In Sermons: showing 1-15 of 541

How Faith Brings Salvation Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 28, 2023

This part of Paul's argument gets into what exactly Jesus does for us.

- [Don’t read the whole passage to open the sermon.] - Review of the sermons up to this point: a. Overview. b. We are all sinners. - Having established the problem, we are now starting to get into the answer and how exactly God is working in that. WHAT'S THE PLAN FOR SALVATION? ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Starting Point Of Salvation Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 21, 2023

Paul starts his gospel presentation at a surprising point: the wrath of God. Is it justified? If so, why?

- Last week’s sermon was Paul’s introduction, which gave a summary. Now we are starting to work through what Paul shares as an explanation of the gospel. WHAT IS THE BIG QUESTION PAUL IS STARTING WITH? Is the wrath of God justified? - Romans 1:18a. - The first four words are “the wrath of ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

What This Salvation Is Going To Produce Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 6, 2023

This sermon series is going to look at Romans 1-8 in seven sermons. This first sermon focuses on "what." This passage tells us what salvation is going to produce, then the following chapters tell us how it happens

- This is a sermon series that summarizes Romans 1-8 in seven sermons. So we are just hitting the big ideas. - By the very nature of that, there will be much interesting material that we will have to skip over. It’s not unusual for pastors to do a sermon series on Romans 1-8 and take 50+ sermons ...read more

Scripture: Romans 1:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

If Not Disputable Matters, What Should Our Focus Be On? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Oct 31, 2023

This sermon is the conclusion of the "How to Disagree" sermon series. In this message, we look at what we should be focused on instead of arguing over secondary issues.

A BIGGER VISION: Are we thinking of denominational correctness or of the expansive kingdom of God? - Romans 14:17a. - [Note: focus here on the Kingdom; leave the other for the second point.] - So often we get down into the weeds on all these disputable matters that we’ve been discussing for the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 14:17-18

Denomination: Baptist

How To Be More Encouraging To Our Brothers And Sisters In Christ Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Oct 23, 2023

Romans 14 is a key passage on potential disagreements with fellow believers. What does this passage teach us about being more encouraging in our church families?

DANGER SIGNS: 1. AM I TRIPPING UP MY BROTHER OR SISTER IN CHRIST? - Romans 14:13b, 15b. - In church arguments and fights, so often our focus is on showing everyone how right we are. - Here, though, in v. 13b, we are instructed not to put a stumbling block in front of a brother or sister. - Let ...read more

Scripture: Romans 14:15-16

Denomination: Baptist

Facing Our Judgmental Attitude Toward Our Brothers And Sisters In Christ Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Oct 4, 2023

It's so easy for us to be judgmental toward those in our church family. What does this passage tell us about how God wants us to handle those thoughts?

- So far in this sermon series: 1. There are disputable matters. 2. We should accept the brother or sister we disagree with on disputable matters. NOT OUR JOB: It is not our job to judge our brothers over disputable matters. - Romans 14:1b. - We are focusing this morning on the judgmental ...read more

Scripture: Romans 14:1

Denomination: Baptist

How To Treat The Believers We Disagree With Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Sep 25, 2023

This sermon delves into Romans 14 and brings out the point that we are to accept each other and how to do that.

- Sermon series: “How to Disagree.” Last week we established that there are disputable matters, which is an important category to understand. There may be theological issues about which sincere believers can have honest disagreement. - Having established that, we move today onto the next logical ...read more

Scripture: Romans 14:1

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

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

When You Have To Say No Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jul 13, 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

The Only Time Some People Love Truth Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jul 10, 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

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

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

The Consequences Of Repentance Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Jun 12, 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

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