stephen-on-bible

Money—who doesn’t want it? Both the good and the bad want it—the former out of need and the latter out of greed. As needful and useful money is, I have learned, it is also a dangerous asset. Many Christian leaders have wrecked their reputation and ministry because of money. Thus, if there is any area wherein we have to build some strong principles, I suppose, it should be in the area of money. I have been in Christian ministry for twelve years. I have committed so many blunders and learned so many lessons that eventually led me to make some wise resolutions in the Lord, particularly pertaining to finance. There is a reason why I want to share these resolutions—it may encourage others to be careful in the area of money matters, bringing glory to God. Also, sharing this puts me in accountability to all the readers regarding my commitment [if I go astray in my resolutions, please feel free to correct me]. Anything beyond this, may the Lord give me the grace to overcome al...

Did you ever think - Why does God save people? What is the purpose of God in saving people? I suppose, many are unaware of this fact. This brief audio clip explains the purpose of God in saving people. ENQUIRIES: Feel free to write your comments below (or) write to E-mail: cstephendavid@gmail.com (or) stephen@tents-india.org

We are well aware of the three temptations a man commonly confronts— glory [pride], girl [lust] and gold [money]. As we live in this modern, advanced age, there is another temptation that I wish to add to the list. This has become a powerful, irresistible temptation to many a man. It has now taken an enticing, equivalent position to the common three. Can you guess what it is? GADGETS . Today, many Christian men, including so many pastors and leaders, have become victims of the fourth temptation—electronic gadgets. These have enslaved so many of us in the form of being good to our eyes and appearing pleasurable to our senses while in fact eating away our precious and brief time on earth. Just think: • How many spend more time before Facebook than before God’s book! • How many spend more time in online chatting than in conversing with God! • How many spend more time before the television, watching movies and programs, than in study of sound books that builds oneself in the...

If you ask the personality developers, motivational speakers and many counselors of our time, "What is the important commandment of life?" many would perhaps say, "Love yourself". The Most Important Commandment When Jesus was asked, "What is the most important commandment?", He didn’t say, "Love yourself." Instead, He said, " Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these" (Mark 12:30-31). It is worth noting the ending words of verse 31: " There is no commandment greater than these." The most important and joyful thing on the face of the earth is to love God with our whole being, the Maker of the heavens and the earth. And in loving Him, love our neighbour as ourself. 'Love Yourself' or 'As Yourself' Now many suppose that Jesus gave a co...

Randy Alcorn, one of my most enjoyed inspirational Christian writers, was asked, "In your view, what are the qualities of an authentic Christian leader?" He answered, "He loves God with all his heart, is quick to admit his flaws, listens to his critics and doesn't dismiss them." I kept thinking about the second point he mentioned—"quick to admit his flaws." As leaders in the responsibility of leading people, don't we find ourselves being quick to reject and to justify our flaws than quickly admit them? Sad Example, Good Model Few days back, I met a Christian brother who seemed to be quite embarrassed about approaching Christian leaders. He shared about confronting an old experienced preacher to gently offer a reasonable word of correction in regard to his preaching. The old preacher annoyingly responded to him, "It is not your age to correct me." Seeing his response, this brother was completely shattered, even afraid to approach any preac...

Have you genuinely repented in view of God’s mercy but still struggling from thoughts of self-condemnation? Here are few Scriptures you can stick to like glue. Remember, these are not for an unrepentant soul but to those who sincerely repent and yet suffer from tormenting thoughts of self-condemnation. Friends, treasure these words in your heart. Preach them to your soul and find strength through them: • Are you haunted by past failures? Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! (Isa. 43:18-19) • Do you have this question, "Can God really forgive me?" If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1Jn. 1:9) • Do you fear the Lord is always angry with you? The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to ou...

Since I have been born-again by the grace of God in the year 1996, in God’s sovereign providence, I lived in both the circles—the tongues speakers and the non-tongues speakers. I wish in my heart to boast about their love and respect they have for each other in spite of the differences, but sadly that’s not the case. Instead, what I generally observed in both of them, though not all, is this—self-righteousness and other-accusation. Hence, here is a word for them. Tongues Speakers Dear brothers and sisters who speak in tongues, may I plead with you in Christ Jesus—do not look down on those who do not speak in tongues. To the church at Rome that had certain differences among them, Paul wrote, "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves" (Rom. 12:10). Based on what Paul said, do you become a better person than others just because you speak in tongues? If you speak in tongues, should you honor yourself above those who don’t speak in tongues? W...