The Sermon on the Mount. The Beatitudes. More than morals and rules, the sermon reveals what the “good life” looks like. But His depiction isn’t terribly attractive: Blessed are those who are poor, who hunger, who weep. Blessed are those who are hated, excluded and insulted. Seems like Jesus has it all wrong. Does He?

Message by Mike Van Rees

Scripture referenced: Luke 6

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On this special edition of Beyond the Sermon we hear from international speaker, Carol Herron. For the last 50 years + Carol has been ministering/teaching both at home in N Ireland and around the world. The following message is taken from a Women’s Gathering night at The Ridge on Sept 11th, 2023. 

This week we jumped back into the Gospel of Luke where Jesus and His disciples encounter a man possessed by several demons. Jesus miraculously casts the demons out of the man, then encourages him to go and tell others about what happened to him. 

Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship, and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they explore how we can go about sharing our experiences of Jesus with those in our places of work, study and play.

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We find the first Biblical example of a missionary in Luke chapter 8. And he’s likely not who you think. His qualification: knowing what Jesus had done for him. Like this man, we all have a story. And Jesus expects us to tell it.

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This week, we break from our study on Luke and jump to the Book of Deuteronomy. We are reminded as followers of Jesus that we are not only to listen to God's word and direction but also to live it out.

Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship, and Ridge Family Ministry Leader Doug Applegate as they discuss how practically applying what we hear from God cannot only change us but also influence those around us. 

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In Deuteronomy we’re told that God’s commandments are to be on our hearts. We’re to talk about them and think about them throughout the day from when we get up to when we lie down. But what does it mean for us to truly live out God’s Word?

Message by Doug Applegate

Scripture referenced: Deuteronomy 6:6–9

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Through the Gospel of Luke, miraculous stories are told with stunning depictions of Jesus' power and His compassion. It's easy to simply read of these stories but fail to truly get to know the One behind the miracles. So how do we move from just knowing about God to walking with Him daily?

Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship, and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they discuss ways in which we can move from just learning about God to talking with, hearing from, and following after Him.

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Sometimes people say they aren’t experiencing God or they aren’t growing spiritually or that He seems so hard to find. That’s not what the Bible says. Scripture tells us that He is available. In fact, we’re promised that if we seek, He will be found by us.

Message by Mike Van Rees

Scripture referenced: Luke 8:40–56

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As we continue through our series in the Gospel of Luke, we hone in on one of the most eccentric characters of the Bible, John the Baptist. John preached a message of repentance yet even within this confident proclamation, he had questions and doubts.

Join Will Herron, Director of Discipleship and Ridge Lead Pastor Mike Van Rees as they discuss how doubt can play a constructive role in the building of faith in God.

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Following Jesus is the best, most fulfilling life. But it isn’t the easiest life. There are things that God allows to happen that we may never understand—things that can cause us to question our faith. John the Baptist was a man firm in his faith, certain Jesus was the Messiah. Yet even he wrestled with doubt. And it wasn’t a bad thing.

Message by Mike Van Rees

Scripture referenced: Luke 7:18–35

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