Showing results by author "Rodney Hamright" in All Categories

In the heart of Rock Hill, South Carolina, a young black man named Jamal finds himself enveloped in the vibrant and dynamic world of the Carroll Park Church of God of Prophecy. Led by his uncle, Bishop Roosevelt, this Pentecostal church becomes the epicenter of Jamal's formative years, shaping his spiritual journey in profound ways.

Jonah runs from God's call, seeking to escape his divine assignment and chart his own path. However, God sends a violent storm that threatens to destroy the ship he boards. The terrified sailors cast lots, discovering Jonah as the cause of their peril. Jonah admits his disobedience and suggests they throw him overboard to calm the sea.

In the year 2040, faith is not just a belief but a formidable force that can shape reality itself. Deacon Mercer embarks on a perilous journey to the legendary city of New Jerusalem, carrying only his grandfather’s weathered Bible and an unshakable resolve. In a dystopian world governed by the ruthless Syndicate, where religious devotion is surveilled and exploited, Deacon’s pilgrimage transforms into a desperate battle for survival.

In the sprawling expanse of the planet Harmonious, three distinct levels of civilization coexist. The Skai, a species that lives in the sky, occupies one level. The Landrum, who live on land and sea, inhabit another level. Finally, the underground Coreslag live deep beneath the surface. All three levels are connected by matter transporters, which dot the planet and galaxy, allowing for easy travel between planets.

In the 25th century, slavery still grips America, but the foundations of white supremacy face unprecedented threats. Black slaves endure brutal conditions, suffering daily physical beatings and killings. No longer confined to plantations, they live in underground cities under constant surveillance by white guards and an AI guardian program call Sentinel while the white elites live in floating cities all around the country.

In 2030, a spiritual battle rages as the world grapples with chaos and uncertainty. Paul, a fervent believer, finds himself at the center of this struggle. He seeks divine intervention for a mysterious thorn in his flesh, believing it hinders his mission. However, instead of deliverance, he receives a revelation: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." This message propels Paul into an epic journey where supernatural forces clash, and every weakness becomes an opportunity for divine power to manifest.

In the year 2040, a wave of despair grips the world as people face broken relationships, shattered dreams, and relentless grief. Many believe their struggles are insurmountable until a mysterious figure known only as The Messenger emerges with a bold proclamation. He claims to be anointed by God to bring hope and healing, declaring that what appears to be the end is only the beginning. As crowds gather, The Messenger's words ignite a spark of faith in the brokenhearted, but not everyone welcomes his message.

Black and white takes a narrative look at how the white church differs from the black church in America. Bishop Hamright explores how race, history, and lived experiences have shaped two distinct yet intertwined expressions of Christianity in America-the black church and the-white church and how these difference continue to affect theology, politics, worship, community, and justice. Hamright’s goal is to offer humble steps to help the church to move beyond awareness into understanding, healing, and unity through truth, even if the truth hurts.

In the midst of a relentless famine, a widow in Zarephath faces despair as her food supply dwindles. With only a handful of flour and a little oil left, she prepares for what she believes is her last meal with her son. Her honesty about her dire situation reflects her acceptance of their fate, but it also sets the stage for divine intervention. As she gathers sticks, she encounters Elijah, a prophet of God. Elijah requests bread from her, but the widow reveals her lack. Unmoved by fear, Elijah urges her to first make him a small cake, promising that God will ensure her supplies do not run out.

In the streets, on the corners, in the schools, and in the prisons, Emmanuel walks among the people. His voice is soft but unshakable, carrying wisdom that unsettles the powerful and uplifts the forgotten. Every parable, every story, every act of love is a mirror turned against the systems that were built to break Black and Brown bodies.

In the heart of America, a complex story unfolds, woven through the historical context of Black and White churches. It begins with the birth of the American church, where European roots intertwine with the grim realities of slavery and colonization, shaping an early theology that could not escape the shadows of segregation. From the very beginning, worship was divided, laying the groundwork for a future rife with conflict. As we enter recent realities, we witness stark contrasts in worship styles and musical expressions between Black and White churches today.

In the year 2029, a mysterious man appears in the small town of Millbrook, claiming to be God in human form as a Black man with dreadlocks. His arrival stirs confusion and skepticism among the townspeople. As word spreads, people from different backgrounds and races flock to see him, each group reacting based on their own prejudices and beliefs. Some dismiss him as a fraud, while others believe he is a prophet or savior. His presence ignites debates and tensions, challenging societal norms and exposing deep-seated biases.

Nehela is a military planet, where the inhabitants are bred for war and conflicts. The species speaks using a clicking sound and slick surface of the data pod. On the other hand, Hilkiah is a peaceful planet where the people speak in a rhythmic fashion. The Hikiahs are interwoven into the fabric of all living things. The conflict between these two planets has been raging for over a thousand years, starting with a so-called arranged marriage between both worlds that was meant to be the peace bond between the two species.

Black churches flourish as they embrace his message of love and unity, drawing multiracial congregations and leading many people to abandon traditional white denominations. Emmanuel continues to appear spontaneously in small towns across the country, spreading his doctrine before vanishing as mysteriously as he arrived. His presence and the acceptance of his teachings provoke anxiety among white church leaders and politicians. They fear that if Emmanuel's influence grows, it will lead to widespread demands for the government to end its discriminatory practices.

In the 25th century, a gym is not just a place to work out—its where living gym equipment exists, including Ace, the Abdomen Crunch Machine. Ace is a popular machine with a strong sense of empathy. He listens in on conversations and genuinely cares about the wellbeing of the gym-goers. He helps individuals overcome their struggles and grow stronger. Keishawn Turner is one of those gym-goers. He is dedicated and determined to reach his fitness goals, using the gym as an outlet to release stress and gain confidence.

In the heart of the gospel music scene, Ja'mon rises to fame as a young black church musician, inspiring millions with his soulful voice. But behind the scenes, the dark side of the industry begins to take its toll. Ja'mon's spiritual foundation is shaken as he becomes entangled in the cutthroat world of record labels and managers.

The microscopic world of Zertera exists within the normal physical realm, hidden from human eyes. Its inhabitants, the Zerterans, possess the extraordinary ability to travel between their world and the larger universe at will. They serve as the microscopic guardians of the cosmos, dedicated to battling the myriad unseen enemies that threaten human existence. Bound by an ancient prophecy, the Zerterans are destined to be the saviors of mankind in a conflict that will erupt on Earth and spread throughout the universe.

The book examines the contrast between superficial inclusion (Cosmetic Diversity) and a genuine commitment (Structural Equity) to justice within the Church. It challenges Christian communities to move beyond mere appearances to embrace true transformation that mirrors God’s Kingdom in all aspects. The introduction defines cosmetic diversity as the visible presence of different faces in choirs, marketing, and other platforms. Structural equity is described as equal access to leadership roles, resources, and decision-making processes.

In a galaxy far from Earth millions of years ago, an advanced civilization of humanoid species traverses hyperspace lanes in search of enlightenment and safety. The Cita, who worship knowledge and possess the power to read minds, and the winged Zille, who manipulate living forces, attend an intergalactic peace conference. They are joined by the blue-skinned Tavon, who worship darkness and use magnetic fields for evil, and the Inola, shapeshifters who maintain cosmic balance with their ability to fold time and space.

In the Realm of Flowing Time, the entities Past, Present, and Future maintain the delicate balance of the time stream, ensuring the seamless movement from one timeline to another. These entities, along with their allies, the Core of Time Menders, have safeguarded this flow for eons. However, the Time bandits, a dark force from the old age of creation, seek to destabilize time itself.