Mark H. Stevens, Th.D's Blog (528)

Why Satan Uses Sex

6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. (Gen. Chapter 3)

28 But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on February 11, 2009 at 9:24pm — No Comments

THE HISTORY OF SEXUAL SIN

22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without.

23 And Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it upon both their shoulders, and went backward, and covered the nakedness of their father; and their faces were backward, and they saw not their father's nakedness.

24 And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him.

25 And he said, Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on February 11, 2009 at 9:21pm — No Comments

We Need YOUR Support!

Johannesburg & capetown, Africa Short-Term Missions Trip

This summer the National C.O.G.I.C. Youth On A Mission (Y.O.A.M.), short-term missions team, have a group scheduled to minister in AFRICA. YOAM is an auxiliary of the Department of Missions for the Church Of God In Christ, Inc. under Bishop Carlis Moody. Missionary Stephanie R. Stevens, a YOAM team member since 2002, will travel with them to Johannesburg & Capetown this… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on February 8, 2009 at 9:19pm — No Comments

Jesus DID Say He Was God!

The “I AM’s of Christ

Many false religions claim Jesus is not God because He never said, “I am God!” I say He did, On more than one occasion. Let’s examine Jesus self-declarations:

1. “I AM the Bread of Life” = (John 6:35). This was spoken during His sermon that followed the feeding of the multitude. Jesus said, “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.” Jesus always directs people to place their hope,… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on February 8, 2009 at 7:58pm — No Comments

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 February 4, 2009 at 10:22am — No Comments

Christianity and Homosexuality

The homosexuals and lesbians have gained considerable political and social momentum in America. They have "come out" as the term goes, left their closets, and are knocking on the doors of your homes. Through the TV, Radio, Newspapers, and Magazines, they are preaching their doctrine of tolerance, equality, justice, and love. They do not want to be perceived as abnormal or dangerous. They want acceptance and they want you to welcome them with open, loving arms, approving of what they do.

In… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on February 4, 2009 at 10:10am — No Comments

What is the Trinity?

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… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on February 4, 2009 at 9:54am — No Comments

Three 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) the Resurrection of Christ. These are the doctrines the Bible says are necessary. Though there are many other important doctrines, these three are the only ones that are declared by Scripture to be essential. The truly regenerate may be ignorant to some extent of one or more of them at the beginning of his/her new life in Christ, but he will come to… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on February 4, 2009 at 9:52am — No Comments

Merchandising The Anointing

According to the Bible ALL Christians have an anointing. Yet the Scripture also denotes the fact that not all Christians are rich. So, according to the rules of logic, being anointed does not equal wealth and riches.

Material poverty is the result of not being anointed according to Jesse. Mr. Duplantis believes that Jesus`s first mission was to get rid of poverty. If that is true, then Jesus was almost a total failure according to the Bible. Here's why:

Matthew 26:11 For ye have the… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on January 21, 2009 at 8:00pm — No Comments

Sexual Immorality

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 January 19, 2009 at 8:55pm — 3 Comments

Come Down Off The Pedestal Pastors

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… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on January 19, 2009 at 7:09pm — 1 Comment

What Happens When You Don't Preach The Gospel

We see the effects in the rise of the cults like Mormonism and Jehovah's Witnesses who have millions of followers going door to door faithfully and consistently spreading their damning doctrines. Where are the Christians who oppose them? Where is the church? Is it supporting the efforts to stop this spread of lies? Is it uniting behind a common cause? No! It leaves the work to the weary and small who have a burden and who spend their efforts in a constant and mostly frustrating battle for the… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on January 12, 2009 at 12:11am — No Comments

Sermon for Today

Colossians 3:1-11

Raised with Christ

"If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. 5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity,… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on January 11, 2009 at 10:46am — 1 Comment

Training Opportunities

Biblical Counseling 101

NJ Institute of Theological Studies is conducting a 3 week study of Biblical Counseling from January 16th to January 30th 2009.

Friday Jan 16th, 2009 – The Root of All Problems

Friday Jan 23rd 2009 – Biblical Application

Friday Jan 30th, 2009 – A Spiritual Look at Depression

About The Instructor

Mark Stevens graduated from the Institute of Jewish Studies, a school of the Philadelphia Bible University. He… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on January 7, 2009 at 5:21pm — No Comments

Christian Support Groups for Sex Addicts and Homosexuals

International Groups (Including Online Groups)

Avenue Resource: This Christ-centered nonprofit organization, provides men and their wives with easy-to-use curriculum and leadership training tools to experience healing and restoration from the impact of sexual compromise. National and international groups available, with new ones forming regularly.

Brothers in Christ, Inc.: A global, web-based support network for Christian men

Celebrate Recovery: Started by Saddleback… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on January 7, 2009 at 5:16pm — No Comments

What Did Jesus Come to Do?

What did Jesus come to do?

To reveal the Father (Matt. 11:27)

"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."

To be a ransom for many (Matt. 20:28)

"just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

To serve (Matt. 20:28)

"just as… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on January 7, 2009 at 5:00pm — No Comments

What is The Gospel?

The gospel is the singularly most important communication of God to man. In Jesus, who is God the Son, we have the revelation of God’s love and sacrifice that saves us from God's righteous judgment upon sinners. If you are not a Christian and want to know how to be forgiven of your sins and follow Christ, or are just curious to know what the Christian gospel is, then this is for you.

The Bible tells us what the gospel is in 1 Cor.… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on January 7, 2009 at 4:58pm — No Comments

The Elder in the Church

The Term "Elder"

PRESBUTEROS - elder, an old man, a leader in the church. The term is used

of the elder of two persons (Luke 15:25, or more, John 8:9).

of a person advanced in age (Acts 2:17; in Heb. 11:2).

of the forefathers in Israel (Matt. 15:2; Mark 7:3,5).

of members of the Sanhedrin (Matt. 16:21; 26:47).

of those who managed public affairs in the various cities (Luke 7:3).

of those who were the heads or leaders of the tribes and families, as of the… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on January 4, 2009 at 6:24pm — No Comments

Training Opportunity

Biblical Counseling 101

NJ Institute of Theological Studies is conducting a 5 week study of Biblical Counseling from January 16th to January 30th 2009.

Friday Jan 16th, 2009 – The Root of All Problems

Friday Jan 23st 2009 – Biblical Application

Friday Jan 30th, 2009 – A Spiritual Look at Depression

About The Instructor

Mark Stevens graduated from the Institute of Jewish Studies, a school of the Philadelphia Bible University. He… Continue

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

The Truth is Hard to Deal with

The recently published Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary tells us that in "the New Testament, the words ‘tithe’ and ‘tithing’ appear only eight times (Matt. 23:23; Luke 11:42; Luke 18:12; Hebrews 7:5-6, 8-9). All of these passages refer to Old Testament usage and to current Jewish practice. Nowhere does the New Testament expressly command Christians to tithe."

It is ironic that the Roman Catholic Church, which brought many Old Testament traditions and rituals back into the church… Continue

Added by Mark H. Stevens, Th.D on January 1, 2009 at 8:46pm — No Comments