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 – In a recent Super Bowl ad, viewers are reminded that Jesus understands us deeply. An old song echoes this truth. But the crucial question remains: do we truly understand Jesus? He comprehends our struggles and offers a solution for sin. It’s time to contemplate whether we embrace Him and the salvation He generously extends…
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – Sin certainly is a problem. Take a look at the news on any day of the week. People are experts at sin. We need to have a more comprehensive understanding of sin so we can embrace the solution to sin. Some people don’t believe there is a solution to sin. God disagrees and wants us to seek and find him, the Ultimate Solution. We’ll also add a story about the goodness of God. God is good. He…
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – Yes, some Bible stories are just a little weird until we understand them. Today, we look at one of those stories. We’ll also give a shout-out to a faithful pastor from Nazi-era Germany. He discovered the stream of grace, and you can too. Plus, a simple rationale for a pro-life position. It’s not complicated. But we have to be careful that we don’t let anyone change the subject.
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – When a major media company purposely omits a young man’s testimony, we call it a lie, a lie of omission. By contrast, the church has a great gift to our world: the truth! We give a shout out to Martin Luther and his stand for truth many Januarys ago. And don’t wait. When the Bible uses the word ‘wait’ in Isaiah, it does not mean just do nothing. Instead, we depend on God and his resources while…
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – Have you considered Intentional Obedience? Doing what pleases God on purpose rather than waiting for God to tell you what to change. Jonah ran away and intentionally disobeyed God. Then along comes a fish, and Jonah changed and changed direction. Then, the people of Nineveh heard God’s warning, and they changed! When the people changed, God changed and did not destroy them. That’s…
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – Remember, there’s a difference between politics and citizenship. Citizenship is the pursuit of righteous government. We all want righteous government. An Instant Sermon does not stump the pastor. It is a conversation about the questions people ask and our attempt to hear from God from his perspective. Join us this week as we stretch in God’s direction, lean into His challenges, and discover life…
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – Would you like to hear from God? Are you ready if he speaks? Will you listen even if he says something you don’t want to hear? Young Samuel, later the mighty prophet Samuel, heard God calling him one night. He listened. God’s message wasn’t easy to hear. But he listened. His example shows us how we can hear God and confirm his message to us…
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – We’re exchanging gifts at parties, seeking the perfect fit. I consider one man’s trade of ten dollars for a multimillion-dollar rock and recall Jesus’s words: God’s kingdom is worth everything. I propose a no-hassle exchange: all of you for all of God, a covenant. Follow the wise men’s lead and obey God. Embrace His divine invitation, a journey of faith and transformation, a path to spiritual richness…
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – In this exploration, we delve into Christmas Carols integral to Christian faith, taking a detour through Bethlehem. I share insights on Bethlehem’s current ambiance amidst recent events and reflect on the deeper meanings of Christmas, drawing from Isaiah’s prophecy and Jesus’ affirmation in Nazareth. Join me in understanding the true essence of Christmas and the year of the Lord’s favor.
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – It’s easy to find a problem. Just ask around. People find problems everywhere. Now, look for solutions. They are much harder to find. Well harder to find until we seek and find God’s solution. Hear the promise of God through the prophets. Then embrace the solution he has for you!
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – Let me be the first to wish you a Happy New Year! That’s right, it’s a new church year. We begin to tell the story of Jesus anticipating His birth and His second coming. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Finally, silver dollars and Texas. It’s a great illustration of what God wants you to find…
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – As we wrap up Thanksgiving, let’s embrace gratitude. I encourage you to start with small acknowledgments of thanks, setting aside comparisons and disappointments. Embracing thankfulness can open doors to what God intends for us. Meanwhile, let’s follow Jesus’ teachings, being faithful, prepared, and a blessing to…
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – We have many reasons for gratitude. Count your blessings! Start a list. And then, as you finish up your list, ask God for one more thing. What? I thought we should be thankful not to start asking again. Ask God to grant one thing more. “God, give me a grateful heart.” Then, take courage and learn the lesson from what we often call the Parable of the Talents. Go for it!
FAITH IS… with Pastor Rick Stevens – God repeatedly challenged his people to re-up their commitment to him. We call them covenant renewal ceremonies. The people enthusiastically pledged their faithfulness to God. Would they really live up to their commitments? And Jesus reminded his followers (that’s us) to be wise and ready for his return. No idiots allowed! Let’s practice wisdom and be prepared. Plus, I’ve been thinking again…