40 Days of Easter – Week 2

Posted on April 10, 2015 by Rich Stevenson

Empty-TombWeek 2 – Heart for the Hopeless

Before we look at Jesus Christ’s encounter with Mary Magdalene in John 20, I want to look at a short Bible study from Psalm 46.   The theme of the Psalm is clear in the first verse: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.” The core of the Psalm goes on to describe catastrophe and chaos. There are illusions to earthquakes, floods or possibly tsunamis, even volcanoes. The Psalmist speaks of nations that are in political uproar and war. In the middle and at the end of this Psalm there are two identical verses (7 & 11). Both of them are followed by a mysterious Hebrew word, Selah. Most Bible scholars agree that this was probably a sign for a musical interlude. Remember this Psalm was written as a song. It is almost certain that this word Selah was at least a call for those hearing the message to stop and meditate on the truth just presented.

Here is the verse repeated twice: “The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”

Why don’t you put some music on and meditate on that truth for a while. Have yourself a Selah. Continue reading →

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40 Days of Easter – Week 1

Posted on April 4, 2015 by Rich Stevenson

Empty-TombWeek 1:  Reality of the Resurrection 

Do you know what the top two holidays are in America? If the money that we spend is an indicator of the level at which we celebrate, our top two holidays are Christmas and Halloween! Something is not right about that.

I’m convinced that Easter doesn’t get the emphasis that it deserves. Christmas gets the 4 weeks of Advent leading up to it, and then 12 days with golden rings and lords a leapin. Lent gets 40 days for self-denial. Even Memorial Day and Labor Day get a long weekend! Yet we just take one Sunday to celebrate the power of a man who conquered death for all who will believe in Him? Over the next 8 weeks you can find a study right here on this website that includes a devotional, scripture readings and some vintage poetry.  Why not gather with a friend or two and go over this study together?  After all, Easter is our greatest day! Continue reading →

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Cheers to My Bi-Vocational Friends!

Posted on March 4, 2015 by Rich Stevenson

bivocational1Disclaimer:  My use of “Cheers” in the title is not advocating the use of alcoholic beverages.  But as I type this sentence with one hand, I am raising a glass of ice water with lemon to all of you who work hard at various jobs AND serve as a faithful witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Here is a great definition for Cheer:  To infuse life, courage, animation, or hope, into; to inspirit; to solace or comfort.

I hope this blog brings cheer to my bi-vocational friends. Continue reading →

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One Day the Mask Will Come Off

Posted on February 16, 2015 by Rich Stevenson

terrorism-1When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.  Proverbs 21:15

My heart is breaking over the news that 21 Coptic Christians kidnapped from Egypt were beheaded. I have visited Egypt twice and had the privilege of meeting Christians both Evangelical and Coptic. I experienced some of the warmest hospitality I have ever received and treasure the expression of their love for Jesus.

I am praying for all those who follow Christ in Egypt because we share the same privilege of adoption into God’s family and because of the huge role they have to play as we approach the end of the age.   Continue reading →

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Calling Church Planters, Missionaries and Those Who Care About the Church in the 21st Century

Posted on February 5, 2015 by Rich Stevenson

church-planter-missionary-576x180I want to talk to you. . .

Not just any of you. I know that sounds rude…

I really want to talk to those of you who are interested in effective church planting and missions for the 21st century. And I really, really want to talk with those of you who want to be effective in church ministry that is primarily anchored in prayer and worship.

If you have vision for leading a community of Christ followers in the United States or in another nation. . . Continue reading →

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