Sermons on F Jim Cymbala:

Lessons From The Triumphal Entry Prophecies Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on May 18, 2021

This sermon on a familiar passage takes a different approach, looking at the prophetic quotes within the Triumphal Entry story.

OUR FOCUS IN THIS MESSAGE: This Triumphal Entry story pauses to note its Old Testament roots. - John 12:16. - This is easily overlooked, but it is important that it is inserted here. What do the prophetic pieces of this passage have to tell us? - Preaching on the Triumphal Entry normally either ...read more

Scripture: John 12:12-19

Denomination: Baptist

Rising Popularity And The Upside-Down Kingdom Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on May 25, 2021

A golden opportunity for increased popularity presents itself, but Jesus uses the occasion to talk about what glory looks like in His "upside-down" kingdom.

THE MOST POPULAR GUY IN TOWN? Jesus’ popularity reaches a new level when even the Greeks are interested in Him. - John 12:20-22. A RELATED IDEA? Jesus’ response is focused on glory. - John 12:23. - Is Jesus interested in glory the way that everyone else is or is He pointing them toward ...read more

Scripture: John 12:20-34

Denomination: Baptist

The Secret Of Contentment Series

Contributed by Jim Keegan on Mar 27, 2021

Envy is a sin and a curse, one more form of unbelief that denies God’s goodness. Its answer is found in learning the secret of contentment: our complete dependence and trust in God’s amazing love.

The Secret of Contentment A mother and her young son were out one day for a walk when the weather suddenly turned dangerous. A tornado funnel formed overhead and came right towards them. Seeing this, they took shelter at the base of a tree and clung to its trunk. But although the mother was ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:11-13

Anger Management Series

Contributed by Jim Keegan on Apr 2, 2021

Anger is a two-edged sword: our disciplined responses to conflict can reflect spiritual wisdom and bear witness to the transforming power of grace. How well we control anger can reveal a lot about our spiritual health.

An OR nurse in Georgia tells the story of a couple arriving at the hospital, both of them with gunshot wounds. The husband had overslept on his first day on the job because his wife forgot to set the alarm, and he expressed his displeasure by shooting her in the arm. Not to be outdone, she ...read more

Scripture: James 1:19-21

Why Power Blinds Us Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Apr 9, 2021

The Pharisees desire for power blinds them to the point where they acknowledge Jesus is doing miracles but still want to kill Him! What can we learn from their lust for power?

THE PHARISEES WANT TO KILL THE GUY DOING MIRACLES: Power creates blind spots. - John 11:47-48, 53. - The connection between v. 47 and v. 53 is almost unbelievable. - In v. 47, the Pharisees admit that Jesus is doing many miraculous signs. - Yet in v. 53 they plot to take Jesus’ life. - What in ...read more

Scripture: John 11:45-57

Denomination: Baptist

Desire And Discipline Series

Contributed by Jim Keegan on Apr 10, 2021

Gluttony is one of the Seven Deadly Sins, but we can broaden that concept to include overindulgence in general. And the need for self-discipline and healthy boundaries is as relevant an issue in our times as it has ever been.

1 Peter 5:8-11 A boy’s father bought a new lawn mower and told his son that he could keep half of the money if he sold their old one. So the boy posted an ad on the bulletin board at their local grocery store, and within a few days a prospective buyer came by to see it. ‘Does it run?” he asked. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:8-11

Treasure In Heaven Series

Contributed by Jim Keegan on Apr 26, 2021

Greed and generosity are opposing spiritual forces. Selfishness and greed have the effect of shriveling our souls by wasting our potential for love, whereas generosity becomes the source of God’s richest blessing and joy.

Luke 12:13-21 In the days of the Wild West there was an armed bank robbery in California involving a large sum of money. The bank hired a bounty hunter to track down the thief, and when the search led to Mexico he realized he’d need to hire an interpreter. One was found, and the bounty hunter ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:13-21

What Does It Mean That Jesus "takes Away The Sin Of The World"?

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Mar 18, 2020

A look into the idea from the Day of Atonement of the "scapegoat." Jesus doesn't just forgive our sin - He removes our sin, like a goat being taken away into the desert.

JOHN'S PROCLAMATION: Jesus takes away the sin of the world. - John 1:29. - This is an Easter truth that we love to proclaim – and rightfully so! - Jesus takes away the sin of the world. - Tell a story that emphasizes only the forgiveness part, not the removal part. - But what if we don’t ...read more

Scripture: John 1:29

Denomination: Baptist

When Someone Betrays Christ Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Mar 23, 2020

A look at the disciples' response to Jesus' shocking declaration that one of them would betray Him. How do we handle things today when someone betrays the cause of Christ?

WHEN SOMEONE YOU LOOK UP TO WALKS AWAY FROM CHRIST: There are a lot of casualties along the road. - Luke 20:23. - It’s obviously a tragedy to watch someone walk away from Christ or to betray Christ. What makes that even more of a tragedy is the ripple effect. - It might be someone who gives up ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:20-23

Denomination: Baptist

How To Be Great In Jesus’ Kingdom Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Mar 24, 2020

Jesus calls us to be servant rather than elevating themselves. What exactly should we do if we do want to be great?

IS IT WRONG TO WANT TO BE "GREAT"? Jesus doesn’t say “don’t be great” but instead tells them how to be great. - Luke 22:24-27. - Matthew 5:19; Matthew 20:26; Mark 10:43. - It could have been when the disciples argued over being great that Jesus replied, “No. You will never be great. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:24-27

Denomination: Baptist

When Church Seems Like A Fly-By-Night Operation Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Mar 27, 2020

It's easy to look at your local church and be underwhelmed by what you see. Jesus' words here point us toward a higher vision of the Kingdom that He is inaugurating.

AMATEUR HOUR: Sometimes the church can seem like a fly-by-night operation. - We all have stories of churches behaving poorly. We all have stories of churches who were laughably bad at what they were doing. - I remember as a young Christian being preached at by my pastor that we should bring our ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:28-30

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus’ Response To Our False Confidence, Struggle, And Failure Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Mar 31, 2020

Jesus predicts Peter's denial. These verses give us three harsh realities and three promising truths.

- This section comes right after a couple verses about being conferred a kingdom and the ultimate victory that kingdom will experience. In the meantime, though, there are the challenges of real life. Three Harsh Realities in this Passage: 1. The reality of false confidence. - Luke ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:31-34

Denomination: Baptist

Facing Resistance To The Gospel Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Apr 6, 2020

Jesus tells His followers that He is being numbered among the transgressors. What does that mean for us today as we try to follow Him?

WHAT I DON'T KNOW: What exactly is going on with the swords here? - Luke 22:36, 38. - The references to swords garner the most attention from most readers. They are intriguing statements that are not easily understood. - I wish I could tell you that I have an incisive, succinct explanation ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:35-38

Denomination: Baptist

Is God’s Will An Inscrutable Mystery? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Apr 21, 2020

Many complain that God's will is impossible to discern. God proclaims here, though, that He is regularly and clearly speaking through His prophets.

KEEPING US IN THE DARK? Is God’s will an inscrutable mystery? - Amos 3:3-7. - It is a common complaint that God’s will is an inscrutable mystery? Who can discern that hand of God? Who can understand the mind of the Lord? - And so many presume that because it is an impossibility to understand ...read more

Scripture: Amos 3:3-7

Denomination: Baptist

Salt Of The Earth

Contributed by Jim Keegan on Apr 29, 2020

The phrase "salt of the earth" has become a commonly used expression in our society. The dictionary defines it as used in reference to "a very good and honest person or group," but that doesn't begin to do justice to what Jesus had in mind in this teaching.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled by men.” (Matthew 5:13) Salt today has become such a commonplace part of our lives, available in every home or restaurant, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:13