Metropolitan AME Church Sermons

In 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 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...

In 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 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 judg...

In 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 self-deception, fear, and inadequacy to foster true peace and authenticity. This week's text: Matthew 10:34-36 34 “Do not think that I have come to...

In 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 personal journey, biblical insights, and the importance of metacognition in faith. This week's text: Acts 8:26-39 26 Then an angel of the Lord said to...

In this week's sermon Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the biblical story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well, emphasizing themes of divine initiation, boundary-breaking conversations, and God's inclusive love. It challenges us to recognize divine encounters in everyday life and to extend love beyond religious and cultural boundaries.  This weeks text: John 4:6-10 6 Jacob’s well was...

In 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 of seeking living water, and the divine thirst for human relationship. This week's scripture: John 4:6-14 6 Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired...

In 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 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 i...

This 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 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...

This 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 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 sh...

In this week's sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the significance of prayer, community, and resilience in the face of life's challenges. He emphasizes the importance of internal spiritual work and external deeds as vital components of faith and Easter living. This week's scripture: Act 2:42 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and th...

In 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 connection, teaching, and shared life. This week's scripture - Acts 2:42-47: 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the b...

In 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 hope found in the resurrection message of Easter. This week's scripture - 1 Peter 1:17-23 17 If you invoke as Father the one who judges impartially a...

Rev. 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, and societal oppression, urging us to be like Rhoda—faithful, joyful, and a sanctuary for others. Sound Bites "We are living post-resurrection, but it...

Rev. 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 challenging complacency—calling believers to recognize and participate in God's ongoing revolution. Takeaways Earthquakes in scripture symbolize God...

This 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 seek true freedom in faith. Key Topics Jesus' anger at commercial exploitation in the temple Critique of capitalism and religious commerce The importa...

This 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 communities. 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...

This 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, highlighting that someone else is always coming to carry the torch. This week's text - Matthew 17:1-9 Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James an...

In this week's sermon, Rev. William H. Lamar IV explores the power of imagination in faith, the significance of ancestral conversations, and the symbolism of biblical stories like Moses in the basket and the burning bush. It encourages listeners to see God's presence in everyday life and to trust in divine guidance through challenges. Key Topics The role of imagination in understanding scripture a...

In 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 Washington, D.C., and a concept used a means of creating a permanent underclass. Through personal anecdotes and historical references, he emphasizes t...

This 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 the noise of modern life to hear the voice of faith and the call to action. The sermon highlights the significance of recognizing our resources, the...

In 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 and strength in times of trouble, and the idea that God is our ally in life's challenges. His message encourages listeners to find comfort and strength...

This 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 to be co-creators in the world. Rev. Lamar addresses the chaos present in society and personal lives, reminding listeners that God hovers over chaos,...

This 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 dignity. Through the lens of the blues tradition, he highlights the significance of honesty in the face of suffering and the transformative power of God's...

This 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 action for individuals to respond to their own callings in the context of community and faith. The message is one of hope, urging listeners to recogn...

This 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, especially in the face of societal pressures that demand conformity. The sermon highlights how empires use various sounds and messages to control individua...