Good Shepherd Barrhaven Sermon Stream Rev. Stephen Silverthorne

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 20:1-16
Preached on the 16th Sunday after Pentecost, the 20th of September, by Rev. Stephen Silverthorne

Sermon 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 God
Further Interest:
The Rabbit-Duck Illusion. An illustration of how perception changes depending on one's perspective.

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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 17:45
Scripture Passage: John 4:5-42
Held on the 3rd Sunday in Lent, March 15, 2020

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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 3:1-17
Preached on March 8, 2020, the 2nd Sunday in Lent, by the Rev. Stephen Silverthorne

Sermon 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


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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 4:1-11
Preached on the First Sunday in Lent, March 1st, 2020 by Rev. Stephen Silverthorne

Sermon 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
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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 17:1-8
Preached on Transfiguration Sunday, February 23, 2020 by Rev. Stephen Silverthorne

Sermon 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
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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 5:21-37
Preached on the 6th Sunday after Epiphany, February 16th, 2020 by Rev. Stephen Silverthorne

Sermon 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 get out of it
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