Tag Archives: Michael Stephens

17 Apr

The Grace of Giving

51581 | Pixabay

BEYOND THE BASICS | Mike Stephens | Wellandport, Ontario

2 Corinthians 8:5-7, So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. But as you abound in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us – see that you abound in this grace also.

What is a “Christian Grace?” We might use this term when talking about the positive characteristics, virtues, actions, or attitudes that a faithful Christian should possess. The list Peter gives in 2Peter 1 are often labelled as the “Christian Graces” and rightly so, even though this specific term is not used in that passage. Read More →

05 Jul

“I Was Afraid” – Facing Our Fears of Rejection

EVANGELISM ARTICLE | Michael Stephens | Wellandport, Ontario

In Matthew 25, Jesus compared the Kingdom to a man who entrusted his wealth to his three servants. Two of those servants worked for their master. One of the servants made the situation about himself. This “Parable of the Talents” tells us how the master gave varying amounts to each servant and then left for a long time. Upon his return, the man settled accounts with each servant. The first two servants put their funds to work and doubled their master’s money. Even though their starting amounts were different (5 and 2), and their final amounts were much different (10 and 4), the first two men in the Lord’s illustration were equally praised. Matthew 25:21 and 23 read the same. “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'” Read More →

07 Apr

Do The Work Of An Evangelist

EVANGELISM ARTICLE | Mike Stephens | Wellandport, Ontario

“I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.” (2 Timothy 4:1-2, NKJV)

What would we say when either by divine revelation or just being aware of circumstances, we knew our time on earth was soon over? That was the perspective of the Apostle Paul as he wrote 2 Timothy. Can we hear the passion when Paul said, “I CHARGE YOU…” that commands Timothy to pay attention to his words? Read More →