Archive
August 14, 1994: “It Only Takes a Few” — Rev. Cecil Murray
In this Sermon, Rev. Murray talks about being God’s prisoner–or a prisoner of love–meaning that you “disturb the peace” of the status quo and make compromises for the sake of the Lord. …
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 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 …
Catholic Sisters: Vocations in Africa
Many young women in countries across Africa have decided to become Catholic sisters. In this video, young women share why they decided to follow the path of religious life. The sisters note …
5,000 Pies: Serving Pizza and Faith in Long Beach
5,000 Pies is a small, storefront restaurant and “social enterprise” operated by Fountain of Life Covenant Church in a multi-ethnic and economically challenged neighborhood on the west side of Long Beach, California. …
The Influence of Archbishop Oscar Romero
In this video CRCC’s archives, visit the church where Archbishop Oscar Romero was assassinated, with guide Richard L. Wood, associate professor of sociology at University of New Mexico. Romero was canonized as …
Encountering God: A Catholic Sisters’s Journey
Sister Jeanette Kong shares how she went from a “jaded and disillusioned young person” to a Verbum Dei Missionary in this video: Fewer young women in the United States are deciding to …
AMCLI: Building a Dynamic National Network of American Muslim Leadership
AMCLI is leadership program that develops and trains American Muslim leaders who are committed to civic engagement. AMCLI fellows are at the forefront of creating a greater presence of Muslims in the …
Religion on the Move in Los Feliz
The current era of religious flux in the United States is often depicted through photographs of empty pews in mainline Protestant churches during a typical Sunday service. But the ongoing evolutions in American religious culture are …
Wilshire Boulevard: A Tour of Religion in Los Angeles
Wilshire Boulevard was designed to be the grand boulevard of Los Angeles. Major religions established congregations along the street, just outside of Downtown Los Angeles. The USC Center for Religion and Civic …
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 …
Hollywood Beloved: A Catholic Procession on the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Hollywood Beloved is a Catholic Eucharistic procession that brings together multiple parishes and Catholic organizations from around Southern California for public worship in the heart of Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. At the …