color is Christian apologetics Bible Study centered around people of color in scripture!!! As you begin this curriculum, you or your group, will embark on a six-week journey into apologetics through the eyes of color. The first chapter will help you with Bible study ba- sics. The Bible is our guide and it's important that we know how to handle it correctly. The second chapter will explore black figures in the Bible. This helps us as black people to seeourselves in the faith that we hold near and dear to our identity. The third chapter will explore early African Christianity. The connection between black people and Christianity did not start in the era of slavery and it's important that we know our history to engage those who think it does. The next chapter will be focusing on black Christians in America and their contributions to the black church. Chapter five will provide some helpful tools to address black cults like the Nation of Islam and Hebrew Israelites. The final chapter will address several places of contention within the Bible that are hard to understand and may raise eyebrows. We want to give you some helpful tools to address some of those challenging passages,

This is a collection of videos that deal with some historical approaches to dealing with racism and African American thinking on racial equality and uplift. This collection has some great historical figures and debates alongside some really interesting conversations on what makes racism work so well and why.

This is an attempt to understand what's behind the current anger and rage in our Country. The horrific image of a white police officer crushing a black man beneath his knee, seemingly like a hunter posing over his prey, has outraged many across the nation and world who also feel the weight of racism bearing down on their necks. The state of mind that crushes a brother's neck — as in the case of George Floyd in Minneapolis — or shoots a man jogging because of his skin color — as in the case of Ahmaud Arbery — is the same mindset that sends black and brown and poor and low-income workers of all colors into the lethal path of the COVID-19 pandemic without needed protections, health care, and economic resources. It's the same state of mind that causes the U.S. president to quote racists from the past when he tweets that “when the looting starts the shooting starts.” It is a mentality that is rooted in the very founding of our country, which is built on subjugating the labor and lives of African Americans.

Wow, Great discussion of Race and the current theological discussion of America and her politics. With a host of powerful clips, this experience discusses the current need to bring justice to humanity. We are trying to get this evil called racism to go away forever.

A great hour log worship experience from Wesley Chapel UMC. Recent incidents are reminiscent of an atrocious era of hate and domestic terrorism where police officers and white protesters routinely brutalized African-Americans. The senseless death displays the continuance of systematic racism and privilege granted to white people in America. It's time to let our leaders know that We Are Done Dying. This is a service that is a collection of Messages and Songs and videos that help focus on the issues of poverty, health, racism, and faith. while also providing a push as to how the future of the methodist church will look.

Part 1 of 2 Session 4—Good to Give Thanks: Psalm 92 and 1 Thessalonians 5 A. Response to God's Steadfast Love and Faithfulness B. Being Thankful People in a Thankless Culture “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High,” (Ps 92:1-5a). The psalmist confirmed a reality that has not changed: giving thanks to God is a good thing. It may also be an unavoidable practice for those who can discern God's handiwork. In this particular prayer, I see two types of divine action that are the bases for expressing prayerful grati- tude: indications of God's steadfast love and instances of God's faithfulness. Remembering these works makes the people of God joyful in worship. How could they not be happy as they allow recollections of God's love and faithfulness to flood their thoughts and memories? We affirm with the psalmist the importance of giv- ing thanks, of being people who understand the source of all good gifts and who actively and openly express appreciation for these gifts. But be sure that prayers of celebration—either praise or thanksgiving—are not intended as ends in themselves. There is always a movement, a process, in God's scheme of activity.

Session 3—Preoccupation with Praise: Revelation 4 and Ezra 3 A. Prayers of Praise and Thanksgiving B. Praise as Expression of the Body C. Praise in Hymns and Songs D. Praise in Poetry and Literature V. Session 4—Good to Give Thanks: Psalm 92 and 1 Thessalonians 5 E. Praise in Scripture Rather than pleading with God, asking favors of God, or making demands on God—which are prayer staples for most people—prayers of cele- bration should be the dominant prayers in our lives. The two primary types of celebratory prayers are prayers of praise and prayers of thanksgiving. This session deals with praise, the following session will deal with thanks- giving. Praise is any expression of admiration and awe for who God is. Thus, a prayer of praise is any and every expression of admiration and awe for who God is. Praise is preoccupation with God's essence and wonderment that God would have anything at all to do with us. Praise is standing, sitting, kneeling, or lifting one's face and arms out of reverence in the presence of the one true and living God. Praise is a silent or public proclamation of God's great power and glory, continually and consistent- ly conveyed through divine expressions of loving, creat- ing, and liberating all life in the universe.

Session 2—On the Other Side of Despair: Daniel 4:28-37 A. Why Blame God for Our Suffering? B. God's Presence in Our Suffering C. Nebuchadnezzar's Unselfish Prayer We live in a culture and a time when more and more people hold God responsible for every- thing that happens—from a gambling win to a murder, from a professional promotion to a war. Whether we intend it or not, this attitude demonstrates the fact that we blame God for our misfortunes. Some of us, in an attempt to honor God's sovereignty, claim in the midst of a tragedy that “God is teaching me a lesson in this catastrophe,” or that “God doesn't put on us more than we can bear.” Though brought up in a church and a community that comforted themselves with such a view of God's providence, my pastoral experiences with parishioners in tough times caused me to despair about what I could actually offer those who struggle with the problem of pain. We know that some measure of suffering is a pre- dictable part of life. No one has ever been able to explain to the satisfaction of all the source of evil or its prevalence.

We talk about divine attributes in human phys- ical terms because it is a shorthand way of trying to describe some aspect of the indescribable. Many people realize that a reference to the voice of God, for example, is not an audible voice like the voice of human beings. God's voice, except as it may be spo- ken through those persons closely enough attuned to divine realities to be able to speak them, is inaudible. Nonetheless, we may often use the word voice to describe the powerful pulling and leading of God's Spirit (God's unseen presence). Frankly, we may not always hear God's voice any more clearly than we hear a friend or loved one when she or he attempts to say something to us while we're engrossed in a televi- sion show or a good book. Similarly, when we give God human emotional attributes, we must realize that God is not of limited human capacity and that God does not feel as humans feel. When we say that God loves or that God is angry, we are drawing parallels to human experience. God's love, of course, is infinitely more than the greatest acts of human love. God's anger is based on perceptions of God that make God act and react like human beings as well as a way of trying to account for life's difficulties with a providentialist perspective. We should understand that God is not subject to the limitations of human emotional experience in any way.

To get us right to the heart of this vital practice, we will examine several key biblical passages to guide our thoughts and hopefully, beyond our thoughts our prac- tice of prayer. Before we get to these exciting and inspirational Bible passages, however, we must spend some time reflecting on the meaning and modeling of prayer itself. As ordained leaders, our own ways of praying pri- vately and certainly in public worship are the main les- sons on prayer that our congregants hear. They hear us praying not only in worship but also as they step into relationships of marriage and commitment, when their babies are born, beside their hospital beds, at the graves of their loved ones, and during or after a pas- toral counseling session. These moments of prayer will have a much greater impact on their understanding and practice of prayer than any book they will ever read, however widely read that book might be. What Prayer Is Not ◆ First and foremost, prayer is not the human-divine communion designed for a self-induced alternate reality, in which the local deity is busy trying to help those who have homes, plenty to eat, and more than all the basics. Prayer is not for helping you win the lottery or otherwise come to wealth while most of the people in the world—especially children— have barely enough or not enough to eat. ◆ Prayer is not an ongoing list of imperatives, telling God what to do. (And putting “please” in front of the request does not make it any less of an imperative that is directed toward God.) Instead of thanking God for what God is already amazingly at work doing, instead of asking, instead of considering God's great love and full knowledge of every situation about which we might pray, we still are most inclined to give God “to-do” lists in our prayers: What Prayer Is In the following studies, based on five vital passages of Scripture, we will see that prayer is communion and conversation with God that includes plenty of time for listening and is: ◆ Respectful of God and how God works ◆ Reflective of God's love for all people ◆ Individually and communally focused ◆ Expressed by one who is fully honest with self and with God ◆ As concerned with what God wants us to do as with what we want God to do for us ◆ Cognizant of the fact that God is pulling all human beings and societies toward wholeness

"Abundant Life" John 10:10 Wow these Sunday services just Seem to be getting better and Better todays worship Experience includes Teachings on Baptism Communion and Faith and Mercy. We are blessed with appearances from Bishop James Swanson Sr. and Bishop Jonathan Holston as well As The Rev Angela Ford Nelson and Rev Dr Bernice King's and the Music is much improved with my Baby Daughter singing the Hymn of preparation for a very brief sermon , Selection from the Church Musician Felicha Easterling and Kirk Franklin and others Please feel Welcome to watch this during our watch Party at 10:45 Sunday May 3rd

Third Sunday of Easter April 26, 2020 Sermon Text 1 Peter 1:17-23. Sermon “Being Born Anew” Gathering Prayer God, you call us out of our fear and distress and into the light of a new day and a new hope. Through their encounter with the risen Christ, the apostles found their voice and proclaimed your truth even at the risk of their very lives. Let us never forget their commitment and courage. May we stand for the right of all people of faith to worship safely as they choose. For we know that we are truly free when all are free. Our faith should not be taken for granted. We have decided to follow Jesus. There is no turning back. Amen You have been born anew, Your new life is not like your old life, For you have been born again, I want to spend a little time on this 1 Peter text while most of the church will be reading the Acts Text This morning and celebrating the Sermon of Peter I wanted to take a very obscure text and unpack one of the most powerful Christian doctrines. New Birth, Being Born Again, Being Born Anew and it became apparent that this concept and Doctrine would need to be stretched over more than one Sunday so I looking to develop a three-part presentation of the New Birth. So, this morning I want to deal with the first few verses of the small preoccupy 1 Peter 1:17-25 and focus on verse 17, 18 Peter, the apostle of Jesus, writes a letter to Christians facing persecution to comfort them with the truth of who they are in Christ—children of God with every reason to rejoice in their salvation and future glory in eternity. Next, he urges them to live like the holy ones of God they already are by obeying God now, loving each other earnestly, and placing all of their hope in the endless life to come. Move 1: Our choices matter. Move 2: Our God placed a high value on our lives, paying for them with the blood of Christ. Move 3: Since God has made us New, we must now strive to earnestly give love to each other.

Reconstruction Lecture By Dr. Bobby J. Donaldson Dr. Donaldson is Currently, Professor Donaldson leads the Center for Civil Rights History and Research, housed in the Hollings Special Collections Library. He also serves as the lead scholar for Columbia SC 63: Our Story Matters, a documentary history initiative that chronicles the struggle for civil rights and social justice in Columbia. Presently, Donaldson is completing a monograph entitled “‘In Our Own Defense': New Negro Intellectuals in the Jim Crow South.” The project critiques the varied and often competing rhetorical, ideological, and political strategies black intellectuals in Georgia employed as they battled white supremacy and negotiated African Americans' precarious “place” in both the South and the nation. He is also conducting research on a biography of William Jefferson White, a political activist, Baptist minister and journalist, who founded Morehouse College in 1867. ASCAC provides a body of knowledge that continuously contributes to the rescue, reconstruction, and restoration of African history and culture. Our purpose is to promote the study of African civilizations for the development of an African world view. Our aim is to build African centered study groups and strengthen existing institutions. Our goal is to provide excellence in all dimensions of our association. Our strategy is to use our accumulated knowledge for the liberation of African people wherever they may be. Our commitment is to the truth. Our achievements and accomplishments will provide the resources necessary for ASCAC to grow and be recognized as a world class African organization.

7 Last Words Preface Audio (3:56) 1. Rev Keith Hunter, Camden First UMC "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34) 2. Rev Dr. Robin Dease, Hartsville DS "This day you will be with me in Paradise." (Luke 23:43 3. Rev. Dr. Stephen LoveGreenWood DS "Woman, behold your son." (John 19: 26-7) 4. Rev Charles white, IDQuency UMC "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34) 5. Dominique Gate Trinity AME "I thirst." (John 19:28) 6.Rev Angela Ford Nelson Good Hope Wesley Chapel UMC "It is finished." (John 19: 30) 7. Rev Amiri B Hooker Wesley Chapel UMC "Into your hands I commit my spirit." (Luke 23:46) Harmony of the Crucifixion Accounts

Just one week after we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, we are faced with the timeless story of “Doubting Thomas.” Jesus appears to his disciples, and they get to see physical proof of his resurrection. Yet, later, when Thomas asks to see proof because he was not there when Jesus appeared the first time, he seems to be chastised by Jesus and, in our tradition, branded as a doubter. What Thomas was asking was for Jesus to “Do it Again” and we need to be clear in life you are not always going to get a second chance. I know in the fairytail life that a lot of us want to live in, if we miss something folks are going to jump to give us a second or third chance. In reality Rev and Friends many times in real life if you are not at the meeting if you are not at the table if you are not on the zoom call or the Conference call you might Just miss what the Holy Spirit is doing. This is a sermon to help understand how key the ability to Do It Again is to Folks. Let's look at some ways this Sunday you can unlike Thomas overcome your Doubt during this season of Quarantine. 1. Embrace Doubt as Part of Being Human 2. Doubt Your Doubts 3. Make Your Mission Bigger Than Your Fear 4. Build A Tribe of Believers

#Don'tbeDistracted : Staying Focused on Jesus "Don't be distracted by: people, power, persuasion, process, or broken pieces. Keep your focus on Jesus!" Text John 20:1-18 MSG Very Simple Message this Easter DONTBEDISTRACTED THERE ARE MANY THINGS THIS Easter that could get your mind off the ministry of the kingdom there is a great deal going on we are still very much under a Stay at Home Order by the Governor of South Carolina our Bishop had closed churches until May and many of us are more concerned now with Personal health and nutrition them we ever have been. #1 Don't let the Borrowed Thumb fool you! # 2 Learn how to Work through your tears and heart Break! #3 Sometimes You Got to Let Go and Let Gods Work Loose!

Great message of during the revival season with a message of justice and hope

Had a great time preaching at Good Hope Wesley Chapel rev Angela ford nelsons Church in Camden SC we truly enjoyed the move of the Holy Spirit and how the entire congregation of the 6 churches gathered for the a community Shalom Worship Service. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This is last years Easter Sermon 2019 and I wanted to share it because it really seems to speak to some of the power we need during these hard and difficult times. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app