This Sunday we began a new sermon series titled "Nevertheless" on the Book of Habakkuk. The new series will take us through a conversation between an ordinary man, Habakkuk, and God Himself. Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship, and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they start off our series by exploring ways to recognize God's presence in our day-to-day lives. Read the Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week! Sign up to receive the Beyond the Sermon blog in your inbo...
Sep 25, 2023•17 min
Don’t miss this simple truth found in the Bible over and over: God talks to ordinary people. It’s the big idea of the book of Habakkuk, and it’s the center of our new sermon series, Nevertheless. This Sunday and in the coming weeks, we’ll see what it means to have a personal relationship with God. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: Habakkuk 1:1 Read the Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week! Sign up to receive the Beyond the Sermon blog in your inbox....
Sep 25, 2023•27 min
How do we find happiness and joy in life? Depending on who you ask, you may receive a different answer. For some it's money, for others it's their career or their achievements in life. But what does the Bible teach us about living life to the full? What is the "good life" according to Jesus? Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship, and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they close out our series on the gospel of Luke by reflecting on the rich life God invites us into. Read the Beyond the Serm...
Sep 18, 2023•19 min
The Sermon on the Mount. The Beatitudes. More than morals and rules, the sermon reveals what the “good life” looks like. But His depiction isn’t terribly attractive: Blessed are those who are poor, who hunger, who weep. Blessed are those who are hated, excluded and insulted. Seems like Jesus has it all wrong. Does He? Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: Luke 6 Read the Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week! Sign up to receive the Beyond the Sermon blog in your i...
Sep 18, 2023•27 min
On this special edition of Beyond the Sermon we hear from international speaker, Carol Herron. For the last 50 years + Carol has been ministering/teaching both at home in N Ireland and around the world. The following message is taken from a Women’s Gathering night at The Ridge on Sept 11th, 2023.
Sep 18, 2023•39 min
This week we jumped back into the Gospel of Luke where Jesus and His disciples encounter a man possessed by several demons. Jesus miraculously casts the demons out of the man, then encourages him to go and tell others about what happened to him. Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship, and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they explore how we can go about sharing our experiences of Jesus with those in our places of work, study and play. Read the Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devoti...
Sep 11, 2023•19 min
We find the first Biblical example of a missionary in Luke chapter 8. And he’s likely not who you think. His qualification: knowing what Jesus had done for him. Like this man, we all have a story. And Jesus expects us to tell it. Read the Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week! Sign up to receive the Beyond the Sermon blog in your inbox....
Sep 11, 2023•27 min
This week, we break from our study on Luke and jump to the Book of Deuteronomy. We are reminded as followers of Jesus that we are not only to listen to God's word and direction but also to live it out. Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship, and Ridge Family Ministry Leader Doug Applegate as they discuss how practically applying what we hear from God cannot only change us but also influence those around us. Read the Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week! Sign up to rec...
Sep 04, 2023•17 min
In Deuteronomy we’re told that God’s commandments are to be on our hearts. We’re to talk about them and think about them throughout the day from when we get up to when we lie down. But what does it mean for us to truly live out God’s Word? Message by Doug Applegate Scripture referenced: Deuteronomy 6:6–9 Read the Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week! Sign up to receive the Beyond the Sermon blog in your inbox....
Sep 04, 2023•36 min
Through the Gospel of Luke, miraculous stories are told with stunning depictions of Jesus' power and His compassion. It's easy to simply read of these stories but fail to truly get to know the One behind the miracles. So how do we move from just knowing about God to walking with Him daily? Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship, and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they discuss ways in which we can move from just learning about God to talking with, hearing from, and following after Him. Re...
Aug 28, 2023•20 min
Sometimes people say they aren’t experiencing God or they aren’t growing spiritually or that He seems so hard to find. That’s not what the Bible says. Scripture tells us that He is available. In fact, we’re promised that if we seek, He will be found by us. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: Luke 8:40–56 Read the Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week! Sign up to receive the Beyond the Sermon blog in your inbox....
Aug 28, 2023•31 min
As we continue through our series in the Gospel of Luke, we hone in on one of the most eccentric characters of the Bible, John the Baptist. John preached a message of repentance yet even within this confident proclamation, he had questions and doubts. Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they discuss how doubt can play a constructive role in the building of faith in God. Read the Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week! Sign up to...
Aug 21, 2023•20 min
Following Jesus is the best, most fulfilling life. But it isn’t the easiest life. There are things that God allows to happen that we may never understand—things that can cause us to question our faith. John the Baptist was a man firm in his faith, certain Jesus was the Messiah. Yet even he wrestled with doubt. And it wasn’t a bad thing. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: Luke 7:18–35 Read the Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week! Sign up to receive the Beyond ...
Aug 21, 2023•26 min
Luke 6 contains one of the most challenging commands of Jesus in the whole of the gospels; "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you...". But how can we possibly go about doing this? What does loving our enemies even look like? Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship and Ridge Leadership and Ministry Director, Julie Wiemann, as they discuss what following Jesus' command looks like practically in our day to day lives. Read the Beyond the Sermon devotionals . ...
Aug 14, 2023•20 min
In Luke 6, we find one of the most challenging commands given by Jesus: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you. But what does that really mean? How does it apply to us today and what does it look like? Message by Julie Wiemann Scripture referenced: Luke 6:27–31 Read the Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week! Sign up to receive the Beyond the Sermon blog in your inbox....
Aug 14, 2023•29 min
In Luke 8, Jesus calms a storm while on board a boat with His disciples. The story reminds us of God's immense power. Yet how often are we stepping out in faith and trusting in that power? Where is Jesus asking you to step out in faith today? Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship and Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they discuss ways in which we can grow to trust in God and step out in big and small ways with Him. Read the Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week! Sign up to...
Aug 07, 2023•20 min
Fear can be a good thing. It can keep you out of trouble and away from danger. But fear can also be in conflict with our faith. It can cause us to miss out on discovering just how good God is and how worthy He is of our trust. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: Luke 8:22–25 Read the Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week! Sign up to receive the Beyond the Sermon blog in your inbox....
Aug 07, 2023•25 min
Pain is often a topic we prefer not to address, yet it is a common experience for us all. Thankfully, the Bible has much to say around the subject of suffering and what our relationship with God looks like in those hard seasons. Join Joni Pine and Will Herron as they discuss what lament is and how it plays a key role in our navigating seasons of pain well. Resources: God on Mute (Pete Greig), A Grief Observed (CS Lewis), Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy (Mark Vroegop) Read the Beyond the Sermon devotiona...
Jul 31, 2023•19 min
Two disciples are walking along the road to Emmaus in Luke chapter 24. As they talk through the grief and disappointment over Jesus’s execution and death, a third man enters into the conversation. He walks alongside them and offers comfort, yet challenges them in their lament. Turns out this man is Jesus, and His interaction with these men reveals much about Him. Message by Will Herron Scripture referenced: Luke 24:13–35 Read the Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week! Sign...
Jul 31, 2023•27 min
In Luke 7, a remarkable miracle happens when Jesus raises a young man from the dead. This can prompt us to ask - should we be asking God for dramatic things in our lives? And, if so, how do we navigate the waiting for those prayers to be answered? Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship, and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they discuss finding joy in the now and peace in the waiting. Additional links Read the Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week! Sign up to receive ...
Jul 24, 2023•19 min
God has done some marvelous things. But what was His finest moment? Raising the boy from the dead in Luke 7? Making the sun stand still? Parting the Red Sea? It might be something very different than one of these obvious choices. Message by Mike Van Rees Go Beyond the Sermon: https://ridgelife.org/beyond-the-sermon Scripture referenced: Luke 7:11–17 Read the Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week! Sign up to receive the Beyond the Sermon blog in your inbox. Read the Beyond ...
Jul 24, 2023•30 min
In Luke 7, Jesus encounters a centurion who had the greatest faith Jesus had seen in all of Israel. But what does Biblical faith look like? What are some misconceptions on faith that we should be aware of? Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they discover what true faith looks like and how we can grow to trust in God Himself rather than the outcomes we desire. Read the Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week! Sign up to receive t...
Jul 17, 2023•20 min
When we don’t see, feel, understand or perceive something and yet still believe it, that’s faith. When we have conviction that God can and hope that He will, that’s faith. Right? … Isn’t that faith? Well, yes. But there’s more to it than that. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: Luke 7:1–10 Read the Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week! Sign up to receive the Beyond the Sermon blog in your inbox....
Jul 17, 2023•27 min
In Luke 5:33-39 Jesus is questioned about fasting. We see this biblical practice other places in scripture, too. So, how does it apply to our lives today? When and why should we use this spiritual discipline? Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they discuss what fasting means for us and how we can experience more of the Holy Spirit in our day-to-day lives. Read the Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week! Sign up to receive the B...
Jul 10, 2023•20 min
Fasting. It was a normal part of life in the days of the New Testament. This spiritual discipline connects God’s people to Him in a way others do not. Fasting helps us seek after Him and hear the fresh leadings of the Holy Spirit. And it remains just as important to us as followers of Jesus today. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: Luke 5:33–39 Read the Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week! Sign up to receive the Beyond the Sermon blog in your inbox....
Jul 10, 2023•26 min
At first glance verses in Luke 9 and 11 seem to contradict one another. This can certainly be confusing. But if viewed in the right way, within context, our faith can be encouraged as we dig deeper to fully understand what God is teaching us in these sections of scripture. Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship, and Ridge Marketing and Communication Manager Dayne Logan as they discuss ways to approach challenging aspects of the Bible, as well as exploring what exactly Jesus was teaching us i...
Jul 03, 2023•22 min
Two passages in Luke 9 and 11 seem to be contradictory. Confusing, yes. But if we take a closer look and examine these verses within the context they are written, confusion gives way to encouragement as we begin to fully understand what God is teaching. Message by Dayne Logan Scripture referenced: Luke 9 and 11 Read the Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week! Sign up to receive the Beyond the Sermon blog in your inbox....
Jul 03, 2023•26 min
In Luke 14:25-32 Jesus says that if anyone is to follow Him they must "hate" their family. What is Jesus trying to teach us here? Why does God ask for our all and not just a part of our life? Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship, and Director of Family Ministries Doug Applegate as they discuss reasons why full surrender to God's desires for our life is always better. Read the Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week! Sign up to receive the Beyond the Sermon blog in your...
Jun 26, 2023•20 min
In Luke 14, Jesus states that if anyone is to follow Him they must “hate” their family. In saying this, what is He really asking of us? What is He trying to teach us? Hint: It has something to do with full surrender. Message by Doug Applegate Scripture referenced: Luke 14:25–32 Read the Beyond the Sermon devotionals . Get the devotional each week! Sign up to receive the Beyond the Sermon blog in your inbox....
Jun 26, 2023•34 min
In Luke 5:27-32 Jesus meets Levi, a tax collector. Levi puts together a gathering at his house for Jesus and invites all his tax collector friends. Jesus didn't approve of their immoral financial practices but their behavior wasn’t a reason for him to shun them like the Pharisees. Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship, and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they discuss ways in which we can follow Jesus' example of remaining in community with those whom we disagree with, sharing God's life ...
Jun 19, 2023•22 min
