
Tim Keller
- Sermons
- Bio
A Spirit Hath Not Flesh and Bones
15K33:43EasterMAT 6:33MAT 22:37MRK 1:17LUK 2:52LUK 24:37JHN 20:29ACT 17:30In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the message of Easter, which is that by uniting with Jesus Christ, believers will miss out on nothing. He encourages the congregation to relax, sacrifice, and give themselves to others, following the example of Jesus who sacrificed himself and served others. The preacher references C.S. Lewis' sermon, "The Weight of Glory," to illustrate that the physical pleasures we experience in this world are only a faint reflection of the incredible joy and fulfillment that awaits believers in the presence of God. The sermon concludes by highlighting the passage in Luke 24:37-43, where Jesus appears to his disciples after his resurrection, proving that he is not a ghost but a physical being, and even asks for something to eat to further demonstrate his physicality.
A World of Idols
13K45:58GospelPRO 14:12JHN 14:6ACT 17:16ROM 1:161CO 9:192CO 5:141TI 2:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that religion is often seen as a superficial and temporary experience. However, the speaker argues that true faith in Christianity is meant to permeate every aspect of a person's life, including work, relationships, and cultural engagement. The speaker uses the example of the Athenians, who were caught up in the latest fads and ideas, to highlight the need for a deeper and more substantial faith. The sermon encourages listeners to understand that Christianity is not just about personal transformation, but also about transforming one's relationship with the world.
Absolutism: Don't We All Have to Find Truth for Ourselves?
11K40:20AbsolutismMAT 6:33GAL 2:4In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of freedom and how it is often misunderstood. He explains that freedom is not simply the absence of restrictions, but rather a complex concept that involves surrendering to the truth. The preacher uses examples from real-life situations, such as the tragic events in Lancaster County, to illustrate the power of surrendering to the truth. He also references a movie, iRobot, to further emphasize the idea that true freedom comes from knowing the truth and surrendering to it. The sermon concludes with addressing the fear of surrendering to the truth and the potential for exploitation, encouraging listeners to trust in God's truth.
Converted by the Spirit
9.2K45:52ConversionLUK 9:54LUK 12:49ACT 10:27ACT 10:34ACT 10:44In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of real conversion and spiritual transformation. He emphasizes that true conversion is initiated by God and not by human effort. The preacher also highlights the challenge to religious beliefs and practices as a part of the conversion process. He further explains that conversion is brought about through the words of the gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit. The sermon references the story of Cornelius and Peter from the Bible to illustrate these points.
Nakedness & the Holiness of God
8.6K46:56Holiness Of GodGEN 3:7GEN 3:24MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker addresses the need for control and the fear of being seen as unworthy. He highlights the drive to work hard and the inability to disappoint others. The sermon references Genesis 3, which explains the state of the world as a paradise that has been ruined by human actions. The speaker emphasizes that despite the wreckage, God comes into the situation and offers hope for redemption.
Suffering: If God Is Good, Why Is There So Much Evil in the World?
7.7K31:03Suffering1PE 1:3In this sermon, the preacher shares his experience of speaking to the families of 9/11 victims at Ground Zero. He was given only seven minutes to address the problem of evil and suffering, but he took eight and a half minutes. He refers to the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the book of Daniel, where they refused to bow down to a false idol and were thrown into a fiery furnace. Despite the intense heat, they were unharmed, and Nebuchadnezzar saw a fourth person in the furnace who looked like a son of God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having a living hope in Jesus Christ and looking into the gospel, as even the angels passionately long to understand its message.
And Kissed Him
7.4K33:46GospelMAT 6:33MRK 11:25LUK 15:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in overcoming past hurts and moving towards a better future. They describe forgiveness as turning off the painful memories that replay in our minds, setting us free from the cycle of pain. The preacher also highlights the need for a community that is persuasive, not resentful or belittling, and warns against caricaturing others in our minds. The sermon then delves into the parable of the prodigal son, emphasizing that forgiveness is assertive, sacrificial, powered from within, and ultimately leads to a resurrection.
Exclusivity: How Can There Be Just One True Religion?
7.2K39:15Exclusivity1JN 4:9In this sermon, the preacher addresses the objection of exclusivity in Christianity and other religions. He uses the illustration of blind men encountering an elephant to explain that no one has the complete understanding of spiritual truth. Each blind man in the story perceives a different aspect of the elephant, but none of them can see the whole picture. Similarly, religions have different perspectives on spiritual truth, and no one should claim to have the entire truth. The preacher emphasizes the importance of love and how it is a manifestation of God's nature. He concludes by stating that Christianity, like other religions, offers a partial understanding of spiritual truth, and we should approach it with humility and love for one another.
The Gospel
7.1K38:01GospelISA 53:4ISA 54:1ISA 54:11JER 29:7MAT 6:33ACT 2:42ROM 3:23In this sermon, the speaker discusses the three results of the gospel that flow into our lives: restructuring of the heart, removal of sin, and reversal of values. The restructuring of the heart is explained through the image of the barren woman, while the removal of sin is understood through the suffering servant in Isaiah. This passage is controversial because it seems to contradict other teachings in the Bible, such as the prohibition of human sacrifice. However, the speaker emphasizes that understanding the cost of removing our sin leads to a reversal of values and a transformation of our identity. The sermon concludes with a challenge for the church to embody these three results in their lives.
Give Me Mine
7.0K35:41Prodigal SonMAT 6:33LUK 15:1ROM 8:17In this sermon, the speaker introduces the last of the three parables in Luke 15, which is the longest and most famous. The speaker suggests that the story is about an assault on community caused by idolatry, which can only be overcome through agony. The parable depicts the dissolution of a family and two major assaults on its integrity. The first assault comes from the younger brother who asks for his share of the estate before his father's death, leading to the unraveling of the family. The speaker emphasizes that the gospel creates a new kind of community by recognizing the beauty of God and His sacrificial love.
Hell: Isn't the God of Christianity an Angry Judge?
5.9K35:46HellLUK 16:19In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding the concept of hell in order to understand one's own heart. He uses the parable of the rich man and Lazarus from the book of Luke to illustrate his point. The speaker emphasizes that the doctrine of God's judgment is a powerful resource that can pacify the human heart's desire for justice and prevent people from being sucked into cycles of violence. He argues that believing in a God who will make everything right is crucial, as without this belief, people may resort to violence and vengeance.
Tears
5.8K34:38TearsPSA 39:12PSA 126:1MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker discusses a Psalm or a couple of Psalms that focus on weeping, suffering, and grief. The first three verses describe a past event where God did something incredible for the people, fulfilling their dreams beyond imagination. However, the following verses express the current state of the people, feeling like their lives are barren and blasted, facing unknown hardships. The main point emphasized is that even when walking with God, tears and suffering should be expected. The speaker encourages the audience to bring their tears before God and transform them through a realization of His grace, a vision of the cross, and an assurance of glory.