Often, we don’t need to know more about or from God, we simply need to do what we already know. Because following Jesus is more than knowing facts and more than something we believe. Following Jesus is something we do.

Message by Mike Van Rees

Scripture referenced: James 1:22–27

Perhaps you've heard the phrase, "Easier said than done." It could also be said that it's easier to hear and understand something than actually do it. In James 1:22 we are challenged to not only hear God's word but to put it into practice in our lives. But how do we go about doing that? How can we move from information to personal transformation?

 Join BTS Host Will Herron and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they explore the implications of Christians not living out the Word as well as some practical steps to live out what we learn in the Bible.

Perhaps one of the hardest skills to master is the ability to truly listen to others. This kind of listening is not just a matter of hearing others audibly but carrying a loving curiosity for them and their story. But let's be honest. Few of us do this well. So how can we learn to be "slow to speak" and "quick to listen" as James instructs? (James 1:19)

Join BTS Host Will Herron and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they explore ways we can get the balance right between speaking and listening.

Here in chapter 1, James implores us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry and to rid ourselves of moral filth. James doesn’t just instruct us and leave us, though. He doesn’t offer tools or tips or techniques. James tells us how.

Message by Mike Van Rees

Scripture referenced: James 1:19–21

Moses and the burning bush. Great story. But what does that mean for us today? Well, several things. But namely God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

Christmas makes some very bold, reality-altering claims. You’ve likely heard them. But do you know what they really mean? This Christmas, let’s move beyond simply hearing and knowing the story of Jesus and His birth to applying it to our lives.

The Christmas story is a familiar one to most. It’s one we’ve probably heard over and over. But there’s a surprising thread that runs through this story and nearly every other story in the Bible.

Message by Will Herron

Scripture referenced: Luke 2:1–18

You would be hard-pressed to find anyone who enjoys waiting. Whether it's waiting in line at the grocery store or waiting for a package to arrive at your door, patience is generally not something that comes naturally to us. And yet sometimes God asks us to wait, just like he did with Simeon in Luke 2:25-35.

Join BTS Host Will Herron and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they finish out the year by discovering ways we can grow to be people of patience who wait well on God.

Mary, Joseph, Jesus, angels, wise men, shepherds. All are part of the Christmas story. So is Simeon. Remember him? He was the one who greeted Mary and Joseph when they brought the infant Jesus to the Temple for purification and dedication. Simeon boldly took the baby Jesus in his arms and celebrated the arrival of the Messiah. It’s the moment he had been waiting for.

Message by Mike Van Rees

Scripture referenced: Luke 2:25–31

The Bible clearly teaches that God is good and that everything that is good comes from Him. But how do we square this away with the hurt, pain and conflict we see in the world and in our own lives?

Join BTS Host Will Herron and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they explore this age old dilemma in this week's Beyond the Sermon episode.