Sermons on Jim Croce:

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

What Jesus Said The Holy Spirit’s Job Was Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Mar 23, 2022

In this passage Jesus teaches us several key truths about what the Holy Spirit will do for us after Jesus leaves.

- While this is not an exhaustive study of the role of the Holy Spirit, this is a key moment. Jesus will soon be leaving, as He reminds His disciples within the passage. In this larger passage, He has several big subjects He wants to cover with His disciples before He leaves. One of those is who He ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

What Did Jesus Say Will Complete Our Joy? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Mar 29, 2022

In this passage Jesus previews the new era that He is about to bring. Of great importance is the direct relationship with God this will bring and the accompanying great prayer power.

WE DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT HE IS SAYING: Jesus starts by telling them a major transition is coming. - John 16:16-22. - There is a lot of uncertainty from the disciples about what Jesus is talking about in these sayings. The meaning is hidden to them. - Of course, we know that He is referring ...read more

Scripture: John 16:16-33

Denomination: Baptist

The Consequences Of The Father And Son Glorifying Each Other Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Apr 6, 2022

This passage highlights the selflessness that exists between Father and Son. What does that bring about?

- I want to start this evening with something unusual: a tweet that actually stuck with me. (Most are immediately disposable.) - I’m not sure why exactly it has stuck with me, but it has. It’s been a while so I may not have all the details perfect but I do know the gist of the message. - A woman ...read more

Scripture: John 17:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

The Connections Of Father, Son, And The Disciples Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Apr 13, 2022

This passage is flooded with information about the connections between the Father, the Son, and the disciples. What specifically can we learn from it?

- [Probably best to do on a Wednesday evening – lots of points.] - This passage is dense. Lots going on. It’s deep and complex. - One of the things worth pulling from this passage: there is an almost overwhelming about of information on the connections between Father, Son, and the disciples. - ...read more

Scripture: John 17:6-26

Denomination: Baptist

What Is Jesus Praying For Us? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Apr 13, 2022

Jesus prays for His disciples and for those who will believe through them. What does He pray?

REVEALING THE HEART: You can learn a lot about someone from how they pray for you. - John 17:9. - I learn a lot about people when I ask “what’s the most important thing I can be praying for you?” That tells me a lot about what their priorities and loves are. - Do they ask for prayer for their ...read more

Scripture: John 17:9-21

Denomination: Baptist

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

Sold Out To Jesus Or A Sell-Out To Jesus? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Apr 28, 2021

A stark contrast between Mary and Judas sets the stage for the beginning of the of Jesus' ministry.

THE END IS NIGH: Amid many unanswered questions, everything in this passage makes it clear that Jesus will be gone soon. - John 12:1-11. - Some of the unanswered questions: a. Why anoint six days early? b. Why did no one notice that Judas was stealing? c. How ridiculous is it to think that ...read more

Scripture: John 12:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Grace For The Humble Series

Contributed by Jim Keegan on Mar 18, 2021

If pride is the deadliest of sins, humility is the greatest of all Christian virtues, because it honors God’s rightful place of authority and serves his good and perfect will above all else. "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

A computer whiz, a minister and a Boy Scout were the only passengers on a small commuter plane, when suddenly the pilot rushed back into the cabin and told them there was a mechanical problem and that the plane was losing altitude. He opened the storage compartment and discovered that it ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:3-11

Jesus Face-To-Face With Death Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Mar 23, 2021

What can we learn from Jesus' resurrection of Lazarus?

THE MOST IMPORTANT SIGN: Jesus has definitive power over death. - John 11:17, 25-26, 47. a. This is a sign. - v. 47. - Throughout John we see Jesus doing miracles as signs. This is not just a sign, but the most important sign. - John 11 is the high point of the gospel, in a literary sense. ...read more

Scripture: John 11:17-44

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

Unless

Contributed by Jim Caswell on Aug 20, 2016

Sermon on how Unless we look to God a whole awful lot. Nothing is going to get better. Its not. Delivery of this sermon is important. Emphasize the "unlesses" and preach the rhythm of the rhymes. Sermon was preached in promotion of a needed building.

Title: Unless Place: BLCC Date: 8/21/16 Text: Matthew 5.20 CT: Unless we surpass the world’s view of righteousness we cannot be a follower of Jesus. FAS: In 1992, a cargo ship left Hong Kong, bound for the U.S. While in route, the ship hit rough seas, and several shipping containers were ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:20

Denomination: Christian Church