Christ Methodist Church Memphis

Send us Fan Mail

Sermon: A Clear and Compelling Gospel
Scripture: Galatians 2:11-21
Series: Galatians
Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler

Galatians 2:11-21 captures a pivotal moment in biblical history: the confrontation between two esteemed apostles, Paul and Peter. Pastor Paul Lawler explores the implications of Peter's actions and the necessity of upholding the truth of the Gospel.

Peter's lapse into fear-driven behavior serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of prioritizing human approval over God's truth. As the Apostle Paul confronts Peter's hypocrisy, listeners are challenged to examine their own lives for similar discrepancies between belief and action.

The doctrine of justification by faith—a cornerstone of Christian theology—is central to this sermon. Pastor Paul explains the transformative power of God's grace and the folly of seeking righteousness through human effort.

Moreover, Pastor Paul emphasizes the redemptive aspect of correction within the Christian community, stressing the importance of accountability and humility, even among esteemed leaders like Peter. This sermon serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of the Gospel message and the need for unwavering fidelity to its truth.

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

Sermon: The Unity of the Gospel (Pt. 3)
Scripture: Galatians 2:1-10
Series: Galatians 
Teacher: Bro. Chris Carter

In this sermon, Bro. Chris Carter explores how the unity of the Gospel of Grace stands as a beacon of hope amidst the challenges of division and false teachings. Through our Scripture, Galatians 2:1-10, we witness the powerful endorsement Paul received from the church leadership, reinforcing the timeless truth that salvation is by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ. Bro. Chris Carter examines how unity in the Gospel transcends historical and denominational boundaries, calling us to uphold the core message of grace even in the face of disagreements. From familial tensions to church divisions, he shares the importance of aligning our attitudes with the message of grace, ensuring that our lives reflect the transformative power of the Gospel. 

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

Sermon: The Unity of the Gospel
Scripture: Galatians 2:1-10
Series: Galatians 
Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler

In this sermon, Rev. Paul Lawler uncovers the struggle faced by the early Church and its relevance in today's world. He unravels the dilemma confronting the churches of Galatia – the notion of needing Jesus plus something else for justification. This creates dangerous implications for such beliefs, which threaten to distort the very essence of the Gospel.

Drawing parallels to contemporary challenges, Lawler exposes the allure of legalism and the pervasive misconception that salvation hinges on human efforts. With a reminder that the Gospel stands as the sole grounds of acceptance before God, listeners are invited to reflect on their own journey of faith and the unyielding truth of Christ's redemptive work.

This sermon navigates the complexities of faith in a rapidly changing world. With testimonies echoing the transformative power of the Gospel on college campuses, we're reminded of C.S. Lewis's timeless wisdom – that our ultimate fulfillment lies beyond this earthly realm.

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

In this staff interview, we sit down with Josh Landen, the new Pastor of Men's Ministry at Christ Methodist Church. Josh shares his journey from growing up in a small town in Northwest Georgia to his calling into ministry despite his initial resistance. Josh discusses his background in education, his transition to pastoral work, and the profound impact of his family on his spiritual journey. Through our conversation, he reflects on his faith,  the path to ordained ministry, and his excitement about his new role at Christ Methodist. His story is a testament to God's persistent call and the joy found in faithful obedience. 

NOTE: At the time of recording, Josh was our Men's Ministry Pastor, however, he has since been promoted to Executive Pastor.

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

Sermon: The Gospel of Grace (Galatians pt. 2)
Series: Galatians
Scripture: Galatians 1:11-24
Teacher: Bro. Chris Carter

How does the Gospel liberate us from self-condemnation? How does it invite us into the radiant embrace of God's unmerited favor? Drawing parallels from Paul's journey of conversion, we witness the radical shift from persecutor to proclaimer, from pride to humility, all catalyzed by an encounter with Jesus Christ.

In this sermon, Bro. Chris Carter confronts our temptation to cling to our "baloney sandwiches" of self-righteousness and fear instead of embracing the lavish feast of God's grace. We're invited to exchange our meager offerings for the bountiful provision of God's grace.

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

Sermon: The Gospel of Grace (Galatians pt. 2)
Series: Galatians
Scripture: Galatians 1:11-24
Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler

What does a life lived under God’s Gospel of Grace look like? 

God's grace extends even to the most unlikely of individuals. From the Apostle Paul's history as a persecutor of Christians to his radical conversion, we witness the profound impact of God's love and redemption in his life. Grace isn't merely an unmerited favor but a divine empowerment that enables us to live lives of righteousness and holiness. With insights from 2 Timothy 2:1 and Titus 2:11-14, we learn how grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and live in a manner that honors God.

Moreover, Pastor Paul challenges the notion of seeking human approval, emphasizing that our security and identity are rooted in God's love and acceptance, not in the approval of others. He illustrates how our relationship with God transcends performance-based acceptance, fostering a deep sense of security and belonging.

Join us as we explore the transformative power of living under the Gospel of Grace, discovering how God's love, redemption, and empowerment can radically change our lives and enable us to become bold ambassadors for Christ in a world in need of His grace.

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

Sermon: Am I Grounded Enough? (Galatians pt. 1)
Scripture: Galatians 1:1-9
Series: Galatians
Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler

In the inaugural sermon in our Galatians series, Bro. Chris Carter explores Galatians 1:1-9 and delves into the crucial theme of grounding ourselves in the Gospel. We uncover the importance of standing firm in the face of adversity. Listeners are prompted to reflect on their spiritual foundation and readiness for life's challenges.

We journey through the historical context of the Galatian churches, facing theological storms and succumbing to false teachings. Through the Apostle Paul's impassioned plea and insightful analysis, we uncover the dangers of embracing distorted doctrines and the necessity of discerning truth from deception. Bro. Chris challenges us to anchor ourselves firmly in the unchanging truth of God's Word, finding strength and stability amidst life's storms.

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

Sermon: Am I Grounded Enough? (Galatians pt. 1)
Scripture: Galatians 1:1-9
Series: Galatians
Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler

The specific problem addressed in this passage is the insidious influence of false teachers who were distorting the true essence of the Gospel. They were misleading Gentile Christian converts into believing that adherence to Jewish customs and laws was necessary for salvation. Pastor Paul draws attention to the danger of adding anything to the pure message of Christ, emphasizing that such additions dilute the Gospel's transformative power.

Listeners are guided through the Apostle Paul's emotional response to the Galatians' predicament. He highlights the fundamental role of the Gospel not only in initial salvation but also in shaping the ongoing Christian life. Drawing parallels to contemporary issues, Pastor Paul underscores the relevance of the Apostle Paul's admonition against false teachings in today's context.

Listeners are invited to contemplate their own grounding in the Gospel and encouraged to discern the authenticity of messages they encounter. Pastor Paul explains the critical importance of remaining anchored in the timeless truths of Scripture.

This sermon serves as a timely reminder of the dangers of deviating from the Gospel and the necessity of staying rooted in its unchanging message. Understanding and embracing the Gospel is crucial for initial salvation and foundational for every aspect of the Christian journey.

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

In this special introductory conversation, Lead Pastor Paul Lawler and Discipleship Pastor Grant Caldwell explore the Book of Galatians to lay the groundwork for our upcoming summer sermon series. They explore the historical context, key themes, and transformative power of Paul’s letter to the Galatians and how this ancient letter speaks to modern-day believers.  

We hope this conversation enlightens your heart by providing context as we journey through Galatians and discover the impact of living by faith through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. 

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

Sermon: The Infilling of the Holy Spirit
Scripture: Acts 2:1-13
Teacher: Bro. Chris Carter

How does the Holy Spirit turn empty vessels into overflowing sources of God's grace, strength, and joy? Have you considered that your feelings of emptiness are a gift that drives you to seek God's fullness? As we navigate our spiritual journeys, this sermon encourages us to embrace the Holy Spirit's 'supernatural works', leading us to live lives marked by exuberance, strength, and unwavering faith. 

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN