Sermons on Jim Elliot:

In This Together

Contributed by Jim Keegan on Sep 30, 2022

We need each other in order to become whole and to live in the fullness of God’s blessing.

In May of 1953, two men became the first in history to summit Mount Everest: Edmund Hillary, a New Zealand beekeeper and explorer, and a man named Tenzing Norgay, his Sherpa guide from Nepal. Hillary’s name remains famous for this inspiring achievement, but how many of us remember Tenzing Norgay? ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 17:8-13

God Is Love

Contributed by Jim Keegan on Oct 19, 2022

God wants us to live in the blessing, joy and peace of knowing that we’re his beloved children.

1 Corinthians 4:3-5; 1 John 4:9-18 (selected verses) I spent a summer while I was in seminary as a student minister at Acadia National Park in Maine, where I was assisted by a young volunteer named Martha. Martha was an old soul, wise beyond her years. I say that because during that summer ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:9-18, 1 Corinthians 4:3-5

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

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

Ignoring Those On The Edges Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jan 14, 2020

An overview of how central it is to our Christian faith to care for those on the edges of society.

LOOKING OUT FOR #1: Sometimes we let an “I got mine!” attitude come into our spiritual lives. - Our society in general has a lot of the “I got mine!” mentality. Everyone looking out for themselves. - That can easily creep over into a spiritual attitude that is simply focused on “me and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:14-21

Denomination: Baptist

The Easy Way To Love Your Neighbor Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jan 14, 2020

The story of the Samaritan and his compassion is instructive for us to consider how we treat our neighbors.

LOVE THY NEIGHBOR: Loving your neighbor is not difficult as long as you get to define “neighbor.” - Luke 10:29. - We often define “neighbor” as those we like and who like us back. People like us who we are comfortable around. - Further, we define “love” cheaply: liking a post, offering a ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Baptist

Why Is It Significant That Jesus Died At Passover? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Feb 5, 2020

It's an overlooked detail of the Last Supper story that it happened at Passover. What's the importance of that? What's the connection between Passover and the Last Supper?

AN OVERLOOKED DETAIL: Why is it significant that Jesus died at Passover? - Luke 22:7-8. ISRAEL'S PASSOVER: Enslaved people longing for freedom and to go home are freed by God’s decisive miracle through the Passover lamb. - Exodus 12:1-14. - Unpack Passover in general – focus here on the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:7-8

Denomination: Baptist

Seeing More Of God’s Provision And Guidance In My Life Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Feb 11, 2020

This is a memorable story of God's provision and guidance for Peter and John. How can we see more of God's provision and guidance in our lives?

SEEING GOD GUIDE AND DIRECT: Why don’t we see God’s daily provision and guidance much today? - Luke 22:7-13. - We say that we believe in God and that is still working in the world today, but we don’t see as much of His provision and guidance as we would like. - How can we see more? - This ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:7-13

Denomination: Baptist

Why Is There An Extra Cup In Luke’s Last Supper? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Feb 24, 2020

A look at an initially confusing part of Luke's Last Supper passage and the significance of what the "extra cup" means.

WHAT'S GOING ON WITH VERSE 17? Why is there an extra cup in Luke’s version of the Lord’s Supper? - Luke 22:17. - Verse 17 speaks of Jesus taking the cup. But then v. 19 has Him taking the bread and then v. 20 has Him taking the cup. What’s going on? Is there supposed to be two cups? Why ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:14-20

Denomination: Baptist

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