Sermons on Jim:

Divine Transformation

Contributed by Jim Keegan on Mar 3, 2021

Like turning water into wine, Jesus came to us to transform our hard, selfish hearts into something extraordinary, lives worthy of God’s power and glory, stamped with the likeness of his Son.

Divine Transformation John 2: 1-11 The classic novel, “Gone With the Wind,” was based on real people who lived pretty much the lives described in the book--although Rhett Butler's actual surname was Turnipseed, and Scarlett O’Hara was really Emelyn Louise Hannon. But Rhett did, in fact, walk ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-11

Why Does The Bible Say, ‘you Are Gods’? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Mar 9, 2021

This is one of the most challenging passages in the New Testament. Why does Jesus say, "You are gods"?

- This is a difficult passage that needs to be unpacked carefully. And so we are going to walk through it step-by-step and verse-by-verse to see if we can make it all add up. - Also, bonus question as we start: can anyone name the gospel passage that happens at Hanukkah? No? Well, let’s see ...read more

Scripture: John 10:22-42

Denomination: Baptist

Love Is Relational

Contributed by Jim Keegan on May 8, 2021

Love is all about relationships. The cross itself speaks of the two dimensions of love, vertical and horizontal, divine and human love. And where they intersect most powerfully is in relationships.

Love is Relational John 21:15-17 (Read text.) I remember hearing missionaries to the Congo talking about the need for long-term missions, especially the importance of learning the language and the culture of the people. “Language and culture are important,” they said, “because they facilitate ...read more

Scripture: John 21:15-17

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

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

A Legacy Of Love Series

Contributed by Jim Keegan on Jul 31, 2021

As Christians, we have the awesome responsibility, and the sacred privilege, to have our lives count for the greater glory of God.

A Legacy of Love Philippians 3:7-16 The mission to land a man on the moon began by President Kennedy sharing a vision in his inaugural address for achieving that ambitious objective by the end of the decade. In doing so, he stated that “we choose to do these things not because they are easy, but ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:7-16

But It’s Only Words

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Aug 10, 2021

We often dismiss our words because actions are what really matter. This sermon looks at some of the warnings the Scripture gives us about the dangers of our words.

BUT IT'S ONLY WORDS: Often we think of actions as being serious but words as being insignificant. TAKING OUR WORDS SERIOUSLY: 1. Your words reveal who you are. - Matthew 12:34-35. - We deny this: “I said it but that’s not who I am.” Like when we lie or burst out in anger. 2. Your words ...read more

Scripture: James 3:2-6, James 1:26, Matthew 12:33-37

Denomination: Baptist

Children Of Light Series

Contributed by Jim Keegan on Aug 16, 2021

May God help us to see the darkness of lust for the deadly sin it is, and to reclaim our innocence as the children of light, in all goodness, righteousness and truth.

Ephesians 5:1-12 A national conference of church youth leaders was held at a hotel in the Midwest several years ago. At first the hotel manager was impressed by the friendly Christian witness of his guests, and he interacted very openly with the conference organizers as they shared their faith ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-12

What’s The Big Deal With Cursing?

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Aug 18, 2021

An overview of some of the ways we curse and what the core reason is for doing that.

WHAT'S THE HEART OF THE PROBLEM WITH CURSING? 1. WHEN CURSE WORDS ARE PEPPERED THROUGHOUT OUR WORDS: a. You’re not convincing with your intelligence or genuineness, so you’re trying to convince with shock value. - Ephesians 4:29. - Often in using curse words you’re acknowledging that you ...read more

Scripture: James 3:9-12, Ephesians 4:29, Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:19-20, Matthew 6:9, Exodus 20:7, Matthew 5:33-37  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Partnership That Brings Spiritual Power Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 27, 2019

Using Mary and the birth of Christ, this sermon explores the partnership of our willingness and the Holy Spirit's power to bring about amazing results.

SEEING THE POWER OF GOD: God’s vision for Mary involves a combination of her willingness and the Holy Spirit’s power. - Luke 1:35. - In this situation, it means that Mary’s humble willingness to trust and serve team up with God’s power. The result is the miraculous birth of the Savior. - In the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38

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

The Advice That Can Divert You From God’s Will

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Feb 23, 2018

Looking at those who shouted at Christ while He was on the cross, this sermon explores how their demands would have led Christ directly away from doing God's will. How often does the advice the world gives us every day do the same thing?

ADVICE FROM THE CROWD: “Good advice” from the world can divert you from God’s will for your life. - Mark 15:29-32. - While Jesus is on the cross, the crowd throws several suggestions His way. When you dig into them a little, it’s interesting to see how deeply counterproductive they are. There ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:25-32

Denomination: Baptist