This 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 repentance, which extends beyond personal feelings to encompass political and social dimensions. Rev. Lamar calls for a return to the wilderness, where the strange and marginalized voices can be heard, and encourages listeners to welcome the 'strange' in their communities and churches.

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

This 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 Christmas but a time to recognize the continuous coming of the Son of Man. Rev. Lamar highlights the interruptions God brings into our lives, the necessity of being ready for both joy and pain, and the assurance that God will always come to us, even in our darkest moments.


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

In 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, especially when faced with feelings of anger or resentment towards divine mercy. The sermon emphasizes the importance of embracing God's love and the need to let go of judgment towards others, highlighting that God's grace is available to all, regardless of their past actions.

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

Rev. 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 of divisive mentalities that perpetuate systemic oppression. The sermon calls for a collective awakening to the shared struggles of marginalized communities and a commitment to mutual support and liberation.


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

This 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 the significance of the 'womb song' as a metaphor for the nurturing and rebellious spirit that shapes identity and faith. He calls for social upheaval and liberation, urging listeners to remember their ancestral roots and the promises made to them. The conversation culminates in a call to action, encouraging individuals to embrace their identity and participate in the ongoing struggle for justice and freedom.


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

This 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 individuals and communities toward freedom. Rev. Lamar highlights the biblical figure Joseph as a dreamer who played a crucial role in protecting Jesus, and he calls for a church that nurtures and cultivates dreams for a better future.


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

This 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 restoration. Rev. Dr. Sampson calls for collective action and imagination to navigate the challenges of contemporary society, reminding us that we already possess the strength and resources need to create a better future together.


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

This 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 is rooted in liberation and justice, and critiques the commercialization of faith. The sermon culminates in a call to recognize the anointed one as a source of justice and liberation, urging listeners to inspect their leaders and communities for authenticity and integrity.

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

In 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 and resistance against oppression. The sermon highlights the importance of living out the Exodus tradition in daily life, standing firm in faith, and not bowing to any human authority. Rev. Lamar calls for a collective commitment to uphold these values in community, drawing on historical examples of resistance and the legacy of non-knee bending.


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

In 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 challenges the audience to take action in their own deliverance. The conversation delves into historical injustices, the legacy of emancipation, and the necessity of building community in the face of oppression. Rev. Lamar calls for a rejection of monarchical leadership and encourages collective action for justice and liberation, drawing parallels between biblical narratives and contemporary struggles.

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