Stephen Manley is a dear friend, mentor, and someone who has had a profound impact on my life and spiritual growth.
I first met Stephen as a teenager when he came and preached at my church, later traveling with him as an intern for a summer, and then worked alongside him in ministry.
Stephen has recently been diagnosed with a severe brain cancer, and as I’ve reflected on his impact on my life over the past twenty years since I interned with him, I wanted to talk about three key things Stephen has taught me that has radically changed my life.
Listen to or download the episode
1. Saturation Bible Study
Though I wrote a book on Saturation Bible Study, the concept originated with Stephen. When I traveled with Stephen, one of the key things he taught us was how to study God’s Word and why we should endeavor to live (saturate) within it all throughout the day.
The “saturation” concept has radically changed how I understand and spend time in the Word. So after teaching the concept for nearly two decades, I compiled what Stephen taught, along with my own studies, and combined them into the book (with Stephen’s blessing).
Learn more about the concept of saturating in Scripture.
2. Obsession with Jesus
Stephen Manley is a man obsessed with Jesus.
And it is from that passion and obsession with Jesus that Stephen taught me the idea of “praying without ceasing” or “practicing the presence of God” — involving Jesus in the everyday moments of our lives.
3. Living as a slave / servant
Paul, Peter, Jude, and others all called themselves “slaves of Christ” (see Romans 1:1, 2 Peter 1:1, Jude 1:1 as examples). If Jesus is “Lord” then the implication is that we are His slaves/servants.
And yet, servanthood is at the heart of Christ (see Philippians 2:5–8). Jesus did not come to be served but to serve (see Matthew 20:28).
This heart of servanthood is to be ours as well. Stephen Manley has exhibited godly servanthood in profound ways, and he continually exhorts me to “bleed, suffer, die, pour your life out, never think about yourself, and meet the needs of those around you.” This was so profound in my life twenty years ago I got a tattoo on my wrist with the Greek word “doulos” (the word for slave).
Bonus
- I recorded a special interview with Stephen in 2021 for the 200th episode of the Deeper Christian Podcast. Listen to it here.
- This month (October 2024) I am giving away a free copy of any Stephen Manley book to five people. Learn more and enter to win.
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Question: If you have listened to Stephen Manley preach, what has stood out to you?
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About NRJohnson
NRJohnson (Nathan Johnson) is the host of the Deeper Christian Podcast and has an overwhelming passion for Jesus, the Gospel, and Studying God’s Word. He is a writer, teacher, and communicator who helps other believers understand and apply the Bible as they grow and mature in their faith—desiring that they gain greater intimacy with Christ, experience the victorious Christian life, and transform the world through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Read more about him here.
About the Deeper Christian Podcast
Many Christians feel frustrated because they don’t grow spiritually. The Deeper Christian Podcast helps equip Christians to understand the Word of God and cultivate a passionate love for Jesus that turns the world upside down.
Whether you want to learn how to study God’s Word, grow in your faith, cultivate a powerful and effective prayer life, share the Gospel boldly, deepen your intimacy with Jesus, live victoriously, or transform the world through the indwelling life of the Holy Spirit, the Deeper Christian Podcast with NRJohnson (Nathan Johnson) will encourage and equip you to grow spiritually and live a Christ-centered life.
