CTRFW: Christ the Redeemer Anglican Sermons
Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church Fort Worth
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Scripture-based sermons given at Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church in Fort Worth, Texas.
For more information visit ctrfw.org
Available episodes
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Sep 17, 2023
Are you having a hard time forgiving someone?
It’s hard to be hurt by someone once, let alone multiple times. And what about when we hurt someone? Listen in as Fr. Chris explores what God thinks about forgiveness and what forgiveness looks like in our lives.
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Sep 3, 2023
The Cross of Christ
One minute, Jesus gives Peter the keys to the Kingdom of God. The next minute, Jesus calls Peter Satan. What’s going on? Listen in as Fr. Chris talks about the power and purpose of the Cross.
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Aug 20, 2023
Traditions of Men/ Commandments of God
The story of the Canaanite woman demonstrates a crucial teaching of Jesus. The Commandments of God supersedes the traditions of men.
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Aug 13, 2023
God Uses This Natural World to Reveal His Supernatural Purposes
Jesus walked on the water. And, Jesus called Peter to walk on the water. But, is Jesus just performing a miracle, for the sake of a miracle? Or, does he have a greater purpose in mind that meets our spiritual needs? Listen in as Fr. Chris discusses this lesson from Scripture.
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Aug 6, 2023
Feeding of the 5000
The feeding of the 5000 is a story that is so familiar, that one can miss some important details. Join father Charles as he uncovers some of the lesser known aspects of a well-known story.
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Jul 30, 2023
The Unseen in Matthew 13
Matthew chapter 13 ends with a string of five parables. The parables of the mustard seed, the leaven, the treasure in the field, the pearl of great value, and the parable of the net are the concluding parts of the story that start with the parable of the sower. Join Father Charles as he pieces together the narrative of Matthew chapter 13.
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Jul 23, 2023
The Gardener, The Wheat and The Weeds
In the 1st century, Israel was broiling with political and religious turbulence. Those who looked for the Messiah believed that when the Messiah arrived, he would judge the evil in the land. Yet, many failed to see that their hearts were unready for the judgment they hoped God would bring. Join Father Charles as he connects the Parable of the Sower and the Parable of the Weeds.
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Jul 16, 2023
How’s Your Heart?
Jesus tells a parable about a sower who sows seeds, but he’s not talking about farming. He’s preparing people for battle. Only, the fight will take place in an unexpected way. Listen in as Fr. Chris explains.
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Jul 9, 2023
The Christian Way of Life
Fr. Bob’s sermon is based on Psalm 145. Listen as he explains how God’s love is the foundation of the Christian way of life.
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Jul 2, 2023
I Have Come not to Bring Peace, but a Sword
Sometimes, Jesus says things that are difficult to hear. Perhaps he even found them difficult to have to say. Listen in as Fr. Chris explores why Jesus sometimes says things that are very hard but inportant for for us to hear.
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Jun 26, 2023
A Dangerous Race
Jesus tells his disciples that they are being sent into the world like sheep among wolves. Likewise, modern disciples of Jesus find the world to be just as treacherous. But Jesus promises his disciples that they have all the tools necessary in order to complete the task they’ve been given. Join Fr. Charles as he explains.
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Jun 18, 2023
A Sinking Ship
Matthew chapter 10 offers one of the hardest saying Jesus ever uttered. Join Fr. Charles as he contextualizes this saying and uncover with him the meaning of this difficult passage.
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Jun 11, 2023
What does it mean to be a Christian?
If you’ve ever been curious about what it really means to be a Christian, listen in as Fr. Chris explores the most basic elements of living a Christian life.
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Jun 4, 2023
Trinity Sunday: 3 in 1 in Everything
The story of the Gospel is the story of Jesus. His birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension, and the sending of the Spirit, are all indelibly tied to Christ. But Jesus never does or says anything on his own because the three persons of the Trinity are never separated from one another. So how do we view the story of the Gospel as the story of the trinity? Join Father Charles as we discuss.
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May 28, 2023
The Word of God Uniting, Dividing, and Multiplying
Two thousand years ago, the Holy Spirit descended on 120 followers of Jesus, establishing the Church, which has become the most powerful movement in human history. Listen in as Fr. Chris explores what happened at Pentecost and what it means for us today.
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May 21, 2023
One Last Thing
Immediately before his crucifixion, Jesus gives his disciples one last word of encouragement. Jesus thinks that the most important thing He could show his disciples, the thing that they should always remember, the thing that should give them the encouragement they need to make it through everything that was to come, was a glimpse into a conversation between Jesus and the Father. Join us as Father Charles shares from John 17, the “High Priestly Prayer” of Jesus.
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May 14, 2023
Finding Joy in Jesus
A look at the mental health problems we are facing in America - depression, anxiety, addiction, PTSD, and other things - reveals that there is an abject lack of joy in the world today. What is causing this lack of joy? What can be done? Listen in as Fr. Chris talks about finding joy in Jesus.
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May 7, 2023
Only One Way to the Father
Chapter 14 is a chapter of sharp, distinctions and exclusive claims. In this chapter, Jesus claims to be the only way to the Father. Listen as Fr. Charles explains why this claim is every bit as exclusive as it sounds, while also being one of the most beautiful invitations imaginable.
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Apr 30, 2023
The Easter sermon no one wants to hear; the Easter sermon all Christians need to hear
In the aftermath of Jesus rising from the dead, one of his followers - Stephen - was brutally murdered. How can this be? What does this teach us? Listen in as Fr. Chris explores the compelling witness of St. Stephen, deacon and martyr.
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Apr 23, 2023
What does it mean to be a Christian? Instructed Eucharist service
If you’ve ever been curious about what it really means to be a Christian, listen in as Fr. Chris explores the most basic elements of living a Christian life. Sunday’s Gospel: Luke 24: 13-35
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Apr 16, 2023
When Jesus appears…
Word is getting out that Jesus is alive but until the disciples see him, they don’t believe this to be true. Therefore, in our Gospel reading, John 20:19-31, we find them in a locked room afraid and then… Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” Listen to Fr. Charles as he explains what happens when Jesus appears to the disciples, including Thomas, and to you.
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Apr 3, 2023
Palm Sunday: The Terrible Departure/ the Triumphal Re-entry
Ezekiel 10 shows the presence of the lord departed the temple. This was a terrible day for Israel. But the lord would not stay gone forever. Join Father Charles as he describes both the departure and the return of the Lord
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Mar 26, 2023
Lord, if you had been there…
In a world where we often feel the very real pain of tragedy, especially death, we wonder whether or not God really cares, or if he is even there. If we don’t address these questions correctly, we are reduced to wishful thinking, or worse, substance abuse to numb the pain. Listen in as Fr. Chris teaches on the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, revealing the how the person, the presence, the power, and the promises of God meets us in our suffering.
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Mar 19, 2023
True Sight/True Blindness
John chapter 9 is a chapter full of imagery and symbolism. Central among the imagery is the usage of blindness and sight. Join Fr. Charles, as he explores this chapter and uncovers, the source of true blindness and the beauty of true sight.
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Mar 12, 2023
From Shame to Salvation
Shame is a heavy burden to bear. It can make you want to disappear. Sometimes, it can make you feel like you want to die. But, have you ever considered the possibility that shame is also a signal? Could it be that God uses shame to let us know what breaks his heart, so He can lead us back to his love? Listen in as Fr. Chris re-tells the story of the woman at the well and see how Jesus uses the woman’s shame to lead her to salvation.
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Mar 5, 2023
Having God's Spirit in You
Fr. Charles' sermon is based on our Gospel reading: John 3:1-16.
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Feb 26, 2023
The Truth about Life, Death, and Life After Death
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Feb 19, 2023
The Transfiguration
This Sunday, February 19th, is the last Sunday in the season of Epiphany and the gospel reading centers on the Transfiguration of Christ. The placement of the transfiguration in this part of the church year, is not coincidental. Listen as Fr. Charles as he explains how.
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Feb 12, 2023
World Mission Sunday 2023
Jesus commissioned his 12 apostles to preach the Gospel to the ends of the earth. What they began 2000 years ago has propelled Christianity into the largest religion in the world. Listen in as Fr. Chris explores the principles and practices that allows us to continue their work today.
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Feb 5, 2023
As Distinctive as Salt and Light
God called Israel to be distinct from the nations around them. He formed and shaped them into His people so that the light of his life could shine into a dark world. However, Israel failed to be distinct from the nations around them, and instead of shining the light of God into the world, they lived in darkness as well.
Listen as Father Charles explains the summons issued by Christ for His people to be what he had always intended; To be as distinctive as salt and light.
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Jan 29, 2023
What it Really Means to be Blessed by God
Blessed is a word that gets used a lot these days. But, what does it really mean to be blessed? Jesus answers the question in his famous Sermon on the Mount. Listen in as Fr. Chris explores the biblical worldview of blessings and how you can know with certainty when it is that God is blessing you.
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Jan 22, 2023
The Simplicity and Complexity of Discipleship
Defining discipleship is fairly simple. A disciple of Jesus is illustrated in Matthew chapter 4, as one who follows Jesus. The simplicity of being a disciple of Jesus is that you go where He is going. However, following Jesus, where he leads is also quite complex, because Jesus often goes into the darkest places in the world. Listen to Fr. Charles, as he sketches out these two complementary realities of being a disciple of Christ..
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Jan 15, 2023
Everyone is different / Everyone is the same
Mark chapter 5 is an action-packed chapter. In this chapter, there are three very distinct and seemingly unrelated stories. However, as Father Charles points out in this week's sermon, these stories may seem unrelated but they share one common thread. Join us as we discover the beauty of this incredible chapter.
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Jan 8, 2023
King of the Jews / King of the World
The season of Epiphany isn’t as well known as the season of Christmas. However, the Christmas story is incomplete without Epiphany. Listen as Fr. Charles explains the importance of Epiphany and it’s indelible connection to the Christmas story.
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Jan 1, 2023
Do What the Wise Men Did
Ever feel like you’re a long way off from God? Like the night is too dark? Like the obstacles are too big? In today’s gospel, we see a stark contrast between the way King Herod and the Wise Men respond to Jesus, which gives each of us an opportunity to look into our own hearts and examine them. Listen in as Fr. Chris explains how this ancient narrative speaks to our lives today.
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Dec 24, 2022
A Charlie Brown Christmas
What could a cast of child-like, cartoon characters possibly teach us about Jesus? Listen in as Fr. Chris explores the ways in which Charles Schultz creatively communicates the true meaning of the Christmas story through Charlie Brown and his friends and applies it to our very real lives today.
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Dec 18, 2022
The Obedience of Faith
On this, the 4th Sunday of Advent, when both we look back to Christmas and remember Jesus’ birth and look forward to his coming again, when He will judge the living and the dead, we find in Mary and Joseph an example of how we Christians can be obedient to the Christian Faith in our day. Listen in as Fr. Chris tells the story.
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Dec 11, 2022
Is Jesus the One to Come, or Should We Look For Another?
With his life on the line, and eternity at stake, John the Baptizer asks the question we all ask: Is Jesus the one to come, or should we look for another? Listen in as Fr. Chris explores how Jesus reminds and reassures us all of his unfailing love for us, even as we face our own times of trial.
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Dec 4, 2022
Bear Fruit in Keeping with Repentance
This is the time of year that we spent a great deal of time preparing for Christmas. Whether it decorating our homes, buying and wrapping presents, travelling or entertaining we all are preparing for something… the first and second coming of Jesus. Fr. Charles’ sermon is based on our Gospel reading, Matthew 3:1-12. In this reading, John, the Baptist, implores Israel, to prepare for the coming of the lord by repenting, and then to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. Listen to Fr. Charles as he explains that 2000 years later the message of the church is the same – for us to be the beacon of light in the darkness.
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Nov 27, 2022
Not One Stone Left Upon Another
In Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 24 is filled with images of destruction and calamity. Are those images about the destruction of Jerusalem in the temple or an apocalyptic vision about the end of the world? Listen to Fr. Charles as he explains, it is both but out of this chapter there is hope for all Christians.
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Nov 13, 2022
God is on the move
Jesus tells us there will be wars and rumors of wars, tumults and famines. He declares that families will deliver other families up before the magistrates to be killed. And, he says the Temple in Jerusalem will be destroyed. How can that be Good News? Listen in as Fr. Chris explains how what sounds like bad news on the surface also signals good news in substance.
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Nov 6, 2022
Imaging His Life
It’s the first Sunday of the month, and it is our tradition… Fr. Charles first gives a message to our children.
Our Gospel reading is from Matthew 5:1-12. It is a familiar passage. It is sometimes referred to as the Sermon on the Mount or The Beatitudes. Beatitudes in Latin simply means ‘wonderful news’ but as we read the Gospel passage, it is sometimes difficult to understand how this can be in the world the Israelites lived in then, and the world we live in now. Listen to Fr. Charles as he explains how Jesus’ intention is to bestow blessings and hope upon the fallen world we live in.
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Oct 30, 2022
Stewardship in Action
What would cause someone to give half of everything he owns to the poor, or repay someone four times what they have taken from them? Who does that?! In this final sermon in our series on stewardship, Fr. Chris explores and examines the interaction between Jesus and Zacchaeus to explain what stewardship in action looks like in the life of Christians.
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Oct 23, 2022
Mercy in Action
What does it mean to be justified before God? Listen in as Fr. Chris explains the answer in Jesus’ parable about the Pharisee and the Tax Collector.
Fr. Chris’ sermon is now on our podcast channels – Apple, Google and Spotify.
All links can be found on our website’s home page. Subscribe to one of the podcast channels and be notified when we post his sermon.
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Oct 16, 2022
The Picture He Paints
Fr. Charles’ sermon is based on our Gospel reading from October 16th, Luke 18: 1-8, ‘The Parable of the Persistent Widow'. Jesus uses this parable to say that if a bad judge can give justice, then God will surely give you what you need. But in the last verse of our gospel text, Jesus asks a question that turns the whole parable on its head. And what is that question? What is the answer? Listen to Fr. Charles as he explains.
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Oct 9, 2022
Stewarding Our Relationship With Others
All people are made in the image of God. Yet, we live in a world where so many experience the shame and embarrassment of being isolated, for different reasons. Listen in as Fr. Chris explores how Jesus’ healing of 10 lepers gives us insight into how we can love one another well.
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Oct 2, 2022
The Power You Need
It’s the 1st Sunday of the month, therefore Fr. Charles begins with a message to our children… It is also the first Sunday in October when we traditionally begin our Stewardship campaign. Being a Christian steward as Fr. Charles points out to the children and to us, means far more than what we traditionally think of in the church – money. Stewardship simply means by definition, ‘employed to manage another’s property’. So, what is the connection of stewardship to this Sunday’s Gospel? In our Gospel reading, Jesus commands the disciples to do something which is beyond their capabilities. And the disciples know they can’t do it on their own. Knowing this, Jesus supplies them with everything to do that which he asks. So, what about us? Listen to Fr. Charles as he explains what stewardship really means to us as Christians, and how we, like the disciples, are capable of doing what Jesus’ asks.
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Sep 25, 2022
Fight the Good Fight
We are all fighting for something - an idea, an ideology, an ideal - a way of living that we want to see prevail on this earth, and especially in our lives. As Christians, we are fighting, too. The Apostle Paul tells his protege, Timothy, to “fight the good fight.” So, how? How are we, as Christians, to fight? The answer might surprise you. Listen in as Fr. Chris talks about how Christians are to fight the good fight to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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Sep 18, 2022
You Cannot Serve God and Man.
Our Sunday’s Gospel was from Luke 16:1-13. At first reading, it seems simple enough - rich man discovers his manager is being dishonest and fires him. But as Fr. Charles breaks down the parable, it is not so simple. This parable is not, as Fr. Charles points out, a parable that Jesus usually tells. Instead, Jesus uses this parable of the dishonest manager to illustrate how “sons of the world” pursue money and possessions. But Jesus contrasts that by describing how “sons of light” should use, money in order to pursue God.
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Sep 4, 2022
Commanded to Hate/Commanded to Love
It is the first Sunday of the month, therefore Fr. Charles begins with a message to our children.
In our Gospel reading, Luke 14: 25-33, Jesus says that anyone who wishes to follow him must hate his mother, father, brothers and sisters, their spouse, and children and even their own lives. But how can Jesus command us to love our enemies and then to hate our families? Obviously, Jesus doesn’t intend for us to literally hate our families, but he does tell us that we must be willing to forsake everything if we are to follow him. Listen to Fr. Charles as he discusses the importance of preparing for the road that lies ahead of us.
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Aug 28, 2022
Wisdom versus Folly: Knowing the Difference
This Sunday, Fr. Bob Gresser gave our Sunday’s sermon based on Ecclesiasticus 10:7-18 and Proverbs 9. Listen to Fr. Bob as he answers the question: ‘How do we act with wisdom and avoid being foolish?’ Sometimes, it is hard to know the difference.
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Aug 21, 2022
Designed to Live, Determined to Die
A judgment is coming for Israel and many will not escape it. But the greater tragedy is that those who are not delivered from the coming judgment, were provided every opportunity to escape. And while this is a story about Israel, the same lesson can be applied to our world today. Every opportunity to escape the coming judgment, is being provided to you by Christ. Like Israel, will we continue in our stubborn barrenness, or will we flower and bloom, just as God has always intended?
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Aug 14, 2022
Jesus: Author of Division or Prince of Peace?
Jesus says he gives us his peace, but he also says he came to cause division. How can this be? Listen in as Fr. Chris takes up an important topic - human sexuality - and connects it to these words of Jesus.
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Aug 7, 2022
Fear and Faith
It’s probably fair to say that most people have an ongoing conversation in their heads about fear and faith. Yet, as we all want things to work out well, we also have to distinguish between faith and wishful thinking. Listen in as Fr. Chris builds on Jesus’ words, “Have no fear,” to talk about what a life of real faith truly looks like in our lives.
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Jul 31, 2022
What We WILL Take With Us When We Die
In a world that is fraught with both coveting and greed, Jesus addresses both sides of this cancerous coin in Luke, Chapter 12, verses 13-21, reminding us that one day we will die and we can’t take it with us when we go. But, there are some things that we can and will take with us when we go. Listen in as Fr. Chris talks about what they are and why they’re important.
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Jul 24, 2022
The Unimaginable Invitation: The Lord’s Prayer
Fr. Charles begins by recapping key concepts in July 17th's sermon, based on Luke 10:25-42, to set the stage for a radical shift in how those in Jesus’ time viewed the Kingdom of God. Remember we asked the question: “Who’s in?”. So, what is the connection of God’s Kingdom to this week’s Gospel reading? Listen to Fr. Charles as he reminds us of all the Good News associated with those two words, “Our Father”.
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Jul 17, 2022
The Culture of His Kingdom
So, who can reside in the Kingdom of God? Who's in, who's out.... The answer may surprise you. In his sermon, Fr. Charles uses two Gospel readings in Luke chapter 10, to illustrate the urgency, seismic shifts in the expectations about the Kingdom of God; and the redrawing of long held cultural boundaries. What was so shocking about the Parable of the Good Samaritan or the story of Martha and Mary? Listen to Fr. Charles’ as he gives a deeper understanding of the cultural boundaries set in Jesus’ time and the boundaries set by God himself for His Kingdom.
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Jul 10, 2022
Eucharist, Baptism and the Sacraments of the Church
The word ‘sacrament’ can have a different meaning for you depending on your background - Episcopal, Baptist,, Methodist etc.. Listen to Fr. Charles as he explains a common understanding of what the sacrament is (no matter your background) based on John’s Gospel beginning in chapter 6, verse 35 and in 2 Samuel chapter 23:15-17. He gives historical and cultural context to illustrate what Jesus is saying when he tells the Jews, “Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life…” As Fr. Charles points out, this would be a hard concept for them, and for us to understand, until we look at the implications of the sacrament of Baptism and the Eucharist in our lives – in our past, present and future.
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May 22, 2022
Christianity is love, not legalism
Isn’t Christianity just a bunch of rules? Aren’t Christians just a bunch of hypocrites? Listen in as Fr. Chris dispels some of the common misperceptions about God and Christianity and opens us up to the truth and depth of his love.
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May 15, 2022
A New Commandment
In John chapter 13, Jesus issued a new commandment to his disciples; to love one another just as he has loved them. But how could these flawed disciples, love the same way God does? The answer is simple; God would place His love in the hearts of the disciples and in doing so, make them capable of loving others, just as God does.
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May 1, 2022
The Splinters of Life
The traumas of our past can be painful. So painful in fact that we may find ourselves crying out to God for relief. But the relief God wants to give us comes in the form of treating our problems, not just numbing the pain they cause.
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Apr 10, 2022
Why was Christ crucified?
On Palm Sunday, we hail Christ as King, then see him killed on a cross, just one week later. How did this happen? How did the same people who acclaimed him as king then call for his crucifixion? And, what is the message to us today? Listen in as Fr. Chris explores both the gruesomeness and glory of the Cross.
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Apr 3, 2022
Time is Running Out to Repent…
: In Luke 20, Jesus knows that his crucifixion is merely days away and that there is an active plot against him. He knows the Pharisees seek to kill him in an attempt to secure their positions of power. But Jesus warns them in the "parable of the evil tenants" killing him will do nothing to secure their power. Rather, killing him will be the final indictment on their guilt. So, what are we to do? Listen to Fr. Charles, as he explains Jesus’ warning to us all and the steps we can take to heed his warning.
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Mar 29, 2022
The Heart of the Father
In the parable of the Prodigal Son the younger brother is sensual and worldly and the older is self-centered and calloused. The sins they manifest are different but neither has the heart of their Father. Listen to Fr. Charles as he gives new insight and application to this well known parable.
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Mar 20, 2022
One Last Chance to Repent
Based on our Gospel reading from Luke 13: 1-17, Fr. Charles puts the Parable of the Fig Tree in historical and applicable context. How is an unfruitful fig tree relevant to Israel and to us? Listen to Fr. Charles as he explains.
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Mar 13, 2022
What is salvation?
A man approaches Jesus and says, "Lord, will the saved be few?" In light of this, Fr. Chris takes up three issues: what salvation is not; what salvation is, and how we can know if we are among the saved.
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Mar 6, 2022
The Gifts God has Given Us
Bishop Ackerman explains our Gospel reading first to our children and then to the rest of us. The Gospel reading can be rather confusing for the Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tested and we have to ask ourselves, “Why would the Spirit do this?” By recalling his own experiences at the very spot Jesus was tempted, Bishop Ackerman paints a picture of the wilderness and how we might face our own temptations this season of Lent.
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Feb 27, 2022
This is How We Go From Death to Life
Dead people are talking to Jesus? Jesus’ own face is transfigured - what does that even mean? And, on this particular Sunday at CTR, some children got baptized. What do we make of all this? How to we put it together? Listen in as Fr. Chris talks about how we go from death to life.
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Feb 20, 2022
Forgiveness and Freedom
Forgiveness and freedom are at the very heart of the Gospel. How can we experience this in our lives? Listen in as Fr. Chris talks about what it means to experience the forgiveness of God in Christ Jesus and live that out in our lives.
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Feb 13, 2022
Come, Follow Me
“There is lots of good news! God’s Kingdom is on the move.” Fr. Kramer, from Love for the Least, is one of our mission partners. He joined us this Sunday to celebrate the Eucharist with us and preach the Gospel. His message is based on our Sunday readings and his mission work. Listen to Fr. Kramer’s powerful message, as he tells us what impact His Kingdom has upon us.
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Feb 6, 2022
Perfect love in imperfect people.
If you continue walking with Christ, he will change you into his image and likeness.
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Jan 30, 2022
The Mission
In this week’s sermon, Fr. Gresser begins with a story from February 3, 1943. How does this story almost 80 years ago and the story from our Old Testament reading, Jeremiah 1:4-10, have to do with us today? Listen to Fr. Gresser as he uses these stories to illustrate that we all have been given a mission. What do you think God is calling you to do?
Readings:
Jeremiah 1:4–10
Psalm 71:11–20
I Corinthians 14:12–25
Luke 4:21–32
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Jan 23, 2022
Freedom
What is 'freedom' exactly? We know that it is something people have desperately wanted from the very beginning. Listen to Fr. Chris as he explains what freedom is, and that there is only one path to find it.
The Readings:
Nehemiah 8:1–12
Psalm 113
I Corinthians 12:12–27
Luke 4:14–21
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Dec 19, 2021
Reflected Glory
What are those moments in your life that cause you to leap for joy, to shout, and to break out in song? Could one of those moments be celebrating that Jesus Christ has once come into the world and will come again? Listen in as Fr. Chris explores the source of our joy and the mission of the Church.
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Dec 12, 2021
Repentance, Advent and the Church
Just as John called Israel to repentance, Christ still calls His church to do the same. Christians should be the first people willing to repent from their own sins.
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Dec 5, 2021
Repent and be Baptized
The message of John the Baptist is prepare yourselves for the coming of the Lord. Repent and be baptized. As we wait on the same Lord's second coming, The message of the church today is no different. Repent and be baptized.
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Nov 28, 2021
Advent I: Repentance and Faith
Fr. Chris’ sermon is based on our Gospel reading, Luke 21:25-33. As Fr. Chris points out, Jesus’ words can be difficult to hear for those who don’t believe but can be of great encouragement to those who do. Advent is about preparing for His Coming, and as Fr. Chris explains, using his own experience in planting Christ the Redeemer, sometimes life can be difficult but with faith, we can have courage. Will you be ready to meet him when He Comes?
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Nov 21, 2021
Christ the King Sunday: Whose mark do you bear?
It is always a pleasure to welcome Bishop Reed to Christ the Redeemer. Listen as he gives a powerful message on the importance of Christ the King Sunday – in our church calendar, as well as, in our lives.
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Nov 7, 2021
The Beatitudes are good news, not good advice.
Listen to Fr. Charles as he explains, first to our children and then to us, that the Beatitudes are a summons to live in this present world with a quality that makes sense in God's promised future.
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Oct 31, 2021
How far are you from the kingdom of God?
In Fr. Gresser’s sermon he begins with a question posed by a scribe in our Gospel reading, ‘Which commandment is the most important of all?’ Every Jew would have known the answer and Jesus answers him directly, “The most important is, Hear O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love you God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” So exactly what does this mean for the Jews and for us? Listen to Fr. Gresser has he put this into context using our Old Testament reading, Deuteronomy 6:1-9
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Oct 24, 2021
A Big Miracle in a Small Town
In the Gospel story of Blind Bartimaeus, Jesus performs a miracle. He gives Bartimaeus back his sight. However, that's not the only healing Jesus performs. Listen in to hear about the healing Jesus makes available to all of us.
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Oct 17, 2021
Can you drink the cup that I drink?
Remember that time that you were embarrassed, mocked, ridiculed, shamed? How did it make you feel? What did you want to do about it? In a world that lusts for vengeance and revenge, Jesus offers another way. His way. The way of the Cross, which seems foolish to the world, but for those who are being saved, it is the power of God.
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Oct 10, 2021
Giving Up to Gain
Often, we struggle with things God might be asking us to give up, but have we considered what we might gain? Listen in as Fr. Chris talks about the rich, young ruler in Scripture - and a very powerful real-life example - of how the gain is infinitely more rewarding than the give.
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Oct 3, 2021
Everyone is a Steward.
Listen to Fr. Charles as he answers two fundamental questions on stewardship. The first, in his children’s message, “What does it mean to be a steward?” and then the second, in his message to the congregation, “What is the critical truth about stewardship?”
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Sep 26, 2021
Jesus Came to Cast Out and Conquer Evil
Because the idea of Hell is such a difficult topic, many either refuse to acknowledge it or dismiss the idea of it altogether. Yet, it is a true doctrine of Christianity, as taught by Jesus Christ. Listen in this week as Fr. Chris talks both about the reality of evil and Hell and the Good News of Jesus Christ that opens the doors of Heaven.
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Sep 12, 2021
The Book of Revelations: Introduction
Fr. Chris will be teaching on the Book of Revelations this Fall.
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Sep 5, 2021
The Fight of Our Lives
Fr. Charles first begins with a message to our children
His sermon is based on Matthew's Gospel, Chapter 16
Christ has promised us that He and His kingdom will prevail over this world of sin and darkness. But he has no made promise that we will be safe, only that he will be with us, even unto our death.
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Aug 29, 2021
Battling to Build the Kingdom of God
Did you know that when we sign up to be Christians, we sign up to be soldiers? That means, in part, that we must know who our enemy is, and who our enemy is not! Listen in as Fr. Chris talks about the spiritual armor God gives us to fight the good fight and lays out the landscape for the battle.
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Aug 22, 2021
Have You Decided to Follow Jesus?
Our world is at war, but it's not just a physical war. Underneath it all is a spiritual warfare. Satan is trying to destroy us. Jesus is offering to save us. Have you made your decision? Listen in as Fr. Chris speaks about this most important decision we will make in our lives.
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Aug 15, 2021
I AM the Bread of Life: The New Passover Meal
Our Gospel reading this Sunday is from John 6:53-59. It has some of the most difficult verses to comprehend. Listen to Fr. Charles has he explains our Gospel reading in terms of the physical and spiritual worlds; and in terms of promises kept and promises not yet fulfilled.
#ctrfw
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Aug 8, 2021
I AM the Bread of Life
Fr. Chris sets the stage for this week’s sermon by going back to the way Jesus reveals himself though signs in John, chapter 5 & 6. By revealing himself through signs, Jesus also reveals God himself. Listen to Fr. Chris as explains that our spiritual hunger for meaning and purpose, goes to the very essence of the Gospel.
#ctrfw
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Aug 1, 2021
Lessons for the Church: Listening to the Words of Jesus
As is our custom for the first Sunday of the month, we begin with a message to the children. This month: We Learn the Small Things First
Fr. Charles’ sermon, to the church, is based on Mark’s Gospel, chapter 9. Beginning at verse 42, Jesus realizes that his disciples are having a difficult time listening to what he is telling them. Listen to Fr. Charles as he explains the importance of these words as they relate to the Church and our lives.
#ctrfw
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Jul 18, 2021
Lessons for the Church: Time
Fr. Charles’ sermon is based on Matthew’s Gospel, chapter 13:18-30, with the parables of the Sower and the Weeds. As he points out in his sermon, we have a lot more in common with the Israelites, who heard these parables spoken by Jesus over 2,000 years ago. Listen to Fr. Charles as he dives deeper into these parables and reassures us that Jesus knows the concerns of his people.
#ctrfw
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Jul 11, 2021
Lessons for the Church
Fr. Charles uses Luke 16 as the basis for his sermon this week. Listen to his message, as he gives a historical perspective on Jesus’ parables, and reminds us of some important lessons from those parables.
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Jun 28, 2021
We can’t do this on our own.
Fr. Charles uses the entire chapter 5 of Mark to illustrate that sometimes, as hard as we try, we can’t do this on our own. In Mark’s Gospel, chapter 5, there are three people with three different problems. And as hard as they try, they can’t solve them. Listen to Fr. Charles as he explains why we can’t do this on our own but there is someone who can.
#ctrfw
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Jun 20, 2021
Life's Storms
Fr. Charles' sermon is based on our Gospel reading, Mark 4: 35 - 41. Most of us are familiar with this passage. A great windstorm comes up, and the disciples are naturally terrified. The waves are crashing against the boat, water is pouring in and the disciples think there is a good possibility they will all perish. What was the disciples' response to this great windstorm? What was Jesus' response? Listen to Fr. Charles as he gives a fresh perspective to this passage and helps us to better understand what our responses should be. Fr. Charles also reminds us, that like it was for the disciples on that boat, God is never far from us in our own life's storms.
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Jun 13, 2021
The Kingdom of God is like...
Ever wonder what the Kingdom of God is like? In two parables, Jesus compares it to someone sewing seeds, or a mustard seed. Listen in as Fr. Chris helps us understand what Jesus has in mind.
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Jun 6, 2021
The Unforgivable Sin
The unforgivable sin is not a sin that God refuses to forgive. The unforgivable sin is a person who refuses to go to God for forgiveness.
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May 30, 2021
Trinity Sunday
What makes Christianity different from all other religions and why does Christianity claim to be the one, true religion? Listen in as Fr. Christopher talks about what it means to know the one, true, and living God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
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May 23, 2021
The Feast of Pentecost
Pentecost isn't just a day in the past. Pentecost is a day-to-day reality where the Spirit makes the life of Christ present and available in the World.
Pentecost is also part of our Salvation story. Journey with Fr. Charles as he takes us from the beginning of our story to the day of Pentecost.
#ctrfw #Pentecost
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May 16, 2021
The Ascension of Jesus Christ
The Ascension of Jesus Christ into heaven is an essential, yet sometimes overlooked and even misunderstood doctrine of the Church. Listen in as Fr. Charles preaches about the Ascension and why it's important to us as Christians.
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May 2, 2021
Fr. Charles first sermon at CTR
Ever wonder about the nature of God's love for us? In his first address to our congregation, Fr. Charles explains how our obedience to God is not what makes him love us. Rather, God forms obedience in those who love him. Listen in to this excellent message.
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Apr 25, 2021
The Effects of the Resurrection: Goodness
Our Gospel reading this Sunday, John 10:11-16, and it begins “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”…
Listen to Fr. Dean, our guest preacher, as he reminds us that goodness comes from God and how this goodness can impact our lives in ways we had not imagine.
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Apr 18, 2021
The Effect of the Resurrection:Joy
This week, Fr. Chris discusses another effect of the Resurrection – Joy. Our Gospel this Sunday finds the disciples, in a room, startled and frightened when Jesus appears to them, for they think they are seeing a spirit. However, once he shows them his hands and feet ‘they still disbelieved for joy…’ Joy! Listen to Fr. Chris as he discusses the meaning of joy in our lives and ultimately in the Resurrection.
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Apr 11, 2021
The Effect of the Resurrection: Peace
In a troubled world, we all want peace. Indeed, we can have it, but there is only one way to get it. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most important event in human history. However, it is not an event in isolation, but comes with a whole host of benefits. Listen in as Fr. Chris talks about the relationship between the resurrection and your ability to experience true peace in your life.
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Apr 4, 2021
Only Jesus Defeated Death
Did you know that Easter is the celebration of the greatest day in human history? No, really! At Easter, Christians celebrate that Jesus - and only Jesus - has defeated death. Listen in as Fr. Chris explains.
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Mar 28, 2021
Who killed Jesus and why?
What happened between Palm Sunday, when Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem and Good Friday, when Christ was crucified outside of the city walls? Listen in as Fr. Chris unfolds the events - and the truths - of the story.
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Mar 21, 2021
Jesus: Prophet, King amd Priest
These may sound like archaic ideas, but they are central to our understanding of who Jesus is and how he saves us. Listen in as Fr. Chris talks about the full meaning of his crucifixion.
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Mar 14, 2021
B Lent 4 2021
In a story as familiar as the feeding of the 5,000 there may be some things that are yet unfamiliar to us. Listen in as Fr. Chris talks about the relationship between grace and faith and how our faith manifests God's grace in this world.
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Mar 7, 2021
The Heart of Worship
What makes God angry? Listen in as Fr. Chris teaches on the story of the money-changers in the Temple from John, Chapter 2, and then talks about how God wants to renew our hearts today through worship.
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Feb 28, 2021
The Story of a Fountain of Hope
This is Deacon Carl’s first sermon at CTR as our Deacon. He begins, first, by acknowledging the joyous occasion of his ordination and the importance of CTR as his second family.
Deacon Carl’s sermon is based on our Old Testament reading, Genesis 22:1-14. It is a story that all Jews and Christians are familiar with… the sacrifice of Isaac. However, there are elements to the story that are often left out. Listen to Deacon Carl as he explains the importance of story as it relates to John 3:16.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
#ctrfw #Lent
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Feb 7, 2021
World Mission Sunday
On this celebration of World Mission Sunday, Fr. Chris talks about a very practical way to engage in the mission of the Church using the Discovery Bible Study method. Listen in and learn about this great way to grow in Christ.
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Jan 31, 2021
The Commission of Discipleship
What exactly has Jesus commissioned his followers to do? This week, Fr. Chris talks about the commissioning of discipleship and how we can be faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ in our day.
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Jan 17, 2021
The Call of Discipleship
What is a disciple? What does it mean to be a disciple? How can we discern Jesus' call to us? Hear Fr. Chris talk about Jesus' call to discipleship in this message.
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Jan 10, 2021
The God who Suffered to Save Us
Why don't people believe in God? Why don't people trust God? We're not just struggling in this pandemic and in our political problems, we're suffering. Listen in as Fr. Chris talks about the God who suffered to save us.
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Nov 29, 2020
Advent Part 1: The POWER of God
Fr. Chris begins a four-part Advent sermon series by talking about many facets of the power of God. What is it that God really wants to do in this world? And, how does God want to use YOU to accomplish his plans and purposes. Listen in...
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Oct 25, 2020
Part 4: What do you do with yourself?
In this final week of this four-part sermon series, Fr. Chris talks about the Great Commandment of Christianity, to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
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Oct 18, 2020
Part 3: What do You do with Society?
Christianity is not about grabbing a golden ticket, getting a seat on the glory train, and getting out of here. No, God has a plan for us in the here and now. Listen in as Fr. Chris talks about what we Christians are to do with society.
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Oct 11, 2020
Part 2: What do you do with the world?
This week, Fr. Chris asks the question, "What do you do with the world?" Listen in as he talks about how Christians and the Church can address the various ways people are lost and looking for Jesus.
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Oct 4, 2020
Part 1: What do you do with Jesus?
In this first of a four-week sermon series, Fr. Chris talks about the importance of getting the first question right: What do you do with Jesus?
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Jun 7, 2020
God and the World
Listen in as Fr. Mark gives an excellent sermon addressing the current pain we are experiencing in America, particularly the problem of racism. Let us rejoice that Jesus is the answer for the world today!
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May 31, 2020
The Feast of Pentecost
Take a few minutes to listen to Fr. Chris's sermon this past Sunday as he talks about the power of the Holy Spirit and how He empowers us to witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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May 17, 2020
Who is a mentor?
Listen to Fr. Chris as he continues with our sermon series, Gospel Proclamation. His sermon is based on our Sunday reading, Acts 17: 16-34. It is the story of Paul in Athens. Paul is deeply troubled that the entire city is devoted to false gods represented by idols. Sound familiar? What does he do? What would you do?
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May 12, 2020
How has God Answered One of Your Prayers?
This sermon series tells the story of what happened after the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Lives have been changed and impacted from the early church to Christians today. This week, Fr. Chris tells Paul's story based on our Sunday's reading, Acts 17:1-15. What changed Paul? Listen to Fr. Chris as he tells Paul's story and gives us a new challenge for this week.
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Apr 26, 2020
The Transformation of Peter
Peter goes from a man who FAITHFULLY followed Jesus for years... then DENYING him (not once but 3 times) that he ever knew him ..to then BOLDLY proclaiming the gospel to a large crowd at Pentecost. How did this happen?
At the end of his sermon, Fr. Chris will challenge you do something. Be bold like Peter and accept his challenge. You never know who might be transformed by your words, your story.
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Apr 9, 2020
We Show Love In and Through Our Bodies
Maundy Thursday sermon
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Apr 5, 2020
Palm Sunday: Praise in the Midst of Pain
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday.
These are challenging times and we now enter Holy Week. It will feel different this time. However, our experiences will be deeper and more meaningful than we can imagine this time.
Why palms? Palms are known to represent peace and victory! And we need peace and victory in these challenging times! ‘Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest.’
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Mar 8, 2020
Meditation & Prayer
Fr. Chris' sermon is based on our Gospel reading, John 3:1-16. A Pharisee by the name of Nicodemus has come, at night, to ask Jesus a number of questions.
Listen to Fr. Chris as he illustrates how this story can help us in our journey of transformation.
https://ctrfw.org/
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Mar 1, 2020
Temptations and Transformation
Fr. Mark begins his sermon with a children's message and discusses the things we substitute for God.
Temptations and Transformation
Our Gospel reading this 1st Sunday in Lent, is always Matthew 4: 1-11. In fact, as Fr. Mark points out, millions of Christians all over the world would have read this passage on Sunday. It is the journey of Christ's temptations in the wilderness and conquering it! However, as Fr. Mark says, because it is a story about Jesus, it is also about us.
https://ctrfw.org/
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Feb 23, 2020
The Invitation to Behold!
This is the last sermon in our Epiphany sermon series:
Behold!
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Feb 16, 2020
Building The Kingdom
Fr. Mark's sermon is based on our New Testament reading, Acts1:8.
"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
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Feb 9, 2020
The Invitation to Be
What if salt didn't exist? What if light didn't exist?
Fr. Chris' sermon, 'God's Invitation for us to Be', is based on our Gospel reading, Matthew 5:13-20.
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Feb 2, 2020
The invitation for us to become attached to Him and His Kingdom.
Being the 1st Sunday of the month, Fr. Mark begins his sermon with a message to the children.
What have you become attached to?
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Jan 26, 2020
God's Invitation for us to Belong!
What does it mean to belong?
Listen to Fr. Chris' sermon to find out!
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Jan 19, 2020
Believe
This Sunday, we continued our Epiphany sermon series with our invitation from God to believe. Since Fr. Chris and Fr. Mark are in Israel...we will had a special guest priest, Fr. Mobley from Brownwood.
Fr. Mobley began his sermon with a story about a special relationship between a father and son. He then transitions his sermon to this Sunday's Gospel reading, John 1:29-42. Fr. Mobley focuses on three parts of this Sunday's Gospel:
“What are you seeking?” "Where are you staying?” and “Come and you will see.”
Listen to Fr. Mobley as he explains God's invitation for us all to believe and how we can have a deeper relationship with Jesus.
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Dec 22, 2019
Preparing for Jesus
Last Sunday, the 4th Sunday of Advent, Fr. Chris read an excerpt from the devotional book entitled Preparing for Jesus by Walter Wangerin, Jr. This book can be ordered online, should you want a copy.
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Dec 15, 2019
Is Jesus the One?
Fr. Chris' sermon is based on our Gospel reading this Sunday, Matthew 11:2-19.
In this passage, John the Baptist is in prison. He knows his death is near, so the sense of urgency to know if Jesus 'is the one to come or should they look for another', must have felt critical at this point for John. However, what does this matter today? Listen to Fr. Chris as he answers this question and puts this passage in today's context.
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Dec 8, 2019
Focus on the King and His Kingdom
This Sunday, we welcomed a special guest who is a missionary from the Middle East. (We can't use his name for security reasons.) He gives us an important, compelling message based on this Sunday's Gospel, Matthew 3:1-12 and his experiences in the Middle East. Want to help or know more? Go to Love for the Least, https://lovefortheleast.org/.
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Nov 17, 2019
This is Your Opportunity to Bear Witness
Fr. Chris' sermon is based on one of Sunday readings, Luke 21:5-19.
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Nov 3, 2019
The Saints of God
Fr. Mark begins with a children's message explaining who the saints of the church are.
Then to the congregation, he asks: Who decides who you are?
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Oct 27, 2019
Making Room for More
Fr. Chris' sermon is based on this passage from one of our Sunday's reading, 'But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. 2 Timothy 4:17
What does making room for more mean or entail? Listen to Fr. Chris as he lays out how we as individuals, and as the body of Christ can make room. Are you willing?
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Oct 20, 2019
Stewards of the Gospel
Where do you place your faith? This is how Fr. Chris begins his sermon. We all have faith, but where do you place your faith? From there, Fr. Chris takes us to our second reading this Sunday, 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5. Paul is in prison and he is nearing the end. What does he do? He writes a letter to Timothy. Listen to Fr. Chris as he explains why.
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Oct 13, 2019
The 'Problem' of Goodness and the Attitude of Gratitude
This Sunday Fr. Mark gave a children's message on the meaning of having an attitude of gratitude, which transitioned into the message to the congregation on the 'problem' of goodness.
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Oct 6, 2019
Lord, Increase Our Faith!
Bishop Ryan Reed made his first annual visit to Christ the Redeemer this Sunday, His sermon is based on our Gospel reading, Luke 17:5-10. Here Bishop Reed puts into context the apostles asking Jesus to increase their faith, and how we can be a worthy servant.
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Sep 29, 2019
Come Follow Me, Part IV - The Commission of Discipleship
This is the fourth and final part of our Discipleship Sermon series - The Commission.
Fr. Chris has just returned from the New Wineskins Conference (https://newwineskinsconference.org/about-new-wineskins-19) and shares some of the stories of the missionaries he met there. Their stories are a powerful reminder of the power of one who is obedient. This leads into our Gospel reading this Sunday, Luke 16:19-31 - The Rich Man and Lazarus. It is a story of hell and heaven. It is a story about obedience.
Fr. Chris asks us all, 'What step is Jesus asking you to take?'
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Sep 15, 2019
Come Follow Me, Part II - The Conversion to Jesus
This is the second part of our Discipleship Sermon series.
So what does conversion look like? The definition pf conversion is the change from one form or character to another. Fr. Chris gives a couple of good examples of what that looks like for those who have converted to Christianity.
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Sep 8, 2019
The Call of Jesus
We are super excited about this new sermon series. Over the next four weeks, we are going to explore what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Have a listen as Fr. Mark talks about the Call of Jesus.
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Sep 1, 2019
Jesus Christ is the same Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Fr. Mark shares his story on the road trip he had on his recent vacation. It doesn't go exactly as plan on the way home, but through our life experiences, good and bad, it is important to remember stuff happens. What matters is how you handle it.
Fr. Mark's sermon is based on two verses from our Sunday's New Testament reading, Hebrews 13:1-8. Jesus will never leave you; and Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. So no matter where you are or what you are going through, God will always love you, and Jesus will always pursue you.
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Aug 4, 2019
What is in the heart, overflows.
This is the first Sunday of the month, so Fr. Mark begins with a message to the children based on our New Testament reading, Colossians 3:5-17. He shares a story of when he was a child, there were two times in the year that he would get new clothes - the beginning of the school year and Christmas. Why would he get new clothes, or for that matter why would children need to new clothes? One of the reasons, Fr. Mark explains is because we have outgrown our clothes. Listen to Fr. Mark as he offers ways for the children to grow in the inside as well this coming school year.
For his message to the congregation, Fr. Mark shares his story of his time at Camp Crucis this past week. It was a difficult week, with about 80 teenagers and it was hot, but it was also a great week. He found that there were two things that everyone had in common at the camp - joy and suffering. Listen to Fr. Mark as he explains that we are not meant to experience our joys nor bear our sufferings alone.
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Jul 28, 2019
Lord, Teach Us to Pray
This week's sermon is based on our Gospel reading, Luke 11: 1-13. The disciples see Jesus praying and they want to learn how to pray like he does. As Fr. Mark points out in the beginning of his sermon, we often learn from watching others.
Prayer is an important part of the Christian faith and Fr. Mark has challenged us to pray every day for the month of August. Not sure of the how, who, where or what... listen to Fr. Mark as he gives us some suggestions.
#augustprayerchallenge
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Jul 14, 2019
Jesus: The Good Samaritan
Fr. Mark's sermon is based on our Gospel reading this Sunday, Luke 10: 25-37.
"Go and do likewise."
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Jul 7, 2019
The Adventure of Discipleship
This Sunday was the first Sunday of the month, which means our sermons begin with a message to the children. Fr. Mark explains to the children that the greatest adventure of all time is to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
This week's sermon is based on our Gospel reading from Luke 10:1-20. Jesus sends 70 disciples, 2 by 2, ahead of him in towns he himself was about to come. They were to carry no money, no knapsack, nor sandals. This may seem terrifying to us, but they had faith, they had Jesus.
As Fr. Mark points out in his sermon, this would have been an incredible, exciting adventure for them, one we can also experience today. Fr. Mark shares stories of students who are doing great things this summer, and suggests ways we, too, can enjoy the adventures discipleship.
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Jun 16, 2019
Trinity Sunday
This Sunday we celebrated the Trinity - Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. We also celebrated a special guest and friend to CTR, Jenny Noyes, Executive Director of New Wineskins Missionary Network. Fr. Mark begins the sermon, but then Jenny speaks to the scripture readings this Sunday and our call to the mission field. There is a New Wineskins Global Mission Conference in September. You can find out more on their website, https://newwineskinsconference.org/about-new-wineskins-19.
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Jun 9, 2019
A Mission to Accomplish
This is the last sermon in our sermon series, "Living a Resurrected Life", it is also the day of Pentecost. Pentecost, for Christians, is the day we celebrate the birth of the church.
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Jun 2, 2019
A Kingdom to Come
This is the first Sunday of the month, which at CTR means Youth Sunday! Fr. Mark starts his sermon with a message to the children - explaining to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is always around us.
For the second part of his sermon to the rest of the congregation, Fr. Mark talks about how the "Kingdom of God is already here...but not yet." What does this mean? Listen to Fr. Mark as he explains what His Kingdom looks like and how you can be part of it.
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May 26, 2019
A Race to Run
Our sermon series continues, with Fr. Mark sharing his recent vacation experiences in Hawaii. He reminds us that the race we run, the journey we travel, may not be always easy but well worth it in the end.
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May 19, 2019
A World to Convert
It is sometimes difficult to face the evils in this world. What do we do? Is there anything we can do? Fr. Chris suggests that there are two ways that we might face it on our own - isolation or retaliation. But as Christians, we know there is another, better way. Listen to Fr. Chris as he retells Paul's story in our reading this Sunday, Acts 13:44-52. A whole town wanted, needed to hear the word of the Lord. It sounds a lot like today. People need to hear and see what the resurrected life looks like. We all need love, forgiveness, peace, joy in our lives. Listen to find it, come on any Sunday morning to experience it.
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May 12, 2019
A Gospel to Preach
A good story is one that can inspire, motivate, and encourage us, but ultimately it draws us into its narrative. A great story can do all of this and much, much more. It can transform us. The greatest story ever told in the history of mankind is about the deep and profound love God has for us. It is a story for everyone. As Fr. Chris points out in his sermon, God is passionate about you and He wants you to be part of His story. Fr. Chris illustrates this with a Jew named Saul. Listen to Fr. Chris as retells the story of Saul's conversion from one who wanted to persecute Christians, to one who wanted to convert them. Saul, who we know today as Paul, traveled some 150 miles to persecute Christians but after his encounter with Jesus, he would travel some 1500 miles to share the greatest story ever told to people who needed to hear it. Our hurts and troubles in the world still exist today, as they did then. Listen to Fr. Chris as he encourages us to remember we are loved and Jesus Christ,…
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May 5, 2019
A Community to Join
This Sunday was Youth Sunday at CTR, which means contemporary Christian worship music and a special children's sermon. Listen to Fr. Mark as he explains to the children what community looks like and this is followed by a testimony by Holden Carroll. Holden is one of our seniors heading to Texas Tech next year. His testimony is funny and authentic. He lays it all out there with some of the not so wise acts of his youth, some wisdom and the how a caring church community has influenced him. It is a great story of a young man and how important our church is in the world we live in today.
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Apr 28, 2019
A God to Believe in
This week's sermon is based on our Gospel reading, John 20:19-31. The scripture tells us that the disciples have locked themselves in a room. Why were they locked in a room? What were they hiding from? Then Jesus appears and stood among them and said "Peace be with you!" Fr. Chris explains that at this point in time, everything changes. Not all the disciples were there. Thomas was not with them, and therefore did not see Jesus. So, when the disciples told him, that they had seen Jesus, he did not believe them. Thomas as often be referred to as 'Doubting Thomas'. He is someone we can relate to, for it is hard to believe in something without evidence. But once Thomas experienced the evidence, he did believe and declared, "My Lord and my God!" Listen to Fr. Chris as he explains that this is what we are looking for today - a God to believe in.
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Apr 21, 2019
The Facts of the Christian Faith
According to the Merriam-Webster's dictionary, one of the definitions of the word, facts, is 'an actual occurrence.' How do we know that Jesus was actually crucified and then resurrected? We know by the actual occurrence of events that followed. What were those events? Were there any witnesses? Listen to Fr. Chris as he lays out the facts of the Christian faith.
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Apr 14, 2019
Palm Sunday: The Power of Christ Compels Us
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday. The service begins with the joy of Christ entering into Jerusalem, and ends in the sadness of his crucifixion. But for Christians, this is not the end of Holy Week but the beginning of our journey to the cross. Listen to Fr. Chris as he tells us that in Christ we are set free. In this freedom, we experience His power of love, forgiveness, mercy and grace and it is in this power that compels us to live the resurrected life. Not sure how to live the resurrected life? Fr. Chris and Fr. Mark in their upcoming Easter sermons will guide us how to experience it, live it and share it.
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Apr 7, 2019
Our Identity
It is the first Sunday of the month and as it is the tradition at CTR, we first begin with a message to our children. Fr. Mark's message to them is based on our Gospel reading, Luke 20:9-19, The Parable of the Wicked Tenants. He using action figures to his illustrate and teach the lesson learned in this parable. You will need to listen to hear who Superman represents!
Fr. Mark's sermon, to the rest of the congregation, is based on our New Testament reading, Philippians 3:8:14. Today, we are faced with all sorts of questions of who were are and what is our purpose. In a world that is hurting and confusing, we as Christians, as Fr. Mark points out, can find our identity, and our purpose in God. Listen to Fr. Mark as explains how this is possible and that there is great inspiration and comfort that can be found in God's Word, scripture.
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Mar 24, 2019
Not Me
"Not Me" is a character from Family Circus by Bill Keene. Sometimes it is easy to blame 'Not Me' as Fr. Chris points out, then take responsibility. In our Gospel reading, Luke 13:1-9, Jesus is being questioned about who is to be blamed for two different types of death - one is murder and the other is accidental.
His answer, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered thus? I tell you, No; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen upon whom the tower in Silo′am fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, No; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”
As Fr. Chris points out, repentance is what brings us back to God. Jesus went to the cross because of us and for us. So that with our repentance, we can be pulled back to God. Listen to Fr. Chris as he explains what the real issues we face today and how…
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Mar 17, 2019
“Will those who are saved be few?”
Fr. Mark's sermon is based on our Gospel reading, Luke 13:22-35. An unnamed man asks, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” Fr. Mark says this is an odd question to ask. Why does this man ask this question? Is there someone he is thinking of or hoping will be saved? So what is the answer? As Fr. Mark points out, Jesus doesn't answer with a number, instead he answers with, “Strive to enter by the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able." The key is strive. If it were not possible, his answer would be different. As Fr. Mark points out, God wants everyone to be saved. Listen to Fr. Mark as he explains how that is possible.
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Mar 10, 2019
Trusting in God
This Sunday, Fr. Crosthwait was our guest preacher. He is planting a church in Bryan/ College Station called The Church of the Incarnation. They have services on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, so he was able to join us.
Fr. Crosthwait's sermon is based on our Gospel reading, Luke 4:1-13. Jesus is being tempted and tested for 40 days by Satan, and he doesn't succumb to these trials. This is a game changer for all of us, and the implications of this (some 2,000 years later) has a huge impact on our lives today. Listen to Fr. Crosthwait as he explains how Jesus did it, and how we can too. We all have and will have trials and temptations throughout our lives, but we need to remember we are never alone in them.
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Mar 6, 2019
Ash Wednesday
The season of Lent began with Ash Wednesday, on March 6th. This is the time that Christians look to honor Christ's sacrifice by giving up something, taking up something, service, prayer etc. Listen to Fr. Mark as he explains the importance of Ash Wednesday and ways you can keep this Lenten season meaningful to your life.
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Mar 3, 2019
The Transfiguration of Jesus
Fr. Mark begins his sermon with a children's message - highlighting the importance of children in church and today's Gospel reading, the meaning of the transfiguration of Jesus in Luke 9:28-36. Fr. Mark uses two illustrations to explain our scripture reading - the transformation that occurs with the butterfly and that of taking a picture. A butterfly begins as a caterpillar; and a camera takes a photo of a particular event in time. As Fr. Mark continues his sermon to the congregation, this story ultimately leads to Jesus' journey to Jerusalem. Therefore, he invites us to journey with Jesus during this Lenten season that begins on Ash Wednesday.
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Feb 24, 2019
Mission
Fr. Chris begins his sermon with the image of a tree. A tree provides shade, tranquility, air for us to breathe etc. But there are two fundamental truths about all trees - they are reaching and they are rooted. Just like the faith of the Apostles, and the 120 witnesses in our reading on Sunday in Acts 1:8, 'You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.' Because these people were deeply rooted in the divine life of Jesus Christ, the branches of faith spread and continue to spread to the ends of the world today through our missionaries. Fr. Chris continues with the analogy of a tree. All trees start as a seed but in order to grow, it needs to be planted. So where is God calling you to plant the seed of faith?
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Feb 17, 2019
Ministry is loving and serving Christ and His people
Fr. Mark begins his sermon with the fundamentals of our Christian faith based on our New Testament reading, I Corinthians 15:12-20. Christ died for our sins, and 'has been risen from the dead'. We celebrate this every Sunday.
So how does this to relate to ministry? As Fr. Mark explains, ministry is what we do in our church home. As we look around our church, we see many hands who have built things, have provided things and who continue to serve our church. All this is done with passion and love for our Christian community but ultimately for the love we have for our savior, Jesus Christ. We all have been given gifts and as Fr. Mark further states, "Everyone has a gift, everyone has a role. That is what ministry is about.'
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Feb 10, 2019
The King and His Kingdom
This week's sermon is based on our Gospel reading, Luke 5:1-11. As Fr. Chris begins, he talks about how the crowds were pressed into hearing the Word of God. Just like the men who attended the Men's Conference on Saturday and for those attending worship this Sunday. We are all eager to hear God's Word, and Fr. Chris brings the Gospel to us in a way we can relate to today.
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Feb 3, 2019
Life Groups: Part 2
The first Sunday of the month is Youth Sunday. Fr. Mark always begins with a message to the children. This week's message centers around the importance of friendship.
The second part of his sermon, Fr. Mark continues the discussion on life groups and how they enhance our lives. In a world that can be about death and destruction, life groups at Christ the Redeemer are about life. Life that can be enhanced by being in fellowship with one another.
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Jan 27, 2019
Life Groups: Part 1
Besides worship, our life groups are a great way to get connected to one another at Christ the Redeemer. As Fr. Chris explains in his sermon, in a world that tells us we are dispensable, God tell us we are indispensable. We are the Body of Christ and a great way to live that out is by being part of a life group. For a list of our life groups and their leaders, please visit our Life Group page under Get Connected or simply call the church.
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Jan 20, 2019
Worship: Part 2
In our sermon series this past Sunday, Fr. Chris continues to discuss the benefits and importance of worshiping God as a corporate body on Sunday and as individuals throughout our week. Fr. Chris gives a very simple way we can take what we do on Sunday, and take it out into the world we live in. So pick a time and place to worship God on a daily basis. The song we sang on Sunday, after Fr. Chris' sermon was, 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord). It is a great place to start, if you don't have a favorite worship song. Making worshiping God part of your daily routine, will not only benefit your soul but also those around you. Let your light shine bright.
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Jan 13, 2019
Worship: Part 1
Fr. Chris begins this new sermon series with something that is not only fundamental to the Christian DNA but to all people - worship. What and who we worship says a lot about our priorities. For Christians, our first priority is to worship God and Fr. Chris outlines the benefits of making God our first priority, one being relationship. God desires to have a relationship with us. Listen to Fr. Chris' message as he explaining the significance of Jesus' baptism for those who lived in John the Baptist's time, and for us who live today.
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Jan 6, 2019
Gifts of the Wise Men and Our Royal Priesthood
Fr. Mark begins his sermon with a message to the children and asked the question, "What is the best part of Christmas?" The children give amazing answers, gifts was not one of them! On Sunday, we celebrated Epiphany - the day the Wise Men (also known as the Magi and Kings) come to worship Jesus bringing gifts. Fr. Mark explains to the children what each gift is and its meaning. Lastly, he asks the children what would be the best gift they could give to Jesus? What would be your gift? Hint: you can't buy it in a store or online!
For his sermon to the rest of the congregation, Fr. Mark talks about how Jesus came to save the whole world. Fr. Mark's son decided he wanted to listen in his dad's arms. So, for part of the sermon you can hear him affirm his dad's message.
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Dec 30, 2018
The True Light is Coming Into the World
In Sunday's Gospel reading, John 1:1-15, we are reminded of the importance and difference of light in creation, and the true light, Jesus Christ. Listen to Fr. Chris as he discusses God's role in our lives and how our light can burn brighter in a dark world.
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Dec 23, 2018
Things You Can Take With You When You Go: Hope
Fr. Chris continues with Part 2 of the sermon series "Things you CAN take with you when you go: Hope." Where do you place your hope - in the secular or sacred? Fr. Chris discusses the pitfalls we find ourselves in when we place our hopes in secular things.
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Dec 16, 2018
Things you CAN take with you when you go, Part 1: Faith
Fr. Chris begins our new sermon series, "Things you CAN take with you when you go" with Faith. We all have faith and as Fr. Chris points out, even atheists have faith. So it isn't a question of whether we have faith, but whether we have placed our faith - on the right thing or the right person. Listen to Fr. Chris as he reminds us that Advent is a time when we look back to the birth of our Savior and look forward to His coming again. May you find our Savior during and after this Advent season.
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Dec 9, 2018
The Season of Promise and The Hope of Deliverance
It was a tremendous blessing to have Bishop Iker preach at CTR. As some are aware, he is being treated for cancer. Therefore his message begins with an address to CTR on the update of his progress and the blessings to be well enough to share this Sunday with us.
This week's message from Bishop Iker is about the prophets preaching repentance and preparing the way for our salvation. He puts it into historical context and how we can apply the teachings of these Old Testaments prophets to our lives during this Advent season.
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Dec 2, 2018
Happy New Year!
Fr. Mark begins his sermon with a children's message. He explains the importance of God's gift of time to us and how the children can prepare for Christmas. He continues this message in his sermon to the rest of the congregation. How can we prepare for Christmas in a meaningful way? This past Sunday was a special 'Instructed Eucharist' service in which Fr. Chris and Fr. Mark explain each aspect of the Anglican service. So, part of Fr. Mark's sermon was explaining the purpose of the sermon in Anglican worship.
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Nov 25, 2018
Christ the King
What does it mean for Jesus to be our king? Listen to Fr. Mark as he describes what Christ's kingdom looks like and what we can do to be part of it.
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Nov 18, 2018
Signs of Salvation
"How do you know you got it right?" It is a question that is often asked, but where can you go to get your answer? Listen to Fr. Chris as he shares his personal story and a place to go for answers.
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Nov 11, 2018
How can we know if the life we’re living is pleasing to God?
In Sunday's Gospel reading, Mark 12:38-44, Jesus notices the widow giving all that she has, two very small copper coins. As Fr. Chris mentions in his sermon, this is a difficult reading but it is meant to help us, not hinder us. For Fr. Chris offers three observations that will help us look at ourselves in the light of the goodness of God and that will help us to know if the life we are living is pleasing to God.
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Oct 28, 2018
What is your security blanket?
Is there something you hang onto that gives you a sense of security, comfort and protection? In our Sunday's Gospel reading, Mark 10: 46-52, Jesus heals a blind beggar, Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus. A man, because he was blind would have been an outcast, rejected by society but in Mark's Gospel, he has a name. He is given dignity. He matters. Listen to Fr. Chris' message of hope and healing. For like Bartimaeus, when we choose to have Jesus in our lives, everything changes.
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Oct 21, 2018
Jesus Our High Priest
Fr. Mark's message is based on our New Testament reading, Hebrews 4:12-16. As Fr. Mark's mentions, it is only 4 verses but there is a lot of meaning in these verses. Listen to Fr. Mark as he focuses on 'Word of God' and that when the curtain was torn, God became open to all.
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Oct 14, 2018
The Gain is Always Greater than the Give
Have you ever had a 'before' and 'after' moment? Fr. Chris' message is based on the Gospel reading, Mark 10:17-31. It is the story of a young rich man who asks Jesus, "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?". It is a question, we have often asked ourselves. The rich young man has kept all of the ten commandments but he knows there is something more he needs to do. So Jesus looks at him, loves him and replies 'Go sell all that you have, and give it to the poor, and you will have treasurer in heaven; and come, follow me." The rich young man couldn't do it so why would Jesus ask him to do this? Listen to Fr. Chris as he explains that there is more to this story. Jesus wants our barriers that prevents us from having a relationship with God to be removed. How do we do this? What does it look like? Fr. Chris discusses ways to accomplish this.
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Oct 7, 2018
Entrusted with the Gospel
Acts 2:42 states, 'And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teachings and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers.' At CTR we live this out through our life groups and Sunday worship. Listen to Fr. Mark as he pays tribute to Bishop Iker, explains what a bishop is in his childen's message and the importance of passing along the faith that we have been entrusted with to others.
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Sep 30, 2018
Running after the Promises of God
Fr. Chris’ sermon is base on this week’s collect: “O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen” Listen to Fr. Chris as he uses the analogy of a runner training for a marathon, and that of life. There will be times when the runner will be in perfect sync with his/her body and the run, and at other times feel so tired it takes every effort to just put one foot in front of the other. Life can be just like that. When life feels like everything is going well or when it is not, it is important to remember the promises that God has made to us. Fr. Chris reminds us what those promises are.
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Sep 23, 2018
Not by the sword of man, but the Spirit of God
Sunday's sermon is based on our Gospel reading, Mark 9:30-37. In his sermon, Fr. Chris explains the historical context of the passage; how the cross restores our relationships with the Father and with one another; and that we all have the opportunity to be a child of God. Listen to Fr. Chris as he explains how this is all possible.
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Sep 16, 2018
Who do you say I am?
This Sunday’s sermon is based on our Gospel reading, Mark 8:27-38
‘And Jesus went on with his disciples, to the villages of Caesare′a Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Eli′jah; and others one of the prophets.” And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” And he charged them to tell no one about him.
And he began to teach them that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he said this plainly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter, and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not on the side of God, but of men.”
And he called to him the multitude with his disciples, and said to them, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himse…
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Sep 9, 2018
The Man, the Miracle,the Message, and the Motivation.
This Sunday's sermon was based on Mark 7:31-37. 'Then he returned from the region of Tyre, and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, through the region of the Decapolis. And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech; and they besought him to lay his hand upon him. And taking him aside from the multitude privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and he spat and touched his tongue; and looking up to heaven, he sighed, and said to him, “Eph′phatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. And he charged them to tell no one; but the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well; he even makes the deaf hear and the dumb speak.”' In Fr. Chris' sermon he talks about the man, Jesus, who he is and the distance he will go to perform a miracle in one man's life, and ours. Listen as Fr. Chris…
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Aug 26, 2018
Take the Leap
Fr. Mark begins this sermon with a reminder of who we are. We are a church of the 'Great Command, Great Commission and Great Tradition.' This past summer, we commissioned and sent out one of our members to Uganda, Jessica Tetirick. Listen to Jessica as she tells her story of her missionary work in Uganda and on how she learned to trust God to take the leaps, knowing He would never let her fall.
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Aug 19, 2018
Faith and Eucharist
This week's sermon is based on John 6:53-59. "So Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me. This is the bread which came down from heaven, not such as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live forever.' This he said in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum." What did Jesus mean by this? For at the surface, this would have been problematic for his followers but we have the benefit of knowing that Jesus is talking about the Eucharist. Listen to Fr. Mark as he explains the importance of the Eucharist in terms of our faith and our relationship with…
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Jul 22, 2018
Jesus and Community
This week's sermon is based on the Gospel reading, Mark 6:30-44. It is a familiar story that as Fr. Mark points out, it can be found in all 4 Gospels. The apostles have just returned from the mission Jesus sent them on. They have cast out demons, healed the sick and have called people to repent. They are exhausted, hungry and need rest. Jesus said, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while." However, as the people "saw them going and recognized them, they ran there on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them". There were five thousand people who followed them to hear Jesus. Listen to Fr. Mark as he talks about the importance of the apostles' reactions versus Jesus' reaction to such a large crowd. We all want a sense of belonging, a sense of community. Fr. Mark explains how this is possible.
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Jul 8, 2018
The Grace of God
This week's sermon is based on the New Testament reading, 2 Corinthians 12:2-10. Fr. Mark begins with a children's message explaining the meaning of God's grace. After the children's message, Fr. Mark talks about Paul's encounter with the risen Jesus Christ. Paul is not only fundamentally changed with this encounter but through this encounter we see God's grace. Paul went from persecuting Christians to being one of the most influential. Listen to Fr. Mark as he further explains, that like Paul, there is something in our lives that gives us pain. God's reply, " My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." God's love is always with us. Rely on Him in your weakness.
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Jun 17, 2018
The Fatherhood of God
Happy Father's Day to all those men who have played a role in a child's life! This is the Sunday we celebrate the importance of fathers in the lives of their families. Fr. Mark begins with his own tribute to his father with 'Dad jokes' but then gives a testimony of how he appreciates all what his Dad had done and continues to do for him. Absentee fathers are big problem in our society, and Fr. Mark then explains how an absentee father has a huge negative impact on their kids today. The statistics can be overwhelming. But how can these kids, and others who have not had the benefit of a good father, see that God, our Father, is good. Listen to Fr. Mark explain how this is possible and what responsibilities Dads have to their families.
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Jun 10, 2018
The Fall and the First Gospel
Fr. Mark begins his sermon with a story of an exchange between a young priest and one of his parishioners. The young priest calls on the parishioner and when there is no answer but there is obviously someone home, he leaves this scripture quote from Revelation 3:20 “ Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” The parishioner responds the following Sunday with this scripture note from Genesis 3:10, “He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” This is a very witty exchange but goes to the heart of our faith. We are not to be afraid for God sees us for who we are and wants to restore us to him. This week’s sermon is based on our Old Testament reading, Genesis 3:1-21. We are all familiar with the story of the Fall. We know we live in a world that is broken but Fr. Mark gives a different insight to the story. Listen to him explain…
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May 27, 2018
Trinity Sunday
Our guest preacher on Trinity Sunday was Fr. Juta, our centurion partner. We not only support him through our Diocesan Centurion program, we also pray for him every Sunday. Listen to Fr. Juta as he gives his testimony, and tells of his experiences as a priest in the Anglican Diocese of Northern Malawi. Trinity Sunday is the day Christians around the world celebrate the Trinity - the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Fr.Juta in the latter part of his sermon, gives an excellent explanation on what the Holy Trinity means to us.
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May 20, 2018
'Not by Might, Nor by Power, But by My Spirit,' says the Lord
The Christian Pentecost is always 50 days after Easter. We sometimes forget that the disciples had to wait 10 days from the time of Jesus' Ascension to the coming of the Holy Spirit. This may seem like an eternity if you are expecting something to happen. This is exactly the situation the disciples found themselves in, and Fr. Chris reminds us that it couldn't have been easy. Jesus had promised in Acts 1:8, "..you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would come but not when, so the disciples prayed and waited for 10 days. Waiting is hard, we have all experienced some kind of wait and it becomes more difficult as time passes. Listen to Fr. Chris take you back to that very first Christian Pentecost - "When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as…
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May 13, 2018
His Promise, His Presence & His People
This Sunday's Gospel reading is from Luke 24:49-53 and is known in the Church as Ascension Sunday. Christians from around the world celebrated Jesus ascension to the right hand of the Father. But what does this all mean and how does this effect us today, some 2,000 years later? Listen to Fr. Chris explain that the Ascension is essential to who we, as Christians, are today. Jesus may have ascended into heaven, but he has not left us as orphans. "Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:20
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Apr 29, 2018
Creation, Redemption and Sanctification
Fr. Chris continues to explain, using this week's Gospel reading John 14:15-21, how we know God is good through the process of creation, redemption and sanctification. In the beginning, we can see how God is good through creation. Everything He created was good but Adam and Eve chose to disobey God.Their disobedience caused our separation from God. But God did not abandon us. He set in motion a plan for us to be redeemed and made sanctified. How did He do this? Listen to Fr. Chris explain how the plan works so our relationship with God can be restored. Then in the second part of this sermon, a special member of our congregation finishes the sermon with a powerful personal testimony.. Jessica is one of our members who is leaving this Wednesday to go to Uganda for 3 months. Listen to her moving story on how she learned to trust God as she struggled with her uncertainty, and then realizing how much He loves her, she took that leap of faith into the mission field of Uganda.
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Apr 22, 2018
How do we know God is good?
Our Gospel reading this Sunday is John 10:11-16. Jesus declares he is the good shepherd but as Fr. Chris points out in his sermon, it is an odd to be reading this particular reading now. For Jesus says, " I lay down my life for the sheep" but since Easter, we have been reading and learning about Jesus' resurrection, not his death. So why read this passage now? Fr. Chris explains why it is important to always remember in a world where bad stuff happens, God is good. He wants to have a relationship with each and everyone of us. Reading this week's Gospel reading that He is good is one thing, but how do we know that God is good? Listen to Fr. Chris, as he brings images of the Old & New Testaments with real life experiences to show how we know that God is good. He is good all the time and that Jesus is with us always, in our joys and even in our sufferings.
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Apr 15, 2018
Because Jesus lives, therefore ...
This week's Gospel reading is from Luke 24:36-48. Luke's Gospel is very similar to last week's Gospel reading, John 20:19-31. This time, the story focuses on the disciples. They are in a locked room and frightened. When their leader died, so did their hopes and dreams of a messiah. But what happens next is hard for them to grasp, at first. For Jesus, who they thought was dead, now appears to them and says, "Peace be with you." They think they have seen a ghost. How can this be and why is asking for something to eat? But ghosts don't eat, which means he must be alive. Jesus knows their thoughts and reassures them that they need not be troubled. And troubled, they no longer are. Their fear quickly turns into joy. Their joy comes from knowing that the Messiah lives! Sometimes we experience a joy like this and we feel the burning desire to share our good news. This is exactly what the disciples felt and did. Once frightened, and now strengthened by the good news, the disciples boldly go ou…
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Apr 8, 2018
What are our doubts and commands?
This week's Gospel, John 20: 19-31, begins with the disciples, except for Thomas, gathered in a locked room. They are afraid. Their leader was crucified and they are all alone. It is easy for us to relate to this but the next thing that happens, is a game changer. Jesus appears to them, and says "Peace be with you." He shows them his hands and his side. Jesus is alive! His Resurrection not only changed them profoundly, but it changed the course of human history. We are never alone in our locked rooms. But what about Thomas, he isn't there. Listen to Fr. Chris as talks about the real doubts and commands that not only Thomas had, but we all have. Thomas wouldn't believe until he not only saw but touched Jesus' side. We all have doubts and fears. Though we can't physically touch the side of Jesus, like Thomas could, Fr. Chris explains how we can close the gap between our doubts and our faith. For Jesus said in Matthew 28:20, " lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
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Apr 1, 2018
Life Beyond the Tomb
Three women are going to the tomb, believing Jesus will be there. They bring with them burial spices and in their hearts, they carry the heaviness of death of a loved one. But what happens when they reach the tomb changes not only their lives, but two thousand years later, our lives and those who are not even born, yet, their lives as well. Jesus is not in the tomb! He has risen! Listen to Fr. Chris as he tells a parable, a lesson and a real life story on how the Christian story is all about faith, hope, love and rebirth. No matter the trials and temptations we face in life, as Christians, we have hope. Our Savior lives!
Gospel reading: Matthew 28: 1-10
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Mar 30, 2018
Good Friday 2018: Goodness, Beauty and Truth
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Mar 29, 2018
Maundy Thursday 2018: Passover Supper
Christians all over the world celebrated Maundy Thursday on March 29th. Though it is a somber time, the Christian faith is filled with hope and thankfulness. Listen to Fr. Mark as he explains God's recue plan for us. Two thousand years ago, God showed up in the person, Jesus Christ, to save us fromthe darkness, to forgive us and show us that He loves us.
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Mar 18, 2018
The New Covenant of Life
As we approach Holy Week, we are reminded that the sacrifices and the covenants of the Old Testament point towards the cross. Listen to Fr. Mark as explains the significance of these covenants and sacrifices as it relates to us getting back in step with God. From Jeremiah 31:31 "Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah."
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Mar 11, 2018
The Bread of Life is our Bread for Life
The Passover meal at this point in our Gospel reading, John 6:4-15, had been celebrated for 1500 years. Bread reminded them of how God always provided for them, just as we are reminded of how God provides for us every Sunday at the Eucharist. Listen to Fr. Chris as he explains that God knows we struggle, just like the Israelites did in the desert. But in our struggle and pain, He provides. He sent his son.
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Mar 4, 2018
Removing Obstacles
This is the first Sunday of the month, so Fr. Mark begins the sermon with a children's message. The children's message and that for the adults is the same, it is based on the Gospel, John 2:13-22. Jesus cleanses the temple by overturning tables, driving out money-changers, people who ere selling oxen, sheep and doves. It's a very physical act that has a spiritual reality to it. These were obstacles that were turning away the intent of the Father's house into a house of merchandise. Listen to Fr. Mark as he relates his own obstacles, how he removed them, and how you can remove yours as well - whether they be physical or spiritual.
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Feb 25, 2018
The Divine Exchange is Death for Life
This week's Gospel, Mark 8:31-38, begins with Peter taking Jesus aside and rebuking him for predicting his suffering, death and resurrection. How could Peter do that? Listen to Fr. Chris as he explains that, like Peter, we are all sinners but this is only half of the truth. This is only half of the story. Jesus gives us the second half, but there is something we need to do. We need to participate in the Divine Exchange, for God is forgiving, loving and merciful. God wants all of us - the good, and the bad. But how do we do that? You'll have to listen to Fr. Chris as explains how to do just that.
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Feb 18, 2018
Overcoming Evil
As we begin the Lenten season, we are reminded that there is evil in this world. Listen to Fr. Chris as he uses our Gospel reading, Mark 1:9-13, to address several of the questions we ask ourselves in times of tragedy... Does God exist and how do we know? Fr. Chris further explains that there is Good News, evil is NOT winning and as Christians, we can do something about it.
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Feb 11, 2018
The Centrality of the Cross
This week's sermon is based on Gospel reading, Mark 9: 2-9. Listen to Fr. Chris as he explains how Jesus wants to pursue a relationship with you. He wants to takes your brokeness to the Cross and make it beautiful. He wants you to be part of the story, he wants all of us to be part of His story. Look around at your life. What do you see?
Christianity is about the gift of God's grace and how the cross can make you flawless. It isn't something you do, it is something you accept. Fr. Chris ends with a powerful video from the group MercyMe, "Flawless."
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Feb 4, 2018
The Revelation of Jesus: Truth and Trust
Fr. Mark begins the sermon with a message to the children. There are two aspects of faith - Truth and Trust. When we have trust and truth in Jesus, we follow him and become his disciples. This week the Gospel of John takes us to the room where 11 of the disciples are gathered in fear of the Jews. The doors are shut but we are reminded that locked doors can't keep a resurrected Jesus out. Listen to Fr. Mark as he tells you that Jesus brings you peace, no matter your struggle. He can meet you where you are, even in a locked room.
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Jan 28, 2018
The Conquest over Evil
This Sunday's gospel is the beginning of Jesus' ministry with him commanding an evil spirit to come out of a man. The discipleship narrative continues with Andrew, Peter, James and John witnessing this very public act in the synagogue in Capernaum. What does this all mean? How is this possible? Listen to Fr. Chris as he explains that the Kingdom of God IS the conquest and the conquering of evil in the world. By delivering this man from evil, Jesus has demonstrated that he wants to deliver all of us from evil.
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Jan 21, 2018
The Call
Jesus comes without a slick marketing campaign, his videos have not gone viral on YouTube, there are no Hollywood cameras following him around... It is just him. Listen to Fr. Chris as he describes what it would have been like to be there as a witness to the beginning of His Call to his disciples. In the Gospel of Mark, that Call is always immediate, transformational and that Call is the same as it was in Zebedee's time as it is in ours.
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Jan 14, 2018
The Intersection of Beauty and Brokeness
This week, Fr. Chris' sermon is based on the Gospel reading, John 1:43-51. Listen as Fr. Chris talks about discovering the beauty & joy of Christian discipleship and how Jesus wants to heal your brokeness.
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Jan 7, 2018
What are you doing with your Baptism?
Listen to Fr. Mark explain how extraordinary things happen after your baptism... your salvation begins! This week's sermon is based on the Gospel reading of Mark 1:7-11 and begins with a message to the children.
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Dec 31, 2017
Invasion of Salvation
Gospel: John 1:1-18
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Dec 24, 2017
Christmas Eve 2017
Gospel: Luke 2:1-20
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Dec 24, 2017
Be it unto me, according to thy Word
Gospel Luke 1: 26-38
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Dec 17, 2017
Self-Will
Gospel: John 1: 6-8, 19-28
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Dec 10, 2017
Repentance is a gift from God
Gospel Mark 1: 1-8
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Dec 3, 2017
First Sunday of Advent
Gospel Mark 13: 24-37
Includes the children's message
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Nov 26, 2017
What We do Matters
Gospel: Matthew 25: 31-46
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Nov 19, 2017
Enter Into the joy of your Master
Gospel: Matthew 25: 14-30
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Nov 12, 2017
Comfort one another with these words.
Gospel: Matthew 25: 1-13
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Nov 5, 2017
All Saints' Day
Gospel: Matthew 5: 1-12
Includes the children's message
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Oct 29, 2017
The Words God Reveals the Word of God
Gospel: Matthew 22:34-46
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Oct 22, 2017
The Best 15 Minutes of Your Life
Gospel: Matthew 22: 15-22
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Oct 15, 2017
The 8th Day of the Week
Gospel: Matthew 21: 1-14
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Oct 8, 2017
Being Good Stewards
Gospel: Matthew 21: 33-43
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Oct 1, 2017
What will your highest priority be?
Gospel: Matthew 21:28-32
Includes a children's message
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Sep 24, 2017
Laborers in the Vineyard
Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16
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Sep 17, 2017
The Holy Spirit in Baptism
Gospel: Matthew 18:21-35
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Sep 10, 2017
God is Tolerant and Inclusive
Gospel: Matthew 18-15-20
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Aug 27, 2017
Looks Can Be Deceiving
Gospel: Matthew 16:13-20
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Aug 20, 2017
He Heard. He Helped. He Healed
Gospel: Matthew 15:21-28
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Aug 13, 2017
Have no Fear
Gospel: Matthew 14: 22-33
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Aug 6, 2017
Feast of Transfiguration
Gospel: Luke 9: 28-36
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Jul 30, 2017
Transformation
Gospel Matthew 13-31-33, 44-49a
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Jul 23, 2017
Fight for Them
Gospel: Matthew 13: 24-30, 36-43
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Jul 16, 2017
Jesus leads the Way
Gospel: Matthew 13: 1-23
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Jul 9, 2017
Love the way God designed it
Gospel: Matthew 11: 25-30
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Jul 2, 2017
Jesus draws a line in the sand
Gospel: Matthew 10: 34-42
Includes the children's message
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Jun 25, 2017
Fight for True Freedom
Gospel: Matthew 10: 16-33
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Jun 18, 2017
When we step up to the plate
Gospel: Matthew 9:35-10:15
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Jun 11, 2017
Trinity Sunday celebrates who God is.
Gospel : Matthew 28: 16-20
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May 21, 2017
Missional Christian
Gospel: John 15: 1-8
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May 14, 2017
Assurance with Certainity
Sunday's readings
Deuteronomy 6:20-25
Psalm 66
I Peter 2:1-10
John 14:1-14
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May 7, 2017
Our Individual Calling
Gospel: John 10:1-21
Includes Children's message
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Apr 30, 2017
Our Eternal Family
Gospel: Luke 24:1 3-35
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Apr 23, 2017
Our New Identity
Gospel: John 20: 19-31
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Apr 16, 2017
Easter Sunday: Facts, Faith and Future
Gospel: Matthew 28:1-10
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Apr 9, 2017
Palm Sunday 2017: Our call is to focus on the cross
Gospel: Matthew 21:1-11; Matthew 26: 36-27:66
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Mar 26, 2017
How Does God see Us
Gospel: John 9: 1-38
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Mar 19, 2017
The Mercy of God
Gospel: John 4:5-42
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Mar 12, 2017
Jesus Gives Eternal Life
Gospel: John 3:1-17
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Mar 5, 2017
The Journey of Lent
Gospel: Matthew 4: 1-11
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Mar 4, 2017
Meditations on Eve
Fr. Chris gives two inspiring meditations on two of the most important women of the Bible - Eve and Mary.
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Mar 4, 2017
Meditations on Mary
Fr. Chris gives two inspiring meditations on two of the most important women of the Bible - Eve and Mary.
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Mar 1, 2017
Ash Wednesday 2017
Gospel: Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-21
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Aug 14, 2016
Playing With Fire
Gospel: Luke 12: 49-56
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Jul 24, 2016
Prayer Why? & How?
Gospel: Luke 11: 1-13
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Jul 17, 2016
Stop and Listen.
Gospel: Luke 10: 28-42
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Jul 10, 2016
Hungry for Heaven Part 3
For the 3 weeks, Fr. Chris will discuss the Call of Christ, the Great Commission, and the Great Command. And this is because for the world to believe, for society to improve, for the redemption of humankind, the world must see a visible and vibrant Church full of Christian disciples, who know how to make disciples.
This, then, is the idea of the sermon series. But, more than that, this is the emerging call to our congregation at Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church, going into the fall and beyond into our future, that we will go and make disciples of all nations.
This Sunday' Gospel reading: Luke 10: 25-37
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Jul 3, 2016
Hungry for Heaven Part 2
For the 3 weeks, Fr. Chris will discuss the Call of Christ, the Great Commission, and the Great Command. And this is because for the world to believe, for society to improve, for the redemption of humankind, the world must see a visible and vibrant Church full of Christian disciples, who know how to make disciples.
This, then, is the idea of the sermon series. But, more than that, this is the emerging call to our congregation at Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church, going into the fall and beyond into our future, that we will go and make disciples of all nations.
This Sunday's Gospel reading: Luke 10:1-20
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Jun 26, 2016
Hungry for Heaven Part 1.
For the 3 weeks, Fr. Chris will discuss the Call of Christ, the Great Commission, and the Great Command. And this is because for the world to believe, for society to improve, for the redemption of humankind, the world must see a visible and vibrant Church full of Christian disciples, who know how to make disciples.This, then, is the idea of the sermon series. But, more than that, this is the emerging call to our congregation at Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church, going into the fall and beyond into our future, that we will go and make disciples of all nations.
This Sunday's Gospel Reading: Luke 9:51-62
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Jun 19, 2016
Who do you say I am?
Gospel: Luke 9:18-24
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Jun 12, 2016
The Heart of the Matter
Gospel: Luke 7: 36-50
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Jun 5, 2016
Jesus Christ: Author of the Book of Life
Gospel: Luke 7:11-17
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May 29, 2016
Making Ordinary Time Extraordinary
Gospel: Luke 7: 1-10
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May 22, 2016
Trinity Sunday: God is all about Family
Gospel: John 16:5-15
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May 8, 2016
Experiencing the Power of God
Gospel reading: John 17:20-26
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May 1, 2016
Putting on the Armor of God
Gospel reading: John14: 23-29
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Apr 24, 2016
Turning our Fear to Faith
Gospel Reading: John 13:31-35
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Apr 17, 2016
What more could there be?
Gospel: John 10: 19-31
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Apr 10, 2016
What happens next?
Gospel: John 21:1-14
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Apr 3, 2016
Who is the Holy Spirit?
Gospel: John 20: 19-31
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Mar 27, 2016
Three days, two words and one question.
Gospel: Luke 24:1-10
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Mar 20, 2016
Make this a Holy Week
Gospel: Luke 22:39-71
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Mar 13, 2016
Presumption and Perseverance
Gospel: Luke 20: 9-19
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Mar 6, 2016
The Parable of the Loving Father
Gospel: Luke 15:11-32
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Feb 28, 2016
What must I do to be saved.?
Gospel: Luke 4: 21-32
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Feb 21, 2016
The Narrow Door
Gospel: Luke 13:22-35
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Feb 14, 2016
Jesus is Tempted
Gospel: Luke 4:1-13
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Feb 7, 2016
World Mission Sunday
Gospel: Luke 9:28-36
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Jan 31, 2016
Where are you from?
Gospel: Luke 4: 21=32
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Jan 27, 2016
Islam and Christianity
Fr. Engin Yildirim, an Anglican priest, grew up in a Muslim family in Turkey. He speaks about his journey in becoming a Christian.
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Jan 24, 2016
What will you do?
Gospel: Luke 4:14-21
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Jan 17, 2016
The Wedding at Cana
Gospel: John 2:1-11
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Jan 10, 2016
The Baptism of Jesus
Gospel: Luke 3:15-16,21-22
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Jan 3, 2016
Christmas Week 2 2015
Gospel: Luke 2:41-52
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Dec 27, 2015
Christmas Week 1 2015
Gospel: John 1:1-18
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Dec 24, 2015
He came to set us free.
Gospel: Luke 1: 1-20
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Dec 20, 2015
Advent 2015 Week 4: Joy
Gospel: Luke 1: 39-56
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Dec 13, 2015
Advent 2015 Week 3: Love
Gospel: Luke 3: 7-18
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Dec 6, 2015
Advent 2015 Week 2: Faith
Gospel: Luke 3: 1-6
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Nov 29, 2015
Advent 2015 Week 1: Hope
Gospel: Luke 21: 25-31
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Nov 22, 2015
Christ the King Sunday 2015
Gospel: John 18: 33 -37
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Nov 8, 2015
Jesus Christ - His Sacrifice, Our Salvation
Gospel: Mark 12:38-44
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