Church: Love It Or Love It (Part 2)

Posted on November 25, 2013 by Rich Stevenson

fd03fd4ab66b9a2649417e3ed4d6b54f_400x400_200x200The best of times and the worst of times, the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat, high praise, joyful tears, belly laughter, miracles of salvation and healing, disappointment, stupid mistakes, unfair treatment, depression, anger and pain.  Church.

I have more hope now for the Church than I have ever had before. . .

That is how I finished Part 1 of this journal.  It’s really true.  I am 100% convinced that the Church is becoming a radiant Bride and She will be fierce in both power and holiness!

Here is my bottom line reason for such optimism:  JESUS GETS YES. Continue reading →

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Church: Love It Or Love It

Posted on November 23, 2013 by Rich Stevenson

I just reread this and decided to reblog it. This is the beginning of what will become a journal of what I believe the LORD is doing in the Church today.
“I cannot say whether things will get better if we change; what I can say is they must change if they are to get better.” George C. Lichtenberg
Change is coming to the Church in America. I have great hope. . .
I’d love to have your thoughts as I share from my heart about the Church in the days ahead.

Rich Stevenson's avatarrichstevenson.org

fd03fd4ab66b9a2649417e3ed4d6b54f_400x400_200x200Did you see what I did there?

You thought when you began reading that title that it was going to say, “Church:  Love It Or Leave It.”  And you could jump on the bandwagon with a massive crowd of 20 and 30 somethings who are leaving the Church in droves.  It is popular to say things like, “I don’t have a problem with Jesus, but I don’t like the Church.”

The problem is, there’s no alternative.  Jesus is coming back for a bride, not a bride with all of her bridesmaids.  Church is Plan A, and there’s no Plan B.  

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Church: Love It Or Love It

Posted on November 21, 2013 by Rich Stevenson

fd03fd4ab66b9a2649417e3ed4d6b54f_400x400_200x200Did you see what I did there?

You thought when you began reading that title that it was going to say, “Church:  Love It Or Leave It.”  And you could jump on the bandwagon with a massive crowd of 20 and 30 somethings who are leaving the Church in droves.  It is popular to say things like, “I don’t have a problem with Jesus, but I don’t like the Church.”

The problem is, there’s no alternative.  Jesus is coming back for a bride, not a bride with all of her bridesmaids.  Church is Plan A, and there’s no Plan B.   Continue reading →

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There Is No Other Stream

Posted on November 15, 2013 by Rich Stevenson

Jesus is the only way of salvation.  images

Those are not my words, they are from Jesus Himself:  Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  John 14:6

Today, we can feel the abrasiveness of that statement in the atmosphere of inclusiveness.  It seems downright intolerant!  Can you imagine how that statement is going to sound 10 years from now? It will cause an outrage. . .literally. Continue reading →

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5 Reasons I Love Billy Graham

Posted on November 9, 2013 by Rich Stevenson

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On Billy Graham’s 96th birthday, I want to repost one of my favorite blogs.

I’m sure I could come up with 50, but I’ve zeroed in on 5 of the biggest reasons that I love Billy Graham.

#1  Billy Graham’s most often repeated phrase in preaching is:  “The Bible says. . .”

Culture didn’t drive his preaching.  Politics didn’t dictate his delivery.  He wasn’t seeker sensitive, He was Spirit sensitive.  Like John Wesley, you could honestly say that Billy Graham is “a man of one book.”  Although many tried to sway him, Billy took the Bible literally and declared it’s simple, clear message faithfully.  After 60 plus years of preaching, he still defers the power of his ministry to the Word of God. Continue reading →

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