The Ridge – Weekly Message

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

In James 2:15, we are reminded that as Christians are called not only to have faith, but also to live out our faith in the things we say and do. That can take various forms; meeting a practical or spiritual need/coming alongside someone in a difficult season. Yet the reality is, we can’t help everyone or get behind every good cause. So how do we go about deciding who or what to serve and support?...

Faith is more than holding certain beliefs. It’s more than knowing something is true or believing in the existence of something. Faith is something we live out. Message by Mike Van ReesScripture referenced: James 2:14–26

Love God, love others; it's a simple statement that proves much harder to live out. So, how do we grow to love others? And what does our measure of love have to do with our maturity as a follower of Jesus? Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS Host Will Herron as they look back at this previous Sunday’s teaching on James 2:8-13.

Faith is more than holding certain beliefs. It’s more than knowing something is true or believing in the existence of something. Faith is something we live out. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: James 2:14–26

There are few things more humiliating or hurtful than being unjustly discriminated against because of things like your race, gender, or economic status. In James 2 we are reminded to treat others equally and challenged to become aware of unjust preferences in our lives. But how do we avoid the pitfall of favoritism? How can we come to see others as God sees them? Join BTS Host Will Herron and Ridg...

Following Jesus and favoritism are incompatible. It’s right there in Scripture. James tells us so. But why? What is the reason? What is the basis? Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: James 2:1–7

To know about something and to experience something are two very different things, none more so when it comes to the love of God. Millions of people live with the knowledge that God loves them but find it hard to truly believe it and live in light of it. So how can we truly come to experience God’s love? Join BTS host Will Herron and Ridge Director of Strategy & Communication Dayne Logan as th...

The Word. It’s God’s book, yes. It’s the Bible. But John tells us at the very beginning of the book of the Gospel he authored that the Word is more than a physical book, it’s a Him. It’s Jesus. But what does that really mean? Message by Dayne Logan Scripture referenced: John 1:1 and 2