As we continue to walk through the life of Solomon, we become aware of his tendency to partially obey God, which leads to difficult circumstances in his life. Sometimes we experience trouble because of disobedience, but is it also possible that God allows certain hard things in our lives for deeper reasons?

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

Solomon's temple and palace have been built. The temple has been dedicated, and the Ark of the Covenant has been placed inside. Solomon has prayed, a celebration has taken place, and now God blesses him for his obedience. But He also has a stern warning for Solomon. One that also applies to us yet today. Message by Mike Van ReesScripture referenced: 1 Kings 9:1–9

In his message, Pastor Mike commented how "God answers our prayers according to His goodness, His will, and His plan." Yet, if we are honest, sometimes that plan is hard to understand, and the realities we face seem to challenge the idea of God's goodness rather than reinforce it. So how do we go about responding in instances or seasons like that? 

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

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