The Ridge – Weekly Message

As we continue through our series in the Gospel of Luke, we hone in on one of the most eccentric characters of the Bible, John the Baptist. John preached a message of repentance yet even within this confident proclamation, he had questions and doubts. Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they discuss how doubt can play a constructive role in the buildin...

Following Jesus is the best, most fulfilling life. But it isn’t the easiest life. There are things that God allows to happen that we may never understand—things that can cause us to question our faith. John the Baptist was a man firm in his faith, certain Jesus was the Messiah. Yet even he wrestled with doubt. And it wasn’t a bad thing. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: Luke 7:18–35 R...

Luke 6 contains one of the most challenging commands of Jesus in the whole of the gospels; "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you...". But how can we possibly go about doing this? What does loving our enemies even look like? Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship and Ridge Leadership and Ministry Director, Julie Wiemann, as they discuss what foll...

In Luke 6, we find one of the most challenging commands given by Jesus: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you. But what does that really mean? How does it apply to us today and what does it look like? Message by Julie Wiemann Scripture referenced: Luke 6:27–31 Read the  Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week!  Sign up  to receive the Beyo...

In Luke 8, Jesus calms a storm while on board a boat with His disciples. The story reminds us of God's immense power. Yet how often are we stepping out in faith and trusting in that power? Where is Jesus asking you to step out in faith today? Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship and Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they discuss ways in which we can grow to trust in God and step out in big an...

Fear can be a good thing. It can keep you out of trouble and away from danger. But fear can also be in conflict with our faith. It can cause us to miss out on discovering just how good God is and how worthy He is of our trust. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: Luke 8:22–25 Read the  Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week!  Sign up  to receive the Beyond the Sermo...

Pain is often a topic we prefer not to address, yet it is a common experience for us all. Thankfully, the Bible has much to say around the subject of suffering and what our relationship with God looks like in those hard seasons. Join Joni Pine and Will Herron as they discuss what lament is and how it plays a key role in our navigating seasons of pain well.  Resources: God on Mute (Pete Greig), A G...

Two disciples are walking along the road to Emmaus in Luke chapter 24. As they talk through the grief and disappointment over Jesus’s execution and death, a third man enters into the conversation. He walks alongside them and offers comfort, yet challenges them in their lament. Turns out this man is Jesus, and His interaction with these men reveals much about Him. Message by Will Herron Scripture r...

In Luke 7, a remarkable miracle happens when Jesus raises a young man from the dead. This can prompt us to ask - should we be asking God for dramatic things in our lives? And, if so, how do we navigate the waiting for those prayers to be answered? Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship, and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they discuss finding joy in the now and peace in the waiting. Additio...

God has done some marvelous things. But what was His finest moment? Raising the boy from the dead in Luke 7? Making the sun stand still? Parting the Red Sea? It might be something very different than one of these obvious choices. Message by Mike Van Rees      Go Beyond the Sermon: https://ridgelife.org/beyond-the-sermon      Scripture referenced: Luke 7:11–17 Read the  Beyond the Sermon devotional...

In Luke 7, Jesus encounters a centurion who had the greatest faith Jesus had seen in all of Israel. But what does Biblical faith look like? What are some misconceptions on faith that we should be aware of? Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they discover what true faith looks like and how we can grow to trust in God Himself rather than the outcomes we...

When we don’t see, feel, understand or perceive something and yet still believe it, that’s faith. When we have conviction that God can and hope that He will, that’s faith. Right? … Isn’t that faith? Well, yes. But there’s more to it than that. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: Luke 7:1–10 Read the  Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week!  Sign up  to receive the...

In Luke 5:33-39 Jesus is questioned about fasting. We see this biblical practice other places in scripture, too. So, how does it apply to our lives today? When and why should we use this spiritual discipline? Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they discuss what fasting means for us and how we can experience more of the Holy Spirit in our day-to-day li...

Fasting. It was a normal part of life in the days of the New Testament. This spiritual discipline connects God’s people to Him in a way others do not. Fasting helps us seek after Him and hear the fresh leadings of the Holy Spirit. And it remains just as important to us as followers of Jesus today. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: Luke 5:33–39 Read the  Beyond the Sermon devotionals ....

At first glance verses in Luke 9 and 11 seem to contradict one another. This can certainly be confusing. But if viewed in the right way, within context, our faith can be encouraged as we dig deeper to fully understand what God is teaching us in these sections of scripture. Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship, and Ridge Marketing and Communication Manager Dayne Logan as they discuss ways to...

Two passages in Luke 9 and 11 seem to be contradictory. Confusing, yes. But if we take a closer look and examine these verses within the context they are written, confusion gives way to encouragement as we begin to fully understand what God is teaching. Message by Dayne Logan Scripture referenced: Luke 9 and 11 Read the  Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week!  Sign up  to re...

In Luke 14:25-32 Jesus says that if anyone is to follow Him they must "hate" their family. What is Jesus trying to teach us here? Why does God ask for our all and not just a part of our life? Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship, and Director of Family Ministries Doug Applegate as they discuss reasons why full surrender to God's desires for our life is always better. Read the ...

In Luke 14, Jesus states that if anyone is to follow Him they must “hate” their family. In saying this, what is He really asking of us? What is He trying to teach us? Hint: It has something to do with full surrender. Message by Doug Applegate Scripture referenced: Luke 14:25–32 Read the  Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week!  Sign up  to receive the Beyond the Sermon blog i...

In Luke 5:27-32 Jesus meets Levi, a tax collector. Levi puts together a gathering at his house for Jesus and invites all his tax collector friends. Jesus didn't approve of their immoral financial practices but their behavior wasn’t a reason for him to shun them like the Pharisees. Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship, and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they discuss ways in which we c...

Jesus could have had His choice of anyone. He could have picked a scholar, an influencer, someone living a moral life. But He didn’t. He chose Levi, the tax collector. Instead of shunning Levi for his corrupt behavior and immoral financial practices, Jesus said, “Come. Follow me.” Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: Luke 5:27–32 Read the  Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotion...

In Luke chapter 5 we unpack the story of a paralytic man being healed and forgiven after his friends went through great lengths to ensure he was brought before Jesus. So how can we serve our friends and families in the same way? What are we willing to do to bring them to Jesus? Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship, and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees, as they discuss ways in which we can be...

The friends of the paralytic man went to great lengths to bring him before Jesus. And through their efforts, he was more than healed, he was forgiven. What are we willing to do to bring others to Jesus? How can we serve our friends and families in a similar way? Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: Luke 5:17–26 Read the  Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week!  Sign...

In Luke chapter 10, Jesus sends 72 of His followers to heal the sick and to tell others that the kingdom of God was near. As Jesus followers today, how do we go about spreading the gospel and integrating our faith into every sphere of our lives? Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship, and Ministry Director Julie Wiemann as they discuss ways on sharing our faith in today's culture. Read the...

In Luke chapter 10, Jesus sends 72 of His followers out into the world. He instructs them to heal the sick and to declare that the kingdom of God was near. So, as followers of Jesus today, how are we using our influence? Are we spreading the gospel? Are we integrating faith into all aspects of our lives? Message by Julie Wiemann Scripture referenced: Luke 10 Video referenced: https://www.youtube.c...

As we continue our sermon series in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus encounters a man with leprosy and heals him. Fully and immediately. Moments like this in Jesus' ministry inspire faith, but they can also raise questions: Why don't we see this response from Him each time we ask? Does it have something to do with us—don't we have enough faith—or is God not as willing to heal today as He was...