What Can God Do with All I Have? | Pastor Paul | Contemporary

Christ Methodist Church

Media App

What Can God Do with All I Have? | Pastor Paul | Contemporary

October 8, 2023 • Paul Lawler • John 6:1–14

Series: Above & Beyond

Part I: What God Can Do with All I Have?

Sermon by: Rev. Paul Lawler

Scripture: John 6:1-14

In the inaugural sermon of our "Above and Beyond" series, Pastor Paul Lawler delves into the profound message behind the miraculous feeding of the 5,000 from the book of John, chapter 6. While the story is familiar, Pastor Lawler challenges us to see beyond the surface and recognize that it's about more than just the multiplication of bread and fish. He encourages us to view this event as a testament to God's nature and a call to trust in His abundance.

Drawing inspiration from the words of Saint Augustine, the sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the deeper meaning behind events in our lives. The context of Passover is explored, highlighting how it represents God's claim on His people, their release from slavery, and His provision for their needs—a message relevant even today.

The sermon explores how Jesus tested Philip and Andrew not to tempt them but to reveal their understanding of Him. Philip and Andrew's initial hopelessness in the face of an enormous task reflects the human tendency to focus on our limitations. However, Jesus shows that when we yield what we have to Him, He can multiply it beyond our expectations.

The sermon reinforces the idea that life often presents challenges beyond our capacity, debunking the notion that "God will never give us more than we can handle." Instead, it suggests that God allows us to face overwhelming situations to teach us reliance on Him. Just as Jesus gave Philip more than he could handle, He invites us to trust in His transformative power.

In closing, Pastor Paul encourages us to yield our resources and challenges to Jesus, trusting that He can do something new and creative with them. By doing so, we discover the beauty of stewardship and learn to see our limitations as opportunities for God's abundance to shine through.

The Wheat and the Tares

January 7, 2024 • Bro. Chris Carter • Matthew 13:24–30

Contemporary Service (Sunday Morning, 11 am)

December 24, 2023

Sermon: Jesus as the Christ, Pt. 1 Series: Advent 2023 Scripture: Luke 2:11 Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler In this special sermon taken from our Christmas Eve morning service, Pastor Paul Lawler examines the significance of the title "Christ" in relation to Jesus. He explores Luke 2:11, which declares, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the LORD." https://www.buzzsprout.com/641797/11931025, Pastor Paul discussed the term "Savior," and this year, we shift our focus to the word "Christ" and its incredible implications. Is this designation significant, and if so, how much does it truly matter? As we celebrate Christmas and the birth of our Savior, take a moment to reflect on the profound meaning behind the title "Christ" and its impact on your faith journey. Throughout the New Testament, the term "Christ" is used a staggering 569 times, with 65 appearances in the Apostle Paul's letter to the church in Rome. But what's even more remarkable is that this title was foretold in the Old Testament, written hundreds to thousands of years before Jesus's birth. Join us as we explore: The Meaning of "Christ": Uncover the Greek origin of the word "Christos" and its connection to the Messiah. Jesus as The Messiah: Understand how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies and the profound role he plays in the fabric of the Old Testament. Threefold Anointing: Explore how Jesus takes on the roles of Prophet, Priest, and King—all in one person. The Significance of His Anointing: Discover the incredible power, presence, and authority that come with accepting Jesus as the Christ. The Life-Changing Message: Learn how the belief in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, can transform your life. Merry Christmas!

The Gift of Awe Before a Holy God | Pastor Paul (Contemporary Service, Sunday Morning, 11 am)

December 17, 2023

Sermon: The Gift of Awe Before a Holy God Series: Advent 2023 Scripture: Multiple Teacher: Rev. Paul Lawler Awe is a powerful emotion—a blend of reverence, respect, fear, and wonder—and it's a feeling that can be ignited when we contemplate the grandeur of creation. Our spiritual exploration draws from the wisdom of ancient scriptures, such as Psalm 19:1, which proclaims, "The heavens declare the glory of the Lord," and the awe-inspiring birth of Christ as recorded in Luke 2:9-15. In this sermon, Rev. Paul Lawler focuses on the angels—the first beings to praise God when Christ was born. These angels, sinless and without need for a Savior, offer us a profound lesson in praise. They praise Jesus for who He is—the image of the invisible God, the Creator, and the upholder of the universe. In contrast to the heavenly hosts, we discover that God often chooses to reveal His glory to those society considers outcasts. The shepherds, with their less-than-stellar reputations, were the first to receive the good news of Jesus' birth. This tells us that God's message is intentional and powerful: He came for sinners, for those in need of His grace and redemption. Pastor Paul explores the parallels between the shepherds and ourselves—outcasts in need of a Savior. He reflects on the beauty of creation, the praise of angels, and the transformative power of God's message to the outcasts. As you listen, may you find inspiration to awaken your own sense of awe and wonder before the majesty of our Holy God. Remember, there are no coincidences in God's plan, and this sermon is a testament to His intentional and redemptive love.