The Ridge – Weekly Message

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...

Ever stood in a worship service feeling somewhat disconnected from the lyrics? Is this normal for a follower of Jesus or is it something we need to address? Join BTS guest host Dayne Logan and Ridge Director of Discipleship Will Herron as they explore ways to navigate feelings of disconnect in worship as well as how worship can be a means of God's ministry to us in difficult times. Mentioned in th...

Psalm 22 says quite a bit about sung worship and God’s desire for it. Spoiler: It’s much more than perfect pitch and flawless harmony, resonance or good breath support. Message by Will Herron Scripture referenced: Psalm 33 Follow our Podcast  to get full messages and beyond the sermon delivered right to your favorite podcast app. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theridge-ankeny-weekly

As Paul draws his letter to the Galatians to a close he encourages his listeners to come alongside and look to restore brothers and sisters in Christ who are "caught in sin." But what does this look like practically? And how do we go about doing this without coming across as prideful or judgmental? Join BTS Host Will Herron and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they finish out our series in Galat...

Galatians chapter six expands on Paul’s teaching about living in the Holy Spirit — how Christians who live in the Holy Spirit should use His power to love and serve and care for one another. Before Paul concludes the letter, he encourages those who walk in the Spirit not to give up and don’t grow tired of doing good because the harvest is coming. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: Gala...

Recent research shows that high percentages of Christians aged 20 – 40 believe that sex outside of marriage is ok for followers of Jesus. But what does the Bible say? In what ways does the Bible affirm and challenge the modern sexual ethic?  Join BTS Host Will Herron and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they explore these questions and more using Galatians 5:16-26 as a guiding text.      Want mo...

Galatians chapter five contains the most well-known verses of the entire book as Paul talks about the desires of the flesh and life in the Spirit. In particular, verses 22 and 23 list the fruit of the Holy Spirit. What is it, though, and how is it produced in our lives? Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: Galatians 5:16–26

Research shows there are few things more impactful on our mental health than having an attitude of gratefulness. In Luke 17 we see 10 lepers healed by Jesus but only one returns to give thanks. So how do we develop a heart that is ready to return with thanks when we encounter God's goodness?  Join BTS host Will Herron and Ridge Ministry and Leadership Director Julie Wiemann as they explore way...

In this section of Scripture, we see that all 10 lepers are healed. Yet only one returns to thank Jesus and only one commits to live differently as a result of Jesus’ gift. So, what does that mean to us and for us today?   Message by Julie Wiemann Scripture referenced: Luke 17:11–19 Read the  Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week!  Sign up  to receive the Beyond the Sermon b...

This past Sunday Pastor Mike announced an exciting new building campaign at The Ridge featuring a new RidgeKids space, updated café and chapel area. But why now and why these specific additions/updates? Listen in as Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees explains the backstory of the expansion and explores the reasoning behind the campaign. Want more info on the expansion and learn how you can be involve...

Enough talk. It’s time to take action. We’re launching ministry expansion at The Ridge in response to the mission given by Jesus to us. In obedience, we are ready to do something that will have a lasting and far-reaching impact for Jesus in this community and in our world. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: Select passages from Psalms, Matthew, and Mark Read the  Beyond the Sermon devo...

This week we finish off our current sermon series by exploring the last part of our new mission statement: connecting to purpose.  Join BTS Host Will Herron and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they discuss why finding God's purpose for your life, rather than creating your own, is so critical to finding true life.  Resource: Download our "On Mission" devotional here . This resource...

For the last few weeks, we’ve focused on different aspects of our new mission statement: Connecting to Jesus, people and purpose — essentially what God has placed us here to do. Now we focus on purpose — on the meaning of this life we’ve been given, on God’s will for our lives. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: Select passages from Matthew, Mark and John Read the  Beyond the Sermon de...

God has designed us to share life with one another. We’re not meant to be alone. Through this special community-focused Encounter Sunday of personal testimony, we see the importance of Christian community and of prioritizing God-centered relationships. Videos from this service can be found here. Read the  Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week!  Sign up  to receive the Beyond...

This week we continue unpacking our new mission statement: Connecting to Jesus, people and purpose .  Join BTS Host Will Herron and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they discuss why community with other followers of Jesus is critical to our spiritual health, as well as what we can do when we are hurt by those in the church.  Resource: Download our "On Mission" devotional here . This resource com...

In Genesis, God told Adam it was not good for him to be alone. Rather, God wanted and had something more for Adam — for us. Relationship. We have been created us to be in community with people. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: Select passages from Genesis Read the  Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week!  Sign up  to receive the Beyond the Sermon blog in your in...

For the next few weeks we'll pause our current series in Galatians to focus on our new mission statement as a church: Connecting to Jesus, people and purpose.  Join BTS Host Will Herron and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they unpack how we can connect neighbors, coworkers, friends and family to Jesus at a time where faith- based conversations feel harder than ever. Resource: Download our &...

The purpose of the church. At the core, Christianity isn’t a set of ethical teachings or religious practices. It isn’t just good advice. The basis of our faith is not something or even several somethings; rather, it’s someone — Jesus. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: Select passages from Matthew, Mark, Luke, Acts and Colossians Read the  Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devoti...