Sermons on Jim Croce:

How Does Trust Lead To Power? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Dec 2, 2020

This sermon looks at Mary's submission to the angel's message, saying that she is the Lord's servant. What can we learn from Mary? And how does having trust in God lead to seeing power from God?

“I DON'T WANT TO BE A SERVANT!”: How does trust lead to power? - Luke 1:38. - We don’t want to be a servant. - It’s challenging for us today to embrace being a servant. We are far more familiar with being a consumer, where we are the one who is being served and whose needs are being ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:34-38

Denomination: Baptist

Brother Jesus

Contributed by Jim Keegan on Dec 3, 2020

God, in Jesus, identifies with us and reveals his love for us in as real and personal a way as possible. And the more we come to understand and appreciate the full humanity of Christ, the stronger our relationship with God will be.

Hebrews 2:10-18 (Read Hebrews 2:10-11, 14-18) In 1980 a woman named Rosie Ruiz ran the NY City Marathon and finished first in the Women’s Division--or so it seemed initially. After she received the star treatment at the finish line, though, some of the event staff realized that they hadn’t ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 2:10-18

A Living Hope

Contributed by Jim Moynihan on Dec 7, 2020

Biblical hope is a sure thing, not a maybe thing.

In his book, "Come Thirsty (pages 47-48)," Max Lucado tells a story of a little Haitian Orphan by the name of Carinette. He says that she lived in a different world, a world called, “home-to-be.” "See the slender girl wearing the pink shirt? The girl with the long nose and bushy ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Jesus Downplayed The Miracles Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Dec 9, 2020

Jesus does back-to-back miracles: the mass feeding and then walking on water. But He downplays both miracles. Why would He do that?

WHAT JESUS WALKING ON WATER ACCOMPLISHED: Seeing this miracle strengthened the disciples’ faith in Jesus. - John 6:16-21. - Matthew 14:28-33. - The disciples have just seen Jesus multiply the loaves. It is an incredible miracle that they got to see happen up close. - That evening, Jesus sends ...read more

Scripture: John 6:16-29

Denomination: Baptist

Why They Turned Down The Bread Of Life Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Dec 15, 2020

This section is lengthy and confusing. There is a lot going on. This message unpacks it by focusing on five of the key reasons the crowd rejects Jesus here.

- A couple things up front. - First, there is a lot in this passage, yet the passage needs to be taken together. A lot of ideas are brought out, but it’s all a cohesive whole. So we are going to cover a lot of ground this evening. - Second, there is so much in this passage that there are ...read more

Scripture: John 6:30-71

Denomination: Baptist

Learning To Listen

Contributed by Jim Keegan on Dec 21, 2020

Modern society is very functionally oriented, and that tendency has carried over into the way we pray. The Kingdom of God, however, is far more relational, and we would do well to learn that way of being in God’s presence.

Listening Prayer Luke 1:5-23, 76-79 [Read Luke 1:5-23] It was the middle of the morning at the Temple in Jerusalem. A group of about fifty priests were gathered to cast lots to determine who would have the honor of entering into the Most Holy Place to offer incense at the altar. The burning of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:5-23

Everyone Has An Opinion About Jesus Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Dec 22, 2020

This passage gives us the (questionable) opinions of three groups about Jesus. How did Jesus stay focused amid disparate viewpoints?

DISINFORMATION, AGENDAS, FEARS, AND UNCERTAINTY: Everyone has an opinion about Jesus, but most of them are wrong. - John 7:1-14. - We live in a time when people often talk as though all opinions are equally valid. You have your opinion and I have mine and we can both be right. (This is often ...read more

Scripture: John 7:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

Repentance

Contributed by Jim Keegan on Dec 27, 2020

Repentance isn’t a one-time change of heart, but it should be an integral part of our spiritual growth. It’s been said that the essential quality of a saint is to have a repentant heart. That requires a sensitive conscience and a teachable spirit.

“Repentance” Matthew 3:1-12 [Read Mt. 3:1-12] I was once asked to preach a revival at a neighboring church, and when I accepted the host pastor told me, “Don’t hold back. The harder the preaching, the more they like it.” That statement took me by surprise. I’m still not sure if that was true ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:1-12

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

Washing Feet And A Kingdom Of Power Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jun 22, 2021

This passage gives us the dynamic example of Jesus washing feet. How can Jesus lay aside the traditional power structures to be able to live like that? The answer is in this passage.

PETER'S EMPHATIC "NO": Peter was deeply offended by Christ’s offer because he was still thinking of a traditional power structure. - John 13:6-10a. - The disciples were still expecting the inaugural of a traditional kingdom. - Rome was going to be overthrown, the Jewish nation was ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

What Does It Mean To Be A Friend Of Jesus? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jul 27, 2021

This passage mentions multiple times that we are Jesus' friends. What does that mean exactly?

- “Refrigerator rights.” The idea that you become good enough friends that when you’re at their house you don’t have to ask to get something out of the refrigerator. THE PROOFS OF THE FRIENDSHIP: 1. His proof of friendship is His sacrifice. - John 15:13. 2. Our proof of friendship is our ...read more

Scripture: John 15:12-17

Denomination: Baptist