Good Shepherd Barrhaven Sermon Stream

What happens when we don't think we get what's coming to us? It's easy to grumble in Christian life because we believe God is blessing others more than us. But what happens to our spiritual walk when we grumble? In this sermon, Fr. Stephen reflects on the danger of pride and considers why it might be wise to let go of our desire for God to be fair. We actually need Him to be generous.Scripture Passage: Matthew 20:1-16Preached on the 16th Sunday after Pentecost, the 20th of September, by Rev. Stephen SilverthorneSermon HighlightsPerspective affects how we understand Jesus' parablesHow this parable invites us to see ourselves as needing graceHow this parable invites us to extend grace to othersHow this parable invites us to reimagine service to GodFurther Interest:The Rabbit-Duck Illusion. An illustration of how perception changes depending on one's perspective. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Good Shepherd's full service - broadcast for those at home due to Coronavirus Quarantine. Listen in to our music, prayers, sermon and Eucharist. Today's sermon topic: living water. Have a listen. Sermon begins at 17:45Scripture Passage: John 4:5-42Held on the 3rd Sunday in Lent, March 15, 2020 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Most Christians are used to hearing the term "born again", but how many of us think through what it means for us? How are we born again, and what does it look like to be born again? Fr. Stephen's sermon today confronts the challenge of rebirths which don't seem to take. We sometimes want rebirth, but don't end up with the lasting change the rebirth implies. Christ offers us a rebirth which is eternal, and which has effects in our lives today.Sermon Passage: John 3:1-17Preached on March 8, 2020, the 2nd Sunday in Lent, by the Rev. Stephen SilverthorneSermon HighlightsTerms like born again should be re-examined because they are too familiarTrue rebirth is a genuine new start, and something undertaken by GodIsrael, Church and Individuals often attempt a new start, without lasting resultsJesus' death and resurrection are a true rebirthWe enjoy a true rebirth by casting ourselves on Jesus See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Temptation is part of human life. We know we should say no, but it's very tough. What do we do when we want to do something which seems fine, but God says no? In today's sermon, we see Jesus himself being tempted with things that aren't bad in themselves. Yet, he says no. Listen as Fr. Stephen explains how the core temptation isn't to do something bad, but instead to doubt God's love for us.Scripture Passages: Genesis 3:1-7; Psalm 32:6-7; Matthew 4:1-11Preached on the First Sunday in Lent, March 1st, 2020 by Rev. Stephen SilverthorneSermon HighlightsTemptation is most difficult when we are tempted with something goodJesus is tempted with things he has the right to enjoyJesus says no because God said the time is wrongWe are tempted in the same wayGod tells us no for our own goodWe must ask if we trust GodWe must ask if it is something which helps us become more like God wants us to be See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Worship is enjoyable for many, but for many others, it seems pointless. Why spend time praising God when you could be out doing good in the world? In today's sermon, Fr. Stephen reflects on the transfiguration of Jesus and what it says to us about the value of worship today.Scripture Passage: Matthew 17:1-8Preached on Transfiguration Sunday, February 23, 2020 by Rev. Stephen SilverthorneSermon HighlightsWorship can seem pointlessThe Transfiguration reveals that worship transforms peopleTrue worship orients worshippers to serviceOur worship is made complete when we reflect God's love in the world See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We all know there are rules to follow in life. Yet, we aren't always very good in following them. This can make Christian life seem impossible: we can't live up to what God asks of us. In this sermon, Fr. Stephen walks us through a very difficult passage with rules we cannot possibly keep. Jesus says these things to encourage us to seek the purpose of the law--not just to obey it but to embrace it as something good. The result isn't more obedient slaves, but more virtuous children.Scripture Passage: Matthew 5:21-37Preached on the 6th Sunday after Epiphany, February 16th, 2020 by Rev. Stephen SilverthorneSermon HighlightsJesus' hard teachings are meant to surprise and shockBut they are given by a Lord who loves and understands usJesus calls us to embrace the purpose of the lawLaw's purpose is to make us more godlyGodliness comes with attacking sin at its rootDeal with motivations for sin by working on relationshipsDivorce is a broken relationshipJesus calls us to lean into marriage, not look for a loophole to

The great Christians of old can seem like giants of faith. Yet, Jesus shows us that his most faithful followers may actually be the ones you don't notice. In his sermon today, Fr. Stephen reveals how Jesus' disciples are called to be like salt and light. Neither of these draw attention to themselves, but instead help bring out the best in the world around them.Scripture Reference: Matthew 5:13-20Preached on the 5th Sunday after Epiphany, February 9, 2020 by Rev. Stephen SilverthorneSermon HighlightsSalt and light don't draw attention to themselvesBoth make their surroundings betterWe are called to make our surroundings betterJesus fulfils the lawHe shows that the law is meant to bring out the best in usWe can't do this ourselvesWe must rely on Jesus' grace to love the law and accomplish its purposes See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The church often celebrates milestones in Jesus' life and ministry, like his birth, his death and his resurrection. Yet, we don't always understand why they matter. In the church today, we celebrated the Presentation of the Lord. This recalls when Jesus was brought to the temple for the first time as an infant. But so what? What does it tell us about Christian life? In today's sermon, Fr. Stephen explains how this event shows us the importance of our relationship with Jesus as a real person. It also shows how everyday people have important parts to play in God's plans for the worldScripture Reference: Luke 2:22-40Preached on the Presentation of the Lord, February 2, 2020 by Rev. Stephen SilverthorneSermon HighlightsJesus is presented in obedience to law of MosesLaw was a reminder that God saved Israel's firstborn in EgyptLuke emphasis the person and body of JesusJesus is valued as a person, not just for his teachingsWe are challenged to trust him as a person, not just his teachingsSimeon and Anna are not famo

Youth are at a challenging stage in life. They are drawn to adult tasks but aren't always mentored and equipped to take them on. In this reflection, representatives from the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa's Youth Internship Program speak to us about the ways our diocese is helping young adults grow in maturity and in confidence.Scripture reference: 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-23Preached on the 3rd Sunday after Epiphany, January 26, 2020 by Donna Rourke and Alex RogersReflection HighlightsInformation on the Youth Internship ProgramReflection on Scripture passagesPersonal reflection by a youth internFurther ReferenceYouth Internship Program. Information about the program on the Diocese's websiteL'Arche Canada. Information on this compassionate program for the disabled. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Humility is challenging, and not just because we think we're perfect in every way. It requires us to ignore our desire for praise, and instead desire to do what is right and good. This is especially important in Christian life, where we are called to seek Christ's honour above our own. So, how do we overcome our natural aversion to humility? In this sermon, Fr. Stephen points to John the Baptist as an example of what humility looks like, and how it works in Christian life today.Scripture Reference: John 1:29-43Preached on the 2nd Sunday after Epiphany, January 19, 2020 by Rev. Stephen SilverthorneSermon HighlightsHumility requires putting a goal above your own needsJohn's ministry was powerful and high-profileHe is great because he gave glory to Jesus above himselfWe crave praise because we need to feel importantFollowing Jesus means trusting he finds us importantThus, we don't need to seek praiseWe glorify Jesus by spending time with himSpending time helps us absorb his lightThis light helps people see Jesus

Christian life can sometimes confuse us. We hear that we are beloved daughters and sons of God, but we also hear that we are supposed to behave well. That means sometimes when we haven't behaved well, we can wonder if we really are loved. In today's sermon on Jesus' baptism, Fr. Stephen explains how this tells us something important about our own baptism. We are fully loved because we are fully part of God's family. Yet, just as a parent trains a child to grow into maturity, God's direction trains us to show the world what God is like. Tune in to learn more.Scripture Reference: Matthew 3:13-17Preached on the Baptism of the Lord, January 12, 2020 by Rev. Stephen SilverthorneSermon HighlightsJesus' baptism is affirmation and commissioningOur baptism affirms us as adopted childrenOur baptism gives us a missionWe follow Jesus' mission in our own contextJesus' mission was to comfort the hurting and bring light to darknessThis is our mission too See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Everyone today seems anxious and fearful. Yet, we live in a time of unprecedented prosperity, peace, and stability. Why don't we feel better, when there are so many things going right? In this sermon, Fr. Stephen suggests that a key reason is that we don't appreciate what the Epiphany story tells us. It tells us that even when bad actors take the stage, there is a Divine director who is in control. This Divine director brought us Jesus, and is the One we can trust to see us through to a bright future.Scripture Reference: Matthew 2:1-12Preached on January 5, 2020, the Feast of the Epiphany by Rev. Stephen SilverthorneSermon HighlightsChaos and lack of control leave us anxiousThe story of the magi reveals that God is in controlDespite modern prosperity, we are anxiousThis anxiety comes because we realize we don't have much controlWe are freed from anxiety when we learn to let God take controlTrust in God's control of things we cannot change lets us focus on the things we canFurther ReferenceThe Second Coming. A

The world is full of big, important people doing big, important things. Yet, what about the unremarkable lives most of us live? Fr. Stephen explains how Christmas reveals the value God places on ordinary lives.Scripture reference: Luke 2:1-20Preached on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2019 by Rev. Stephen SilverthorneSermon HighlightsMost of us wonder if our lives have meaningChristmas tells the story of lives which don't seem meaningful at firstYet, God's messengers show us that they really areThe ongoing message of Christmas is to show us our lives are meaningfulFurther ReferenceIt's a Wonderful Life. A heart-warming story of an ordinary man who comes to understand the importance and meaning of his life's actions. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Most of us at some time wish we got more credit for what we do. We see others getting praised, when we know we work just as hard as them. Sometimes, others get to shine as stars when we are left in supporting roles. Yet, the Bible often shows us that supporting characters are deeply important to the story of salvation. In this sermon, Fr. Stephen holds up St. Joseph as an example of the importance supporting characters play. His supportive role, behind the scenes, is what allows the main characters to shine and what allows the drama of salvation to play out as God intended.Scripture reference: Matthew 1:18-25Preached on the 4th Sunday of Advent, December 22, 2019 by Rev. Stephen SilverthorneSermon HighlightsSupporting characters can make or break a film productionSt. Joseph is a supporting character in Jesus' storyJoseph has the humility to allow Jesus to shineJoseph has the obedience to do as God commandsChristians who work without fame are just as important as those who have itChristian faithfulness comes f

Unanswered prayers and unrealized hopes are some of the most difficult challenges to our faith. Sometimes, they can leave us feeling that God has lost interest in us, or perhaps doesn't love us very much. In today's sermon, Fr. Stephen challenges us to ask whether our disappointments come from God's inaction, or whether they come from us not looking where God is acting. He is at work, but we need the eyes to see it.Scripture Passages: Matthew 11:2-19; Isaiah 35Preached on the 3rd Sunday of Advent, December 15, 2009 by Rev.Stephen SilverthorneSermon HighlightsWe often fail to distinguish between needs and wantsJohn the Baptist was a faithful prophetJohn the Baptist was disappointed that Jesus didn't act in the way he expectedJohn was challenged to see God worked in different way than expectedWe are challenged in the same wayWhen the world or our lives go wrong, we expect certain action from GodWe need humility to ask God to show where He is at work, not just where we want Him to be See acast.com/privacy for pr

We all want peace. Yet, do we dare to hope for it when this has so often been disappointed? Peace isn't easy, and it is costly. Here, Rev. Lisa Pacarynuk reflects on the hope for peace, and the cost of making peace. Peace comes through repentance. This is more than feeling sorry. It is in turning our lives around to become peacemakers through God's graceScripture Reference: Matthew 3:1-12Preached on the 2nd Sunday of Advent, December 8, 2019 by Rev. Lisa PacarynukSermon HighlightsWe often despair that peace doesn't comeYet, peace isn't something we passively receivePeace is made through actionJohn the Baptist calls us to repentanceRepentance means changing direction, and making peace our personal responsibilityIn Advent, we hope for change because God's grace makes us agents of changeChrist's coming means preparing ourselves and our world for His comingThis involves us owning our need for changeChrist's power destroys the old in order to change us for the better See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out i

Homelessness and poverty are large societal problems. They can seem overwhelming to us. Yet, scripture tells us repeatedly that caring for the poor, the homeless and the children are central to God's mission. How can we practice bring justice and hope when we feel so helpless? Rev. Ken Maclaren, the director of Ottawa Inner City Ministries, speaks to us on the work he and his organization does for the poor of Ottawa. He also gives guidance on how we can join in this important work as everyday disciples of Jesus.Scripture Passage: Micah 6:8Preached on the First Sunday of Advent, December 1, 2019 by Rev. Ken MaclarenSermon HighlightsScripture repeatedly tells us to do small things which advance justiceWe can do small things which lead up to a big difference in people's livesJustice begins with treating people as peopleTry seeing homeless people as people rather than problemsTake time to listen to people's storiesPay attention to your own assumptionsJesus took time for people and listened to their storiesWe can

Christians call Jesus King. Yet, we also say he died a very undignified and shameful death. What kind of king is Jesus, who lets himself be captured, humiliated and tortured to death on a cross? This sermon argues that the way Jesus died isn't a sign of his weakness. Instead, it's a sign that he is a king who is willing to suffer any kind of shame and pain in order to complete his mission of grace.Scripture Passage: Luke 23:33-46Preached on Christ the King Sunday, November 24, 2019 by Rev. Stephen SilverthorneSermon HighlightsMost people fear humiliation as much as they fear deathThe Church shows us her king suffering both of theseThis doesn't reveal Jesus as weakIt reveals a king who is willing to suffer for the sake of his mission of liberationThe Church is called to accomplish the king's mission on earthThis means sometimes accepting shame and marginalizationEach Christian is called to accomplish Jesus' mission their own lifeThis means sometimes accepting shame and marginalization tooFurther ReferenceThey

Christians are used to hearing that God loves us. Yet, how often do we hear that God loves even the rocks, trees and animals? Today's sermon reflects on the value God places on all of creation, and what creation can tell us about ourselves and our God.Scripture References: Genesis 1 & 2; Joel 2:21-27; Matthew 6:25-34Preached on Rogation Sunday, November 17, 2019 by Rev. Stephen SilverthorneSermon HighlightsAll creatures on earth are dependent on each otherWe should take steps to remind ourselves of this dependenceHumans have special responsibility to the rest of creationOur role in creation should remind us of God's role in our livesWe can learn from pets what our attitude to God should be See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Today's culture makes us believe that romantic success is the most important of human achievements. Yet, Jesus himself neither married nor had children. Jesus' teaching tells us that marriage is important, but ultimately a means to an end. It serves to prepare us for the life of resurrection which is to come. Yet, in Christ it is not the only way we are prepared. Instead, the church should offer us a place where both the single and married find opportunities to serve and to grow more fully into maturityScripture Reference: Luke 20:27-40Preached on the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost, November 10, 2019 by Rev. Stephen SilverthorneSermon HighlightsInformation on the SadduceesInformation on Israel's marriage practicesJesus gives picture of resurrection lifeMarriage is meant to help us achieve that, but is not the only thing which canJesus makes his disciples his familyChurch should be a place where singles find a true familyMarriage provides opportunity to serve like Jesus didSingleness and marriage are twin paths w