Mark H. Stevens, Th.D's Blog – May 2009 Archive (87)

The Purpose of Holiness

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 May 2, 2009 at 6:23pm — No Comments

Pastors Wake UP!!!

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 May 2, 2009 at 6:06pm — No Comments

The First Work Of The Holy Spirit

John 16:7b-9,12-13a (Phi) "For if I did not go away, the divine Helper would not come to you. But if I go, then I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convince the world of the meaning of sin, of true goodness, and of judgment. He will expose their sin because they do not believe in me."... "I have much more to tell you but you cannot bear it now. Yet, when that one I have spoken of comes--the Spirit of truth--he will guide you into everything that is true."

Ps 69:5 (NIV) You… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on May 2, 2009 at 3:48pm — No Comments

False Teachers Either: 1) Add-To Or Modify The Message, or 2) Are "Antichrist"

Gal 3:1-5 (Phi) O you dear idiots of Galatia, who saw Jesus Christ the crucified so plainly, who has been casting a spell over you? I will ask you one simple question: did you receive the Spirit by trying to keep the Law or by believing the message of the gospel? Surely you can't be so stupid as to think that you begin your spiritual life in the Spirit and then complete it by reverting to physical observances? Has all your painful experience brought you nowhere? I simply cannot believe it! Does… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on May 2, 2009 at 3:43pm — No Comments

Plurality of God:

Gen. 1:26, "Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness..."

Gen. 19:24, "Then the LORD rained on Sodom and Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven."

Amos 4:10-11, "‘I sent a plague among you after the manner of Egypt; I slew your young men by the sword along with your captured horses, and I made the stench of your camp rise up in your nostrils; yet you have not returned to Me,' declares the LORD. ‘I overthrew you as God overthrew Sodom and… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on May 2, 2009 at 1:18pm — 1 Comment

Warning for New Believers

Once you get saved, the devil will try to make sure that you encounter false doctrine. Your faith is tender and you will be prone to believe anything people tell you about the Bible (that's why you need to read it for yourself everyday). If you have any questions, please write me and I will direct you to the appropriate scriptures. Please heed these warnings: 1. Don't let anybody tell you that you have to "speak in tongues" to show that you are saved. These people take one or two passages out… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on May 2, 2009 at 5:33am — No Comments

How Strongholds Take Root

In order to fully understand how to pull down strongholds, it is first important that we understand how it is they first took root in our lives.

1. Strongholds Come From Worldly Influence.

1 John 5:19 We know that we are of God, & the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.

Many strongholds are a result of an accumulation of uncrucified thoughts and unsanctified attitudes that have ruled our lives… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on May 1, 2009 at 4:08pm — No Comments