Archive
August 16, 1998: “To Be Abashed or to Abound” — Rev. Cecil Murray
In this sermon, Rev. Murray encourages his congregation to push through hard times not with self-sufficiency, but with clear-eyed knowledge of their situation and “Christ-sufficiency.” He encourages them to continue to have …
August 21, 1994: “I Hear You Knocking But You Can’t Come In” – Rev. Cecil Murray
Pastor Murray in this sermon talks about “bubble Christians,” who think that their way is the only way and do not have an open mind. “You ain’t been baptized; you just had …
December 19, 1999: “Are You Really Looking for Jesus?”
In this Christmas sermon, Rev. Murray addresses the differences between the practice of Christianity out of duty versus out of love. He poses the question, “Are you coming to church or are …
April 30, 2000: “Stand the Storm, It Won’t Be Long”
In this sermon, Rev. Murray compares dark or difficult periods in our lives to storms. “Storms make sailors…and when storms come, you don’t have to get stormy. You don’t have to raise …
April 25, 2004: “How Much is Enough?”
Reverend Murray speaks about how we have become consumed with materialism. We want too much and pursue only our own pleasure. We have to be careful to not become corrupted by greed. …
April 20, 1997: “Tipping, But Not Paying the Bill”
In this sermon, Rev. Murray emphasizes putting God first. He says “worry is a sin,” because “worry is trying to have two number one’s in your life.” However, he notes that while …
April 12, 1992: “Heaven Has a Cover Charge”
Pastor Murray encourages his congregation to be committed. “When there is no commitment, there is nothing at all,” he says. To get to heaven, there must be a lot of working, struggle …
April 19, 1992: “There’s Always a Third Day” (Part Two)
Pastor Murray redefines death as a condition where you only see the negative in life. He accuses many of practicing “dead religion,” or not coming to church for the Lord but to …
April 19, 1992: “There’s Always a Third Day” (Part One)
“I think death died when Jesus died,” says Pastor Murray, making the argument that those who are disenfranchised will rise again. He tells his congregation that with a will to live, you …
April 11, 1999: “What’s Jesus Cooking Up Now?”
In this sermon, Rev. Murray poses the question: “Are you doing any good in life or are you just going through the motions?” He encourages his congregation to “claim your blessings and …
April 5, 1992: “Does Anybody Here Know My Jesus?”
Pastor Cecil L. Murray encourages his congregation to challenge the stereotype of the “gentle Jesus,” asserting that Jesus was not gentle and passive, but assertive for justice. He says, “When you meet …
March 27, 1994: “Turnips That Don’t Turn Up” – Rev. Cecil Murray
In this Palm Sunday sermon, Rev. Murray reminds his congregation that humility helps you remember to praise the Lord. Without humility, it is easy to forget to be grateful, but being humble …
September 16, 2001: Rev. Murray’s post-9/11 Sermon
In a sermon titled “Above the Madness,” Rev. Cecil Murray of First AME Church (FAME) in Los Angeles admonishes his congregation not to partake of the toxic stew of hatred and rage …
May 3, 1992: Rev. Cecil Murray Preaches as the Fires of the L.A. Riots Burn
Over six days in late April and early May 1992, hundreds of fires burned in the heart of Los Angeles. The acquittal of police officers charged with using excessive force against Rodney …