Mystical Union With Christ

Posted on April 22, 2014 by Rich Stevenson

grow-in-christ-silhouette-e1357680511405One of the most important elements in a wedding ceremony is the “charge to the congregation.”  It lets everyone present know that this is a worship event blessed by Christ Himself.  Here is a portion of the charge:  “Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God and in the presence of these witnesses to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony.. . .It is an honorable estate, instituted of God, and signifying until us the mystical union which exists between Christ and His Church.” Continue reading →

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Judas, Peter and John

Posted on April 18, 2014 by Rich Stevenson

passion_of_the_christ_by_saviourmachineJudas betrayed Jesus.

“Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed Him.” Mt. 26:49

Why did he do it?  Was Judas so offended with the path Jesus was taking that he burned with anger and wanted Him dead?  Was he trying to force Christ’s hand to begin responding with power to Roman bondage and Jewish legalism?  Was it just plain greed?

It’s hard not to cringe at the scene where Judas betrays Christ with a kiss.  It is even more difficult to hear Christ’s first word in His response:  “Friend…” Continue reading →

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Will Shehee Challenges Our Offended Heart

Posted on March 26, 2014 by Rich Stevenson

Broken-Heart-Backgrounds-Wallpaper(Written by Will Shehee)

My family has been wholeheartedly serving the Lord as missionaries in Uganda for over 3 years. And where did it land us? Our van is totaled, our 5 week old baby is dead, and my wife still can’t even walk.

Where are you at with that? (Be honest.) Naturally, some of you may be offended on our behalf. “Is this how God repays this family who has sacrificed so much to serve Him? How could I serve a God like that?”

Continue reading →

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Blood Bleeds Blue

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Rich Stevenson

uk-basketballAs I write this post, it seems the whole world is coming down with a yearly disorder called March Madness.  I am in the beginning stages of the disease again this year.  I spent about half of my life living in a town called Wilmore, just south of Lexington, Ky.  The primary symptom of those who suffer with this malady where I lived is that our blood bleeds blue. . . University of Kentucky blue.  Not the little boy pastel blue like North Carolina; and a much more royal blue than Duke.  Continue reading →

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Jesus is on the Move. . .

Posted on March 5, 2014 by Rich Stevenson

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malachinetwork

March 6, 2014

“Aslan is on the move. . .

Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight,

At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more.

When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death.

And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again!”

C.S. Lewis

Dear Friends,

I needed the quote above today; not just because this winter has driven me stir crazy!  I needed that quote because of the fresh reminder that Jesus is on the move!  He is not idle and He is not frustrated.  The marks on His hands and feet still mean that his once and for all sacrifice has been made so that we no longer must pay the penalty for our sins.  The strength that is still in His right arm commands angels as His messengers.  Christ’s plan is still on track and His sovereignty is unquestionable.  He will make the Bride (Church) radiant and will make all things new on this earth.  One day soon He will bare His teeth and shake His mane and winter (suffering) will cease and spring (a brand new age) will come. We get to be on the move with Him! Continue reading →

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