Sermons on Jim Croce:

The Embarrassing Whine Of The Ungrateful Believer Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on May 22, 2023

Jacob makes a striking (and embarrassing) statement in his audience with Pharaoh: "my years have been few and difficult." Amid all the good things God has given him, what can we learn from his lack of gratitude?

- Picture the scene. - Joseph has been an incredible, dynamic presence in Egypt, saving the country and the region from this lengthy famine. His brothers came down and, after a long drama, there was a dramatic reunion and forgiveness. They were sent home to bring the whole family to Egypt to live ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 46:1-7, Genesis 47:9-10

Denomination: Baptist

Our Spiritual Family

Contributed by Jim Keegan on May 25, 2023

Jesus created the Church as the spiritual family we all need on our faith journey. And just as strong families are the building blocks of a healthy society, our spiritual families are equally foundational to living a richer life in the Kingdom of God.

(Read text.) A true story: a missionary was under house arrest in China when soldiers came one day and said, “You can return to America.” As he and his wife were celebrating, the soldiers added, “But you can only take 200 pounds with you.” They had lived there for several years with their two ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:46-50

The Power Of A Father’s Blessing Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on May 31, 2023

The final chapter of Jacob's life provides a striking example of the power of a father's blessing. What can we learn that's can be applied to our role as fathers (and mothers).

AT THE END: As Jacob comes to the end of his life, he blesses his children. - Genesis 48:1-49:28. - These two chapters share with us the final acts of Jacob. He has lived a long life and he knows he’s at the end (48:1-2; 49:29, 33). - The words that Jacob speaks are words of blessing (49:28). - ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 48:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

On Leaving A Legacy Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jun 7, 2023

The end of Joseph's life provides an opportunity to think about the legacy he left . . . and the legacy we will leave.

- Exodus 1:8 is a pretty famous verse. For good reason too, it provides a nice summary of our situation as we move into the story of Exodus and the miraculous deliverance of Israel from Egypt: a. Israel is in Egypt. b. They are there because of Joseph. c. When Israel got there, they were highly ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 1:8

Denomination: Baptist

That You May Know With Certainty Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jun 9, 2023

Luke opens his gospel with five reasons why we can trust what he's going to share with us.

A Word of Caution: There are lots of opinions about Jesus. - Luke 1:1 (“Many have undertaken”). What’s Worth Holding Onto: 1. The “things” that were prophesied. - Luke 1:1 (“been fulfilled among us”). 2. The “things” that were seen by eyewitnesses. - Luke 1:2. 3. The “things” that stand ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

The Consequences Of Repentance Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jun 13, 2023

John the Baptist's words about repentance draw a strong conviction from his hearers. They ask for practical instruction on how to move forward. What does John tell them?

THE CONSEQUENCES OF REPENTANCE: It’s striking that John’s answers are very practical. - Luke 3:10-14. - vv. 10, 12, 14 – Requests for practical answers. - The previous passage (and last week’s sermon) focused on the nature of repentance. Now these that were convicted by the message - Now we ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:10-14

Denomination: Baptist

Who John The Baptist Wasn’t Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jun 19, 2023

John the Baptist confesses his limitations and exalts Christ. What does he have to tell us?

WHO JOHN THE BAPTIST WASN'T: John knew he wasn’t the Christ. - Luke 3:15-16a, 18. 1. Verse 15 – Declaration that he wasn’t the Christ. - This was not a big deal for John, I don’t think, but it would be for most of us. - We have an inclination to take more credit than we should. We have a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:15-20

Denomination: Baptist

Four Confirmations About Jesus At The Start Of His Ministry Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jun 20, 2023

This passage establishes the beginning of Jesus' ministry. What does it tell us about who He is and what His ministry will be?

ONE ENTERS, ONE EXITS: Jesus’ ministry starts as John the Baptist concludes. - Luke 3:19-20. - Our primary subject this evening is the beginning of Jesus’ ministry and some of the signs we are given at this start to give us confidence in Him. - We noted last week at the end of the sermon that ...read more

Scripture: Luke 3:21-38

Denomination: Baptist

The Only Time Some People Love Truth Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jul 11, 2023

Jesus' hometown is initially intrigued by His message, but that goes south quickly. What can we learn from them about our desire for truth?

AMAZED: Nazareth was initially impressed with Jesus’ words. - Luke 4:22. - Review the message in vv. 18-19. - There is a mix in their reaction. - On the one hand, they are impressed. - On the other hand, they wonder how such words could come from Joseph’s son. After all, Jesus had been among ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:22-30

Denomination: Baptist

When You Have To Say No Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jul 14, 2023

Right after the violently negative response at Nazareth, Jesus finds adoration at Capernaum. But that doesn't mean everything is good there.

TALK OF THE TOWN: After rejection at Nazareth, Jesus finds adoration at Capernaum. - Luke 4:31-37 (especially vv. 32 and 36). - cf. vv. 24-30. THE PROBLEM: Two missions were in conflict. - Luke 4:32, 36, 38-39, 42-43. - What a great situation in many ways: a. They were amazed at His ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:31-44

Denomination: Baptist

Why Was Jesus So Popular? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jul 18, 2023

This passage gives us insight into why Jesus became so popular so quickly. It also points out to us something that we emphasize in the modern American church that was not a part of Jesus' popularity.

VERSE 15 IS THE CENTERPIECE OF THIS PASSAGE: This is a story and testament to Jesus’ quickly rising popularity early in His ministry. - Luke 5:15. - It would be easy to see this passage as another miracle story, but I think it serves a more specific purpose in Luke’s gospel. Jesus has just called ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:12-16

Denomination: Baptist

Everlasting Father Series

Contributed by Jim Paice on Dec 13, 2021

What comes to mind when you think about the word "everlasting"? Do you find it hard to imagine something that could possibly last forever? Well good news - you're not alone! This message investigates the three things that are everlasting, and to whom they belong.

MAIN IDEA - The three things that last are 1. The Word of God, 2. The soul of man, and 3. The love of God. INTRO / WELCOME Good morning and Merry Christmas. If you’re joining us for the first time this month, we are in the middle of a series called “the NAME ABOVE ALL NAMES” which is based ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6

The Controversy And Confrontation That Jesus’ Kingdom Brings Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Dec 14, 2021

A look at the three closing promises Simeon makes - all of them challenging. What do we learn from these and where do we see these happening in Jesus' ministry?

SAFE AND HARMLESS? Is Jesus’ Kingdom like “no more tears” shampoo? - Have a bottle of Johnson and Johnson baby shampoo and talk about the old “no more tears” promise. It was safe and harmless. A PIERCING SWORD: Simeon speaks of a Kingdom that is less happy and harmless and more controversial ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:25-35

Denomination: Baptist

The Problem With A Religion Of Rules Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jan 11, 2022

Two Sabbath stories bring out some key dangers of a rules-based religion.

- We have two stories here that both look into the rules the religious leaders had back in Jesus’ day concerning the Sabbath. THE PROBLEM WITH A RELIGION OF RULES: 1. WE ARE SELECTIVE ABOUT WHICH RULES WE PAY ATTENTION TO. - Matthew 12:1-5, 9-11. - The Pharisees considered themselves to be the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

A Solution To Most Arguments Among Christians Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Sep 15, 2023

This sermon series looks at Romans 14. This opening sermon examines the big picture of how Christians should handle these issue we disagree on.

A FACT OF LIFE: There are going to be disputable matters Christians disagree on. - Romans 14:1b, 2, 5a. - Verse 1b introduces the term “disputable matters.” Now Paul has a lot to say about this and we are going to unpack this chapter over the next five weeks and detail the major points he makes. ...read more

Scripture: Romans 14:1-2

Denomination: Baptist