“An assuming character is called into an epic quest with their success or failure determining the future the world.” Sounds familiar right? While we might encounter different characters and worlds, this kind of fictional journey is a common one. But why has it proven to be so popular? And what is it about calling, purpose, and destiny that keeps us returning to this narrative?

Join guest host, Seth Sparks, and Ridge Director of Discipleship, Will Herron as they close out the series discovering again the biblical roots of our fascination with fiction. 

Resources: The Stories We Tell (Mike Cosper), Hollywood Heroes (Frank + Zach Turek), The Seven Basic Plot Lines (Will Herron)

Ever wondered why most fictional romance stories are so predictable? We know what is going to happen (people find their “true love”) and yet we keep coming back to see it work out again and again. So why do we do this? And what has it got to do with God and the Bible?

Join guest host, Seth Sparks, and Ridge Director of Discipleship, Will Herron as they continue to explore popular plot lines like romance and discover the biblical roots to our fascination with them. 

Resources: The Stories We Tell (Mike Cosper), Hollywood Heroes (Frank + Zach Turek), The Seven Basic Plot Lines (Will Herron)

Did you know that 48 of the top 50 highest grossing movies of all time have good vs evil as a primary plotline? It provokes us to ask, why are we so often drawn back to this ancient kind of story? Why do we so often seek the resolution of the good winning out, justice for villains, and a happily ever after?  

Join guest host, Seth Sparks, and Ridge Director of Discipleship, Will Herron as they look to answer these questions and more in episode two of The Story Behind the Story. 

Resources: The Stories We Tell (Mike Cosper), Hollywood Heroes (Frank + Zach Turek), The Seven Basic Plot Lines (Will Herron)

Fictional stories create the foundation for a multi billion dollar industry. Whether its books, movies, plays, or tv shows, audiences around the world are drawn back again and again to similar plot lines and narrative themes. But why is this so? Is it just entertainment or is there something deeper going on? And what does it have to do with Christianity and the Bible? 

Join guest host, Seth Sparks, and Ridge Director of Discipleship, Will Herron as they seek to discover the biblical roots of our fascination with fiction. 

Resources: The Stories We Tell (Mike Cosper), Hollywood Heroes (Frank + Zach Turek), The Seven Basic Plot Lines (Will Herron)

What do our conversations with God look like when we walk through difficult seasons? How could I ever pray publicly in front of others? 

Join Ridge University host Will Herron and special guest Vivian Kinkade as they seek to answers these questions and more in this third and final episode of our prayer series. 

Resources: Dark Clouds Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament (Mark Vroegop)   

Communication is a two way street - we talk and we listen. But how do we go about hearing God’s voice? How can we know it isn’t just one of the many voices inside our head or that we are just speaking to ourselves? 

Join Ridge University host Will Herron and special guest Vivian Kinkade as they unpack some ways we can go about growing to hear God’s voice in prayer.

Resources: How to Hear God: A Simple Guide for Normal People - Pete Greig   

If any relationship is to be healthy, good communication is vital. When it comes to our interacting with God, prayer is a key part of our relationship and yet for many, it can prove to be the most challenging. 

Join Ridge University host Will Herron and special guest Vivian Kinkade as they explore why prayer is so important and discuss ways we can grow in our prayer life with God.  

Resources: How to Pray: A Simple Guide for Normal People - Pete Greig

Why do bad things happen to good people? It’s no wonder man has been grappling with this question for centuries given the prevalence of cruelty, pain, suffering and death throughout all of human history. Add in the fact that Christians claim to follow a God who is benevolent and merciful and good, and the head-scratching begins.

Join guest host and Ridge Marketing and Communication Manager Dayne Logan and Ridge Director of Discipleship Will Herron as they explore the topic of suffering — what it is, where it comes from and some thoughts on why God allows it.

Resources: Unspeakable (Os Guinness), Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering (Tim Keller), Where is God in All The Suffering? (Amy Orr Ewing)

Few could doubt the monumental impact the Bible has had over the course of history. Yet for most, it remains nothing more than a classic piece of literature. For Christians however, it is considered to be God's primary revelation of truth regarding who He is and His will for us as His creation. But what reason do Christians have for such a claim? Why should we base how we live on a book that is nearly two thousand years old?

Join guest host and Ridge Marketing and Communication Manager Dayne Logan and Ridge Director of Discipleship Will Herron as they discuss some key reasons why the Bible is still supremely trustworthy and authoritative centuries after its writing.

Resources - Amy Orr Ewing - "Why Trust the Bible?" / FF Bruce "Are the New Testament Documents Reliable?"

When we look at the world, we see lots of faith traditions that all appear to reinforce similar value systems and moral standards. Further, the followers of these religions often express their faith in similar ways — through religious observances, prayer and charitable work. In light of this, is it possible that all religions are actually pointing to the same basic truth? Or put a different way: Is it possible that there is just one true faith with many expressions?

Join guest host and Ridge Marketing and Communication Manager Dayne Logan and Ridge Director of Discipleship Will Herron as they seek to answer this question by contrasting the world's major religions.

Resources: The Universe Next Door (James W Sire)