Mark H. Stevens, Th.D's Blog – March 2009 Archive (30)

An Introduction to Apologetics

The word "apologetics" comes from the Greek word "apologia," pronounced, "ap-ol-og-ee’-ah." It means, "a verbal defense." It is used eight times in the New Testament: Acts 22:1; 25:16; 1 Cor. 9:3; 2 Cor. 7:11; Phil. 1;7,17; 2 Tim. 4:16, and 1 Pet. 3:15. But it is the last verse that is most commonly associated with Christian apologetics.

"but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you,… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on March 7, 2009 at 5:34pm — No Comments

Spiritual Gifts and The Church

1 CORINTHIANS 12:28 NKJ

28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.

Because God appointed these in the church, they should no doubt function or operate in the church -- probably when it meets together.

1 CORINTHIANS 14:4-5 NKJ

4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on March 7, 2009 at 6:39am — No Comments

What Does The Bible Say About The Church?

BODY OF CHRIST

EPHESIANS 1:22-23 NKJ

22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church,

23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

1 TIMOTHY 3:15 NKJ

15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

The Church is the Body of… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on March 7, 2009 at 6:33am — No Comments

What is the church?

The Christian church can be seen in two ways: the visible and the invisible. The visible church is comprised of all who claim the name of Christian and who gather together for worship and participation of the sacraments: the Lord's Supper and Baptism. The members of the visible church claim the name of Christian (excluding the cults like the Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses, etc.). The visible church contains both believers and non-believers; that is, there are people in the visible church who… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on March 7, 2009 at 6:31am — No Comments

Essential Doctrines of Christianity

The Bible itself reveals those doctrines that are essential to the Christian faith. They are 1) the Deity of Christ, 2) Salvation by Grace, and 3) Resurrection of Christ, and 4) the gospel. These are the doctrines the Bible says are necessary. Though there are many other important doctrines, these four are the only ones that are declared by Scripture to be essential. A non-regenerate person, or a cultist (i.e., Mormon or Jehovah's Witness), will deny one or more of these essential doctrines.… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on March 2, 2009 at 7:37pm — 2 Comments

What is the Trinity?

The word "trinity" is a term used to denote the Christian doctrine that God exists as a unity of three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each of the persons is distinct from the other, yet related in essence. Each is divine in nature, but each is not the totality of the Godhead. Each has a will, loves, and says "I", and "You" when speaking. The Father is not the same person as the Son who is not the same person as the Holy Spirit who is not the same person as the Father. Each is… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on March 2, 2009 at 7:20pm — No Comments

Mentorship

Pastors have to be more accessible and be willing to mentor others towards being a successor. You are called to “pour into” the life of others.

Paul mentored Timothy and Titus like sons in the faith, and they looked to Paul like a father. Elisha learned at the feet of Elijah and went on to be a greater prophet of God. Jonathan was the rightful heir to Israel’s throne but he forsook that to mentor and befriend young David. My first two Pastors were instrumental in helping shape me… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on March 2, 2009 at 4:51am — 2 Comments

Sexual Sin is Killing the Effectiveness of The Church

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,… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on March 1, 2009 at 7:37pm — 1 Comment

“Holiness doesn’t mean isolation!”

One problem with man’s denominational teaching is that HOLINESS in many churches and groups means stay away from them sinners! The only way sinners can see Jesus Christ is through the Church (The Body of Christ). The local church is a part of the larger body of blood washed believers. Sinners can only see the light of Jesus Christ through US. Now I am not saying Christians should go to bars and nightclubs…BUT we do have to interact with sinners! Jesus went to places where people congregate. I… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on March 1, 2009 at 7:24pm — 3 Comments

Pastors have to teach something other than GIVING money!

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… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on March 1, 2009 at 7:22pm — 1 Comment