We live in a world that works hard — very hard — to eliminate any need for us to wait. But here, James tells us the thing about patience: It’s more than a virtue. It builds our character and produces perseverance and character and hope, yes. But it does something more. Patience reveals something important we might otherwise miss. More in this Series: The Book of James https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL53dfFlKAfepWkP-4tNxHi74X4l6BFEEIFollow 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

For Christians, the literal resurrection of Jesus is the lynchpin of their faith. Without it, there's no forgiveness, no relationship with God, no hope of a new heaven/new earth. So how can we be sure that the resurrection actually happened? How can we know that Jesus is alive and at work among us today by His Spirit?

Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS host Will Herron as they explore these questions and more in our BTS Easter episode. 

If we chose one word and one word only to describe Easter, what would it be? It would have to be an authentic expression of awe, wonder, amazement. That word would be wow. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: Luke 11:9, 24:1–6, 23:32–33, 46; John 11:25, 14:19, 20:11–14; Romans 8:1, 20–21; 1 Corinthians 15:20–21; Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:14; Revelation 1:17–18, 22:3–5

Good Friday is a service of reflection and worship, communion and contemplation as we remember what Jesus has done for us and His ultimate sacrifice on the cross at Calvary.

When the Bible talks about God “abounding in love,” we see that love expressed in many ways (e.g., the gift of salvation/various blessings in our lives.) But have you ever stopped to think whether you are following God mainly for what He can give you? Do you love God for who He is or for what you can get from Him?

Join BTS host and long-time Ridger, Julie Wiemann, as they explore ways we can grow to truly love God rather than just use God for our own means.

Believing in Jesus and having eternal life is more than something we know. It’s more than accepting and acknowledging that Jesus was the Son of God — that He is who He said He was. And that did what the Bible tells us He did — He was crucified, died, and rose again on the third day. So, then, what is it? What is true belief? Message by Julie Wiemann Scripture referenced: John 6:22–29, 32, 35; 12:17–18

Jesus once said; "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:25 ESV). James begins chapter 5 of his letter with a similar tone and message. So, is accumulating wealth a bad thing? If we find ourselves with some financial resources, how should we go about using them in a way that pleases God?

Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS host Will Herron as they explore what James and the Bible have to say about wealth and how we should use it.

The Bible has some things to say about money. Here, in the first verses of chapter five, James addresses a specific group of people: the rich. And he offers some perspective and guidance, revealing the responsibility that comes with wealth. Message by Mike Van Rees Scripture referenced: James 5:1–6

Death is a subject we rarely think about, and yet few things are more universally relevant. Our time on earth is limited, and James reminds us of this reality in his letter. Is it possible that considering our passing in the future can actually be life giving in the present? If so, how so?

Join Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees and BTS host Will Herron as they discuss the benefits of living with a healthy awareness of our finite existence here on earth.

Humility. God values it. In fact, He gives grace to the humble. So, how do know if we have humility? And if not, how do we get it? James offers us some answers and guidance and perspective on what humility is and how we can gain it. Message by Mike Van ReesScripture referenced: James 4:13–17