Mark H. Stevens, Th.D's Blog – July 2009 Archive (32)

Five-Fold Ministry

As the church of Jesus Christ continues the upward climb from the abyss of the "Dark Ages" to its place of pre-determined glory, of ruling among the nations, we are experiencing a tremendous unfolding of scriptures, as the Holy Spirit releases revelation after revelation. One such scripture of major importance is Ephesians: 4: 11-13

While we have come to accept the ministry gifts of Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers, it has not been quite so, with that of the Prophet and Apostle. To this… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on July 31, 2009 at 2:20pm — 2 Comments

Book Can Be Purchased on Amazon.Com

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on July 30, 2009 at 5:14pm — No Comments

BIBLE TRAINING IN CAMDEN, NJ

Every Friday evening 6pm at Cooper Hospital in Camden, Chaplain Mark H. Stevens will be conducting Bible Training geared towards those in ministry. The place 3 Cooper Plaza room 506, Bring your Bible and paper to write with, this is serious training for serious saints!

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on July 30, 2009 at 4:54pm — No Comments

Sometimes you HAVE to cast some devils out!

ANSWER NUMBER SEVEN: Sometimes you HAVE to cast some devils out! Avoiding demon possessed people won’t make them go away!

We see in Jesus' ministry some dramatic examples of exorcism, casting out of demons. But let's not be naïve. People who have lived under a demonic delusion or obsession for a significant period of their lives need a period of recovery, even though the root demonic cause of the problem has been dealt with. Let me explain. In order for a person to live with the demonic… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on July 30, 2009 at 11:36am — 1 Comment

Preachers need REAL classroom training as well as OJT

ANSWER NUMBER SIX: Preachers need REAL classroom training as well as OJT (On the Job Training) in order to be effective ministers. Unqualified preachers are killing churches!

In too many of our churches (I am talking to Black folks) we have the ancient slave mentality that says, “I don’t need to go to school to be a preacher, I got the anointing!” Well during the days of slavery and Jim Crow we didn’t have an opportunity to go to Seminary or Bible Colleges. My grandfather was a… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on July 30, 2009 at 11:21am — 21 Comments

“If you are in a poor area…You have to feed them more than the Word!”

ANSWER NUMBER FIVE: “If you are in a poor area…You have to feed them more than the Word!”

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… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on July 30, 2009 at 11:15am — No Comments

“If you don’t address sexual immorality in your church, it will die!”

ANSWER NUMBER FOUR “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.… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on July 30, 2009 at 11:14am — 1 Comment

You are afraid of the long hair, dreadlocks, tattoos, and nose rings!

ANSWER NUMBER THREE: You are afraid of the long hair, dreadlocks, tattoos, and nose rings!

A great number of the youth of America today all have one of these four things in common! We traditional saints have got to get over it! I asked a group of ministers at a conference this question, “What would you do if a young man came to your church and professed his faith Jesus Christ, but had dreadlocks?” Well they frowned a little and said “dreadlocks!” My point is this, I am not a big fan… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on July 30, 2009 at 11:11am — No Comments

“Holiness doesn’t mean isolation!”

ANSWER NUMBER TWO: “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… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on July 30, 2009 at 11:10am — No Comments

“If the Pastor doesn’t emphasize evangelism and discipleship, YOUR CHURCH WILL DIE!”

ANSWER NUMBER ONE – “If the Pastor doesn’t emphasize evangelism and discipleship, YOUR CHURCH WILL DIE!”

I was in church one Sunday and one of the old Missionaries was leading the early morning prayer, she cried loud and shook the rafters as she prayed. She said at one point “Lord send the sinner man into this church!” It was uttered with the utmost sincerity and piety, but she was very much wrong! God doesn’t send sinners to church! He expects US to bring people to Jesus… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on July 30, 2009 at 11:09am — 1 Comment

Why is My Church Dying (Introduction)

“America has thousands of churches! There are some in Cathedrals, Small Chapels, Storefronts, Private Homes and Warehouses. Some of these churches are denominational and some are not, some are traditional and some are very unique, and finally some are growing and unfortunately MANY are DYING! There are a lot of churches, ministries, and Christian Centers that are on life support spiritually. Why? I believe the question is on the hearts and minds of many Pastors and church members, and the… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on July 30, 2009 at 11:01am — 2 Comments

Intercessory Prayer - What is it?

Intercessory prayer is prayer for others. An intercessor is one who takes the place of another or pleads another's case. One study Bible defines intercession as "holy, believing, persevering prayer whereby someone pleads with God on behalf of another or others who desperately need God's intervention."

Intercessory Prayer - The Biblical Foundation

The Biblical basis for the New Testament believer's ministry of intercessory prayer is our calling as priests unto God. The Word of God… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on July 30, 2009 at 10:18am — No Comments

Flee means RUN in Terror! (Flee Fornication)

David loved God probably more than any human that ever lived did, and he fell prey to sexual temptation. We often try and pick apart the scenario that led up to the fall of David. Yes there were many factors. 1. David should have been on the battlefield. 2. David was away from the Ark of the Covenant, which was the very presence of God. 3. David was alone, a lack of accountability since the priest and the prophets were also on the field of battle. 4. The reason we all overlook and we don’t want… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on July 30, 2009 at 10:14am — No Comments

Mistakes Christians Make When Trying to Reach a Muslim

For many years American Missionaries have known that culture plays an important part in Christian Witness. It is often taught that there are three different methods of evangelism based upon culture. They can be identified as follows:

E-1 Evangelism with people of the same culture, language and background for example: an American witnessing to another American.

E-2 Evangelism with people of a similar culture, for example: an American witnessing to a Frenchman.

E-3 Evangelism with… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on July 30, 2009 at 10:00am — No Comments

“Pray For One Another”

Isaiah 59: 16 “And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor....”

Isaiah 62: 6 “I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night; ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence.”

1Tim 2: 1, 2 “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on July 29, 2009 at 11:54am — No Comments

The Bottom Line for All Believers

. The doctrine of salvation through grace and faith has to be the preeminent prime directive for the church. Paul said it best in Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation, to the Jew first and to the Gentile.” We must rally around the Gospel of Christ as our anthem and battle cry. Paul also said, “Woe unto me if I preach not the Gospel.” What is the Gospel? It isn’t politics, it isn’t prosperity, and it isn’t divine healing or… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on July 10, 2009 at 5:45am — No Comments

Losing Salvation?

If it is possible to lose your salvation, then what must you do in order to keep it? I've asked this question many times of those who deny eternal security and have received different responses. But they all, essentially, can be categorized into two areas: "Remain faithful," and "Be obedient." Whichever position is taken, both are dependent upon man's faithfulness and ability.

Now, I am trying to be careful here in drawing conclusions because I… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on July 9, 2009 at 11:45pm — No Comments

The Heresy of Seed Faith Giving

2 Peter 2:1, but there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

What do you think it means to deny the Lord? Many would say that any person or group that doesn’t believe that Jesus was the Son of God would be denying the Lord and that… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on July 9, 2009 at 8:36pm — No Comments

The devil is NOT The Thief!

Luke 16:13 (NIV) "No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and

love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money."

There is a demonic spirit running rampant in thousands of pulpits in America, and many in the Body of Christ are taken captive by its seductive message. Yes I am talking about the Prosperity Gospel…which ISN’T THE Gospel of Jesus Christ. I realize this book will not make me… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on July 9, 2009 at 8:12pm — No Comments

How to Study The Bible

Acts 17:11-12

• "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

• Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few."

More noble or honest, and that is why they searched the scripture with an open (all readiness of) mind to it, and thus came to believe.

When Christians ask why there are so many… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on July 9, 2009 at 7:32pm — No Comments