Sermons by Tim Stephens (Page 21)
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.
The Foundation of Freedom
Where Christianity has spread, liberty has followed. This sermon considers the foundations of liberty: God as Creator, Law as Protector, and Christ as Deliverer. Here is a call to see one of the wonderful fruits of the gospel of Jesus Christ. To be sure, liberty or freedom is not the gospel, but it is an overflow of life in Christ. Here is a call to see the foundation of true liberty and find true and lasting freedom in Christ.
The Great Rebellion
In Psalm 2 we see a clash of two worlds. The creature rebels against the Creator. The end will come with God’s rule and reign over all nations. But where will you be? Will you take refuge in him?
The Law of Love
We are constantly reminded to love our neighbor in the midst of this pandemic. What does it mean to biblically love our neighbor? This sermon examines Jesus’ teaching and applies it to our present circumstances.
The Fruit of Repentance
The epilogue of Job demonstrates the wonderful fruit of repentance. It is not just Job’s blessings, but Job’s heart that has been changed to delight in God and extend grace to others. Here we learn about true repentance and its fruit.
The Joy of Repentance
Job, in the midst of his suffering, finds peace and rest in repentance. God has made himself known and Job has responded in confession and repentance that brings him, not out of suffering, but out of despair. May we learn the joy, hope, peace, and strength found in repentance toward God.
The Essential Church
What does it mean to be a church? What is essential? What is essential to the gathering of the church? How much can be adapted or accommodated? This sermon explores these questions as we consider the nature of the church under the pressure of COVID-19 and health restrictions applied to the gathering of God’s people.
God’s Purpose and Unfailing Plan
After God speaks, Job is moved to confession and repentance. The first thing Job says is to acknowledge God’s power and purpose. It is these elements of God’s self-revelation that we need to be continually reminded of as we seek to trust him and grow in humility.
Leviathan
We look at Leviathan, asking what he is and why God mentions him in such detail. In the end, we learn we must fear God above all else. “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”
Behemoth
We consider (behold) Behemoth. Here God directs us to a great creature that contains important lessons for us in a world of suffering and circumstances beyond our control. May we gain wisdom as we hear from God.
Jesus Is the Treasure
As we take time to consider the past year and look forward to the new one, we must be mindful of our goal and focus. In this exhortation from Colossians 2:1-3, we’re reminded that Christ is the treasure and the measure of what is good, lovely, and worth living and dying for.
The King Is Born
Traditions can grow so familiar that their meaning can be lost or forgotten. At Christmas we can often forget that this is a celebration of the entrance of the King of kings into his creation. Christ has come and his kingdom continues to expand. Here is a cause for celebration and rejoicing!
The Light of the World
Jesus is the light of the world and his light is still shining in this world through his body, the church. We reflect on what it means to be a light in the darkness of this world. May the church rise up and shine the light and be that city on a hill.