Christ Church Memphis

Sermon: The Pharisee and Publican Scripture: Luke 18:9-14Series: The Parables of JesusTeacher: Rev. Ken StewartThere are two common deceptions that ensnare us in our spiritual journeys: Deception through comparison Deception through self-righteousnessDrawing from the Pharisee's prayer, Pastor Ken explains the dangers of comparing ourselves with others and relying on our own deeds for righteousness. But amidst these deceptions, the parable unveils four life-giving truths for contemplation. Through the lens of the repentant Publican, Pastor Ken guides listeners to recognize their unworthiness before God, embrace repentance, acknowledge their sinfulness, and earnestly seek God's mercy. He illustrates how humility before God leads to true justification and exaltation.Listeners are invited to reflect on the contrasting postures of the Pharisee and the Publican, recognizing the transformative power of humility and faith. As Pastor Paul draws parallels between the Pharisee's attitude and that of Jesus' disciples, he challenges listeners to embody childlike humility and faith, thus entering into the kingdom of God.

Sermon: The Pharisee and Publican Scripture: Luke 18:9-14Series: The Parables of JesusTeacher: Rev. Paul LawlerThere are two common deceptions that ensnare us in our spiritual journeys: Deception through comparison Deception through self-righteousnessDrawing from the Pharisee's prayer, Pastor Paul explains the dangers of comparing ourselves with others and relying on our own deeds for righteousness. But amidst these deceptions, the parable unveils four life-giving truths for contemplation. Through the lens of the repentant Publican, Pastor Paul guides listeners to recognize their unworthiness before God, embrace repentance, acknowledge their sinfulness, and earnestly seek God's mercy. He illustrates how humility before God leads to true justification and exaltation.Listeners are invited to reflect on the contrasting postures of the Pharisee and the Publican, recognizing the transformative power of humility and faith. As Pastor Paul draws parallels between the Pharisee's attitude and that of Jesus' disciples, he challenges listeners to embody childlike humility and faith, thus entering into the kingdom of God.

Sermon: The Parable of the Pharisee and the PublicanScripture: Luke 18:9-14Series: The Parables of JesusTeacher: Brad BogueDrawing parallels with unexpected plot twists in stories like Star Wars, Family Ministry Director Brad Bogue delves into the characters of the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, contrasting their prayers and revealing profound truths about self-righteousness and grace. Discover how this parable remains relevant and invites us to examine our own hearts and embrace the radical mercy offered by Jesus. 

Sermon: The Risen Lord & the World-Wide Mission of the ChurchScripture: Matthew 28:16-20Teacher: Dr. Timothy Tennent, Asbury Seminary PresidentDive into the deeper layers of the Great Commission with this enlightening podcast episode. From the historical context in Matthew's Gospel to the central command to "make disciples of all nations," explore how Jesus's final sermon shapes our approach to evangelism and relationships. Discover the significance of Christ's authority and His enduring presence in our mission to spread the Gospel, breaking barriers and transforming lives worldwide.

In this interview, we get to know Dir. High School Ministries Anna Jenness. From favorite childhood books to discovering the depth of God's grace, Anna offers insights into her personal and spiritual growth, highlighting the importance of community and mentorship along the way. Anna reflects on her upbringing, faith journey, and the pivotal moments that shaped her path toward speech pathology and what eventually led her to pursue student ministry. Through candid conversation, we learn about Anna's initial uncertainty, deepening faith, and the pivotal moments that led her to Christ Church. From sneak attack hugs in school hallways to meaningful connections with high school students, Anna reflects on the joys and challenges of her role as a high school director. Join us as we delve into Anna's inspiring story of following God's call and finding purpose in ministry.

Sermon: The Parable of the Unjust JudgeSeries: The Parables of JesusScripture: Luke 18:1-8Teacher: Grant CaldwellIn this sermon, Pastor Grant Caldwell explores the Parable of the Persistent Widow from Luke 18, focusing on Jesus' encouragement to pray without losing heart. Pastor Caldwell emphasizes three key aspects: praying motivated by God's character, praying for God's purposes, and trusting in God's timing. Listeners are encouraged to deepen their prayer life and persevere in faith, knowing that God hears, responds, and works all things according to His perfect timing.

Sermon: The Parable of the Unjust JudgeScripture: Luke 18:1-8Series: The Parables of JesusTeacher: Rev. Paul LawlerIn Jesus' day, the courtroom was not a grand building but a movable tent, and widows like the protagonist of this parable faced significant obstacles in seeking justice. Pastor Lawler highlights the stark contrast between the unjust judge's indifference and God's unwavering love and justice. Through this parable, we're reminded that God is always attentive to the cries of His children, even more so than an unjust human judge.Moreover, Pastor Lawler challenges us to adopt a lifestyle of prayer, emphasizing the importance of persistent communion with God. Prayer transforms our perspective and empowers us to navigate life's challenges with faith and resilience. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their prayer lives and to choose prayer over despair, knowing that God hears and responds to His faithful ones. Whether you're new to prayer or seeking to deepen your prayer life, this sermon offers practical insights and encouragement to persevere in seeking God's presence and guidance.

In this episode, we get to know Nina McCarver, Director of Early Elementary and the Children’s Choir. Nina opens up about her upbringing, where her grandparents raised her in a church-loving family, her educational pursuits, her journey through marriage and motherhood, and her meaningful role within the Christ Church community.Nina shares poignant memories of her childhood spent in the church, where she witnessed the power of prayer from her grandparents and developed a strong foundation of faith. Growing up, Nina’s interests led her through various paths, from aspiring to be a doctor to exploring the realms of education and law. However, it was her unwavering commitment to family and her desire to nurture young hearts that ultimately shaped her journey. From teaching Sunday school to directing the children’s choir, Nina’s love for teaching and her gentle spirit shines through as she shares the joys and challenges of guiding young minds toward faith and love.Through Nina’s story, we discover the transformative power of faith, love, and service in shaping one’s life journey. Her unwavering dedication to her family and her commitment to serving others serve as an inspiring testament to the impact of faith and community in our lives.

Sermon: The Parable of the Unprofitable ServantSeries: The Parables of JesusScripture: Luke 17:1-10Teacher: William MerrimanIn this sermon, Director of Student Ministries William Merriman delves into the challenging teachings of Jesus, exploring the common thread of humility that underlies them. Through an examination of Luke 17:1-10, Merriman addresses the weighty responsibility placed on disciples to guide new believers and avoid causing them to stumble. He emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, illustrating its transformative power through personal anecdotes and biblical examples. Merriman highlights forgiveness as an act of the will rather than merely an emotion, rooted in the understanding of God's forgiveness towards us. We're encouraged to pursue a life characterized by humility, forgiveness, and stewardship of the faith, reminding believers of the transformative power of God's love and forgiveness in their lives.

Sermon: The Unprofitable ServantSeries: The Parables of JesusScripture: Luke 17:1-10Teacher: Rev. Paul LawlerWhat is the transformative power of humility in our lives? Drawing from the context of Jesus' interactions with both the Pharisees and his disciples, Pastor Paul unpacks the importance of sensitivity and responsiveness to God coupled with deference for others. Through five key marks of humility, listeners will explore the profound impact of guarding oneself from causing others to sin, offering loving rebuke when appropriate, and extending forgiveness generously.

Sermon: What Moves YouSeries: EasterScripture: 1 Corinthians 15Teacher: Pastor Nathan Cook

Sermon: What Does the Resurrection of Jesus Have to Do with Me? Series: EasterScripture: 1 Corinthians 15 (Selected Passages) Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler"What does the resurrection have to do with you?" What if Jesus's resurrection holds the key to unlocking the deepest mysteries of existence? In his Easter Sunday sermon, Rev. Paul Lawler invites you to ponder the profound implications of life beyond the tomb.Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the veil of death? Are you searching for meaning in a world filled with fleeting connections and empty promises? In this sermon, Paul reveals the staggering implications of Christ's victory over death. As he navigates the complexities of faith and mortality, he paints a vivid portrait of a future infused with hope, joy, and everlasting fellowship.Listeners are invited to embrace the gift of eternal life, offering a glimpse into a reality where the sting of death is replaced by the triumph of resurrection. Are you ready to embark on an expedition into the heart of eternity? 

Sermon: If the Stones Cry OutSeries: The Parables of JesusScripture: Luke 19:33-40Teacher: Rev. Jacky GatliffThrough Luke 19:28-40, Rev. Jacky Gatliff explores the meaning behind this iconic moment, examining why Jesus chose to ride a humble donkey and the significance of the crowds' reactions. We're invited to reconsider our understanding of Jesus as King and challenged to reflect on our own responses to Jesus. Do we recognize Him as our rightful King, or do we, like the Pharisees, resist His authority? 

Sermon: If the Rocks Cry Out?Series: The Parables of JesusScripture: Luke 19:28-40Teacher: Rev. Paul LawlerWhat does it mean to experience true worship? In this sermon, Pastor Paul Lawler examines the significance of worship through the lens of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem for what's been come to known as Palm Sunday. As Jesus embarks on his journey towards Jerusalem for Passover, the crowd's enthusiasm reaches a crescendo. But amidst the waving palm branches and shouts of "Hosanna," there lies a deeper message about the nature of worship and its true object.Drawing parallels between ancient prophecy and contemporary understanding, Lawler guides listeners through the layers of meaning embedded in this pivotal moment. From the symbolism of Jesus riding on a donkey to the misunderstanding of His earthly kingship, every aspect underscores the profound truth about worship. Lawler challenges conventional notions of worship and invites listeners to consider the heart of true adoration. Touching upon the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, he unpacks the concept of worship in spirit and truth, emphasizing its centrality in the Christian faith.Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own understanding of worship and its place in their lives, prompting a deeper engagement with the divine. As Lawler eloquently articulates, worship is not merely a ritualistic exercise but a transformative encounter with the living God.

Sermon: Is God Fair? Series: The Parables of JesusScripture: Matthew 20:1-16Teacher: Rev. Ken StewartThroughout life, we often grapple with the concept of fairness, especially when faced with situations that challenge our understanding of justice. From childhood to adulthood, the idea of receiving what we deserve based on our actions is deeply ingrained within us. Yet, as we navigate life's complexities, we encounter moments that defy our sense of fairness.Through insightful commentary and relatable anecdotes, we unpack the layers of meaning behind this parable. From the laborers' initial reaction to the deeper implications of God's grace, we uncover profound truths about human nature and divine justice.Join us on a journey of reflection and discovery as we confront our preconceived notions and embrace God's boundless love. Through gratitude and humility, we learn to appreciate the richness of God's grace, transcending the constraints of fairness.

Sermon: The Rich Man and LazarusSeries: The Parables of JesusScripture: Luke 16:19-31Teacher: Rev. Paul LawlerDrawing 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. 

Sermon: The Unjust StewardScripture: Luke 16:1-13Series: The Parables of JesusTeacher: Pastor Grant CaldwellHow 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.

Sermon: The Unjust StewardScripture: Luke 16:1-13Series: The Parables of JesusTeacher: Rev. Paul LawlerThrough 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.

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. 

Sermon: The Best YetSeries: The Parables of JesusTeacher: Brad BogueScripture: Luke 14:25-35In 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.