In Sermons: showing 61-75 of 557

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

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

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

How To (Mis)interpret The Bible

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Mar 9, 2022

While this passage teaches about divorce, it also provides an interesting case study in how believer manipulate what the Bible says for their own benefit. We'll look at five aspects of that.

- Probably the most obvious way to preach this passage would be to preach a sermon about what the Bible says about divorce. That’s an important subject, but I’m interested in something else as I dig in. - This passage provides an interesting case study into how we interpret (or, more accurately, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 19:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Big Problem With The Pharisees, Sadducees, And Herodians

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Feb 22, 2022

All three of these groups dealt with the same problem: hypocrisy. How do we combat that?

ACROSS THE BOARD: The Pharisees, Sadducees, and Herodians all get the same criticism. - Matthew 16:11; Mark 8:15. - In our passage we see the Pharisees and the Sadducees criticized. Let’s add another group before we move on. - In Mark 8:15 we have a similar passage. This is after the feeding ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:5-12

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

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

Marveling At Jesus Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Dec 2, 2021

They marveled over the things Simeon said about the Child King. What can we learn about Jesus from the other places in Luke where this Greek word for "marvel" shows up?

The Response to Simeon’s Words: They marveled at Jesus. - Luke 2:33. - Luke 2:18. - Same Greek word in both verses. - We are going to look at places in Luke (and one in Mark) where this Greek word shows up. What can we learn from it? Marveling at Jesus: 1. They marveled at His power. - ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:25-33

Denomination: Baptist

Simeon’s Answer To "hope So" Faith Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 23, 2021

Simeon says, "My eyes have seen your salvation." Could that be true today too?

A COMMON ANSWER ABOUT BEING SAVED: “I hope so.” - Often when you ask someone if they are going to heaven, they will answer, “I hope so.” - Or you might ask someone if they’re saved and they’ll reply, “I think so.” - [Maybe share those two as more developed stories.] - Maybe you’re in that ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:25-30

Denomination: Baptist

How Simeon Had Peace At His Death Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 17, 2021

This sermon focuses on the interesting comment that Simeon makes that, having seen the Messiah, he is now ready to die in peace. What would it take for us to die in peace?

READY TO GO? What would make you say, “Now I can die in peace”? - I ask this question in the half-joking way that we usually use this phrase. Someone meets their sports hero and then says, “Now I can die in peace.” Some teen girls go see Shawn Mendes in concert and leave saying, “Now I can die ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:25-32

Denomination: Baptist

Could Mary Have Been Stoned For Adultery?

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 3, 2021

The title question leads us into a deeper appreciation of the sacrifice that Joseph made in standing with Mary.

A QUESTION: Could Mary have been stoned for adultery? - Matthew 1:18-19. - This is a question that has bugged me for a while. If Mary is presumed to be an adulteress, could she have been stoned? WERE THEY MARRIED? Betrothal was more like marriage than engagement. - Matthew 1:18-19. - Unlike ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-19

Denomination: Baptist

Why Are John’s Disciples So Worried About Jesus’ Disciples Fasting?

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 2, 2021

The question from John's disciples about fasting reveals a serious disconnect to what Jesus is trying to accomplish.

WHY DON'T THEY FAST? The question from John’s disciples shows that they missed the point that Jesus just made. - Matthew 9:13-14. - In v. 14, John’s disciples come and ask about why Jesus’ disciples aren’t fasting. In other gospels, it gives us more information that the Pharisees were in the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:14

Denomination: Baptist

An Arminian Interprets Romans 9

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Sep 21, 2021

This passage is heavy in election, predestination, and foreknowledge. How does someone who is not a Calvinist interpret it?

Opening Statement of the Inherent Limitations - In beginning to interpret this chapter, it’s important to start with the obvious truth: the questions that this passage raises are vexing issues. Election, predestination, and foreknowledge are the perplexing problems that haunt Romans 9. - A quick ...read more

Scripture: Romans 9:1-33

Denomination: Baptist

Why Are Christians Hated By The World? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Aug 27, 2021

Jesus warned His disciples that they would be hated by the world. Why? And how do we respond?

WHAT DOES THE WORLD THINK OF JESUS? It hates Him. - John 15:18, 21, 22, 23, 24. 1. It’s easy to think of Jesus as a Mr. Rogers’ kind of guy and not think about the fact that they killed Him. He was not eminently likeable. - He called His enemies “vipers” and the “blind leading the blind.” - ...read more

Scripture: John 15:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

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