Christ Church Memphis

Who or what holds the first place in our hearts?

Through reflection on the story of Ai, Rev. Paul Lawler examines the significance of the firstborn, firstfruits, and the tithe in Scripture, highlighting how these principles teach us about the redemptive nature of giving. He reminds us that offering our first to God is not merely an obligation but a powerful worship act acknowledging His sovereignty and provision. When we a...

Jericho is an impenetrable fortress, completely shut off from the outside world. Yet, the Lord assures Joshua that Jericho has already been delivered into his hands. Through a seemingly illogical battle plan, the walls come crashing down after seven days of marching around the fortress. 

This story serves as a reminder of obedience to God. Just as Israel was led into a land filled with promises, Jesus led us into the richness of God...

After crossing the seemingly impossible flooded Jordan River, the Israelites arrived at the formidable Jericho fortress. It stood as a daunting barrier to the Promised Land, making God's instructions to overcome it seem not only illogical but absurd. 

However, the Israelites' eventual victory wasn't rooted in human strength but in their faith and obedience to God’s Word. The story serves as a reminder of the...

As the Israelites prepare to cross the Jordan River after 40 years of wandering (Joshua 3), we can relate to their feelings of anticipation, faith, and spiritual preparation. It's not uncommon for God to call us into the unknown. However, are we preparing ourselves for that calling? Are we maintaining our focus on His divine presence? 

As our church begins our annual stewardship series, we can draw parallels between t...

Stewardship Pt. 1

After wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, the Israelites finally crossed into the Promised Land. But this moment was far more than just crossing the Jordan River; it marked the beginning of a profound journey of faith, anchored in their trust of God's revelation. God desires His people to rely on Him rather than mere methods or strategies. 

How does this powerful narrative highlight th...

In Luke 10, Jesus appoints 72 individuals for his mission. The passage reveals not only the ample opportunities for spiritual harvest but also highlights the necessity for laborers to fulfill this calling. Their immediate response to Jesus' call serves as a compelling example for us, showcasing that knowing the character and voice of the Lord empowers us to step out in faith, even when faced with uncertainty and challenges.

Carole Ward, founder of Favor International, guest teaches about the importance of being intentionally present and creating space for God in our lives. She emphasizes the power of the Holy Spirit and the need to be responsive to divine moments. Ward shares that true transformation relies on individual relationships with Jesus and the necessity of sacrificial love, as demonstrated by the Apostle Paul. She urges introspection on one&...

Hudson Winkle, a 21-year-old missionary with Youth with a Mission (YWAM) and former Christ Methodist Church student ministry participant, discusses his upbringing as the child of missionaries in China, emphasizing the importance of cultural engagement and community in missionary work. He shares his faith journey, including a transformative encounter that reignited his commitment to the gospel. 

Hudson reflects on his recen...

With a passionate heart, Jesus overturned tables and challenged the status quo, revealing His righteous anger against the barriers that kept the nations from truly worshiping God. Director of Student Ministry William Merriman emphasizes that the Temple was meant to be a house of prayer for all peoples, a sanctuary for everyone seeking God.

We're challenged to ask ourselves: What breaks your heart? By identifying our passions, w...

Using Mark 11:15-19, Pastor Paul dives into the significance of Jesus cleansing the Temple, a bold act that He performed twice during His ministry. This act wasn’t just about a physical space; it was a profound statement against the indifference that had crept into the hearts of God’s people, blocking access for the nations to come and worship. Paul explores how Jesus’ righteous anger was fueled by His desire for all peoples to exp...

Sermon: How Do We Do Missions Like Jesus?
Scripture: John 17:13-19
Series: Core: Mission, Vision & Values
Teacher: Grant Caldwell

“How do we do missions like Jesus?” 

Discipleship pastor Grant Caldwell unpacks this question through the lens of John 17, focusing on Jesus’ final prayer for His disciples and its implications for our mission today.

Discover how Jesus defines missions—not through guilt, ...

Sermon:Surrendering Doubts, Fears, and Comforts to Fulfill God’s Mission
Scripture: Numbers 13:27-14:1
Series: Core: Mission, Vision & Values
Teacher: Nathan Cook Missions Pastor

Are we living by fear or faith? This sermon delves into the story of the Israelite spies in Numbers 13-14, challenging us to confront our hesitations in following God's call. 

The recurring phrase, "Today, if you hear God&...

In this sermon, guest teacher Will Watson (The Traveling Team) explores God's global mission and humanity's vital role within it. He urges listeners to shift from a self-centered mindset to a missional perspective and emphasizes our sacred duty to spread the gospel.

Highlighting Genesis 12:1-3, Will showcases God's promise to bless all nations through Abram and traces the biblical narrative that reveals God&...

Todd Arend emphasizes the church's role in global evangelism, referencing Genesis 12. He urges believers to overcome self-centeredness and engage actively in mission work, envisioning diverse worship in heaven.

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In this sermon, Todd Ahrend, founder of The Traveling Team, discusses the significance of mission mobilization and the church's role in global evangelism. He references Genesis 12, emphasi...

Sermon: Called to Surrender: Embracing God's Mission to All People
Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-10
Series: Christ Church Memphis Mission Statement Series 
Teacher: Nathan Cook, Missions Pastor  

In this sermon, Missions Pastor Nathan Cook explores Isaiah's awe-inspiring vision of God's holiness and his call to proclaim His message to resistant people. Through this profound encounter, we learn the neces...

Sermon: Called to Surrender: Embracing God's Mission to All People
Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-10
Series: Christ Church Memphis Mission Statement Series 
Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler

More than two billion people have never heard the Gospel. In this sermon, Pastor Paul challenged us with a powerful message from Isaiah 6 about God's heart for all nations. He reminded us that as followers of Christ, we're ca...

Sermon: How Do I Respond to Jesus’ Command to Make Disciples?
Series: Christ Church Memphis Mission Statement Series 
Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20 NIV
Teacher: Bro. Chris Carter

In Bro. Chris Carter's final sermon at Christ Methodist explores what living out the Great Commission truly means.

Drawing from Matthew 28:16-20, Bro. Chris reflects on the journey of obedience and loyalty required to follo...

Sermon: How Do I Respond to Jesus’ Command to "Make Disciples"?
Series: Christ Church Memphis Mission Statement Series 
Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20 NIV
Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler

In  Part 5 of our Christ Church Mission Statement Series, Pastor Paul Lawler challenges us to examine our personal response to Jesus' Great Commission. The universal call to discipleship isn't reserved for clergy but...

Sermon: What is a Disciple of Jesus Christ? 
Series: Christ Church Memphis Mission Statement Series 
Scripture: Luke 9:23-37 
Teacher: Josh Landen

Does Jesus want us to be fans or disciples? True discipleship involves more than just learning about Jesus; it requires embodying His love and teachings daily. Drawing from John 8 and the Last Supper discourse, men's ministry pastor Josh Landen illustrates how d...