Sermons by Tim Stephens (Page 49)
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 Necessity of Forgiveness
Jesus tells us in the strongest of language that Christians must forgive. To withhold forgiveness is to put yourself in danger of eternal condemnation. Since we must forgive, the obvious question becomes, “How do we treat someone who is unrepentant or where reconciliation is impossible?” To answer that question, we look at Romans 12. We commit not to take revenge, we proactively show love, and we leave room for the wrath of God.
Conflict and Forgiveness
It is inevitable, people will sin and you will be affected by it. How then do we deal with conflict? What does confrontation look like? What is the role of the church? This sermon seeks to explain an important passage when looking at conflict and forgiveness.
The Hope of Forgiveness
There is hope in forgiveness. There is joy and satisfaction in being forgiven by God and extending forgiveness to others. But what is forgiveness? How should Christians forgive? We are called to forgive others as God has forgiven us. God forgiveness is (1) gracious, yet costly; (2) conditional; (3) a commitment not to hold sin against us; (4) inseparable from reconciliation; and (5) does not mean that all consequences are removed. From these things we can appreciate more Christian forgiveness.
The Resurrection
The resurrection of Jesus changes everything! The historical proof is strong for Jesus resurrection, yet sin blinds our natural eyes from embracing the truth. Our response to the resurrection needs to be repentance and faith. The resurrection bring validation to Jesus’ ministry, it means the debt of sin has been paid, and it means new life for those in Christ. The resurrection is of first importance!
The Crucifixion
Fix your gaze on Christ. Look to him till your heart burns with love, till you overflow with gratitude, till you rejoice in wonder, till you bow your knee in allegiance. See the Son of God accomplish redemption!
The Wonder of Reconciliation
What is reconciliation? What is the ministry of reconciliation? These two questions are explored to see that those who have made peace with God have been entrusted to bring the message of salvation to a world in rebellion to their Creator.
What Did it Cost God to Save You?
Something truly amazing happened at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In love, Jesus accepted the wrath of God for the sins of his people. In love and mercy, the Father redirected his wrath towards his Son. This was real and costly. A great price was paid for redemption.That high price is illustrated in this passage and it calls us to give all for Jesus’ sake and the gospel’s.
Betrayed and Denied
In this text, Jesus is betrayed, abandoned, and denied. He is then beaten, mocked, and falsely accused. Yet, through this time of great suffering, Jesus is our source of hope and comfort. He went through this for his people. And now he is exalted, praying for his people that they would not fail, that they would not deny him.
Our Passover Lamb
The plan of redemption. God’s story that is unfolded in the pages of Scripture is explained for us here.The religious leaders seek Jesus’ death, the unnamed woman prepares Jesus’ body for burial, Judas looks for an opportunity to betray his master. Jesus affirms that all this is part of God’s plan. And those who are plotting evil deeds are not thus relieved from their responsibility and accountability before God.He then gives us a picture, a memorial, to remember the story…
Exposing the Truth
In the final exchange between Jesus and those in the temple he clearly identifies himself as the Son of God. Not only that, he speaks of the judgment to come for the religious leaders and the example of discipleship from a lady who gave all she had.
The Great Commandment
Jesus explains the greatest commandment, what the law is all about. The law is about heart devotion to God. Yet knowing this means you are close to the kingdom of God, but not there yet. To enter the kingdom of God, a person must believe that Jesus is not only a good teacher, but the Christ, the Son of God. It is through repentance and faith in the good news of Jesus Christ that one enters the kingdom (Mark 1:15). The…
Jesus and the Skeptics Part 2
In two encounters Jesus demonstrates his authority and wisdom. Marvel at Jesus and how he handles these confrontations. Jesus also helps us to understand the place of human government and the importance of knowing the Scripture and the power of God.