The Ridge – Weekly Message

Looking at the life of Solomon one thing is clear, he was a man of incredible wealth. Solomon was in many ways the Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos or Warren Buffet of his day. And yet it raises the question: Does God desire every person to be wealthy? What does the Bible teach us about God's financial provision for us?   Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS Host Will Herron as they explore this...

Chapter 4 of 1 Kings consists of three major sections. Verses 1–21 list Solomon's officials and governors, verses 22–28 share Solomon's daily provisions, and verses 29–30 reveal the depth of Solomon's wisdom. Ever wonder why Solomon had all that he had? Message by Mike Van ReesScripture referenced: 1 Kings 4

A few weeks ago we started a new sermon series Rise and Fall: The Story of Solomon. This past Sunday, we turned our attention to another rise and fall story, the life of the Apostle Peter. If we are honest, we can see this same dynamic in our own lives. It can be challenging to maintain a steady level of Christlikeness throughout our day-to-day lives. So how can we become more consistent in this a...

During the course of his life, Solomon experiences a dramatic rise and fall. Although so far we've seen him on the rise, a fall is surely coming. And Solomon isn't the only one. Peter, too, experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. So, what does this reveal to us as followers of Jesus today?        Message by Dayne Logan  Scripture referenced: Mark 8:27–36 

On-demand streaming and shopping has in many ways made life easier than ever. Want to get your groceries delivered to your door? Want to watch all the episodes of every season of your favorite show? Both can be accomplished with just a few clicks on your phone or TV. Convenient, yes! But what effect does this on-demand culture have on us? Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS Host Will Herr...

God just granted Solomon his request for wisdom — for a discerning heart and an understanding mind to lead God's people. Now two women stand before him both claiming to be the mother of the same baby. Solomon must determine which one is the mother. Message by Mike Van ReesScripture referenced: 1 Kings 3:16–28

In 1 Kings 3, God says to Solomon, "Ask me for whatever you want me to give you." A remarkable offer to which Solomon responds, "Give your servant a discerning heart." Solomon could have requested anything, yet he asks for wisdom. So, what exactly is wisdom and how can we grow in it?    Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS Host Will Herron as they explore these question...

God just granted Solomon his request for wisdom — for a discerning heart and an understanding mind to lead God's people. Now two women stand before him both claiming to be the mother of one baby. Solomon must determine which one is the mother. Message by Mike Van ReesScripture referenced: 1 Kings 3:16–28

You don't have to look far to find violence within the pages of the Bible. From the murder of Abel by his brother Cain and the various wars within the Old Testament to the crucifixion in the New Testament, engaging with the Bible means violence is something we can't ignore.   Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS Host Will Herron as they explore this challenging topic and discover t...

David: As Solomon establishes his kingdom, he also begins to administer justice. And David has justice on his mind as he prepares to die. In fact, the last words David speaks to Solomon are instructions to avenge him from the wrongs suffered at the hands of Shimei. This presents and important question: What do we do with unforgiveness — with holding onto an offense and the desire for revenge. Mess...

Often "joy" and "happiness" can be used interchangeably but as we look to the Bible, we see joy as something much deeper and longer lasting. So what exactly is it and how can we grow to be more joyful?     Join Ridge Family Ministries Director Doug Applegate and BTS Host Will Herron as they discuss these questions and more on this weeks BTS episode.

The book of 2 Samuel tells the story of King David's reign in Israel — his rise to power, his military successes, his consolation of the kingdom, and the consequences of his choices both good and bad. But there's one scene where David returns to Jerusalem with the Ark of the Covenant and does something quite undignified. Message by Doug ApplegateScripture referenced: 2 Samuel 6:1–23More in...

Jesus called his disciples to come and follow Him. More than a simple profession of faith, the decision made by the disciples was highly practical, it involved every area of their lives. So how can we mirror that same devotion and surrender to Jesus today? Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS Host Will Herron as they explore the dangers of partial Christianity and discover afresh Jesus&#39...

As Solomon establishes his kingdom, he also begins to administer justice, which means he is forced to make a decision regarding Joab, the nephew of King David and the commander of his army. Joab's story and his role within the kingdom is a complicated one. But Joab shows us something important — something we as followers of Jesus can't gloss over. Message by Mike Van ReesScripture referenc...

As we continue our series through the life of King Solomon, we encounter a conflict between his parents, David and Bathsheba. Relational conflict is common to us all, but how exactly should we approach it as followers of Jesus? Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS Host Will Herron as they explore some practical ways we can navigate conflict in a God-honoring way. 

In 1 Kings chapter 1, King David is nearing the end of his life. The obvious question before him is this: Who will succeed him as king? The obvious plan would be David's oldest living son, Adonijah — the heir apparent. That's how monarchies work, isn't it? Turns out God had something else in mind. Message by Mike Van ReesScripture referenced: 1 Kings 1

As we begin a new sermon series looking at the life of Solomon, one thing is clear, his family was dysfunctional! Sadly, many of us have similar experiences. So, how do we go about navigating challenging aspects of our family history and our lives as followers of Jesus? Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS Host Will Herron as they explore God's ability to redeem even the darkest dysfunctio...

Solomon, the wisest, wealthiest, most-renowned king in the Old Testament. But his story doesn't begin with renown or wisdom or wealth. Rather it begins with family. As a prince, Solomon was born the son of a king — King David. And his mother was Bathsheba. From his first breath, Solomon's life may have been one of privilege, but it was also one marked by scandal, deceit and dysfunction. Me...

Whether its situations within our personal or work lives or events happening across the world, there are many things that can trigger a sense of fear and anxiety within us. So how do we as followers of Jesus combat these feelings?   Join BTS Host Will Herron and long-time Ridger Julie Wiemann as they explore some practical next steps to experiencing God's presence and peace in the midst of str...

The pace in which we move day by day is exhausting. And life isn't slowing down. In psalm 46, God tells us to be still. So we know solitude and stillness are good. But they don't happen without great intention. Message by Julie WiemannScripture referenced: Psalm 46

Statistics show that Americans work on average 49 hours per week, receive digital communication every 11 minutes, and also sleep less than previous generations. What does this all tell us? We are living at a fast pace! But what does the Bible have to say about this kind of lifestyle? What are the long-term implications spiritually, physically and relationally?    Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Re...

What is the meaning and purpose of the Sabbath? Why is rest important, where does it fit in our working world, and why does God want it for us? In short, something happens when we obey — something valuable comes from taking time for measured rest. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: Genesis 1:1, 2:2–3; Exodus 20:8–11; Matthew 11:28

The topic of money in church evokes various reactions from those both in and outside of the church. It's important for us to know why God asks us to give part of what we make through our work and to understand what healthy giving looks like.   Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS Host Will Herron as they explore the why and what of financial giving on this week's BTS episode.

What is the meaning and purpose of the Sabbath? Why is rest important, where does it fit in our working world, and why does God want it for us? In short, something happens when we obey — something valuable comes from taking time for measured rest. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: Genesis 1:1, 2:2–3; Exodus 20:8–11; Matthew 11:28

Perhaps the greatest conversion story in the Bible is found in the life of Saul of Tarsus. Few have experienced such a pendulum swing in their lives — going from seeking to eradicate the church to becoming a prominent leader in the early church movement. So, what was behind this stunning 180? How can we experience that kind of transformation in our own personal battles?    Join Ridge Director of S...