Black Chaplains Association

Comment

Comment by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on May 10, 2009 at 2:23pm

“Be Sure Your Drink Isn’t Poisoned”

I was stationed at Dover AFB in November 1978 when the dead bodies came to be placed in the largest mortuary on the East Coast. There were so many bodies the First Sergeants had to wake many of us up at 3 AM to help unload bodies off of the C-5/A aircrafts and move furniture to make room. I will never forget the stench of death at Dover that week.

I received a Commendation medal for helping move bodies and equipment. That was something I pray to God I never have to experience again. The real tragedy is that it COULD have been prevented if only somebody read their Bible. Before Jim Jones took those people to Guyana, it is recorded that he preached a sermon in Indiana where he uttered these chilling words, “You don’t need to read the Bible anymore, just listen to me”. I don’t know how many left the church after he said that but the church SHOULD have emptied out. How did over 900 people choose to drink cyanide laced Flavor-Aid (It really wasn’t Kool Aid) because their Pastor told them to?

Jim Jones was able to take hundreds of lives in Guyana because someone refused to listen to their gut (spirit). I firmly believe in supporting the local church and helping pastors, I want to make that clear. However there is a real epidemic of spiritually stupid "saints" that don't study their Bibles and try every spirit by the Spirit. We were given the ability to discern so we WON'T end up giving our money to crooks and drinking poison Kool-Aid!

Many of today's most prominent preachers would be labeled heretics hundreds of years ago because MOST clergymen were devout Theologians and serious students of scripture. Today ordination papers and licenses are given to anyone that says they are called to preach. I agree that being Spirit-filled and called is the first priority of being a preacher, but ALSO there has to be training…SERIOUS TRAINING! A lack of understanding of just the basic Bible doctrines of the faith can lead to the types of abuses I am talking about. Martin Luther was able to stand up to the lies of Rome because he was filled with the knowledge of the truth. I am a Pentecostal preacher, I believe in the Charismatic Gifts of the Spirit, but that doesn't negate the fact that we must have a scholarly approach to the scriptures and its teachings.
Chaplain Mark H. Stevens, M.Min

Comment by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on May 4, 2009 at 9:44pm

“If you don’t address sexual immorality in your church, it will die!”
The children of Israel were lured away from their relationship with the Lord by sexual sin. God constantly warned Israel not to intermarry and fornicate with the heathen nations around them. Sexual intercourse unites the parties involved emotionally; this is called a SOUL TIE. This is why married couples are not truly married until they have sexual intercourse; it is the consummation of the marriage. When sex takes place between unmarried people they are still emotionally tied to one another, this is why Israel backslid and followed the god’s of other nations. The church is modern Israel! The devil uses the SAME tactics today! That is why pornography is a 90 billion dollar a year industry! Too many pastors have 1st ladies and 2nd ladies on the side! Too many choir directors are sweeter than the morning danish! Too many women in church are being used by Satan to help tempt men to sin! I won’t leave out anyone because there is enough blame to go around WE MUST REPENT! Solomon was the worlds wisest man in the world, he was anointed by God to lead the mightiest kingdom on earth, yet he threw it all away because his desire for women. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines, and the scripture say he LOVED THEM ALL! Satan knows that woman was created for man. God created woman not only to be a companion, but also as a helper and advisor. Satan always perverts what God creates. Remember King Ahab? He was Israel’s most wicked king, guess were he got all of his advice? His wife Jezebel!
(Romans chapter one; Proverbs 7:14-26; I Corinthians 7)

Comment by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on May 2, 2009 at 6:34pm

True holiness is fearless and confrontational, we are supposed to stand in the midst of evil and be a beacon. How can evil men and women be converted and saved unless WE lead them to Christ Jesus? One of the first things I noticed after I got filled with the Holy Ghost was a dose of courage. I always thought I was a pretty brave guy, but the power of the Holy Spirit is like steroids for the soul. I have preached on street corners, prisons, mental institutions, overseas in Muslim countries, and anywhere the Holy Ghost leads me.

Comment by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on May 2, 2009 at 6:04pm

Pastors have to teach soul-winning to the congregations, NOT just to increase numbers, but to also stir up gifts in the assembly of God. Spiritual gifts are activated when we do ministry, in particular soul-winning. The Gifts of the Spirit are not for show, they are for WORK. Every one of the Gifts are primarily given so we can win the lost and help them get filled with the Holy Ghost and make them disciples of Christ. (Acts 1:8) It grieves the Lord when he sees ministers become hirelings with no concern for lost souls. Too many churches are showcases or museums built to display the egos of the leaders. Churches named after men and women with their pictures plastered everywhere. Jesus was so low-key and humble when He did His fathers business. Jesus favorite title was "Son of Man". Jesus was God in the Flesh yet He carried himself as a lowly servant. It amazes me when I meet ministers for the first time and they introduce themselves as "Apostle" or "Evangelist", Jesus didn't even do that, in fact he called his disciples friends. Some ministers today are so high minded they won't even talk to you, you have to go through their "administrative assistant" or "armour bearer". And we think God is pleased with our foolishness? Freely you received...freely you give.

1Co 9:16 Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

1Co 9:17 If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.


30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. (Prov. 11)

Comment by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on April 29, 2009 at 8:55pm

Healing as taught in the Bible takes some interesting turns when it comes into the modern Church. Divine healing is a controversial subject.

I believe in and have seen the healing hand of God, medically and divinely. God has provided for our healing in both the Spiritual and physical realms.

There is healing in the atonement given us by Christ Jesus. However, many so called Spirit filled Christians are not content with the revealed promises of God. Instead, they seek that which is borne out through human confirmation.

Let’s focus on two Greek words that highlight our need for further understanding.

The Greek words are Therapeuoo/ and iaomai/ Both of those words are translated “heal” in the English Bibles, and that is part of the problem.

I was recently surprised to find how little many so-called Spirit-filled Christians understand biblical, divine healing.

A Bible lesson publisher for many Churches recently sent out a lesson, in which the two words used in this text of this article were commingled. The result was that spiritual healing and physical healing were presented in the same lesson context. It was as though the writer had no concept of the Greek text or the difference between spiritual and physical healing.

Prior to getting to that point, let’s look at a separate point.

Matt 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.

Before you go plucking your eyes out, you need to understand that the word “offend” (Gr. skandalizei-) speaks of enticing you to sin. Whenever you see something that may entice you to sin, please be aware that it is your brain that computes what you see. And since you may not be able to determine which eye enticed you, you might consider cutting your own head off before you pluck out your eyes. Besides, Christ said nothing about the left eye. Christ was reducing that “teaching” to the ridiculous.

Now, back to healing: The so-called Bible lesson included:

Matt 8:16 When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed (from the Greek therapeuoo-) all that were sick:

And in the same section the publisher used,

1 Pet 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed (from the Greek iaomai-).

Now to be sure the iaomai form of healing may include physical, therapeutic healing, but it need not and in many cases does not include physical, therapeutic healing. The two are not synonymous. The healing spoken of in Matthew 8:18 is physical. The healing referenced in 1 Peter 2:24 is spiritual. They are not synonymous.

The Bible is the book of good news.

Isa 35:5-6a
5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.
6 Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. (NKJV)

Many Christians are looking forward to their “resurrection” body. They incorrectly assume that all physical flaws (height, weight, personal scars, etc.) will be healed and their “resurrection” body will somehow appear as if God has done spiritual plastic surgery on them. That may not be the case!

As you recall, following the resurrection when Christ appeared to His Apostles in the room and walked into a closed room, His appearance was not substantially altered from His appearance while on the cross. At the time that Christ was received back into heaven (Acts 1:11) there was no indication that His physical appearance was substantially changed in respect to the wounds in His side, or hands, or feet.

Comment by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on April 27, 2009 at 6:58am

Five Stages of Grief 1. Denial and Isolation.
At first, we tend to deny the loss has taken place, and may withdraw from our usual social contacts. This stage may last a few moments, or longer.
2. Anger.
The grieving person may then be furious at the person who inflicted the hurt (even if she's dead), or at the world, for letting it happen. He may be angry with himself for letting the event take place, even if, realistically, nothing could have stopped it.
3. Bargaining.
Now the grieving person may make bargains with God, asking, "If I do this, will you take away the loss?"
4. Depression.
The person feels numb, although anger and sadness may remain underneath.
5. Acceptance.
This is when the anger, sadness and mourning have tapered off. The person simply accepts the reality of the loss.
Grief And Stress
During grief, it is common to have many conflicting feelings. Sorrow, anger, loneliness, sadness, shame, anxiety, and guilt often accompany serious losses. Having so many strong feelings can be very stressful.
Yet denying the feelings, and failing to work through the five stages of grief, is harder on the body and mind than going through them. When people suggest "looking on the bright side," or other ways of cutting off difficult feelings, the grieving person may feel pressured to hide or deny these emotions. Then it will take longer for healing to take place.
Recovering From Grief
Grieving and its stresses pass more quickly, with good self-care habits. It helps to have a close circle of family or friends. It also helps to eat a balanced diet, drink enough non-alcoholic fluids, get exercise and rest.
Most people are unprepared for grief, since so often, tragedy strikes suddenly, without warning. If good self-care habits are always practiced, it helps the person to deal with the pain and shock of loss until acceptance is reached.
Friends, relatives, and neighbors are usually supportive at the time of a death and during the wake and funeral that follows. Food, flowers, and physical presence are among the thoughtful expressions. But after the funeral, many grieving people wonder where their friends are. In some ways they need support and caring from their friends even more when the reality hits and the long process of grief begins. Ways of helping grieving people are as limitless as your imagination. Some suggestions are:
• Try to understand the grief process rather than be annoyed by it.
• "I'm sorry" or "I care" is all that is necessary to say; a squeeze of the hand, a hug, a kiss can say the words.
• Don't say: "You will get over it in time." They will never stop missing the person who died. Time may soften the hurt, but it will not just go away. There will always be a scar.
• Listen, listen, and listen. Talking about the pain slowly lessens its sting. Most bereaved persons need to talk. It is helpful for someone to listen. Try to become an effective listener.
• Don't tell people: "It's God's will." Explanations do not console.
• Encourage expressions of specific feelings: anger, guilt, frustration, confusion, depression, hate.
• Be patient. Mourning takes time. People need you. Stand by them for as long as possible. There is no timetable for grief. Do not give a pep talk or suggest a timetable.
• Talk about the good memories. They help the healing process.
• Suggest that grieving people take part in support groups. Sharing similar experiences helps healing.

Comment by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on April 27, 2009 at 6:45am

Volunteering at a hospital plays an important role in the healing of patients and assisting their families. Serving others is a special gift and hospitals are searching for those who will serve patients in all areas. Volunteering provides the meaningful and rewarding sense of serving others and the community.All hospitals and institutions have rules and regulations primarily to protect the patients and the staff. HIPAA The Health Portability and Accountability Act was enacted by Congress in 1996 to protect patient information. You will receive a HIPAA breifing before you start volunteering.

1. Remember the patient’s needs and agenda is paramount, when visiting a patient remember their room is like their home, they can accept your visit or decline. Don’t be offended if a patient say’s they don’t want a visit. The patient may accept a visit but decline prayer or reading material THAT is their right.
2. Do not prosletyse! Your primary purpose is to listen to the patient and offer prayer if they accept it. If they decide they want to discuss matters of faith then proceed with calm patience. Never argue religious beliefs with a patient.
3. If the patient in question of of a faith different than yours don’t ignore that patient, offer a smile and the same warmth you would anyone else.
4. If the patient doesn’t speak English try and find a Chaplain of volunteer that may speak their language. We may have literature or Bibles in their language.
5. Never interfere with a doctor or nurse’s duties! If a doctor comes in to speak to a patient excuse yourself and offer to return later. Doctors are spread thin and have to visit a lot of patients. The doctor and or the patient may not feel comfortable with you (a stranger) standing there (Remember HIPAA)
6. If there is a code quickly step aside and stay out of the medical staff’s way.
7. Always introduce yourself at the nurses desk before you visit patient(s), this prevents embarrassing situations later on, like someone challenging your presence. Don’t be offended if someone asks to see your badge or ask who you are. Remember you may only come there one day a week, the staff may not recognize you.
8. Become familiar with the codes on your badge
9. Sometimes the staff especially in the Emergency Room and Trauma may be very busy and not overly talkative, remember they are in the business of saving lives and are usually under a lot of stress themselves. They need our support and prayers as do the patients.
10. Before starting your shift check with the pastoral care office and see where you are best needed.

Comment by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on April 26, 2009 at 5:19pm

If you hand a tract to a man that hasn’t eaten in over 24 hours without a sandwich, chances are you won’t reach that man for Jesus Christ! Jesus fed the 5,000 not so He could show off and impress people! He realized that sending them away in the middle of nowhere without food could be hazardous to their health. He was not just concerned with them hearing the Word; He was concerned about their well being also. Too many of us go to church in our big cars and SUV’s on full stomachs and sit next to someone whose stomach is empty. God forbid! We are often the miracle someone needs! You may not think you are rich, but $20 to some people might be a miracle! We spend money on newspapers, coffee, and bagels every morning on our way to work, and some people sleep on the morning paper and eat the left over bagel you threw away because it was not toasted to perfection for you! The 12 disciples wanted to send the 5,000 away, so do most churches in America. We call the homeless lazy and say they must “pull themselves up by the bootstraps!” That is Republicanism not Christianity talking! Some people are one missing payday from being homeless. I am disabled and I know from personal experience, only the grace of God keeps some of us from sleeping in the street! Another hard fact is that there are SAVED homeless people! For that matter Jesus was born in a homeless situation! The Bible say’s “When you give to the poor, it is like lending to God.” (James 2:5; Leviticus 19:15; Galatians 2:10)

Comment by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on April 24, 2009 at 8:44am

Evangelism and Deliverance


LUKE 4:16-21 - Isaiah prophesied that Jesus earthly ministry would consist of PREACHING, HEALING, and DELIVERANCE.


LUKE 7:20-23 - Jesus ministered to Lepers, the blind, the crippled, and the poor.

Peter described Jesus ministry as one that went about DOING good and HEALING all under the Devil’s power. The ministry of deliverance is something Jesus expects us to carry out today. (Acts 10:38 and Mark 16:20)

Jesus told Herod that nothing would keep Him from driving out demons and healing people. (Luke 13:31-32)


Jesus trained His disciples for DELIVERANCE ministry

LUKE 9:1-2,10 – “When Jesus called the Twelve together HE GAVE THEM POWER…” Power to cast out devils.

MATTHEW 28:18-20 – Jesus gave His disciples an outline of how to get the job done after He left.


Jesus intended for His followers to carry out the ministry of SALVATION, HEALING, & DELIVERANCE. He also commissioned 72 others to do the same work. (Luke 10:1-17)

Jesus did not come to just to die, but to set an EXAMPLE of what REAL MINISTRY is to be. In many of our churches we call many things ministry, but REAL ministry centers around SALVATION, HEALING, and DELIVERANCE.

SALVATION - The Spirit
DELIVERANCE – The Soul
HEALING – The Body

Jesus is ALWAYS interested in the TOTAL man! He cares for us in such a special way. We must render Jesus type of care to the world and the church.



The LAYING ON of Hands

Laying hands on the sick is considered an ELEMENTARY TEACHING which ALL Christians should partake in. (See Hebrews 6: 1-2 and James 5: 14-15)

One problem I have found in the modern church is that we have made the church a CLERGY run entity. God meant the church to be driven by ALL of the saints. We are a body of BELIEVERS and BELIEVERS are supposed to CAST OUT DEVILS, PREACH THE GOSPEL, and LAY HANDS on the sick.
(James 5:16 and Mark 16:20)





Evangelism, Healing, and Deliverance were not just for the APOSTLES! This is a lie many Seminarians teach and advocate. I too am a college-educated preacher, however I know that the Word of God teaches that ordinary men and women participated in the work of the ministry.

Ananias was not an APOSTLE, he was an ordinary Christian, just like you and I, yet he prayed for Paul’s HEALING and that he would receive the BAPTISM in the HOLY GHOST. Healing the sick is NOT just for the Apostles! The signs are designed to follow THEM THAT BELIEVE! Believers are supposed to BELIEVE that Jesus power is yet for today. I am a firm believer that we don’t see the miraculous because we don’t EXPECT the miraculous. (Mark 16:20, Luke 1:37, and Phil. 4:13)

Christians usually are terrified of dealing with the demonic in any way shape or form. Yes demons are powerful, but God is all-powerful! Demons are not afraid of humans, however they are afraid of the Christ in us. Believers in Jesus have been given authority through His name.

Comment by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on April 22, 2009 at 8:01pm

It is official I am in charge of training the Protestant volunteers at Cooper, I will be holding traing classes at 3 Cooper Plaza, room 506 @ 6pm - 7pm on Fridays. You will need to get a TB test if you decide to be a volunteer, and you will need a new badge, any OLD badges you may have will NOT be good, for more info give me call 609-346-8343 Chaplain M. H. Stevens

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