Our finite minds can only understand a fraction of the triune nature of God, but that fraction will change our perspective entirely. Stephen brings us a profoundly practical lesson on Theology Proper.
Peter didn't point to the doctrine of election so that philosophers and theologians could have something to argue about over a cup of tea. He pointed to it so that isolated Christians could have hope in the midst of suffering.
Christians throughout the empire are being marginalized and scattered and many of them are questioning whether God has abandoned them. Who better to remind them of God's unfailing grace than Peter?
Christians throughout the empire are being marginalized and scattered and many of them are questioning whether God has abandoned them. Who better to remind them of God's unfailing grace than Peter?
In these final verses of Ecclesiastes, Solomon reflects on his journey to find truth, describes where that truth comes from, and then shares some final wisdom for his son from his life experience. As Stephen opens Solomon's journal for the final time in this series, he shares why these life truths are just as important today as they were when King Solomon sat on the throne of Israel.
King Solomon issues a warning: Death is not the final slumbering, death is the final awakening! Since life is short, with just a breath between you and death, it's vital to remember your Creator! Remembering your Creator means you won't become misguided in your youth -- you'll walk with Him. Remembering your Creator means you won't become miserable in your old age -- you'll trust Him. And remembering your Creator means you won't be mistaken at your death -- you believe in Him.
To the young, Solomon pulls his chair up close and says, "Listen; this is God’s Word; this is God's design; this is God's protection. Put sin as far away from you as you can. I want you to enjoy your youth; I want you to make the most of it, but you've got to do it God's way. God knows what's best; God created you, and God wants you to enjoy the gift of life He's given you. So: enjoy these early years thoroughly, invest these early years wisely, and guard these early years carefully."
There are many things in life we can't predict; don't let the unexpected events of life paralyze you with fear. There are a lot of mysteries too. But don't let the unexplainable mysteries of God's work in your life rob you of joy. While there is the sweet light of day -- this day which God has made, let's make the most of it -- for the glory of God.
Solomon gave us a description of how to aim your life in the wrong direction. The wisest thing you will ever do, to begin walking in the right direction, is to repent of your sin at the cross of Christ. The word repent literally means to turn around. To change direction. To allow Christ to lead you away from yourself and your fallen world, and walk with Him. And then, by following Him, you can influence and guide our world as we show forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into a marvelous light.
"A wise life is made up of a multitude of small things; little words, not eloquent speeches. It is not in one heroic effort, but through little things, that a life is wisely lived." That's another way of saying, wisdom is to be demonstrated out there in the routine, traffic patterns of life.
In this sermon, Stephen Davey recounts how Katharina Luther’s courageous escape from a convent and marriage to Martin Luther helped reshape the church’s view of marriage during the Reformation. Transformed by the truth of justification by faith alone in Romans 1:17, she entered a union that modeled commitment over compatibility, humility over self-interest, and ministry partnership over isolation. Despite public slander, hardship, and relentless labor, Katharina managed their home, finances, hospitality, and farm, enabling Luther’s preaching and teaching ministry to flourish. Their marriage demonstrated that the home could serve as a living testimony of the gospel and an extension of ministry. Davey concludes that Katharina’s quiet perseverance and sacrificial faithfulness became a revolutionary legacy of light for generations to follow.
In this sermon, Stephen Davey recounts how God sustained William Cowper through lifelong battles with severe depression and despair while using him to leave a lasting legacy of gospel truth. Though Cowper repeatedly wrestled with feelings of abandonment and even attempted suicide, God anchored his soul in the doctrine of Christ’s propitiation, especially through Romans 3:24–25. Davey explains that Cowper’s suffering did not signal God’s rejection but became the soil from which some of the church’s richest hymns of grace were written. Through faithful friends, Scripture, service, and God’s providence, Cowper continued to testify of salvation by grace alone. Davey concludes that powerful faith does not eliminate suffering, but it carries believers safely through it, proving that God’s mercy shines brightest in the darkest valleys.
In this sermon, Stephen Davey traces how God used Amy Carmichael’s strong will, suffering, and obedience to build a lasting legacy of eternal impact. From childhood determination to missionary service in India, Amy chose costly sacrifice over comfort, guided by her life verse about building with gold, silver, and precious stones. God redirected her ministry to rescue children trapped in temple prostitution, leading her to found the Dohnavur Fellowship, where hundreds of children found physical safety and spiritual life. Though misunderstood, criticized, and bedridden for her final twenty years, Amy continued to serve through writing and prayer. Davey concludes that God values the quality of faithful obedience over public success, and a life surrendered to Christ will shine long after it ends.
In this sermon, Stephen Davey traces how God used Hudson Taylor’s deep trust in the finished work of Christ to shape a life of radical faith, humility, and endurance. Converted as a teenager through meditating on Jesus’ words “It is finished,” Taylor learned early to rely on God alone for provision, direction, and strength. Davey highlights Taylor’s willingness to suffer loss, poverty, misunderstanding, and criticism in order to reach China’s interior with the gospel. By identifying with Chinese culture and trusting God through relentless trials, Taylor helped establish hundreds of mission stations and the China Inland Mission, which transformed an entire nation for Christ. Davey concludes that Taylor’s enduring legacy was not strategy or success, but childlike faith in an illustrious Master who accomplishes His work through willing, surrendered servants.
In this sermon, Stephen Davey traces how God used Oswald Chambers’ surrendered life to leave a lasting spiritual legacy far beyond his brief lifetime. Converted as a teenager, Chambers pursued ministry marked by humility, doctrinal depth, joyful faith, and an unwavering dependence on the Holy Spirit rather than methods or popularity. Serving as a YMCA chaplain during World War I, his Bible teaching and prayer ministry brought revival among soldiers facing death and despair. Though Chambers died at just forty-three, God multiplied his influence through the faithful work of his wife, Biddy, whose preservation of his sermons led to writings that continue to shape millions of believers worldwide. Davey concludes that a life fully surrendered to God may appear obscure for a time, but faithfulness empowered by the Spirit produces eternal fruit beyond imagination.
