In Acts 20 we see a meaningful exchange between the Apostle Paul and leaders in the church in Ephesus. Paul is about the depart from them for what he believes will be the last time. As he leaves, he shares how his primary purpose as a follower of Jesus is to testify "to the good news of God's grace." So, what does that mean for us today? And what things tend to distract us from this primary aim?

Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS Host Will Herron as they discuss these questions and more on this week's Beyond the Sermon.

Paul's farewell speech to the Ephesian elders begins in verse 17. He reminds them how he has faithfully ministered to both Jews and Gentiles. And though the Holy Spirit has revealed to him that he will soon be imprisoned and likely never see them again, it's not his life Paul values but the fact that he dutifully delivered Jesus' message of salvation. Through this, Paul reveals something significant about the purpose of our work as followers of Jesus today.Message by Mike Van ReesScripture referenced: Acts 20

This week we turn our attention to a topic few of us, if any, enjoy thinking or talking about: suffering. Living in a culture that is geared toward comfort and efficiency (as we do), we are often at a loss on how to face suffering whether personally or in the life of a friend or family member. So what does the Bible teach us about walking through hardship?  

Join former Ridge staff member Julie Wiemann and BTS Host Will Herron as they explore some practical steps to navigating suffering well.  

Books mentioned in this episode: Suffering: Gospel Hope When Life Doesn't Make Sense / How to Talk with Sick, Dying or Grieving People: When There are No Magic Words to Say 

In 2 Corinthians Paul offers a great deal of insight into his life that we don't find anywhere else in Scripture. In chapter 4, he focuses his message on maintaining hope, integrity and purpose in life and ministry despite suffering and weakness. He contrasts jars of clay (our human frailty) against the treasure within (God's power) and tells us that there's more to temporary hardships than the suffering we endure.  

Message by Julie Wiemann 

Scripture referenced: 2 Corinthians 4 

Spend any time looking through the stories of Acts and you'll find faith that is alive and active. "Boring" is certainly not one of the adjectives you'd you use to describe it! And yet often Christianity and church life carries a reputation of being boring and mundane. So what are we are missing here? What does a vibrant and active faith look like?

Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS Host Will Herron as they discuss these questions and more on this week's Beyond the Sermon.

Paul is preaching long into the night in an upper room. A young man named Eutychus is there sitting on a windowsill. As the sermon continues on (and on and on), Eutychus eventually drifts off to sleep and falls three stories to the the ground. The fall is fatal. But Paul performs a miracle and brings Eutychus back to life. What a thing to have happened! But what is it that we're supposed to see here? Is is something beyond the miracle?Message by Mike Van ReesScripture referenced: Acts 20:7–12

You would be hard-pressed to find anyone who enjoys confessing their failures. Who wants to have to admit you were wrong? Yet confession is something the Bible teaches should be part of the rhythm of our lives. But why? Why is confession so essential to our overall health and our spiritual growth?

Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS Host Will Herron as they discuss this question and more on this week's Beyond the Sermon episode.

The people of Ephesus just witnessed the aftermath of a failed exorcism by the Seven Sons of Sceva and saw demons flee in the name of Jesus. After gaining this profound reverence for Jesus' overwhelming power and authority, an interesting thing happens. The Ephesians openly confess their previous involvement in magic and occult practices and gather to publicly burn and completely destroy their expensive spell books. Clearly, confession and repentance are powerful. So, what does all of this mean for us, and how does it apply to our lives today?Message by Mike Van ReesScripture referenced: Acts 19:17–22

Looking through the Gospels and the book of Acts, it's hard to ignore the frequent encounters of Jesus and the Apostles with the demonic. Whether it’s the Gerasene demoniac in Mark 5:1-20 or the boy in Matthew 17:14-21, these encounters pose an underlying question for the modern reader: Are demons still present and active today?

Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS Host Will Herron as they discuss this question and more on this week's Beyond the Sermon episode.

The Seven Sons of Sceva. This group of men would travel from city to city looking for spiritually oppressed people who would pay them to cast out the demonic. While in Ephesus, the men heard about Paul and his ability to heal, restore and bless — power unlike they had ever witnessed before. And they wanted what Paul had. But when the Seven Sons of Sceva tried to get it, things didn't go well for them.Message by Mike Van ReesScripture referenced: Acts 19:1–16