Christ Methodist Church Memphis

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Sermon: The Rich Man and Lazarus
Series: The Parables of Jesus
Scripture: Luke 16:19-31
Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler

Drawing from Luke 16:19-31, Paul Lawler walks through the contrasts presented in the story: between the rich man and Lazarus, between life and death, and between the Pharisees' conventional thinking and Jesus' radical teachings.

The Pharisees misplaced their confidence in their own prosperity and religiosity, and we should question our own notion that wealth equates to righteousness. Through the lens of Lazarus' dependence on God, true righteousness comes not from wealth or status but from a humble reliance on God's help.

This parable also clearly depicts the afterlife and confronts the stark reality of heaven and hell. The truths about the nature of hell and the fate of the unbelieving are shocking and urge us to heed the warnings of Scripture and turn to Jesus for salvation. 

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Sermon: The Unjust Steward
Scripture: Luke 16:1-13
Series: The Parables of Jesus
Teacher: Pastor Grant Caldwell

How much more should we, as disciples of Jesus, live shrewdly and wisely for the eternal kingdom? In this sermon, Pastor Grant digs into the parable of the dishonest manager from Luke 16:1-13.

The parable tells of a manager who, faced with impending unemployment, cleverly secures his future by reducing the debts owed to his master. While his actions are dishonest, Jesus commends his shrewdness. This raises questions about our own stewardship of wealth and resources. Pastor Grant challenges us to consider whether we're living solely for this world or making decisions with an eye on eternity.

Drawing parallels between the manager's actions and our own lives, Pastor Grant reminds us of our status as stewards entrusted with God's resources. Just as the manager prepares for his future, we're called to live with an eternal perspective. He emphasizes that our ultimate loyalty cannot be divided between God and money, urging us to prioritize God's kingdom in all aspects of our lives.

Through reflections on the parable and the gospel message, Pastor Grant inspires listeners to reevaluate their priorities and live in alignment with the eternal truths of the kingdom. Join us as we explore the transformative power of living with an eternal perspective in a world consumed by temporary pursuits.

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Sermon: The Unjust Steward
Scripture: Luke 16:1-13
Series: The Parables of Jesus
Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler

Through vivid storytelling, Pastor Paul Lawler illustrates the plight of the unjust steward who faces a sudden crisis when confronted by his master about his mismanagement. As the steward navigates the challenge, he resorts to cunning tactics to secure his future, prompting reflection on the wisdom of worldly dealings versus heavenly discernment.

Lawler unpacks Jesus' teachings, highlighting the contrast between the worldly wisdom of unbelievers and the enlightened perspective of believers. He explores the call to stewardship and generosity, urging listeners to use their resources for eternal significance.

Moreover, Lawler emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in stewardship, underscoring the principle that our actions with earthly wealth reflect our readiness for true riches in the life to come. He challenges us to embody integrity, reliability, and loyalty in every aspect of our lives, recognizing that faithful stewardship honors not only our earthly commitments but also our divine responsibility to God.

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For many, a first job is a typical teenage experience. However, for someone from an underserved neighborhood, a first job may be an enormous uphill battle in their adult life. In this interview, we speak with representatives of the PATH Company and Binghamton Development Corp. (BDC) Hub, where workforce development meets community empowerment. 

They discuss the transformative power of relationships in overcoming workplace barriers and building resilience. Discover how the BDC Hub creates a welcoming, supportive environment where individuals facing trauma and adversity find pathways to sustainable employment. From innovative job training initiatives to quality neighborhood jobs, learn how the BDC Hub is redefining success in the workplace by prioritizing dignity and respect.

Explore the intersection of workforce development, social impact, and living out our Christian faith as organizations leverage partnerships, innovation, and community engagement to drive positive change. We hope you learn how businesses and their employees can play a pivotal role in community development by investing in the future workforce. 

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Sermon: The Best Yet
Series: The Parables of Jesus
Teacher: Brad Bogue
Scripture: Luke 14:25-35

In Luke 14, Jesus presents two parables that challenge us to count the costs of discipleship. Pastor Brad leads us to understand the difference between free grace and cheap grace. While God's grace is freely given, it demands our wholehearted commitment and sacrifice. Thus identifying the radical nature of discipleship. We unpack Jesus' words about hating our own families and even our own lives in comparison to our love for Him, challenging us to prioritize Christ above all else.

We're reminded of the sacrifices and struggles that come with following Jesus. Yet, Scripture also paints a vivid picture of the abundant life and eternal promises that await those who faithfully walk the narrow path.

Join us as we explore the true cost of discipleship and discover the profound joy and fulfillment found in surrendering our lives to Christ. This sermon will inspire and challenge you to live a life of radical obedience and devotion to our Savior.

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Sermon: Counting the Cost
Series: The Parables of Jesus
Teacher: Rev. Jacky Gatliff
Scripture: Luke 14:25-35

In this sermon, Rev. Jacky Gatliff guides us through the challenging words of Jesus, exploring the true cost of discipleship. She unpacks the radical call to wholehearted commitment to Christ, emphasizing that discipleship demands nothing less than our entire lives. Drawing parallels to the stories of Jim Elliot and other missionaries, she challenges listeners to count the cost and choose the path of courageous faith over comfort. Ultimately, this sermon inspires reflection on what it truly means to follow Jesus, offering a compelling invitation to embrace the transformative journey of discipleship.

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In this podcast interview, Dave Lanthier discusses his role in leading the Career Transition Class (Tuesdays, 9 AM, Lamppost) at Christ Methodist Church. With more than 20 years of experience in human resources, Dave shares insights into his journey, including a pivotal moment when he felt called by the Holy Spirit to start the career support meeting. He describes how the class provides both practical guidance on job search skills and emotional support to individuals facing unemployment. Dave emphasizes the importance of answering God's call and encourages those experiencing job loss to seek support and trust in the Lord's plan.

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Sermon: The Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin 
Series: The Parables of Jesus
Teacher: William Merriman
Scripture:  Luke 15:1-10 

In this powerful sermon by  Student Ministry Director William Merriman, we explore The Parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin, uncovering profound truths about God's heart for those who wander away.

As William navigates through these timeless parables, he paints a vivid picture of the scene where Jesus sits among tax collectors, sinners, and Pharisees, challenging the traditional notions of holiness and righteousness. We are given a glimpse of the radical nature of God's love and His relentless pursuit of those who are lost and broken.

The Enemy will perpetrate lies of shame and accusations, but we invite listeners to embrace the truth of God's grace and forgiveness. Drawing from the story of John Newton, the former slave trader turned hymn writer, he illustrates the transformative power of God's love to redeem even the most broken and unworthy.

Listeners are encouraged to confront their own agreements with shame and sin, knowing that God stands ready to forgive and restore. 

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Sermon: The Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin 
Series: The Parables of Jesus
Teacher: Paul Lawler 
Scripture:  Luke 15:1-10 

In a congregation composed of tax collectors, sinners, and Pharisees, Jesus delivers a message that resonates with the depths of human experience. He speaks of those considered "lost" by societal standards, emphasizing the distinction between habitual sinners in need of repentance and the self-righteous who see no need for redemption.

Drawing parallels between physical and spiritual lostness, Pastor Paul Lawler unveils the weighty significance of being lost without realizing it. He illustrates the relentless pursuit of the Great Shepherd for those who have strayed from the fold. We see how the transformative power of repentance and the boundless joy that ensues when a lost soul is found.

Listeners are challenged to confront the reality of sin and embrace the freedom found in submission to God. It beckons us to join in the heavenly celebration that unfolds when a wandering soul returns home.

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On February 4, we hosted a pair of missionaries from North Africa to share how they are reaching the Fulani people following our special focus on the people group in 2022. These pastors are critical partners in our push to engage unreached people groups with the Gospel, and you can hear the entire message now!

In this audio file you may hear clipping in the audio. This is due to the removal of all mentions of the missionaries' names. 

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