Blog

On the way to the town of Emmaus (Luke 24), Jesus encountered two men who were very confused. These men had followed Jesus, and up until recently, they had believed Jesus to be the Messiah. Jesus had claimed to be the Son of God, equal to the Father, and then performed miracles to back up these claims. His sermons were revolutionary and He spoke with such authority.

Unfortunately, Jesus was dead (so they thought) and their faith had taken a major hit. In a moment, Jesus appeared to them, and from the Old Testament, He explained to them the role of the Messiah, His death and resurrection. However, Jesus’ teaching didn’t cause these disciples to realize who He was. In fact, it seemed no amount of “information” would help them see the identity of this “stranger”. It wasn’t until Jesus broke the bread and gave it to them that they realized something was different about this mysterious guest. Dr. Habermas ( a professor at Liberty University) says that is wasn’t until Jesus broke the bread, that He would have revealed His nail scarred hands, then their eyes were opened.

They didn’t run back to Jerusalem that night because they heard a fantastic sermon from Christ Himself. They ran back to Jerusalem because they saw the risen Messiah, and they wanted everyone to know it. We spend a lot of time on sermons, and so we should. We spend time planning, this is also a good thing. However, we need to see Jesus. We need to show others that Jesus is alive. Reignite the passion of the risen Lord in your life. It is His resurrection that truly separates Christianity from everything, and everyone, else.

There is a conversation between Peter and Jesus that disturbs me. The conversation takes place after Jesus’ resurrection with the disciples sitting around eating. Jesus tells Peter that one day he will die for being a disciple. “One day you will stretch out your hands, and you will be carried where you do not want to go.” (John 20:18) Obviously shaken (and who would fault him?), Peter looks at John and asks Jesus, “What about him?”

Jesus’ answer is exactly what Peter needed, but it is really what I need to hear as well. “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.” In other words, what difference does it make to you what plans I have for John?, you are to follow me. In fact, if John never sees death and is alive when I return, then what is that to you? You have one responsibility Peter, and it isn’t to worry about the plans I have for everyone else, but for you to Follow Me.

I look at other preachers, and I wonder why in the world God has put them in such positions. God has blessed me with a gift of preaching, and it is questionable (at least in my mind) He has given “that” preacher the same gift. Have you ever made that kind of comparison? Ever wondered why God “skipped” over you for someone else who is clearly not as qualified as you? Jesus’ words here speak directly to me, Phil you have one responsibility, to be obedient to my plan for you and to Follow Me. Don’t look to the left or the right, keep your eyes on me. I am preparing you for the work I have for you.

For those who would like to request a speaking engagement, you may want to know what you are getting into. Below is a message I preached just a couple of months ago at Diamond Hill Presbyterian Church in Gladys, VA where I have been speaking for the past couple of years. If you would like to schedule a time to get together and discuss coming to your church, please let me know.

Hearing the Pastor tell the congregation to open their Bible to the book of Revelation will cause a lot of “ooohs” and “ahhhs” in the crowd. “How can we dare open up a book so shrouded in mystery?”. “I’m certain the pastor hasn’t studied enough to dare open the pages of this book, besides he hasn’t even been to seminary!” You can open your Bible to the book of John all day long, but stay away from Revelation. It is interesting to me that the book that announces the sure defeat of Satan seems to be the one that has a dark “cloud” hanging over it in the minds of many church members.

I certainly don’t want to seem as one who has figured out all of the nuances of the book. Sure there are a lot of different symbols and comparisons. If you focus on horns, dragons, stars, and a whole lot of different unknowns then the book may seem overwhelming. I just don’t think that is the main focus of the book.

I can tell you with absolute certainty what the focus of Revelation is though. In fact, if you haven’t seen this before then I invite you to open this book again and read it through with a new point of view. The focus is simply, “Jesus Christ is Sovereign over Everything!” He has authority over angels, governments, peoples, nature, demons, sin, and even Satan himself. On a personal note, He is even sovereign over the problems and obstacles you are currently facing in your life. His resources are unlimited, His power is unhindered, and His love is unshackled. No one counsels Him, No one voted Him in as King, which mean no one can vote Him out either.

“You are worthy, O Lord. To receive glory and honor and power; for you have created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created. Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” (Rev. 4:11, 5:12)

My passion is speaking, it literally energizes me. On top of that, I believe that God has called me to preach His Word, is there any other higher calling or motivation than that! In a day where preachers are in it for money, popularity or even to make people feel good about themselves, I believe God has called me to preach His message, and I have been doing so for the past 20 years. I have been a pastor, revival speaker, and youth speaker.

If your church is looking for a revival preacher or a speaker for a special event, please consider contacting me. I will go around the world to speak at any place at any time. I can be reached via email at phstevens@liberty.edu.

May the Lord bless you as you are obedient to Him.

Sample audio sermon coming soon….

The Apostle Paul wrote at least 12 different books of the New Testament, and started a number of churches all over the “known” world. A resume that even our modern churches would take note of. I imagine that every church plant there was a strong emphasis on the gospel and keeping this doctrine free from error as it is the “gospel of salvation to everyone who believes.” (Romans 1:16)

However, many of the letters that Paul wrote to different churches were actually letters to help them get back on track, and the letter to the Church of Galatia was no exception. In fact, Paul actually states he is amazed that they are so soon removed from the gospel. (Galatians 1:6) They have added human effort to a gospel that is only obtained through faith in what Christ has done. This letter was to reiterate the uselessness (if that’s a word) of human effort and the power of the true gospel.

One of the “takeaways” here is that here you have a church that was started by Paul himself, and they fell into error within a short amount of time and not just a little error, they changed the gospel! This means that every single church on the planet is at risk for allowing doctrinal error to creep in. Every single person, in every church, and every believer needs to be vigilant and guard against doctrinal error, especially in the time we live in. No one is above this temptation, from the Doctor in Theology to the high school graduate, from the pastor to the janitor. When you believe you are above this temptation, then watch out, you are next. We are all to “Study to show ourselves approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) Hold on to sound doctrine, it will lead you to life.

Much of the news coverage has been of the arrival of the pope here in the U.S. Such an influential individual, not only within the Catholic Church, but also a major voice in the world today as well. He is surrounded by millions of people who seek his approval and desire his presence. Though I am not a Catholic, it is impressive to see such an unbelievable opportunity given to one man.

The Catholic Church sees the Pope as the “Vicar of Christ.” Essentially, he is the presence of Jesus here on this earth. With such an incredible responsibility I’m not sure why anyone would want to be in such a position. According to Catholic doctrine (as I understand it), the Pope is the mediator between God and man. Among the many responsibilities, He provides direction for a Church who claims to have a billion members worldwide.

My disappointment with this pope is just as great as my admiration for his potential influence. If the Pope is to be the voice of Christ here on earth, it seems his messages should reflect the heart of Christ as well. Unfortunately, the message from the pope has been seen more as a left-leaning politician, then a representative of Christ. The heart and mission of the Christ of the Bible was to seek and to save the lost, not to pander for approval and get on the world’s soap box.

I believe if the pope truly wanted to use his influence for good he would preach the gospel of Christ to the four corners of the world. He would preach conviction of sin, the need for a Savior, and the forgiveness of sin. Instead of global warning, he would warn of the reality of Hell and the promise of Heaven for all of those who will put their faith in Jesus of Nazareth. “To whom much is given, much is required.”

Since the pope is not reflecting the heart of God then you and I who are called by Christ’s name and empowered by the Holy Spirit must spread the good news that Jesus truly can save. He not only forgives sins during a year of jubilee, but will forgive all of your sin, and replace the emptiness righteousness of Christ Himself. There is no sin that rises above love of Calvary’s cross. You and I need no mediator, but Christ Himself.

I was praying yesterday for more grace, more power in my Christian life, and more of the Spirit’s presence in my life when God interrupted my prayer. You would think He would be happy with such a prayer, but yes, He literally stopped me and told me that I was praying a useless prayer. Before I had time to get upset with this interruption, I decided it might be a good idea to listen. I have a history of talking over God because I know the “spiritual” answers to most problems, but His interruption seemed very purposeful.

Phillip, (only God and my Mom call me this)

You have asked for more grace, but I have given you all the grace you will ever need. “My grace is sufficient for you…” (2 Corinthians 12:9) When you are weak, it is when I am stronger in your life. More grace is not what you need. You think that since you have no emotional feeling that you lack My grace. My grace is not an emotional feeling, instead, it is undeserved blessing that I give to you everyday.

You have asked for more power in your life, but you already have all the power that you will ever need. “My divine power has given you everything you need for life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3). You think that since you have failures in overcoming sin that it is due to Me withholding my power from you. Unfortunately, your failure to overcome sin is due to you ignoring the power I have already given you. You fight these battle in your own strength, and as you have noticed, this will always end in defeat and discouragement.

You have asked for more of My Spirit’s presence in your life, but you already have all of my Spirit within you. “You are My temple and My Spirit lives within you.” (1 Corinthians 3:16) You think that you don’t have all of me, but I have already given you all of Myself. You are my son, and there is nothing you can do to be more of My son, and nothing you can do to be less of a son either. “My Spirit has sealed you until the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30)

Lord, I will trust in your grace, rest in your power, and abide in your Spirit. Without you I can do nothing (John 15:5). I will stop (indirectly) blaming you for my failures in overcoming sin and instead, live in your victory. Thank you Lord for a great interruption.

Lies are so prevalent in our country, in our government, in our families, and unfortunately even in our churches. In fact, lies have so flooded our society that many times it is hard to determine the lies from the truth. Satan will provide as many lies as we are willing to listen to, but one of the greatest lies he has ever told may not seem as sinister as you may think. What is the lie you may be wondering? It is the lie that says as long as you know the historical facts that Jesus died and rose again then you are going to heaven. Many have believed this lie, and many have gone to a real place called Hell. The gospel is not about knowing historical facts, but about repairing the broken relationship that we have with God due to sin.

True salvation is turning our lives to Jesus who is the Way, Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). The gospel is about turning our lives around to Christ and allowing Him to make us new. Salvation is where God restores the broken relationship, removes the sin and guilt, and replaces it with His righteousness. Our destination due to the consequences of sin was a place of torment, but through Christ our new destination is Heaven with Him forever.

This isn’t done through simply knowing historical facts, but through faith in Him. When true salvation is present in your life there is a change of heart, a change of desires, you literally become a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). What are you trusting in today? Are you trusting in historical facts for salvation, or are you trusting in the person of Christ to make you new? Don’t believe the lies of Satan, trust in the One who loved, died, and rose again for you.