Christ Church Memphis
575 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★★ - 13 ratingsGo deeper in your faith with our weekly podcasts. Episodes include sermons by our pastoral team and interviews that guide you through some of our toughest faith questions.
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Episodes
Part 2: What is the Context of Romans 8:28
June 12, 2023 14:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBSermon by Rev. Paul Lawler This entire passage in Romans is really helpful for understanding how suffering can be redemptive for the Christian because of the availability of God in the suffering. It's important to read around this verse. These verses describe how God is at work even in the brokenness and suffering we encounter in our lives. He's transforming the church, and eventually he'll transform this whole world to bring suffering and oppression to an end.
Get to Know: Lance Ingram (Digital Content Strategist)
June 08, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 17.5 MBGet to know the Christ Church staff and ministry leaders! We’re flipping the script as the interviewer becomes the interviewee and sharing the life of Lance Ingram, Christ Church’s Digital Content Strategist. From his upbringing as a minister’s child to the unexpected revelation of his faith, forged within the walls of a bar and inspired by a sermon delivered by the legendary Rev. Al Green. Lance opens his heart and invites us to witness the transformative power of Christ. Lance also s...
What is the Context of Jeremiah 29:11?
June 05, 2023 15:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MBWhen we cherry-pick scripture, we can ultimately mislead ourselves and others. In fact, without the broader context that surrounds the scriptures we read and quote every day, we can come to damaging conclusions about ourselves and, more importantly, about God.
Get to Know: Laura Spegal (Dir. Nursery & Preschool Ministries)
June 01, 2023 10:00 - 21 minutes - 14.9 MBGet to know the Christ Church staff and ministry leaders! In this interview, get to know Laura Spegal, Director of Preschool and Nursery ministries at Christ Church Memphis. With her arrival in 2020, Laura has demonstrated her dedication to fostering relationships and becoming a beacon of love for young families. Prepare to be moved as Laura fearlessly opens up about a transformative journey from a season of abuse. Her story of spiritual awakening during a time of demanding courage is a t...
What is the Significance of Pentecost?
May 29, 2023 10:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MBWhat is the Significance of Pentecost? Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler Pentecost Sunday is the birthday of the church and is just as significant as Easter and Christmas. It was the day when the Spirit of God came down and occupied his new temple. In this sermon, Pastor Paul explores the events leading up to Pentecost and why it's important to believers.
Get to Know: Bro. Chris Carter (Executive Pastor)
May 25, 2023 10:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBGet to know the Christ Church staff and ministry leaders! This interview is with the ever-inspiring Bro. Chris Carter, who began his journey at Christ Church Memphis in 2012 and has since flourished in various roles, including in his current position as Executive Pastor. We delve deep into Chris’ upbringing, unveiling the profound challenges his family encountered and the incredible ways in which divine intervention shaped his life, ultimately leading him to answer God's resounding call ...
Sanctification Pt. 5: Sanctification and Community
May 22, 2023 10:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBSermon: Sanctification and Community Series: Weselayn Sanctification Scripture: James 5:16a-c (ESV) Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler John Wesley said, “The gospel of Christ knows of no religion, but social; no holiness but social holiness.” There's a common misconception that you can do life on your own, and that's even been said of our faith. Don’t believe the lie that you can do this on your own. However, there are many who have misconstrued this statement to believe Wesley was saying that th...
Addressing Fear & Our City
May 18, 2023 10:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBWhat place does fear have in our spiritual life? Is there such a thing as healthy fear? How can we pray through the fear in our city? Missions Pastor Nathan Cook joins in conversation to discuss the complexity of what fear can do in our life. Scripture tells us to fear not; however, fear can paralyze a believer and prevent them from following God's Word. This discussion focuses on navigating the challenges of fear we are experiencing in our city, Memphis, and we shouldn't overlook the plan...
Sanctification Pt. 4: Holy and Healthy: The Restoration of the Image of God
May 15, 2023 10:00 - 30 minutes - 21 MBIn sanctification, God is seeking to form your soul and spirit; He is seeking to restore His image in you. Once we invite Jesus to enter our lives as Savior, He goes to work to restore the original image. He transforms us to make us like Himself (2 Corinthians 3:18). This process is described as sanctification, putting off some behaviors and putting on others. Unless and until our sin-tarnished souls are cleansed by Jesus’ forgiveness, God’s image is obscured in our lives. But when we trus...
Author Rebecca George Talks Gospel-Centered Goals, Gumption, and Grace for the Go-Getter Girl
May 11, 2023 10:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBAuthor, podcaster, and social media influencer Rebecca George shares about her new book, Do the Thing. Perfectly blending storytelling, encouragement, and biblical insight, Do the Thing beckons you to pursue the passions that stir your soul. Rebecca encourages women to take brave steps in a purposeful direction, using God’s Word as their compass to do the thing He has designed for them to do. After all, if not now … when?
Sanctification Pt. 3: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Sanctification
May 08, 2023 10:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MBSeries: Wesleyan Sanctification Sermon: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Sanctification Teacher: by Rev. Paul Lawler Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-18 Rev. Paul Lawler continues his series about sanctification, and in this sermon, he covers how we are sanctified through the Holy Spirit. If you were filled with the Spirit at one time in the past, you need refilling with the Holy Spirit.
New Life Rising #10: The Sobriety of Forever
May 04, 2023 10:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MBIn conjunction with our Lenten devotional, New Life Rising, we're in the final week of Discipleship Pastor Grant Caldwell's weekly podcast series that coincides with each week's reading. In the final episode, Pastor Grant turns the microphone on himself to be asked what is the sobriety of forever. While we live in a culture that is obsessed with death, we have to ask what our perspective as Christians should be toward death. What happens when our dimming eyes become focused on eternity?
Sanctification Pt. 2: The Role of the Word in Sanctification
May 01, 2023 10:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBSeries: Wesleyan Sanctification Scripture: John 17:17-21 Sermon by: Rev. Paul Lawler This sermon continues the Wesleyan Sanctification series by Rev. Paul Lawler. God does not sanctify us by our reading the Word. God sanctifies us by the Word reading us. Pastor Paul explores how does God's Word work in our sanctification?
New Life Rising #9: Alive Upon Arrival
April 27, 2023 10:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBIn conjunction with our Lenten devotional, New Life Rising, we're in week nine of Discipleship Pastor Grant Caldwell's weekly podcast series that coincides with each week's reading. Missions Mobilization Director Stephanie Powell discusses what it means to be alive upon arrival. Through this conversation, they discuss what is dead, sapless, and blowing about in a garden may be the stuff of new life next year. Stephanie also shares this within the context of the persecuted church.
An Introduction to Sanctification
April 24, 2023 10:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBAn Introduction to Sanctification Scripture: Romans 6:19 Sermon by: Rev. Paul Lawler Salvation is just the beginning . . . there is SO much more God has for you. The Apostle Paul wanted God’s people to understand this. So, he wrote about this many times in the New Testament. Sanctification: being made or becoming holy. To sanctify is to literally be set apart for particular use in a special purpose or work. This is often overlooked in our Christian experience, yet it is so central it’s ...
Conversation with the Global Methodist Church
April 21, 2023 10:00 - 14 minutes - 10.3 MBIn this interview, Rev. Paul Lawler speaks with Keith Boyette, Transitional Connectional Officer for the Global Methodist Church. Pending approval, disaffiliation from the United Methodist Church is coming for Christ Church Memphis. We have entered a phase of searching God's wisdom and leadership for what's next regarding our church's affiliation. One of those choices is the Global Methodist Church (GMC). Keith explains the GMC's focus on Jesus and His mission in the world. He also cover...
New Life Rising #8: A Waste of Time, A Work of Love
April 20, 2023 10:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MBIn conjunction with our Lenten devotional, New Life Rising, we're in week eight of Discipleship Pastor Grant Caldwell's weekly podcast series that coincides with each week's reading. Family Ministry Director Brad Bogue discusses walking through seasons with ourselves and with others. Every year, the dawn of Easter reminds us that what the world might see as a waste can actually be a wonder.
The God Honoring Way
April 17, 2023 10:00 - 35 minutes - 24.3 MBThe God Honoring Way Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:1-15 Sermon by: Rev. Paul Lawler Man-made efforts will yield man-sized results; however, when things are done in God-honoring ways, we see God-sized results. Despite our best intentions, we can’t do things our way if we want the Lord to break out. Listen to how we can learn from David’s mistake of doing things his way.
New Life Rising #7: Exiles All the Way Home
April 13, 2023 10:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MBIn conjunction with our Lenten devotional, New Life Rising, we're in week seven of Discipleship Pastor Grant Caldwell's new weekly podcast series that coincides with each week's reading. Middle school director Olivia Hewitt discusses how in the season of Lent, we yearn for the miraculous movement from wilderness to safety, exile to belonging, and sojourning to home. If death is the ultimate exile, Easter is the ultimate promise of homegoing.
The Power Behind a Rolling Stone
April 10, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 17.9 MBThe Power Behind a Rolling Stone Easter Day Message Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 Sermon by: Rev. Paul Lawler In Rev. Paul Lawler's first Easter message at Christ Church, he examines the power of the stone rolled away from Christ's tomb. To explore the reality of Christ's resurrection, He asks a series of questions to address the different doubts skeptics have, including vacancy, flatline, cameo, martyrdom, and 180.
New Life Rising #6: My Last Supper with the Family of God
April 06, 2023 10:00 - 19 minutes - 13.5 MBIn conjunction with our Lenten devotional, New Life Rising, we're in week six of Discipleship Pastor Grant Caldwell's new weekly podcast series that coincides with each week's reading. Lead Pastor Paul Lawler joins us this week to discuss my last supper with the family of God. Communion is based on the reality that none of us have the strength to repair our mutually inflicted wounds. In response to our weaknesses, Jesus serves a supernatural meal that is given at a price that corresponds t...
What Defines Reality?
April 03, 2023 10:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBWhat Defines Reality Palm Sunday Message Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11 Sermon by: Rev. Paul Lawler Are our beliefs hindering our understanding of Jesus? When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, He was met with a hero’s welcome; however, the reason for their celebration was misguided. What was Jesus’ purpose? How can we become truth seekers instead of truth twisters?
New Life Rising #5: Descending the Summit of Success
March 30, 2023 10:00 - 14 minutes - 10.3 MBIn conjunction with our Lenten devotional, New Life Rising, we're in week five of Discipleship Pastor Grant Caldwell's new weekly podcast series that coincides with each week's reading. Worship leader Nicki Halford joins us this week to discuss descending the summit of success. She discusses the pressure of performing and the importance of letting go of human feelings of success and affirmation in order to focus on pointing people towards God. We must allow holy destinations in our life ...
Asbury Students Share First-Hand Accounts of Revival
March 27, 2023 10:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MBThe minority affects the majority. Today was such a blessing. Thanks to the faithfulness of the three young women—Charity, Grace, and Jacklyn—who gave their testimony as students of Asbury University during the recent revival. Pastor Paul shared in this service that revivals, like this one, have been used by God as instruments of awakening power within communities all throughout history. God DOES move in ways that transform entire nations. During this service, we heard what that looks l...
New Life Rising #4: Dying to the Indispensable Self
March 23, 2023 10:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBIn conjunction with our Lenten devotional, New Life Rising, we're in week four of Discipleship Pastor Grant Caldwell's new weekly podcast series that coincides with each week's reading. Communications Director Miles Stevens joins us this week to discuss dying to the indispensable self. If we die to the vision of ourselves as great or essential, we can become free to live faithfully in childlike wonder and gratitude. It's when we release our measurable self, the perspective that our intrinsi...
The Holy Spirit, Our Helper
March 20, 2023 10:00 - 33 minutes - 23.4 MBThe Holy Spirit, Our Helper Series: The Holy Spirit Scripture: John 14:26, 16:7 NASB Sermon by: Bro. Chris Carter Christians are called to live in two worlds simultaneously—a natural world and a spiritual world. Even after we experience a spiritual birth (born again or born from above), we are clueless about how to live. We must learn how to live and respond to God in our daily lives because we must be taught how to live like citizens of heaven while we are still inhabitants of the earth...
New Life Rising #3: The Ever-Present Memento Mori
March 16, 2023 10:00 - 16 minutes - 11.2 MBIn conjunction with our Lenten devotional, New Life Rising, we're in week three of Discipleship Pastor Grant Caldwell's new weekly podcast series that coincides with each week's reading. This week, William Merriman joins us to discuss our memento mori, or the constant reminder of the inevitability of death. However, when we accept and honor the reality of death, we discover a life-giving practice. As Christians, during the Lenten season, we see that death isn't the end for us as Christians,...
Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit
March 13, 2023 10:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MBSensitivity to the Holy Spirit Series: The Holy Spirit Scripture: Multiple Sermon by: Rev. Paul Lawler To become sensitive to the Holy Spirit requires that we become aware of the sensitivity of the Holy Spirit. A fruit of the Holy Spirit is “gentleness” (Galatians 5:23). Paul urged in Philippians 4:5, “Let your gentleness be evident to all.” We can run ahead of God. We can run ahead of God by not adjusting to His Word, focusing on His Son, and adjusting to the sensitivity of the Holy S...
New Life Rising #2: Discovering Sabbath
March 09, 2023 11:00 - 20 minutes - 14.5 MBIn conjunction with our Lenten devotional, New Life Rising, we're in week two of Discipleship Pastor Grant Caldwell's new weekly podcast series that coincides with each week's reading. This week, Bro. Chris Carter joins us to discuss our busyness and deep need for Sabbath. Our life can lend themselves to chasing false idols in a frantic state of pursuing success. However, Lent is a season of God calling us back. Learn how you can slow down, reflect and prepare your heart for Easter.
The Ministry of Jesus: The Gifts of the Holy Spirit
March 06, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBThe Ministry of Jesus: The Gifts of the Holy Spirit Series: The Holy Spirit Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:1 Sermon by: Rev. Paul Lawler We are not only told to desire spiritual gifts --- We are said to long for spiritual gifts and to pursue spiritual gifts with our actions. There are 18-22 different gifts of the Holy Spirit, and spiritual gifts are like a conduit of the ministry of Jesus. Through Scripture, we see where these gifts fall into three categories. Learn where your spiritual gi...
New Life Rising #1: Confronting our Weltschmerz
March 02, 2023 11:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MBAs the world around us appears to be increasingly bleak, it's understandable that we all experience Weltschmerz - a sense of weariness and sorrow that comes from being acutely aware of the evil and suffering in the world. In a thought-provoking discussion, Rev. Jacky Gatliff suggests that our natural response to this pain is trying to control and fix problems, which may ultimately be counterproductive. However, despite the despair, the season of Lent reminds us that hope is still on the hori...
The Character of Jesus: The Fruit of the Holy Spirit
February 27, 2023 11:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MBThe Character of Jesus: The Fruit of the Holy Spirit Series: The Holy Spirit pt. 3: Scripture: Galatians 5:16-26 Sermon by: Rev. Paul Lawler The flesh and the Spirit are in opposition to one another. They are mutually diametrically opposed forces operating within your life, with different goals and pursuing different things. Galatians 5:16 tells us, “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Bearing fruit is a work of God’s grace. Galatians teaches us ...
Dr. Timothy Tennent Guest Sermon: Desperation to Revival
February 20, 2023 11:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBDr. Timothy Tennent, President of Asbury Theological Seminary, guest teaches. In this sermon, he shares from Mark 5:21-43. Two characters of starkly different statuses intersect on one fateful day in the life of Christ. While their prestige varies, their desperation bonds them into an act of faith that portrays the heart of the Gospel message. Listen to how you can turn your life from despair into revival.
Dr. Timothy Tennent Guest Sermon
February 20, 2023 11:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBDr. Timothy Tennent, President of Asbury Theological Seminary, guest teaches. In this sermon, he shares from Mark 5:21-43. To partner & serve with CC Nursery/ Preschool to root children in strong, intentional, and Biblical homes, visit christchurchmemphis.org/kids or contact Laura Spegal at [email protected] for more information.
How to be Filled with the Holy Spirit
February 13, 2023 11:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MBSeries on The Holy Spirit Part 2: How to be Filled with the Holy Spirit Sermon by Rev. Paul Lawler Scripture: Ephesians 5:18-20 In this sermon, Pastor Paul explores the concept of being filled with the Holy Spirit. The Bible teaches us that we were never meant to live life on our own and that God desires us to live in the fullness of His presence. The cross of Jesus initiated a restoration work in our lives so that we can live in Christ and be empowered by the Creator's presence. Howe...
Who is the Holy Spirit?
February 06, 2023 11:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MBSeries on The Holy Spirit Part 1: Who is the Holy Spirit? Sermon by Rev. Paul Lawler Scripture: Acts 1:8 Rev. Paul Lawler begins his new sermon series on the Holy Spirit. He first discusses the difference between a dullChristian life and adynamic Christian life. To some of us, that may sound like an exaggeration, but in Acts 1:8, Jesus tells us, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you..’.” A gospel with no emphasis on the Holy Spirit is flat. That’s why a rela...
Mountain-Moving Prayer
January 30, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBSeries: The Power of Prayer Part 4: Mountain-Moving Prayer Sermon by Rev. Paul Lawler Scripture: Mark 11:23-26 Jesus is the embodiment of the Gospel. In this passage, Jesus shares the power of the Gospel to transform lives; and for every transformed life to be fruitful. Rev. Paul Lawler shares in this sermon the three patterns of mountain-moving prayer.
Get to Know: Stephanie Powell
January 26, 2023 11:00 - 21 minutes - 14.8 MBStephanie Powell, Director of Missions Mobilization, recently traveled to Liberia for a mission trip to work alongside Dr. Chris Hena and Health Women, Healthy Liberia. In this new interview, she shares her experience and the incredible work God is doing in a country ravaged by civil war.
The Pharisee and the Publican
January 23, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBSeries: The Power of Prayer Part 3: The Pharisee and the Publican Sermon by Rev. Paul Lawler Scripture: Luke 18:9-14 Our passage tells of two men, a Pharisee, and a Tax Collector, going to the temple to pray. Based on this Scripture we can spot the vulnerabilities of the religious: not life-giving righteousness, form lacking the power to manifest God, outward presentation without the inward love, and knowing the what but not the who. How can we move from knowing what it means to be re...
Get To Know: Grant Caldwell
January 19, 2023 11:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBWe'd like to introduce you to Grant Caldwell, Christ Church Memphis' new Discipleship Pastor. This exclusive interview asks Grant about his family, ministry, and plans for the position.
The Persistent Widow
January 16, 2023 11:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MBSeries: The Power of Prayer Part 2: The Persistent Widow Sermon by: Paul Lawler Scripture: Luke 18:1-8 In this sermon, Rev. Paul shares how to build up your heart in effective prayer. In Luke 18, Jesus shares a parable to keep us from being discouraged in prayer. Widows at this time were some of the most vulnerable people in society. They had no none to stand up for them. If the judge had feared God, he would have realized that he had a special obligation to the widow as her only line of...
Get to Know Nathan Cook
January 12, 2023 11:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBWe'd like to introduce you to Nathan Cook, Christ Church Memphis' new Missions Pastor. This exclusive interview asks Nathan about his family, ministry, and plans for the position.
The Friend at Midnight
January 09, 2023 11:00 - 27 minutes - 18.6 MBSeries: The Power of Prayer Part 1: The Friend at Midnight Sermon: Rev. Paul Lawler Scripture: Luke 11:5-13 Jesus shares the Lord's Prayer in response to the request of one of the disciples, “Lord, teach us to pray” (11:1). His disciples were Jewish men; They knew something about prayer. They grew up going to the synagogue, hearing prayer, participating in prayer, praying over meals, etc. But they saw something different in the prayer life of Jesus. They saw Jesus looking forwa...
How to Start Reading the Bible
January 05, 2023 11:00 - 12 minutes - 8.86 MBThe Bible is a large book; if you’re new to the faith or have tried and failed, it can be intimidating. However, as Christians, knowing and treasuring the Word of God is paramount to developing our faith and drawing closer to Him. In this podcast conversation, Christ Church Discipleship Pastor Grant Caldwell will outline some accessible Bible reading methods. How to Understand the Old Testament by Grant Caldwell How to Read Difficult Scripture by Brad Bogue How To Help Your Child Read the ...
God Is Doing a New Thing
January 02, 2023 11:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBScripture: Isaiah 43:19 On the first day of 2023, Discipleship Pastor Grant Caldwell shares a message of hope to refresh our perspectives for a new year. What causes us to miss the new things that God wants to do in our lives? l
Christmas Day: Wonderful, Counselor
December 26, 2022 11:00 - 16 minutes - 11.5 MBChristmas Day Sermon: Wonderful, Counselor Sermon by Paul Lawler Scripture: Isaiah 9:6 “For unto us, a child is born, to us a son has given him the government shall be upon his shoulders, and he will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 Rev. Paul examines “Wonderful, Counselor" and the three life-giving arenas we can identify. Our Wonderful Counselor gifts us with counsel around our: Guilt Grief Grudges
Christmas Eve: Christ the Savior
December 26, 2022 10:00 - 19 minutes - 13.8 MBSeries: Immanuel – God with Us Part 4: Christ the Savior Sermon by Paul Lawler Scripture: Luke 2:8-14 “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11 (ESV) Christ: He is the fulfillment of all that the Old Testament spoke. There are more than 300 specific O.T. prophecies spoken of Jesus. Lord: He is pre-existent and is sovereign over all things. Savior: He saves us from something. But what are we saved from? "(We have created) a god...
God's Christmas Invitation
December 19, 2022 11:00 - 44 minutes - 30.9 MBSermon by Bro. Chris Carter
The Courage to Celebrate with Nicole Zasowski
December 15, 2022 11:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MBIf "our joy is merely an appetizer for the riches we have in Christ, and the story of our sorrow is never the last story that will be told," how do we allow celebration to transform our hearts? We know that God can, but do we trust that He will? Can we dare to risk for the sake of joy? How do we celebrate without worrying about what disappointments or struggles may lie ahead? In this exciting interview with licensed marriage and family therapist, writer, and speaker, Nicole Zasowski shares...
The Trouble with Christmas
December 12, 2022 11:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBSeries: Immanuel – God with Us Part 3: The Trouble With Christmas Sermon by Paul Lawler Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25 In this sermon, Pastor Paul discusses The Trouble with Christmas. The trouble he focuses on involves the risks associated with Christmas. You can’t live without taking risks, yet we make a big deal about risks. Life is full of risks, but the question is, which risks will we take? And more specifically, what risks will we take for God?