Sermons by Tim Stephens (Page 23)
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.
No One Like Him
God continues to address Job (and us) on how he is the Creator and Sustainer. We must learn humility, trust, and worship before the greatness of God. Our society continues in the same rebellion as Babel. A return to God as Creator is necessary. So too is the church influenced by the world and needs to be reminded of God as Creator.
The Limits of Evil
This sermon examines God’s words to Job. He uses images of a builder, a midwife, and a general to teach Job that the wicked are limited in what they do and when they do it. God’s purposes cannot be thwarted.
God Speaks
Job finally hears from God. When God speaks, it isn’t what we might expect. In this message we recap Job’s story and consider God’s response to this man grappling with suffering and perceived injustice.
Justice, Kingdom, and Christ
In this final part of a series on justice we consider Christ, the one who will bring justice to the nations. We’ll trace this mission through promise, fulfillment, and into the present day where he continues to build his kingdom of justice, peace, and righteousness.
Justice, Creation, and Law
In this third part of the series on justice we consider two important areas that have been neglected by the church and society. If we are going to see the justice of God increase in our land, there must be a promotion of the doctrine of creation and the doctrine of the law of God.
Justice Starts Here
Many people are striving towards global objectives of justice and equality. But is this where we start? Can you mass produce cars before building and testing prototype? We will see that justice must start with us personally and with the people of God. Only then will we be equipped to promote justice and see the kingdom of Christ advance.
Understanding (Social) Justice
In this introduction to justice we consider what is “social justice” and how it compares to biblical or true justice. We see that much of what is promoted as “justice” today is partiality and unjust. We must understand that justice cannot be separated from righteousness, God, God’s law, and Jesus Christ.
God of the Storm
Elihu gives us his final words. They foreshadow God’s words to Job and Job’s response to God. God’s justice cannot be questioned. The trials and storms of life are gifts of love to his people. May we see that in this text that drives us to see God has high and exalted.
Don’t Waste Your Affliction
Elihu instructs Job on God’s instruction through the difficulties of suffering and pain. This is an important reminder for us to not waste the trials God sends our way but to strive for the holiness God is working in us through affliction.
Forgotten Grace
Elihu continues to answer Job and give a defense of God’s justice. However, Elihu, like the other friends, overlook grace and how integral it is to how God relates to his people–even in suffering.May we never forget God’s grace when facing adversity and trial.
Defending God against Questions of Justice
Elihu responds to Job’s questions in defense of God. Job has questioned God’s justice as he suffers. He cannot understand why God has brought this great calamity upon him. Elihu burns with anger as he desires to see God and his justice defended and exonerated. So Elihu takes up this task to explain why Job suffers. This helps us to think through this most profound issue of suffering and the justice of God.
The Discipline of Suffering
Elihu seeks to teach Job why God has brought such suffering in his life–for discipline. Elihu contends that God is not treating him as an enemy, but rather he is treating him as a son. Through Elihu we’re reminded that God does indeed use suffering to discipline his children. Through this God imparts holiness and draws us to look to Christ. May we grow in holiness and in treasuring Christ!