The Ridge – Weekly Message

According to a recent study, the average person lies three times within a 10-minute conversation. Even if that study is only half accurate, that's still a lot of lying! So, what's so wrong about casual dishonesty? Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS Host Will Herron as they explore the why behind our lying and discuss how we can break its hold in our lives. 

Honesty is important. In other words, James tells us that we should say what we mean and mean what we say. We should live and speak in a way that doesn't require embellishment or sugarcoating. Our words alone should be enough. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: James 5:12

Patience; a familiar virtue but one of the most challenging to put into practice. Whether it's getting stuck in traffic, slow internet, or relational friction, we often find ourselves embracing impatience rather than this fruit of the Spirit. Why is that? How can we grow to be people of patience? Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS host Will Herron as they explore these questions and...

We live in a world that works hard — very hard — to eliminate any need for us to wait. But here, James tells us the thing about patience: It’s more than a virtue. It builds our character and produces perseverance and character and hope, yes. But it does something more. Patience reveals something important we might otherwise miss. More in this Series: The Book of James https://www.youtube.com/playl...

For Christians, the literal resurrection of Jesus is the lynchpin of their faith. Without it, there's no forgiveness, no relationship with God, no hope of a new heaven/new earth. So how can we be sure that the resurrection actually happened? How can we know that Jesus is alive and at work among us today by His Spirit? Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS host Will Herron as they explor...

If we chose one word and one word only to describe Easter, what would it be? It would have to be an authentic expression of awe, wonder, amazement. That word would be wow. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: Luke 11:9, 24:1–6, 23:32–33, 46; John 11:25, 14:19, 20:11–14; Romans 8:1, 20–21; 1 Corinthians 15:20–21; Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:14; Revelation 1:17–18, 22:3–5

Good Friday is a service of reflection and worship, communion and contemplation as we remember what Jesus has done for us and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross at Calvary.

When the Bible talks about God “abounding in love,” we see that love expressed in many ways (e.g., the gift of salvation/various blessings in our lives.) But have you ever stopped to think whether you are following God mainly for what He can give you? Do you love God for who He is or for what you can get from Him? Join BTS host and long-time Ridger, Julie Wiemann, as they explore ways we can grow...

Believing in Jesus and having eternal life is more than something we know. It’s more than accepting and acknowledging that Jesus was the Son of God — that He is who He said He was. And that did what the Bible tells us He did — He was crucified, died, and rose again on the third day. So, then, what is it? What is true belief? Message by Julie Wiemann Scripture referenced: John 6:22–29, 32, 35; 12:1...

Jesus once said; "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:25 ESV). James begins chapter 5 of his letter with a similar tone and message. So, is accumulating wealth a bad thing? If we find ourselves with some financial resources, how should we go about using them in a way that pleases God?   Join Ridge Lead P...

The Bible has some things to say about money. Here, in the first verses of chapter five, James addresses a specific group of people: the rich. And he offers some perspective and guidance, revealing the responsibility that comes with wealth. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: James 5:1–6

Death is a subject we rarely think about, and yet few things are more universally relevant. Our time on earth is limited, and James reminds us of this reality in his letter. Is it possible that considering our passing in the future can actually be life giving in the present? If so, how so? Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS host Will Herron as they discuss the benefits of living with a h...

Humility. God values it. In fact, He gives grace to the humble. So, how do know if we have humility? And if not, how do we get it? James offers us some answers and guidance and perspective on what humility is and how we can gain it. Message by Mike Van ReesScripture referenced: James 4:13–17

In life, there will be conflict. It’s part of the cost of relationship. So, what do we do with it? What do we do about it? James tells us there’s a better way — a Biblical way — to handle conflict. Message by Mike Van ReesScripture referenced: James 4:1–10

Let's be honest; while conflict may be a familiar part of our lives, most of us prefer to avoid it. It seems easier to sweep things under the rug or harbor our grievances. Yet in James 4, we are invited into a different and ultimately healthier way of dealing with conflict.   Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS host Will Herron as they explore some practical steps to navigating confli...

Like many things, trust is easier said than done. We might declare in songs and prayers that we trust in God, but when we take an honest look at ourselves, we may find our ultimate trust lies in more temporary/earthly things. God is clearly more dependable, powerful and faithful, so why do we do that? What does it mean to wholeheartedly trust in God? Join BTS host Dayne Logan and Ridge Discipleshi...

God is faithful and constant, never changing. Yet it is so easy for us to put our trust elsewhere in temporary, changeable things for security and peace. How, then, do we avoid that? And what does it look like to trust God wholeheartedly? Message by Will HerronScripture referenced: Proverbs 3:5–12

Often, due to our limited vantage point, we're unable to see the danger of the things we desire. But what about the requests that we know are good, like the healing of a loved one? What do we do when God says "no", when we feel any loving parent would say, "yes"? Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS host Will Herron as they explore these challenging questions and mo...

Here, in the beginning of chapter four, James teaches us some very important things about prayer: Sometimes we don’t receive simply because we don’t ask. Other times, we don’t receive because what we are asking would not be good for us. Message by Mike Van ReesScripture referenced: James 4:1–3

It’s one thing to acquire knowledge about God and His ways; it’s another to live it out and become a person of wisdom and self-control. So, what are some of the obstacles to living wisely, and how do we overcome them? How to we grow to think, act and speak in a manner consistent with God’s wisdom? Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS host Will Herron as they seek for answers to these quest...

James tells us there are two kinds of wisdom: false wisdom and true wisdom. So, which is which? And how can we tell whether we’re living a life based on true wisdom? Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: James 3:13–18

An old Irish saying declares, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Despite the familiarity of the saying, few would attest to its truthfulness. The fact is, hurtful words wound us deeply. So how can we prevent painful words of the past impacting our present? What are some ways we can heal those verbal scars and grow to speak words that bring life? Join Ri...

James tells us there are two kinds of wisdom: false wisdom and true wisdom. So, which is which? And how can we tell whether we’re living a life based on true wisdom? Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: James 3:13–18

Particularly for those of us who have grown up in the church, the gospel message is a familiar story. Christ’s death and resurrection on our behalf is something we’ve heard tens, or perhaps even hundreds, of times. With something so familiar, how do we keep the good news fresh in our hearts and minds? How can we live out of continued gratefulness for Christ's sacrifice for us? Join BTS host Da...

How can we grow not just to know the way of Jesus but to live like Him? Fortunately, Scripture holds the answer — Paul even gives us a road map of sorts in Romans chapter 12. Message by Will Herron Scripture referenced: Romans 12:1–2