Christ Methodist Church Memphis

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Series: The Parables of Jesus
Topic: The Parable of the Goat & the Sheep
Teacher: Bro. Chris Carter
Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

In this sermon, Bro. Chris Carter delves into The Parable of the Sheep and Goats, as depicted in Matthew 25:31-46. He reflects on the transformative power of embodying a heart akin to that of Jesus Christ. 

Bro. Chris draws upon personal experiences, illustrating the everyday challenges and opportunities we face in practicing kindness, forgiveness, and tender-heartedness. He challenges listeners to examine their actions and attitudes towards others, especially those in need or at society's margins. It's a call to not just believe the right things but also practice them, to have not only the right profession but also the right heart.

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Sermon: The Parable of the Sheep and Goats
Series: The Parables of Jesus
Teacher: Pastor Paul Lawler
Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46

In this sermon, Pastor Paul delves into the teachings of the Parable of the Sheep and Goats, as presented in Matthew 25:31-46. He navigates the immense responsibilities and privileges that come with the Great Commission, emphasizing the gospel's reach to every nation and the transformative power of faith in action.

As he shares the clarity often overlooked in Jesus' teachings, we're reminded of the intimate connection between service to others and service to Christ Himself. The sermon sheds light on the significance of serving not just non-Christians but also our fellow believers, illustrating how this aligns with living in a state of grace and compassion.

He also examines the coming separation of the saved from the unsaved, as depicted in the parable. This is a stark reminder of the shepherd's role in distinguishing sheep from goats, symbolizing the ultimate judgment.

However, Pastor Paul reminds us that we're invited to behold the gift of a grand inheritance— a kingdom prepared from the world's foundation for those who have a saving relationship with the Father. He highlights that our righteous deeds are not the basis of our entrance into the kingdom but rather the fruit of a transformed heart.

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Sermon: The Parable of the Ten Virgins
Series:  Parables of Jesus Series
Teacher: Pastor Paul Lawler
Scripture:  Matthew 25:1-13

In this sermon, Pastor Paul Lawler illuminates the cultural context of marriage in Jesus' time, essential for understanding the parable's depth. The story of the ten virgins, split between the wise and the foolish, serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual preparedness in anticipation of Jesus Christ's second coming.

Through this parable, Jesus emphasizes the critical importance of being spiritually ready. The outward similarity of the virgins, all with lamps and dressed for a wedding, belies a crucial difference: only half have the oil necessary for their lamps. This distinction highlights a profound spiritual lesson: the necessity of genuine faith and preparedness for Christ's return. External appearances of faith are insufficient; true readiness comes from a personal, inward commitment.

He also addresses common misconceptions about faith and preparedness by stressing that faith is a personal journey, not something one can borrow or inherit. The urgency of being ready for the unforeseen time of Christ's return is emphasized, paralleling the unexpected arrival of a bridegroom in the parable.

This is a call to constant vigilance and readiness, for "you know neither the day nor the hour" of Christ's return (Matthew 25:13). It’s a reminder that being prepared spiritually is not just for a future event but a present, ongoing state of being. 

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Sermon: But God
Teacher: Bro. Chris Carter
Scripture: Selected Passages

In this sermon, Bro. Chris Carter explores the concept of "BUT GOD" moments in Scripture, highlighting how this phrase signifies God's intervention in seemingly hopeless situations, transforming them into victories.

He discusses how these two words are central to the Gospel and God's overcoming power. Understanding and living by these words can transform lives. God's mercy and deliverance are available even in the darkest times and encourage us to trust in God's perfect timing and purpose for our lives.

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Sermon: The Son of Man
Scripture: Matthew 16:13-28.  
Teacher: Nathan Cook (Missions Pastor)

In this insightful sermon, Missions Pastor Nathan Cook delves into the Biblical origins and profound significance of the church, drawing on the Greek term "ekklesia," meaning "to call out." The intention was that the community's welfare and the significance of being set apart as saints. Nathan shares how Jesus’ self-referential title, "Son of Man," reveals his divine authority and kingship and why the church is much more than a building. He celebrates the church's offensive role in bringing down the gates of hell, proclaiming liberation through the gospel, and upholding the promise that nothing can prevail against it. Join us for a transformative journey into the heart of the church's purpose and promise on All Saints Day.

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Series: Above & Beyond: Stewardship 2023
Sermon: Lord, I Give You Me
Teacher: Bro. Chris Carter
Scripture: Romans 12:1, Romans 6:13, Psalm 19:14 

In the concluding part of the 2023 Stewardship Series, “Lord, I Give You Me,” we are reminded that the essence of stewardship extends beyond tithes, talents, and possessions to the ultimate offering—ourselves. 

Reflecting on Romans 12:1 and Psalm 19:14, Bro. Chris exhorts us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice and to live in constant dedication to God. He emphasizes the significance of our speech, thoughts, manners, moods, motives, methods, ministry, marriage, money, and membership as aspects of our lives that must be consecrated to God. 

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Series: Above & Beyond
Part 4: Holy Responsibilities: The Parable of the Talents
Sermon by: Bro. Chris Carter
Text: Matthew 25:14-30 ESV

In this enlightening episode of our Stewardship Series 2023, we delve deep into the profound lessons embedded in the “Parable of the Talents,” as narrated by Jesus in Matthew 25:14-30. Guided by the timeless principle of 'Carpe Diem' and the biblical call to live wisely and seize every opportunity, we explore the serious implications of how we handle the opportunities and resources God has entrusted to us.

Join us as we uncover the tragedies of wasted opportunities, lives, and the severe consequences that follow, and learn how to avoid these pitfalls. We discuss the stark contrast between society's shift from responsibilities to rights and how it has influenced the Church, creating a breeding ground for entitlement and excuses. 

Discover the importance of taking holy responsibility for our abilities and the account we will give to God as we analyze the actions and fates of the three servants in the parable. This episode challenges listeners to reflect on their own lives, urging them to embrace the responsibilities God has entrusted to them, regardless of their magnitude.

Learn about the power of accountability, the dangers of irresponsibility, and the eternal rewards and punishments that hinge on our response to God’s trust. Don’t miss this compelling call to action as we inspire you to live a life of holy responsibility, fully engaged and geared up for God’s service. Embrace your calling, maximize your opportunities, and prepare for the day of reckoning with wisdom and faithfulness.

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Sermon: The Parable of the Talents
Series: Above & Beyond
Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler
Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30

In this sermon, Rev. Paul Lawler delves into the powerful message of the Parable of the Talents from Matthew 25:14-30. Drawing parallels to the concept of "Seize the Day," he emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities while they are available. This parable, according to Rev. Lawler, tells a sobering story of wasted opportunity, a wasted life, and dire consequences.

He highlights three essential realities from the Parable of the Talents:

1. The Abilities We All Have: Each servant in the parable is entrusted with resources based on their individual abilities. Rev. Lawler explains that this illustrates the wide variety of talents and abilities among God's people, both in this life and in eternity.

2. The Account We Will Give: The faithful servants in the parable demonstrated their commitment to their Master by maximizing their opportunities. However, the third servant's unfaithfulness stemmed from a distorted view of God's character. Rev. Lawler stresses the importance of knowing God personally and not relying on others' perceptions.

3. The Action God Will Take: The consequences for the faithless servant are severe, reflecting the principle that those who trust in Christ gain everything, while those who do not trust in Christ lose everything. Rev. Lawler underscores that saving faith is a serving faith.

He also points out the positive aspect of the parable, where faithful servants are rewarded with even greater opportunities and responsibilities in both this life and eternity.

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Series: Above & Beyond
Part 3: Serving: Staying in Circulation
Sermon by: Bro. Chris Carter
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10-11

In this installment of the Stewardship Series, Above and Beyond, Bro. Chris Carter focuses on 1 Peter 4:10-11. The sermon begins with a thought-provoking comparison between Christianity and a bowl of lima beans, emphasizing the need for the Church to demonstrate God's love and power to the world.

Bro. Chris emphasizes that Christians are saved to serve, challenging the idea that many are more concerned with where they'll sit in church than where they'll serve. The core message centers on the concept of spiritual gifts and their purpose in serving others. Each believer receives spiritual gifts, which are not for individual glory but for the common good and to build up the body of Christ.

Through poignant illustrations and biblical references, the sermon underscores the importance of actively giving and serving within the church community. It highlights that our gifts, whether natural or spiritual, are meant to be used to benefit others and bring glory to God. The ultimate goal is to live, speak, serve, and love in a way that God receives all the credit.

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Series:  Above & Beyond
Part 3:  Stewardship is Lordship
Sermon by: Rev. Paul Lawler
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10

In this sermon, Pastor Paul Lawler draws inspiration from 1 Peter 4:10 and emphasizes that stewardship goes beyond just managing money and resources; it is a concept intrinsically tied to lordship.

Rev. Lawler underscores the fundamental principle that everything belongs to God, and humans are appointed as stewards to care for His creation. Each person possesses unique gifts given by their Creator, and these gifts are intended to be used in service to others. We are encouraged to embrace our gifts, even if we don't feel particularly gifted because significant ministry often happens in the ordinary aspects of life.

As stewards, we must acknowledge that we don't own anything; we only manage what God has entrusted to us. This understanding leads to a sense of responsibility and obedience, recognizing that all we have is under God's control. Being a faithful steward is akin to being a faithful servant, and there is a potential reward for those who faithfully fulfill their role as stewards.

The transformative nature of the gospel shifts the perspective from trying to earn God's favor through good deeds to a desire to serve God wholeheartedly out of gratitude for His love and acceptance.

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