Browse published episodes from Pastor Jim Keck in First-Plymouth Church's Podcast.
Jun 18, 2023 5:30 AM America/Chicago
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 th
Jun 4, 2023 4:00 AM America/Chicago
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.
May 28, 2023 4:00 AM America/Chicago
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
May 7, 2023 5:30 AM America/Chicago
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 pa
Apr 30, 2023 5:30 AM America/Chicago
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 o
Apr 23, 2023 4:00 AM America/Chicago
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
Apr 16, 2023 5:30 AM America/Chicago
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 presuppos
Apr 9, 2023 5:30 AM America/Chicago
Easter Sunday
Apr 2, 2023 5:30 AM America/Chicago
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.
Mar 26, 2023 5:30 AM America/Chicago
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 exp
Mar 19, 2023 4:00 AM America/Chicago
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 ab
Mar 12, 2023 5:30 AM America/Chicago
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 exp
Mar 5, 2023 4:30 AM America/Chicago
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 exp
Feb 26, 2023 4:30 AM America/Chicago
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 exp
Feb 19, 2023 3:00 AM America/Chicago
There is a catch phrase, or maybe it could be called a spiritual mantra, that First-Plymouth has used for decades: Life is Good, Let it Go and Be happy Now. On the digital service and at the 8:15am service, Dr. Keck will explore the possibility that it ha
Feb 12, 2023 4:30 AM America/Chicago
Using the Super Bowl and 1st Timothy 4, Dr. Jim Keck will describe how both religion and football tap into the human need for striving and intensity. While Jim was a remarkably lousy football player, he will explore how the popularity of football and reli
Feb 5, 2023 4:30 AM America/Chicago
Dr. Jim Keck and Pastor Juan Carlos Huertas this weekend in worship, as each will share two things that they believe our key to their understanding of who Jesus is.
Jan 29, 2023 4:30 AM America/Chicago
Dr. Keck explores the calming tone of the beatitudes in Matthew 5. Although there is always a call to action in Jesus’ words for us to create a more just world, there is also a more pastoral and spiritual nature to his words. That is, he does not merely
Jan 22, 2023 4:30 AM America/Chicago
The late Pope Benedict was called “God’s Rottweiler” when he headed the office that promoted strict adherence to doctrine. But in fact this man possessed a sweeping intellect that was tempered by a humility and kindness. Early in his ministry he wro
Jan 8, 2023 3:00 AM America/Chicago
In this weeks digital sermon, Dr. Keck will explore what makes Jesus the most heroic hero of all. This brief message will span the vast time epochs of ancient creation myths, to Homer, to the marvel universe and somehow land right back in the gospel itsel
Jan 1, 2023 4:30 AM America/Chicago
The Gospel of Matthew account of the birth of Jesus reads like an action movie. An evil mastermind (Herod) is out to kill Jesus, and there is horrible collateral damage as many others are killed. The intrepid power couple - Joseph and Mary - go on the run
Dec 25, 2022 3:00 AM America/Chicago
Sermon from First-Plymouth Church's Podcast
Dec 18, 2022 4:30 AM America/Chicago
In this final week of Advent, Dr. Keck will speak about two beautiful words in Scripture: Logos and Shalom which he believes should not be translated into the english WORD and PEACE. Once translated they lose their mystery and majesty. And our faith must
Dec 11, 2022 4:30 AM America/Chicago
In the book of Isaiah the ancient Hebrews are yearning for a return from exile. But what if they returned to their homeland and were no better as persons? In the New Testament, the people are waiting for a savior to reclaim the Davidic kingship, but what