St Stephen Evangelical Church

Shine in the Darkness: Living the Light of Christ

In a dark prison cell, Paul and Silas chose praise over despair—and through their worship, the light of Christ broke chains and opened hearts. In Matthew 5, Jesus calls us the light of the world, not to be hidden but set on a stand for all to see. This week, we’ll explore how God calls each of us to shine His light in the darkest places. Just like Paul and Silas used their gifts of faith, worship, and courage to impact lives—even behind bars—we are called to use the gifts God has placed in us to bring hope, healing, and truth to others. Your light has a purpose. Let it shine

In a world full of competing voices and false gods, the question still stands: Who will you serve?

In this sermon Pastor Robbie Ballentine dives into one of the most powerful showdowns in Scripture — Elijah vs. the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). As the nation of Israel wavered between two opinions, Elijah issued a clear challenge: "If the Lord is God, follow Him!"

Don’t miss this message of courage, conviction, and commitment.

In this sermon, Pastor Robbie Ballentine will explore the profound impact of forgiveness on our lives and the lives of those around us. Drawing from biblical teachings and personal testimonies, we will examine how forgiveness is not just a commandment but a pathway to healing and freedom. Discover the transformative power of letting go of grudges and resentment and learn practical steps to foster a spirit of forgiveness in your heart. Join us as we reflect on the example set by Christ and the importance of forgiveness in our journey of faith, ultimately leading us to a life filled with peace, joy, and restored relationships.

A continued look into Matthew 13.  A simple but powerful story—a farmer goes out to sow seed, but only the seed that falls on good soil produces a fruitful harvest. It’s not just about hearing—it’s about being transformed.

In this inspiring sermon, we explore what it truly means to do everything as unto the Lord—whether in work, relationships, or the ordinary tasks of life. Based on Colossians 3:23-24, this message challenges us to shift our mindset from seeking human approval to living fully for God's glory. 

God’s love is not just a feeling—it's a way of life. In this message, Pastor Robbie Ballentine explores the deep, sacrificial, and transformational love of God as described in 1 Corinthians 13. This famous "love chapter" isn’t just poetic; it’s practical. It shows us what real love looks like in action: patient, kind, humble, forgiving, and enduring.

In this sermon, Pastor Robbie Ballentine explores the profound biblical principal that we reap what we sow. He gives insight into how God provides us with the necessary resources, opportunities, and talents to fulfill our purpose, but we must sow purposefully into the Kingdom.