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Good Shepherd Barrhaven Sermon Stream

Why Can't We Be Friends?

Loving your enemies is a core Christian teaching, but sometimes this seems impossible. At best, we usually just end up tolerating those we dislike. In this sermon, Fr. Stephen reveals that St. Paul shows us Jesus does much more than tolerate enemies: he reconciles them.

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  • 136. The Last Shall Be First

    22:18
    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.
  • 11. 3rd Sunday in Lent

    01:04:15
    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
  • 10. Hope Reborn

    20:56
    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
  • 9. Very Tempting!

    21:08
    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
  • 8. Glowing for God

    19:21
    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
  • 7. Laying Down the Law

    20:57
    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 get out of it
  • 6. Salty Faith

    15:59
    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
  • 5. Let Your Light Shine

    17:49
    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 famous, yet are importantWe don't need to be famous to be important to GodWe too have important roles to play, chosen for us by GodFurther ReferenceCandlemas. Some information on the festival, its origins, and how it is celebrated
  • 4. Youth Internship Program

    12:02
    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.