First-Plymouth Church's Podcast

Love Lights the Way - September 10, 2023 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

There seems to be so much despair and hopelessness in our world, and if faith is to provide anything it is a sense of purpose and hope. Dr. Keck and Rev. Huertas will explore ways we must reclaim hope and be a bearer of that hope to our world. The Bible tells us three things will last forever: Faith, Hope, and Love, and together we will strive to be bearers of that light.

Hope-full Hopelessness - September 10, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

Sometimes the church can seem too happy, some call it “toxic positivity,” others call it unrealistic, yet others might just say that we choose to focus on good news. As we begin our Year of Hope, Pastor Huertas invites us into a kinship practice of meeting our neighbor where they are, in the messiness and reality of life. There we put aside the sugary positivity that negates the reality of life and choose the good news of a God who is “with us” and whose presence is the seed-bed of abiding, t...

A Plutonium Passage of Power - September 03, 2023 - Pastor Jim Keck - Sermon

One of the great stories of our tradition is Moses and the burning bush. Like Plutonium this passage radiates power and while it is over 3 thousand years old it has massive half-life and will maintain its radioactive brilliance far into the future. Dr. Keck will explore how each and every verse in this story is saturated with intense meaning.

On Kinship - September 3, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

The church often talks about love but what should that love look like? What effects should love have in us and in the world? This week Pastor JC invites us into a conversation about a way in which love takes shape and can make a significant difference in the world: kinship! Romans 12 gives us the basic markers for living in a way of kinship towards all that we encounter and gives us a hint for how such a way generates goodness, grace, and mercy in the world. Join Rev. Huertas for worship this...

The Gospel Transforms - August 27, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos and Pastor Jim - Sermon

On week two of our Gospel Series, Dr. Jim Keck and Pastor Juan Carlos Huertas, reflect on what it means to be transformed. In many Christian traditions words like repentance are used as weapons to shame, marginalize, and judge, this week we’ll hear the real meaning of transformation and what happens when we take said call seriously for our lives and for the life of the world.

The Work of Reconciliation - August 27, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

Jesus is love in the flesh, our encounter should transform us but, to what end? This week Pastor JC invites us to consider what it would look like for us not just to experience reconciliation in our lives, to experience transformation, but to become bearers of it in the places that we work, live, and play.

The Gospel Saves - August 20, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

If you’ve been around Christian people or have seen portrayals of them you have heard talk about salvation. This week Pastor Juan Carlos Huertas invites us to see salvation in a new way, not as something to be worried about, judged by, or shamed into, instead as something that might open our eyes, change our hearts and minds, and free us into a more loving way of being in the world.

How Beautiful Are the Feet of those Who Bring Good News - August 13, 2023 - Pastor Jim & Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

Our walking shapes us in so many ways. Even pastors with similar formation have different experiences that shape the way they understand themselves, their vocation, and the good news of Jesus Christ. This week Dr. Jim Keck and Pastor Juan Carlos Huertas share some reflections on their walking and how it has shaped the way that they receive and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.

Does Calling on the Lord’s Name Save Us? - August 13, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

Pastor Juan shares with us his early experiences of Christianity where the emphasis was on asking the right prayer, saying the right words, and believing the right things. Do those things and you will find salvation, do not do those things and __________ . What really saves us? Why does it matter? Why should we care?

The Struggle with God - August 6, 2023 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

In Genesis 32, Jacob wrestles with God. This weekend in the sermon, Dr. Keck will explore the ways we are struggling with God in our own time. More and more people are unsure about why it is important to believe. And yet the human being is ultimately shaped by their beliefs. Join us in worship!

Restored in the Midst of Life - August 6, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

This summer Pastor Juan Carlos has been reading the bible in 90 Days. This week he shares with us a passage that caught his attention about what it looks like to flourish, make home, and hope in the midst of difficulty. What would it look like for us as individuals and as communities to do the same?

Nothing Can Separate Us - July 30, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

These days we feel deeply fragmented from one another, from ourselves, and from God. This week Pastor Juan invites us to remember that no matter how difficult, how fragmented, how negative it all seems that nothing can separate us from love. Accepting that reality, begins to shift our perspective, begins to free us towards a life of flourishing for us and for our neighbors.

Stumped! - July 30, 2023 - Pastor Jim Keck - Sermon

Last week at First-Plymouth Presents we held a “Stump the Pastor” gathering. People could bring any question about religion, church, scripture or life. In this weeks digital sermon, Dr. Jim Keck will explore more deeply some of the deep questions that were asked that night.

Artificial Intelligence, Existential Threats and The Christian Presence in our World - July 23, 2023 - Pastor Jim Keck - Sermon

The sermon title this weeks sounds a bit dense and foreboding. But Dr. Keck will actually be speaking very simply about how the speed of technological developments present us with the challenge of reclaiming what is it to be human. What are the core values of a human life? And how might AI force us to get clear on that sooner rather than later?

Weeds and Wheat - July 23, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

Life happens and often it is difficult to discern that which is life-giving and that which is not. This week Pastor JC will remind us that it is tempting to make a quick decision, to determine what is best, but often with a little patience, community, and discernment we will be better able to discern the wheat from the weeds in life and in faith.

A Day at the Lake - July 16, 2023 - Pastor Jim Keck - Sermon

Jesus lived on the lake in Capernaum and much of his ministry is lakeside. In Matthew 13 a whole crowd appears at the shore and he gets into a boat a few feet from the shore and tells his great parable of the Sower.

No Condemnation - July 16, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

These days it can feel like we are constantly on egg shells worried that we would say something, do something, be something that another would find objectionable. Leaders also seem to get on the bandwagon demonizing, scapegoating, and fear mongering. So often the church also gets in the fray and yet the good news reminds us again that Jesus did not come to condemn the world, that there is no condemnation, that even at our worst there is forgiveness and reconciliation that is possible, that we...

Churches Should Talk More About Jesus - July 9, 2023 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

Radical Hospitality - July 2, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

We often think of ourselves as friendly and nice to new comers and yet what does it mean to be hospitable? What does a Jesus driven radical hospitality look like? This week Pastor JC reminds us that to welcome others is to welcome Jesus and how we do opens the door to a more fulfilling life. Join Pastor Juan Carlos online for worship this weekend! Join Pastor Juan Carlos online for worship this week!

The Joy of Christ - June 25, 2023 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

It almost seems like we need to put “Christ” back in Christianity.” Religion can go so sideways and forget the pure compassion and peace upon which it is based. Christianity needs to become more christian - more loving, more wise, more joyful. In this three part sermon series, Dr. Jim Keck will use the Letter to the Colossians to show that Christ is not merely the center of our religion, Christ is the entire content of our faith.

What Are You Afraid Of? - June 25, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

The disciples were getting worried because people were saying bad things about them, trying to ruin their reputation, and threatening Jesus’ life. Their fear was legitimate and yet was distracting them from their continued ministry. Jesus reminds them to stay focused in the midst of fear. We so often are also filled with fear, how could we refocus? What do we need to remember? What’s the role of faith in the midst of fear? Join Pastor Juan Carlos in worship this week!

The Joy of Christ - June 18, 2023 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

It almost seems like we need to put “Christ” back in Christianity.” Religion can go so sideways and forget the pure compassion and peace upon which it is based. Christianity needs to become more christian - more loving, more wise, more joyful. In this three part sermon series, Dr. Jim Keck will use the Letter to the Colossians to show that Christ is not merely the center of our religion, Christ is the entire content of our faith.

Jesus Laboring in Our Day to Day Life - June 18, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

This week Jesus sees the needs all around him and there were many! He then sends his disciples to extend his healing and reconciling ministry, what happens is nothing but miraculous. Today we too see so many needs and struggles around us, we too often feel like there are so few that can help, what if we focused on the harvest and not worry so much about what we lack? How can we labor for Jesus without becoming overwhelmed? Join Pastor Juan Carlos in worship this week!

The Company You Keep - June 11, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

Inclusive Joy - June 11, 2023 - Rev. Dr. Neil Thomas - Sermon

As the spiritual leader of a large congregation made up primarily of LBGTQIA+ members, the Rev. Dr. Neil Thomas has been on the forefront of the movement for greater inclusion. It is our hope that his visit will strengthen Lincoln's gay pride celebrations, as well as help First-Plymouth move into new iterations of being "welcome to all."

Rebuilding Life, Rebuilding Faith - June 04, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

We often find ourselves at a crossroad in our lives and in our lives of faith. An event, circumstance, or change seems to have deconstructed our life, it has hit us to the core. What do we do now? Using an old story from scripture, Pastor Juan Carlos will give us a few markers of rebuilding life and faith (and maybe some insights in rebuilding what we know as church?).

Pride Month and Galatians 3- June 04, 2023 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

In this week’s digital sermon, Dr. Keck explores the spirit of friendship that marks First-Plymouth’s long participation in the struggle for inclusion.

Pentecost Sunday - May 28, 2023 - Pastor Jim & Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

The church was born in a mythic way as the Spirit of Jesus came down upon a people and empowered them to continue the work of shalom-making in the world. In an era when we are wondering about our work as a church in the world, and anxious about the future, what would a new outpouring of the Spirit look like today? This week Dr. Jim Keck and Pastor Juan Carlos Huertas will share with us some of the ways that Pentecost might help us be revived for the work of shalom-making today.

A Recipe for Hope - May 21, 2023 - Rev. John Ross - Sermon

Our shared stories have guided people of all faiths for thousands of years. How might our holy scriptures in the Bible provide a recipe for true, abiding hope in our contemporary times? Rev. Dr. John F. Ross, Executive Director of The Saint John’s Bible Heritage Program will offer a few compelling answers based on the scriptures as experienced within The Saint John’s Bible.

Leading from Afar - May 21, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

This week is the Feast of the Ascension when the church remembers the resurrected Jesus being lifted up to heaven to much fanfare in the eyes of the disciples. He leaves with clear instructions for all disciples, he leaves and yet the claim is that Jesus is still in charge of the mission, still head of the body called the church, still guiding, directing, and empowering all of us that respond to his call. What are we being led into? What work needs to be done?Join Pastor Juan Carlos Huertas f...

Doing Good ≠ Good Life - May 14, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

We know rationally that doing good does not always equal experiencing the good life. Yet in our hearts we often make that connection, often it leads us to hopelessness, frustration, and apathy. What does it mean for us to cling to our hope, our commitment to love, and our faith in the midst of the many challenges of life? How can we be effective witnesses to said faith when it often gets such a bad name? Join Pastor Juan Carlos Huertas for worship this weekend!

John 14 and Robinson Crusoe - May 7, 2023 - Pastor Jim & Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

If you were stranded somewhere without access to all the scriptures, John 14 might be sufficient to keep you connected to the divine for the rest of your life. This weekend, Dr. Jim Keck and Pastor Juan Carlos Huertas will share the key aspects of this passage that speaks to them about God, humanity, and our search for a flourishing life!

Awesome Sauce: The Pure Joy of Acts 2 - April 30, 2023 - Pastor Jim Keck - Sermon

Acts chapter two has been pivotal in the formation of Christianity and verses 42-47 have particularly shaped a high vision of church community. This weekend, we will explore the key elements of this passage and discover that it is not merely a vision of church, but of human flourishing itself.

Neighbors and Goodwill - April 30, 2023 - Rec. Juan Carlos - Sermon

Early reports on the first generation of disciples describe a community living life together in simple ways. Yet this way of being, caught the attention of those around them and allowed them to make the way of Jesus compelling. In a growingly diverse world what might we learn from these early disciples? How might we behave so that our neighbors respond with goodwill?

A Crowded Table - April 23, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

Two disciples encounter the risen Christ in a most common way, around a meal. It turns out that gathering around table still provides us with an important opportunity to encounter the risen Christ and for our eyes to be opened to what good news looks like.

Doubt Redux - April 23, 2023 - Pastor Jim Keck - Sermon

After preaching a sermon on the doubt last week, Dr. Jim Keck had some DOUBTS about whether he conveyed what was most important. So this week on the digital worship, and at the 8:15am gathering, he will explore a couple more aspects of how faith and doubt are deeply intwined. And Carl Sagan will be deployed!

In Praise of Doubt - April 16, 2023 - Pastor Jim Keck - Sermon

After the joyfully stout declarations of faith on Easter Sunday, the church always turns to the Doubting Thomas passage in the Bible the very next week. This is psychologically astute because faith, by its very nature, must include doubts. Every presupposition of faith is able to be doubted, that is why we call it FAITH not CERTAINTY. And so we remind ourselves that faith is actually made more authentic by acknowledging the role of doubt in our lives. Join us this weekend for a dose for joyfu...

The Gift of Resurrection - April 16, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

Often we think of Easter as a day but it is a season. Just like spring comes little by little with its momentary turns towards winter early on and a movement towards summer in its later days so does our eastering. If we are patient and attentive our souls too will experience the effects of new life over time, in the everyday of life. How can we remain excited beyond one day? What does this say about how salvation works in our lives?

Easter Sermon - April 09, 2023 - Pastor Jim Keck - Sermon

Easter Sunday

Easter Sermon - April 09 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

Palms, John Lennon and the Ubiquity of Goodness - April 2, 2023 - Pastor Jim Keck - Sermon

As we celebrate Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem and the beginning of Holy Week, Dr. Keck will use the controversial remarks of John Lennon right before the release of Eleanor Rigby to catapult us into the first Palm Sunday over two thousand years ago.

Who is This? - April 2, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

Jesus comes into Jerusalem with much fanfare and anticipation. People were expectant, ready, and welcoming. Sometimes we too can approach our spiritual lives from the perspective of the moments of fanfare and awe and yet who is this that we proclaim at those moments and what meaning do we make out of those encounters? Join Pastor Juan Carlos Huertas this weekend online for worship!

God Stories: The Paralytic, The Prodigal, The Prophet, The Priest, and The Prostitute - March 26, 2023 - Pastor Jim Keck - Sermon

Literary critics will tell you that a truly great novel or story will "display not tell." That is, the power of a story is not in moments of explicit explanation but when something is conveyed through the actions of the characters. During Lent we will explore five stories in our Bible that convey profound truths about God without event talking explicitly about the divine. In fact, it's the most surprising characters in our Bible that end up displaying something about the true nature of our mi...

Counterstories: Judas Iscariot - March 26, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

Judas Iscariot is the preeminent antagonist in scripture. Unfortunately over time his name and story has been used as fuel for antisemitism, othering, and hatred. This week we'll talk about our penchant for making enemy out of those we do not understand, scapegoating, and what it might look like for us to love enemy.

God Stories: The Paralytic, The Prodigal, The Prophet, The Priest, and The Prostitute - March 19, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

This week our God Stories takes us to a priest who finds himself pressured to provide answers in the midst of much uncertainty. Often when things are not going well, when anxiety and fear take over, we want certainty, assurances, and a concrete sign that all will be well. What if the real flourishing is found in the midst of the uncertain, the indescribable, and the unknown?

Bring Christian - March 19, 2023 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

How would we describe our being Christian without using the many well worn words, cliches, and churchy language? This week join Dr. Jim Keck on Digital and at 8:15am to engage in a conversation about being Christian, what it looks like, and how to talk about it in new ways.

God Stories: The Paralytic, The Prodigal, The Prophet, The Priest, and The Prostitute - March 12, 2023 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

Literary critics will tell you that a truly great novel or story will "display not tell." That is, the power of a story is not in moments of explicit explanation but when something is conveyed through the actions of the characters. During Lent we will explore five stories in our Bible that convey profound truths about God without event talking explicitly about the divine. In fact, it's the most surprising characters in our Bible that end up displaying something about the true nature of our mi...

Counterstories - March 12, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

A proverbial saying attributed to 19th Century British politician Lord Acton says "Absolute power corrupts absolutely." This week we'll explore the story of Haman to discuss power, its uses, its pitfalls, and its promise towards a more just world where humanity can flourish.

God Stories: The Paralytic, The Prodigal, The Prophet, The Priest, and The Prostitute - March 5, 2023 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

Literary critics will tell you that a truly great novel or story will "display not tell." That is, the power of a story is not in moments of explicit explanation but when something is conveyed through the actions of the characters. During Lent we will explore five stories in our Bible that convey profound truths about God without event talking explicitly about the divine. In fact, it's the most surprising characters in our Bible that end up displaying something about the true nature of our mi...

Counterstories Delilah - Judges 16:4-5 - March 5, 2023 - Rev. Juan Carlos - Sermon

The book of Judges contains some of the most interesting and disturbing stories in all of scripture. Many of them would make for great Soap Opera material. This week we'll hear the story of Delilah, her love affair with Sampson, and her decision to betray him, as a story of a people trying to figure out their identity through their fallen heroes and their complicated relationships.