In Galatians 4, Paul explains to the Christians in Galatia that God has adopted them into His own family as His own children. As such, they are heirs. But what does that really mean — both for the Galatians then and for us today.

Message by Mike Van Rees

Scripture referenced: Galatians 4:1–7 

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A popular objection to Christianity today is that it doesn't respect all people and promotes inequality amongst people. Is this fair? Where does the idea for human equality come from anyway?

Join BTS Host Will Herron and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they unpack how Paul's message in Galatians 4:1-7 speaks to the accusations above.

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Equality is one of our most treasured values, especially as Americans. Yet, one of the most popular objections to Christianity is that it doesn’t respect all people and is a major force for inequality. Is that true, though? What does scripture — what does God — have to say about that? Message by Mike Van Rees

Scripture referenced: Galatians 3:26–29

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In Galatians 3, Paul addresses people who taught obedience to the law as a part of a pathway to salvation. Paul appeals to their famous ancestor, Abraham, who, despite not having the law, was believed to be "saved"/with God. But how was he saved if he didn't even know the name of Jesus? How was anyone saved before Christ's death and resurrection?

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

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Description: Galatians 3 has us asking some pretty profound questions: Why the Law? What is its purpose? Isn’t it just a list of rules? Don’t do this or this. Don’t do that. Do we even still need it? 

Message by Mike Van Rees

Scripture referenced: Galatians 3:7–25

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The word "grace" appears around 130 times in the Bible. Most often, it speaks of God's grace toward us. This begs the question: Is it possible for us to show that same kind of grace to others?

Join BTS Host Will Herron and Ridge Director of Family Ministries Doug Applegate as they look at what the Bible has to say about God's grace and what our response might look like.

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In Ephesians, Paul tells us all about grace. What it is, why we need it, our response to it, how to accept it, and how to offer it to others. That all sounds great, but what does it all mean for us? How do we take all that Paul said about grace and apply it to our lives yet today? 

Message by Doug Applegate

Scripture referenced: Ephesians 2:1–10

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The Bible is clear that there is more going on in the world than what we can see. As we seek to follow after Jesus, there are forces working against us. So how do we combat the work of the enemy in our lives? And what role does prayer have in this battle?

Join Cheryl Sidler, Ministry Assistant and Women's Leader, and Will Herron, Director of Discipleship, as they discuss these questions and more in this week's Beyond the Sermon.

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Toward the end of his letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul reminds the Ephesians of the reality of spiritual evil. There is much more going on in this world than what we see. And there is an enemy we battle, yes. But God equips us for the fight.

Message by Will Herron

Scripture referenced: Ephesians 6:10–17

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In Galatians chapter 3, Paul is frustrated with the church to the point he accuses them of being 'foolish' and 'bewitched.' Though harsh, Paul was addressing a dangerous trend in the church: They received salvation through grace, just as they should, but now they were following God in their own strength.

Join BTS Host Will Herron and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they explore how to "speak the truth in love."

New Ridge U Class "Living with Purpose" - click here for more info! 

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