Posts by Tim Stephens (Page 2)
Voddie Baucham (1969-2025)
Voddie Baucham, a powerful expositor of God’s word, suddenly passed away last week at the age of 56. Our church family was planning to welcome him to Calgary as he was planned to be at our church October 10–12 to speak at several events. God’s plans are not our plans. That weekend is canceled and in its place is Voddie’s funeral. I know many in our congregation are shocked to hear this news, and even though we do not know…
The Charlie Kirk Memorial
The memorial for Charlie Kirk this past Sunday was incredible. What made it so incredible is how Christ-centered it was and how many times the gospel was clearly articulated. The truth of Christ was spoken by pastors and apologists—as you would hope—but it was also clearly articulated by political pundits, podcasters, federal cabinet members and heads of state. Not only was the gospel expressed more clearly than most contemporary memorials it was likely the most watched proclamation of Christ in…
A Lament for Charlie Kirk and Prayer for the Nation
This is the transcript of the prayer by Pastor Tim Stephens on September 14, 2025. I want to pray for events this week that I’m sure you’re aware of—Charlie Kirk’s shooting and how he was assassinated. I think it was more than an assassination. I believe he was martyred for his faith. Many of you might not know Charlie Kirk. The reason why this was so significant to me and to many others is not only because he was a…
Why Alberta’s Independence Matters to the Church
This article is based on a talk I gave to a group of Alberta pastors on why the conversation about Alberta’s independence matters to the church. While this address was written for pastors, may it be an encouragement to you as well. Why the Church Matters to Independence: A History Lesson Before addressing why the conversation about independence matters to the church, it must be acknowledged that the church matters to the conversation on independence. It can be easy to…
Alberta’s Future: Part 2
Part 1 of this article is available here: https://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/albertas-future-part-1/ Let me be clear up front. I desire an independent Alberta. I have several reasons that I will articulate below. These reasons, I’m convinced, are grounded in Scripture and biblical principles. Desires themselves, however, are insufficient if they are not acted upon. For each of these desires for the good of our homeland, we should be considering how we can carry out those desires and work toward a better future today.…
Alberta’s Future: Part 1
Talk of Alberta’s independence has gone mainstream since the last federal election. People on both sides of the issue speak confidently about the possibility, or lack of possibility, of an independent Alberta. Our Premier, Danielle Smith, just released a video introducing the Alberta Next Panel where she outlines the plan for a referendum next year on several issues based on feedback from Albertans. In that video, which I recommend you watch, she makes several arguments to demonstrate that Alberta has…
Election Reflections
Today we woke up to a new Liberal minority government in Canada. While the Prime Minister has changed, we can almost certainly expect the same policies of the last 10 years under the previous Trudeau government. There will be time for further reflection and analysis, but I want to encourage you as a follower of Christ to take courage, be hopeful, and continue to strive, build, and serve. 1. Christ Is (still) King While we may participate in elections of…
Hard Times Ahead for Alberta: Tariffs, Canada, and the United States
Earlier this month the Canadian Chamber of Commerce released a report ranking Calgary as the second most vulnerable city to potential tariffs threatened by US President Donald Trump. Alberta’s economy is heavily reliant on exports. It may be surprising, but Alberta’s biggest trading partner is not Canada but the United States. Alberta sends 89% of its exports to the US. That’s huge. It is even larger for Calgary. For Calgary, 96% of its economic output—worth $119 billion annually—are goods exported…
The 51st State?
It is beyond question that power in Canada is centralized in Ontario and Quebec. Alberta, on the other hand, has been ignored, alienated, and sometimes exploited by Central Canada. Talk of Western independence is seemingly on the rise with books, articles, more articles, and social media posts raising the issue. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly pressed the idea that Canada should become a state, arguing that Canada is not viable as a country except for its proximity with the…
When Leaders Grievously Sin
The reformed evangelical world has been rocked this week with news of Steve Lawson’s “inappropriate relationship that he has had with a woman.” (You can read the statement from the elders at Trinity Bible Church here or his own One Passion Ministries here.) The response was immediate. He was removed from his church. Ministries like Ligonier and The Master’s Seminary removed him from his position and took down all his content. There is consensus that Steve Lawson has permanently disqualified…
Psalms for Singing
This week we are introducing a new songbook we’ve recently published as a supplement to our hymnal. It is called Psalms for Singing: A Selection of Psalms Ancient and Modern. This new songbook contains 38 psalms set to music designed for congregational singing. A few of the tunes will be familiar but most of the tunes are unique and composed exclusively for each psalm. While this means it will take a little more time to learn a new psalm, it…
Fellowship Meal Revisited
We are restarting our Fellowship Meal this Sunday after a renovation to paint the gym and refinish the floor. Whether or not you are new to our Fellowship Meal, I want you to scan this webpage (https://www.fairviewbaptistchurch.ca/fellowship-meal/) to acquaint yourself with our shared meal on Sundays so that you are prepared with what you need to bring. Beyond the reminders already listed on that page, I want to remind you of a few things. First, the purpose of the meal…