The Ridge – Weekly Message

For anyone who grew up going to Sunday school, hearing and singing about biblical heroes like Noah, David and Abraham was commonplace. Yet as we begin to learn about these people later in life, we also start to see their failures and faults. Noah ended up getting drunk, David murdered a man and married his wife, and Abraham slept with a servant girl. So how do we go about sharing these stories wit...

The account of the fall of Jericho. The city gates were securely barred — no one went out and no one came in. God promises to deliver Jericho into the hands of the Israelites, but it doesn't happen the way you might think or could even imagine. God has a unique plan in mind, but it requires overwhelming obedience and great trust. Message by Mike Van ReesScripture referenced: Joshua 6

Circumcision isn't a topic that gets much airtime in Sunday morning sermons, yet we can't ignore how often it is referenced in the Bible. Whether its Joshua 5 where the Israelite men are physically circumcised before they enter the Promised Land, or Romans 2 where Paul talks about a "circumcision of the heart," we can't ignore there is something significant here that can easi...

Before military action, Israel undergoes three crucial acts of faith: the circumcision at Gilgal to renew God's covenant, the celebration of Passover, and the cessation of manna as they begin eating from the Promised Land. The manna that has sustained them for 40 years ceases as God transitions His people from surviving in the wilderness to living in the abundance of Canaan. In it all, the Isr...

Without spending much time in Scripture, it becomes quickly apparent the practice of remembering what God has done plays a key role in our spiritual growth. Yet what is it about this practice that is so important? And what are some practical ways we can go about reminding ourselves of what God has done in our lives? Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS host Will Herron as they discuss thes...

The next generation of Israelites stands ready to enter the Promised Land. The final obstacle: The Jordan River. Seemingly, the timing couldn't be worse. They were preparing to cross during the harvest season when the river was swollen with the spring rains. At God's instruction, the Israelites camp on the shore watching the rushing waters for three days. And then, before anything else, wi...

The root system of a tree or plant is critical to its health. It provides stability but also supplies the nutrients it needs to grow. As it turns out, what we are rooted in equally matters for similar reasons. Psalm 1 talks about being rooted in God, but what does that look like practically?  And why is being rooted in God so important, particularly when it comes to our inner transformation?    Jo...

What we root ourselves in matters. God's Word forms us in life-giving ways. But other influences can shape us, too, and not always for the good. One path roots us in God and grows the life He intends; the other roots us entirely, and we risk missing it entirely. Message by Brandy Young Scripture referenced: Psalm 1

It's a turning point in Israel's history. Moses has just died, and someone must step up and step into his leadership role. God calls Joshua. And at first, Joshua is afraid and overwhelmed. But then God makes him a promise. It's an encouraging one, but it's conditional. Meaning, in order for the promise to be fulfilled, Joshua had to do his part. Message by Mike Van ReesScripture re...

In the first chapter of the book of Joshua, God says to Joshua, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night”. (Verse 8) Most tend to associate the act of meditation with eastern religion so its mention here may come as a surprise. So what actually is Christian meditation? How do we go about practicing it and how does it differ from eastern meditation?  Join Ridge L...

God has made us for community with others. In particular, God has made it that we follow Him in the company of other believers. But why? Why is being part of community groups, mentorships and other connection contexts so key to our spiritual growth?   Join Ridge Youth Director Todd Stiles and BTS Host Will Herron as they discuss these questions and more on this week's Beyond the Sermon.

Eventually in life we'll face something we simply can't handle on our own. In those overwhelming seasons, we discover our strength is limited. But here's the good news: God never intended His people to function alone, on their own, independently. Message by Todd Stiles Scripture referenced: Exodus 17:7–13

In Joshua chapter 2 God chooses a prostitute, Rahab, to hide two Israelite spies from the king of Jericho. To do so, she must lie to the king, yet she is honored by God and protected by Him. Does this imply that it might be permissible to lie under certain circumstances? If so, how do we go about determining if and when this might happen? Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS Host Will Herr...

God instructed Joshua to take and possess the Promised Land. To do so, the first city Israel must conquer is Jericho. Refusing to go into battle blind, Joshua sends two spies into the city on a reconnaissance mission. The men find themselves at the home of Rahab. But soon the king of Jericho is tipped off and sends soldiers to her house in search of the spies. What happens next and what can we lea...

God encourages Joshua and the Israelites with these words: "Be strong and courageous … I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Joshua 1:6,9) Fear is common to us all and is often overwhelming and consuming. If this is the command God gives, what does it look like to walk in His strength?  How can we experience His strength in the midst of fearful situations?   Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mi...

It's not uncommon to get the Bible backward. When we read or hear about the people in the Bible we assume they are heroic men and women who know no fear and laugh in the face of danger. But if we pay careful attention and take a closer look, we see something a little different. Message by Mike Van ReesScripture referenced: Joshua 1:1–18

One thing God guarantees us in the Bible is His promised presence with us. But what does that look like or feel like? What are some ways we can seek to be mindful of God's presence throughout our day?   Join Ridge Director of Strategic Planning and Communication Dayne Logan and BTS Host Will Herron as they discuss these questions and more on this week's Beyond the Sermon.

Exodus 33 is all about who. Of course, it is about the Israelites. But it's also about God and His place and role in our lives. When we look closer at this passage of Scripture, we see the Israelites did a lot of things wrong. But there was an important something they did right. Message by Dayne LoganScripture referenced: Exodus 33

God has brought the Israelites to the edge of the Promised Land. Moses sends out troops to scout out the land but there is a problem – it's inhabited and fortified! The Israelites are facing a challenge of huge proportions. Which raises the question for us: how do we go about facing challenges in our lives? Is it solely on us to figure it out or should we "let go and let God"?   Join...

Israel has reached the border of the Promised Land. But before entering in, Moses wisely sends twelve spies into Canaan to scout the area and gather intelligence. After 40 days they return with a report but with differing perspectives. Though they all saw and witnessed the same thing, ten spies are at odds with two. Which perspective is accurate? Message by Mike Van ReesScripture referenced: Numbe...

God gives Saul detailed instructions to carry out a brutal mission. It was direction he didn't like and didn't want to do. So, Saul only partially obeys the command he was given. This act of rebellion and its consequences affect Saul deeply. There's much for us to see and learn from the situation. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: 1 Samuel 15

Not far into 1 Samuel 15, God gives Saul and the Israelite army some brutal orders, commanding them to destroy the Amalekites: men, women, children and cattle. At first read, this seems rather harsh and severe. What do we do with it? How should we approach this passage and others like it?     Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS Host Will Herron as they uncover some tools to help us better...

Reading through the Bible, you may find many parts that inspire, encourage and direct you in your life. Yet there are other parts that at first seem confusing, raising questions as to how we are to understand and apply what we are reading. So how can we go about reading the Bible in a way that leads to understanding, application and transformation?    Join Ridge Family Ministries Director and BTS...

When Jesus called Simon and Andrew to be His disciples, it was a significant moment in their lives. It's even more meaningful when we know the cultural significance surrounding it. If we look closer at what Jesus said and how Simon and Andrew responded, we will discover the full depth of what it meant for them to be called and what was expected of them living the life of a disciple. We’ll also...

As we close out our sermon series on the book of Acts, we turn our attention to what it looks like to share our faith with others. Over the years Christians have used a variety of methods and means to share the good news of Jesus to the world. But not all of those methods were impactful in the right ways, nor fruitful in the long run. So how should we go about sharing our faith in 2026? What are s...