Metropolitan AME Church Sermons

Metropolitan AME Church Sermonshttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/metropolitan-ame-church-sermons--6600781
Hear the weekly sermon from the current ministerial staff, led by Rev. William H. Lamar IV.

Find more information about Metropolitan AME here.]]>enChristianityCopyright Phillip Diekehttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/dbbe70c0e3e656bfd5ace76d28f93494.jpgMetropolitan AME Church Sermonshttps://www.spreaker.com/podcast/metropolitan-ame-church-sermons--6600781Tue, 08 Sep 2026 12:02:18 +0000Phillip DiekePhillip Diekephildieke@gmail.comSermons from the historic Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, DC where speakers such as Frederick Douglass, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Mary McLeod Bethune, Eleanor Roosevelt, Joel Elias Spingarn, E.E. Just, Alain Locke, Mordecai...
Hear the weekly sermon from the current ministerial staff, led by Rev. William H. Lamar IV.

Find more information about Metropolitan AME here.]]>false2d9e0521-7703-577b-b170-36a9e045bf63episodicFifteenth Sunday after Pentecost - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fifteenth-sunday-after-pentecost-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--74990308
This week's scripture: Romans 16:1-2
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon[a] of the church at Cenchreae, 2 so that you may welcome her in the Lord, as is fitting for the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well.

Chapters:
00:52 Scriptural Reflections and Teachings
12:28 The Presence of God Among the Crucified
13:39 Apostle Paul's Message to the Imperial Church
15:15 The Politics of Maps and Perception
22:11 The Significance of Phoebe in the Early Church
27:35 The Diminishment of Humanity and Identity]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74990308Tue, 08 Sep 2026 03:11:17 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this week's sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of suffering, community, and the importance of recognizing the marginalized. He draws parallels between the crucified among us and the presence of God, emphasizing the need for...
This week's scripture: Romans 16:1-2
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon[a] of the church at Cenchreae, 2 so that you may welcome her in the Lord, as is fitting for the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well.

Chapters:
00:52 Scriptural Reflections and Teachings
12:28 The Presence of God Among the Crucified
13:39 Apostle Paul's Message to the Imperial Church
15:15 The Politics of Maps and Perception
22:11 The Significance of Phoebe in the Early Church
27:35 The Diminishment of Humanity and Identity]]>1687apostle,celebration,community,crucified,dignity,faith,god,grace,guidance,healing,humanity,identity,metropolitan,milestones,paul,perception,phoebe,scripture,vision,worshipfalse74fullFourteenth Sunday after Pentecost - Rev. Dr. Shively Smithhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fourteenth-sunday-after-pentecost-rev-dr-shively-smith--74770988
This week's scripture: Mark 4:35-41
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. 37 A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And waking up, he rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Be silent! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Chapters
01:30 - “How Great Is Our God” sets the worship atmosphere
06:37 - Welcome to the Fifth Sunday Community Choir
14:38 - Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost and the Thurman-centered service
16:20 - Howard Thurman’s legacy and why he matters now
18:57 - “Centering Down” begins
24:03 - Breath, presence, and worship in a centering space
27:30 - Call to worship: resting this day in God
28:53 - Morning hymn: “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”
31:47 - Thurman’s prayer from The Inward Journey
42:33 - Announcements, prayer concerns, and community updates
47:05 - Visiting guests are welcomed
52:55 - Stewardship invitation and the vision for debt freedom
59:00 - Guest introduction for Rev. Dr. Shively T. J. Smith
60:43 - Scripture reading: Mark 4:35-41
00:01 - the Spirit has met us here
03:47 - Why hearing Thurman matters, not just reading him
05:57 - “God speaks without words” and the great silence
08:26 - Jesus sets out “just as he was”
11:41 - The disciples mistake Jesus’ sleep for absence
14:47 - Stillness and power are not separate things
16:29 - Jesus wakes unbothered and speaks to the storm
20:04 - Greek word study: fear versus cowardice
23:24 - Thurman on courage and cowardice
26:26 - What the disciples’ great fear reveals about Jesus
28:50 - Modern storms: rent, layoffs, racism, misogyny, xenophobia
31:28 - Peace, joy, hope, and creativity already at work
33:20 - The invitation to listen when Jesus speaks
34:37 - Thurman’s centering down as a practice of rest
36:36 - Invitation into Metropolitan’s community and spiritual family

Action Items

Practice centering down by taking a breath, releasing tension, and sitting quietly before prayer.
Notice the difference between reacting out of panic and responding with courage.
Rest in God’s presence before trying to solve every storm immediately.
Join the church community in worship, fellowship, and the post-service book celebration.

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74770988Mon, 31 Aug 2026 17:12:10 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this week's sermon, Rev. Dr. Shively Smith engages Howard Thurman’s spiritual practice of centering down, and a sermon rooted in Mark 4:35-41. Rev. Dr. Smith explores a close reading of the storm on the sea, asking how stillness, courage, and faith...
This week's scripture: Mark 4:35-41
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. 37 A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 And waking up, he rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Be silent! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Chapters
01:30 - “How Great Is Our God” sets the worship atmosphere
06:37 - Welcome to the Fifth Sunday Community Choir
14:38 - Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost and the Thurman-centered service
16:20 - Howard Thurman’s legacy and why he matters now
18:57 - “Centering Down” begins
24:03 - Breath, presence, and worship in a centering space
27:30 - Call to worship: resting this day in God
28:53 - Morning hymn: “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms”
31:47 - Thurman’s prayer from The Inward Journey
42:33 - Announcements, prayer concerns, and community updates
47:05 - Visiting guests are welcomed
52:55 - Stewardship invitation and the vision for debt freedom
59:00 - Guest introduction for Rev. Dr. Shively T. J. Smith
60:43 - Scripture reading: Mark 4:35-41
00:01 - the Spirit has met us here
03:47 - Why hearing Thurman matters, not just reading him
05:57 - “God speaks without words” and the great silence
08:26 - Jesus sets out “just as he was”
11:41 - The disciples mistake Jesus’ sleep for absence
14:47 - Stillness and power are not separate things
16:29 - Jesus wakes unbothered and speaks to the storm
20:04 - Greek word study: fear versus cowardice
23:24 - Thurman on courage and cowardice
26:26 - What the disciples’ great fear reveals about Jesus
28:50 - Modern storms: rent, layoffs, racism, misogyny, xenophobia
31:28 - Peace, joy, hope, and creativity already at work
33:20 - The invitation to listen when Jesus speaks
34:37 - Thurman’s centering down as a practice of rest
36:36 - Invitation into Metropolitan’s community and spiritual family

Action Items

Practice centering down by taking a breath, releasing tension, and sitting quietly before prayer.
Notice the difference between reacting out of panic and responding with courage.
Rest in God’s presence before trying to solve every storm immediately.
Join the church community in worship, fellowship, and the post-service book celebration.

]]>2264ame,church,community,courage,cowardice,faith,howard,jesus,meditation,metropolitan,prayer,rest,scripture,sermon,spirituality,thurman,worshipfalse73fullThirteenth Sunday after Pentecost - Rev. Nichele Carter-Petersonhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/thirteenth-sunday-after-pentecost-rev-nichele-carter-peterson--74683924
This week's scripture: Matthew 16:13-20
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist but others Elijah and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Takeaways

Every member has a role through prayer, participation, service, and giving.
We can invest more in our children and youth by eliminating debt.
The church should prioritize community ministries and support families.
Understanding our identity is crucial for empowerment and justice.
The church must not imitate dominant culture but embrace its unique heritage.
We are called to create a world that reflects God's kingdom on earth.
The importance of discernment in understanding spiritual authority.
We must recognize and challenge internalized racism within our communities.
Celebrating our blackness is essential to our identity and faith.
The church has a legacy of social justice and empowerment.

Chapters
00:05 Welcoming Guests and Community Engagement
05:53 Stewardship and Generosity in Worship
13:46 Introducing the Speaker and Scripture Reading
15:38 Guest Artist and Musical Worship
29:41 Reflections on Identity and Life's Journey
32:34 Imitation of Life: A Deep Dive into Identity
54:41 Invitation to Embrace True Identity and Community
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74683924Tue, 25 Aug 2026 21:56:39 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this week's sermon, Rev. Nichele Carter-Peterson explores themes of community engagement, stewardship, and identity within the church, particularly focusing on the African American experience. She emphasizes the importance of embracing one's...
This week's scripture: Matthew 16:13-20
13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist but others Elijah and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Messiah.

Takeaways

Every member has a role through prayer, participation, service, and giving.
We can invest more in our children and youth by eliminating debt.
The church should prioritize community ministries and support families.
Understanding our identity is crucial for empowerment and justice.
The church must not imitate dominant culture but embrace its unique heritage.
We are called to create a world that reflects God's kingdom on earth.
The importance of discernment in understanding spiritual authority.
We must recognize and challenge internalized racism within our communities.
Celebrating our blackness is essential to our identity and faith.
The church has a legacy of social justice and empowerment.

Chapters
00:05 Welcoming Guests and Community Engagement
05:53 Stewardship and Generosity in Worship
13:46 Introducing the Speaker and Scripture Reading
15:38 Guest Artist and Musical Worship
29:41 Reflections on Identity and Life's Journey
32:34 Imitation of Life: A Deep Dive into Identity
54:41 Invitation to Embrace True Identity and Community
]]>1529ame,black,church,community,empowerment,faith,generosity,identity,justice,metropolitan,social,stewardship,worshipfalse72fullTwelfth Sunday After Pentecost - Rev. Kendal McBroomhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/twelfth-sunday-after-pentecost-rev-kendal-mcbroom--74222896

This week's scripture: Isaiah 55:1-5, 8-11
Hear, everyone who thirsts;
    come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
    come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
    without money and without price.
2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread
    and your earnings for that which does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good,
    and delight yourselves in rich food.
3 Incline your ear, and come to me;
    listen, so that you may live.
I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
    my steadfast, sure love for David.
4 See, I made him a witness to the peoples,
    a leader and commander for the peoples.
5 Now you shall call nations that you do not know,
    and nations that do not know you shall run to you,
because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel,
    for he has glorified you.

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
    and do not return there until they have watered the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
    giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
    it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose
    and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Takeaways

God's first declaration over humanity is that it is good.
The economy of God is based on need, not possession.
Empire's lie is that some are expendable and others deserving.
God's invitation is inclusive, regardless of economic status.
The visible hand of power shapes society, not the invisible.
We are called to imagine and live beyond systemic lies.
Rebuilding trust and covenant is essential after exile.
God's ways challenge the dominant narratives of scarcity.
The prophetic imagination offers hope amid despair.
Living out God's economy requires active care and community.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction: The Power of Isaiah 55
01:46 The Context of Exile and Disillusionment
04:05 God's Invitation to Come Without Money
07:06 The Lie of Scarcity and Empire
12:01 Babylon's Control and America's Empire
16:00 God's Alternative Economy: Abundance and Need
22:11 Questioning the Invisible Hand of Markets
23:57 The Call to Trust God's Sovereignty
27:09 Cultivating a Culture of Care
28:48 Rebuilding Covenant and Community
30:54 Living in the Difference: God's Ways
32:54 The Invitation to Live and Organize Differently
34:01 Conclusion: The Final Word of God

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/74222896Mon, 17 Aug 2026 19:39:08 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this week's sermon, Rev. Kendal McBroom explores the profound message of Isaiah 55, challenging societal lies about worth, productivity, and abundance. This sermon invites us to trust God's economy of care, community, and divine sovereignty over...

This week's scripture: Isaiah 55:1-5, 8-11
Hear, everyone who thirsts;
    come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
    come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
    without money and without price.
2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread
    and your earnings for that which does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good,
    and delight yourselves in rich food.
3 Incline your ear, and come to me;
    listen, so that you may live.
I will make with you an everlasting covenant,
    my steadfast, sure love for David.
4 See, I made him a witness to the peoples,
    a leader and commander for the peoples.
5 Now you shall call nations that you do not know,
    and nations that do not know you shall run to you,
because of the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel,
    for he has glorified you.

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.
10 For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven
    and do not return there until they have watered the earth,
making it bring forth and sprout,
    giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
    it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose
    and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

Takeaways

God's first declaration over humanity is that it is good.
The economy of God is based on need, not possession.
Empire's lie is that some are expendable and others deserving.
God's invitation is inclusive, regardless of economic status.
The visible hand of power shapes society, not the invisible.
We are called to imagine and live beyond systemic lies.
Rebuilding trust and covenant is essential after exile.
God's ways challenge the dominant narratives of scarcity.
The prophetic imagination offers hope amid despair.
Living out God's economy requires active care and community.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction: The Power of Isaiah 55
01:46 The Context of Exile and Disillusionment
04:05 God's Invitation to Come Without Money
07:06 The Lie of Scarcity and Empire
12:01 Babylon's Control and America's Empire
16:00 God's Alternative Economy: Abundance and Need
22:11 Questioning the Invisible Hand of Markets
23:57 The Call to Trust God's Sovereignty
27:09 Cultivating a Culture of Care
28:48 Rebuilding Covenant and Community
30:54 Living in the Difference: God's Ways
32:54 The Invitation to Live and Organize Differently
34:01 Conclusion: The Final Word of God

]]>2175action,ame,care,change,community,divine,economy,faith,gbcs,imagination,isaiah,justice,metropolitan,prophetic,reflection,social,spiritual,systemicfalse71fullEleventh Sunday After Pentecost - Rev. Moya Harrishttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/eleventh-sunday-after-pentecost-rev-moya-harris--73777689
This week's text: Luke 1:26-45
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. 39 In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44 For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”

Takeaways

Good ancestors plant seeds of blessing for future generations even without seeing the harvest.
Black women are under attack in many spheres, yet their spiritual and community leadership remains vital.
Mary and Elizabeth exemplify how women can work together across generations to fulfill God's plan.
Every act of love, mentorship, and faithfulness contributes to becoming a good ancestor.
We are called to love boldly, bless others, and leave a legacy of faith and justice.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Opening Prayer
03:01 Scripture Reading and Context of Luke 1
04:50 The Call to Become a Good Ancestor
08:54 The Attacks on Black Women in Society and Church
11:03 The Significance of Generations and Biblical Examples
12:54 Mary and Elizabeth: Models of Courage and Blessing
15:59 The Power of Blessing Future Generations
17:24 Lessons for Elders and Young People
21:58 The Call to Love, Lead, and Leave a Legacy
23:54 Invitation to Community and Church Membership

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73777689Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:00:36 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this week's sermon, Rev. Moya Harris shares a powerful message on becoming a good ancestor, emphasizing the importance of blessing the next generation, recognizing the Spirit in others, and the ongoing fight for justice and faithfulness in a...
This week's text: Luke 1:26-45
26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. 36 And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her. 39 In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? 44 For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”

Takeaways

Good ancestors plant seeds of blessing for future generations even without seeing the harvest.
Black women are under attack in many spheres, yet their spiritual and community leadership remains vital.
Mary and Elizabeth exemplify how women can work together across generations to fulfill God's plan.
Every act of love, mentorship, and faithfulness contributes to becoming a good ancestor.
We are called to love boldly, bless others, and leave a legacy of faith and justice.

Hunger is a unifying and scarlet thread in biblical narratives.
Herod's hunger for power leads to violence and bloodshed.
Jesus' compassion moves him to feed and heal the people.
The miracle of feeding the 5000 challenges scarcity mindset.
We are called to share our resources and combat systemic hunger.
Jesus' solitude reminds us of the need for spiritual renewal.
Faith requires action, not just prayer, to address real needs.
The systemic hunger in society is rooted in exploitation and greed.

Hunger is a unifying and scarlet thread in biblical narratives.
Herod's hunger for power leads to violence and bloodshed.
Jesus' compassion moves him to feed and heal the people.
The miracle of feeding the 5000 challenges scarcity mindset.
We are called to share our resources and combat systemic hunger.
Jesus' solitude reminds us of the need for spiritual renewal.
Faith requires action, not just prayer, to address real needs.
The systemic hunger in society is rooted in exploitation and greed.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction: The Theme of Hunger in Matthew 14
02:05 Herod's Hunger for Power and Its Consequences
08:54 The Feast and the Blood: Herod's Party and Violence
13:00 Jesus' Hunger for Solitude and Connection
18:58 Jesus' Compassion and the Miracle of Feeding
24:05 Resources, Scarcity, and the Call to Share
26:07 Living in a Wilderness: God Provides in Scarcity
27:42 The Little Bird and the Worm: God's Provision in Nature
30:07 The Feast in the Wilderness: Trusting God's Abundance

]]>2010ame,community,compassion,faith,herod,hunger,jesus,justice,keywords bible,matthew,metropolitan,miracle,socialfalse69fullNinth Sunday After Pentecost - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ninth-sunday-after-pentecost-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--73204432

This week's scripture Matthew 13:31-32
31 He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; 32 it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

Key Topics
The parable of the mustard seed and its spiritual significance
Misinterpretations of the parable influenced by American capitalism and imperialism
The kingdom of God is present now, in small and tangible ways
The importance of partnering with God to bring about justice and peace
The kingdom of God is small, but its impact is profound and far-reaching

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73204432Tue, 28 Jul 2026 02:28:42 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this week's sermon Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the profound meaning of the parable of the mustard seed, emphasizing that God's kingdom often manifests in small, everyday acts and humble beginnings. This reflection challenges us to see God's...

This week's scripture Matthew 13:31-32
31 He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; 32 it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.”

Key Topics
The parable of the mustard seed and its spiritual significance
Misinterpretations of the parable influenced by American capitalism and imperialism
The kingdom of God is present now, in small and tangible ways
The importance of partnering with God to bring about justice and peace
The kingdom of God is small, but its impact is profound and far-reaching

]]>1781ame,community,faith,god,god's,gospel,growth,metropolitan,mustard,mustardseed,parable,reflection,seed,small,spiritual,workfalse68fullYoung Adult Sunday 2026 - Rev. Keila Mumphordhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/young-adult-sunday-2026-rev-keila-mumphord--73100365

This week's scripture 1 Corinthians 12:14-21
14 Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot would say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear would say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many members yet one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”

Key Topics

The metaphor of the body in 1 Corinthians 12
The importance of diverse gifts for community health
Lessons from Encanto about self-worth and gifts
The danger of comparison and self-doubt
The role of marginalized voices in the church
Healing and reconciliation through inclusion
The significance of intergenerational wisdom
The value of individual uniqueness in collective success

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/73100365Wed, 22 Jul 2026 06:11:42 +0000Phillip DiekeIn his week's sermon, Rev. Keila Mumphord explores the profound message of individual worth and collective unity through biblical insights and the story of Encanto, emphasizing that our true value lies in who we are, not just our gifts. This week's...

This week's scripture 1 Corinthians 12:14-21
14 Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot would say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear would say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many members yet one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.”

Key Topics

The metaphor of the body in 1 Corinthians 12
The importance of diverse gifts for community health
Lessons from Encanto about self-worth and gifts
The danger of comparison and self-doubt
The role of marginalized voices in the church
Healing and reconciliation through inclusion
The significance of intergenerational wisdom
The value of individual uniqueness in collective success

]]>829ame,biblical,church,collective,community,diversity,encanto,gifts,good,metropolitan,self-worth,spirituality,teaching,unity,youngadultfalse67fullChurch Anniversary 2026 - Rev. Dr. Stephanie Crumptonhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/church-anniversary-2026-rev-dr-stephanie-crumpton--72950050
This week's scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Takeaways

Building spiritual bridges requires intentional prayer and reflection.
Trust in God's ability to do more than we can ask or imagine.
Moments of crisis are opportunities for divine intervention and growth.
Community support and intercession are vital for resilience.
Remembering past victories strengthens faith for future challenges.

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72950050Mon, 13 Jul 2026 13:51:18 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week celebrating our 188th anniversary, Rev. Dr. Stephanie Crumpton shares a powerful sermon on God's love, faithfulness, and the importance of building bridges of faith through prayer, reflection, and action. She explores how life's challenges...
This week's scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth takes its name. I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, he may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love. I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Takeaways

Building spiritual bridges requires intentional prayer and reflection.
Trust in God's ability to do more than we can ask or imagine.
Moments of crisis are opportunities for divine intervention and growth.
Community support and intercession are vital for resilience.
Remembering past victories strengthens faith for future challenges.

]]>2285ame,anniversary,community,divine,faith,god's,growth,hope,injustice,love,metropolitan,power,prayer,resilience,spiritual,systemic,trustfalse66fullSixth Sunday After Pentecost - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sixth-sunday-after-pentecost-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--72838792
This week's scripture: John 1:1-4
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.

Key Topics

The significance of words as divine tools
The historical misuse of words and power
The importance of building, fixing, tearing down in community
The role of faith and collective action in justice
The critique of American history and ideals

Chapters
00:00 Scriptural Reflections and Teachings
03:03 The Power of Words in Preaching
25:54 Building, Fixing, and Tearing Down Systems

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72838792Mon, 06 Jul 2026 12:57:32 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this week's sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV reflects on the power of words, tools, and collective action in shaping justice and community on the day after America's 250th celebration. This week's scripture: John 1:1-4 In the beginning was the...
This week's scripture: John 1:1-4
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.

Key Topics

The significance of words as divine tools
The historical misuse of words and power
The importance of building, fixing, tearing down in community
The role of faith and collective action in justice
The critique of American history and ideals

Chapters
00:00 Scriptural Reflections and Teachings
03:03 The Power of Words in Preaching
25:54 Building, Fixing, and Tearing Down Systems

]]>1781250,4thofjuly,ame,america,building,down,faith,fixing,history,justice,logos,metropolitan,power,tearing,tools,wordsfalse65fullFifth Sunday After Pentecost - Rev. Dr. Elliott Robinsonhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fifth-sunday-after-pentecost-rev-dr-elliott-robinson--72749782
This week's scripture - Luke 18:1-8
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. 3 In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my accuser.’ 4 For a while he refused, but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’ ” 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? 8 I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Takeaways

Persistent prayer and faith can shift even the most unjust systems.
Trust in God's power is essential in the fight for justice.
Bothering systems is a divine act that can lead to change.
The widow's persistence demonstrates unwavering faith.
God's justice is swift for those who cry out day and night.

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72749782Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:44:37 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this week's sermon, Rev. Dr. Elliott Robinson explores the power of persistent faith and activism through the parable of the persistent widow, emphasizing the importance of bothering systems for justice and trusting God's power. This week's...
This week's scripture - Luke 18:1-8
Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. 3 In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my accuser.’ 4 For a while he refused, but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’ ” 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? 8 I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”

Takeaways

Persistent prayer and faith can shift even the most unjust systems.
Trust in God's power is essential in the fight for justice.
Bothering systems is a divine act that can lead to change.
The widow's persistence demonstrates unwavering faith.
God's justice is swift for those who cry out day and night.

]]>1965activism,ame,biblical,church,faith,god,justice,metropolitan,parables,persistence,prayer,social,spiritual,strength,trustfalse64fullFather's Day 2026 - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/father-s-day-2026-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--72659792

This week's text: Matthew 10:34-36
34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace but a sword.35 For I have come to set a man against his father,
and a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law,
36 and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household.

Takeaways

Jesus' use of the sword symbolizes internal spiritual surgery.
External peace does not address internal turmoil.
Self-deception, fear, and inadequacy hinder true peace.
Relationship with the Holy Spirit is essential for healing.
Internal peace requires confronting and cutting away inner falsehoods.
Fear can be a helpful response but should not control us.
The Spirit of Christ provides anesthesia during spiritual surgery.
Healing is a process that involves internal work, not just external circumstances.
Our internal battles are the first front in our spiritual journey.
Embracing internal transformation leads to genuine peace and wholeness.

Chapters
00:00 The Value of Acknowledgment and Fearlessness
00:59 Understanding the Sword of Christ
10:55 Internal Surgery: The Need for Healing
20:46 Cutting Away Self-Deception, Fear, and Inadequacy

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72659792Wed, 24 Jun 2026 01:51:44 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this week's sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the profound message of Jesus in Matthew 10, emphasizing the internal work of spiritual surgery. He discusses how the 'sword' Jesus wields is a metaphor for internal transformation, cutting away...

This week's text: Matthew 10:34-36
34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace but a sword.35 For I have come to set a man against his father,
and a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law,
36 and one’s foes will be members of one’s own household.

Takeaways

Jesus' use of the sword symbolizes internal spiritual surgery.
External peace does not address internal turmoil.
Self-deception, fear, and inadequacy hinder true peace.
Relationship with the Holy Spirit is essential for healing.
Internal peace requires confronting and cutting away inner falsehoods.
Fear can be a helpful response but should not control us.
The Spirit of Christ provides anesthesia during spiritual surgery.
Healing is a process that involves internal work, not just external circumstances.
Our internal battles are the first front in our spiritual journey.
Embracing internal transformation leads to genuine peace and wholeness.

Chapters
00:00 The Value of Acknowledgment and Fearlessness
00:59 Understanding the Sword of Christ
10:55 Internal Surgery: The Need for Healing
20:46 Cutting Away Self-Deception, Fear, and Inadequacy

]]>160810,ame,christian,christianity,dc,faith,fear,growth,healing,inadequacy,internal,jesus,matthew,matthew10,metropolitan,peace,self-deception,spiritual,surgeryfalse63fullYouth Annual Day 2026 - Rev. Nicole Stratchanhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/youth-annual-day-2026-rev-nicole-stratchan--72534233

This week's text: Acts 8:26-39
26 Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a wilderness road.) 27 So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, the queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to this chariot and join it.” 30 So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 He replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. 32 Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this:“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter,
    and like a lamb silent before its shearer,
        so he does not open his mouth.
33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
    Who can describe his generation?
        For his life is taken away from the earth.”
34 The eunuch asked Philip, “About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. 36 As they were going along the road, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?” 38 He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more and went on his way rejoicing.

Takeaways

Rejoicing requires authenticity and being real with oneself.
Sports culture creates environments of inclusion and joy that churches can learn from.
The biblical story of the eunuch challenges us to rethink notions of race, gender, and access.
Metacognition is essential for spiritual growth and understanding.
Church environments should foster space for joy, inclusion, and authenticity.

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72534233Mon, 15 Jun 2026 13:18:35 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this week's sermon, Rev. Nicole Stratchan explores the power of rejoicing, inclusion, and faith through the lens of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts, emphasizing how faith and community can be more inclusive and joyful. She reflects on her...

This week's text: Acts 8:26-39
26 Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a wilderness road.) 27 So he got up and went. Now there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of the Candace, the queen of the Ethiopians, in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship 28 and was returning home; seated in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over to this chariot and join it.” 30 So Philip ran up to it and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah. He asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 He replied, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to get in and sit beside him. 32 Now the passage of the scripture that he was reading was this:“Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter,
    and like a lamb silent before its shearer,
        so he does not open his mouth.
33 In his humiliation justice was denied him.
    Who can describe his generation?
        For his life is taken away from the earth.”
34 The eunuch asked Philip, “About whom, may I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip began to speak, and starting with this scripture he proclaimed to him the good news about Jesus. 36 As they were going along the road, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water! What is to prevent me from being baptized?” 38 He commanded the chariot to stop, and both of them, Philip and the eunuch, went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; the eunuch saw him no more and went on his way rejoicing.

Takeaways

Rejoicing requires authenticity and being real with oneself.
Sports culture creates environments of inclusion and joy that churches can learn from.
The biblical story of the eunuch challenges us to rethink notions of race, gender, and access.
Metacognition is essential for spiritual growth and understanding.
Church environments should foster space for joy, inclusion, and authenticity.

]]>1650acts,ame,biblical,community,dc,faith,growth,inclusion,interpretation,metacognition,metropolitan,rejoicing,spiritualfalse62fullImmigration Ministry Annual Day 2026 - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/immigration-ministry-annual-day-2026-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--72417107

This weeks text: John 4:6-10
6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon.7 A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8 (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.”

Takeaways

Conversations at wells are as old as human thirst and symbolize divine encounters.
Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman breaks social, racial, and religious boundaries.
God initiates divine conversations, and humans are often unaware of divine presence.
Recognizing who is asking us for a drink can transform our understanding of divine interaction.

Conversations at wells are as old as human thirst and symbolize divine encounters.
Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman breaks social, racial, and religious boundaries.
God initiates divine conversations, and humans are often unaware of divine presence.
Recognizing who is asking us for a drink can transform our understanding of divine interaction.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:04 Conversations at the Well: Historical Context
00:57 The Samaritan Woman: Breaking Boundaries
06:30 God's Desire for Connection: Betrothal Themes
12:53 Rule-Breaking Conversations: Expanding Our Horizons
16:43 Divine Initiation: The Thirst for Connection
19:14 Human Ignorance: Recognizing the Divine in Our Lives
24:48 Call to Action: Embracing Deeper Relationships

]]>1554betrothal,bible,conversation,divine,faith,inclusivity,jesus,spiritual,thirst,water,wellfalse61fullTrinity Sunday 2026 - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trinity-sunday-2026-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--72276257
This week's scripture: John 4:6-14
6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon.7 A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8 (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?” 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.”
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72276257Mon, 01 Jun 2026 12:28:48 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this week's sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the profound metaphor of the well from John 4, emphasizing our collective and individual thirst for connection, peace, and spiritual renewal. He highlights the humanity of Jesus, the importance...
This week's scripture: John 4:6-14
6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon.7 A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Give me a drink.” 8 (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?” (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? 12 Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us the well and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?” 13 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.”
]]>1593ame,connection,divine,faith,inspiration,jesus,john,justice,living,metropolitan,sermon,spirituality,thirst,waterfalse60fullPentecost Sunday 2026 - Rev. Thomas A. Brackeen, Jr.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/pentecost-sunday-2026-rev-thomas-a-brackeen-jr--72156482
This week's text: Acts 2:1-8, 12-13
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.5 Now there were devout Jews from every people under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6 And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 7 Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language?
12 All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”

Key Topics

Pentecost's historical significance and diversity
The black church's relationship with Pentecost
Pentecost as a call for justice and community
The role of community and gathering in spiritual movement

Chapters
00:00 The Need for the Spirit
00:33 Celebrating Pentecost in the Black Church
03:19 Pentecost in Perilous Times
08:42 Diversity and the Spirit of Pentecost
13:19 Community and Connection
18:14 Rediscovering Voices
22:28 Pentecost as a Movement
24:43 The Call to Action

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72156482Mon, 25 May 2026 16:24:06 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this week's sermon, Rev. Thomas A. Brackeen, Jr. explores the significance of Pentecost in the context of contemporary social and political challenges, emphasizing community, diversity, and active faith. This week's text: Acts 2:1-8, 12-13 When...
This week's text: Acts 2:1-8, 12-13
When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.5 Now there were devout Jews from every people under heaven living in Jerusalem. 6 And at this sound the crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in the native language of each. 7 Amazed and astonished, they asked, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language?
12 All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others sneered and said, “They are filled with new wine.”

Key Topics

Pentecost's historical significance and diversity
The black church's relationship with Pentecost
Pentecost as a call for justice and community
The role of community and gathering in spiritual movement

Chapters
00:00 The Need for the Spirit
00:33 Celebrating Pentecost in the Black Church
03:19 Pentecost in Perilous Times
08:42 Diversity and the Spirit of Pentecost
13:19 Community and Connection
18:14 Rediscovering Voices
22:28 Pentecost as a Movement
24:43 The Call to Action

]]>1683activism,ame,black,church,community,diversity,faith,holy,justice,metropolatin,movement,pentecost,social,spirit,spiritualfalse59fullSeventh Sunday of Easter - Rev. Cozette Thomashttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/seventh-sunday-of-easter-rev-cozette-thomas--72062887

This week's scripture: Psalm 116:1-2, 12- 19
I love the Lord because he has heard
    my voice and my supplications.
2 Because he inclined his ear to me,
    therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
What shall I return to the Lord
    for all his bounty to me?
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
    and call on the name of the Lord;
14 I will pay my vows to the Lord
    in the presence of all his people.
15 Precious in the sight of the Lord
    is the death of his faithful ones.
16 O Lord, I am your servant;
    I am your servant, the child of your serving girl.
    You have loosed my bonds.
17 I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice
    and call on the name of the Lord.
18 I will pay my vows to the Lord
    in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courts of the house of the Lord,
    in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord!

Takeaways

God hears our cries, even in silence and suffering.
Response to God's grace involves justice, care, and community action.
Testimony is a call to responsibility and public witness.

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/72062887Tue, 19 May 2026 02:27:57 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week Rev. Cozette Thomas explores the themes of gratitude, response to God's grace, and social responsibility through a sermon on Psalms 116, emphasizing community support and justice. This week's scripture: Psalm 116:1-2, 12- 19 I love...

This week's scripture: Psalm 116:1-2, 12- 19
I love the Lord because he has heard
    my voice and my supplications.
2 Because he inclined his ear to me,
    therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
What shall I return to the Lord
    for all his bounty to me?
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
    and call on the name of the Lord;
14 I will pay my vows to the Lord
    in the presence of all his people.
15 Precious in the sight of the Lord
    is the death of his faithful ones.
16 O Lord, I am your servant;
    I am your servant, the child of your serving girl.
    You have loosed my bonds.
17 I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice
    and call on the name of the Lord.
18 I will pay my vows to the Lord
    in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courts of the house of the Lord,
    in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord!

Takeaways

God hears our cries, even in silence and suffering.
Response to God's grace involves justice, care, and community action.
Testimony is a call to responsibility and public witness.

]]>764116,ame,community,divine,faith,gratitude,justice,liberation,metropolitan,psalm,psalms,reflection,response,responsibility,social,spiritual,support,testimonyfalse58fullSixth Sunday of Easter and Mother's Day 2026 - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sixth-sunday-of-easter-and-mother-s-day-2026-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--71960377
This week's scripture - Numbers 6:22-27:
22 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 23 “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying: Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them:24 The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
27 “So they shall put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”

Key Topics

The significance of the priestly benediction
The metaphor of wilderness in contemporary America
Divine blessing, protection, and peace
The role of faith and spirituality in social justice

Chapters
00:00 The Power of Trust and Truth
01:35 Facing the Wilderness: A Call for Benediction
13:28 God's Blessing in the Wilderness
27:25 The Name of God: Our Strength and Identity

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71960377Mon, 11 May 2026 17:46:11 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the significance of the priestly benediction in navigating the wilderness of contemporary America, emphasizing divine blessing, protection, and peace as essential for facing societal challenges. This week's...
This week's scripture - Numbers 6:22-27:
22 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 23 “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying: Thus you shall bless the Israelites: You shall say to them:24 The Lord bless you and keep you;
25 the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
26 the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
27 “So they shall put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.”

Key Topics

The significance of the priestly benediction
The metaphor of wilderness in contemporary America
Divine blessing, protection, and peace
The role of faith and spirituality in social justice

Chapters
00:00 The Power of Trust and Truth
01:35 Facing the Wilderness: A Call for Benediction
13:28 God's Blessing in the Wilderness
27:25 The Name of God: Our Strength and Identity

]]>1935ame,america,benediction,blessing,divine,faith,hope,justice,leadership,metropolitan,social,spirituality,wildernessfalse57fullFifth Sunday of Easter 2026 - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fifth-sunday-of-easter-2026-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--71862785
This week's scripture: Act 2:42
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

Key Topics

The significance of prayer in difficult times
Living as Easter people beyond Easter Sunday
The internal work of prayer and spiritual awareness
The connection between prayer and deeds of justice and compassion

Sound Bites

"Prayer is awareness that the divine is all around us."
"Devoting ourselves to the prayers means to understand that prayer is deed."
"Prayer is communication between the divine and us."

The significance of prayer in difficult times
Living as Easter people beyond Easter Sunday
The internal work of prayer and spiritual awareness
The connection between prayer and deeds of justice and compassion

Sound Bites

"Prayer is awareness that the divine is all around us."
"Devoting ourselves to the prayers means to understand that prayer is deed."
"Prayer is communication between the divine and us."

Chapters
00:00 Offering and Sacrificial Giving
00:07 Scripture Reading and Reflection
00:52 The Power of Prayer in Easter Living
07:26 Devotion to the Prayers: A Community Practice
13:24 Awareness of God's Presence in Prayer
20:18 Prayer as Action: The Deed of Faith

]]>1593action,ame,community,devotion,divine,easter,faith,justice,metropolitan,practice,prayer,presence,resilience,social,spiritualfalse56fullFourth Sunday of Easter 2026 - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fourth-sunday-of-easter-2026-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--71707422

This week's scripture - Acts 2:42-47:
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.43 Awe came upon everyone because many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Key Topics

Living into resurrection beyond Easter Sunday
The importance of community and fellowship in faith
Reorienting ourselves to hope and life amidst death

Chapters
00:00 The Call to Keep Pressing Forward
01:28 The Gift of a Glimpse: Understanding Resurrection
04:52 Practicing Resurrection Beyond Easter Sunday
06:18 Reorienting Towards Resurrection in a Challenging World
12:38 Eastering Ourselves: Community and Connection
17:54 The Power of Teaching and Fellowship
24:36 Breaking Bread Together: The Essence of Fellowship

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71707422Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:39:36 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this week's sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the meaning of resurrection beyond Easter Sunday, emphasizing community, fellowship, and reorientation in a world full of death and despair. It encourages living resurrection daily through...

This week's scripture - Acts 2:42-47:
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.43 Awe came upon everyone because many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

Key Topics

Living into resurrection beyond Easter Sunday
The importance of community and fellowship in faith
Reorienting ourselves to hope and life amidst death

Chapters
00:00 The Call to Keep Pressing Forward
01:28 The Gift of a Glimpse: Understanding Resurrection
04:52 Practicing Resurrection Beyond Easter Sunday
06:18 Reorienting Towards Resurrection in a Challenging World
12:38 Eastering Ourselves: Community and Connection
17:54 The Power of Teaching and Fellowship
24:36 Breaking Bread Together: The Essence of Fellowship

]]>1620false55fullThird Sunday of Easter 2026 - Rev. Dr. Shively Smithhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/third-sunday-of-easter-2026-rev-dr-shively-smith--71497572
This week's scripture - 1 Peter 1:17-23
17 If you invoke as Father the one who judges impartially according to each person’s work, live in fear during the time of your exile. 18 You know that you were ransomed from the futile conduct inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. 20 He was destined before the foundation of the world but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. 21 Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your trust and hope are in God.
22 Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual affection, love one another deeply from the heart. 23 You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.

Takeaways

Love deeply from the heart, with stamina and strength.
Redemption is paid with the blood of Christ, not material wealth.
Futile inheritances teach cruelty, greed, exploitation, but faith teaches liberation.
Seeds of courage and endurance are planted through pressure and discomfort.
Our worth is defined by God's precious life, not worldly measures.

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71497572Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:28:38 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this week's sermon, Rev. Dr. Shively Smith explores the profound questions of life's true costs, the legacy of faith, and the power of love rooted in biblical teachings. She reflects on personal resilience, historical inheritance, and the enduring...
This week's scripture - 1 Peter 1:17-23
17 If you invoke as Father the one who judges impartially according to each person’s work, live in fear during the time of your exile. 18 You know that you were ransomed from the futile conduct inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. 20 He was destined before the foundation of the world but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. 21 Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your trust and hope are in God.
22 Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual affection, love one another deeply from the heart. 23 You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.

Takeaways

Love deeply from the heart, with stamina and strength.
Redemption is paid with the blood of Christ, not material wealth.
Futile inheritances teach cruelty, greed, exploitation, but faith teaches liberation.
Seeds of courage and endurance are planted through pressure and discomfort.
Our worth is defined by God's precious life, not worldly measures.

]]>20461peter,ame,biblical,easter,faith,growth,hope,inheritance,liberation,love,metropolitan,peter,resilience,sacrifice,spiritualfalse54fullSecond Sunday of Easter 2026 and Abolitionist Sanctuary National Sundayhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/second-sunday-of-easter-2026-and-abolitionist-sanctuary-national-sunday--71292778
Sound Bites

"We are living post-resurrection, but it often feels like defeat."
"Be like Rhoda—believe that freedom is God's miracle."
"There is a God who will break every chain."

This week's scripture: Acts 12:12-17
As soon as he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many had gathered and were praying. 13 When he knocked at the outer gate, a maid named Rhoda came to answer. 14 On recognizing Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the gate, she ran in and announced that Peter was standing at the gate. 15 They said to her, “You are out of your mind!” But she insisted that it was so. They said, “It is his angel.” 16 Meanwhile Peter continued knocking, and when they opened the gate they saw him and were amazed. 17 He motioned to them with his hand to be silent and described for them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he added, “Tell this to James and to the brothers and sisters.” Then he left and went to another place.

Chapters
00:10 Introducing Reverend Dr. Nakia Smith-Robert
00:45 Celebrating an Excellent God
05:02 Abolition in the DNA of the AME Church
07:38 The Christian Story of Liberation
10:42 Facing Modern Defeats
12:27 The Role of Women in Liberation
13:59 Rhoda: The Abolitionist Sanctuary
16:12 Living as an Abolitionist
27:25 Joy in the Midst of Bondage
32:15 Lessons from Rhoda's Faith
36:33 The Call to Be Like Rhoda

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71292778Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:48:19 +0000Phillip DiekeRev. Dr. Nikia Robert explores the biblical story of Rhoda in Acts 12 to illustrate the importance of belief, joy, and sanctuary in the fight for liberation and justice. She connects the story to contemporary issues of incarceration, women's rights,...
Sound Bites

"We are living post-resurrection, but it often feels like defeat."
"Be like Rhoda—believe that freedom is God's miracle."
"There is a God who will break every chain."

This week's scripture: Acts 12:12-17
As soon as he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many had gathered and were praying. 13 When he knocked at the outer gate, a maid named Rhoda came to answer. 14 On recognizing Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the gate, she ran in and announced that Peter was standing at the gate. 15 They said to her, “You are out of your mind!” But she insisted that it was so. They said, “It is his angel.” 16 Meanwhile Peter continued knocking, and when they opened the gate they saw him and were amazed. 17 He motioned to them with his hand to be silent and described for them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he added, “Tell this to James and to the brothers and sisters.” Then he left and went to another place.

Chapters
00:10 Introducing Reverend Dr. Nakia Smith-Robert
00:45 Celebrating an Excellent God
05:02 Abolition in the DNA of the AME Church
07:38 The Christian Story of Liberation
10:42 Facing Modern Defeats
12:27 The Role of Women in Liberation
13:59 Rhoda: The Abolitionist Sanctuary
16:12 Living as an Abolitionist
27:25 Joy in the Midst of Bondage
32:15 Lessons from Rhoda's Faith
36:33 The Call to Be Like Rhoda

]]>2387abolition,acts,ame,church,faith,freedom,justice,liberation,metropolitan,prison,rhoda,sanctuary,womenfalse53fullResurrection Sunday 2026 - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/resurrection-sunday-2026-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--71139468
Takeaways

Earthquakes in scripture symbolize God's power to shake foundations and bring new life.
The Easter earthquake is often overlooked but signifies God's revolutionary power.
God's work is ongoing beyond death, in Galilee, through acts of healing, feeding, and liberation.
The gospel is about community salvation, not individual salvation alone.
Preachers and believers are called to recognize and respond to God's seismic activity in the world.

This week's Scripture - Matthew 28:1-10
After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers and sisters to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Chapters
00:00 Joy Amidst Grief: Acknowledging Loss
00:02 Resurrections and Richter Scales: A Personal Reflection
03:16 The Earthquake Experience
05:04 The Significance of Earthquakes in Scripture
06:00 Lynching and Injustice
08:20 The Role of the Tomb in Resurrection
10:05 The Missed Earthquake of Resurrection
12:35 The Community Aspect of Salvation
13:41 Critique of American Gospel
15:45 God as an Earthquake God
17:14 The Role of Angels in the Earthquake
19:10 Where Jesus Is Today
21:05 Invitation to Join the Movement

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/71139468Mon, 06 Apr 2026 20:56:51 +0000Phillip DiekeRev. William H. Lamar IV explores the profound symbolism of earthquakes in scripture, especially the Easter earthquake, and connects it to contemporary social justice issues. He emphasizes that God's power is like an earthquake—shaking foundations and...
Takeaways

Earthquakes in scripture symbolize God's power to shake foundations and bring new life.
The Easter earthquake is often overlooked but signifies God's revolutionary power.
God's work is ongoing beyond death, in Galilee, through acts of healing, feeding, and liberation.
The gospel is about community salvation, not individual salvation alone.
Preachers and believers are called to recognize and respond to God's seismic activity in the world.

This week's Scripture - Matthew 28:1-10
After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!” And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers and sisters to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

Chapters
00:00 Joy Amidst Grief: Acknowledging Loss
00:02 Resurrections and Richter Scales: A Personal Reflection
03:16 The Earthquake Experience
05:04 The Significance of Earthquakes in Scripture
06:00 Lynching and Injustice
08:20 The Role of the Tomb in Resurrection
10:05 The Missed Earthquake of Resurrection
12:35 The Community Aspect of Salvation
13:41 Critique of American Gospel
15:45 God as an Earthquake God
17:14 The Role of Angels in the Earthquake
19:10 Where Jesus Is Today
21:05 Invitation to Join the Movement

]]>1308activism,ame,awakening,community,earthquake,easter,faith,god,justice,metropolatiname,metropolitan,political,resurrection,revolution,salvation,scripture,social,spiritualfalse52fullPalm Sunday 2026 - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/palm-sunday-2026-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--70986073
Key Topics

Jesus' anger at commercial exploitation in the temple
Critique of capitalism and religious commerce
The importance of spiritual healing and liberation
The role of preachers and religious leaders in social justice

This week's scripture - Matthew 21:12-17
12 Then Jesus entered the temple and drove out all who were selling and buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13 He said to them, “It is written,‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’
but you are making it a den of robbers.”
14 The blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he cured them. 15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the amazing things that he did and heard the children crying out in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they became angry 16 and said to him, “Do you hear what these are saying?”

Sound Bites

"Jesus is angry at religious exploitation"
"He overturns the tables with purpose"
"Be healed, be delivered, be set free"

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70986073Mon, 30 Mar 2026 03:20:37 +0000Phillip DiekeThis Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores Jesus' cleansing of the temple, critiquing the exploitation of the poor through religious commerce and the importance of spiritual healing and liberation. It emphasizes the need to challenge corrupt systems and...
Key Topics

Jesus' anger at commercial exploitation in the temple
Critique of capitalism and religious commerce
The importance of spiritual healing and liberation
The role of preachers and religious leaders in social justice

"Jesus is angry at religious exploitation"
"He overturns the tables with purpose"
"Be healed, be delivered, be set free"

]]>1594ame,capitalism,church,cleansing,commerce,critique,dcchurch,healing,jesus,justice,liberation,metropolatin,reform,religion,religious,spiritual,templefalse51fullFifth Sunday of Lent 2026 - Rev. Dr. Cassandra Gouldhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fifth-sunday-of-lent-2026-rev-dr-cassandra-gould--70851770

This week's scripture - Ezekiel 37:1-14
The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. 3 He said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” 4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. 5 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. 6 I will lay sinews on you and will cause flesh to come upon you and cover you with skin and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”7 So I prophesied as I had been commanded, and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. 8 I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them, but there was no breath in them. 9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” 10 I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.11 Then he said to me, “Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them: Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves and bring you up from your graves, O my people, and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 And you shall know that I am the Lord when I open your graves and bring you up from your graves, O my people. 14 I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act, says the Lord.”

Key Topics

Ezekiel 37 and the vision of dry bones
The concept of revival and second wind in faith
Historical and contemporary exile of Black communities
The role of community and spiritual technologies in revival
The importance of prophecy and collective action

Action Items

Reflect on the dry bones in your community and prophesy life into them.
Use spiritual technologies like prayer, praise, and discernment to seek revival.
Build community systems that foster connection and resilience.
Call forth the breath of God to revive disconnected and oppressed groups.

Chapters
00:00 Introducing Dr. Cassandra Gould
02:39 Reviving the Connection: A Call to Action
05:49 The Second Wind of God
12:08 Exile and the Valley of Dry Bones
16:43 Community Healing and Institutional Builders
23:18 The Power of the Second Wind

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70851770Tue, 24 Mar 2026 14:09:19 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week Rev. Dr. Cassandra Gould explores the theme of revival through the biblical story of Ezekiel's dry bones, emphasizing the importance of community, spiritual renewal, and the 'second wind' of God to revive disconnected and oppressed...

This week's scripture - Ezekiel 37:1-14
The hand of the Lord came upon me, and he brought me out by the spirit of the Lord and set me down in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. 3 He said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord God, you know.” 4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. 5 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. 6 I will lay sinews on you and will cause flesh to come upon you and cover you with skin and put breath in you, and you shall live, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”7 So I prophesied as I had been commanded, and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. 8 I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them, but there was no breath in them. 9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord God: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” 10 I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood on their feet, a vast multitude.11 Then he said to me, “Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them: Thus says the Lord God: I am going to open your graves and bring you up from your graves, O my people, and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 And you shall know that I am the Lord when I open your graves and bring you up from your graves, O my people. 14 I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act, says the Lord.”

Key Topics

Ezekiel 37 and the vision of dry bones
The concept of revival and second wind in faith
Historical and contemporary exile of Black communities
The role of community and spiritual technologies in revival
The importance of prophecy and collective action

Action Items

Reflect on the dry bones in your community and prophesy life into them.
Use spiritual technologies like prayer, praise, and discernment to seek revival.
Build community systems that foster connection and resilience.
Call forth the breath of God to revive disconnected and oppressed groups.

Chapters
00:00 Introducing Dr. Cassandra Gould
02:39 Reviving the Connection: A Call to Action
05:49 The Second Wind of God
12:08 Exile and the Valley of Dry Bones
16:43 Community Healing and Institutional Builders
23:18 The Power of the Second Wind

]]>1561ame,black,bones,church,community,connection,dry,exile,ezekiel,hope,metropolitan,renewal,revival,second,spiritual,windfalse50fullFourth Sunday of Lent 2026 - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fourth-sunday-of-lent-2026-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--70657655
This week's text - Matthew 17:1-9
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became bright as light. 3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will set up three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8 And when they raised their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Ket Topics
The biblical story of Elijah and Elisha as a metaphor for passing the torch
The importance of imagination and conjuring in faith and activism
The legacy of prophets and leaders in confronting injustice
The fleeting nature of human strength and the eternal coming of others
The call to prepare the next generation of leaders and prophets

Chapters
00:00 Conjuring Conversations with Ancestors
02:11 The Importance of Imagination in Faith
05:31 The Legacy of Elijah and the Call to Action
16:14 Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders
25:34 The Double Portion of Spirit
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70657655Mon, 16 Mar 2026 12:47:36 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of conjuring hope, legacy, and resilience through biblical stories and personal reflections. He emphasizes the importance of passing the spirit of activism and faith to future generations,...
This week's text - Matthew 17:1-9
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became bright as light. 3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will set up three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8 And when they raised their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.9 As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

Ket Topics
The biblical story of Elijah and Elisha as a metaphor for passing the torch
The importance of imagination and conjuring in faith and activism
The legacy of prophets and leaders in confronting injustice
The fleeting nature of human strength and the eternal coming of others
The call to prepare the next generation of leaders and prophets

Chapters
00:00 Conjuring Conversations with Ancestors
02:11 The Importance of Imagination in Faith
05:31 The Legacy of Elijah and the Call to Action
16:14 Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders
25:34 The Double Portion of Spirit
]]>1743activism,ahab,and,biblical,elijah,elijah's,elisha,hope,journey,keywords spirituality,legacy,metropolitan,metropolitaname,moses,prophetic,resilience,spirituality,storiesfalse49fullGirl Scout Sunday - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/girl-scout-sunday-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--70543022
Key Topics

The role of imagination in understanding scripture and divine acts
The significance of ancestral conversations and spiritual guidance
Biblical stories as metaphors for resilience and divine intervention

Takeaways

Imagination is a holy and potent force that helps us understand and connect with God.
Biblical stories are products of human imagination inspired by the Spirit, not just historical records.
In challenging times, we are in a 'basket' but God will draw us out and show us the fire of the Spirit.

The role of imagination in understanding scripture and divine acts
The significance of ancestral conversations and spiritual guidance
Biblical stories as metaphors for resilience and divine intervention

Takeaways

Imagination is a holy and potent force that helps us understand and connect with God.
Biblical stories are products of human imagination inspired by the Spirit, not just historical records.
In challenging times, we are in a 'basket' but God will draw us out and show us the fire of the Spirit.

This week's text - Matthew 17:1-3
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became bright as light. 3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.

Chapters
00:00 The Power of Generosity and Community
00:33 Conversations with Ancestors
02:17 The Role of Imagination in Faith
15:13 Baskets and Bushes: Lessons from Moses

]]>1439ame,ancestors,biblical,billlamar,divine,faith,fire,guidance,imagination,keywords faith,metropolitan,moses,resilience,spirituality,stories,wildernessfalse47fullSecond Sunday of Lent & Holy Communion Sundayhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/second-sunday-of-lent-holy-communion-sunday--70380253
This week's Scripture text: Matthew 17:1-8
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became bright as light. 3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will set up three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8 And when they raised their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

Chapters
00:00 Community and Generosity
05:24 The Illusion of Freedom and Historical Figures
09:13 Ancestral Energy and Its Impact
12:51 Niggerization and the Creation of a Permanent Underclass
15:29 Climbing Mountains Together
19:48 Conversations with Ancestors
24:41 The Power of Ancestral Guidance
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70380253Sun, 01 Mar 2026 23:57:59 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this week's sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the significance of ancestral connections and the importance of engaging with our ancestors for guidance and empowerment. He reflects on the transfiguration of Jesus, the politics of naming in...
This week's Scripture text: Matthew 17:1-8
Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became bright as light. 3 Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. 4 Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will set up three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” 8 And when they raised their eyes, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.

Chapters
00:00 Community and Generosity
05:24 The Illusion of Freedom and Historical Figures
09:13 Ancestral Energy and Its Impact
12:51 Niggerization and the Creation of a Permanent Underclass
15:29 Climbing Mountains Together
19:48 Conversations with Ancestors
24:41 The Power of Ancestral Guidance
]]>1607ame,ancestors,ancestral,community,empowerment,guidance,leadership,metropolitan,politics,spirituality,transfiguration,venerationfalse46fullMen's Annual Day - Rev. Brandon Coxhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/men-s-annual-day-rev-brandon-cox--70217829

This week's scripture - 2 Kings 4:1-7
Now the wife of a member of the company of prophets cried to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord, but a creditor has come to take my two children as slaves.” 2 Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” She answered, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” 3 He said, “Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels—and not just a few. 4 Then go in, shut the door behind you and your children, and start pouring into all these vessels; when each is full, set it aside.” 5 So she left him and shut the door behind her and her children; they kept bringing vessels to her, and she kept pouring. 6 When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” But he said to her, “There are no more.” Then the oil stopped flowing. 7 She came and told the man of God, and he said, “Go sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your children can live on the rest.”

Chapters
00:00 Generosity and Giving
00:02 The Power of Scripture and Community
02:52 Borrowed Vessels and Broken Systems
08:49 Desperation and Faith in Crisis
15:07 The Role of the Prophet
20:04 Divine Math and Community Support
23:55 Celebrating Resilience and Hope
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70217829Sun, 22 Feb 2026 22:53:44 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week Rev. Brandon Cox delivers a powerful message centered around the biblical story of a widow in need, drawing parallels to contemporary issues of economic injustice and the importance of community support. He emphasizes the need to cut through...

This week's scripture - 2 Kings 4:1-7
Now the wife of a member of the company of prophets cried to Elisha, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord, but a creditor has come to take my two children as slaves.” 2 Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” She answered, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.” 3 He said, “Go outside, borrow vessels from all your neighbors, empty vessels—and not just a few. 4 Then go in, shut the door behind you and your children, and start pouring into all these vessels; when each is full, set it aside.” 5 So she left him and shut the door behind her and her children; they kept bringing vessels to her, and she kept pouring. 6 When the vessels were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another vessel.” But he said to her, “There are no more.” Then the oil stopped flowing. 7 She came and told the man of God, and he said, “Go sell the oil and pay your debts, and you and your children can live on the rest.”

Chapters
00:00 Generosity and Giving
00:02 The Power of Scripture and Community
02:52 Borrowed Vessels and Broken Systems
08:49 Desperation and Faith in Crisis
15:07 The Role of the Prophet
20:04 Divine Math and Community Support
23:55 Celebrating Resilience and Hope
]]>1491aid,ame,borrowed,community,economic,elisha,empowerment,faith,justice,metropolitan,mutual,noise,prophetic,resilience,vessels,voicefalse45fullBlack Institution Sunday - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-institution-sunday-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--70075217
This week's text - Psalm 46:1-5:
God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
    though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved

Chapters
00:00 Honoring History and Social Justice
02:01 God Is: Present Tense Theology
22:08 God as Our Ally and Strength
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/70075217Mon, 16 Feb 2026 03:30:16 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this powerful sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV emphasizes the present nature of God, asserting that 'God is' rather than 'God was' or 'God will be.' He explores the significance of memory in faith, the importance of recognizing God as our refuge...
This week's text - Psalm 46:1-5:
God is our refuge and strength,
    a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change,
    though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
    though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
    the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved

Chapters
00:00 Honoring History and Social Justice
02:01 God Is: Present Tense Theology
22:08 God as Our Ally and Strength
]]>1766ally,ame,dc,faith,god,help,metropolitan,present,psalm,refuge,sermon,strength,theology,washington,worshipfalse44fullFifth Sunday After the Epiphany - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fifth-sunday-after-the-epiphany-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--69889753

This week's scripture - Genesis 1:1-5
When God began to create the heavens and the earth, 2 the earth was complete chaos, and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

Chapters
00:00 The Power of Worship and Community
59:01 Reflecting on Creation and Our Place in It
01:02:12 The Creation Story: A Different Narrative
01:03:40 God's Ongoing Creation: A Call to Action
01:12:34 Riding the Chaos: God’s Presence in Turmoil
01:24:15 Embracing Our Role as Co-Creators with God]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69889753Mon, 09 Feb 2026 18:05:07 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of worship, community, and the ongoing act of creation by God. He reflects on the importance of revisiting the creation story, emphasizing that God is not finished creating and that we are called...

This week's scripture - Genesis 1:1-5
When God began to create the heavens and the earth, 2 the earth was complete chaos, and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. 3 Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw that the light was good, and God separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.

Chapters
00:00 The Power of Worship and Community
59:01 Reflecting on Creation and Our Place in It
01:02:12 The Creation Story: A Different Narrative
01:03:40 God's Ongoing Creation: A Call to Action
01:12:34 Riding the Chaos: God’s Presence in Turmoil
01:24:15 Embracing Our Role as Co-Creators with God]]>1843ame,chaos,co-creation,community,creation,faith,god,metropolitan,narrative,reflection,spirituality,story,worshipfalse43fullRed Dress Sunday and Holy Communion Sunday - Rev. Kendal McBroomhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/red-dress-sunday-and-holy-communion-sunday-rev-kendal-mcbroom--69742453

This week's scripture: Matthew 5:1-12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And he began to speak and taught them, saying:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Chapters
00:00 Scripture Reading and Sermon Introduction
00:29 Sermon: The Beatitudes and Spiritual Poverty
04:48 The Power of Blues and Restraint
07:27 Threshold Moments and Honesty
08:38 Blessings in Brokenness
10:08 Truth-Telling and Resistance
12:24 Building a New World
13:25 Radical Intent of the Beatitudes
15:16 Reversing the Narrative
17:50 Interdependence and Mourning
20:27 Mercy and Peacemaking
21:57 The Cost of Faithfulness
23:56 The Presence of God in Suffering
25:43 Healing Through Honesty
27:21 The Table of Grace
29:22 Invitation to Participate in Change
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69742453Mon, 02 Feb 2026 16:30:35 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week Rev. Kendal McBroom explores the Beatitudes and their radical implications for justice, community, and faith. He emphasizes the importance of truth-telling, the power of resilience, and the call to build a new world rooted in love and...

This week's scripture: Matthew 5:1-12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. 2 And he began to speak and taught them, saying:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 “Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Chapters
00:00 Scripture Reading and Sermon Introduction
00:29 Sermon: The Beatitudes and Spiritual Poverty
04:48 The Power of Blues and Restraint
07:27 Threshold Moments and Honesty
08:38 Blessings in Brokenness
10:08 Truth-Telling and Resistance
12:24 Building a New World
13:25 Radical Intent of the Beatitudes
15:16 Reversing the Narrative
17:50 Interdependence and Mourning
20:27 Mercy and Peacemaking
21:57 The Cost of Faithfulness
23:56 The Presence of God in Suffering
25:43 Healing Through Honesty
27:21 The Table of Grace
29:22 Invitation to Participate in Change
]]>1804ame,beatitudes,community,faith,god,healing,hope,justice,mercy,metropolitan,resilience,truthfalse42fullThird Sunday After Epiphany - Rev. Cozette Thomashttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/third-sunday-after-epiphany-rev-cozette-thomas--69591629

This week's scripture - Matthew 4:12-23:
12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:15 “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,
    on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the gentiles—
16 the people who sat in darkness
    have seen a great light,
and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death
    light has dawned.”
17 From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”18 As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishers. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.23 Jesus went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.

Chapters
00:00 Scripture Reading and Sermon Introduction
00:05 The Call of Jesus and Its Implications
15:01 Responding to the Call in Today's Context
19:23 Conclusion and Sending Forth
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69591629Mon, 26 Jan 2026 14:42:21 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week Rev. Cozette Thomas explores the themes of calling, faith, and the Kingdom of Heaven as presented in the book of Matthew. She emphasizes the importance of remembering God's promises, the role of Jesus as a light in darkness, and the call to...

This week's scripture - Matthew 4:12-23:
12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:15 “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali,
    on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the gentiles—
16 the people who sat in darkness
    have seen a great light,
and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death
    light has dawned.”
17 From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”18 As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishers. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.23 Jesus went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.

Chapters
00:00 Scripture Reading and Sermon Introduction
00:05 The Call of Jesus and Its Implications
15:01 Responding to the Call in Today's Context
19:23 Conclusion and Sending Forth
]]>1197action,ame,call,community,faith,gospel,heaven,hope,jesus,kingdom,light,metropolitan,prophets,theocentricfalse41fullSecond Sunday After Epiphany & MLK Sunday - Rev. Thomas A. Brackeen, Jr.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/second-sunday-after-epiphany-mlk-sunday-rev-thomas-a-brackeen-jr--69511754Rev. Brackeen's message resonates deeply with the struggles faced by marginalized communities today, as he connects historical injustices to modern-day challenges. He encourages the audience to remember their roots and to stand together against oppressive systems, asserting that faith is not merely about seeking personal safety but about communal resilience and courage. The sermon culminates in a powerful declaration: "We will not bow," reinforcing the call to resist injustice and uphold dignity in the face of adversity.

This week's text - Daniel 3:13-23
13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought in, so they brought those men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods and you do not worship the golden statue that I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready, when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble, you should fall down and worship the statue that I have made. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire, and who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?”16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to present a defense to you in this matter. 17 If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire and out of your hand, O king, let him deliver us. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set up.”19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was so filled with rage against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face was distorted. He ordered the furnace heated up seven times more than was customary 20 and ordered some of the strongest guards in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and to throw them into the furnace of blazing fire. 21 So the men were bound, still wearing their tunics, their trousers, their hats, and their other garments, and they were thrown into the furnace of blazing fire. 22 Because the king’s command was urgent and the furnace was so overheated, the raging flames killed the men who lifted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23 But the three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down, bound, into the furnace of blazing fire.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
02:09 Scripture Reading: Daniel 3
04:06 We Will Not Bow: The Message Begins
05:43 The Sound of the Empire
07:51 Living Under Pressure
12:07 Resistance and Identity
14:17 The Role of Community
17:50 Faith and Liberation
22:11 God in the Fire
24:36 Building Fire-Tested Communities
26:08 Conclusion and Call to Action
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69511754Mon, 19 Jan 2026 23:10:46 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week guest preacher, Rev. Thomas A. Brackeen, Jr. draws from the biblical story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to address contemporary issues of oppression and resistance. He emphasizes the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs,...Rev. Brackeen's message resonates deeply with the struggles faced by marginalized communities today, as he connects historical injustices to modern-day challenges. He encourages the audience to remember their roots and to stand together against oppressive systems, asserting that faith is not merely about seeking personal safety but about communal resilience and courage. The sermon culminates in a powerful declaration: "We will not bow," reinforcing the call to resist injustice and uphold dignity in the face of adversity.

This week's text - Daniel 3:13-23
13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought in, so they brought those men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods and you do not worship the golden statue that I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready, when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, drum, and entire musical ensemble, you should fall down and worship the statue that I have made. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire, and who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?”16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to present a defense to you in this matter. 17 If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire and out of your hand, O king, let him deliver us. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set up.”19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was so filled with rage against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face was distorted. He ordered the furnace heated up seven times more than was customary 20 and ordered some of the strongest guards in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and to throw them into the furnace of blazing fire. 21 So the men were bound, still wearing their tunics, their trousers, their hats, and their other garments, and they were thrown into the furnace of blazing fire. 22 Because the king’s command was urgent and the furnace was so overheated, the raging flames killed the men who lifted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23 But the three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down, bound, into the furnace of blazing fire.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
02:09 Scripture Reading: Daniel 3
04:06 We Will Not Bow: The Message Begins
05:43 The Sound of the Empire
07:51 Living Under Pressure
12:07 Resistance and Identity
14:17 The Role of Community
17:50 Faith and Liberation
22:11 God in the Fire
24:36 Building Fire-Tested Communities
26:08 Conclusion and Call to Action
]]>1842abednego,community,dc,empire,faith,identity,liberation,meshach,metropalitaname,metropolitan,oppression,resistance,shadrach,solidarityfalse40fullFirst Sunday After Epiphany and Baptism of the Lord - Rev. Dr. Cassandra Gouldhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/first-sunday-after-epiphany-and-baptism-of-the-lord-rev-dr-cassandra-gould--69397262

This week's text - Joshua 3:14-17
14 When the people set out from their tents to cross over the Jordan, the priests bearing the ark of the covenant were in front of the people. 15 Now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest. So when those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the edge of the water, 16 the waters flowing from above stood still, rising up in a single heap far off at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, while those flowing toward the sea of the Arabah, the Dead Sea, were wholly cut off. Then the people crossed over opposite Jericho. 17 While all Israel were crossing over on dry ground, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, until the entire nation finished crossing over the Jordan.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69397262Mon, 12 Jan 2026 05:26:44 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week guest preacher, Rev. Dr. Cassandra Gould emphasizes the importance of faith, community, and remembrance. She reflects on personal testimony and the collective journey of the church, urging listeners to 'go back and get' the stories,...

This week's text - Joshua 3:14-17
14 When the people set out from their tents to cross over the Jordan, the priests bearing the ark of the covenant were in front of the people. 15 Now the Jordan overflows all its banks throughout the time of harvest. So when those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan and the feet of the priests bearing the ark were dipped in the edge of the water, 16 the waters flowing from above stood still, rising up in a single heap far off at Adam, the city that is beside Zarethan, while those flowing toward the sea of the Arabah, the Dead Sea, were wholly cut off. Then the people crossed over opposite Jericho. 17 While all Israel were crossing over on dry ground, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firmly on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, until the entire nation finished crossing over the Jordan.]]>1892church,community,empowerment,faith,legacy,narrative,remembrance,resistance,sankofa,testimonyfalse39fullEpiphany of the Lord 2026 - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/epiphany-of-the-lord-2026-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--69300627
This week's text - John 1:1-18:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.15 (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) 16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

Chapters
00:00 The Power of Love and Sadness
00:03 In the Beginning: The Word and Its Significance
03:04 A Song Big Enough for 2026
08:51 The Need for Songs in Troubling Times
17:04 God Becomes Flesh: The Implications
19:31 God's Presence in Our Neighborhoods

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69300627Sun, 04 Jan 2026 22:07:46 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this Epiphany sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the profound themes of the Word of God, the necessity for a larger narrative in 2026, and the importance of songs in expressing grief and hope. He emphasizes that God is not only a distant...
This week's text - John 1:1-18:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.15 (John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, “This is the one I spoke about when I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’”) 16 Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. 17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18 No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known.

Chapters
00:00 The Power of Love and Sadness
00:03 In the Beginning: The Word and Its Significance
03:04 A Song Big Enough for 2026
08:51 The Need for Songs in Troubling Times
17:04 God Becomes Flesh: The Implications
19:31 God's Presence in Our Neighborhoods

]]>14952026,community,epiphany,flesh,glory,god,grief,hope,logos,metropolitan,metropolitaname,narrative,song,wordfalse38fullFirst Sunday After Christmas 2025 - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/first-sunday-after-christmas-2025-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--69235690
This week's text - Matthew 2:1-12:
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, magi from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east and have come to pay him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him, 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet:6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah,
for from you shall come a ruler
    who is to shepherd my people Israel.’ ”
7 Then Herod secretly called for the magi and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” 9 When they had heard the king, they set out, and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen in the east, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Chapters
00:00 Worship and Musical Celebration
00:28 Celebrating Community and Grace
01:39 The Birth of the Messiah: A Reflection on Matthew 2
03:58 Understanding Herod's Control and Fear
07:08 The Nature of Truth and Imagination
09:41 Herod's Legacy: The Many Faces of Oppression
14:22 The Fear of the Powerful
18:41 Worship: A Double-Edged Sword
21:29 The Uncontrollable Star
27:42 The Enduring Light of Hope
29:45 Becoming Stars: Our Role in the World

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69235690Mon, 29 Dec 2025 04:54:13 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this first Sunday after Christmas, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of grace, control, and the enduring light of hope represented by stars. He reflects on the biblical story of Herod and the Magi, emphasizing the importance of...
This week's text - Matthew 2:1-12:
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, magi from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star in the east and have come to pay him homage.” 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him, 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet:6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah,
for from you shall come a ruler
    who is to shepherd my people Israel.’ ”
7 Then Herod secretly called for the magi and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” 9 When they had heard the king, they set out, and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen in the east, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

Chapters
00:00 Worship and Musical Celebration
00:28 Celebrating Community and Grace
01:39 The Birth of the Messiah: A Reflection on Matthew 2
03:58 Understanding Herod's Control and Fear
07:08 The Nature of Truth and Imagination
09:41 Herod's Legacy: The Many Faces of Oppression
14:22 The Fear of the Powerful
18:41 Worship: A Double-Edged Sword
21:29 The Uncontrollable Star
27:42 The Enduring Light of Hope
29:45 Becoming Stars: Our Role in the World

]]>1974christmas,christmastide,grace,herod,hope,imagination,matthew,metropolitan,metropolitaname,oppression,stars,truth,worshipfalse37fullFourth Sunday of Advent 2025 - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fourth-sunday-of-advent-2025-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--69163368
This week's text - Matthew 1:18-21
18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to divorce her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Chapters
00:00 The Precious Lamb of God
00:06 Getting Your Lesson: A Cultural Reflection
01:34 Understanding Literacy and Education
07:48 The Interruption of Christmas
19:28 Making Room for All: The True Meaning of Christmas
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69163368Mon, 22 Dec 2025 05:41:27 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this powerful sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of Christmas, literacy, and the importance of making room for the marginalized in our communities. He emphasizes the need to understand the deeper meanings behind the Christmas...
This week's text - Matthew 1:18-21
18 Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be pregnant from the Holy Spirit. 19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to divorce her quietly. 20 But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

Chapters
00:00 The Precious Lamb of God
00:06 Getting Your Lesson: A Cultural Reflection
01:34 Understanding Literacy and Education
07:48 The Interruption of Christmas
19:28 Making Room for All: The True Meaning of Christmas
]]>1385christmas,community,empowerment,faith,interruption,justice,literacy,marginalized,social,spirituality,understandingfalse36fullThird Sunday of Advent 2025 YPD Annual Day - Bro. Alex Blockerhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/third-sunday-of-advent-2025-ypd-annual-day-bro-alex-blocker--69047381
This week's text - Proverbs 24:3-4
3 By wisdom a house is built,
    and by understanding it is established;
4 by knowledge the rooms are filled
    with all precious and pleasant riches.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgments
36:31 The Importance of Children in the Kingdom
39:20 Understanding Childhood in America
43:47 The Need for Adult Advocacy
49:44 Empowering Young Voices in Decision Making
55:00 Jesus and the Embrace of Vulnerability
01:00:15 The Call to Action for Children and Youth
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/69047381Mon, 15 Dec 2025 00:49:28 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this powerful sermon, Bro. Alex Blocker emphasizes the importance of children in the church and society, advocating for their voices to be heard and their needs to be met. He discusses the current state of childhood in America, the necessity of...
This week's text - Proverbs 24:3-4
3 By wisdom a house is built,
    and by understanding it is established;
4 by knowledge the rooms are filled
    with all precious and pleasant riches.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgments
36:31 The Importance of Children in the Kingdom
39:20 Understanding Childhood in America
43:47 The Need for Adult Advocacy
49:44 Empowering Young Voices in Decision Making
55:00 Jesus and the Embrace of Vulnerability
01:00:15 The Call to Action for Children and Youth
]]>1627advocacy,childhood,children,church,community,decision,empowerment,god,jesus,kingdom,metropolitaname,of,participation,youthfalse35fullSecond Sunday of Advent 2025 - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/second-sunday-of-advent-2025-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--68937721
This week's text Matthew 3:1-6:
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
    make his paths straight.’ ”
4 Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region around the Jordan were going out to him, 6 and they were baptized by him in the River Jordan, confessing their sins.

Chapters
00:00 The Call of John the Baptist
17:55 The Nature of Repentance and Change
23:42 Embracing the Strange in Faith

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68937721Mon, 08 Dec 2025 02:28:28 +0000Phillip DiekeThis Second Sunday of Advent, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of repentance and the cultural strangeness embodied by John the Baptist. He emphasizes the importance of embracing the unconventional and the transformative nature of true...
This week's text Matthew 3:1-6:
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,“The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord;
    make his paths straight.’ ”
4 Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region around the Jordan were going out to him, 6 and they were baptized by him in the River Jordan, confessing their sins.

Chapters
00:00 The Call of John the Baptist
17:55 The Nature of Repentance and Change
23:42 Embracing the Strange in Faith

]]>1619baptist,community,cultural,faith,metropolitaname,preaching,repentance,strangeness,transformationfalse34fullFirst Sunday of Advent 2025 - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/first-sunday-of-advent-2025-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--68812270

This week's text Matthew 24:36-44
36 “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in the days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, 39 and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so, too, will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two will be in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. 41 Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken, and one will be left. 42 Keep awake, therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Chapters
00:00 Scripture Reading: The Coming of the Lord
01:56 The Call to Be Ready
08:47 God's Interruptions in Our Lives
15:46 Witnessing the Coming of the Lord]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68812270Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:40:52 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of Advent, the uncertainty of the coming of the Lord, and the importance of staying awake and prepared for God's presence in our lives. He emphasizes that Advent is not merely a preparation for...

This week's text Matthew 24:36-44
36 “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37 For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in the days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, 39 and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all away, so, too, will be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two will be in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. 41 Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken, and one will be left. 42 Keep awake, therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. 44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Chapters
00:00 Scripture Reading: The Coming of the Lord
01:56 The Call to Be Ready
08:47 God's Interruptions in Our Lives
15:46 Witnessing the Coming of the Lord]]>1262advent,community,faith,god,hope,interruption,preparation,presence,uncertainty,worshipfalse33fullEthel P. Hall Club Annual Day - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ethel-p-hall-club-annual-day-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--68710981
This week's text Luke 15:11-32:
11 Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the wealth that will belong to me.’ So he divided his assets between them. 13 A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant region, and there he squandered his wealth in dissolute living. 14 When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that region, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that region, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16 He would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, and no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to his senses he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.” ’ 20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate, 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.25 “Now his elder son was in the field, and as he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27 He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf because he has got him back safe and sound.’ 28 Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command, yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your assets with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ 31 Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’ ”

Chapters
00:00 Sounds of Gratitude
01:04:08 Lessons from the Prodigal Son
01:08:09 When God's Goodness Makes You Mad
01:15:33 The Prodigal Sons and a Prodigal God
01:22:31 Embracing God's Love
01:28:04 Exorcising the Eldest Son's Anger
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68710981Sun, 23 Nov 2025 21:02:05 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this week's sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of gratitude, God's goodness, and the complexities of mercy through the lens of the Prodigal Son parable. He challenges the audience to reflect on their relationship with God,...
This week's text Luke 15:11-32:
11 Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the wealth that will belong to me.’ So he divided his assets between them. 13 A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant region, and there he squandered his wealth in dissolute living. 14 When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that region, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that region, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16 He would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, and no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to his senses he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.” ’ 20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate, 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.25 “Now his elder son was in the field, and as he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27 He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf because he has got him back safe and sound.’ 28 Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command, yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your assets with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ 31 Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’ ”

Chapters
00:00 Sounds of Gratitude
01:04:08 Lessons from the Prodigal Son
01:08:09 When God's Goodness Makes You Mad
01:15:33 The Prodigal Sons and a Prodigal God
01:22:31 Embracing God's Love
01:28:04 Exorcising the Eldest Son's Anger
]]>1629acceptance,church,faith,forgiveness,god's,goodness,gratitude,journey,love,mercy,prodigal,son,spiritualfalse32fullTwenty Third Sunday After Pentecost - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/twenty-third-sunday-after-pentecost-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--68593482

This week's scripture: Mark 12:1-12
Then he began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a pit for the winepress, and built a watchtower; then he leased it to tenants and went away. 2 When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants to collect from them his share of the produce of the vineyard. 3 But they seized him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 4 And again he sent another slave to them; this one they beat over the head and insulted. 5 Then he sent another, and that one they killed. And so it was with many others; some they beat, and others they killed. 6 He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 7 But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 8 So they seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. 9 What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. 10 Have you not read this scripture:‘The stone that the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone;
11 this was the Lord’s doing,
    and it is amazing in our eyes’?”
12 When they realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowd. So they left him and went away

Chapters
00:00 The Parable of the Vineyard
02:23 The Sheepdog Analogy
05:33 The Dynamics of Oppression
08:21 The Role of the Sharecroppers
11:29 The Call for Unity
14:32 Rejecting the Sheepdog Mentality
17:43 The Rejected Stone
20:41 Building a New Reality
23:34 The Power of Community
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68593482Sun, 16 Nov 2025 21:13:07 +0000Phillip DiekeRev. William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of oppression, community, and liberation through the lens of biblical parables. He draws parallels between the sharecroppers in the vineyard and sheepdogs, emphasizing the need for unity and the rejection...

This week's scripture: Mark 12:1-12
Then he began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a pit for the winepress, and built a watchtower; then he leased it to tenants and went away. 2 When the season came, he sent a slave to the tenants to collect from them his share of the produce of the vineyard. 3 But they seized him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 4 And again he sent another slave to them; this one they beat over the head and insulted. 5 Then he sent another, and that one they killed. And so it was with many others; some they beat, and others they killed. 6 He had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ 7 But those tenants said to one another, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 8 So they seized him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. 9 What then will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the tenants and give the vineyard to others. 10 Have you not read this scripture:‘The stone that the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone;
11 this was the Lord’s doing,
    and it is amazing in our eyes’?”
12 When they realized that he had told this parable against them, they wanted to arrest him, but they feared the crowd. So they left him and went away

Chapters
00:00 The Parable of the Vineyard
02:23 The Sheepdog Analogy
05:33 The Dynamics of Oppression
08:21 The Role of the Sharecroppers
11:29 The Call for Unity
14:32 Rejecting the Sheepdog Mentality
17:43 The Rejected Stone
20:41 Building a New Reality
23:34 The Power of Community
]]>1506ame,community,empowerment,faith,liberation,metropolitan,oppression,parables,scarcity,sheepdog,unity,vineyardfalse31fullDonor Sabbath - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/donor-sabbath-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--68526163

This week's text, Luke 1:46-55
46 And Mary said,“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked with favor on the lowly state of his servant.
    Surely from now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name;
50 indeed, his mercy is for those who fear him
    from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
    he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones
    and lifted up the lowly;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things
    and sent the rich away empty.
54 He has come to the aid of his child Israel,
    in remembrance of his mercy,
55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
    to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

Chapters
00:00 Faith and Trust in God
00:07 Contextualizing Jesus
03:02 The Significance of Mary
06:58 Miriam: The Rebel Mother
15:04 The Womb Song of Humanity
21:36 Social Upheaval and Jesus' Message

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68526163Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:36:33 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the identity of Jesus through the lens of his mother, Miriam. He emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus' context and the rebellious nature of Miriam, who defies societal norms. Rev. Lamar discusses...

This week's text, Luke 1:46-55
46 And Mary said,“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked with favor on the lowly state of his servant.
    Surely from now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name;
50 indeed, his mercy is for those who fear him
    from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
    he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones
    and lifted up the lowly;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things
    and sent the rich away empty.
54 He has come to the aid of his child Israel,
    in remembrance of his mercy,
55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
    to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

Chapters
00:00 Faith and Trust in God
00:07 Contextualizing Jesus
03:02 The Significance of Mary
06:58 Miriam: The Rebel Mother
15:04 The Womb Song of Humanity
21:36 Social Upheaval and Jesus' Message

]]>1663ame,ancestral,billlamar,christianity,faith,identity,jesus,liberation,metropolitan,miriam,rebellion,remembrance,social,song,upheaval,williamlamar,wombfalse30fullTwenty First Sunday After Pentecost - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/twenty-first-sunday-after-pentecost-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--68390182

This week's scripture - Matthew 2:13
13 Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.”

Chapters
00:00 Support for the Vulnerable
01:07 Jesus and the Table of Provision
03:21 The Power of Dreams
06:50 Breaking Free from Western Epistemology
10:08 Dreams in Times of Crisis
14:06 The Dream of Constantine
20:20 Liberation from Constantinian Captivity
22:14 Joseph: A Dreamer in the Lineage of Dreams
29:08 Cultivating a Dreaming Community
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68390182Sun, 02 Nov 2025 20:21:51 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the profound significance of dreams in the context of spirituality, community, and liberation. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude, understanding Jesus' purpose, and the role of dreams in guiding...

This week's scripture - Matthew 2:13
13 Now after they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.”

Chapters
00:00 Support for the Vulnerable
01:07 Jesus and the Table of Provision
03:21 The Power of Dreams
06:50 Breaking Free from Western Epistemology
10:08 Dreams in Times of Crisis
14:06 The Dream of Constantine
20:20 Liberation from Constantinian Captivity
22:14 Joseph: A Dreamer in the Lineage of Dreams
29:08 Cultivating a Dreaming Community
]]>2035ancestral,church,community,dreams,faith,gratitude,jesus,joseph,knowledge,liberation,metropolitan,spiritualityfalse29fullHomecoming 2025 - Rev. Dr. Melva L. Sampsonhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/homecoming-2025-rev-dr-melva-l-sampson--68291176

This week's scripture - Luke 15:11-32:
11 Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the wealth that will belong to me.’ So he divided his assets between them. 13 A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant region, and there he squandered his wealth in dissolute living. 14 When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that region, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that region, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16 He would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, and no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to his senses he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.” ’ 20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate, 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.25 “Now his elder son was in the field, and as he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27 He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf because he has got him back safe and sound.’ 28 Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command, yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your assets with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ 31 Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’ ”

Chapters
00:00 Scripture Reading and Its Significance
00:09 A Homecoming Faith for a Fractured World
11:30 Finding My Voice and Purpose
12:57 Understanding a Fractured World
14:51 The Importance of Sacred Memory
16:53 The Parable of the Lost Sons
18:33 Afrofuturism and Insurgent Imagination
22:30 Returning to Our Roots
25:45 The Brain Trust of Black Women
28:51 Creating Futures Together
29:54 Reclaiming Our Imagination
36:40 The Power of Homecoming Faith

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68291176Mon, 27 Oct 2025 02:08:13 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week's guest preacher, Rev. Dr. Melva L. Sampson, explores the themes of community, faith, and homecoming in a fractured world. She emphasizes the importance of returning to our roots and embracing our ancestral wisdom as a means of healing and...

This week's scripture - Luke 15:11-32:
11 Then Jesus said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the wealth that will belong to me.’ So he divided his assets between them. 13 A few days later the younger son gathered all he had and traveled to a distant region, and there he squandered his wealth in dissolute living. 14 When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place throughout that region, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that region, who sent him to his fields to feed the pigs. 16 He would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, and no one gave him anything. 17 But when he came to his senses he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands.” ’ 20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate, 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.25 “Now his elder son was in the field, and as he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on. 27 He replied, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf because he has got him back safe and sound.’ 28 Then he became angry and refused to go in. His father came out and began to plead with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Listen! For all these years I have been working like a slave for you, and I have never disobeyed your command, yet you have never given me even a young goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came back, who has devoured your assets with prostitutes, you killed the fatted calf for him!’ 31 Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’ ”

Chapters
00:00 Scripture Reading and Its Significance
00:09 A Homecoming Faith for a Fractured World
11:30 Finding My Voice and Purpose
12:57 Understanding a Fractured World
14:51 The Importance of Sacred Memory
16:53 The Parable of the Lost Sons
18:33 Afrofuturism and Insurgent Imagination
22:30 Returning to Our Roots
25:45 The Brain Trust of Black Women
28:51 Creating Futures Together
29:54 Reclaiming Our Imagination
36:40 The Power of Homecoming Faith

]]>2727action,ancestral,belonging,collective,community,faith,fractured,healing,homecoming,imagination,restoration,wisdom,worldfalse28fullNineteenth Sunday After Pentecost - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/nineteenth-sunday-after-pentecost-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--68212668
This week's text - Isaiah 42:1-4:
Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
    my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my spirit upon him;
    he will bring forth justice to the nations.
2 He will not cry out or lift up his voice
    or make it heard in the street;
3 a bruised reed he will not break,
    and a dimly burning wick he will not quench;
    he will faithfully bring forth justice.
4 He will not grow faint or be crushed
    until he has established justice in the earth,
    and the coastlands wait for his teaching.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Contextualization of the Messiah Tradition
09:14 Unearthing the Diamond of Jesus
19:08 The Call for Justice and Liberation
29:11 The Anointed One: Understanding the Messiah Tradition
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68212668Mon, 20 Oct 2025 13:44:46 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the multifaceted nature of Jesus through the lens of various traditions, emphasizing the importance of context in understanding the Messiah. He discusses the need to unearth the true essence of Jesus, which...
This week's text - Isaiah 42:1-4:
Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
    my chosen, in whom my soul delights;
I have put my spirit upon him;
    he will bring forth justice to the nations.
2 He will not cry out or lift up his voice
    or make it heard in the street;
3 a bruised reed he will not break,
    and a dimly burning wick he will not quench;
    he will faithfully bring forth justice.
4 He will not grow faint or be crushed
    until he has established justice in the earth,
    and the coastlands wait for his teaching.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Contextualization of the Messiah Tradition
09:14 Unearthing the Diamond of Jesus
19:08 The Call for Justice and Liberation
29:11 The Anointed One: Understanding the Messiah Tradition
]]>1920anointed,community,faith,jesus,justice,liberation,messiah,metropolitaname,oppression,spirituality,traditionfalse27fullEighteenth Sunday After Pentecost - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/eighteenth-sunday-after-pentecost-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--68113359

This week's text - Deuteronomy 6:4:
Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.

Chapters
00:00 The Great Shema and Its Significance
02:27 Exploring the Identity of Jesus
04:36 Jesus and the Exodus Tradition
08:48 The Ethics of the Shema
12:12 Living the Exodus Tradition Today
16:23 Resistance and the Shema Spirit
22:20 Non-Knee Bending: A Call to Action
27:08 Community and the Call to Stand Together
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68113359Mon, 13 Oct 2025 03:31:34 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this week's sermon Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the profound significance of the Great Shema and its implications for understanding the identity of Jesus. He emphasizes that Jesus emerges from the Exodus tradition, advocating for liberation...

This week's text - Deuteronomy 6:4:
Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.

Chapters
00:00 The Great Shema and Its Significance
02:27 Exploring the Identity of Jesus
04:36 Jesus and the Exodus Tradition
08:48 The Ethics of the Shema
12:12 Living the Exodus Tradition Today
16:23 Resistance and the Shema Spirit
22:20 Non-Knee Bending: A Call to Action
27:08 Community and the Call to Stand Together
]]>1689community,empowerment,ethics,exodus,faith,identity,jesus,resistance,shema,theology,traditionfalse26fullSeventeenth Sunday After Pentecost - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/seventeenth-sunday-after-pentecost-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--68023897
This week's scripture: Judges 2:16
16 Then the Lord raised up judges who delivered them out of the power of those who plundered them.

Chapters
00:00 The Greatness of God and Humanity
01:17 Understanding Jesus: Warrior or Savior?
03:17 The Tradition of Jesus: Enslaved vs. Enslavers
06:53 Emancipation and the Reality of Freedom
10:47 Building Community and Alternative Realities
13:58 The Call for Leadership and Resistance
18:55 The Cycle of Judges: A Call to Action
23:09 God's Role in Deliverance: With Us, Not For Us
26:59 The Power of Collective Action
30:00 Fannie Lou Hamer: A Modern-Day Judge
32:24 The Warrior Jesus: A Call to Battle

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68023897Sun, 05 Oct 2025 22:07:53 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this week's sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of divinity, community, and the radical nature of Jesus as a warrior figure. He emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus's roots in the tradition of the oppressed and...
This week's scripture: Judges 2:16
16 Then the Lord raised up judges who delivered them out of the power of those who plundered them.

Chapters
00:00 The Greatness of God and Humanity
01:17 Understanding Jesus: Warrior or Savior?
03:17 The Tradition of Jesus: Enslaved vs. Enslavers
06:53 Emancipation and the Reality of Freedom
10:47 Building Community and Alternative Realities
13:58 The Call for Leadership and Resistance
18:55 The Cycle of Judges: A Call to Action
23:09 God's Role in Deliverance: With Us, Not For Us
26:59 The Power of Collective Action
30:00 Fannie Lou Hamer: A Modern-Day Judge
32:24 The Warrior Jesus: A Call to Battle

]]>2017community,deliverance,emancipation,fannie,god,hamer,jesus,judges,liberation,lou,oppression,warriorfalse25fullSixteenth Sunday After Pentecost - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sixteenth-sunday-after-pentecost-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--67940548

This week's text: Exodus 3:7-8
7 Then the Lord said, “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, 8 and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land,

Chapters
00:00 Scripture Reading: The Rich Man and Lazarus
00:05 The Call to Keep Your Jesus
01:57 The Battle Within and Around Us
09:39 Divorcing the False Jesus
11:34 Reconstructing Our Understanding of Jesus
23:17 The God of Liberation
25:45 Welcoming New Members to the Community
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67940548Mon, 29 Sep 2025 14:38:47 +0000Phillip DiekeRev. William H. Lamar IV delivers a powerful sermon that challenges the congregation to reconsider their understanding of Jesus and faith. He emphasizes the need for liberation from oppressive systems and the importance of choosing sides in the...

This week's text: Exodus 3:7-8
7 Then the Lord said, “I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, 8 and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land,

Chapters
00:00 Scripture Reading: The Rich Man and Lazarus
00:05 The Call to Keep Your Jesus
01:57 The Battle Within and Around Us
09:39 Divorcing the False Jesus
11:34 Reconstructing Our Understanding of Jesus
23:17 The God of Liberation
25:45 Welcoming New Members to the Community
]]>1685battle,community,exodus,faith,jesus,liberation,oppression,reconstruction,spirituality,tradition,truthfalse24fullChristian Education Sunday - Rev. Nichele Carter-Petersonhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/christian-education-sunday-rev-nichele-carter-peterson--67859201
This week's text: Genesis 37: 29-35
29 When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not in the pit, he tore his clothes. 30 He returned to his brothers and said, “The boy is gone, and I, where can I turn?” 31 Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a goat, and dipped the robe in the blood. 32 They had the ornamented robe taken to their father, and they said, “This we have found; see now whether it is your son’s robe or not.” 33 He recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe! A wild animal has devoured him; Joseph has surely been torn to pieces.” 34 Then Jacob tore his garments and put sackcloth on his loins and mourned for his son many days. 35 All his sons and all his daughters sought to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted and said, “No, I shall go down to Sheol to my son, mourning.” Thus his father bewailed him.

Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Christian Education
03:12 A Dream Deferred: The Journey of Resilience
16:44 The Evolution of Christian Education and Hope
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67859201Tue, 23 Sep 2025 01:39:53 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this week's sermon guest preacher, Rev. Nichele Carter-Peterson explores the themes of dreams, personal struggles, and the evolving nature of Christian education. She reflects on her own journey of faith, the impact of depression, and the...
This week's text: Genesis 37: 29-35
29 When Reuben returned to the pit and saw that Joseph was not in the pit, he tore his clothes. 30 He returned to his brothers and said, “The boy is gone, and I, where can I turn?” 31 Then they took Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a goat, and dipped the robe in the blood. 32 They had the ornamented robe taken to their father, and they said, “This we have found; see now whether it is your son’s robe or not.” 33 He recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe! A wild animal has devoured him; Joseph has surely been torn to pieces.” 34 Then Jacob tore his garments and put sackcloth on his loins and mourned for his son many days. 35 All his sons and all his daughters sought to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted and said, “No, I shall go down to Sheol to my son, mourning.” Thus his father bewailed him.

Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Christian Education
03:12 A Dream Deferred: The Journey of Resilience
16:44 The Evolution of Christian Education and Hope
]]>1097christian,community,dreams,education,empowerment,faith,growth,health,identity,mental,personal,resilience,spiritualityfalse23fullSarah Allen Missionary Society Annual Day - Dr. Deborah Taylor-Kinghttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sarah-allen-missionary-society-annual-day-dr-deborah-taylor-king--67767699

This week's text - James 2:17-18
17 So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from works, and I by my works will show you faith.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgments
02:53 The Power of Faith and Action
05:52 Faith in Times of Crisis
08:50 Historical Context and Social Justice
11:52 Empowerment Through Faith
14:45 Call to Action and Community Engagement
17:59 Overcoming Fear and Doubt
20:52 The Time for Change is Now
23:53 Unity and Collective Action
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67767699Mon, 15 Sep 2025 16:02:29 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week guest preacher, Dr. Deborah Taylor-King emphasizes the importance of faith in action, urging listeners to restore their faith through service and advocacy. She addresses the pressing social injustices of our time and calls for unity and...

This week's text - James 2:17-18
17 So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.18 But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from works, and I by my works will show you faith.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Acknowledgments
02:53 The Power of Faith and Action
05:52 Faith in Times of Crisis
08:50 Historical Context and Social Justice
11:52 Empowerment Through Faith
14:45 Call to Action and Community Engagement
17:59 Overcoming Fear and Doubt
20:52 The Time for Change is Now
23:53 Unity and Collective Action
]]>1576action,advocacy,church,community,empowerment,faith,justice,mission,restoration,service,socialfalse22fullThirteenth Sunday After Pentecost - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/thirteenth-sunday-after-pentecost-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--67693503

This week's text: Mark 1:14-15
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the good news of God 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67693503Tue, 09 Sep 2025 20:26:32 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week Rev. William H. Lamar IV returns to explore the theme of doing ministry under occupation, drawing parallels between the historical context of Jesus' ministry and contemporary issues faced by marginalized communities. He emphasizes the...

This week's text: Mark 1:14-15
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the good news of God 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”]]>1327change,church,community,faith,global,jesus,justice,leadership,ministry,occupation,repentance,socialfalse21fullTwelfth Sunday After Pentecost - Rev. A. Kazimir Brownhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/twelfth-sunday-after-pentecost-rev-a-kazimir-brown--67597029
This week's scripture - Jeremiah 29:11-14; Matthew 7:7-8
11 For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. 12 Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. 13 When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, 14 I will let you find me, says the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.

7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

Chapters
00:00 Collective Breath and Prayer
01:07:45 Scriptural Foundations: Searching for God
01:09:21 The Joy of Discovery: Childhood Games and God
01:12:27 Historical Context: Searching for God Through Time
01:14:01 Where, How, and When: The Search for God
01:21:11 Struggles in Searching for God
01:23:55 Continuous Search: God is Always Present
01:25:46 Invitation to Community: The Doors of the Church Open

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67597029Tue, 02 Sep 2025 15:46:02 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this week's sermon, guest preacher Rev. A. Kazimir Brown explores the theme of searching for God, emphasizing the importance of community, prayer, and the continuous nature of this search. Drawing from scripture, personal anecdotes, and historical...
This week's scripture - Jeremiah 29:11-14; Matthew 7:7-8
11 For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. 12 Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. 13 When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, 14 I will let you find me, says the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.

7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

Chapters
00:00 Collective Breath and Prayer
01:07:45 Scriptural Foundations: Searching for God
01:09:21 The Joy of Discovery: Childhood Games and God
01:12:27 Historical Context: Searching for God Through Time
01:14:01 Where, How, and When: The Search for God
01:21:11 Struggles in Searching for God
01:23:55 Continuous Search: God is Always Present
01:25:46 Invitation to Community: The Doors of the Church Open

]]>1239breath,collective,community,context,divine,faith,god,historical,jeremiah,matthew,prayer,presence,spiritualityfalse20fullEleventh Sunday After Pentecost - Rev. Nicole Stratchanhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/eleventh-sunday-after-pentecost-rev-nicole-stratchan--67500853
This week's text - Exodus 1:22; 2:10:
22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall throw into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live.”
10 When the child grew up, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, “because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.”

Chapters
00:00 Introducing the Guest Speaker: Reverend Nicole
00:53 Sermon: Children of the Nile
20:53 Call to Action: Building Baskets for Future Generations

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67500853Mon, 25 Aug 2025 03:06:48 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this week's sermon, Rev. Nicole Stratchan explores the biblical story of Moses and the concept of 'Children of the Nile.' She reflects on themes of oppression, resilience, and the importance of community in overcoming challenges. Rev. Stratchan...
This week's text - Exodus 1:22; 2:10:
22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people, “Every son that is born to the Hebrews you shall throw into the Nile, but you shall let every daughter live.”
10 When the child grew up, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, “because,” she said, “I drew him out of the water.”

Chapters
00:00 Introducing the Guest Speaker: Reverend Nicole
00:53 Sermon: Children of the Nile
20:53 Call to Action: Building Baskets for Future Generations

]]>1442children,community,deliverance,faith,legacy,moses,nile,oppression,pharaoh,resiliencefalse19fullTenth Sunday After Pentecost - Rev. Brandon Coxhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/tenth-sunday-after-pentecost-rev-brandon-cox--67414251
This week's scripture - Habakkuk 1:1-4
The oracle that the prophet Habakkuk saw.2 O Lord, how long shall I cry for help,
    and you will not listen?
Or cry to you “Violence!”
    and you will not save?
3 Why do you make me see wrongdoing
    and look at trouble?
Destruction and violence are before me;
    strife and contention arise.
4 So the law becomes slack,
    and justice never prevails.
The wicked surround the righteous;
    therefore judgment comes forth perverted.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Context of the Message
01:13:10 The Story of Andre and the Question of Justice
01:15:37 The State of Justice in Society
01:17:14 Theodicy and the Role of Prophets
01:20:21 Questioning God and the Nature of Faith
01:24:24 Understanding God's Sovereignty
01:26:58 The Importance of Lament
01:31:23 Waiting for God's Vision
01:39:34 Living by Faithfulness and Call to Action

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67414251Mon, 18 Aug 2025 11:20:05 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week guest preacher, Rev. Brandon Cox, delivers a powerful message centered around the themes of justice, faith, and the role of prophets in society. He shares the story of Andre, a young man seeking asylum, to illustrate the struggles faced by...
This week's scripture - Habakkuk 1:1-4
The oracle that the prophet Habakkuk saw.2 O Lord, how long shall I cry for help,
    and you will not listen?
Or cry to you “Violence!”
    and you will not save?
3 Why do you make me see wrongdoing
    and look at trouble?
Destruction and violence are before me;
    strife and contention arise.
4 So the law becomes slack,
    and justice never prevails.
The wicked surround the righteous;
    therefore judgment comes forth perverted.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Context of the Message
01:13:10 The Story of Andre and the Question of Justice
01:15:37 The State of Justice in Society
01:17:14 Theodicy and the Role of Prophets
01:20:21 Questioning God and the Nature of Faith
01:24:24 Understanding God's Sovereignty
01:26:58 The Importance of Lament
01:31:23 Waiting for God's Vision
01:39:34 Living by Faithfulness and Call to Action

]]>1962brandoncox,community,faith,god,habakkuk,hope,issues,justice,lament,prophecy,social,sovereigntyfalse18fullNinth Sunday after Pentecost - Rev. Jon Robinsonhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/ninth-sunday-after-pentecost-rev-jon-robinson--67329456
This week's text:
41 Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You who are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels, 42 for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not take care of you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment but the righteous into eternal life.”

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Reverend Dr. John Robinson
02:56 From the Margins to the Mainstream
27:42 The Call to Action: Serving the Least of These

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67329456Mon, 11 Aug 2025 12:01:58 +0000Phillip DiekeRev. Jon Robinson's sermon emphasizes the importance of social justice and the church's role in addressing the needs of the marginalized. Drawing from Matthew 25, he challenges the congregation to reflect on their actions towards those in need and to...
This week's text:
41 Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘You who are accursed, depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels, 42 for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison and did not take care of you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment but the righteous into eternal life.”

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Reverend Dr. John Robinson
02:56 From the Margins to the Mainstream
27:42 The Call to Action: Serving the Least of These

]]>1835advocacy,ame,bible,church,community,compassion,faith,justice,marginalized,matthewfalse17fullEighth Sunday After Pentecost - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/eighth-sunday-after-pentecost-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--67244754Kate Bowler, he illustrates that life can be unpredictable and painful, yet it is essential to find strength in community and continue moving forward together.

This week's text - Job 11:1-12
Then Zophar the Naamathite answered:2 “Should a multitude of words go unanswered,
    and should one full of talk be vindicated?
3 Should your babble put others to silence,
    and when you mock, shall no one shame you?
4 For you say, ‘My conduct is pure,
    and I am clean in God’s sight.’
5 But O that God would speak
    and open his lips to you
6 and that he would tell you the secrets of wisdom!
    For wisdom is many-sided.
Know then that God exacts of you less than your guilt deserves.
7 “Can you find out the deep things of God?
    Can you find out the limit of the Almighty?
8 It is higher than heaven—what can you do?
    Deeper than Sheol—what can you know?
9 Its measure is longer than the earth
    and broader than the sea.
10 If he passes through and imprisons
    and assembles for judgment, who can hinder him?
11 For he knows those who are worthless;
    when he sees iniquity, will he not consider it?
12 But the stupid will get understanding
    when a wild ass is born human.

Chapters
00:00 The Journey of Faith and Understanding
03:31 Challenging the Notion of Reason in Suffering
28:22 Living Beyond Chaos and Catastrophe

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67244754Mon, 04 Aug 2025 12:59:34 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this week's sermon Rev. William H. Lamar IV continues to explore the complexities and suffering of life through the lens of Job. He challenges the notion that everything happens for a reason, sharing personal stories and theological insights that...Kate Bowler, he illustrates that life can be unpredictable and painful, yet it is essential to find strength in community and continue moving forward together.

This week's text - Job 11:1-12
Then Zophar the Naamathite answered:2 “Should a multitude of words go unanswered,
    and should one full of talk be vindicated?
3 Should your babble put others to silence,
    and when you mock, shall no one shame you?
4 For you say, ‘My conduct is pure,
    and I am clean in God’s sight.’
5 But O that God would speak
    and open his lips to you
6 and that he would tell you the secrets of wisdom!
    For wisdom is many-sided.
Know then that God exacts of you less than your guilt deserves.
7 “Can you find out the deep things of God?
    Can you find out the limit of the Almighty?
8 It is higher than heaven—what can you do?
    Deeper than Sheol—what can you know?
9 Its measure is longer than the earth
    and broader than the sea.
10 If he passes through and imprisons
    and assembles for judgment, who can hinder him?
11 For he knows those who are worthless;
    when he sees iniquity, will he not consider it?
12 But the stupid will get understanding
    when a wild ass is born human.

Chapters
00:00 The Journey of Faith and Understanding
03:31 Challenging the Notion of Reason in Suffering
28:22 Living Beyond Chaos and Catastrophe

]]>1857chaos,community,faith,gospel,hope,job,katebowler,lessons,life,personal,prosperity,prosperitygospel,resilience,stories,suffering,theologyfalse16fullSeventh Sunday After Pentecost - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/seventh-sunday-after-pentecost-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--67151720
This weeks biblical text - Job 9:1-12:
Then Job answered:2 “Indeed, I know that this is so,
    but how can a mortal be just before God?
3 If one wished to contend with him,
    one could not answer him once in a thousand.
4 He is wise in heart and mighty in strength;
    who has resisted him and succeeded?
5 He removes mountains, and they do not know it
    when he overturns them in his anger;
6 he shakes the earth out of its place,
    and its pillars tremble;
7 he commands the sun, and it does not rise;
    he seals up the stars;
8 he alone stretched out the heavens
    and trampled the waves of the Sea;
9 he made the Bear and Orion,
    the Pleiades and the chambers of the south;
10 he does great things beyond understanding
    and marvelous things without number.
11 Look, he passes by me, and I do not see him;
    he moves on, but I do not perceive him.
12 He snatches away; who can stop him?
    Who will say to him, ‘What are you doing?’

Chapters
00:00 The Power of Jesus' Name
00:01 Job's Struggles and Questions
02:35 Affliction and Perseverance
06:55 The Reality of Suffering
11:03 Job's Journey from Despair to Action
15:29 Rejecting Hopelessness
18:35 Creativity as Resistance
21:58 Metaphors and New Realities
27:21 Job's Challenge to God
30:53 Transformation Through Rage and Creativity

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67151720Mon, 28 Jul 2025 12:36:49 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week Rev. William H. Lamar IV continues to explore the themes of suffering, resilience, and the nature of God through the lens of the biblical figure Job. He emphasizes the importance of questioning God and using imagination and creativity as a...
This weeks biblical text - Job 9:1-12:
Then Job answered:2 “Indeed, I know that this is so,
    but how can a mortal be just before God?
3 If one wished to contend with him,
    one could not answer him once in a thousand.
4 He is wise in heart and mighty in strength;
    who has resisted him and succeeded?
5 He removes mountains, and they do not know it
    when he overturns them in his anger;
6 he shakes the earth out of its place,
    and its pillars tremble;
7 he commands the sun, and it does not rise;
    he seals up the stars;
8 he alone stretched out the heavens
    and trampled the waves of the Sea;
9 he made the Bear and Orion,
    the Pleiades and the chambers of the south;
10 he does great things beyond understanding
    and marvelous things without number.
11 Look, he passes by me, and I do not see him;
    he moves on, but I do not perceive him.
12 He snatches away; who can stop him?
    Who will say to him, ‘What are you doing?’

Chapters
00:00 The Power of Jesus' Name
00:01 Job's Struggles and Questions
02:35 Affliction and Perseverance
06:55 The Reality of Suffering
11:03 Job's Journey from Despair to Action
15:29 Rejecting Hopelessness
18:35 Creativity as Resistance
21:58 Metaphors and New Realities
27:21 Job's Challenge to God
30:53 Transformation Through Rage and Creativity

]]>2140bible,blues,condition,creativity,faith,god,human,jazz,job,justice,metaphors,newname,pain,politics,resilience,spirituality,sufferingfalse15fullSixth Sunday After Pentecost - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sixth-sunday-after-pentecost-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--67051002
This week's text:
Job 8:1-7
Then Bildad the Shuhite answered:2 “How long will you say these things
    and the words of your mouth be a great wind?
3 Does God pervert justice?
    Or does the Almighty pervert the right?
4 If your children sinned against him,
    he delivered them into the power of their transgression.
5 If you will seek God
    and make supplication to the Almighty,
6 if you are pure and upright,
    surely then he will rouse himself for you
    and restore to you your rightful place.
7 Though your beginning was small,
    your latter days will be very great.

Chapters
00:00 Turning Points in Life
00:05 Understanding Job's Trials
02:38 The Limits of Knowledge
08:26 The Role of Teachers and Mentors
12:35 The Wrong Lessons
18:13 Justice and Righteousness
21:53 God's Nature and Human Suffering
23:05 The Power of Presence
26:35 Tradition vs. Change
31:17 Living in Uncertainty
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/67051002Mon, 21 Jul 2025 02:23:01 +0000Phillip DiekeRev. William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of suffering, knowledge, and the role of community in understanding God's nature through the lens of the Book of Job. He emphasizes the limitations of human understanding, the importance of presence over...
This week's text:
Job 8:1-7
Then Bildad the Shuhite answered:2 “How long will you say these things
    and the words of your mouth be a great wind?
3 Does God pervert justice?
    Or does the Almighty pervert the right?
4 If your children sinned against him,
    he delivered them into the power of their transgression.
5 If you will seek God
    and make supplication to the Almighty,
6 if you are pure and upright,
    surely then he will rouse himself for you
    and restore to you your rightful place.
7 Though your beginning was small,
    your latter days will be very great.

Chapters
00:00 Turning Points in Life
00:05 Understanding Job's Trials
02:38 The Limits of Knowledge
08:26 The Role of Teachers and Mentors
12:35 The Wrong Lessons
18:13 Justice and Righteousness
21:53 God's Nature and Human Suffering
23:05 The Power of Presence
26:35 Tradition vs. Change
31:17 Living in Uncertainty
]]>2017community,faith,god,job,knowledge,mentorship,suffering,theology,tradition,vulnerabilityfalse14full187th Church Anniversary - Rev. Dr. Reginald W. Williams, Jr.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/187th-church-anniversary-rev-dr-reginald-w-williams-jr--66973167
Visit our YouTube Channel for the full celebration.

This week's text - Exodus 13:17-22
17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was nearer, for God thought, “If the people face war, they may change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led the people by the roundabout way of the wilderness bordering the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of the land of Egypt prepared for battle. 19 And Moses took with him the bones of Joseph, who had required a solemn oath of the Israelites, saying, “God will surely come to you, and then you must carry my bones with you from here.” 20 They set out from Succoth and camped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness. 21 The Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66973167Mon, 14 Jul 2025 12:42:26 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week we celebrate the 187th anniversary of Metropolitan AME with guest preacher Rev. Dr. Reginald W. Williams, Jr. Throughout this powerful sermon, Rev. Dr. Williams emphasizes the importance of recognizing our sources of strength, particularly...
Visit our YouTube Channel for the full celebration.

This week's text - Exodus 13:17-22
17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was nearer, for God thought, “If the people face war, they may change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led the people by the roundabout way of the wilderness bordering the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of the land of Egypt prepared for battle. 19 And Moses took with him the bones of Joseph, who had required a solemn oath of the Israelites, saying, “God will surely come to you, and then you must carry my bones with you from here.” 20 They set out from Succoth and camped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness. 21 The Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night. 22 Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.
]]>2604ancestors,anniversay,bones,community,empowerment,exodus,faith,history,legacy,metropolatiname,perseverance,resilience,spirituality,strengthfalse13fullFourth Sunday After Pentecost - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fourth-sunday-after-pentecost-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--66879393
Scripture: Job 7:11-15
“Therefore I will not restrain my mouth;
    I will speak in the anguish of my spirit;
    I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.
12 Am I the Sea or the Dragon
    that you set a guard over me?
13 When I say, ‘My bed will comfort me,
    my couch will ease my complaint,’
14 then you scare me with dreams
    and terrify me with visions,
15 so that I would choose strangling
    and death rather than this body.

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66879393Mon, 07 Jul 2025 03:50:36 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this week's sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of anguish, faith, and the necessity for a new form of expression in the face of suffering. Acknowleding that Job's story reflects our struggles with suffering, Rev. Lamar emphasizes...
Scripture: Job 7:11-15
“Therefore I will not restrain my mouth;
    I will speak in the anguish of my spirit;
    I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.
12 Am I the Sea or the Dragon
    that you set a guard over me?
13 When I say, ‘My bed will comfort me,
    my couch will ease my complaint,’
14 then you scare me with dreams
    and terrify me with visions,
15 so that I would choose strangling
    and death rather than this body.

]]>1713action,anguish,anti-psalm,community,faith,healing,job,justice,liberation,prayer,social,sufferingfalse12fullThird Sunday after Pentecost - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/third-sunday-after-pentecost-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--66811607
You can experience the full service on the Metropolatin AME YouTube channel.
Find the bulletin from this week's worship here.

Text:
Job 4:1-8
Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered:2 “If one ventures a word with you, will you be offended?
    But who can keep from speaking?
3 See, you have instructed many;
    you have strengthened the weak hands.
4 Your words have supported those who were stumbling,
    and you have made firm the feeble knees.
5 But now it has come to you, and you are impatient;
    it touches you, and you are dismayed.
6 Is not your fear of God your confidence
    and the integrity of your ways your hope?
7 “Think now, who that was innocent ever perished?
    Or where were the upright cut off?
8 As I have seen, those who plow iniquity
    and sow trouble reap the same.

Chapters
00:55 Understanding Suffering: The Story of Job
3:55 Stages of Suffering
11:10 Job's Honest Prayer
13:13 When Friends Are Wrong: The Role of Eliphaz
16:46 Eliphaz Represents Bad Theology
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66811607Mon, 30 Jun 2025 21:39:59 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of peace, suffering, and the role of community in addressing pain. He emphasizes the importance of allowing suffering to be voiced and challenges the misconceptions surrounding the reasons for...
You can experience the full service on the Metropolatin AME YouTube channel.
Find the bulletin from this week's worship here.

Text:
Job 4:1-8
Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered:2 “If one ventures a word with you, will you be offended?
    But who can keep from speaking?
3 See, you have instructed many;
    you have strengthened the weak hands.
4 Your words have supported those who were stumbling,
    and you have made firm the feeble knees.
5 But now it has come to you, and you are impatient;
    it touches you, and you are dismayed.
6 Is not your fear of God your confidence
    and the integrity of your ways your hope?
7 “Think now, who that was innocent ever perished?
    Or where were the upright cut off?
8 As I have seen, those who plow iniquity
    and sow trouble reap the same.

Chapters
00:55 Understanding Suffering: The Story of Job
3:55 Stages of Suffering
11:10 Job's Honest Prayer
13:13 When Friends Are Wrong: The Role of Eliphaz
16:46 Eliphaz Represents Bad Theology
]]>1623community,friends,job,justice,peace,solidarity,spirituality,suffering,theology,voicefalse11fullSecond Sunday After Pentecost - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/second-sunday-after-pentecost-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--66702493

Scripture - Job 2:9
Then his wife said to him, “Do you still persist in your integrity? Curse God and die.”

Chapters
00:00 The Joy of Faith
00:00 Exploring Job's Wife: A Voice of Pain
02:04 Cultural Misogyny and Anonymity
06:48 Collateral Damage: The Cost of Suffering
15:12 Mrs. Job Speaks: A Call for Authentic Faith
25:01 Killing the God of Illusion

]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66702493Mon, 23 Jun 2025 02:09:09 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this powerful sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the story of Job and his wife, focusing on the often-overlooked voice of "Mrs. Job." He discusses themes of anonymity, identity, and the collateral damage of suffering, particularly in...

Scripture - Job 2:9
Then his wife said to him, “Do you still persist in your integrity? Curse God and die.”

Chapters
00:00 The Joy of Faith
00:00 Exploring Job's Wife: A Voice of Pain
02:04 Cultural Misogyny and Anonymity
06:48 Collateral Damage: The Cost of Suffering
15:12 Mrs. Job Speaks: A Call for Authentic Faith
25:01 Killing the God of Illusion

]]>1726anonymity,bible,collateral,damage,faith,god,identity,job,mrsjob,suffering,theology,tragedyfalse10fullTrinity Sunday and Commemoration of the Emanuel Nine - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trinity-sunday-and-commemoration-of-the-emanuel-nine-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--66568890

Job 2:1-3
One day the heavenly beings came to present themselves before the Lord, and the accuser also came among them to present himself before the Lord. 2 The Lord said to the accuser, “Where have you come from?” The accuser answered the Lord, “From going to and fro on the earth and from walking up and down on it.” 3 The Lord said to the accuser, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil. He still persists in his integrity, although you incited me against him, to destroy him for no reason.”

Chapters
00:00 Rejoicing in the Lord's Presence
00:08 Theological Reflections on Tradition and Power
01:36 Exploring the Book of Job
03:42 When God Gambles: A Theological Inquiry
17:13 Trusting God in Uncertain Times
20:12 The Nature of God: Beyond Niceness
24:18 Closing Reflections and Community Call to Action
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66568890Sun, 15 Jun 2025 23:15:00 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week Pastor William H. Lamar IV explores the themes of tradition in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, joy, and the complexities of faith through the lens of the Book of Job. He challenges conventional theological interpretations,...

Job 2:1-3
One day the heavenly beings came to present themselves before the Lord, and the accuser also came among them to present himself before the Lord. 2 The Lord said to the accuser, “Where have you come from?” The accuser answered the Lord, “From going to and fro on the earth and from walking up and down on it.” 3 The Lord said to the accuser, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil. He still persists in his integrity, although you incited me against him, to destroy him for no reason.”

Chapters
00:00 Rejoicing in the Lord's Presence
00:08 Theological Reflections on Tradition and Power
01:36 Exploring the Book of Job
03:42 When God Gambles: A Theological Inquiry
17:13 Trusting God in Uncertain Times
20:12 The Nature of God: Beyond Niceness
24:18 Closing Reflections and Community Call to Action
]]>1555ame,book,community,faith,god's,hasatan,job,joy,of,resilience,spirituality,theology,tradition,trustfalse9fullYouth Day Service - Rev. Khristi Lauren Adamshttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/youth-day-service-rev-khristi-lauren-adams--66466815
Scripture Text:
Matthew 7:12
“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you, for this is the Law and the Prophets."

Chapters
00:00 Scripture Reading and Its Relevance
01:39 The Importance of Kindness
18:01 Returning to the Basics of Kindness
20:38 The Challenge of Kindness
23:44 Real-Life Examples of Kindness
26:41 The Importance of Living Kindness
29:32 The Call to Action: Kindness in the Community
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66466815Mon, 09 Jun 2025 02:11:20 +0000Phillip DiekeOn this Youth Day Service, Rev. Khristi Lauren Adams preaches the importance of kindness in a world often filled with unkindness. She shares personal anecdotes and biblical teachings that emphasize the need for love and compassion in our daily...
Scripture Text:
Matthew 7:12
“In everything do to others as you would have them do to you, for this is the Law and the Prophets."

Chapters
00:00 Scripture Reading and Its Relevance
01:39 The Importance of Kindness
18:01 Returning to the Basics of Kindness
20:38 The Challenge of Kindness
23:44 Real-Life Examples of Kindness
26:41 The Importance of Living Kindness
29:32 The Call to Action: Kindness in the Community
]]>1894challenge,church,community,empowerment,faith,jesus,kindness,life,love,unkindness,youthfalse8fullSeventh Sunday of Easter 2025 - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/seventh-sunday-of-easter-2025-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--66362518
Revelation 18:1-14
After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illumined by his splendor. 2 He called out with a mighty voice,“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!
    It has become a dwelling place of demons,
a haunt of every foul spirit,
    a haunt of every foul bird,
    a haunt of every foul and hateful beast.
3 For all the nations have fallen
    from the wine of the wrath of her prostitution,
and the kings of the earth have engaged in sexual immorality with her,
    and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxury.”
4 Then I heard another voice from heaven saying,“Come out of her, my people,
    so that you do not take part in her sins
and so that you do not share in her plagues,
5 for her sins are heaped high as heaven,
    and God has remembered her iniquities.
6 Render to her as she herself has rendered,
    and repay her double for her deeds;
    mix a double dose for her in the cup she mixed.
7 As she glorified herself and lived luxuriously,
    so give her a like measure of torment and grief.
Since in her heart she says,
    ‘I rule as a queen;
I am no widow,
    and I will never see grief,’
8 therefore her plagues will come in a single day—
    pestilence and mourning and famine—
and she will be burned with fire,
    for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.”
9 And the kings of the earth, who engaged in sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning; 10 they will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say,“Alas, alas, the great city,
    Babylon, the mighty city!
For in one hour your judgment has come.”
11 And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo any more, 12 cargo of gold, silver, jewels and pearls, fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet, all kinds of scented wood, all articles of ivory, all articles of costly wood, bronze, iron, and marble, 13 cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, olive oil, choice flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, slaves—and human lives.14 “The fruit for which your soul longed
    has gone from you,
and all your delicacies and your splendor
    are lost to you,
    never to be found again!”

Chapters
00:00 The Call to Reflection
04:12 The Mirror of Self-Examination
15:24 The Challenge of Truth-Telling
25:12 Living in the World, Not of It
29:53 Cracking the Foundation of Injustice
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66362518Mon, 02 Jun 2025 10:00:09 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week Rev. William H. Lamar IV challenges all who would hear to confront the injustices within society and the church. He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and the need to hold up a mirror to America, urging individuals to come out of...
Revelation 18:1-14
After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illumined by his splendor. 2 He called out with a mighty voice,“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!
    It has become a dwelling place of demons,
a haunt of every foul spirit,
    a haunt of every foul bird,
    a haunt of every foul and hateful beast.
3 For all the nations have fallen
    from the wine of the wrath of her prostitution,
and the kings of the earth have engaged in sexual immorality with her,
    and the merchants of the earth have grown rich from the power of her luxury.”
4 Then I heard another voice from heaven saying,“Come out of her, my people,
    so that you do not take part in her sins
and so that you do not share in her plagues,
5 for her sins are heaped high as heaven,
    and God has remembered her iniquities.
6 Render to her as she herself has rendered,
    and repay her double for her deeds;
    mix a double dose for her in the cup she mixed.
7 As she glorified herself and lived luxuriously,
    so give her a like measure of torment and grief.
Since in her heart she says,
    ‘I rule as a queen;
I am no widow,
    and I will never see grief,’
8 therefore her plagues will come in a single day—
    pestilence and mourning and famine—
and she will be burned with fire,
    for mighty is the Lord God who judges her.”
9 And the kings of the earth, who engaged in sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and wail over her when they see the smoke of her burning; 10 they will stand far off, in fear of her torment, and say,“Alas, alas, the great city,
    Babylon, the mighty city!
For in one hour your judgment has come.”
11 And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn for her, since no one buys their cargo any more, 12 cargo of gold, silver, jewels and pearls, fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet, all kinds of scented wood, all articles of ivory, all articles of costly wood, bronze, iron, and marble, 13 cinnamon, spice, incense, myrrh, frankincense, wine, olive oil, choice flour and wheat, cattle and sheep, horses and chariots, slaves—and human lives.14 “The fruit for which your soul longed
    has gone from you,
and all your delicacies and your splendor
    are lost to you,
    never to be found again!”

Chapters
00:00 The Call to Reflection
04:12 The Mirror of Self-Examination
15:24 The Challenge of Truth-Telling
25:12 Living in the World, Not of It
29:53 Cracking the Foundation of Injustice
]]>1888american,babylon,baldwin,christianity,justice,king,luther,martin,morrison,revelation,self-reflection,social,truth-tellingfalse7fullSixth Sunday of Easter 2025 - Rev. Dr. Dianne Malcolmhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/sixth-sunday-of-easter-2025-rev-dr-dianne-malcolm--66284665
John 14: 23 - 29 NRSVue
Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words, and the word that you hear is not mine but is from the Father who sent me.“I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur you may believe.

Psalm 130 NRSVue
A Song of Ascents.1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
2     Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
    to the voice of my supplications!
3 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
    Lord, who could stand?
4 But there is forgiveness with you,
    so that you may be revered.
5 I wait for the Lord; my soul waits,
    and in his word I hope;
6 my soul waits for the Lord
    more than those who watch for the morning,
    more than those who watch for the morning.
7 O Israel, hope in the Lord!
    For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
    and with him is great power to redeem.
8 It is he who will redeem Israel
    from all its iniquities.

Chapters
00:00 The Power of Hope in Difficult Times
20:19 Cultivating Hope and Resilience
23:23 The Power of Creativity and Childlike Imagination
26:23 Overcoming Discouragement and Learning from the Past
29:21 The Dangerous Nature of Hope
32:27 Hope as Resistance and Community Support
35:24 Healing Through Community and Faith
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66284665Mon, 26 May 2025 17:57:25 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week guest preacher, Rev. Dr. Dianne Malcolm emphasizes the importance of cultivating hope and resilience in the face of life's challenges. She discusses the power of creativity, the dangers of hopelessness, and the need for community support....
John 14: 23 - 29 NRSVue
Jesus answered him, “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words, and the word that you hear is not mine but is from the Father who sent me.“I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away, and I am coming to you.’ If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. And now I have told you this before it occurs, so that when it does occur you may believe.

Psalm 130 NRSVue
A Song of Ascents.1 Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
2     Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
    to the voice of my supplications!
3 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
    Lord, who could stand?
4 But there is forgiveness with you,
    so that you may be revered.
5 I wait for the Lord; my soul waits,
    and in his word I hope;
6 my soul waits for the Lord
    more than those who watch for the morning,
    more than those who watch for the morning.
7 O Israel, hope in the Lord!
    For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
    and with him is great power to redeem.
8 It is he who will redeem Israel
    from all its iniquities.

Chapters
00:00 The Power of Hope in Difficult Times
20:19 Cultivating Hope and Resilience
23:23 The Power of Creativity and Childlike Imagination
26:23 Overcoming Discouragement and Learning from the Past
29:21 The Dangerous Nature of Hope
32:27 Hope as Resistance and Community Support
35:24 Healing Through Community and Faith
]]>2236community,creativity,empowerment,encouragement,faith,health,hope,mental,resilience,self-reflection,spiritualityfalse6fullFifth Sunday of Easter 2025 - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fifth-sunday-of-easter-2025-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--66148593

"The home of God is among mortals."

John 13: 31-35 NRSVue
When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

Chapters
00:00 A Resurrection Vision: Theological Reflections
02:47 The Importance of Reading for Preachers
11:33 Literacies Beyond the Page
19:42 Imagining a New Heaven and Earth
26:34 Building the New Jerusalem
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66148593Mon, 19 May 2025 11:08:36 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week sermon Rev. William Lamar IV explores the themes of resurrection, the importance of reading for preachers, the various forms of literacy, the role of imagination in faith, and the call to build a new Jerusalem. He emphasizes that God dwells...

"The home of God is among mortals."

John 13: 31-35 NRSVue
When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

Chapters
00:00 A Resurrection Vision: Theological Reflections
02:47 The Importance of Reading for Preachers
11:33 Literacies Beyond the Page
19:42 Imagining a New Heaven and Earth
26:34 Building the New Jerusalem
]]>1838billlamar,community,faith,imagination,jerusalem,literacy,metropolitaname,new,preaching,reading,resurrection,theology,visionfalse5fullFourth Sunday of Easter 2025 - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fourth-sunday-of-easter-2025-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--66053783
Scripture Text:
John 10: 22-30 NRSVue
At that time the Festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me, but you do not believe because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, in regard to what he has given me, is greater than all, and no one can snatch them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one. “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord.

Chapters
00:00 Scripture Reading: The Good Shepherd
00:05 Celebrating Community and Resilience
02:02 Theological Reflections on Snatching
04:27 Understanding the Concept of Snatching
11:53 The Challenge of Belief in Times of Snatching
19:53 The Importance of Community Over Individualism
26:09 Flock First: A Call to Collective Survival]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/66053783Mon, 12 May 2025 12:30:44 +0000Phillip DiekeIn this powerful sermon, Rev. William Lamar IV addresses the themes of community, faith, and resilience in the face of societal challenges. He reflects on the Gospel of John, emphasizing the concept of the Good Shepherd and the idea of 'snatching'—the...
Scripture Text:
John 10: 22-30 NRSVue
At that time the Festival of the Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon. So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I have told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s name testify to me, but you do not believe because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, in regard to what he has given me, is greater than all, and no one can snatch them out of the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one. “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord.

Chapters
00:00 Scripture Reading: The Good Shepherd
00:05 Celebrating Community and Resilience
02:02 Theological Reflections on Snatching
04:27 Understanding the Concept of Snatching
11:53 The Challenge of Belief in Times of Snatching
19:53 The Importance of Community Over Individualism
26:09 Flock First: A Call to Collective Survival]]>2035action,ame,billlamar,collective,community,faith,flock,good,gospel,individualism,resilience,shepherd,snatching,theology,williamlamarfalse4fullThird Sunday of Easter 2025 - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/third-sunday-of-easter-2025-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--65921845
This week's text:
John 21: 1-12 NRSVue
After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he had taken it off, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them, and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord.

Chapters
00:00 Resurrection and Community
02:16 The Role of Imagination in Faith
08:57 Imagining God: Love vs. Power
14:00 Jesus as a Symbol of Hospitality
22:11 The Call to Serve: A Culinary Metaphor for Faith
25:04 Feeding the Hungry: The Role of Community and Justice
28:06 The Invitation to the Table: Embracing All
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65921845Mon, 05 May 2025 13:43:13 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week Rev. William Lamar IV explores the themes of imagination, service, and community through the lens of faith. He emphasizes the importance of feeding the hungry, both physically and spiritually, and challenges traditional views of Jesus by...
This week's text:
John 21: 1-12 NRSVue
After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he showed himself in this way. Gathered there together were Simon Peter, Thomas called the Twin, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, you have no fish, have you?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in because there were so many fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he had taken it off, and jumped into the sea. But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, only about a hundred yards off.When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.” So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, a hundred fifty-three of them, and though there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord.

Chapters
00:00 Resurrection and Community
02:16 The Role of Imagination in Faith
08:57 Imagining God: Love vs. Power
14:00 Jesus as a Symbol of Hospitality
22:11 The Call to Serve: A Culinary Metaphor for Faith
25:04 Feeding the Hungry: The Role of Community and Justice
28:06 The Invitation to the Table: Embracing All
]]>1779community,divine,faith,hospitality,hunger,imagination,jesus,justice,resurrection,service,vocationfalse3fullSecond Sunday of Easter 2025 - Rev. Michael Jefferson, IIhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/second-sunday-of-easter-2025-rev-michael-jefferson-ii--65779290This week Rev. Michael Jefferson, II explores the themes of faith, trauma, and the journey of trusting God again after experiencing doubt and grief. He reflects on the story of Thomas, often labeled as 'Doubting Thomas,' and challenges the audience to reconsider this characterization in light of the trauma and fear that Thomas experienced. Rev. Jefferson emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our doubts and fears as part of the faith journey and encourages listeners to meet Jesus in their own scars and struggles.

This week's scripture reading:
John 20: 19-31 (NRSVue)
19 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.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

Chapters
00:00 Scripture Reading: The Encounter with Thomas
03:59 Trusting God Again: Navigating Trauma and Doubt
24:03 Invitation to Healing: Responding to the Call
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65779290Mon, 28 Apr 2025 11:56:45 +0000Phillip DiekeThis week https://sites.google.com/view/michaeljefferson2/home explores the themes of faith, trauma, and the journey of trusting God again after experiencing doubt and grief. He reflects on the story of Thomas, often labeled as 'Doubting Thomas,' and...This week Rev. Michael Jefferson, II explores the themes of faith, trauma, and the journey of trusting God again after experiencing doubt and grief. He reflects on the story of Thomas, often labeled as 'Doubting Thomas,' and challenges the audience to reconsider this characterization in light of the trauma and fear that Thomas experienced. Rev. Jefferson emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our doubts and fears as part of the faith journey and encourages listeners to meet Jesus in their own scars and struggles.

This week's scripture reading:
John 20: 19-31 (NRSVue)
19 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.” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22 When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”24 But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe.”26 A week later his disciples were again in the house, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe.” 28 Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”30 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.

Chapters
00:00 Scripture Reading: The Encounter with Thomas
03:59 Trusting God Again: Navigating Trauma and Doubt
24:03 Invitation to Healing: Responding to the Call
]]>1506church,doubt,faith,grief,healing,jesus,spirituality,testimony,trauma,trustfalse2fullEaster Sunday 2025 - Rev. William H. Lamar IVhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/easter-sunday-2025-rev-william-h-lamar-iv--65663143In this powerful Easter sermon, Rev. Lamar explores the themes of resurrection, memory, and the significance of the body of Christ. He reflects on the empty tomb, the trauma of witnessing death, and the role of women in the resurrection narrative. The sermon emphasizes the importance of remembering Christ's promises and recognizing that we, as a community, are the body of Christ, called to action in the world.

Luke 24:1-3
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body.

Chapters
00:00 Justice and Love in the Resurrection
01:04 Who Got the Body? Understanding Our Role
18:11 Embracing Our Identity as the Body of Christ
]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/65663143Tue, 22 Apr 2025 11:39:46 +0000Phillip DiekeWho Got The Body? In this powerful Easter sermon, Rev. Lamar explores the themes of resurrection, memory, and the significance of the body of Christ. He reflects on the empty tomb, the trauma of witnessing death, and the role of women in the...In this powerful Easter sermon, Rev. Lamar explores the themes of resurrection, memory, and the significance of the body of Christ. He reflects on the empty tomb, the trauma of witnessing death, and the role of women in the resurrection narrative. The sermon emphasizes the importance of remembering Christ's promises and recognizing that we, as a community, are the body of Christ, called to action in the world.

Luke 24:1-3
But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body.

Chapters
00:00 Justice and Love in the Resurrection
01:04 Who Got the Body? Understanding Our Role
18:11 Embracing Our Identity as the Body of Christ
]]>1583body,christ,community,death,easter,faith,hope,in,memory,of,resurrection,scripture,spirituality,womenfalse1full