Clinton Methodist Church

The Slow Drift

October 18, 2026 - The Slow Drift - Hebrews 3:12-19

Main takeaway: Hebrews 3 warns that unbelief can gradually harden the heart and draw people away from God. The response is to hold firmly to Jesus and the gospel, and to encourage one another through honest, supportive Christian community.

12 Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. 13 But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. 15 As it is said,

“Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”

16 For who were those who heard and yet rebelled? Was it not all those who left Egypt led by Moses? 17 And with whom was he provoked for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did he swear that they would not enter his rest, but to those who were disobedient? 19 So we see that they were unable to enter because of unbelief.

Tags: 2026 | Hebrews | Hebrews - Jesus Is Better | Rev. Jimmy Criddle

No Fear

October 4, 2026 - No Fear - Hebrews 2:5-18

Jesus became fully human to taste death, destroy the devil’s power, and free those fearing death. As a merciful high priest, he makes atonement and aids the tempted through shared suffering.

The Founder of Salvation
5 For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. 6 It has been testified somewhere,

“What is man, that you are mindful of him,
or the son of man, that you care for him?
7 You made him for a little while lower than the angels;
you have crowned him with glory and honor,[a]
8 putting everything in subjection under his feet.”
Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. 9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source.[b] That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers,[c] 12 saying,

“I will tell of your name to my brothers;
in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”
13 And again,

“I will put my trust in him.”
And again,

“Behold, I and the children God has given me.”
14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Tags: 2026 | Hebrews | Hebrews - Jesus Is Better | Rev. Jimmy Criddle

Our Stuff

September 27, 2026 - Our Stuff - Luke 12:13-21

A request to divide inheritance is refused; a parable warns against greed, as a rich man’s plan to store crops is rebuked by God demanding his life, illustrating those storing treasures are not rich toward God.

NRSV

The Parable of the Rich Fool
13 Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said to them, “Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” 16 Then he told them a parable: “The land of a rich man produced abundantly. 17 And he thought to himself, ‘What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?’ 18 Then he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’ 20 But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich toward God.”

Tags: Luke | Rev Charles Pope

Jesus Is Better

September 20, 2026 - Jesus Is Better - Hebrews 1:1-5

Jesus is Better

Hebrews 1:1–5 declares God spoke through prophets but now through his Son, the heir and creator sustaining all things, the radiance and imprint of God’s nature. We are urged to persevere in Jesus as superior.

Jesus reveals God and completes salvation by providing purification for sins and sitting down, finishing work no prophet or priest could do. Hebrews presents this finished sacrifice as the basis for rest, shifting performance to trust in Jesus.

God’s Final Word: His Son

1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

The Son Superior to Angels

5 For to which of the angels did God ever say,

“You are my Son;
today I have become your Father”[a]?
Or again,

“I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son”[b]?

Tags: 2026 | Hebrews | Hebrews - Jesus Is Better | Rev. Jimmy Criddle

The Hero of Every Story

September 13, 2026 - The Hero of Every Story - John 9:1-11, 24-25

The sermon focuses on sharing personal stories of faith, using the example of the blind man healed by Jesus in John chapter 9. Jimmy emphasizes that the man’s story, though simple, is powerful because it highlights the transformative power of Jesus. The sermon also reflects on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, drawing parallels between the heroism of the firefighters and the heroism of Jesus.

The story of the blind man in John 9 illustrates the transformative power of encountering Jesus. It emphasizes the importance of sharing one’s personal testimony, highlighting the journey from spiritual blindness to sight and the life-changing impact of Christ. The challenge is to reflect on one’s own story, understand the role of Jesus, and be prepared to share it with others.

Jimmy encourages the congregation to reflect on their personal stories with Christ, write them down, and share them with others. Jimmy emphasizes that everyone can know Christ and that their stories can be powerful tools to introduce others to Jesus. The congregation is invited to pray for someone to share their story with and to write their name on a prayer card.

Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind

9 As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”

3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

6 After saying this, he spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes. 7 “Go,” he told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (this word means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.

8 His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” 9 Some claimed that he was.

Others said, “No, he only looks like him.”

But he himself insisted, “I am the man.”

10 “How then were your eyes opened?” they asked.

11 He replied, “The man they call Jesus made some mud and put it on my eyes. He told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went and washed, and then I could see.”

24 A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.”

25 He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”

Tags: 2026 | BLESS | John | Rev. Jimmy Criddle

Laying Down Our Crowns

September 6, 2026 - Laying Down Our Crowns - Luke 22:24-27

Summary
The sermon focuses on the fourth practice of the “blessed” acronym: serve. It emphasizes that true greatness, as taught by Jesus, is not about climbing the ladder or gaining influence, but about serving others. The sermon encourages everyone to choose one person to pray for, listen to, and discover how to serve, challenging them to lay down their own needs and agendas in order to serve others.

24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

Tags: 2026 | Luke | Rev. Jimmy Criddle

More Than a Meal

August 30, 2026 - More Than a Meal - Luke 7:36-50

The sermon focuses on the missional practice of eating, emphasizing its spiritual significance. It highlights a story from Luke’s gospel, 7:36-50,  where Jesus dines with Simon the Pharisee and a woman known for her sinfulness. The woman’s extravagant love and hospitality towards Jesus contrast with Simon’s lack of hospitality, illustrating the transformative power of grace and the importance of welcoming others.

The table of grace, exemplified by Jesus’ Last Supper, offers forgiveness, grace, and life to all. Sharing meals with others, especially those we are praying for, can create opportunities to build relationships and share our faith. The challenge is to invite one person to a meal this week, not just friends or family, but someone new, to extend grace and build a connection.

New International Version
Jesus Anointed by a Sinful Woman

36 When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. 38 As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.

39 When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.”

40 Jesus answered him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”

“Tell me, teacher,” he said.

41 “Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,[a] and the other fifty. 42 Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?”

43 Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”

“You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.

44 Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46 You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47 Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”

48 Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

49 The other guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

50 Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Tags: 2026 | BLESS | Luke | Rev. Jimmy Criddle

Listen Up

August 23, 2026 - Listen Up - Luke 18:35-43

A blind man near Jericho called out to Jesus for mercy. Jesus healed him, restoring his sight, and the man followed Jesus, praising God.

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition Jesus Heals a Blind Beggar Near Jericho 35 As he approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 When he heard a crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth[a] is passing by.” 38 Then he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 Those who were in front sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he shouted even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 Jesus stood still and ordered the man to be brought to him, and when he came near, he asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me see again.” 42 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has saved you.” 43 Immediately he regained his sight and followed him, glorifying God, and all the people, when they saw it, praised God.

Tags: 2026 | BLESS | Luke | Rev. Jimmy Criddle

The Ministry of Prayer

August 16, 2026 - The Ministry of Prayer - Acts 12:1-17

In Acts 12:1-17 , the church prayed earnestly for Peter, who was imprisoned by King Herod. God answered their prayers by sending an angel to free Peter from his chains and guards. This story highlights the power of prayer and how God uses it to change situations and people.

The story of Peter’s miraculous release from prison highlights the power of prayer, even when the pray-ers lack full faith in the outcome. The early church’s commitment to prayer, despite their imperfections, led to significant events like Peter’s release and the spread of the gospel. The sermon encourages believers to begin praying for those around them who don’t know Jesus, trusting that God is already at work and will use their prayers to accomplish His purposes.

Acts 12:1-17

New International Version

Peter’s Miraculous Escape From Prison

12 It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. 2 He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. 3 When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. 4 After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.

5 So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

6 The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up. “Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.

8 Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.” And Peter did so. “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him. 9 Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. 10 They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.

11 Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.”

12 When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. 13 Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer the door. 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, “Peter is at the door!”

15 “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.”

16 But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. 17 Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. “Tell James and the other brothers and sisters about this,” he said, and then he left for another place.

Tags: Acts | BLESS | Rev. Jimmy Criddle

100 Mt Salus Rd
Clinton. MS 39056

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
8am - 4pm

Office Phone:
601.924.6671
cmc-clinton.org

Weekday Ministries Hours:
Monday-Friday
8am - 2-pm

Weekday Ministries Phone:
601.924.9961
cmc-weekday.org

The Blessing Strategy

August 9, 2026 - The Blessing Strategy - Genesis 12:1-3 

In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abram to leave his homeland, family, and father's house for an unrevealed land. God promises to make Abram a great nation, bless him, make his name great, protect him by blessing his friends and cursing his enemies, and ultimately use him to bless all families on earth. 

The Divine Command
•Leave the familiar: God tells Abram to depart from his country, relatives, and paternal home.
•Step into the unknown: God directs him toward a specific destination that He will reveal later. [1, 2, 3]

The Sevenfold Promises
•A great nation: God pledges to build a massive lineage and nation from Abram.
•Personal blessing: God guarantees to favor Abram directly.
•A great name: God promises personal renown and honor for Abram.
•To be a blessing: Abram's life will act as a conduit of goodness to others.
•Protection from allies and foes: God vows to bless those who support Abram and curse those who treat him with contempt.
•Global impact: Through Abram, "all the families of the earth shall be blessed".

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

The Call of Abram

12 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”[a]

Tags: 2026 | BLESS | Genesis | Rev. Jimmy Criddle

100 Mt Salus Rd
Clinton. MS 39056

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
8am - 4pm

Office Phone:
601.924.6671
cmc-clinton.org

Weekday Ministries Hours:
Monday-Friday
8am - 2-pm

Weekday Ministries Phone:
601.924.9961
cmc-weekday.org