The Ridge – Weekly Message

Often, we don’t need to know more about or from God, we simply need to do what we already know. Because following Jesus is more than knowing facts and more than something we believe. Following Jesus is something we do. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: James 1:22–27

Perhaps you've heard the phrase, "Easier said than done." It could also be said that it's easier to hear and understand something than actually do it. In James 1:22 we are challenged to not only hear God's word but to put it into practice in our lives. But how do we go about doing that? How can we move from information to personal transformation?  Join BTS Host Will Herron and Ridge Lead Pastor Mi...

Perhaps one of the hardest skills to master is the ability to truly listen to others. This kind of listening is not just a matter of hearing others audibly but carrying a loving curiosity for them and their story. But let's be honest. Few of us do this well. So how can we learn to be "slow to speak" and "quick to listen" as James instructs? (James 1:19)   Join BTS Host Will Herron and Ridge Lead P...

Here in chapter 1, James implores us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry and to rid ourselves of moral filth. James doesn’t just instruct us and leave us, though. He doesn’t offer tools or tips or techniques. James tells us how. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: James 1:19–21

Moses and the burning bush. Great story. But what does that mean for us today? Well, several things. But namely God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called. Message by Todd Stiles Scripture referenced: Exodus 3:1–12

Christmas makes some very bold, reality-altering claims. You’ve likely heard them. But do you know what they really mean? This Christmas, let’s move beyond simply hearing and knowing the story of Jesus and His birth to applying it to our lives.   Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: Select Scriptures from Matthew, John, Luke

The Christmas story is a familiar one to most. It’s one we’ve probably heard over and over. But there’s a surprising thread that runs through this story and nearly every other story in the Bible.   Message by Will Herron Scripture referenced: Luke 2:1–18

You would be hard-pressed to find anyone who enjoys waiting. Whether it's waiting in line at the grocery store or waiting for a package to arrive at your door, patience is generally not something that comes naturally to us. And yet sometimes God asks us to wait, just like he did with Simeon in Luke 2:25-35.   Join BTS Host Will Herron and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they finish out the year...

Mary, Joseph, Jesus, angels, wise men, shepherds. All are part of the Christmas story. So is Simeon. Remember him? He was the one who greeted Mary and Joseph when they brought the infant Jesus to the Temple for purification and dedication. Simeon boldly took the baby Jesus in his arms and celebrated the arrival of the Messiah. It’s the moment he had been waiting for.   Message by Mike Van Rees Scr...

The Bible clearly teaches that God is good and that everything that is good comes from Him. But how do we square this away with the hurt, pain and conflict we see in the world and in our own lives?   Join BTS Host Will Herron and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they explore this age old dilemma in this week's Beyond the Sermon episode.

God is good. And He is working to lead us into the deepest, richest, fullest life possible. In a world that’s full of sin and darkness, at times, that’s hard to see. But, despite our situation or circumstance, He is still good. All the time. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: James 1:16–18

Whether we realize it or not, we are being formed. It's a plain fact that the things we do frequently shape us. So, it stands to reason that If we are to be formed into the likeness of Jesus, we have to think intentionally about the habits and rhythms of our lives.   Join BTS Host Will Herron and Julie Wiemann as they explore some habits we can adopt whereby God can change us into the likeness of...

Jesus was fully human and fully divine. In addition to growing physically, He had to grow intellectually and spiritually. Jesus took the posture of a learner. So should we. Message by Julie Wiemann Scripture referenced: Luke 2

Temptation is an experience common to us all. Yet how can we resist and turn from temptation to think and act like Jesus? How can we experience lasting freedom from the things that draw us away from God? Join BTS Host Will Herron and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they explore what the Bible has to say about resisting temptation as well as how Jesus' example can both encourage and inspire us.

Temptation. It is a reality of life. We are all tempted to do thins we know to be wrong and to refrain from doing what we know to be right. But is temptation alone a sin?  Message by Mike Van Rees  Scripture referenced: James 1:12–16

Identity isn't something we often talk about and yet it is a crucial part of being human. Each of us has an identity, question is, what is that identity built upon? What does the Bible have to say about who we are? Join BTS Host Will Herron and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they discuss this important topic, exploring some of the things we tend to build our identity on.

Here, James addresses identity. Individuals were basing their self-worth on their net worth. The more wealth a person had, the more they were valued and esteemed. James tells them they had it all backward.  Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: James 1:9–11

Few would argue that faith plays a crucial role in the life of a Jesus follower. But what about doubt? Is its presence a sign of weak faith or can it be a healthy part of our relationship with God? Join BTS Host Will Herron and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they explore these questions and more in this week's Beyond the Sermon episode. Mentioned in the Podcast: The Ridge Expansion Info Page /...

James transitions from joy in trials and the finished work of maturity in perseverance to wisdom. But what is Biblical wisdom? And how do we find it?  Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: James 1:5–9

After a long season of debates, political ads and policy presentations, we are on the eve of another presidential election. On November 5, millions of Americans will step up to cast a vote. While voting can be one way we impact change in our communities and society, it's important to remember that it's not the only way. Join BTS Host Will Herron and Ridge Director of Strategic Planning and Communi...

As followers of Jesus, we should look to apply His instruction to all areas of our lives. So, what does this mean for next Tuesday? How do we approach election day and politics more broadly in the light of Jesus’ life and teachings? Message by Dayne Logan Scripture referenced: Matthew 22:15–21

Though almost half of the psalms in the Bible are classed as psalms of lament, many Christians underutilize the gift of lament in their own relationship with God. So, what is it exactly? Is it possible to be too open and honest with God?  Join BTS Host Will Herron and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they consider these questions and discover how we can lament before God in a reverent way. 

James urges us to consider it pure joy when we are faced with trials of many kinds. Wait. What? Pure joy in trials? What does that mean, exactly? Is that even possible? Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: James 1:2–4

Jesus came from a large family but most of his family didn't believe His Messianic/divine claims. In fact, at one point they declare, "He is out of his mind." (Mark 3:21) Many of us have family members who feel the same way about our claims of faith. So, what can we learn from Jesus about how we should go about navigating these kinds of relationships?     Join BTS Host Will Herron and Ridge Lead P...

The book of James is known for being the most practical, applicable book in the New Testament, telling us how to act and live as God’s people. But first, we’ll take a look at who James is, to whom he wrote the letter, and what was going on in the culture and in the world at the time. Because if we don’t understand these things, we risk misinterpreting and misunderstanding what James is teaching an...