Christ Methodist Church Memphis

Send us Fan Mail

Sermon: The Wheat and the Tares
Scripture: Matthew 13:24-30 
Series: The Parables of Jesus
Teacher: Bro. Chris Carter

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

Sermon: New Year's Message
Scripture: Luke 2:22-38
Teacher: Rev. Jacky Gatliff

In this sermon, Rev. Jacky Gatliff explores the theme of recognizing the Messiah through a sermon based on Luke 2:22-38. She delves into the challenges and hopes associated with the start of a new year, emphasizing the unpredictability of life despite our plans. The focus shifts to the biblical account of Simeon and Anna, who recognized the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and were profoundly changed by their encounters. Rev. Gatliff highlights the importance of continuously seeking and drawing close to Jesus, even though we may not have physically seen Him. We're encouraged to recognize Him in our lives and be transformed from the inside out as we embrace His presence. The ultimate message is one of hope, change, and experiencing God's love and grace in the new year.

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

Sermon: Jesus as the Christ, Pt.2
Series: Advent 2023
Scripture: Luke 2:11
Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler

In this special sermon taken from our Christmas Eve evening service, Pastor Paul Lawler examines the significance of the title "Christ," focusing on the scriptural foundation and the life application of this profound truth.

Pastor Paul explores the common usage of the name "Jesus Christ" in modern culture, often used casually and even irreverently. He challenges listeners to consider the weight of this name and its true significance. Building on our previous discussion, he emphasizes that the title "Christ" is immensely significant, as Jesus fulfilled more than 500 Old Testament prophecies as Prophet, Priest, and King.

Pastor Paul also addresses the skepticism that can arise when considering prophecies and their fulfillment, drawing a comparison with vague predictions like those of Nostradamus. The uniqueness of biblical prophecies lies in their specificity and detailed fulfillment, as we showcase various examples. 

Merry Christmas!

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

Sermon: Jesus as the Christ, Pt. 1
Series: Advent 2023
Scripture: Luke 2:11
Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler

In this special sermon taken from our Christmas Eve morning service, Pastor Paul Lawler examines the significance of the title "Christ" in relation to Jesus. He explores Luke 2:11, which declares, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the LORD."

In his sermon last year, Pastor Paul discussed the term "Savior," and this year, we shift our focus to the word "Christ" and its incredible implications. Is this designation significant, and if so, how much does it truly matter? As we celebrate Christmas and the birth of our Savior, take a moment to reflect on the profound meaning behind the title "Christ" and its impact on your faith journey. 

Throughout the New Testament, the term "Christ" is used a staggering 569 times, with 65 appearances in the Apostle Paul's letter to the church in Rome. But what's even more remarkable is that this title was foretold in the Old Testament, written hundreds to thousands of years before Jesus's birth.

Join us as we explore:

1. The Meaning of "Christ": Uncover the Greek origin of the word "Christos" and its connection to the Messiah.
2. Jesus as The Messiah: Understand how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies and the profound role he plays in the fabric of the Old Testament.
3. Threefold Anointing: Explore how Jesus takes on the roles of Prophet, Priest, and King—all in one person.
4. The Significance of His Anointing: Discover the incredible power, presence, and authority that come with accepting Jesus as the Christ.
5. The Life-Changing Message: Learn how the belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, can transform your life.

Merry Christmas!

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

Sermon: The Gift of Awe Before a Holy God
Series: Advent 2023
Scripture: Luke 2:8-20
Teacher: Bro. Chris Carter

Bro. Chris Carter invites you into the reverence and wonder as we explore the concept of awe—a feeling of deep respect mixed with fear and amazement.

This sermon explores the angelic announcement of Jesus' birth to the shepherds in Luke 2, emphasizing the angels' praise for the greatness of Christ as the image of the invisible God and the creator of all things. The angels' joy in proclaiming the good news of salvation reflects their deep love and compassion for humanity.

Why did the angels appear to shepherds? It's a reminder that Jesus came for sinners and outcasts, not just the righteous. And it's a lesson that God cannot be confined to our human constructs and expectations. The shepherds' childlike faith and willingness to embrace the unexpected teach us to stop analyzing and start looking, to encounter God in awe. 

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

Sermon: The Gift of Awe Before a Holy God
Series: Advent 2023
Scripture: Multiple
Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler

Awe is a powerful emotion—a blend of reverence, respect, fear, and wonder—and it's a feeling that can be ignited when we contemplate the grandeur of creation. Our spiritual exploration draws from the wisdom of ancient scriptures, such as Psalm 19:1, which proclaims, "The heavens declare the glory of the Lord," and the awe-inspiring birth of Christ as recorded in Luke 2:9-15.

In this sermon, Rev. Paul Lawler focuses on the angels—the first beings to praise God when Christ was born. These angels, sinless and without need for a Savior, offer us a profound lesson in praise. They praise Jesus for who He is—the image of the invisible God, the Creator, and the upholder of the universe.

In contrast to the heavenly hosts, we discover that God often chooses to reveal His glory to those society considers outcasts. The shepherds, with their less-than-stellar reputations, were the first to receive the good news of Jesus' birth. This tells us that God's message is intentional and powerful: He came for sinners, for those in need of His grace and redemption.

Pastor Paul explores the parallels between the shepherds and ourselves—outcasts in need of a Savior. He reflects on the beauty of creation, the praise of angels, and the transformative power of God's message to the outcasts. As you listen, may you find inspiration to awaken your own sense of awe and wonder before the majesty of our Holy God. Remember, there are no coincidences in God's plan, and this sermon is a testament to His intentional and redemptive love.

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

Sermon: Finding Satisfaction in God
Series: Advent 2023
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
Teacher: Bro. Chris Carter

In this sermon, Bro. Chris Carter explores the journey of the wise men who traveled from the East to find and worship the newborn King, Jesus. These esteemed individuals, with their positions, proficiency, and resources, set out to discover the One who was worthy of their time and attention. Their unyielding determination to seek and worship Jesus serves as a powerful example for us all.

As we unravel the layers of Advent, Bro. Chris shares how the Christmas story beautifully fulfills ancient prophecies, illuminating the path to the birth of the Son through a guiding star. He discusses the importance of paying attention to the signs of God's presence in our lives, even when they may not be as visible as a star in the sky.

The wise men's wisdom extends beyond their ability to navigate the physical world; they also possess the discernment to recognize the evil intentions of King Herod. Their choice to bow down in worship, acknowledging the divinity of Jesus, reveals the essence of true worship. As A.W. Tozer once said, "Jesus did not redeem us to make workers – He redeemed us to make us worshippers."

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

Sermon: Finding Satisfaction in God
Series: Advent 2023
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler

In this sermon, Rev. Paul Lawler uncovers the significance of the Wise Men's actions and the rich symbolism behind their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Contrary to the common portrayal in nativity scenes, these learned and influential individuals didn't visit the baby Jesus in the manger; rather, they arrived months or even a year later at a house. 

Pastor Paul explores the deeper meaning of worship as an act of submission and alignment with God's heart, driven by His kindness. He explains how worship isn't just about our satisfaction but ultimately about glorifying God and finding our everlasting joy in Him.

In this sermon, you will reflect on the power of God's presence and the transformation it brings to our lives. You will recognize the fallenness of the human condition and how Jesus offers us beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness in mourning, and the garment of praise in times of heaviness. You will walk away with a new importance of living for Jesus and the incredible ways He is awakening hearts around the world.

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

Sermon: Developing a Sensitivity to Holy Interruptions
Series: Advent 2023
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25
Teacher: Bro. Chris Carter 

In this special Advent sermon, Bro. Chris Carter explores, through the lens of the Christmas narrative, how key figures were interrupted by God's divine plan:

1. Mary and Joseph: Imagine being told by an angel that you would bear the Savior! Mary and Joseph faced great embarrassment and fear but adjusted to God's plan.
2. The Shepherds: Ordinary shepherds were visited by angels and chose to leave their work to witness the miraculous birth of Jesus.
3. The Wise Men: Following a different path, the Wise Men embraced God's guidance in a dream, avoiding Herod's deceit.
4. Jesus:  Even Jesus, who left heaven to come to earth, had His life filled with divine interruptions as He ministered to people's needs.

Bro. Chris reflects on the importance of flexibility in our plans and trusting in God's sovereignty, understanding that our lives are often shaped by the unexpected. He outlines the steps toward developing a sensitivity to holy interruptions, we emphasize:

• Leaving room for God and inviting His interruptions into our lives.
• Being available to God and surrendering our plans to His divine will.
• Giving thanks for those who have been instruments of God's grace in our own interruptions.
• Being willing to adjust our course for God and others, understanding that His way is always superior.

As we approach the celebration of Christ's coming, let's cultivate a sensitivity to holy interruptions and embrace the divine surprises that God has in store for us. May these interruptions lead us closer to His purpose and fill our lives with His peace.

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN

Send us Fan Mail

Series: Advent Series 2023
Sermon: Developing a Sensitivity to Holy Interruptions
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25
Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler

In the inaugural sermon of our 2023 Advent Series, Rev. Paul Lawler explores the theme of developing a sensitivity to holy interruptions and the profound impact of hearing God's voice in our lives through the biblical narrative of Joseph and Mary, whose lives were forever changed by divine encounters.

We all have plans for our lives—vacations, weddings, retirements, and career choices. Joseph and Mary were no different. Joseph, known as a just man, surely had his own plans. But what happens when God's plan interrupts our own? 

Pastor Paul explores the four phases of hearing God—Divine Enlightenment, Divine Interruption(s), Divine Interdependence, and Divine Enablement. Each phase reveals how God's voice can guide us in unexpected ways, often through internal communication and circumstances. We'll highlight key scriptures that emphasize the importance of actively seeking God's guidance.

Discover how what God initiates in your life is intricately connected to what He is also doing in the lives of others. Joseph and Mary's journey was not just about them; it had far-reaching implications. This sermon underscores the idea that we are all part of God's greater plan, often involving those around us.

HOME | PLAN YOUR VISIT | BLOG | DIGITAL BULLETIN