Mark H. Stevens, Th.D's Blog – October 2009 Archive (40)

Ministering Like Jesus - Key to Church Growth

38 And he said unto them, Let us go into the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore came I forth. 39 And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

Where did Jesus and His disciples preach?

a) In Synagogues b) In Cities and Villages (Matt. 9:35) c) Outdoors (John 8:1 / Matt. 5:2 / Luke 8:1) d) Everywhere (Mark 16:20)

20 And they went forth, and preached every… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on October 31, 2009 at 11:01pm — 1 Comment

JESUS EXAMPLE

Help people understand Jesus' role as a preacher. Communicate biblical passages that describe Jesus as a preacher and tell what He preached. Ground your own preaching firmly in Jesus' preaching model - proclaiming the good news of His kingdom in terms that your listeners can understand. Don't preach about people as much as you preach about God - who He is, what He has done, what He is doing, and what He will do.

Confront pluralism. Don't be… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on October 31, 2009 at 10:59pm — No Comments

Malachi Misunderstood

Please take a look at Malachi 3:5 with me:

“So I will come near to YOU (the priest) for judgment. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and fatherless, and deprive aliens of justice, but do not fear me, “says the LORD Almighty.

Notice the things that God is angry about: that laborers are defrauded of their wages; widows being oppressed; the fatherless and deprive aliens (strangers) Why is… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on October 30, 2009 at 6:42pm — No Comments

The Problem With Prosperity Preaching

When I read about prosperity-preaching churches, my response is: “If I were not on the inside of Christianity, I wouldn’t want in.” In other words, if this is the message of Jesus, no thank you.

Luring people to Christ to get rich is both deceitful and deadly. It’s deceitful because when Jesus himself called us, he said things like: “Any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33). And it’s deadly because… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on October 27, 2009 at 4:52pm — No Comments

Warning for Men

Internet pornographers target web sites and addresses that appear to be Christian. The enemy knows that porno is a HIGHLY addictive force in his arsenal of evil tricks. I had a bad experience with pornography myself, I am not proud to admit it, but if it will help another man get free from it Praise Jesus! When I was about 13 years old I found a trunk that belonged to my brother in the attic, it was filled with pornographic magazines and photos. I guess my brother realized I found it, because… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on October 27, 2009 at 1:30pm — No Comments

We Need The Holy Ghost to Do Ministry (Acts 1:8)

Mat 3:11 (NIV) [John the Baptist:] I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

Mark 1:8 (NIV) I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.

Luke 11:11-13 (NIV) [Jesus:] "Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on October 27, 2009 at 7:48am — No Comments

Please Read Your Bibles.....STOP The Sabbath Madness!

In the Old Testament, God stated, "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you," (Exodus 20:8-10, NASB). It was the custom of the Jews to come together on the Sabbath, which is Saturday, cease work, and worship God. Jesus went to the synagogue on… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on October 27, 2009 at 7:02am — 1 Comment

How to Spot a False Teacher

False teachers are proud. They are concerned for their own popularity. They are concerned for their own fame. They are concerned for their own notoriety. They are concerned for their own prestige. They’re concerned to see themselves and hear themselves in the public eye. They want large crowds, as it were, to bow down in great homage to them. They’re characterized by pride and they will do anything to gain the ground they need to gain for the welfare of their own personal ego, including any… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on October 26, 2009 at 2:42pm — 1 Comment

Demonology 101

The familiar Bible term "demon-possessed" has controlled our thinking about people troubled with demons. But the word "possessed" is one of those final, all-or-nothing expressions. And it prevents us from understanding the mechanisms involved in demon activity within humans. Let's study further:

• "Unclean spirit" (20 references in the NT, including Luke 4:33; 6:18; 8:29; 9:42; 11:24). The Greek word pneuma, the same word used to translate Holy Spirit, is modified by akatharos, "unclean."… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on October 25, 2009 at 2:24pm — No Comments

My Personal Testimony (I Pray it Helps Someone)

I have been a Christian since I was about 14 years old growing up in Richmond, Virginia. I remember walking up to the altar one Summer Sunday morning and giving the pastor my hand. I was baptized and became a part of the Body of Christ. It should have been a happy time, but it was the beginning of a war. I was raised in a single parent home in Bridgeport, Connecticut and we later moved to Richmond. I had some serious emotional problems that were hidden from everyone but my mother.

I… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on October 25, 2009 at 12:53pm — 1 Comment

The Purpose of Pentecost is Lost in Church Today

Christ told His disciples of a coming Pentecost, when the Spirit would be outpoured for a single purpose: It was to be a power given to lift up the name of Christ! "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost Is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me... unto the uttermost part of the earth..." (Acts 1:8 KJV)

Jesus made it clear that when the Spirit comes He will not draw attention to Himself, but will focus on Christ's words. He will exalt Christ.

"...when He, the… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on October 25, 2009 at 12:43pm — No Comments

Why Should We Witness?

Have you ever asked yourself, "Why should I witness?" Several reasons should come to mind. First, because Jesus commands you to: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit," (Matt. 28:19). Also, Ezek. 3:11 says, "and go to the exiles, to the sons of your people, and speak to them and tell them, whether they listen or not..."

Second, you must witness because you… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on October 24, 2009 at 7:44am — No Comments

The Lord's Supper (Jesus Became The Passover lamb)

A study of the Lord’s Supper is a soul-stirring experience because of the depth of meaning that it portrays. It was during the age-old celebration of the Passover on the eve of His death that He instituted a new significant fellowship meal that we observe to this day, and is the highest expression of Christian worship. It is an “acted out sermon,” remembering our Lord’s death and resurrection, and looking to the future for His return in… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on October 24, 2009 at 7:39am — No Comments

Why Don't Most Churches GROW?

Church Growth!

Why don’t we experience it ?

1. The Aquarium Syndrome - Churches have become aquariums, or holding pens for Christians.

4 Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on October 24, 2009 at 7:26am — 1 Comment

The Importance of Deacons

Acts 6:5 "And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they

chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip,

and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a

proselyte of Antioch:"

Of these seven, of course, Stephen was the most known to us. These

men were above reproach. They were men of high character. These men

would be fair in all their dealings. Some believe that many of these

were Hellenist (Greek Jews),… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on October 24, 2009 at 7:05am — No Comments

10 Signs of a Good Church Community

1. Inclusive

Be witnesses unto the uttermost part of the earth (Acts 1:8).

For God so loved the world…that whosoever (John 3:16).

2. Diversity

God will have all men to be saved (1 Tim. 2:1).

3. Authenticity

Speaking the truth in love (Eph. 4:15).

Don’t lie to each other (Col 3:9).

4. Mutuality

Be devoted to one another (Rom. 12:10).

Have equal concern for each other (1 Cor. 12:25).

Serve one another (Gal.… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on October 24, 2009 at 6:49am — No Comments

How the early church was financed....this may shock some!

It should come as no surprise that the early congregations of Christianity were financed the same way the early Israelite society was financed—through a free-will offering, which according to Moses, was more than ample to provide that which was needed.

"Men and women, as many as were willing hearted, brought bracelets, and earrings, rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold ...the children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the Lord ...… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on October 23, 2009 at 9:54pm — No Comments

A Brand New YOU!

When we are saved we become a new creation, according to 2 Cor. 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” This is the new state of being resulting from the action of the new birth. Where the new birth emphasizes the radical transformation we undergo, the new creation emphasizes the radical new person we become. How is it possible to become an old creation once… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on October 23, 2009 at 6:06pm — No Comments

Eternal Life is Just That ETERNAL!

One of the most basic controversies in the church concerns whether a Christian can lose his salvation. Some claim the Bible teaches that salvation can be lost, either from sinning or because a person stops believing. There are several reasons for this. They are misinterpreting Scripture (I’ll take a look at some of the passages in a moment). Many people think Christians can lose their salvation because they have known someone who professed faith in… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on October 23, 2009 at 6:03pm — No Comments

How To Get Ahead In The Kingdom Of God...

John 13:12-17 (NIV) When he [Jesus] had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on October 23, 2009 at 3:01pm — No Comments