Sermons by Tim Stephens (Page 10)
Tim Stephens is the senior pastor of Fairview Baptist Church, Calgary, Alberta. Tim grew up on a farm in Eastern Ontario, graduated with a Computer Engineering degree from Queen’s University, a Masters of Divinity degree from Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Expository Preaching from The Masters Seminary. He is happily married to Raquel and they have been blessed with nine children.
Legalized Adultery
This sermon considers Jesus’ words about divorce, remarriage, and adultery. It is important to understand why Jesus says this. He rebukes the Pharisees for using the law as a cover for their grumbling, greed, unbelief, and adultery. In this, we learn important lessons to value marriage, avoid covering up our sin, and see the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ in this rebuke. Passage: Luke 16:18
The Enduring Law
In this sermon we consider Jesus’ teaching that the Law will outlast the planet. Christians today typically have low views concerning the law. What we see in the Scripture is that while the law is not a Savior to save us, it is a rule to guide us. We’re challenged in this sermon to delight in the law, delight in Christ through the law, and to learn, live, and teach the law as the rule of life in the kingdom…
Forcing Your Way Into the Kingdom
This sermons examines Jesus teaching about the preaching of the kingdom of God and that “everyone forces his way into it.” One must strive to enter the kingdom, resisting the world, the flesh, and the devil. Here is a call to push through lies, sin, and apathy to lay hold of Christ and enter his glorious kingdom. Passage: Luke 16:16
Money Talks
This sermon examines Jesus’ parable about the dishonest manager. This parable can be hard to understand but its meaning is important for us to use our wealth for the glory of God and the good of our souls. Jesus spoke much about money which can be a snare to those seeking the kingdom of God. May God use our Lord’s teaching to lead you along the straight and narrow way. Passage: Luke 16:1-15
The Father and Two Sons
Jesus tells the famous parable of the prodigal son. In this parable we learn to about sin, repentance, and celebrating with those who are reconciled to God. What is most profound, however, is the picture of the love of God as expressed through the father in Jesus’ story. It is this love of God that should compel us to come and be forgiven our sins and this love of God that should cause us to celebrate the goodness of God.…
Joy in Heaven
In this sermon, Pastor Tim considers the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin. Jesus’ teaching here addresses grumbling and invites us to follow him in his mission to seek and save the lost, and to have joy over one sinner who repents. Passage: Luke 15:1-10
All for Jesus
This is the second message on Jesus’ call to discipleship. Jesus wants all of you and all that you have. Here we see why Jesus is so worthy and why the stakes are so high. Have you committed your life to Christ? Passage: Luke 14:27-35
Loyalty to Jesus Above All
In this sermon Pastor Tim explains Jesus’ call to discipleship. Shockingly, Jesus tells the crowds that when the come to him they must hate mother and father and wife and children and brother and sister. These profound words of our Lord deserve close attention and clear action. May you understand the cost of discipleship and then say, Jesus is worthy! Passage: Luke 14:25-26
The Birth of Jesus Christ
This Christmas reflect upon Jesus Christ and who he is. This sermon considers what we learn about Jesus Christ in the birth narrative in the gospel of Matthew. Jesus come to earth via divine conception, is the son of God and son of David, and is called Jesus because he is God’s king bringing God’s salvation. His life and cross-work are not attempts to save sinners, but an accomplishment that is effective and glorious. Passage: Matthew 1:18-25
The Heart of the Hypocrite
Jesus is invited to a dinner with the Pharisees. They wanted to watch him as they judged him. It turns out that Jesus was watching them and pronounced judgment against them. In these interactions we get a picture of the hypocrite contrasted with the compassion, power, and wisdom of Jesus. May this serve as a caution and call to be loyal to Jesus. Passage: Luke 14:1-24
Jerusalem’s Rejection
Jesus laments over Israel’s continued rejection of his work and identity. He has continued to display his compassion and demonstration his power. Yet Israel persists in rebellion. Jesus pronounces God’s judgment yet gives a ray of hope that one day they will see him when they recognize him as the blessed one who comes in the name of the Lord. Passage: Luke 13:31-35
Will Those Who Are Saved Be Few?
In this sermon we consider a question asked of Jesus, “Will those who are saved be few?” Jesus’ answer probes deep into the heart to describe what one must do to be saved. He warns about those seeking entrance into the kingdom but are shut out and perish. Our Lord, like always, does not speak in abstraction, but makes truth very personal. Will those who are saved include you? Passage: Luke 13:22-30