Ridgepoint Sermon Audio

Pastor Brent explores the tension between following rules literally (the letter of the law) and understanding their deeper purpose (the spirit of the law). While rules are important for society and relationships, we must be cautious about adding our own interpretations to scripture and remember to prioritize kindness and understanding.

Pastor Brent uses the famous story of Jesus healing a paralytic man to explore the concept of forgiveness. The original biblical language makes a distinction between "charidzomai" and "aphiemi" forgiveness, and both definitions offer unique insight into how we should live in harmony with others today.

This week Pastor Joe takes a look at Jesus' early ministry in Mark 1 by comparing it to a BeReal social media timeline, highlighting how Jesus prioritized prayer, showed mercy, went on mission, and drew growing crowds.

This week Dr. Tim Geddert examines how Jesus's first disciples had to surrender what they valued most - their professional identity and family ties - while embarking on a new life of following Jesus. This life of discipleship demands everything we have, but it also offers the assurance of God's persistent grace.

Pastor Brent begins a new sermon series on the Gospel of Mark by examining how the "good news" (euangelion) of Jesus contrasted with the prevailing Greek/Hellenistic culture. While the Hellenistic kingdom offered good news centered on education, healthcare, entertainment, and sports, Jesus announced a radically different kingdom focused on God rather than man, offering peace, purpose, and joy.

Guest speaker Tim Sullivan shares four biblical principles for growing our leadership capacity: integrity, humility, dependability, and generosity. Leadership is all about influence, and developing these four things can expand our ability to impact others for God's Kingdom.

The night Jesus was born may not have been silent and maybe not so calm, but it was certainly holy, and it's great news for us today.

This week Pastor Brent looks at the classic Christmas hymn, "Joy to the World." And while this is among the most popular Christmas songs, the original writer--Isaac Watts--intended this song to focus on Christ's *second* coming, not His first. Yes, Jesus came as a humble servant, but one day, He will return as a conquering King restoring the world to its intended peace.

This week Pastor Joe uses the Christmas carol "O Holy Night" to remind us of our own personal worthiness. Flawed as we may be, true self-worth comes from an understanding of God's unconditional love. Because of Jesus, we can overcome shame and recognize our value, uniquely created in God's image.

This week Pastor Brent shares a unique message based on the classic Christmas spiritual, "Go Tell It On the Mountain." Brent uses an imaginative, fictional first-person account to explore how the shepherds would have found the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. Just as the shepherds felt compelled to "go tell," we, too, have a responsibility to share the good news of Jesus' birth to those around us.

In this Christmas sermon, Pastor Brent dives into the classic hymn "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus," unpacking how Jesus came with a mission to free people from their struggles and be a life-changing king. Breaking down the 280-year-old song, Brent highlights that Jesus isn't just a distant ruler, but someone who wants to bring hope and healing into people's hearts today.

This week (leading up to our annual Big Offering), Pastor Brent shares a dramatic story from the Old Testament about a severe famine that led to abundant provision. When our God is this good, we have no choice but to share the blessing, so let's be joyful and generous people!

Pastor Brent concluded the "Higher Calling" series by discussing the importance of living an intentional Christian life, outlining five key principles. He emphasized that while intentions alone aren't enough, Christians need God's Word, Spirit, and people to live intentionally, with Jesus serving as the perfect example of an intentional life focused on His mission.

Money has both a light side (enjoyment, security, generosity) and a dark side (greed, hoarding, overspending, debt). This week Pastor Brent presents four key principles for financial stewardship: give more, save more, spend less, and get out of debt. Self-control--supported by prayer and accountability--is essential for achieving financial freedom and making a positive impact.

Jesus calls Christians to practice radical hospitality and humility in their relationships. While the world prioritizes status and selective inclusion, God's kingdom welcomes all who accept His invitation. Living out this higher calling means taking the lower seat and actively inviting those typically overlooked into God's family.

God calls Christians to make a difference in the world through their unique spiritual gifts. While finding and using these gifts requires intentional effort, it leads to a life of purpose and impact. Following God's plan to serve others brings both personal fulfillment and advances His kingdom.

While most of us associate the word "worship" with singing, the Higher Calling of worship is much more. True worship is ultimately a life bowed down, a daily expression of our devotion to God.

In anticipation of the upcoming presidential election, Pastor Brent reminds us that our love and allegiance to Jesus should always outweigh our political opinions. In a culture so divided by politics, we need to remember to be kind, to pray for our leaders, and to trust in God's sovereignty.

God calls Christians to live under a higher standard. And while this higher bar is admittedly challenging, this way of life is also good and achievable with His help. Pursuing God's plans for us leads to a life that is good and satisfying and impactful.

This week Pastor Andy walks us through Jesus' invitation to learn "unforced rhythms of grace" (Matthew 11). To build this lifestyle, we need to develop a prayer and a plan to intentionally walk with Jesus. Living this way keeps us grounded, can manage life's challenges, and produces spiritual fruit.

Throughout this series, Pastor Brent has been talking about the importance of rest and Sabbath--or as we've been calling it--"ceasing." An important part of that is honest and balanced prayers to God. God invites us to cast our cares on Him, but we also need to be disciplined about listening to God through prayer, reading the Bible, and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

In a world that elevates busyness and speed, Jesus invites us to cease and rest. Instead of finding value in our production or accomplishments, Jesus offers a new identity--one that isn't based on what we have or what we do, but who HE says we are.

As we open this new "Rhythms" series, Pastor Brent explores the biblical concept of Sabbath and its relevance today. He traces the rhythm of work and rest from creation through the Ten Commandments, emphasizing God's intention for balance in our lives. Brent challenges our modern addiction to busyness, encouraging intentional pauses to reflect on God's goodness and mercy.

This week Pastor Brent uncovers the intertwined themes of gratitude and contentment in Philippians 4. Just like the Apostle Paul, we can find true contentment in the midst of our most challenging circumstances. Brent contrasts the "More Strategy" with the "Enough Strategy," offering practical guidance on resisting the allure of materialism and embracing God's sufficiency.

On this "Back to School Sunday," Pastor Brent encourages us to cling to God and specific teachings in the Bible when we start to feel anxious and stressed in this hectic fall season.