Sermons by Tim Stephens (Page 6)
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 Parable of the Tenants
In this sermon we consider Jesus’ parable of the tenants. This allegory is a history of Israel and their rejection of Christ, God’s beloved Son. It demonstrates the absurdity of rejecting Jesus and calls us to see God as gracious, faithful, patient, and just. The modern church must learn from ancient Israel and most importantly, see and embrace Christ as heir of all things. Passage: Luke 20:9-19
Embracing the Authority of Jesus
In this sermon we consider the first attempt by the religious leaders to discredit Jesus as he teaches in the temple. They question Jesus’ authority only to be forced into silence because of their cowardice. We learn in this passage, not only the authority of Jesus, but how not to be like those religious leaders who were blind guides and missed the Lord of life. Passage: Luke 19:47-20:8
Sabbath and Lord’s Day
This sermon considers the Sabbath command and how it is applicable to Christians today. While the Sabbath differs from the Lord’s Day and is no longer commanded among believers, it remains an important signpost for the truths of Christ and the realities of the new creation. Passage: Exodus 20:8-11; Colossians 2:16-17
The Useful Law: The Teaching Use
In this final sermon in the series we consider the law’s usefulness for the believer saved by grace. The law is useful to the Christian in several ways and should be our delight. May this sermon spur us on to regard the law for the treasure that it is. Passage: 2 Timothy 3:15-17
The Useful Law: The Political Use
In this sermon, Pastor Tim presents the political use of the law. The law of God is the standard of morality in every society and is useful to restrain evil and promote the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is an oft-neglected truth that needs to be recovered for today’s church in today’s confused culture. Passage: 1 Timothy 1:8-11
The Useful Law: The Christological Use
In this sermon we consider the first use of the law: an instrument leading us to Christ. The law is a powerful evangelistic tool, driving both believer and non-believer to Jesus Christ. The importance of this truth needs to be remembered or else we minimize the law and obscure the glories of Christ. Passage: Romans 3:19-25
The Abolished Law
In this sermon, Pastor Tim considers the verses in the New Testament which say the law has been abolished. These verses introduce a tension with Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:17. This tension is resolved by considering the Bible’s own distinctions within the law between laws of morality and laws of ceremony. As such, this sermon teaches and defends the reformed distinctions of moral and ceremonial law. Passage: Ephesians 2:15
The Applied Law
In Matthew 5:21-48 Jesus demonstrates what he meant in Matthew 5:17 where he said he did not come to abolish the law but to make it fully known. Jesus taught the law of God faithfully and truthfully. It was the Pharisees who misinterpreted and misapplied the law to justify their sin. Jesus, through the law, exposes our sin and directs us to our need for the Savior. Passage: Matthew 5:21-48
The Abiding Law
In this sermon we consider the reason Jesus did not come to abolish the law. He recognized that the law is abiding. It is just as permanent as the planet. This, of course, has several implications. Jesus applies this truth about the law by reminding us that obedience to the law is the measure of greatness in his kingdom. Here is a call for us to revere and obey God’s law, not as a Savior to save us, but as…
The Fulfilled Law
In this sermon, we consider Jesus’ words, “Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” These words are important yet debated as to their meaning. This sermon makes the case that Jesus came to make the commands of the law fully known. May we see Jesus as our great Savior and great Teacher and value the importance of the law. Passage: Matthew 5:17
The Relegated Law
Does the modern church have the same views of the law as Jesus did? This introductory sermon considers why the law is viewed negatively in the church today in contradiction to Jesus’ view of the law. This sermon is the first of eight on the Christian Use of Biblical Law. Passage: Matthew 5:17-20
Brokenhearted Judgement
In this sermon we consider Jesus weeping over Jerusalem since the Jews have rejected their Messiah. Jesus then clears out the temple, linking the judgment of the city upon the unfaithfulness in their worship. There are deep lessons for the church today. May we understand the gospel of peace and be salt and light in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. Passage: Luke 19:42-46