The dedication of the temple. The text describes the procession of the Ark of the Covenant into the temple and features Solomon's lengthy prayer of dedication along with the massive festival of sacrifice and celebration. There's quite a lot to cover in 66 verses and even more to see in regard to how it applies to us and our lives yet today. Message by Mike Van ReesScripture referenced: 1 Kings 8

The late Timothy Keller defined idols as "good things that have become ultimate things." The Bible certainly has lots to say about idols, so how do we go about identifying them in our lives?

Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS Host Will Herron as they explore this topic and more in this week's BTS episode.

Solomon didn't just build a house for the Lord; he also built a house of himself. Really, it was a palace. Or actually, it was more like a royal complexes of five distinct structures. But among all the details, there's something significant to see here. It has a little something to do with the order of Solomon's priorities. Message by Mike Van ReesScripture referenced: 1 Kings 7:1–12

1 Kings 5-7 outlines Solomon's extravagant temple building project where no expense was spared in its design and construction. But what about modern day churches? Are we still justified in spending large of amounts of money constructing and maintaining these buildings? 

Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS Host Will Herron as they explore this topic and more in this week's BTS episode.

Solomon's temple was beautiful, extravagant, lavish. It was built with cedars from Lebanon floated on the sea to Jerusalem. It was constructed with such reverence that stones were cut to the desired and exact size at the quarry so that no loud noise from hammers or chisels would profane the building stie. Even the temple floors were pure gold. Interesting, for sure. But what does it matter? What does it reveal? And what does it mean for us today.

Message by Mike Van Rees

Scripture referenced: 1 Kings 5–6

Looking at the life of Solomon one thing is clear, he was a man of incredible wealth. Solomon was in many ways the Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos or Warren Buffet of his day. And yet it raises the question: Does God desire every person to be wealthy? What does the Bible teach us about God's financial provision for us?

Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS Host Will Herron as they explore this topic and more in this week's BTS episode.

Chapter 4 of 1 Kings consists of three major sections. Verses 1–21 list Solomon's officials and governors, verses 22–28 share Solomon's daily provisions, and verses 29–30 reveal the depth of Solomon's wisdom. Ever wonder why Solomon had all that he had? Message by Mike Van ReesScripture referenced: 1 Kings 4

A few weeks ago we started a new sermon series Rise and Fall: The Story of Solomon. This past Sunday, we turned our attention to another rise and fall story, the life of the Apostle Peter. If we are honest, we can see this same dynamic in our own lives. It can be challenging to maintain a steady level of Christlikeness throughout our day-to-day lives. So how can we become more consistent in this area? How can we avoid the rise and fall in our own lives?  

Join Ridge Director of Strategic Planning and Communication Dayne Logan and BTS Host Will Herron as they explore these questions and more in this week's BTS episode.  

During the course of his life, Solomon experiences a dramatic rise and fall. Although so far we've seen him on the rise, a fall is surely coming. And Solomon isn't the only one. Peter, too, experienced the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. So, what does this reveal to us as followers of Jesus today?     

Message by Dayne Logan 

Scripture referenced: Mark 8:27–36 

On-demand streaming and shopping has in many ways made life easier than ever. Want to get your groceries delivered to your door? Want to watch all the episodes of every season of your favorite show? Both can be accomplished with just a few clicks on your phone or TV. Convenient, yes! But what effect does this on-demand culture have on us?

Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS Host Will Herron as they explore this topic and more in this week's BTS episode.