Faith Is…
Every Sat/Sun 8 AM ET
We believe God wants us to understand the Bible. So we’ll approach the Bible with eager anticipation, confident that God will show us the truth. Then, he’ll show us how to live in these sometimes confusing and discouraging times. Join us as we make the complicated simple, cooperate with grace, and stretch toward God’s high calling.
Every week we’ll take a fresh look at the Bible and discover that Faith Is . . . absolute confidence in the trustworthiness of God.
Born a Buckeye in southwestern Ohio, Pastor Rick Stevens has served churches from Oklahoma to New Brunswick, Canada. He has been a pastor, youth pastor, and church music director. Since January of 1997, he has been the pastor of Diplomat Wesleyan Church in Cape Coral, FL. He is married to Jan and has two children and four grandchildren. His most unusual travel experience was visiting the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station in Ukraine; the site of the world’s worst nuclear power accident.
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – Decision-makers often frustrate us with their choices. Understanding the difference between transactional and principled decision-making helps, even if we disagree with them. The mysterious figure of Melchizedek, with his Messianic connections, sheds light on biblical narratives and enriches our understanding of Jesus as part of the order of Melchizedek.
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – In our current civilizational moment, we face a choice: renew our values or fall into decline. This reflection explores the deeper meaning of salvation—not just being saved, but experiencing restoration and hope for the future. By understanding what God wants to do for us, we can be saved from sin and embrace a life filled with purpose, commitment, and renewal.
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – As Christians, should we leave the Old Testament behind? With so many commandments, can’t we just focus on the two Jesus gave us? The answer is no; the Old Testament remains God’s Word. Embracing both sets of commandments, we find purpose and transformation in our faith, living intentionally through the teachings of the entire Bible.
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – Thankfully, God intervened, and the assassin missed. How different the world would be today if God had not delivered us from evil. His providential help calls us to a renewed commitment. It’s time for us to increase our resolve and lessen our timidity. Freedom calls for responsibility that brings out the best in people. Hear and heed God’s call today!
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – Merry Christmas. Yes, it’s Christmas in July! This week, we renew our hope with a reminder that Messiah came at Christmas. All around us, there is despair. But in us, there is hope because we know a righteous King came at Christmas and is coming again. So join us as we consider the prophecies predicting the coming of Messiah and, of first importance, why He came.
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – Do you have a God complex? Do you have a Make-a-God Kit? For most of us, the answer is a reluctant yes. This week’s program will help us simplify and expand our understanding of God and challenge us to love God and our neighbors. When we see that God is a community of love, we can more readily love God generously and our neighbors graciously!
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – The challenge of our times is not political: Republican v. Democrat, right v. Left. The challenge of our times is normal v. crazy; sane v. insane! The challenge for us is holy living or the depravity of sin. The question for us today: do you have absolute confidence in the trustworthiness of God?
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – Join me in exploring the profound teachings of the Sermon on the Mount. Imagine God being our ultimate hope, delivering us from evil, and stretching us towards divine purpose. Envision a different world, where we become different people under a different King. I want to live in that neighborhood! Let’s embark on this transformative journey together.
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – Discover the incredible gifts God has for you—faith to trust Him, grace for salvation, and special abilities to build up His church. Embrace and develop these spiritual gifts to strengthen your church community. God needs your unique talents, and your church does too. Explore the five-fold church concept and find your role in God’s plan.
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – So many people throw around the phrase “separation of church and state.” Too often, that idea is used to silence the church, the voice of God. Let’s think about what that phrase really means and how it applies to life today. Then, we’ll consider a Bible story about people demanding more government! They made a terrible mistake that we should avoid.
FAITH IS… We live in a world of lies where people use power to enforce their lies. How do we sort it all out? Jesus declared the Word of God is the truth. So, let’s listen to what God says and stretch toward His calling. Discover, develop, and use His gifts because the gifts are God’s call on your life. God tells us the truth. God gave us the truth. God is the truth…
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – On this Memorial Day weekend, we remember the great price paid for our liberty. We celebrate with picnics and a car race, embracing the freedom given by God and faithful men and women. Listening to Jesus’ words to Nicodemus, we recognize the mysterious reality of being born again. What a weekend of spiritual and political freedom!
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – William Wilberforce changed the world. Or perhaps we should think of it as God raised William Wilberforce to change the world. What’s he calling you to accomplish? If God is calling, the question is never, “Can I?” The question is always, “Will I?” Pentecost reminds us that God gives us the power to accomplish his purposes…
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – Would you rather be ruled by power or truth? And yes, that choice matters! What is a sacrilege? We witnessed a recent sacrilege. Did you notice? Will you vote for the candidate that will lessen evil? When you think of Jesus’ return, are you fearful or full of eager anticipation? I say, “Come, Lord Jesus. We’re ready!”