How Does The Holy Spirit Help Us?

When we receive Jesus into our lives, the Holy Spirit comes and resides in our hearts as a guest - a guest who is with us forever (John 14:16-17), available to help us when we face difficuloties. He fulfils this ministry in a number of ways:
1. The Holy testifies of our relationship with God
''Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us'' 1 John 3:24 (see also 4:13; Galatians 4:6).
When we were born into God's family as His sons, the Holy Spirit came and fused with our spirit in an everlasting relationship. Now the Holy Spirit ''testifies with our spirit" (Romans 8:16) concerning our new relationship with God. Even when we go through difficult times, we still have God's Spirit as a ''guarantee'' (Ephesians 1:14).
''This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything" 1 John 3:19-20.
2. The Holy Spirit teaches
''But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you" John 14:26.
God has sent into our hearts His very own Spirit - the Spirit who ''knows everything'' (1 John 3:20; Hebrews 4:13) and who "searches all things, EVEN THE DEEP THINGS OF GOD'' (1 Corinthians 2:10). Thus the Holy Spirit helps us by teaching us - and in times of spiritual attack, He helps us recall parts of His own Word, making it alive to our hearts (see Luke 12:11-12; Nehemiah 9:20).
''This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit... ' 1 Corinthians 2:13 (read also verses 9-16; 1 John 2:27).
3. The Holy Spirit guides
''... because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God" Romans 8: 14.
As an expression of the Father's loving heart, the Holy Spirit is ever-present to help God's children follow the right path. The Book of Acts gives many accounts of, the direct guidances of the Holy Spirit (see 10:19-20;13:2; 16:6). Whenever we are faced with a decision that we can't handle by ourselves, we can ask for help from the Holy Spirit - for He is in us to express the mind of Christ so that we can fulfil the will of God.
''O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you . . . Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it' '' Isaiah 30: 19,21 (see also 42:16; 48:17).
4. The Holy Spirit helps us live a life pleasing to God
''So l say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature . . . Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit'' Galatians 5:16-17,25.
The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to live a righteous life. If we strive to do this in our own strength, we will fail - but with the Spirit's help, backed by the full legal work of the Cross, we have a God-given formula for success. This success is described as the ''fruit'' of the Holy Spirit's own character, and that fruit can begin to grow in our lives only when the Holy Spirit is allowed to express Himself.
''But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law" Galatians 5:22-23.
5. The Holy Spirit helps us in prayer
''In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. We do not know what we ought to pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express" Romans 8:26.
Because of our human limitations, we often don't know exactly how to pray, but the Holy Spirit knows exactly what needs to be expressed. When we lean on the Holy Spirit in prayer, we can have full confidence that our prayer will be answered - because we are in teamwork with God Himself!
"And the Father who knows all hearts knows, of course, what the Spirit is saying as he pleads for us in harmony with God's own will'' Romans 8:27 (TLB).
6. The Holy Spirit gives power to witness
''But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses . . . to the ends of the earth'' Acts 1:8.
The Holy Spirit is not only our power to live the Christian life, but is the power to tell others about the Good News of what God has done for us! God has given us a Commission (Matthew 28:18-19) that is far too big for us to fulfil in our own strength, but when we allow the Holy Spirit to demonstrate His power through us, we are enabled to fulfil the call.
'' . . . And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly . . . With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was with them all'' Acts 4: 31,33 (see also 1 Thessalonians 1:5).
7. The Holy Spirit gives life
''And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you'' Romans 8:11.
The Holy Spirit works on every level of our lives. He has brought life to our:
• SPIRIT
''Jesus answered, 'I tell you the truth, unless a man is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit'' John 3:5-6.
• SOUL: MIND, EMOTIONS AND CHARACTER
''And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit" 2 Corinthians 3:18.
And now the marvellous truth is that the Holy Spirit is also the agent for bringing life and dynamic power into our physical bodies. We can look to the Holy Spirit for physical strength when we have to face situations that would normally wear us down (see Ephesians 3:16; John 6:63).
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations for ever and ever! Amen'' Ephesians 3:20-21.
The Holy Spirit's work is not limited solely to the believer; He is also very much at work in the world, and His ministry is fulfilled in five ways:

IN TESTIMONY
"We are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him'' Acts 5:32 (see also 1 John 5:6-12).
It was through God's Spirit that Jesus was baptised with power to fulfil His ministry (Luke 3:21-22; 4:14,17-21), and it was through the Holy Spirit that Jesus was raised from the dead (Romans 1:4). From the beginning to the end, the Holy Spirit was involved in the work of Jesus, and He has now been given to the believer to bear witness to the fact that Jesus is indeed the Son of God and is alive today !
"When the Counsellor comes . . . he will testify about me, but you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning" John 15:26-27.
IN CONVICTION
"When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to SIN and RIGHTEOUSNESS and JUDGMENT" John 16:8.
Because the world has rejected God, the Holy Spirit's aim in people's lives is to bring conviction in three areas:
• SIN
"... in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me . . . '' v.9.
The world has rejected God and sinned against Him. People try to cover up their sin and justify themselves, but the Holy Spirit's work is to expose sin for what it is and show the need for God's help (see Acts 24:25).
• RIGHTEOUSNESS
'' ... in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer . . . " v.10.
Jesus was the only true standard of the righteousness of God. Without Him, people would only have themselves to measure by (2 Corinthians 10:12; Romans 2:23). When Jesus returned to the Throne, He sent the Holy Spirit to indwell the believer- and now the Holy Spirit reveals the standard of God's righteousness, desiring that that standard would be clearly demonstrated in the believer for all the world to see.
• JUDGMENT

Why is Sxual Sin so Devastating?

25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids.
26 for by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life.
27 Can a man takes fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned?
28 Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned? (Prov. Chapter 6) KJV

Satan uses sex for on simple reason…IT WORKS! In the beginning God created man (Adam) and declared, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” God created a woman FOR the man. Man was built to desire a woman. Satan went after Eve because he knew this fact. Eve gave Adam the fruit, why did Adam take it? Men throughout the ages have forsaken kingdoms, riches, position, and even God for the love of a woman. John the Baptist lost his head because of a promise Herod had to keep. Take a look!

6 But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.
7 whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.
8 and she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger.
8 And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them, which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. (Matt. Chapter 14) KJV

Herod was so driven by lust over Herodias daughter’s seductive dance, he killed someone he actually admired and liked. Pornography is like gasoline on a fire, the human sex drive doesn’t need a lot to motivate it, pornography sends it over the edge, and this is why Satan uses it so often. Most movies today have full nudity or partial, our music is sexually suggestive, and adultery is so commonplace even our clergymen are notorious for their fallings.

Solomon was the worlds wisest man in the world, he was anointed by God to lead the mightiest kingdom on earth, yet he threw it all away because his desire for women. He had 700 wives and 300 concubines, and the scripture say he LOVED THEM ALL! Satan knows that woman was created for man. God created woman not only to be a companion, but also as a helper and advisor. Satan always perverts what God creates. Remember King Ahab? He was Israel’s most wicked king, guess were he got all of his advice? His wife Jezebel!

Abraham in a bout with unbelief decided to sleep with his handmaid, because he didn’t trust that God could allow Sarah to become pregnant. Who put the idea in his head to do such a thing? Sarah, his wife! Now before you accuse me of thinking woman are evil, there are many more examples of woman helping advance God’s program in the Bible than not. This is my point, if Satan can corrupt a woman, he in turn also corrupts a man as well (or men). Joseph was handpicked by God to save his people, Satan chose Potipher’s wife to tempt him to commit adultery, and fortunately Joseph was committed to God.



Pr 6:32 But a man who commits adultery lacks judgment;
whoever does so destroys himself. NIV

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 is an ETA (Evangelical Training Association) certified Bible Teacher. He holds a BA in Theology and an MA in Ministry from Freedom Bible College and Seminary, and is the final stages of receiving his Doctorate in Ministry from Freedom. He has completed four units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at Cooper Trauma Center. He is a Staff Chaplain at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital and at Cooper Trauma Center.

The Place: 3 Cooper Plaza
Cooper Trauma Hospital
Camden, NJ 08013
Pastoral Care Office - Room 506


The Time: 6PM
The Cost $50.00 (Books Included)
For more info….
Phone Number – 609-346-8343
E-mail – chaplainstevens@gmail.com

Spirit Led Christianity

Spirit Led Christianity


1. The Power to live: The apostle Paul reminds us that the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power (1 Cor. 4:20), and that the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in (or “by” pointing to the means) the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17). The message of the gospel brings the power of God into every believer’s life through the person and work of the Lord Jesus and the empowering ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
1 Corinthians 1:18, 24 For the word of the cross is to those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God… . 24 but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.
1 Corinthians 2:4-5 And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.
Far too many Christians, however, are not experiencing the enabling power of God. For these believers it is simply a matter of doing the best they can to conform to certain expected standards. On the surface, some appear to be more successful at conforming to the rules than others, but if they are honest with themselves, and this is no easy task because of our bent for self-deception, there is the ever present awareness that something is wrong.
2. What The Holy Spirit Does:
(a) REGENERATES: John 3 v. 3-5.
(b) INDWELLS: 1 Cor. 6 v. 19. True of every believer however weak or imperfect. If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. Romans 8 v. 9.
(c) SEALS: Eph. 1 v. 13, 14; Eph. 4 v. 30. This sealing stands for three things: A finished transaction, ownership and likeness to Christ! 2 Tim. 2 v. 19-21.
(d) INFILLS: Acts 2 v. 4; 4 v. 31; Eph. 5 v. 18. More about this later in our studies.
(e) EMPOWERS for service. Romans 8 v. 2.
(f) GUIDES: Acts 8 v. 26-29; 16 v. 6; 13 v. 2-4.
(g) ANOINTS - for knowledge and teaching. 1 John 2 v. 20, 27; 1 Cor. 2 v. 9-14; John 14 v. 26.
Note the anointing is spoken of as an accomplished fact to be enjoyed rather than something to be sought in Prayer.
3.How not to Grieve Him.
(a) CONFESSION of sin - what I or we know to be wrong. 1 John 1 v. 7-9. When this is done in honesty and sincerity, sin is cleansed, forgiven and forgotten. The Holy Spirit fills the life with His presence and power - fellowship with God is restored and the joy of the Lord is experienced. See Psalm 51 v. 3, 4, 10-13.
(b) COMMITMENT to Christ as Lord. Romans 12 v. 1, 2; 1 Cor. 6 v. 19; 1 Peter 3 v. 15; John 20 v. 28.
This means:
(i) Lord of my heart or the unseen part of me. Intellect - my thinking and reading. Emotion - my moods, feelings, loving, hating, etc. Will - my choices and decisions. Is He Lord of these realms?
(ii) Lord of my body or the seen part of me. Eyes - what I look at. Hearing - what I listen to. Lips - what I say. Hands - what I do. Feet - where I go. Is He Lord of these? Is He Lord of my friendships, my habits, my time, my career, my money? Is there a rival to His Lordship?
(c) CLAIM the promises of His Word. 1 John 5 v. 14, 15.
4. Results of Spirit-led living:
In the context of Eph. 5 v. 18 where we are commanded to be filled with the Spirit is seen a very practical Godly life, namely . . .
Melody in the Heart: V. 19, 20. Read it. If you are disgruntled and complaining you are not living the spirit-filled life. On the other hand the experience of this verse does not indicate the surrender of self-control and the indulgence of unintelligible rhapsodies.
Melody in the Church: V. 21. Submitting yourselves one to another.
Melody in the Home: V. 24, 25. Submissive wives and loving husbands. Obedient children, Eph. 6 v. 1; wise parents, Eph. 6 v. 4.
Melody in the Business: Obedient, loyal servants, Eph. 6 v. 5; considerate masters, Eph. 6 v. 9.
Victory in the Battle: Eph. 6 v. 10- 18. Note the armour I must take (not make) and the things I must put on and do. The fruit of the Spirit is nine fold. Galatians 5 v. 22.
The spirit-filled life is one that is prayerful, practical, powerful. It can be mine IF I really want it, go in for it and meet with God's conditions.

Are You Being Pimped?

If Your Church Does This.......You May be Gettin Pimped!

1. Manipulating people into financial giving by quoting un-Biblical
formulas i.e. if you give a certain amount of money, you will receive
a 100 fold (highest possible) blessing.
2. Money lines i.e. people are placed into lines in front of the
church based on the amount of money they gave ($25, $50, $100) and
certain blessings are pronounced on these individuals with of course
the highest monetary givers receiving the largest "blessing".

3. The sale of items to accomplish a particular need in your life
i.e. various colored cloths to place under pillows bringing about
such things as mates for marriage, healing, financial gain, etc. The
sale of "holy water" that has either been specially prayed over or it
comes from some type of Holy Land water source (River Jordan) and if
you bathe it in or drink it, it will bring healing for any type of
disease. The sale of prayer cloths such as was used in the Book of
Acts in which anything or anyone you lay this cloth on will perform
what you ordain it to perform.

4. Forced words of a so-called prophetic nature whereby people are
provoked to "prophesy" because a church leader will strongly imply
God has something to say to his people. If no one speaks up, the
people are made to feel guilty and unspiritual so someone will speak
a word, obviously not from God because when God speaks, life-changing
events occur. In these cases, the words are spoken but people are
inattentive with looks of bewilderment and confusion. The same
provocation is used to induce "speaking in tongues". In this case
people in the church are either praying or speaking in tongues
supernaturally to God, or for something to occur in the spiritual
realm, however again, there are no changes that have taken place.
Again, when God is present, nothing can remain the same.
5. Manipulating the Scriptures by holding God responsible for every
Word spoken in the Bible to come true (promises) in every Christians
life regardless of the circumstances; also included is the
famous "Name it and Claim it" practice where people are strongly
urged to go out beyond their reaches and claim such things as
spouses, jobs, cars, houses, etc. The justification used is from the
Bible stating that, "You can have what you say"; "if we ask anything
in the name of Jesus it will be given to us", etc. Clearly the Name
of Jesus is being strongly manipulated and used as some type of
magical chant that as long as we are claiming things by merely
stating His name, it most assuredly will become ours and we most
assuredly Must receive whatever we ask. Truly we know that God is
Lord and Lord over His Word, that which He speaks and has spoken, is
not Lord over Him.

My observation of these occurrences did not just take place on a few
occasions, but was considered a regular part of church services that
occurred frequently. I know peoples lives that have been ruined as a
result of believing and participating in these practices. I could
state additional examples but I wanted to share enough in hopes of
your ability to share in my concern and grief over this plight. Many
Christians believe these incidences are a normal part of church
services, and cannot and do not discern the elements of witchcraft
that are involved. Many times in church services of this nature, the
preacher appears more of a magician practicing and inducing magical
occurrences than preaching the Word of God.

I am not opposed to claiming the promises of God because all of His
promises are true. However, many times and I have seen it so many
times in my years of ministry, where people are provoked to claim
things just for the asking that may not be within God's Will for
their lives or in His timing or not at all ever meant to occur in
their lives. All of us were not meant to be rich but in some
teachings that is not what is taught. It is taught that we were all
meant to be rich and this is not meaning from a spiritual standpoint
but material. People who have less were led to believe they were
living beneath the promises of God if they did not have a certain
standard of living. People were urged to go beyond their natural
means to seek things much beyond what they could ever afford without
being given any spiritual instruction or counsel. People were urged
to write checks of faith believing money was going to supernaturally
appear in their checking accounts and so many people would write
these checks and guess what?...no money came from heaven to be poured
in these accounts but instead, these people had placed themselves in
a position of "Insufficient Funds" which is a punishable crime
whereby even on my department where I am a police lieutenant, many
are arrested for this type charge. Seldom would the people be urged
to pray about these matters in seeking God's Will for these things.
Emphasis on these "things" with a monetary value were placed much
more than emphasis on spiritual matters that would bring us closer to
God such as seeking first the Kingdom of God and it's Righteousness.

I have seen people take the Scriptures, "We can have what we
say"..."Whatsoever we ask in Jesus Name He will do it"...etc. and
claim personally motivated things for their lives that fill the lust
of the flesh, lust of the eye, and pride of life. Rarely quoted in
these type settings is the Scripture, "You have not because you ask
not because when you ask it is with a selfish motive". So the other
Scriptures are taken and by verbalizing the Name of Jesus (i.e. I
claim this house in Jesus Name) we use His name like He has to obey
this type of request only because we asked for the thing in His name.
Leaders urge people to seek after these things stirring up passions
and lusts for things without even taking the spiritual temperatures
of the people. In other words, how can we think we can ask these
things of Jesus when we are not even walking after the Spirit or not
seeking first the Kingdom of God - or not presenting ourselves as
Holy Sacrifices or not living as the Temple of God - or just not
walking with God as we should. We have gotten so brain washed to
desire things that most of the desires of the heart in so many
Christians are the things of this world such as material things or
power (which are not wrong of themselves - I like nice things - I
have a police department job of power and a army reserve job of power
so whether or not I like it - I have much power with these jobs)
rather than spiritual things such as working towards an intimate
relationship with God.

An example, I have been in several very large popular television
churches where the preacher makes specific note of his Gold
Presidential Rolex Watch (approx. $20-30 thousand dollars) where it
was said that they told God to give it to them because they were the
King's kids and should have the best. What does that do for those
sitting on the pews who are wearing Timex watches or less? Another
example, a dear friend of mine claimed for herself an expensive house
and got in the house. She had put her life long savings as a down
payment on the house and had made large monthly payments on the
house. In less than a year she was laid off of her well-paying job -
lost the house because it was re-possessed. She went to a church
where the teaching was highly "pumped up", "Our Father owns cattle
and lands and is rich so that makes us rich...Go and claim your
riches".

Also people get in bondage with themselves when they sit under this
teaching having lower paying jobs - live in not so rich houses - use
public transportation etc. I have counseled people who are depressed
because they cannot figure out why God is not blessing them in this
way; what is wrong with them?; why is God keeping them at this
place?; why are they being punished?...it is a hard thing to counsel
these issues in people when they have developed a mind-set that they
should have these things and since they do not, something has to be
wrong with them. As I said, I believe and apply the promises of God
to my life every second of every day because if I could not rely on
what He said, my life may as well be over and done with. Yet I
embrace the Scripture that "He is a Rewarder of those who diligently
seek Him"...not things but Him and His rewards are whatever, however,
and whenever He chooses to bestow on us. As long as "things" are
always dangling before us, it will always be difficult to see God in
the midst of it all to want and desire Him in the way that we should.
In these last and final days, we cannot afford to place anything or
desire anything more than we do God and He will not honor it if we do
nor will He be a part of it. He is the one that said we will not have
any other gods before Him and we have made these things gods. I hope
that some understanding of what my intent is on this thoughts page
have gone forth...since I put this page up just a short time ago,
many have written who have been in that type of bondage or who have
been "turned off" from that type of teaching which they realize is a
perversion of The Word, and not the way God intended it to be taken.

With all the efforts underway to expose and educate occult practices
such as witchcraft to the Body of Christ, I would be remiss if I did
not share the type of "church" witchcraft with you that I have been a
victim of as well as counseling and helping many others who too have
been devastated as a result. As much as an advocate that I am for
exposing occult practices and witchcraft by educating Christians,
clearly I see that we need to first begin the education right in the
Houses of God for what good does it do us to be well versed in occult
practices outside of the church, and then enter into a church where
the practices, although disguised by perversion of Scriptures, are
very much alive and well.



Chaplain Stevens

Why was Martin Luther so Important?

When Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses on the door of the church, he did so not to create a denomination, as some believe. Martin Luther wanted to correct anti-biblical practices being promoted in the church. The main theme revolved around the practice of “selling indulgences”. What the church was doing was convincing people that they could “pay” their family members out of purgatory. The church did this primarily to finance the Popes greed and desire to finance the Cistene Chapel in Rome. Now we Protestants read this stuff in Church History books and we gasp, yet how many of us “enlightened” Spirit-filled Protestants that know of Bishops, Pastors, and Preachers in our Protestant churches that “sell blessings” today.

We have condemned Catholics for centuries, yet we have the same skeletons in our closets. From Reverend Ike, Robert Tildon, or to the pastor in the storefront in the inner city, we too have been guilty of “selling blessings”. Every Protestant denomination (and non-denomination) has had it share of “Greedy Popes”. I really admired Martin Luther’s guts, but where are the Martin Luther’s of today? When Oral Roberts said he would die unless he got 80 million dollars in donations, where was the outrage from Christians? Of course the world ridiculed his nonsense, but there was no moral outrage from any Christian leaders. Why? Well I’ll tell you why! It is a very lonely position when you stand on the truth of scripture. We are quick to condemn Catholics trust in traditions and church doctrine, but we are equally guilty! How often have you seen and heard things done in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ in your church, but in your gut (spirit) you knew it was against the Bible? And why didn’t you say something is the more disturbing question.

Jim Jones was able to take hundreds of lives in Guyana because someone refused to listen to their gut (spirit). I firmly believe in supporting the local church and helping pastors, I want to make that clear. However there is a real epidemic of spiritually stupid “saints” that don’t study their Bibles and try every spirit by the Spirit. We were given the ability to discern so we WON’T end up giving our money to crooks and drinking poison Kool-Aid! Many of today’s most prominent preachers would be labeled heretics hundreds of years ago because MOST clergymen were devout Theologians and serious students of scripture. Today ordination papers and licenses are given to anyone that say’s they are called to preach. I agree that being Spirit-filled and called is the first priority of being a preacher, but ALSO there has to be training…SERIOUS TRAINING! A lack of understanding of just the basic Bible doctrines of the faith can lead to the types of abuses I am talking about. Martin Luther was able to stand up to the lies of Rome because he was filled with the knowledge of the truth. I am a Pentecostal preacher, I believe in the Charismatic Gifts of the Spirit, but that doesn’t negate the fact that we must have a scholarly approach to the scriptures and its teachings.

I have heard PREACHERS say stupid things like, “I don’t know the Bible that well but I am filled-with the Holy Ghost and fire!” This person is a prime candidate for deception and a good whipping from the devil! The Bible say’s in 1st Timothy 4:4 “In the last days some shall DEPART from the faith giving heed to seducing spirits and DOCTRINES of devils.” The Devil will fill your head with HIS doctrine (teaching) if your head isn’t filled with sound Bible doctrine. Martin Luther unlike other priest actually studied the Bible for truth and not to support a man made lie. We must as individual believers have reformer’s courage to stand up to the church when it strays from the truth of scripture. I know it sounds crazy to say stand up AGAINST the church, I am of course talking about organized denominational/non-denominational institutions that profess to be of Jesus Christ, yet stray away from the truth of Jesus Christ. I have seen enough heresy in the church in the last 25 years of my life to make ones head spin and the majority of it went unchallenged.

We allow “preachers” to say anything in our pulpits and we say AMEN! We are afraid to be attacked for standing up for the truth. In 1980 I was stationed at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea. While there I heard a Baptist preacher (Who was also a Freemason) tell a group in Bible study that “all roads lead to Rome” meaning every religion can get you to heaven. I was a new believer, but I knew this was wrong! I challenged him, because NO ONE else would say a word. He was a popular preacher and I was a new convert so you can imagine whose side everyone lined up on. My point is this, when you hear false preaching or teaching SAY SOMETHING! The Apostle Paul was the new kid on the block (Read Galatians) yet he challenged and corrected the Chief Apostle Peter for treating the Gentile believers wrong.

Ministers are NOT infallible, only the Word of God is! No matter how popular or how powerful a preacher is, they are NOT above reproach!


But we will continue to devote ourselves steadfastly to prayer and the ministry of the Word. (Acts 6:4 Amp)


This is one of the key verses in the Bible to help a novice minister be a successful tool for the Master. Preaching has nothing to do with popularity, titles, or position. The successful minister is the one that realizes that sharing God’s Word is a divine call and privilege that can’t be done in one’s own strength.

The Apostles took this charge so seriously that they knew total devotion to prayer and study was paramount. A preacher that doesn’t devote his life to prayer and study is a potential false prophet. Satan loves preachers that say “I’m to busy to study” or “I don’t think preachers need formal Bible training.”

The gospel preacher must devote his (or her) life to purity of doctrine. Paul warned Timothy to avoid fables and old wives tales. It’s very easy for preachers to get involved in the “flavor of the month” teachings. In last 20 years we have been bombarded with the “faith” message, “prosperity gospel”, “Spiritual Warfare”, and “Prophecy”. Every one is an “Apostle” or “Bishop”; no one is simply a Gospel preacher. Don’t get caught up in trends and hype. Be lead by the Holy Ghost and walk in your calling. I have been preaching 23 years. I have done the work of an evangelist, and served in pastoral capacities, but I am called to teach. My anointing is that of a teacher. It would be foolish to try and be anything else. I live to study and teach the Word of God. We need more “Martin Luther’s” in the church today. Too much of our teaching today is unbalanced. We have churches teaching crazy things like you have to speak in tongues to be saved, Christians should never get sick, or you can only be saved in MY church! Wake up saints and speak out against false teaching! There are churches that teach everyone has a demon, yes some people need demons cast out! However some problems are not demon powered but human error! Teaching the truth can solve more problems in the church than by casting out a “demon”.




(Note: I am not picking on any particular denomination, there is enough heresy in every Protestant denomination)


Chaplain Stevens

So what's so bad about pornography?

"What is so bad about pornography?" Overall, porn affects every viewer negatively, regardless of religious belief, creed, gender or age. Here is my list of reasons that explain why.

1) Pornography feeds lust of the eyes and lust of the flesh, which are never satisfied. It leaves the viewer craving more and more in order to achieve the same "sexual high." It easily enslaves people to their own cravings and opens the door to other forms of evil, like anger, abuse, violence, hatred, lying, envy, compulsiveness and selfishness. The power behind porn is revealed when the porn addict tries to stop their habit - it is virtually impossible without help.

2) Pornography sexualizes the viewer's mindset. It warps and perverts their perspective such that sex is unnaturally elevated in their thoughts. Porn's images are stamped into viewer's brain with the aid of hormones released during sexual arousal. Even if a person decides to stop looking at porn, the past images can remain for years or even a lifetime.

3) Pornography promotes destructive practices and can lead to progressive addiction. For example, porn sites routinely link viewers to depictions of every type of sexual perversion imaginable, such as child porn, homosexuality, bestiality, necrophilia (sexual interest in corpses), masochism (pleasure from abuse or suffering), rape and sadism (gratification from inflicting physical or mental pain on others). The viewer's exposure to such themes naturally increases the likelihood that they may attempt to act out what they've viewed. This can lead to sexual crimes, a la the late Ted Bundy and Gary Ridgway (The Green River Killer).

4) Pornography intensifies an individual's drive to serve oneself, rather than serve others. For example, masturbation, which typically accompanies looking at pornography reinforces a self-centered sexual orientation (i.e. lust), which can detract from a person's ability to give and receive love.

5) Pornography addiction can lead to debt. The convenience of credit card transactions on the internet encourages covert spending without limit. Additionally, pornographers flood common internet areas with enticing banner ads ("teasers") and spam email, which bait potential viewers with free porn. Once lured by the free porn to the site, the viewers must then pay to see more.

6) By viewing and/or purchasing porn, viewers are supporting the porn industry and facilitating its growth. By viewing porn, the viewer is also contributing to the sexual exploitation of whoever or whatever is in the images he or she is viewing.

7) Looking at porn can damage the viewer's family relationships, not to mention increasing the chance of his or her spouse and children finding the material. Porn may also inspire the viewer to explore incest, which is a common porn theme. Other things porn may inspire in the viewer (which could in turn affect the family) include sexual frustration, lying, abuse, affairs, debt, violent behavior and irrational thinking. (see Testimonials on how porn destroys lives)

8) Looking at porn at work could damage the viewer's reputation, decrease his or her productivity and lead to job loss. It could also inspire unhealthy and/or inappropriate relationships with co-workers.

9) Looking at porn can damage the viewer's current or future marriage sex life. Porn viewers may find that it's difficult to enjoy true intimacy with their spouse when they're fantasizing about somebody else! Additionally, porn builds an unrealistic perception of sexual relations. Porn sex is a portrayal or an act made for the viewer's enjoyment. It takes what God intended as a private expression of love between a husband and wife and prostitutes it for entertainment. When a person has been looking at sexual pictures of other people for entertainment, he or she will have a downgraded value of sex. This in turn will detract from their appreciation and value of sex with their spouse.

10) Looking at porn will increase the viewer's tendency to lie, because he or she will have a natural desire to keep it secret to avoid criticism, embarrassment, shame and/or having to surrender their habit.

11) Looking at porn can lead a person into masturbation addiction.

12) Looking at porn brings serious spiritual consequences (see consequences page). For example, it opens the doorway to spiritual oppression and confusion in the viewer's life. The power behind pornography is inherently evil. It seeks to control and dominate the viewer's life, while allowing other forms of evil to gain influence in that person. Once a person starts looking at the porn, their eyes become the gateway for the evil power to enter them. As it gains influence, the evil can numb the viewer's ability discern right and wrong. As traditional moral values are blurred, confusion sets in.

13) Looking at porn helps you start to believe the lies it promotes. Examples lies include:

Sexual freedom = happiness
Perverted sex (homosexual sex, incest, BDSM, etc) is more enjoyable than "normal" heterosexual sex
There are no consequences to sexual promiscuity
Sexual expression is a right, not a God-given or God-defined gift
You can live a healthy life with the porn images floating around in your mind
Porn doesn't harm anyone
Sex is something to be done primarily for self gratification
The porn stars are the happiest people on earth
Adults can view porn without any lasting side effects
Porn will help your sex life
Porn is just a harmless thing that everybody looks at

What are Demons?

Demons are evil spirits that are part of a highly organized satanic kingdom on earth and in the heavenlies. This kingdom is ruled by Satan and has a specific hierarchy of power (Ephesians 6:12, Ephesians 2:2; Matthew 12:24-27). The definition of the Greek word for demon, daimonion (Strong's #1140) gives us more clues about what a demon is:

the divine power, deity, divinity
a spirit, a being inferior to God, superior to men
evil spirits are the messengers and ministers of the devil
Origin: There are two theories about demonic origin that I'd like to highlight. Both theories hold that demons are created beings who rebelled against God:

Fallen angels: Satan, formerly Lucifer, was the “covering” cherub of the throne of God (Ezekiel 28:14-16). When he sinned by pride, he persuaded a third of the angels to rebel against God (Revelation 12:4). Satan and his angels were cast out of heaven to earth (Isaiah 14:12, Ezekiel 28:16-17, Luke 10:18). This theory proposes that demons are the “fallen angels.”
Disembodied spirits: Isaiah 14:12,16,17,20 suggests that Satan was the leader of a race of beings prior to Adam. Ultimately this race was destroyed by God with a worldwide flood, explaining the condition of the earth in Genesis 1:2 (dark and covered with water). This theory proposes that demons are the disembodied spirits of the pre-adamic race.
Regardless of their origin, the fact is that demons exist today just as during Jesus' ministry. The Bible gives us much guidance on how to deal with them under the authority of Jesus Christ.

Characteristics of Demons:

The demons that we encounter on earth seem to prefer to inhabit bodies (Revelation 18:2, Matthew 12:43-44, Mark 5:12).
Communal: Demons often live and work together. Jesus explained that when re-inhabiting a former host person, a demon will take seven spirits more wicked than himself and reoccupy the person (Matthew 12:43-45). Examples of communal demons are found in Mark 16:9 (Mary's seven demons) and Mark 5:9 (man with a legion of demons).
Demons have intellect and will (Matthew 12:43-45; Mark 5:6-13)
Demons vary in level of wickedness (Matthew 12:43-45; Mark 5:6-13)
Vary in power level and endurance: they require rest (Matthew 12:43-44; Mark 5:6-13); some are only routed through prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21, Mark 9:29)
Recognize that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and those operating in his authority (Mark 1:24-26; Mark 5:10-13; Acts 19:15)
Capabilities of Demons

Can travel (Matthew 12:43-45)
Can cause sickness, disease, fever, physical abnormalities, mental torment, alterations of voice
Can fight with God's angels (Daniel 10:13,20; Revelation 12:7)
Can influence human events (Revelation 16:13-14)
Can speak through a person’s voice and see through their eyes (Acts 19:15)
Can affect the "state" of their host person (Matthew 12:43-45) ranging from total possession (Mark 5:2-8) to periodic influence (Mark 9:17-18). They are able to influence the emotions, thoughts and actions of their host toward destruction. Examples include the Gerasene demoniac cutting himself in Mark 5:5 and the boy who was being thrown into the fire in Mark 9:22.
Can invigorate people with extraordinary strength (Acts 19:16)
Can deceive people and draw people away from the truth, enticing them by their own desires (2 Chronicles 18:20-22, Luke 4:1-13, James 1:14 inferred, Acts 5:3)
Why do demons access humans?

To fulfill their master’s mission: Satan, also known as Beelzebub, is the ruler of all demons (Luke 11:15-20; Matthew 12:24-27). Satan’s mission is to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). Likewise, demons will try to steal, kill and destroy whatever they can ( Luke 11:17-18). They will also attempt to take people captive by deception to do the Satan's will (2 Timothy 2:25-26).
They desire a body: Bodies apparently offer demons rest and/or shelter. Jesus explained that after being cast out of a body, an unclean spirit goes through dry places seeking rest and finds none. It tries to return to the person it left (Luke 11:24-26; Matthew 12:43-45).
God allows them to for judgment purposes: Saul's tormenting spirit (1 Samuel 16:14); lying spirit & Ahab (2 Chronicles 18:19-22); Jehoram's fatal illness (2 Chronicles 21:12-15)
To oppose God's plans and purposes: Demons are often sent to try to block or thwart God's servants. This can manifest in many ways including depression, sickness, confusion, temptation, doubt, etc. The purpose is usually to weaken faith (2 Timothy 1:5-9), since faith is the key ingredient for fighting spiritual warfare.
How do demons access humans?

Our sin gives them "legal" right to enter: Sin gives demons footholds in us for oppression. Jesus told the sick man, “Go and sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you” (John 5:5-14). Bible examples of other sin footholds for demons: 1 Samuel 15:22; 1 Samuel 16:14; Luke 22:3-6; Acts 5:2; 1 Timothy 6:9-10; Numbers 5:18-30.
Curses from sin (1 Samuel 14:24; Numbers 5:18-28; Genesis 9:24-25; 2 Samuel 6:20-23): Our sin can bring curses upon us and our descendants. Demons are empowered to work according to these curses. For example, patterns of sexual sin like divorce or adultery can often be traced down through family histories.
Trauma: Spirits of fear can access us during traumatic events. Since faith acts a shield, fear (faith's opposite) weakens the shield when we doubt God will protect us. This leaves us vulnerable to a spirit of fear. One of Satan's principal objects is to take people into bondage to fear (Romans 8:15; Hebrews 2:14-15).
Violated oaths (Numbers 5:18-28; Matthew 5:33-37; James 5:12): If we break an oath that we have taken, we can bring a curse on ourselves, giving evil spirits right of entry to execute the curse on us.
Idle words/word curses (James 3:6,8; Mathew 12:35-37; 2 Timothy 2:16-17): Our words can be used powerfully for good or evil. They can be used to edify or destroy a person. Idle words can enact a curse on ourselves or those we've spoken to. Examples of idle words: "This job will be the death of me," "You'll never amount to anything in life," "I hope he rots in hell," "I'm bound to get cancer since it's in my family history." When a curse is spoken, demons are empowered to work according to what was said.
Satanic assignment: The Bible mentions instances where Satan asked for God's permission to oppress people (Job 2:1-7; Luke 22:31). If granted permission, Satan may assign his forces to work evil against a person.
Judgment: In some cases God may allow demons to afflict a person when they have failed to receive "the love of the truth" and/or have delighted in evil. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 describes this situation where God sends a powerful delusion on rebellious people so that they will believe the devil's lies. "Lying spirits" are the typical demons specializing in deception that may gain entry in this case.
Broken spiritual covering/being delivered to Satan: This can occur when a person leaves or is expelled from the body of Christ. When a church "delivers" a person to Satan, they withdraw fellowship and spiritual covering from the person in hopes that the person will repent from his sin and return to God (1 Corinthians 5:5; 1 Timothy 1:20). Once out of fellowship, the person is vulnerable to demonic attack targeting the flesh.
Broken faith: Since faith is our shield in spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:16), any lack of faith could make us vulnerable to attack. With a weakened shield, Satan's darts may wound us, giving demons a foothold. Doubt is a common tool Satan uses to destroy faith and breed confusion (James 1:6-8).

How Does a Man Stop Lusting?

There are many principles revealed in the Bible for destroying lust. It’s usually not as simple as, "just don’t do it." The main principle is that through Jesus Christ, we gain supernatural power to put lust to death. With that in mind, I've listed 10 points on destroying lust below. I encourage you to study each one and consider how you can apply it in your life. For further study, I recommend taking our online course Freedom Journey.

1. Confess, repent from and renounce your sin of lust to God

2. Make no provision to fulfill lust: "But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts." (Romans 13:14 NKJV)

3. Walk by the Spirit: "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16 NKJV)

4. Put lust to death by the power of the Holy Spirit: "For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live." (Romans 8:13 NKJV) (see also Colossians 3:5)

5. Reckon yourself with Jesus - alive to God and dead to sin: "Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." (Galatians 5:24 NIV) (also Colossians 3.5 and Romans 6)

6. Flee youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace: "Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." (2 Timothy 2:22 NIV)

7. Deny lust and live righteously: "11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, 13looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:11-13 NKJV)

8. Invest your time, energy and efforts in God’s will, not in lust: "1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God." (1 Peter 4:1-2 NKJV)
9. Apply the truth to the lies: (John 8:31-32, Psalm 51:6); see truth and lies about sex sin

10. Submit to God, resist the devil, draw near to God: "7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." (James 4:7-10 NKJV)

Biblical Illiteracy

I have heard PREACHERS say stupid things like, “I don’t know the Bible that well but I am filled-with the Holy Ghost and fire!” This person is a prime candidate for deception and a good whipping from the devil! The Bible say’s in I 1st Timothy 4:4 “In the last days some shall DEPART from the faith giving heed to seducing spirits and DOCTRINES of devils.” The Devil will fill your head with HIS doctrine (teaching) if your head isn’t already filled with sound Bible doctrine. Martin Luther unlike other priest actually studied the Bible for truth and not to support a man made lie. We must as individual believers have reformer’s courage to stand up to the church when it strays from the truth of scripture. I know it sounds crazy to say stand up AGAINST the church, I am of course talking about organized denominational/non-denominational institutions that profess to be of Jesus Christ, yet stray away from the truth of Jesus Christ. I have seen enough heresy in the church in the last 25 years of my life to make ones head spin and the majority of it went unchallenged.


We allow “preachers” to say anything in our pulpits and we say AMEN! We are afraid to be attacked for standing up for the truth. In 1980 I was stationed at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea. While there I heard a Baptist preacher (Who was also a Freemason) tell a group in Bible study that “all roads lead to Rome” meaning every religion can get you to heaven. I was a new believer, but I knew this was wrong! I challenged him, because NO ONE else would say a word. He was a popular preacher and I was a new convert so you can imagine whose side everyone lined up on. My point is this, when you hear false preaching or teaching SAY SOMETHING! The Apostle Paul was the new kid on the block (Read Galatians) yet he challenged and corrected the Chief Apostle Peter for treating the Gentile believers wrong.


Ministers are NOT infallible, only the Word of God is! No matter how popular or how powerful a preacher is, they are NOT above reproach!


But we will continue to devote ourselves steadfastly to prayer and the ministry of the Word. (Acts 6:4 Amp)


This is one of the key verses in the Bible to help a novice minister be a successful tool for the Master. Preaching has nothing to do with popularity, titles, or position. The successful minister is the one that realizes that sharing God’s Word is a divine call and privilege that can’t be done in one’s own strength.


The Apostles took this charge so seriously that they knew total devotion to prayer and study was paramount. A preacher that doesn’t devote his life to prayer and study is a potential false prophet. Satan loves preachers that say “I’m too busy to study” or “I don’t think preachers need formal Bible training.”


The gospel preacher must devote his (or her) life to purity of doctrine. Paul warned Timothy to avoid fables and old wives tales. It’s very easy for preachers to get involved in the “flavor of the month” teachings. In last 20 years we have been bombarded with the “faith” message, “prosperity gospel”, “Spiritual Warfare”, and “Prophecy”. Every one is an “Apostle” or “Bishop”; no one is simply a Gospel preacher. Don’t get caught up in trends and hype. Be lead by the Holy Ghost and walk in your calling. I have been preaching 23 years. I have done the work of an evangelist, and served in pastoral capacities, but I am called to teach. My anointing is that of a teacher. It would be foolish to try and be anything else. I live to study and teach the Word of God. We need more “Martin Luther’s” in the church today. Too much of our teaching today is unbalanced. We have churches teaching crazy things like you have to speak in tongues to be saved, Christians should never get sick, or you can only be saved in MY church! Wake up saints and speak out against false teaching! There are churches that teach everyone has a demon, yes some people need demons cast out! However some problems are not demon powered but human error! Teaching the truth can solve more problems in the church than by casting out a “demon”.

Do Humans Become Angels in Heaven?

No, angels are not glorified human beings. Matthew 22:30 explains that they do not marry or reproduce like humans, and Hebrews 12:22-23 says that when we get to the heavenly Jerusalem, we will be met by “myriads of angels” and “the spirits of righteous men made perfect”—two separate groups.
Angels are a company or association, not a race descended from a common ancestor (Luke 20:34-36). We are called “sons of men,” but angels are never called “sons of angels.”

Jesus Pre-Existence in Genesis

One of man’s great dilemmas has been the need for a savior. When Adam and Eve were cast out of the presence of Yahweh, they started the ball rolling for the estrangement of God and man. God as always, had a plan for the redemption of mankind. The concept of a savior was birthed in Genesis 3:15. 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. The Lord lets us know that Satan (the serpent) will suffer defeat at the hands of a deliverer who will be born of a woman of unknown origin. It was clearly understood from God’s early dealings with sinful man that it would take a blood sacrifice to atone for man’s sin. Adam and Eve tried to “cover” their sin with fig leaves. God killed animals and cover their nakedness with skin. Cain the son of Adam made the same mistake his parents made, he tried to appease God with the wrong type of offering. God even tried to point Cain in the right direction by telling him his actions were wrong, and his offering would be accepted had he done it right. Cain decided to let envy get the best of him and murder his brother. The devil starting with Abel has been trying to destroy the righteous seed every since. The Lord allowed another to replace Abel. (Seth)

The concept of a Messiah is the primary focus of the Old Testament. The theme of deliverance flows through the Bible like a powerful river. The “river” of deliverance began in Genesis. The messiah would suffer at the hands of the serpent but the serpent would be destroyed. When Eve gave birth to her first son she was excited because she thought he was this deliverer already. Eve however would not have the honor of birthing the Messiah. This would take a virgin (Isaiah 7:14 and Luke 1:35) because the seed would be provided by the Lord God of Israel.