Sermons by Tim Stephens (Page 12)
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.
Overpowering Fear
Jesus addresses fear in his disciples after he courageously speaks truth to power. He teaches us that fear of men is conquered through a greater fear of God. This sermon explores what it means to fear God and how we can cultivate that in our lives. Passage: Luke 12:4-7
A Word to Religious Pretenders
Jesus’ strongest words of warning are directed toward “religious” people. The Pharisees and scribes had many adherents who were hypocrites. Jesus gives 8 characteristics of the religious pretender and calls them to repentance. May this message convict and convert religious pretenders today. Passage: Luke 11:27-12:3
A Sign for Skeptics
Jesus deals with his skeptics by calling them to repent or perish. Jesus reveals that the problem with the persistent skeptic is not the evidence, but a hardness of heart. In considering Jesus’ words and action, we’re equipped to deal with skeptics today and be careful that we aren’t willfully ignorant of the light that has come into the world. Passage: Luke 11:29-36
Resurrection Hope
This sermon reminds us how hope is an essential part of saving faith with innumerable benefits. Christians should be people of hope. True hope drives away fear, it produces virtues of godliness, and remains steadfast when it is based on Christ rather than circumstance. Passage: Romans 4:18-25
Demon Possession
As Jesus casts out demons he warns about the possibility of being re-possessed. Jesus’ point is that there is no neutrality. As we examine Jesus’ teaching we consider more broadly what the Bible says about demons and how we ought to live in light of this spiritual reality. Passage: Luke 11:24-28
The Kingdom Has Come Upon You
When Jesus casts out a demon and is accused of being in league with Satan, Jesus asserts that this exorcism is a sign of the arrival of the kingdom of God. This sermon considers this important topic and how we must live in light of Jesus’ power and the presence of the kingdom of God. Passage: Luke 11:14-23
Asking for the Holy Spirit
Jesus finishes his instructions on prayer with an encouragement that God answers prayer. He is a kind, merciful, and gracious Father who will not without the best gifts from his children. Specifically, he will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask. This message explores what that is as an encouragement to all of us to pray earnestly every day. This is the fifth and final part of this miniseries on prayer. Passage: Luke 11:11-13
Praying with Impudence
In this series on prayer we’ve seen what we are to pray for and this sermon speaks about how we ought to pray. Jesus calls his disciples to pray with impudence. This sermon explains what that is and urges us to pray in this manner as a means through which God will bountifully answer prayer. Passage: Luke 11:5-10
Ask God for This
The third in a series on the Lord’s Prayer, this message considers what we should ask for ourselves. What we see in the Lord’s teaching may surprise us but it directs us to what is good. May this encourage us to commune with the Lord in prayer and ask what is needful for us according to his will. Passage: Luke 11:3-4
Praying for God’s Honor and Kingdom
This sermon begins an examination of the Lord’s Prayer. We consider, “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come.” Jesus is teaching us a priority in our prayers that concern God’s honor and his kingdom. This is a call for us to be doers and not just hearers of the word. This is the second sermon in a series on prayer. Passage: Luke 11:2
Teach Us to Pray
This is the first part of a series on prayer. After seeing Jesus in prayer the disciples wanted Jesus to teach them to pray. This sermon seeks to do the same thing: see Jesus in communion with God, in submission to the Father, and offering effectual prayers. Here is a call for us to ask the Lord to teach us to pray and commune with our heavenly Father. Passage: Luke 11:1-2
Christ Is the Best Portion
There are many good things we can give ourselves to. Jesus’ teaching in this passage is a challenge for us to make sure we’re doing the best thing. We want to do what is excellent, what is great, what is best. Christ is the best and our highest pursuit and so we consider why this is and what this means. Passage: Luke 10:38-42