First-Plymouth Church's Podcast

7/13 - July 11, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

In the thirteenth chapter of Mathew Jesus offers seven parables. It is worth noting that Jesus taught by telling stories. Stories and images can animate our imagination and arouse our curiosity. A story invites the listener to participate more deeply than when a teacher merely TELLS you something. For the next seven weeks we will sit with Jesus by the lake and explore these stories about the spiritual dimension. This weekend Dr. Jim Keck will give a sermon on the Parable of the net.

7/13 - July 4, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

In the thirteenth chapter of Mathew Jesus offers seven parables. It is worth noting that Jesus taught by telling stories. Stories and images can animate our imagination and arouse our curiosity. A story invites the listener to participate more deeply than when a teacher merely TELLS you something. For the next seven weeks we will sit with Jesus by the lake and explore these stories about the spiritual dimension. This weekend Dr. Jim Keck will give a sermon on the Parable of the pearl.

7/13 - June 27, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

In the thirteenth chapter of Mathew Jesus offers seven parables. It is worth noting that Jesus taught by telling stories. Stories and images can animate our imagination and arouse our curiosity. A story invites the listener to participate more deeply than when a teacher merely TELLS you something. For the next seven weeks we will sit with Jesus by the lake and explore these stories about the spiritual dimension. This weekend Dr. Jim Keck will give a sermon on the Parable of the hidden treasure.

7/13 - June 20, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

In the thirteenth chapter of Mathew Jesus offers seven parables. It is worth noting that Jesus taught by telling stories. Stories and images can animate our imagination and arouse our curiosity. A story invites the listener to participate more deeply than when a teacher merely TELLS you something. For the next seven weeks we will sit with Jesus by the lake and explore these stories about the spiritual dimension. This weekend Dr. Jim Keck will give a sermon on the Parable of yeast.

7/13 - June 13, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

In the thirteenth chapter of Mathew Jesus offers seven parables. It is worth noting that Jesus taught by telling stories. Stories and images can animate our imagination and arouse our curiosity. A story invites the listener to participate more deeply than when a teacher merely TELLS you something. For the next seven weeks we will sit with Jesus by the lake and explore these stories about the spiritual dimension. This weekend Dr. Jim Keck will give a sermon on the Parable of the Mustard Seed.

7/13 - June 6, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

Sunday Digital Service In the thirteenth chapter of Mathew Jesus offers seven parables. It is worth noting that Jesus taught by telling stories. Stories and images can animate our imagination and arouse our curiosity. A story invites the listener to participate more deeply than when a teacher merely TELLS you something. For the next seven weeks we will sit with Jesus by the lake and explore these stories about the spiritual dimension. This weekend Dr. Jim Keck will give a sermon on the Parab...

7/13 - May 30, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

In the thirteenth chapter of Mathew Jesus offers seven parables. It is worth noting that Jesus taught by telling stories. Stories and images can animate our imagination and arouse our curiosity. A story invites the listener to participate more deeply than when a teacher merely TELLS you something. For the next seven weeks we will sit with Jesus by the lake and explore these stories about the spiritual dimension. This weekend in our physical services, Dr. Jim Keck will offer a sermon on the gr...

UAPs, USPs, and RSVPs - May 23, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

Surprisingly, UFOs are now very much back in the conversation and next month there will even be a congressional report. Mainstream outlets like Scientific American are calling for greater study of some unexplained sightings. This week, Dr. Jim Keck will explore some of the similarities between reports about extraordinary spiritual experiences - like Acts 2 - and the flurry of recent unidentified flying objects. How are we to approach such mysterious phenomenon? Come to church this week for a ...

Frumious Bandersnatch - May 16, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

People refer to their “spiritual journey.” In fact, “journey” may be the most common metaphor used to talk about our spiritual lives. This weekend Dr. Jim Keck will explore the power and shortcomings of this metaphor. Religious language is necessarily metaphorical - there is no escaping metaphor - but the key is choosing fruitful metaphors. But I am only speaking metaphorically :)

Sin, sin, sin and the third best gospel passage. - May 9, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

In this sermon on John 8 Dr. Jim Keck will propose that the word “sin” is central to the Christian faith but has become problematic by endless misusage. The church has called some things “sin” that are not sin - like playing cards, dancing or being gay. And so it has lost credibility. But it is essential that the church be able to speak to the existential reality of an imperfect humanity. This sermon will suggest that it would clarify our understanding if every time we see the word “sin” in o...

Frisbee and the Bible - May 2, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

Frisbee is not just a toy, it is a state of mind. It represents creativity, playfulness, individuality, non-authoritarianism and joy. Dr. Jim Keck will take a frisbee approach to Matthew 28 this week. Let’s toss the disc this weekend at FP!

Our Loved Ones - April 25, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

One of the most heartfelt moments in ministry is when a person is nearing death and they ask me "Will I see my loved ones again?" I consider this question to be at the very height and majesty of what it is to be human and it is full of such soulful poignancy. In this sermon I will share how I answer that question and it is based on John 21 where the Apostle Peter had the the very chance to do what we all long for - to encounter again a dearly departed friend and speak of our love for them.

Stay-In-The-Boat Faith - April 11, 2021 - Pastor Hollie - Sermon

What if our faith didn't depend on proof and we could weather the storms of life with a stay-in-the-boat kind of faith? A new look at the story of Peter, a storm, a boat and Jesus walking on water can help us deepen our faith that goes beyond doubt, looking for proof and instead allows us to embrace a faith of calmness and trust.

Stay-In-The-Boat Faith - April 18, 2021 - Pastor Hollie - Sermon

What if our faith didn't depend on proof and we could weather the storms of life with a stay-in-the-boat kind of faith? A new look at the story of Peter, a storm, a boat and Jesus walking on water can help us deepen our faith that goes beyond doubt, looking for proof and instead allows us to embrace a faith of calmness and trust.

The Unknown God - April 11, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

In Acts 17, Paul gives a masterful sermon in Athens. The home of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, Athens is filled with smart, spiritually inquisitive people and Paul deftly shows that the Christian faith does not require that you leave your brain at the door but that it believes reason and science can help guide our understanding of Christ. Join Dr. Jim Keck, Paul and the Athenians this weekend.

Easter Sermon - April 04, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

A Life Well Lived and Well Loved Palm Sunday - March 28, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

A Life Well Lived and Well Loved Jesus rides on a donkey into Jerusalem and Holy Week begins for the church. Dr. Jim Keck’ s sermon imagines that as Jesus is riding that donkey he is aware that he is moving towards his death at the hand of the Romans and so his mind starts to think back over the of his life. And after all the great teachings and acts of compassion, he now knows that only a radical display of sacrificial love will change hearts and minds. And he rides on towards the cross.

Roger Daltry meets Elijah - March 21, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

Roger Daltry meets Elijah Dr. Jim Keck was at the WHO concert in Boulder Colorado in 1982 and happened to look over at the Flatirons during “Won’t Get Fooled Again” and it changed his spiritual trajectory. Join us this Sunday for a sermon that explores the mystical “Still, small voice” of the Divine and also celebrates Pete Townshend arm-waving.

Emerging from the Wilderness Worship Series Week 4 - March 14, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

In this fourth installment of our Emerging from the Wilderness Worship Series, we will join Elijah as he runs for his life from the evil queen Jezebel. Dr. Keck will explore how many of us are "running for our lives" rather than confidently holding our ground. Elijah finally encountered a stillness and calm that eased his fears and he began to live into his destiny. Let's join the arc of this story together this weekend in worship. Join Dr. Jim Keck this weekend for either in-person worship o...

Emerging from the Wilderness Worship Series Week 3 - March 7, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

The Bible gives an almost novelesque account of Paul's shipwreck and being stranded on the Island of Malta. It is sorta Robinson Crusoe, Swiss Family Robinson and Cast Away all combined. Dr. Jim Keck will explore this story as part of the long tradition of imagining the church as a ship and the journey of faith as a sea adventure. The life of faith is not always smooth sailing, but there are some safe harbors. Join Dr. Keck this weekend for either in-person worship or a digital service.

Encounter: Being Christian in a Multi-Faith World Week 6 - February 28, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

An exile rises in power, the local leaders get jealous and set him up to die. In the end a lion's den is a wilderness that cannot defeat God's faithfulness and provides us an opportunity to ask: How is the wilderness we are living through helping us awaken to how God's presence and God's call for us to help the exiles around us see better days?

Emerging from the Wilderness Worship Series Week 2 - February 28, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

An exile rises in power, the local leaders get jealous and set him up to die. In the end a lion's den is a wilderness that cannot defeat God's faithfulness and provides us an opportunity to ask: How is the wilderness we are living through helping us awaken to how God's presence and God's call for us to help the exiles around us see better days?

Encounter: Being Christian in a Multi-Faith World Week 5 - February 21, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

Our Lenten worship series called Emerging from the Wilderness begins this weekend. We will be looking at moments in the Bible where people faced hardship - Paul being shipwrecked, Daniel in the Lions Den, Jeremiah stuck in a hole, Elijah on the run for his life, Israel in exile and Jesus in the Wilderness. Again and again, we are shown to be capable of a greater resilience than we imagined and hardship becomes part of the journey towards joy. Join us this Sunday in worship.

Emerging from the Wilderness Worship Series Week 1 - February 21, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

Our Lenten worship series called Emerging from the Wilderness begins this weekend. We will be looking at moments in the Bible where people faced hardship - Paul being shipwrecked, Daniel in the Lions Den, Jeremiah stuck in a hole, Elijah on the run for his life, Israel in exile and Jesus in the Wilderness. Again and again, we are shown to be capable of a greater resilience than we imagined and hardship becomes part of the journey towards joy. Join us this Sunday in worship.

Encounter: Being Christian in a Multi-Faith World Week 4 - February 14, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

There is a major shift underway in America. Almost 20 percent of Americans now define themselves as being "spiritual but not religious." Dr. Jim Keck will explore the dynamics behind this amazing move away from organized religion to the realm of the Spirit. Ironically, it might be that this grouping is so large that "not being religious" becomes its own form of religion! Join us this week for the last installment of the Encounter series.

Encounter: Being Christian in a Multi-Faith World Week 3 - February 7, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

In the third installment of the sermon series, Dr. Jim Keck will highlight a mythical aspect of Islam called Sufism. Not content to rely on mere declarations of faith, the Sufi seeks to experience for herself the infinite love and compassion of our God. Sufism is not a denomination or sect within Islam but rather a dimension of this historic faith. Let's worship together this weekend and encounter the beauty of this world religion.

Encounter: Being Christian in a Multi-Faith World Week 2 - January 31, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

Buddhism is one of the great repositories of wisdom in our world. Filled with compassion for those who suffer, the Buddha found a way out of our misery and sought to offer it to others. Dr. Keck continues his sermon series Encounter: Being Christian in a Multi-faith World with a look at the core principle within Buddhist philosophy of non-attachment. A basic premise of this series is that one can be a fully devoted disciple of Christ - accepting him as our Lord and Savior - while at the same ...

Encounter: Being Christian in a Multi-Faith World - January 24, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

Encounter: Being Christian in a Multi-Faith World There are many different religious perspectives in our world. Gosh, there are many different religious perspectives in our church! Dr. Jim Keck will begin a sermon series exploring four different religions: Judaism, Buddhism, Islam and “spiritual but not religious.” But rather than a mere introduction to these faiths, we will look for an “ethic of encounter” or how we are to relate to others as Christians in a diverse world. And as often is t...

Touching the Face of Dr. King - January 17, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

In April of 1963, Martin Luther King sat in a prison cell in Birmingham Alabama having been arrested during a peaceful, non-violent protest against the brutal racism and segregation in that city. Scribbling notes on the margin of a newspaper with a pencil a friend had smuggled to him he wrote a 7000 word essay that quoted Socrates, St. Augustine, Thomas Jefferson and Justice Earl Warren. He was writing in response to a group of Birmingham clergy who complained about how MLK just needed to be ...

Baptized - January 10, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

Using a classic sermonic move, Dr. Jim Keck will use a Liam Neeson action movie to highlight the power and beauty of baptism. Of course, many people mine Liam Neeson action movies for theological ramifications. But hopefully something novel will come of it.

Epiphany - January 3, 2021 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

After the twelve days of Christmas, the Christian church celebrates Epiphany. This ancient feast day celebrates the visit of the Magi to the Christ child. Even more specifically it represents the first moment the Christian faith is manifested in the gentile world. Join Dr. Jim Keck this Sunday for an exploration of how our inclusive faith resists the notions of insiders and outsiders altogether.

A 48 year old Sermon Worth Hearing Again - December 27, 2020 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

On February 6th, 1972 Otis Young preached a sermon at First-Plymouth about how too often we react to outside influences rather than following our own internal compass. Both snubs and compliments affect us too much and we see ourselves through the eyes of others. Dr. Jim Keck will convey again the wisdom of this old sermon in a new day.

The All or Nothing Fallacy - December , 2020 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

The sermon this week is a little romp through theology, authority of scripture and a dash of metaphysics. But mostly it tries to convey a magnanimous spirit that acknowledges that there are MANY different ways to be a faithful Christian.

The All or Nothing Fallacy - December 20 , 2020 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

The sermon this week is a little romp through theology, authority of scripture and a dash of metaphysics. But mostly it tries to convey a magnanimous spirit that acknowledges that there are MANY different ways to be a faithful Christian.

Everything is a Poem - December 13, 2020 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

Fully 1/3 of our Bible is written in poetry. Apparently, God wanted to inspire rather than indoctrinate, elevate rather than simply convey information. But oddly, ministers are not trained to interpret poetry. This is a serious oversight! Let's get poetic this Sunday.

The Earth Will Be Full of the Knowledge of the Lore - December 6, 2020 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

Isaiah 11 is a key chapter in our faith. It describes the messianic king that spiritual souls hope will arrive and it poetically describes the "peaceable kingdom" for which we yearn. Dr. Jim Keck will explore what we mean when we await a savior. But an added bonus will be that he will share the joke that has been determined to be the funniest joke in the world. So tune in to find out!

Advent with the Fifth Gospel - November 29, 2020 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

The early church fathers (there were surely mothers too :) called the Old Testament book of Isaiah the "fifth gospel" because it became so central in how the church understood the 'Christ-event. This Advent at First-Plymouth we will be giving special spiritual focus to the poetry and prophecy of the book of Isaiah. As N.T Wright put it: When you think of scriptural passages which point to a coming king, Isaiah chapters 9 and 11 come to mind. When you imagine the inclusion of gentiles in God'...

Timeless Wisdom for a Time Such as This Week 12 - November 22, 2020 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

We come to the last "essential" scripture of our Fall sermon series. And it is fitting we end with the great commandment of Jesus to love God with all our heart, soul and mind and to love your neighbor as yourself. This has always been seen as the very center of the Christian faith. But what does it mean exactly to "love God?" Is that saying we should be very religious? Or does it mean something more foundational? Join Dr. Jim Keck for the quest to love God with all our strength.

Timeless Wisdom for a Time Such as This Week 11 - November 15, 2020 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

At the very beginning of the Bible is the great "imago dei." It is announced that human beings are made in the image of God. In the first chapter of scripture this principle is offered as a guide to all future moral progress - every human being possesses a God-given dignity and worth. The imago dei also is the pathway to a more mystical spirituality that emphasizes the divine within each one of us. Join Dr. Keck for an exploration of the ancient Imago dei.

Timeless Wisdom for a Time Such as This Week 10 - November 8, 2020 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

Jesus walked up a mountain, looked upon the people and began to teach us to love thine enemies, turn the other cheek and refuse no one help. It's as if by taking us up that mountain he is trying to take us to the very pinnacle of morality. It becomes a peak experience of the ethical imagination and we have entered the rarified air of complete non-violence and compassion. But when we come back down from the mountain can we actually live that way and in that ethical fullness? Join Dr. Jim Keck ...

Timeless Wisdom for a Time Such as This Week 9 - November 1, 2020 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

Psalm 23 may be the most famous poem of all time (Sure, it's actually lyrics to an ancient Hebrew song but now functions as poetry). For almost three thousand years it has been read millions upon millions of times and has touched human hearts with its calming vision of ultimate safety and security. Perhaps, the weekend before a presidential election a few calming words could do us all some good. Let's gather around this poem of the heart this Sunday.

Timeless Wisdom for a Time Such as This Week 8 - October 25, 2020 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

Our timeless text this week is the parable of the prodigal son. Fully 1/3 of all the teachings of Jesus are in the form of stories and this is perhaps the most well-known story he told (maybe the Good Samaritan edges it out). Everybody likes a good redemption story where someone with a flawed character experiences some sort of moral regeneration. Almost every single Hollywood movie, novel or sitcom function by telling versions of someone who loses their way and then finds their way. We consta...

Timeless Wisdom for a Time Such as This Week 7 - October 18, 2020 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

This week our service is exploring the fruits of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Through many voices and ages participating in the worship, we will remember the deep values that animate our faith. Dr. Jim Keck will also offer a meditation upon joy and generosity.

Timeless Wisdom for a Time Such as This Week 6 - October 11, 2020 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

This week we reside in the passage of John that describes the crucifixion. Buddhism has as its first noble truth the fact that life is suffering. Christianity, with the cross, also acknowledges the full reality of suffering. Reducing the suffering of others then becomes the core part of the Christian walk. Join Dr. Jim Keck as he takes us to the cross and reminds us that true despair comes from feeling alone in one's suffering, but that our loving Christ is alongside ALL who suffer. We are no...

Timeless Wisdom for a Time Such as This Week 5 - October 4, 2020 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

This week Dr. Jim Keck looks at one verse in our Bible that could potentially heal the major divisions of the world. In fact, if we really believed Galatians 3:28 (look it up:) the major sources of acrimony among human beings would melt away and we would leap forward with a sense of common purpose.

Timeless Wisdom for a Time Such as This Week 4 - September 27, 2020 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

This week Dr. Jim Keck looks at the Beatitudes (the opening verses to the Sermon on the Mount). What can Jesus mean when he says that the poor, mournful and meek are the blessed ones? He seems to be flipping the script on our whole sense of reality. Yeah, maybe that is exactly what he is trying to do! Join us Sunday.

Timeless Wisdom for a Time Such as This Week 3 - September 20, 2020 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

This week we gather around the Damascus road experience. Saul was simply a horrible person leaving pain and wreckage in his wake. But suddenly he was changed and turned his whole life around. Do you believe a person can really change? Join Dr. Jim Keck this Sunday for an exploration of the possibility for transformation.

Timeless Wisdom for a Time Such as This Week 2 - September 13, 2020 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

A Prophet from the Farm Many of us will recognize those simple yet profound words of Micah 6:8 - "Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God." Such beautiful instructions can stir up respect and admiration for this prophet who lived 2800 years ago. But, do you know much about him? For instance, did you know he is one of the earliest agrarian poets known to history? Did you know he helped give voice to a growing cry from the small farmers of Judah? This Sunday, join Pastor Patrick M...

Timeless Wisdom for a Time Such as This Week 1 - September 6, 2020 - Pastor Jim - Sermon

On this first week of our three month journey through our key Bible texts, Dr. Jim Keck will explore the most elevated scripture of all - "God is Love." This text equates the very essence of reality - God - with the moment we truly value a person. Sadly, not every person is being valued (loved) in our society. The Godly society would honor the intrinsic value of each person regardless of race, sexual orientation, personality and income. Beloved, let us love one another!

Timeless Hymns for Time Such as This: A Sermon Series Part III - August 30, 2020 - Pastor Patrick - Sermon

A Mighty Fortress is Our God In this last part of our sermon series on three great hymns, Dr. Jim Keck explores the reformation classic "A Mighty Fortress is our God." Written by Martin Luther just ten years after he nailed his protestations on the Wittenberg door, it has been called the Battle Hymn of the Reformation. Yet so powerful is this hymn, even Catholic churches now sing it in mass. Although Jim prefers the tune to Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles and finds "A Mighty Fortress" to b...